> Let Yourself Fall
>  by Briarberrybones
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Lovesick
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Fluttershy sighed contently into the soft fur that coiled around her, holding her close in a way that nopony else ever had and nopony else ever could. Her dearest friend was special like that. He had a way of unconventionality that always surprised her, whether physically or emotionally, there was never a dull moment. 

She felt a claw wrap smoothly around her back, just below her wings, and another slide below her chin, lifting her half-lidded eyes up to meet his. Discord careened his face down to get a closer look at her, a gentle smile curling at his lips before he tenderly pressed his muzzle into her jawline. With a claw now cupping her cheek, he coaxed her to further lean into his touch, giving him better access to her throat and neck.

Fluttershy could only hum in bliss as she felt him further explore her most vulnerable place and Discord wasted no time. He was breathing heavily into her mane, soaking in every bit of her natural, rosy aroma and Fluttershy shivered dangerously when she felt his fang delicately slide against her skin. 

Fluttershy awoke with a jolt to the sound of spring robins tapping at her bedroom window. These dreams of hers… these silly filly-like fantasies, had been happening more and more frequently as a late. However, the warm afterglow that they left her with in the morning never stayed long before a certain sadness began to creep in and take its place without fail. 

Her realized feelings for her dearest, best friend had been very startling for her. It had first begun in small little waves. She had found herself looking forward to their Tuesday tea dates a little more so than she always had. She noticed herself feeling extra nervous and a bit tingly whenever Discord would touch her for whatever reason. A paw on her shoulder, a goodbye or hello hug, an accidental brush in passing, it didn’t matter. But this new anxiety hadn’t manifested out of fear she’d concluded, it was out of longing. 

Discord was an all-powerful, spirit of pure chaotic magic and energy, and yet he made visiting her on a weekly basis a priority. Here he often sat across from her in her humble cottage, drinking tea, asking her about her day.... making her feel important. She truly appreciated that to no end. Despite all their ups and downs, he made her feel wanted, like she had a voice, like she was more than just a pony who hardly fit in with her own kind; more than just one of the six elements.

Perhaps that's what brought about her feelings? Although these physical attractions that had been inhabiting her dreams were yet another surprise that she truly hadn't expected. She had always thought he was handsome in an unconventional way, but the level of physical attractiveness she was feeling all so suddenly was a little jarring.

However, deep in her heart she wasn't complaining, especially when he’d refer to her as “dear” or anyone of the endearing pet names he’d gifted to her, but.... that's when the sadness began to set in. These feelings so warm and so loving were quickly squashed by an onslaught of other intrusive thoughts...

Does he feel similar about me? Could he ever even? What could become of our friendship if I ever were to tell him?

All these questions rattled her heart, but a few more daunting had done the trick to nearly shatter it....

Why would he feel the same for me? What could I ever offer him that would even tempt the idea?

She was such a simple pony. She hardly really fussed over her appearance. Rarity would be a far fitting candidate there and any of the princesses could match that beauty as well as Discord's power, and Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were certainly the more fun and energetic types.

For so long she had been content with her lacking talents and natural gifts, but now... now it all just seemed so apparent. It was for these reasons she'd vowed early on to never let Discord or anypony else know what was really on her heart. Aside from the embarrassment that would ensue, she truly didn't think she could handle the potential, and likely, heart break of it all. 

"Just stay quiet, and your chances of getting hurt may be smaller" was a saddening, but effective mantra she'd sung for the better part of her life, but she was far from prepared for the kind of pain that her tried and true song would cause her in this particular situation.

Day in and day out for the past month, since her fanciful dreams had begun, it felt like she was breaking her own heart in the slowest most agonizing way possible. It would ease during her and Discord's weekly time together and return shortly after he'd leave. How she wished he'd stay. She'd gladly have him at all times of the day, week, month, year, and forever on after. She wanted that so badly, but the assumption that it would never be, kept her crushed for the remainder of the week. She could keep a decent poker face for her friends, but the animals she cared for were quick to notice.

Her joyful, spring stepped canters had all but devolved into heavy, slow paces as she went about her day and duties. Her smiles seemed forced, and her bright teal eyes were steadily taking on a rather grey hue. She was in all senses of the word, hopelessly lovesick. 

It was Angel Bunny who finally pointed out just how much damage she was inflicting on herself. She tried desperately to assure him that she was fine, but last night's dream was especially ... consuming.

Angel hopped alongside her as she tended the garden, squeaking his concerns in his own little language. "Angel, please,” she protested. “I promise you I'm more than fine... I just have a lot on my mind, but I'll get past it. I just need to- " Angel squealed and yanked her tail back, just as she was about to walk straight into her berry bushes, their thorns grown wild, long, and sharp without maintenance. 

With a shaking sigh, she stepped back and looked at Angel, worry painted all other his sweet face for his caretaker. She realized then that while engulfed in her own aching sadness, she was beginning to hurt the other things that mattered most to her.

"I'm so sorry, Angel. You’re right", she whispered and scooped him close to her chest. "I'll get help, I promise."
> Ciders and Side Chats
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Here ya go, Sugarcube,” Applejack mused as she passed a cold, frothy glass of cider to Fluttershy who sat across her at the picnic table. Their little meeting place was well away from the busier barn area of Sweet Apple Acres where most of the work was being done, and nopony could easily overhear their conversation. “You askin' to meet on such short notice threw me off a bit, but tell me… what’s goin on?” 

Applejack was a very sensitive mare when it came to other pony’s feelings and when Fluttershy had shown up that early afternoon, she sensed immediately that something was off. It wasn’t out of character for Fluttershy’s natural demeanor to be bashful of course, but the gloomy aura that she was emanating wasn’t normal. 

“I’m really sorry to surprise you like this Applejack and I hate to distract you from your work, but… I could really use some advice right now. Some honest advice,” Fluttershy started. She could feel her instinctive reaction to hide behind her mane coming on. “Oh!” Was all Applejack could think to say in the moment. 

With a deep breath Fluttershy glanced down at her frothy glass and took a quick, quiet sip before she began. “This is a little embarrassing to talk about, but it’s beginning to eat me up inside and I just really needed to talk with somepony who’s more down to earth about things,” she spoke, attempting a smile and gestured to her friend across the table. “You see, I’ve recently realized that I may have some special feelings for a very close friend of mine.” 

Applejack didn’t know what to say. Never had she ever heard Fluttershy talk or even joke about crushes and she was a little thrown off by the fact that Fluttershy had chosen her of all ponies to talk about them with! 

“He’s very dear to me, but I’m scared,” she began again. “I’m scared that if I were to tell him about what’s on my heart, that it might ruin the already good relationship we have. I’m scared that… he might not feel the same about me… and I don’t know why he would…and my heart already aches at the thought of it. I just don’t know if I could handle knowing the truth if it’s not pleasant.” 

Applejack listened intently to Fluttershy’s words, but that last notion about “not knowing why he would” had her seething.  She knew exactly who her friend was talking about, but knowing how private a pony Fluttershy was, she dare not mention it. She wasn’t for certain what Fluttershy had seen in Discord, but she knew that in all other circumstances, he made her unfathomably happy and that was enough for her. Applejack took a moment to calm herself before reaching out to place her hoof on Fluttershy’s and responded.

“Sugarcube, why on earth would a stallion not feel strongly for you?” Fluttershy’s eyes began to water in the corners. She desperately tried to hide her pooling tears with a brush of her other hoof, but it did little to help.

“I just…I just don’t feel like I’m enough. I just feel so plain compared to anypony else he could have. I’m not magical, or strong, or as pretty as-“ 

“Stop that! Stop that right there,” Applejack silenced her softly, but sternly.

