My Love, Sweetie Belle,

We’ve only been apart for a day, but every hour I’m not with you is an hour I’m not able to see your beautiful smile, look into your beautiful eyes, and confess how deeply in love with you I've fallen. Thank Celestia, at least I can bear my heart to you here. I only hope that quill and ink can tell you a hundredth part of what I feel.

I think about your lips, your warmth, the feel of your hooves on my face, the scent of your mane, and I wish more than anything that we could be together again now as we were before. The magic of your singing brought me so much needed peace and happiness. With you I'd sing a duet across eternity to mend all broken hearts and make the heavens weep for joy.

Maybe I'm being dramatic, but if not for you, then I'd have never truly understood what good drama serves. Without your love I might never have understood many great things, not the least of which is the truth that, lofty or mundane, a simple letter falls terribly short of expressing just how much, how genuinely, I care about you.

From the first time our paths crossed, years ago, I've admired your kindness, your humility, and your purehearted eagerness to give freely to others. Your innocence hasn't faded with disappointment or hurt as others' has. As I've watched you face the trials of growing up, quietly from the sidelines, I've seen your selflessness endure. To accept sorrow and pain but never stop giving of oneself, I've learned, is a gift and burden that ponies rarely bear as gracefully as you.

I love your enthusiasm for life, your love of your family and friends, and the joy I see in you for the sweet and simple things. I'm moved deeply by your passion for me above all other ponies. Words can't tell you how deeply honored I am to call you, Sweetie Belle, my special somepony. I love you with all of my heart and promise that I'll do everything in my power to be worthy of the love you've given me.

...

Across Fluttershy's table lay strewn several sheets of paper; a number of crumpled balls filled her little woven waste basket. It was much too warm for a fire this time of year, she thought, which meant she’d be soaking and pulping the scraps, just in case. Fluttershy had managed to find the formula she’d used as a filly that would render the fiber in common paper more translucent where she wrote after drying. Wanting Sweetie’s first love note to be as perfect as she could manage, the little yellow pegasus had drafted multiple versions, first in regular ink. Now, with the clear ink, she drafted the final version, signed, “With undying love, Your Sunshine,” and added a page of instructions and reminders, still in secret ink, about how Sweetie should mix and test her own ink to send a reply.

There were a hundred things that could go wrong, Fluttershy realized, and she attempted to caution the filly of the more likely mistakes.

“No need to rush. Let our love be patient, Sweetheart, and it will be that much sweeter in the end. Still, the more often I hear from you, the easier it will be to wait, even if it’s just a note to say you love me, sweet and simple. If you want to keep this note, as I’m guessing you will, place it where it won’t be taken and used, but if it gets lost or written over, don’t worry. I’ve written a copy of my own, in case, and I have a permanent copy in my heart for you, if all else fails.”

She’d thought to add hearts in the same invisible ink, and, after practicing on several scraps, she dampened her own lips and left the clear imprint of a kiss. The ink being only lemon juice and water, it was the perfect solution to their need for secret communication, leaving no mess.

Later, as Sweetie read and blushed furiously, holding each sheet carefully over the light of her desk lamp, she swooned and sighed. It felt just like a fairy tale, excitement on so many levels and romance to spare.

After testing her own ink on the edges of school assignments that she no longer needed (and now was glad not to have immediately thrown away) as patiently as she could, she penned, “I love you my Sunshine. More to come at sunset. Forever yours, Your Sweetheart.” With a flourish, Sweetie surrounded the simple message with a heart and attempted to leave her own kiss. It ended up a bit messy, she thought. Labeling next to the smudge, “ kiss,” would have to do, and she’d get it right on her next note.

Fluttershy leaving Sweetie Belle a note had been the easy part. Sweetie lived near numerous places Fluttershy could stash a scroll or folded sheets, and the filly could check often without being conspicuous. However, unless Fluttershy were, herself, to be conspicuous, spending a lot of time traveling the distance from her cottage to town, letters from Sweetie had fewer places to be hidden for Fluttershy, not to mention the problem of keeping their distance per the rules. To leave a note anyplace very far from where its recipient spent much time risked a significantly higher chance of being discovered by some third party for the fact that the messages might go unretrieved much longer.

