Fluttershy looked out the window of the carriage, watching the distance close between them and the grand city of Canterlot. Princess Celestia had requested that the girls, and Spike of course, attend the Grand Galloping Gala this year. She had told them that the dance had never been so lively as it had been the last time they went, and she was hoping that this time would be a better experience for each of them. Fluttershy shuttered at the memory of her behavior at the last Gala.
"Hello Fluttershy, bit for your thoughts?" Twilight questioned from across the carriage. She turned towards her friend and smiled a little.
"Oh, nothing much. I was just thinking about last year's Gala. We're all going to spend it together this year, right?" Fluttershy asked.
"Duh! Of course we are," Rainbow Dash said, joining the conversation.
"Why wouldn't we, Sugarcube?" Applejack put in.
Fluttershy looked down at her hooves. "I...I don't know. I just wanted to be sure I guess." Her friends looked at each other.
"Darling, are you worried because of the possibility that Discord may be there?" Rarity asked. Fluttershy jumped at that. She hadn't considered that before. What if he was there? She wouldn't mind of course, he was her friend. But, the girls and Spike had been less accepting of him. What if Discord wanted to spend time with her? What would she do then? What if-
"Hello? Fluttershy? Is anypony home?" Pinkie Pie said, lighting tapping the top of her head.
"Oops, I'm sorry. No, it hadn't thought about that...before. But now, well what should I do if he's there? Are you all willing to give him a chance?" Fluttershy asked.
They glanced uncomfortably at each other. Spike took this chance to contribute.
"Probably...never!"
"Spike!" Twilight said, hitting the baby dragon.
"What? You know you were all thinking it," Spike said defensively.
Fluttershy drooped her ears. Oh dear, what am I going to do?
The carriage stopped before anypony could press further into the matter. They all stepped out with assistance from Spike and looked at the castle under the evening stars. Fluttershy was still a bit nervous, but seeing her friends at her side, she felt comforted.
"This year, we are sure to make this the best night ever!" Twilight exclaimed. Everypony nodded in agreement and walked together in the new dresses that Rarity had made each of them.
Immediately at their arrival, a certain Draconequus strode up to the friends.
"Why hello Fluttershy. It's a pleasure to see you again, friend," Discord said. He was dressed up in a black tuxedo with a clean white collared shirt and a red bow-tie. Fluttershy couldn't help but think that he actually looked pretty nice. She blushed a little and then looked up at him.
"Hello Discord. You haven't been up to any trouble since you came to Canterlot, have you?"
"Oh no...well I may have pulled a few pranks, but nothing too bad I assure you." He looked at the others who were glaring at him. "I see you haven't changed your minds about me yet?"
"Why should we?" Rainbow asked aggressively.
"If ya'll think that we've changed our minds, then yer sadly mistaken," Applejack put in.
"I see...well I suppose I'll get out of your manes then. Have a wonderful evening," Discord said, walking away. He looked-sad. This shocked them all, but the Mane 5 and Spike decided he was just playing innocent. Fluttershy, however, felt horrible. She knew deep down that Discord was truly disheartened by his lack of acceptance. Throughout the evening, Fluttershy watched as Discord sat alone at one of the tables, nopony daring to come up to him. This just made her feel worse.
Finally, as the evening was nearing the end, Fluttershy couldn't bear it any longer.
"Girls, I'm going to go talk to Discord. I-I know you probably disagree with me, but he is my friend too. I hope you understand..." Fluttershy said.
"But, tonight was supposed to be about us, together as friends!" Rainbow argued.
"Yes, you don't need to talk to a brute like him. He's just trying to keep your good side, darling," Rarity said.
"The night's almost over, Sugarcube. It'll be fine," Applejack added.
"I can't just leave him by himself though, it doesn't feel right," Fluttershy said desperately.
"Well, even I think you shouldn't go. He's a big meanie on the inside," Pinkie Pie said.
"No he's not. If you just took the chance to get to know him..."
Twilight sighed. "Let her go." Everypony stared at her.
"What?" Spike said.
"I said let her go. What kind of friends would we be if we held her back from doing something she feels is right?"
The others looked down in shame, realizing what they had been doing.
"We're sorry," they mumbled.
"It's okay, I know you're just trying to look out for me. Well, I'll meet you all out by the carriage, um, okay?" Fluttershy asked.
"Of course. Now, good luck sweetie," Rarity said.
"Oh, and thank you Twilight," Fluttershy said.
"There's no need to thank me. But, you're welcome. We'll see you soon," Twilight responded. Fluttershy nodded, then she made her way towards the lonely draconequus. She sat down across from him and smiled a little.
"Hi, Discord."
"Hello Fluttershy, I trust that you've had a good evening?" Discord said.
"Yes, but it's not over yet," Fluttershy replied. Discord looked her over for a moment. She was absolutely beautiful tonight, more so than usual. He glanced at the clock on the back wall and noticed there was just enough time. He rose up from his chair and stood beside her seat.
"Fluttershy, may I have this dance?" he bowed and looked up at her. She was blushing and appeared a bit flustered, but that just made her look even more adorable.
"Uh, um...okay," Fluttershy squeaked.
"Wonderful!" Discord held out his paw to her, and she took it tentatively. He led her out to the floor as the final slow song began.
For the way you changed my plans
For being the perfect distraction
For the way you took the idea that I have
Of everything that I wanted to have
And made me see there was something missing, oh yeah
Fluttershy was having trouble standing on her two hind legs for the dance, so Discord pulled her in closer to help her keep her balance. Her cheeks felt hot and her heart was racing at their closeness, but for some reason, it felt right to her.
For the ending of my first begin
(Ooh, yeah yeah, ooh, yeah yeah)
And for the rare and unexpected friend
(Ooh, yeah yeah, ooh, yeah yeah)
For the way you're something that I'd never choose
But at the same time, something I don't wanna lose
And never wanna be without ever again
Discord twirled her carefully and Fluttershy giggled at the action. He then pulled her in closer and they continued to sway to the music, but with more passion as the chorus came on.
You're the best thing I never knew I needed
So when you were here I had no idea
You the best thing I never knew I needed
So now it's so clear, I need you here always
Discord was grinning ear to ear as he held the small pony in his arms and seeing her smile up at him. All those years locked up in that cold stone seemed to melt away while he was dancing with Fluttershy.
My accidental happily (Ever after)
The way you smile and how you comfort me (With your laughter)
I must admit you were not a part of my book
But now if you open it up and take a look
You're the beginning and the end of every chapter
Discord picked up Fluttershy and spun her around in the air. Fluttershy was so exhilarated by it all that she didn't even think about being scared.
You're the best thing I never knew I needed
So when you were here I had no idea (When you were here)
You the best thing I never knew I needed (That I needed)
So now it's so clear, I need you here always (Now it's so clear)
Discord had now brought her back to her hooves and the two were closer than ever.
Who knew that I could be (Who knew that I could be)
So unexpectedly (So unexpectedly)
Undeniably happier
Sitting with you right here, right here next to me
Girl, you're the best
Discord continued to lead the delicate pony in their dance, deciding that soon he would make his move.
You're the best thing I never knew I needed (Said I needed)
So when you were here I had no idea (When you were here) (Said I had no idea)
You're the best thing I never knew I needed (That I needed)
So now it's so clear I need you here always (Now it's so clear)
(So clear, so clear, I need you always)
Discord twirled Fluttershy out and spun her back into a dip. The two stared at each other for a moment.
Now it's so clear, I need you here always
Discord leaned in and kissed Fluttershy. She happily returned the favor.
