The moon in which Luna had rose was shining bright despite the dark skies that surrounded it. It certainly wasn't late, but Discord was tired after the celebration of the defeat of Lord Tirek. Not only was loosing all his chaotic magic exhausting, but receiving it was also fairly tiring. Now, despite his heavy eyelids, he just couldn't find sleep. An image of a certain somepony refused to leave his mind.
"Oh come on!" He groaned, shoving his long face under the pillow that sat under his bed. He wanted to sleep. He wanted to sleep so badly. A thought of snapping himself to sleep suddenly came to mind, but Discord quickly discarded the idea. The pony would just invade his dreams, which would give another princess a chance to see what was troubling him, which just simply could NOT happen. Finally accepting the fact it would be a sleepless night, Discord sat up, rubbing his face with his paw and claw.
"Ha, don't worry Discord. You'll get through this." He told himself. The Draconequus stared out the window at the many trees that surrounded his home blankly.
"Yes! That's it! Some candy will surely clear my mind!" He cheered, snapping instantly to form a bag of assorted candies. Without thinking, Discord grabbed a pawful and threw them in his mouth continuously. As Discord stuffed his cheeks, he slowed the chewing process down. Something was familiar about these candies. They consisted of the colors blue, green, and pink. Each individual piece had a glittery covering.
For a moment, Discord stared at a single piece, examining it as he turned it over and over in has eagle claw. "Oh, for goodness sake!" He tossed the bag over his shoulder, then leaned his head on his fist grumpily. What in Equestria is wrong with him.
He didn't know why he was asking himself this question. He knew what was wrong with him. He just couldn't believe it.
"Are you seriously unable to sleep because..." Discord shook his head, chuckling at himself. It was hard to admit even to himself what was going on in that crazy head of his. Well, chocolate milk couldn't go wrong. At last the Draconequus snapped up a soothing drink that held no relation to another pony. He sipped it silently, still staring at the moon that shone in the sky.
He hated this feeling, but it just simply would not go away. He already felt guilty enough for leaving Fluttershy, but now he had to deal with a princess who locked herself in his mind.
Fluttershy...
Discord thought for a moment, then smiled. He could talk to her. She was a fantastic friend, and perhaps she knew how to deal with a situation such as this. There was no time to waste. As said before, he was tired and wanted to sleep.
He snapped to the outside of her cottage, where crickets sang there song. It was so peaceful... And boring. He walked up the path, and hesitated before knocking on the door. His lion paw was clenched tightly into a fist, hovering near the door. After a quick swallow, he
knocked. A little "Eeep!" Could be heard inside.
He heard her hooves come closer to the door. Finally, Fluttershy opened the door. She smiled when she saw him. "Hello, Discord. Sorry if I..." Fluttershy let out a quiet yawn midsentence, showing that she too was tired. "I was just finishing up some chores. Come on in."
Discord walked in obediently, to Flutter's surprise. He didn't even push Angel off the couch.. He just kind of... Sat on the ground without a word. Of course if Fluttershy wasn't so tired she'd be at his side to see what was wrong, but she had to finish up a few tiny things. Pet dishes had to be done, litter boxes, check on the sick ones... She'd hope Discord wouldn't mind if she worked on them while he sat around.
Fluttershy stared at him, and he stared right back. No words were said, though Fluttershy noticed his tail that was twitching awkwardly. Deciding to turn and work on her chores, Discord let out a relieved breath. He could very easily snap and get all of her chores done for her in an instant, but it was easier to talk to her when she wasn't facing him.
"Sooo.... Fluttershy..." Discord started.
Fluttershy listened carefully as she scrubbed one of Angel's bowls. "Yes?" She asked. The Pegasus was tired, and hoped this wasn't just a prank of some sort. In all honesty, she still felt slightly cross at his betrayal.
Discord wasn't quite sure how to go about in telling her, and he suddenly regretted coming over. Perhaps it wasn't too late to.... No.... He wouldn't be able to turn back. He reached his eagle paw behind his neck and scratched before continuing:
"So... Say you... um... like somepony.... perhaps a little more then a friend...."
Fluttershy's eyes widened, and she suddenly turned off the sink. She didn't turn around though, feeling that if Discord was asking what she thought he was asking, it would be easier if she didn't face him. After a long awkward silence, Fluttershy urged him to continue.
"Yeees?" She asked, secretly smiling.