Fluttershy considered using messenger birds, but even her most trustworthy feathered friends might make a mistake or be intercepted by a curious pegasus (as uncommon as it was to see a bird with a scroll attached to its leg). If and when somepony found a note in such a scenario, it might not be too difficult to guess that Fluttershy was somehow involved, and, if the interceptor had a mind, it wouldn’t be too difficult, either, to decipher that a seemingly blank note, being delivered someplace, might not actually be blank after all. As soon as they held the note up to the sun or over a candle, it could mean instant scandal. A messenger ferret or any other animal posed similar problems. Their compromise had been for Sweetie to mention a time, about which Fluttershy could expect to find a new note, and hide the note in whichever of the locations near the boutique that came next according to an agreed rotation, unless otherwise noted. Sweetie’s first response was the only one that Fluttershy wouldn’t have a clue when to expect, the more reason to keep it simple and avoid names.

Ponyville wasn’t the type of place that the average citizen kept watch for ponies surreptitiously leaving invisible love notes in various places. There was, however, the nosy neighbor, the watchful pegasus, and the inconveniently curious passerby, not to mention a particular pink pony who had many of the nooks and crannies in town, even inside other ponies’ homes, already occupied with rubber balls, eyepatches, and various other random things in case of exigent need. Fortunately for the clandestine couple, Fluttershy knew several mouse homes, their entrances too small for most hooves, unnoticed by most, and guarded by rodent friends who willingly did Fluttershy the favor of pushing out the notes on command—a simple pair of knocks and a peanut, a piece of apple, cheese, or bread. Fluttershy didn’t have to rely on knocking, of course, while she could simply ask or bring a mouse friend along to visit its cousins, which she would do as often as possible just because it seemed like a good idea in case she were unexpectedly seen and imitated by a clever spy.

For Fluttershy, their level of secrecy was well-practiced if a little tedious. For Sweetie it was a little scary. Overall, though, it felt like a game to them, heightened their excitement, and made each eager to leave their next note sooner.

Dearest Fluttershy,

I'm so happy to have your beautiful words to read now whenever I miss you. They could never compare to your beauty though. I miss you and love you. I think about you all the time. Even though it's fun to pass each other notes this way I can hardly wait until we're able to talk again face to face.

Kissing you is the buttercream frosting on my slice of carrot cake. Spending time with you is the happyness I feel opening presents on Hearth's Warming Eve. Looking into your eyes is like seeing into sparkling pools of the clerest water, quenching my thirst forever. You're the kindest pony I've ever known and the only one worthy of the eternal love which I give you.

If your letter was dramatic then think I like dramatic a lot. I'll sing that duet with you with all of my heart. I'll be working on the lyrics to our song in my spair time. I'll just need you to be pacient with me while I learn not to get stage frite fright. I don't think that's how I'm supposed to spell “pacient.” I hope you'll forgive me for all the mistakes. Despite what Scootaloo thinks I'm not a dictionary, and I sometimes don't find the words I need in the one here next to me. I'm lucky to have such a kind and understanding special somepony.

I never told you, but I kept the orange daisy you gave me. I loved the flowers you gave me so much and have been inspiured to study up on them. I reely want to be a good wife for you some day soon, I hope. So I'm trying to learn as much as I can about nature and also about .... you know what. ♥ The gift I want to give most in the world is myself to make you happy, only when we're ready, and I want to help you cuontinu to be the best pony you can. I know you'll do the same for me because I see it in your eyes when you look at me with so much love and effecsh affection. I'm the luckyest filly in Equestria to have somepony so special who even thinks I'm beautiful without even a cutie mark.

I might be little, but I'll do everything in my power to prove I'm ready for all of you so that you don't have to be afraid to love me with everything a grown mare has. Please never be ashamed of our love.