“Darlin’, what are you sayin’? You 100% are enough! Cripes, you’re more than enough! You ARE strong, you ARE magical in your own right, and you for gosh certain are pretty! For cryin’ out loud you are gorgeous! You were a top model for a hot minute!” 

Fluttershy was taken aback by her friend’s outburst and shower of compliments. She gingerly gripped her glass and waited for Applejack to fall back into her seat.

Applejack knew just how invaluable each of her friends were worth and she wasn’t about to let any of them question it. She settled herself with a huff, crossed her forelegs and spoke plainly, “And gosh darn it, if that patchworked oaf can’t see that, then he’s completely gone off his rocker and not worth your time or your heart! By golly he should be honored that you would feel so strongly for him and If he'd try to end a friendship with you over that, I'd personally show 'em what for!” 

Fluttershy blinked. “Wait, what?”

Applejack caught herself, “Oh, nevermind it! What I’m tryin’ to tell you, hun, is that the last thing you of all ponies should be questioning is your worth for a stallion or anypony for that matter!” She was thankful to see that some of Fluttershys gloom had depleted at least a little, but she still looked lost. “Listen, Sugarcube. I’m certainly not an expert on these sorts of things, but I can offer a little advice.” At that, Fluttershy leaned in. 

“Perhaps you can get a better read on what this…stallion is feelin by thinking back on how he acts around you? I remember when Big Mac was crushin’ on Sugar Belle, he’d done everything he could just to be close to her. Pull her chair out, give her a hug, anything. That and he would not keep his mouth shut about her! My brother’s obviously not one for words about much of anything, but golly could he yammer on about Sugar Belle and he STILL DOES!” 

“Oh. Oh my,” Fluttershy finally spoke, putting a hoof to her cheek and glancing down at her now frothless cider. 

“Ya know.” Applejack started again and offered a small but knowing smile. “Guys talk. Honestly more than fillies I reckon sometimes. Maybe, if this stallion also has friends, you could ask them if he ever talks about you? That’s probably a pretty good indicator that you’re on his mind often.” 

At that Fluttershy perked up. “Oh, really? I suppose I never thought about that!”

Applejack was happy to see her friend in a little bit better spirits and truthfully, she would never nudge Fluttershy in a direction that she thought could actually hurt her. She knew for darn certain that Discord was soft on her, whether he even knew it or not was up to him and if he messed this up, Applejack may just try turning him back to stone all by herself, or at least make him wish he was. However, Applejack knew she could only help in so many ways. Most of addressing this little situation was up to Fluttershy and Discord to navigate, but maybe, just maybe, somepony else they knew also could be of help.

“Again, though Sugar. I’m not the best when it comes to romantic sorts of…courting… type.. things, but I’ll bet ya anything that Rarity is.”

The thought of courting Discord instantly had Fluttershy beaming a vibrant red in the cheeks and she knew that Rarity was definitely going to lay things on thick in detail if she asked for advice. 

“I know she can go overboard sometimes,” Applejack chuckled. “But I’m sure she’d be courteous of your situation and be respectful.”

With that, Fluttershy admittedly felt a little lighter. It felt good being able to actually talk about something that was weighing so heavy on her with somepony she knew wouldn’t judge, no matter how embarrassing. 

“You’re right, Applejack. I think I’ll do just that and pay Rarity a visit before the day is up. Thank you so much for helping me today."

“Anytime, Sugarcube.” 

Applejack gave Fluttershy a warm smile and hug before escorting her off the orchard grounds. 






“Sweet Celestia, their kids are gunna be a riot,” she mused to herself before returning to her work in the main barn.
> Armed and Ready
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy had plenty to mull over after her chat with Applejack and luckily the walk to Rarity’s boutique was a decent ways away; giving her equally enough time before having to spill out a little bit more of her heart. 

“Perhaps you can get a better read on what this…stallion is feeling by thinking back on how he acts around you?” Applejack’s kind words of advice were spinning around her head. “How he acts around me, huh?” She began making a mental bullet point list. She knew full well that he at least enjoyed spending time with her. 

Early on in their friendship, she was concerned that the effort to see her weekly may have been for show. Perhaps to appease the princesses and make it at least look like he was reformed? However, that thought was easily erased over a rather short time when he had shown that he very much did enjoy their tea dates and he did enjoy being around her; and cared for her. It was very apparent in his frequent letters leading up to every Tuesday, his misplaced jealousy of TreeHugger, when he singled her out to rescue her from the changelings, and not to mention that one time he had made such a fuss over hosting their next get together and nearly wasted away trying to make her comfortable. Remembering his first hosting attempt brought a small blush to her cheeks. 

He had gone through so much trouble just to try to make her feel at home. She remembered how sad it was to see him try to change for her approval and how genuinely concerned he seemed that ponies around town didn’t believe that they were close, or maybe even thought that they shouldn’t be. She had set him straight though, letting him know that she liked him perfectly the way he was and nopony else’s opinions of them mattered. She meant it then and she meant it now. 

That warm and loving glow was beginning to grow in her heart again and as she continued her way, the small smile tugging at her lips was proving hard to fight. “Applejack had also made it seem like Big Mac enjoyed trying to touch Sugar Belle as well as just being around her,” She noted to herself. 

Fluttershy furrowed her brow in concentration at the thought. Discord was most definitely a touchy pony, or draconequus, she corrected herself. He made invading pony’s personal spaces a regular habit, but more so only to get a rise out of them. He wanted very much to be accepted by ponies again, or to at least be tolerated enough that he wouldn’t be bothered, but he still enjoyed startling everypony he knew and making them just a little uneasy about his presence. The way he behaved around Fluttershy did seem to be a little different, however. Whether in front of friends or in private, he was always far gentler with her than anypony else. His voice would always soften and at least once during every Tuesday tea party he had always found a reason to touch her in some friendly way, sometimes lingering in it. 

“Could he actually? Maybe? Oh, I shouldn’t get my hopes up just yet.”

Fluttershy had arrived at the storefront of Rarity's boutique a little quicker than she'd anticipated and was beginning to have second thoughts. Confessing to Applejack that she was interested in anypony was a massive leap of bravery for her, but to Rarity too in one day? It was all happening so quickly, it made her shaky at the knees, but she knew Applejack was right. Rarity was a known helpless romantic who'd had her fair share of stallion experience. Fluttershy was more than just a fish out of water to the matter, but knew deep down that learning how to flirt, even just a little bit, might come in handy.

With a gulp, she lightly knocked the door with her hoof.

A few moments of silence passed. Fluttershy was about to call it quits and turn tail, when she finally heard Rarity's voice echo from the other side. "One moment, I'll be right there!"

The door opened rather abruptly to reveal a pleasantly surprised Rarity, dressed in an extravagant purple feathered gown. "Oh, Fluttershy, darling! What are you doing here? Did I forget our spa day?"

"Oh, no." Fluttershy could feel the heat returning to her cheeks as she thought about what she'd say next. "Um, Rarity. If you're not too busy right now, could I ask you for some advice?"

Rarity's smile began to fall at the serious tone of her friend's question. "Of course, darling. Whatever is the matter?"

With one more gulp, Fluttershy spoke, barely above a whisper, "Um, could you teach me how to...flirt?"

In a flash, Rarity had grabbed Fluttershy by the hoof, yanked her inside the boutique, locked the door, and rotated the "Open" sign to "Closed".

