The Love Of The Angels...

Beep….beep….beep….beep….

I struggle to open my heavy eyelids and observe my surroundings. A heart monitor was keeping my pulse on my left index finger. My right hand was engulfed in Applejack’s hands. I could feel her grip tighten a bit and hear her do a sharp intake of air.

“Well looky here! She’s wakin’ up!” Applejack cried happily.

The rest of my friends placed themselves around my bed, small tears of joy sat on the edges of their eyes.

“YOU’RE OKAY!!!” Pinkie squealed in delight. She leaned in and enveloped me in a hug, her breasts suffocating me.

“Pinks, let her go, ya killin’ her!” Applejack said in a joking manner.

“You actually are though.” Twilight spoke out, unknowingly vocalizing my thoughts. Pinkie immediately released me, and my eyes met with Twilight’s. The air in the room suddenly got thick as the Alicorn stared me down. I look around and realize that I’m in one of Twilight’s study rooms that she had temporarily converted into a mini hospital room for me.

For me?…

“Twilight, why am I here?”

“You collapsed at your house when I came to see you.” Rarity responded for her. “I brought you here, since you didn’t want to go a real hospital.”

Twilight wasn’t just the ruler of Equestria, she also studied in pony anatomy and medicinal science. I guess I’d rather have her study me than some random doctors.

“Thanks…I guess…” I say quietly.

“You should be thanking her.” Twilight said angrily. “Fluttershy, this cannot, and will not, go on.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” I question defensively.

“I’ve ran some tests on you and read your charts. Fluttershy…you’re suffering from stress cardiomyopathy.”

I stare at her blankly, “What is that?”

“To put it into simpler terms…you have Broken Heart Syndrome.” She replied sadly. “Your heart has been greatly weakened due to Rainbow’s…untimely passing. Because of that, your other organs have been compromised as well.” She swallowed, “’Shy, I know you were in love with her. I may not fully understand your pain on an emotional scale, but physically…” her royal purple eyes stared deep into mine, “It’s killing you. You’re literally dying from a broken heart.”

I don’t know why, but her answer hadn’t slapped me like a bag of bricks until I heard Rarity choke down a sob. I glanced over each of them. Rarity’s azure eyes were glassy, tears on the verge of spilling. Applejack had her eyes covered, keeping a firm grip on my hand. I could still feel her pain through the contact. Even Pinkie had no traces of a smile on her face. The last time she had that face on…

Was when we laid Dashie to rest…

I cracked. The shudders rippled and the tears flowed forward through me as the girls enveloped me with their love and care. They were so sweet, so soft, so kind. They held me in their embrace for a little bit before releasing me.

“You’ll spend a week here, so that I can keep an eye on your vitals.” Twilight stated. “After that, you’re moving in with AJ.”

My eyes shot open, “WHAT?! Why?”

“Because she lives on her own, remember?” Pinkie responded.

“But why am I moving in with her?”

“Pinkie can’t take you in because she works here in the castle with Twilight. I can't either because my nephew is staying with me for a while until Sweetie finishes her first two years at Canterlot's School For Gifted Unicorns.” Rarity stated.

“Ah offered tah take care of ya, until ya got completely better.” Applejack stated softly.

I look at each of them. Fuck irritation, I was straight up furious. They could tell…

“What’s wrong ‘Shy?” Pinkie asked.

“Do I still look like I’m a little filly? I’m 25 years old! I don’t need someone to sit here and kiss my boo-boos and tell me everything is going to be okay!! I can take care of myself!”

“Listen to me,” Twilight started. “You are sick! What if you pass out again, and nopony is around?! You could’ve died this time, and none of us want to risk that!”

“I’m grown. I’m not doing it.” I don’t know what had turned me into such a hard headed pony, but it was definitely kicking in right now.

“I’m telling you that you’re going.” Twilight responded.

‘You can’t tell me what to do. You're just my friend, so stop acting like you're my damn mother!” I yelled.

She snorted angrily, and her jaw clenched for a brief moment. “I’m not telling you as your friend!” her eyes glowed a little, “As the ruler of Equestria, I have deemed you unfit to live alone, and upon your release from here, you will be taking residency with Applejack.” Her eyes narrowed, “Do you understand?”

There was a silent stare down between me and the princess. I knew I couldn’t win.

“Yes…Your Highness…” the words came out clipped, and dangerously low.

"Good." Her eyes soften, "I’m sorry, but this has to be done.”

I don’t respond to her.

“Hey girls, do ya’ll mind if Ah have a word with Flutters?” Applejack asked quietly. The other nodded and left the room. She turned to me, and smiled a tiny smile.

“Ah love ya. Yer one of mah closest friends. In fact, yer my best friend, Flutters. It’s hurtin’ me tah see ya like this. It’s cuttin’ me deep...real deep. If Ah can do anythin'…anythin' at all, tah ease that achin’ of yers…then Ah wanna be able tah do it.”

I smiled softly at her sweet little speech. This was a reminder of why Applejack was my best friend. Sure, The snow white Unicorn was near to my heart, with the generosity and fun that she put into my life.  But…Applejack showed me an unconditional love and devotion that was beaten only by Dashie’s. For the few times that the cyan Pegasus and I got into fights, Applejack was the first pony I flew to. She’d comfort me, and make me laugh, and tell me everything is going to be okay. She even took to sleeping on the couch and made me sleep in her bed. Although, nothing she said or did helped when Dashie died.

Dear God, I miss that mare…

I miss the sound of her strong heartbeat as I laid my head on her chest. I miss the way I looked into those pinkish-ruby eyes and could see the infinite amount of love that swam in them. I miss the way the warmth enveloped me as she pulled me close. I miss the heat of her breath on my neck as she whispered sweet nothings into my ear. I miss it. I miss her. I miss her so much…

I don’t know when Applejack had grabbed me, nor do I know when I started crying, but it felt good…it felt so good, to release this. I held onto her, and bawled my eyes out. She patted my back, humming softly, lulling me into a sense of calmness that finally allowed me to regain my composure. And when I did, I pulled away.

“I’m sorry, AJ. I’m so sorry...but...thank you...”

She chuckled, “Awe, don’t ya worry yerself none. It’s the least Ah can do.” She lightly patted my shoulder, “Now, ya gone ‘head an' get yerself some rest. Ya need it girl.”

“Do you mind…staying with me, until I fall asleep?” I ask timidly, before I could stop myself. What was I doing? I’ve been sleeping alone for almost five months. I didn’t want to have her waste her time sitting here until I fell asleep.

“No problem, Sugarcube. Ah’d be glad tah.”

She slid into the bed with me and wrapped an arm around me. There is no awkwardness between us. No feelings of lust or intimacy. Just comfort. Pure, untainted peace. I lay my head on her chest and close my eyes.

It was strong and slow and soothing.

**Ba-bump…ba-bump…ba-bump…ba-bump.