I love you with my eternal soul, my sweet Fluttershy.

Forever and ever yours,

Sweetie Belle

P.S. I'll check for your letter as often as I can, and I'll leave another letter tomorrow at the same time.

Red-faced, Fluttershy kissed the spot where the little filly left the mark of her lips, as she had the first note, and proceeded to take advantage of Angel's proportionately large ears to gush about her newest treasure. He promptly tuned her out, but accepted his owner's soft petting, regardless. Something about “so adorable,” and stammering about “everything a grown mare,” yadda yadda. She was happy. That was all that mattered ... that and that his ears got scratched right then, and they did. All was well with the world.

After rereading the letter several times, Fluttershy felt the need to go take a cold shower. Predictably, the thoughts that filled her mind wouldn't leave her, and she quickly felt the heat return. It was intense enough to warrant a second shower, but, by the time she finished, the efficacy of the cool water began to wear off, and she fretted.

She shouldn't write a letter right now, she thought. It would be too tempting to ... She stopped the thought and turned her focus, however broken, to her chores.

Several mistaken attempts at serving the right dinner to the right critters later, Fluttershy gave up trying and put everything as neatly as she could in the front yard for each of her confused and frustrated animals to retrieve themselves. They understood well enough, by her scent and her fidgeting, the reason for her distraction, and each quickly forgave the profusely apologetic pony. Thereafter, she was left to sit, fidgeting still, fantasies stealing her focus more and more despite any effort to calm herself.

Trembling, not for the first time, at the effort of holding back her desire, Fluttershy worried over what to do. If she went to Twilight's now, how weak would she appear, and after spending the night only two days ago? Weakness generally didn't bother Fluttershy so much. She was used to being considered weak, at least physically, socially, even somewhat mentally, but the feeling she got from confessing sexual weakness was different, made her feel repulsive each time she had to admit she wanted something so taboo so badly that she needed to be watched over. Fortunately, she had a plan to keep abstinent. She'd hold to it, she decided, though it likely meant she wouldn't be able to write a full response tonight. Hopefully Sweetie wouldn't be disappointed with a shorter letter, she thought.

Fluttershy prayed for strength and wrote, “Your letter makes me so happy, I can't describe my feelings right now. I'll leave you my full response tomorrow at midday. You complete me, Sweetheart,” and signed, “Passionately yours, Fluttershy.” As on every note they sent or would send after the precedent of her first letter, she left a kiss. Fluttershy left the note not long after dinner, hoping that Sweetie might still find it before bed. She returned home, and, in the area surrounding her cottage, the little pony threw herself into the most rigorous workout she could remember since training to lift water up to Cloudsdale.

Thoughts of Twilight's and Rarity's romantic prospects, of the acceptance she missed throughout her own foalhood, of a hundred bitter-sweet moments spent scrambling to fill that void with animalistic sexual pleasure or forbidden romantic fantasy, thoughts of every lurid thing she wanted to do with foals, especially with her own foal, memories of the feeling of the small unicorn's tongue firmly massaging between her stifles, of the passion and urgency of their kissing during their date, of each humiliating disappointing confession she'd had to make to her closest friend, and, finally, almost panicked thoughts of what humiliation and pain she knew would come very soon with the group's confession to yet another friend, the loneliness, desire, regret, fear, sorrow, agony, and, hidden beneath it all, that enraging elusive hope that drove her, through so much pain, to keep trying to find acceptance—everything she'd normally have to suppress through frantic escapism or sex, she felt, thought, and recalled with sweat instead of tears as she pushed her body to its limit and then a little bit past, wanting neither water nor rest until the sun had set and, trembling, she finally pushed herself up the stairs to her bedroom, climbed into bed, too exhausted to think about showering again, and collapsed on top of her covers.

Though the strain she'd put on herself hadn't been planned and she doubted she'd be able to make a repeat performance soon—she anticipated feeling sore in the morning—Fluttershy learned a wonderful new use for Twilight's recommended exercise.

She remembered none of her dreams that night.