She was practically being carried up the stairs to Rarity's personal arsenal room of fashion weaponry. In the same motion, she was sat abruptly on a very plush loveseat, with a glass of what smelled like wine suddenly appearing in her hooves. A very giddy Rarity appeared next to her, now adorning a violet bathrobe and wine glass of her own balancing in one hoof, the other perched beneath her chin. The overzealous look she was giving Fluttershy, had her just a tad nervous about what she may have just unleashed.

Rarity gave her a soft, but very impatient nudge to her shoulder. " So darling, what all would you like to know and just WHAT brought this up?"

Fluttershy was quickly beginning to resemble a ripe strawberry in the face and stuttered, "Well, um, Rarity... I... oh gosh, I'm not sure how to say this now."

Rarity relaxed a bit, she was always so quick to get excited about anything that involved romance and to hear it suddenly coming from her dear, sweet Fluttershy, it was all but impossible to contain her glee. However, she should've known that Fluttershy would be reacting this way. She was such a private pony about all her feelings. She was clearly flustered, and Rarity realized that her reaction to the matter, although genuine, probably was a bit over the top.

"I'm so sorry to make you nervous, dear." She said, placing a now reassuring hoof on her friend's shoulder. "Please tell me what's happening. I'm just a bit surprised to hear you mention anything about flirting or the need to. I'm just excited for you!"

Rarity's shift in tone had calmed Fluttershy to a point where she could at least string her thoughts together in a cohesive sentence.

"Well, um... I've recently realized that I may have feelings for a very close friend of mine."

"Mhmmm," Rarity ushered. Still a little too excitedly and... a little too knowingly.

"And well... I'm trying to figure out if he might feel similarly about me, but I'm not so sure what I'd even do if I found that he does." That last part left her lips a little quieter. Almost like she was still trying to convince herself that there was a smidgen of a chance.

"Oh, Fluttershy, dear! Again I'm so happy to hear this, but why do you seem so gloomy about it? I don't mean to assume, but I can feel an uncertainty in your voice," Rarity replied.

"Well, I'm still not so sure if I'm really the right pony for him. I just still can't shake the feeling that maybe somepony else could make him happier. That and I'm still not fully confident that my heart could handle the rejection if I'm right."

Fluttershy glanced up from her twiddling hooves to see Rarity sporting an identical expression of frustration that Applejack wore when they'd spoken earlier.

Rarity firmly sat her wine glass down on the end table with a "hmph" before shooting Fluttershy with the most offended daggers she'd ever mustered.

"Fluttershy, how dare you underestimate yourself like that!" She was leaning further towards Fluttershy with every word. "You are easily the most graceful, elegant, enchanting pony I've ever had cross my life! Why on earth do you think I had begged you to be my model so long ago! 'Perhaps somepony else could make him happier?' Pssssh," she spat. "Darling, I promise you that you are the absolute envy of every mare around! Any stallion should feel honored that you'd even bless them with a sideways glance!"

Fluttershy leaned away into the farthest arm of the loveseat. Rarity was lost in her rant, and she knew there'd be no way of stopping her until she was finished.

"Darling, you are the epitome of patience and kindness in the most literal sense! A strength that we all could use more of. My goodness, if that big buffoon even had half a head on top of that long neck, he should've wed you yesterday!" Tire wheels screeched Rarity's fiery speech to a halt.

"Wait... what was that last par-?"

"Nevermind that!" Rarity cut her off. "I'm sorry, darling, you are just such a special mare and friend to me that it makes me a bit upset to hear you degrade yourself like that, but please trust me when I tell you that all I say is true. I promise you that you should have no worries what so ever about whether this um... stallion...should find you attractive, let alone marefriend or wifey material."

Rarity was quick to notice the sudden color in Fluttershy's cheeks at the mention of marefriends and implied marriage, but it was the smile tugging at her mouth again that let her know that it was finally starting to sink in.

"Thank you, Rarity. That all means a lot. I just get so lost in my doubts sometimes, and I do feel a bit better, but... um... again let's say that this stallion feels the same way about me. How should I....", she gulped. "Court him?"

Before Fluttershy could register what'd happened, she'd been dragged to the center of the room. Rarity was circling her with a sly smirk.

"Now darling, since you ask, the first thing that should happen is that the two of you should enjoy a date together. Not a hang out, a real date! Complete with a romantic ambiance, but that's where the fun really starts."

Fluttershy swallowed her nervous "eep" at what Rarity could possibly imply next.

"Now of course when I say 'romantic', it should still be a setting that you both feel comfortable in. A place where you can both feel yourselves... of course some proper lighting can certainly help set the mood."

"Oh?"

"Oh, yes!  Now the time and place are only half the work. Next, you'll need to show off your assets to entice him in!"

"Pardon, but my what?!" Fluttershy had said that I little more loudly than she'd liked.

"Oh, sweet Fluttershy!" Rarity giggled. "You're so cute. Of course, I encourage you to move at your own pace and only do what you're comfortable doing, buuuuut... you should know that males are very visual creatures. Sometimes you must communicate what you're wanting with your body!"

She was circling Fluttershy a little more frantically, looking for the perfect "material" to work with.

"You have a positively luxurious mane, darling. Give it a little flip or twirl during conversation! Your eyes are beyond mystical. Give him some eye contact but keep them relaxed and... dreamy if you will." She paused and examined Fluttershy's tail with that knowing smirk again. "And speaking of assets, don't be afraid to give this flank of yours of little swish and sway if the night's going well."

Fluttershy could do little to hold in her gasp at Rarity's last tip.

"Oh, don't fret about it too much, dear. You'll know what to do when the moments are right. And um... perhaps if the two of you are as close as you say, it may come easier than you think. Ahem." She coughed lightly into her hoof. "But um, remember again that males tend to be a bit simple when it comes to courtship, but they do love a chase."

"A chase?" Fluttershy pondered the notion; a mental lightbulb beamed to life in her head. She knew just what she'd do.

"Do you feel prepared, dear?" Rarity asked, a little too elated at Fluttershy's apparent change in demeanor.

"I think so. Thank you so much, Rarity. I was really nervous about this whole thing, but I'm feeling a bit more confident about it all and maybe even excited?"

Rarity squeezed her hard into the tightest hug. "I'm so proud of you! You'll do splendidly. Just remember to be yourself and have fun. That's the most important part!"

With that, Fluttershy left the boutique feeling radiant. She'd been given no make over or fancy new gown, but she certainly felt that glow just a little stronger than before. However, her mission wasn't complete. She had an ounce of newly found confidence and a mini arsenal of flirtatious tips, should all head in a positive direction, but there was still a very important piece of information she needed before she could throw herself all in.

"I need to talk to Spike."
> A Simple Question
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia’s sun was beginning to set and Fluttershy knew she had little time to find Spike before dark. She was almost certain that tonight was the weekly scheduled evening of Spike, Big Mac, and Discord’s O&O meetings, and if that was true, Spike was likely near Twilight’s castle.  Oh, how she hoped she didn’t run in to Discord by accident. It had been such a flustering day; she knew she’d be an absolute mess if he saw her like this. She’d probably forget to breathe and die there on the spot…

To her relief, her assumptions were right about Spike. He was sitting out on the castle’s front staircase, scribbling something down on a piece of parchment, likely new ideas for the evening’s campaign before the others arrived. With a determined strut and a deep breath, she made her way up ahead to meet him. She was riding on that high of confidence and couldn’t let it fizzle out before she was through with her mission. 

Shaking out a few more of her jitters, she spoke as she neared him, “Um, hi, Spike. Are you busy by chance?”

Spike looked up, a little taken aback to see Fluttershy out so late. Was she standing up right? “Oh, hiya, Fluttershy! I’m just jotting down some ideas for the campaign tonight. Ya know… guy’s night and all. But I can chat! What’s up?”

Fluttershy hoped that she was hiding the knot beginning to creep up her throat, but knew she was likely failing. “Ahem.” She quietly coughed into her hoof. “That’s kind of what I wanted to ask you about. This may seem a little odd to ask, but uh… does Discord ever talk about me with you guys?” 

Spike could practically feel his eyes dilating.

“Um, I ask, because I need the information for… um…. his still ongoing reformation!” Fluttershy quickly added. Not wanting to make it seem like she was asking out of her own curiosity. 

“The princesses wanted a more personal update and thought it may be nice to know what his opinions are of me as his teacher!”

Spike knew exactly what was going on… He may have been a young dragon, but he certainly wasn’t blind nor foolish. With a gleeful, but sly, smile, he sat his notes down beside him. He was going to answer Fluttershy, and he was going to answer her truthfully. His little shipping heart felt like it could just burst.

“Oh, all the time!” He said leaning towards her. He had always tried to be respectful of his friend’s relationships. He’d let them go at their own pace and work things out on their own, but now he was being given the opportunity to help nudge things along and he wasn’t going to pass it up.

“Oh, oh really?” Fluttershy responded, trying to hold in her surprise. 

Of course, her reaction didn’t slip past Spike. “Oh, really, really! Aside from just retelling his most recent chaotic antics, you’re all he talks about when we’re together.” The blush forming in Fluttershy’s face made his heart swell. It was working. “He’s always going on about how thankful he is to have met you, how needlessly forgiving you’ve always been of him, how much fun he has with you.” Spike was about to lay it on thick. “Oh, and your eyes!” He said with a small giggle. 

Fluttershy was shaking. Her body was betraying her and her calm and collected little façade was melting away by the second. “M-my eyes?”

“Mhm,” Spike nodded. “Always going on about how he’ll sometimes make random things the color to match your eyes because he misses you or mentions how nice they looked during one of your latest get togethers. Things like that.” None of what Spike was telling her was a lie. Perhaps he was letting too much slip, but she’d asked…and probably needed it. 

“Oh, um…I,” Fluttershy stuttered. Her mind was absolutely reeling. She was so flattered, but beyond flabbergasted about what all of Spike had said. He likes being with me, he makes the effort to touch me when we're alone, he does talk about me with his other good friends, and he really likes my eyes? Could he actually? “Oh, my goodness,” she spoke aloud. Both to Spike and herself. 

In a brilliant flash of light, Discord appeared at the top the staircase. Fluttershy nearly fainted.

“Oh, Fluttershy! This is such a nice surprise!” He began his was down the steps to meet them at the bottom. “What are you doing here of all nights? Oh, are you here to join our O&O campaign? I know it’s a “guy’s night”, he said gesturing with finger quotes. “But I for one, would adore it if you joined us! You’d make such a lovely druid, and I certainly wouldn’t let anything dangerous happen to you.” He ended his excited spiel by lifting Fluttershy’s hoof up to caress it gently with his other claw. 

Fluttershy was in utter shock, a happy shock, but a shock, nonetheless. After all her heartache, she had just connected all the dots leading to the conclusion that Discord may very well feel a mutual attraction for her and now he was here, insinuating that she’s “lovely”, wouldn’t let any harm befall her, and stroking her like a delicate flower. She was beyond elated, but it was too much for her to keep up with in the moment. 

“Oh, no no no,” she sputtered, pulling away from Discord’s gentle grip, but not too quickly that he may think he’d offended her. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. I just um, needed to ask Spike something, but I uh…” She finally glanced up to meet Discord’s eyes. They looked almost hurt that she wasn’t staying. “I um… havetogofeedtheanimalstheirdinner! Um… thankyouSpikeandbyeDiscord!” She was speaking a mile a minute, but before either could question her, she was galloping back to the cottage and disappearing into the night. 

“She’s acting a tad off,” Discord said as he watched her figure disappear over the hills.

Spike rolled up his parchment with a proud grin spread across his face. 

“We’ll talk about it inside.”
> Guys Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside Twilight’s castle, Spike, Big Mac and Discord were settling in and preparing everything for the night’s round of O&O. Spike was still beaming ear to ear as he organized his notes; a little too wide for Discords liking. Fluttershy was clearly upset when she left and didn’t know how in Equestria Spike could be so chipper!

“All right spill it, Spike. What did she ask you that could’ve possibly made her so upset that made her take off like that?” he sternly asked. Tiny flames were beginning to dance in his pupils, but Spike remained unfazed. 

“Oh, nothing, nothing,” Spike replied, neatly lining up all his pieces of parchment. “She was just asking about you.” 

“Me?” he asked in surprise.

“Mhm, she was curious if you ever talked about her with us.” Spike shot him a mischievous smirk. “I told her you did.”

Discord cocked an eyebrow at the young dragon. “Well, that’s an odd thing to ask. Why would whether I talk about her with others concern or worry her? Oh, no. Is that wrong? Have I embarrassed her again?” He anxiously bit his claws. 

Spike knew Discord was still new to many basic pony norms when it came to relationships of all kinds, he’d come a long way, but he wasn’t quite there yet. He also knew that Discord’s concern for Fluttershy was always genuine, and he couldn’t have him thinking he’d done her wrong here.

“No, no, no, Discord, You’re all good!” Spike assured. “It just means she likes you is all!”

Discord scrunched his lip into a quizzical glare. “Well, that’s not news. Of course, she likes me! I like her as well! Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to go with friendships?” He crossed his arms in annoyance at how Spike’s answer still didn’t answer his question as to why Fluttershy was so frazzled when she left. 

Spike put a claw to his temple. “No, Discord. She LIKES you.” He tried to put as much emphasis into the word but could see it was still flying right over Discord’s head.

“And?” He uncrossed his arms to usher Spike to continue explaining whatever it was he was trying to explain. 

With a groan, Spike looked to Big Mac for a little help, but all he offered was a shrug. “Ya know, Discord. Sometimes I can’t tell if you truly are inept or you’re just playing dumb.” By the way Discord was still looking at him blanky, he still couldn’t tell which it could be; perhaps both?

With another little groan, Spike turned his chair slightly to face Discord. He was trying to look as serious as he could while sitting in a thrown that was clearly too big for him. He put his two claws together and pointed them towards his clueless friend. He was going to have to put everything plainly to get anywhere here, he’d concluded. 

“Discord, look. When I say she likes you, that’s obvious. You guys are close, good friends and everyone knows it. However… sometimes, not always, but sometimes when two friends are close for a long while, their friendship starts to change, but that’s a good thing!” he added. “It becomes a different kind of ‘like’ is what I’m getting at.” 

Spike paused to make sure Discord was still following. Big Mac was also listening intently, curious to see if he’d actually get it.

“This new kind of ‘like’ is a more um… romantic kind of ‘like.’ ” 

At the word “romantic”, Discord visibly started to shake and tried to deflect. “That’s, that’s, that’s absolutely preposterous, Spike!” he sputtered. “Fluttershy feeling romantic towards me? That’s downright silly! This a very good joke, Spike. I’ll admit you’ve got me good, but it’s time to call it off.” 

Spike’s face fell into a small frown. “Discord, I’m not joking! I honestly wouldn’t joke about something like this, and I have pretty good reason to think that Fluttershy does in fact feel that way about you!” He paused. “And I don’t mean to pry, but I think you feel the same about her, and that’s okay!”