Rarity and Fluttershy set to work quickly the afternoon the following day. With so much to do, and Rarity, as always, so generous with her time and effort to help with the festivities, there had barely been a hurried, “Fluttershy, Darling! Hello!” before she had expressed her relief at the pegasus's arrival and willing assistance, sending her to and fro across the boutique and on errands to communicate with this pony or that about the celebration décor.

Fluttershy was relieved she wouldn't have much chance to socialize with her love's older sibling, at least until the end of the day. Come dinner time, as Fluttershy anticipated, Rarity invited her to stay and join her and Sweetie Belle.

“Oh, I wouldn't want to be a bother.”

“Don't be silly, Darling, you're anything but a bother. After all the help you've given me today it's the least I can do.”

“You don't have to feel obligated, really,” Fluttershy smiled, trying to hide the reluctance she felt, despite missing any recent quality time with her fashion forward friend.

Rarity, fortunately or unfortunately—Fluttershy couldn't decide—was too used to Fluttershy's politeness. “Not obligated, certainly not. I absolutely insist you stay with us, at least for supper.”

Fluttershy conceded defeat.

At the dinner table, Fluttershy sat somewhat nervously while Rarity, who insisted again that she take care of dinner alone, talked with her, asking about the latest goings-on about the cottage since they'd returned from the Crystal Empire. Fluttershy had enough to comment on about her usual work to satisfy Rarity. The prim unicorn sympathized as always, and, as always, offered to help in any way she could with the losses and challenges of critter care-giving. It was outside of Rarity's scope, really, to do much, of course.

“Just you listening and being there is all I can really ask. Thank you, Rarity,” Fluttershy stated sincerely.

Announcing her arrival from the next room, Sweetie Belle arrived from her final chore that evening. Luck was in the couple's favor as she entered the kitchen while her sister's back was turned, otherwise the foal's initial surprise at seeing her now-fillyfriend at the table might have given something away.

After a casual hello, Fluttershy checked that Rarity was still occupied before melting a little at the sight of her sweetheart. She glowed at Sweetie Belle softly, and Sweetie Belle blushed and smiled back at her. Sweetie Belle stammered a timid hello back.

“Sweetie, Darling? Did everything go alright with Pinkie Pie?” Rarity misinterpreted the reason for the foal's tone.

“Hmm? O-oh, yes. It was alright. The fireworks are all ready to go for tomorrow night.”

Rarity looked back, a little confused at the hesitation in the little belle's response, but both ponies managed to appear and act normal from then until the end of dinner ... mostly. Sweetie Belle avoided eye contact with Fluttershy and seemed a bit off, as usual, though in a slightly different way than she'd been previously that week, Rarity thought.

When all three had finished eating and Rarity had finished going on about her latest ideas for her Summer fashion line, Sweetie Belle offered to help with dishes, as usual. “Actually, Dear, would you mind if I had a chat alone with Fluttershy? You wouldn't mind drying with me while we chat a bit longer, would you, Fluttershy, Darling?”

Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle looked at each other for just a moment, straight-faced. “No. Of course not.” “Uh-uh.” They answered together.

“I'll just be up in my room then,” Sweetie Belle added before exiting the kitchen toward the staircase.

Fluttershy joined Rarity at her side silently and took a drying towel in one hoof. Ordinarily she'd have asked what was on her friend's mind, but her nerves prevented her.

Rarity peeked back to see that Sweetie was gone before speaking. “I was wondering ... might I ask,” Rarity started uncertainly, “last week you and Sweetie spent the day together, and, I can't say exactly when it started, but, ever since then, it seems, she's been acting rather peculiar.”

“P-peculiar?” Fluttershy responded, managing to reign back her anxiety, but not completely.

“Indeed. And, well, I wanted to ask you whether you might know any particular reason for it?” Rarity inquired.

Fluttershy was silent for a moment before she forced herself to respond.

“W-well, I ... I guess, maybe—I mean, maybe the best pony to ask might be, um ... her?” Fluttershy evaded.