Discord was so red in the face, he looked like he’d been dipped upside down in strawberry syrup all the way to his shoulders. He wanted to protest again, but knew he’d been trapped. He instead just rotated his head like an owl to face the back of his chair in silence. He dared not let anything slip that could further prove Spike right. He rarely was ever at a loss for words; he was panicking and knew that his lack of a response probably wasn’t helping his case. 

Spike and Big Mac shared a worried glance for their funny friend.

“Discord, I’m sorry to put you on the spot like this, but you know it’s okay to feel this way, right? It’s natural and it’s okay to let yourself fall a little." Spike began again, “I wouldn’t have told you this if I didn’t think it may actually be good for you and Fluttershy. She was asking because she wanted to know if she’s on your mind often and she ran away because you likely flustered her, but in a good way!” 

Discord’s ear drooped. He knew full well that Spike was spot on… about him at least. 

“Discord, we all see the way you look at one another. Everyone can tell just how happy you make each other. I’m sorry, but it’s actually kinda obvious,” Spike chuckled sincerely. 

Discord never thought that there’d be a day where he’d have to admit his inner most feelings like this. Again, he wasn’t the best when it came to social norms and pony habits, but ever since that day he’d helped Big Mac and Sugar Belle with their Hearts and Hooves conundrum, he had made a realization. It was a realization that had come crashing down on him like a falling piano. It graced him in the way a cyclone graces a barley field in spring. Unsuspecting, then all at once in one long, violent caress up his body and squeezed his heart. 

He truly didn’t know what to do with himself afterwards and he still didn’t. All he knew is that he had the undying need to be close to Fluttershy; to protect her, touch her, and make sure she was always as happy as could possibly be. Her grace and kindness, paired with her ferocious love and understanding had knocked him completely off his feet. There were days he wondered if she may be the physical manifestation of Mother Nature herself, his one other love aside from chaos. Although it wasn’t obvious at first glance, the two were one in the same; making the one true balance across all dimensions of existence. He held all this so true and close to his heart, and now to hear that his little goddess of spring may see him the same way; it just made him spiral more.  

Discord still didn’t dare look at his friends when he finally spoke, “I just…I just don’t know what to do, Spike.” He knew there was no use in trying to hide anymore. 

Spike and Big Mac fell deathly silent at how pained their friends’ voice sounded. 

With a shaky sigh, he finally turned to face them, “I just…I just don’t want to hurt her again. I’m so afraid that I might do something wrong again. I just don’t know if I’m right for her. I’m certainly not worthy of her! I think everyone knows that at least.”

“Discord!” Spike and Discord looked to see Big Mac practically on top of the table, glaring straight into the draconequus’ watering eyes. 

With a booming voice, the likes that neither had heard from him before, the stallion spoke. “You likely will hurt her! She likely will hurt you! At some point or another it’s bound to happen, but that’s just how relationships go! Romantic or otherwise. Sugar Belle and I don’t always see eye to eye, but if we’re always trying to better ourselves and one another, it doesn’t matter. The few bad times are always outweighed by the good ones and makes it all worth it in the end. ” He sat back in his thrown chair with a snort, still glaring at Discord. "Sugar Belle and I also have our differences. Most of the time I don't feel like I deserve her, but I'd do anything to keep her smiling. As long as we both know that, than what other ponies think of us doesn't mean anything." A fierce need to not let their friends fall into self-deprecation may have been a pretty strong quality in the Apple family’s bloodline… 

Discord was startled, but he heard Big Mac’s words clearly. “But what if… what if I tell her and it ruins the good friendship we already have? He stuttered, now looking down at his nervous, twiddling claws. "What if she's so embarrassed, that she doesn't want me around anymore?" 

It was Spike’s turn to set him straight again. “Just because your relationship with Fluttershy might be changing, it doesn’t mean that what you have isn’t there anymore. In fact, it’s supposed to strengthen it. When all goes right, ideally, your… romantic life partner is supposed to be your best friend.” Spike was careful not to use words like “husband” or “wife”. He didn’t want to fluster and overwhelm Discord more than he already was. 

Discord perked his ears at that. Perhaps, just maybe, this all was really meant to happen then?

“You lads really are great pals. Thank you for all of…this,” he rotated his claw, gesturing to the three of them. Inside, his belly and heart were filled with literal and figurative fireworks, but he still felt he needed to keep up a somewhat cool façade for what he was about to ask. 

“So um… my boys. Let’s say best case scenario, that Spike is right that Fluttershy does ‘like’ me. What do I even do with that knowledge? What do I do now? I don’t even know what to do with my hands on a normal day!” At that, both of his claws sprouted stick-like arms of their own at the wrist and began trying to slap each other like rowdy siblings. “They’re just impossible!” 

“Well, you should probably start with a date,” Big Mac spoke up.

The thought of himself and Fluttershy on a date had Discord blushing and lightheaded again. He could see it now. Fluttershy in an elegant, green gown sitting across from him over a candle lit dinner, prepared by himself of course. He’d take her anywhere she wanted, give her anything she’d ask, it didn’t matter. He was more than willing to wrap himself around her little hoof, more so than he already was.

“That’s right,” Spike chimed in, breaking Discord’s daydream. “It should be somewhere you can both be yourselves and have fun. Candles and ambiance can set the mood but enjoying yourselves is the most important part! It’s like a hang out, but um… more special.” Big Mac nodded to the dragon in agreement. “All you have to do is ask her!” 

A thousand windowpanes shattered in Discord’s head. He was so enraptured in the fantasies of enjoying a date with Fluttershy, that’d he’d forgotten the most important step prior to all of it; asking her. 

“Oh, sweet Scorpan! Fellas, how could I even go about that?” He slid his palms down his face in exasperation. 

“It’s a little easier said than done, but in short, ya just, uh… ask her,” Big Mac offered. 

“Yes, but what if she says, no?” Discord pleaded, waving his arms.

Spike gently pushed them back down with a warm expression. “She’s not.”

“But what if-”

“She’s not. We’ll help.”
> Spring Colors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy’s night was a long and restless one. She’d tossed and turned for hours, practically turning into a mush of mixed and wild emotions and thoughts. She was so incandescently happy to know Discord had thought so highly of her, she felt a little guilty that she’d left Twilight’s castle in such a tizzy when Discord was just trying to include her in something that was special to him, and she was beyond nervous by what it all meant and how she’d go about the looming task of asking him on a “date” with her. 

She replayed Rarity’s tips of advice over and over in head. The mention of “males liking a chase” had stuck out to her and gave her a brilliant idea. She finally reckoned that she could propose their rendezvous as a simple picnic dinner. This way she wouldn’t feel like she was pressuring him into something that he may not feel comfortable doing. It was a pass time that they both enjoyed frequently already and as the night went on, she figured fate could take the reins from there. She also knew he’d particularly enjoy what she had planned leading up to the picnic itself. “Just have fun,” she repeatedly told herself before letting the emotional exhaustion of the day finally lull her to sleep. 





When morning came, Fluttershy treated herself to some extra time to rest and collect herself after quickly feeding all her animals their breakfast. Today was going to be a special day, she’d convinced herself, and an even more special night if all she had planned went smoothly. 

She made sure to take her time getting ready, giving her mane a little extra attention and her coat a thorough grooming. She gave herself ample time to enjoy the quiet moment of sitting by her kitchen window, sip her green tea, and look out to the Everfree Forest that edged her property. She’d felt something different stir in her that morning. She felt just a little new; like a heavy fog had been lifted from her. She was still beyond nervous for what the night would hold for her and her dearest friend, but the knowledge that they’d enjoy themselves regardless helped put her at some ease. 

She took one last, small sip from her mug before gently setting it down and looked to her beloved Angel Bunny who was accompanying her at the window. “Well…here goes nothing,” she whispered before scooping him into her saddle bag and headed out the front door. 





Celestia’s sun was nearing its midday height as Spike, Big Mac, and Discord where milling about the town marketplace. Discord was visibly looking a little hot under the collar as he followed his pals through the streets, a bouquet of pink roses and white daisies in hand. 

“Alright, Discord. You’ll do just as we rehearsed. You’ll go up to her, give her a compliment and the flowers, and then ask if she’d like to get dinner with you. Got it?” Spike said giddily. 

Discord was too distraught to speak at the moment, and it didn’t go unnoticed by his friends. 

Spike halted in his tracks to fly up to his friend’s eye level. “Discord, I promise you have nothing to worry about! Fluttershy cares about you and I can’t imagine she’d turn down the opportunity to just enjoy dinner with you.” He had a devilish idea and gave Discord a smirk. “Besides, I also can’t imagine the Lord of Chaos would be so afraid to just talk to a pretty pegasus.”

Discord didn’t like what Spike was insinuating, but it did light a fire under him. “You’re right! I wouldn’t be afraid!”

“Yeah!” Spike and Big Mac cheered in unison.

“I am the all-powerful Spirit of Chaos! Speaking to an adorably, breathtaking pegasus could never frighten the likes of me!” he declared as he held the bouquet to his chest.

“Yeah!” his entourage chorused.

“Oh, look. There’s Fluttershy right there,” Spike calmly announced and pointed towards the town square.

Discord gasped so loudly and deeply that he inwardly turned into a shivering apple and disappeared into the barrel of honeycrisps behind them. 

“Oh, no you don’t!” Spike growled before grabbing the bushy eyebrowed apple and chucked it towards Fluttershy. 

She looked up just in time to see the apple quickly bouncing towards her before a flash of light obscured her vision. In its place was Discord skidding up to her on his haunches, bouquet in hand. On the sidelines, Spike and Big Mac shared a fist to hoof bump.

“Oh, hi, Discord. I um… was actually looking for you,” Fluttershy said, pawing the ground nervously. 

Discord fought back a stutter. Here she was suddenly before him, as radiant as usual, and he was desperately searching for words. 

“Oh my! W- well I was looking for you, my dear!” He so badly hoped that she didn’t notice how shaky his claws were as he extended the bouquet to her. “I just wanted you to have these.” He gulped before delivering his next line but was failing to hide the heat rising to his cheeks as he said it. “I’ve always thought spring colors complimented your eyes best.” 

Fluttershy graciously took the bouquet in her forelegs and quickly used it to shield away the growing pink in her own cheeks. Unbeknownst to her, Discord had noticed and could feel himself start to physically melt. She looked so ethereal, bashfully peeking through the petals of pink and white. “T-thank you, Discord,” she managed to whisper. 

“Of- of course, my dear.” The words felt like they were drooling out of his mouth. “Oh, but I’m sorry!” He caught himself. “I cut you off. You said you were looking for me?” 

Fluttershy lowered the bouquet to reveal her whole face. Discord quickly moved to hide his eagle wing that had already melted off. 

“I was looking for you, because I… I wanted to ask if you’d like to join me for a nighttime picnic this evening?” 

Discord threw his other arm around his back to catch his bat wing that had completely unhinged at the sound of her proposal. 

He couldn’t hold in his excitement. “Yes, of course, my dear I’d love to! Er… I’m assuming we’ll meet at your cottage than? What time should I arrive?”

“How about dusk? Just as the sun sets?” She was beyond relieved that Discord had said yes, and seemed rather elated about it too. 

He gathered himself together and sprang to the air, just hovering above her. “Sounds perfect to me! I’ll meet you then. Should I bring anything?”

“Nope. I’ll have everything covered.”

“As you wish, my sweet,” he said before giving her a wave goodbye and began floating backwards towards Spike and Big Mac.

Fluttershy turned to start heading back to her cottage, carefully cradling her bouquet in one hoof. Angel Bunny finally poked his head outside her saddlebag to watch Discord still floating away and waving, “That wasn’t so hard now, was it?” he squeaked to her.

Just behind them, Discord blissfully floated back to meet his companions. “So, how’d it go?” Spike asked.

“Oh, she asked me.” His replied still dreamily watching her leave.

“WHAT?”
> Chase Me
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The darkness of night was steadily creeping over the sky as the day began to close. Luna’s moon was beginning to rise full and luminous over the outer edges of Ponyville; playing conductor to the early spring cicadas and crickets who hushed the land with their symphony. 

Storefronts had long since closed and most everypony was settling to rest in their homes. The night, however, had just begun for Discord. Alone, he slinked back through the streets to Fluttershy’s cottage. He easily could have just snapped himself to her doorstep in no time at all, but he took to walking this evening to prepare himself mentally. 

As he went, he conjured up a doppelganger of himself to fill the silence. “Nothing about it has to be awkward,” his double mused, floating above him. “We’re just enjoying a nice evening together over dinner. We’ve done this countless times before!”

“You’re right, me!” he replied. “We just need to focus on enjoying ourselves and appreciate the time we’re spending with Fluttershy.” 

With that, he gave himself a high five and snapped his double away. He approached the stone bridge on the farthest edge of Fluttershy’s property and thought, “As long as I keep that in mind, absolutely nothing could go wrong about thi-.” He cut himself short as he neared the top of the bridge and caught view of Fluttershy’s cottage. She was sitting outside, close to the tree line of Everfree Forest. 

An ounce of confidence had slipped from him as he took everything in. She looked like a shining, pale star against the dark backdrop of the forest… and she was waiting for him. 

He lowered himself to all fours as he gingerly crept forward. Why did his limbs feel so heavy? 

“It’s alright. You’re not scared. You’re not scared of Fluttershy. You’re just spending an evening with sweet, lovely… enchanting Fluttershy,” He really wasn’t helping himself, but he kept trudging on. 

She faced away from him, but her sensitive ears knew someone was coming up behind her. “Discord!” she said gleefully as she turned. Oh, sweet Scorpan, her eyes could’ve been the death of him then and there and he would’ve died completely happy. Luna’s moon reflected in them perfectly like mystic pools of teal and starlight; it was making it hard for him to focus on anything else. 

“Um, Discord?” she asked.

He shook his head. “S-sorry, my dear. I’m just feeling uh… fuzzy in the head lately. But um…why are you out here by the forest instead of closer to the house?”

Fluttershy gave him a mischievous smile and stood up. “Well, I’ve picked a very special and secret spot for our picnic tonight, but in order to find it…you’ll have to play a game with me.”

Discord perked up at that. He very much enjoyed games and Fluttershy’s lack of nerves at the moment began to calm his as well. 

“Well then, pray tell, dear. What is this game you have in mind?”

“In order to find our secret picnic spot…” she paused just to tease and watch him lean in with anticipation. “You’ll have to…”

Discord was getting visibly antsy. He grinned and waited for her instruction. 

“Catch me!” she squealed, leaping just a few trots away from him. 

Discord was genuinely surprised. “Catch you? Do you mean for me to chase you?”

“That’s right! But I have rules, mister,” she said playfully digging a hoof firmly in the dirt. 

Discord liked where this going. He loved it when Fluttershy let down her shy, reserved little walls and showed her more playful and cunning side. Although he actively tried to coax it out of her, he didn’t always get to see it, but adored it when he did. 

“You have to give me a ten second head start, and no magic will be allowed,” she taunted and began leading him closer to the trail head into the forest. 