“I'm afraid I already have, Darling, with no luck. I could press her for it. The thought has crossed my mind, but then what kind of sister would I be, involving myself in her affairs unwanted?” Rarity heaved a sigh, handing the next dish to Fluttershy who, for the use of her forehooves to dry, rested on her haunches quietly next to her.

“I just wish she trusted me enough to say what's bothering her ... like she always has—up until now, anyway.” She passed a few pieces of silverware. “And to make matters worse, recently, when I asked her what was happening, not only did she put off telling me anything, clearly admitting there actually was something, she even went as far as to mention, or at least, act as though, it was something rather important and ... potentially dangerous!” Rarity attempted to keep her voice down, but the drama in her still animated her.

“Oh, my!” was all Fluttershy could bring herself to say in response, at first.

When Rarity looked to the pegasus, begging for advice, she thought quietly for a moment before answering.

“Well ... one thing I know for certain: Sweetie Belle loves you, and she really does trust you. I'm positive, if you give her a little more time, maybe a few more days,” she added, “everything will become clear.”

Fluttershy took the last of the clean wet dishes to dry.

“You really think so?” Rarity looked like she wanted to believe her friend, but struggled to.

“I know so,” Fluttershy forced her anxiety back to give the unicorn a smile, and Rarity took her word and seemed comforted. Fluttershy felt herself torn between whether or not to continue or change the topic. “I mean, what's the worst that could be the matter if Sweetie hasn't already confided in the sister she adores so much?” Fluttershy dared to ask, wanting to know what she suspected, if anything.

Rarity was again troubled. “That's just it. I haven't the slightest clue what might be the matter, or else, maybe ... well, I wouldn't have to worry so much. For all I know, it could be anything from some scheme gone wrong to get her cutie mark to a bad deal she made with a shady character. What if ... what if somepony might be using her?!” Rarity turned and raised her hoof dramatically. “Oh, my sister!” she exclaimed, much softer than usual for not actually wanting to draw her little sister's attention.

Before she could launch into her woe is me routine, Fluttershy interrupted. “Rarity,” Fluttershy let her worry show, though not for the reason Rarity assumed, “What would you do if somepony were doing something like ... well, not using her, necessarily, but leading her into something dangerous, that could hurt her?”

Tears glistened at the corners of Rarity's eyes as her raised hoof went instead to her chest to press and hold back the woe. Rarity visibly fretted. “Well ... I'd try and stop it. I suppose that's obvious, though. Isn't it?”

“But,” Fluttershy objected, “um ... it sounds like, maybe she, Sweetie, doesn't want it to stop. Would that matter?”

Rarity noted and thought it a little odd that Fluttershy's hypotheticals were becoming almost as specific as Sweetie's had been. “Well, of course it matters, but ...” Suddenly, Rarity recalled her sister's question, “Sis, do you think I’m old enough to know what’s dangerous and what’s not, and when to ask for help?”

“... but I'm frightened for her. You understand, don't you?” Rarity finished, her lower lip trembling slightly.

Fluttershy rested a hoof on Rarity's shoulder. “I do. Completely.” The two embraced. “I'll be here, no matter what happens, to offer whatever help I can, for both of you, that is ... as long as either of you want me to be,” Fluttershy assured.

Rarity squeezed the kind mare more firmly. “Why ever would I not want you by our side, Darling?”

Author's Note

Last revised 5 February 2015
- for style, voice, and detail

Original Note:
Next chapter is already completed at over 8000 words, but I'm holding off on posting it because I'd like to stay a chapter ahead in case I need to change anything. The wait is almost as hard for me as it is for those wanting to read more. (Gotta resist the the lure of comments.)

Sources used:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/macfarlane-papyri.html
http://aurek-skyclimber.deviantart.com/art/Map-of-Ponyville-Labeled-v3-2-215925777
http://wp-blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/adatchison/2012/02/day-49-writing-a-love-letter/

Edit (7/16/14) : Thanks again to Setokaiva for proofreading.