Normally, he wouldn’t like the idea of Fluttershy being in the forest after dark, but in this circumstance, she wasn’t alone and he wasn’t above breaking her little rules should they get into any real trouble. 

“I solemnly swear to you, my dear, that I will uphold your ruling,” he bellowed dramatically and placed a claw to his heart. 

“Very good…you can start counting." With that, she turned tail and hit the trail running. All the while, she remembered a bit of Rarity’s advice and summoning and pinch of boldness, gave her hips a little extra sway as she galloped; her rosey tail flashing like a long, taunting flag. 

Discord readied himself promptly.

“1…2…3…4…” 

He shuffled on all fours like some great cat preparing to pounce. 

“…5…6…7…” 

She was beginning to disappear from view, but his eyes were locked and fixed on that tail of hers.

“…8…9…”

She turned on the first corner and he sprang. 

He felt like a bat out of Tartarus, and it was wonderful! He was at the first corner where she’d turned but halted when he realized he could no longer see her. “Fluttershy?” he whispered worriedly. He was reassured when he heard her giggling up ahead. Or was it behind him? Maybe above? “What in the-.”

Fluttershy peaked around a tree not far ahead and gave him a wave, but only long enough for him to notice. “Over here!” she taunted. 

Discord was on the tree in an instant, but when he looked around it, she was already gone. He heard another giggle farther ahead, and then farther ahead after that. “How is she doing this?”

Truth be told, Fluttershy was no stranger at all to the forest grounds nearest her home and this wasn’t her first time playing this game. She'd often played it with Angel Bunny and many of her other animals. She was in her element and watching Discord get turned around trying to find her in the dark thicket was a little too amusing to her. 

After a few more minutes of playing cat and winged mouse, Fluttershy realized that they were almost at their destination and decided to ease up on him just a little. 

Discord was huffing and panting like a worn dog. Fluttershy had truly bested him this time around. “Alrighty, Fluttershy. Reveal to me your secrets. Where are we going and just where are you?” he jested. He was dumbfounded, but he was having fun.

Fluttershy was just above him, perched on an overhanging branch. She was starting to ride that high of confidence again and readied herself to take another bold leap. She didn’t know why, but as Rarity had told her just the day before, the moment felt right. “We’re almost there,” she sang above him. 

Discord heard that loud and clear and started looking around wildly for where it could be coming from. She sounded like she was everywhere and all around him. 

“And I’m right here.”

At that Fluttershy dropped upside down and planted a delicate peck on Discord’s cheek before disappearing back up into the leafy ceiling. 

Discord froze. Just for a tick, you could have thought he’d been turned back to stone if not for the trembling claw reaching up to meet where her lips had met his face. He sat back on his haunches, mouth agape in shock.

Another giggle broke him from his trance and then he heard her sing-song voice again. “Oh, Discord?” He turned to his right, where it most certainly had called from and the sight before him sent a violent shiver up his body, igniting him back to life. 

On a small ridge, only twenty paces or so away, Fluttershy stood against a thick wall of willow tree vines. She was looking at him with that familiar, bashful glint in her eyes that he knew so well. 

Once she had his attention, she turned and parted the vines behind her, but kept a half-lidded gaze on him over her shoulder before sliding into the foliage. She deliberately left her flank outside the curtained wall for just a half a second more…then gave her tail a graceful little flick…beckoning him… and disappeared. 

Discord gulped and obediently followed.
> Secret Garden
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy had left him with a million and one questions and although his body was moving forward, his mind felt absent and dizzy. She had successfully caught him completely off guard and sent him spinning off into oblivion, grasping for some foothold, but simultaneously hoping he’d drift happily off forever.
 
Sweet, lovely, mousy Fluttershy had kissed him; a small and soft one, but a kiss nonetheless that paralyzed his every sense except for the pounding in his chest and the steady heat washing over his whole being. She seemed to be working some unknown feminine, pegasi magic to pull him deeper into his trance. She was undeniably, without a doubt, flirting with him. 
 
Discord had had an inkling of a thought that the night may involve some courtly endeavors, but he now realized that he was completely unprepared for what that actually may entail. His body was on fire, but he couldn’t stop his feet from following her into the willows, obeying her silent siren’s song. 
 
Gingerly he parted the wall of vines and his jaw fell slack at the sight before him. 
 
Illuminated by Luna’s full moon was a small lake surrounded by a flowering knoll with another single, ancient looking willow tree near the water’s edge. Beneath it, looking out across the water, was his dear friend and lady.
 




  Fluttershy was desperately trying to contain her filly-ish giggles and her burning cheeks. She couldn’t believe she’d done what she had. She KISSED Discord, leaving him a flustered pool of warm goo, and THEN dared to seduce him into following her with that little flank swish! She didn’t know what was coming over her, but it made her feel absolutely silly! However, as much fun as it all was, she knew it was probably wise to take it down a notch for the rest of the evening. The last thing she wanted was to potentially spook Discord off with too much attention too soon. That’s when she heard the soft crushing of grass behind her. 
 
She quickly shook out some of her excitement and turned to give her friend a warm smile. “There you are! Well, what do you think?”
 
Discord shivered at the sound of her voice. “wh-wh-what do I think?” 
 
“Of the secret spot I picked for us, silly!” she corrected, gesturing to the dreamy landscape that surrounded them. 
 
“Oh! Yes, yes of course! It’s absolutely lovely,” he stammered. “She’s absolutely lovely,” he thought, not caring a bit at how corny it sounded in his own head. 
 
Fluttershy reached into the picnic basket that sat beside her and began arranging all their favorite finger foods neatly on the quilted blanket lain beneath her. “I found it not too long ago while mushroom hunting. It’s a great place to come to think or read. I don’t know if anypony else in town knows of it, yet.” She looked up to see Discord still standing there, looking hesitant at what he should do next, and still red in the cheeks. “Discord, please come get cozy. I made your favorite tea cakes,” she tried to ease him.
 
“S-so thoughtful of you, Fluttershy. Thank you!” he stammered again, carefully laying himself across from her. He watched her, starstruck, as she continued arranging their simple spread. He just couldn’t shake the disbelief that all he had hoped for so long, was true! Fluttershy did like him, as Spike had put it. His claws trembled with the urge to take hold of her then and there; to caress and kiss her like she was the rarest flower in existence, but he restrained his school-colt aches. Fluttershy was most definitely a lady, and she deserved a gentlecolt this evening. 
 
They ate and drank little in a comfortable silence, stealing a glance at the other every so often and offering light conversation here and there. Discord had moved past most of the initial shock from Fluttershy’s earlier flirtatious teases. Now he just wanted to melt into the moment. Everything about what they were doing just seemed so perfect and right. He couldn’t help but drift off a bit in his blissful fantasies while watching her put their dishes and leftovers away. 
 
“All tucked back away,” she mused softly, closing the basket back up and setting it further off to the side. Discord was jolted from his daydreams when he realized she was moving to lay beside him. Worried he may float away, his claws gripped slightly into their quilt when her shoulder brushed against his. 
 
“It really is so special out here and I’m glad that I get to share it with you now. Thank you for coming out this evening with me,” she hummed, crossing her forelegs nervously. 
 
Discord’s grip loosened at her feather soft words of sincerity. “Thank you for sharing it with me and I’m always glad to spend an evening with you, my dear.” Those words felt a little sweeter than normal leaving his lips. 
 
Fluttershy looked out across the shimmering lake again. “It’s still far too early in the season for them, but I do kind of wish the fireflies were out and about.”
 
At that, Discord had a brilliant idea. “I may not be able to wake any fireflies yet, but I may be able to make something that’s a close second.”
 
With a quick snap of his talon, the reflections of the stars in the lake began to lift themselves up and out of their watery mirror. Fluttershy gasped as she watched them start to stretch and fold into the shapes of hundreds of shining butterflies. In slow motion, they fluttered and drifted about the clearing, sometimes swooping down to kiss the water and drift back up again. 
 
A pair of two fluttered towards them beneath their willowed canopy to rest atop Fluttershy’s crossed hooves and fly off again. “Discord, they’re so beautiful! Thank you!”
 
Discord relaxed and leaned just a hair closer to her. “You’re welcome, dear. But I should be the one thanking you.” Fluttershy looked up at him with a quirked brow. 
 
He lifted his head to look out across the water. “You’ve done so much more for me than I’ve ever deserved. I don’t even feel like I’ve earned the right to share this special place with you, yet you asked me to, and I could never tell you no. You make me feel like I’m not so much of an outcast to the rest of Equestria…and I just want to be a better version of myself for you.” He spoke every word without a single falter. He needed her to hear every bit as clearly as it was written on his heart. 
 
Fluttershy could feel tears welling up in the corners of her eyes and the heat returning to her cheeks. She bowed her head and leaned into Discord’s shoulder and chest. He was startled by the contact but didn’t move. She was so warm. 
 
“You don’t owe me a thing, Discord…I just, I just want you to know how special I think you are and how important you are to me. I…I like myself a lot more when I’m with you. You make me feel like I’m special and important too. Our time together is always exciting, but we can also enjoy quiet things like this, and I just really, really like that.” Fluttershy’s bashfulness was beginning to get the better of her again, but all she could think to hide it was nuzzle deeper into his fur. Confessing just some of her affections to Discord in person was a huge weight lifted off her heart, but it also felt messy; like she was cradling a slippery, squirmy foal. 
 
She felt a tightness rise in her chest at Discord’s lack of response, but it nearly burst when she felt his warm breath near her ear. “Fluttershy…can I…touch you?” He wanted to comfort her, but felt it polite to ask first. 
 
Her eyes shot back up at him, his expression held no trace of trickery, only solace. She couldn’t find her words; only nod and lean back into his fuzzy chest.
 
With a gulp, Discord wrapped his lion arm around her and ran his claws carefully through her mane. She was so soft and so incredibly warm. Any attempt to slow his wildly beating heart had gone out the window.
 
 Fluttershy leaned into his touch and sighed. Here, finally so close to him, she could take him in. He smelled faintly of the air after a rainstorm, but with a hint of sugar. Cotton candy perhaps? Either way, she very much liked it, but her thoughts were quickly interrupted when she felt his warm breath on her skin again; this time on her neck. 
 
Discord had regained some of his confidence and reasoned that if Fluttershy was allowed to tease, then he could too. His actions were also pure and genuine just the same. 
 
He gently pressed his muzzle into the back of her neck, breathing her in as well. She smelled like wild flowers, green tea, and honey; he couldn’t get enough. Fluttershy felt like she could faint. Was this her dream coming true? Oh, goodness!
 
It’s not that she wasn’t enjoying the way Discord was handling her, she was just simply too overwhelmed. She had wanted Discord to touch her this way for so long, but now that it was happening, she didn’t know what to do. In a panicked reaction, she rolled to her left, but quickly found that she had put herself in an even more compromising spot. Now she was face to face with Discord on her back, just tucked beneath his lion arm. 
 
With an “Eep!” she covered her face with her forelegs. She had trapped herself. 
 
Discord was equally taken aback and a single thought reared itself to punch out his heart. “Maybe that wasn’t what she wanted? Maybe I went too far? Oh, no! Sweet Scorpan, no!”
 
“I-I-I’m so sorry, Flutterhsy! I don’t know what came over me. Um…I can leave. I’m so sorry.”
 
He shuffled slightly to get up but was gently pulled back down by Fluttershy’s hooves on his shoulders. Her face now revealed to him; blushing and beautiful in the dappled glow of his starlight butterflies. 
 
“No, please don’t,” she whimpered. “I’m sorry I just…I was just surprised is all. I um, really like it when you touch me and you.. oh, this is a little embarrassing…fluster me sometimes is all.”
 
Discord let out a shaky sigh of relief but found it hard to catch his breath again. He could feel his cheeks beginning to flare at her confession and the rest of him begin to flare with the want to give her what he thought she may be asking. 
 
Fluttershy, brought a hoof up to cover her face again slightly. “You…y-you can touch me more if you want?” she spoke, just above a whisper. 
 
Discord needed no other word. Slowly he settled down again, keeping her gently tucked beneath him, and moved to stroke her mane once more. Fluttershy let her eyes fall closed and leaned into his palm with a hum. At that, he bowed his neck down and pressed his muzzle back into her mane on top of her head as he cradled hers in his paw and talon. The world could have crumbled away entirely, but he wouldn’t have noticed a thing. All that mattered to him was being allowed the honor of holding her close here in their secret garden. 
 
Fluttershy’s breath began to hic as she could feel his breath washing over her again and her body betrayed her when she felt his fang brush her ear. She had let out an audible little moan and there was no covering up for it now. 
 
Discord reared back again to see her face burning a hot fuchsia. She quickly moved to cover herself in embarrassment once more, but was stopped by his free talon; slowly moving them aside. He just wanted to see her. 
 
Some force of gravity, stronger than he’d ever felt, began pushing him down closer to her and Fluttershy felt the equally powerful force of magnetism pull her chin up to meet him. 
 
There under the shielded canopy of the ancient willow, their lips met. 
 
Fluttershy felt she could faint again, and Discord was sure he was close to physically melting, but held together just enough so he could continue feeling her lips against his. She was so much softer and sweeter than he’d ever dreamed; he didn’t want to ever part but had to let her go for air.
 
With a huff he lifted from their kiss. Everything felt so beautifully hazy.

Discord lazily opened his eyes to see Fluttershy wake from her own stupor as well. As she came to and realized Discord was still looking down at her with half lidded eyes, she turned to hide her face with another “Eep”, but Discord wasn’t going to let her run away from him again. He simply shifted her back to face him and placed his forehead against hers. 

“I hope you don’t mind me saying, but I may have dreamt of doing that for quite sometime now.”

Not a breath later, Fluttershy pressed her lips against his for a second time. His tail wagged absentmindedly as he could feel her smile against him. “Me too,” she shyly spoke, breaking away and once again leaving him a gooey warm mess of a draconequus. 

Discord slumped to his side with her still tucked beneath his lion arm and a great, blissful sigh. His head was far too lovestruck and light to think of words at the moment. He just wanted to watch her and get lost in those eyes looking up to him. 

Fluttershy reached out to lightly caress his cheek and in a shy, but hopeful voice spoke, “Um, would you maybe like the idea of staying out here with me for the rest of the night? I kinda… don’t want to leave you.” 

“Hmmmmm,” Discord purred happily as he began to curl around her like a dragon guarding its most precious jewel. “I think I like the sound of that.” 

A glowing butterfly drifted back into their willowed canopy and landed on Fluttershy’s nose. “Oh,Discord! Will the butterflies be alright while we sleep?”

He opened an eye and with a chuckle, tenderly lifted the shimmering insect away from her face. “They’re made of pure starlight. They’ll likely disappear as the sun rises.” 

“I see… then will they reappear at night too?” 

“Hmmm… possibly.”

Fluttershy snuggled deeper into his chest; safe and sound. “Would you perhaps want to come back tomorrow night to see if they do?”

Discord pulled her in closer and began to drift off. “That sounds like a perfect idea.”