"How... How would you... Umm.... T-tell them, exactly?" Discord used all his efforts to speak to spit those stupid words out. He heard a laughing squeak from a certain stupid bunny from the side. The Draconequus shot him a look of anger before turning him to a balloon. Luckily Fluttershy didn't notice.
The Pegasus quickly turned around, smiling wide and zooming over to him. "Who is it?! Who is it?!" Fluttershy asked. She felt so happy for him. Maybe just a little love would be good for her friend.
Discord was shaken wildly my Fluttershy until he was dizzy. Finally, the Pegasus stopped shaking his shoulders and backed away slightly. "Ohh... Sorry."
Fluttershy slid to the ground, and looked up at him. A smile was plastered on her face.
"Oh Discord, this is great!" Flutters smiled even more.
"No it is not. I can't sleep." He looked away from her grumpily.
"So... Who is it?"
"Nopony. It was just a question."
"Don't lie to me, Discord. That's not what friends do."
"And friends don't pressure friends, do they?"
"Only if its good for them."
"How in Equestria is telling you who I love going to help me?"
"Oooh... So you do love somepony."
Discord slapped his paw against his face before slowly dragging it down. He shouldn't have come. This was ridiculous. Fluttershy was just as bad as that bunny right now. Well, he practically admitted it. Might as well just tell her anyway. If worse comes to worse he could erase her memory.... Though it wouldn't be exactly friendship approved.
"It may or may not be Celestia." Discord coughed.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Fluttershy asked.
"It may or may not be Celestia."
"Didn't quite catch that..." Fluttershy leaned her ear in.
"Oh for goodness sakes! It's Celestia......"
Fluttershy's smile grew, though she didn't quite know how to respond. They sat there in awkward silence as Fluttershy continued to stare at him with a smile. Discord turned away, coughing into a fist.
"So.... What do I do?" Discord asked, finally taking his spot on the couch. That was unimaginably painful to cough out. Somepony knew who he liked, and that was that.
"You have to tell her!" Fluttershy squeaked excitedly.
"When?"
"Now!!" Fluttershy said, starting to push him out the door.
"NOW?!?!" He shouted. Fluttershy was surprisingly strong, though it made sense. She handled animals of all sizes her entire life, and could even punch pain right out of a bear's tense shoulder. Discord, however, extended his arms and legs when they got to the door, making it impossible to push him through.
"Aw, come on Discord!" Fluttershy begged, continuing the attempt to push him out her door.
"Why right now? I'm sure she's sleeping!"
"We mustn't wait!" Fluttershy gave a hard shove. "You'll just keep putting it off!"
Discord grew two more arms and crossed them, showing that he wasn't planning on moving anytime tonight. There was no possible...
"I... Said.... NOW!" Fluttershy shouted with a final hard shove, which at last pushed Discord out the door, causing him to face plant into the earth. Fluttershy hovered lightly to the ground and stood beside him. "My apologies, Discord. But this simply can't wait!"
Discord groaned. If this was so important that Fluttershy gained surprise strength to shove him out the door, then he didn't really have a choice. That was pretty harsh for the pony known for her kindness.
"Fine... Whatever..." Discord heaved himself of the ground and walked down the dirt path. Fluttershy trotted ahead of him and crossed the bridge. When she turned around to make sure he was following, he was taking his good sweet time.
"Discoord!" She pleaded for him to come faster. All tiredness was swept out of Fluttershy's eyes. She was so ecstatic and happy for her friend. This was great for him.
Discord rolled his eyes and flipped on his back, hovering over at the same pace as Fluttershy. The Pegasus smiled and they made their way to Ponyville, which was just a little from Fluttershy's cottage. They went on in silence, the only sound being crickets, the occasion owl, and the continuous trotting of Fluttershy's hooves against the dirt road.
"So what exactly do we do when we get here?" Discord asked. He tried to hide his nervousness, but was clearly failing. To shut himself up, he snapped up some chocolate milk and began sipping through a straw as Flutters replied.
"Well, we ask the night guard ponies nicely if we can..."
"Howdy Fluttershy!" The Pegasus suddenly bumped into an orange earth pony. She let out a terrified squeak.
"So where you two headin' off to?" Applejack asked.
Fluttershy smiled and pointed at Discord. "Well, you see..."
Discord suddenly spat out his chocolate milk all over the orange mare and quickly scooped up Fluttershy and cuffed her mouth with his lion paw. "We're searching for Angel! He just ran off moments ago."
Fluttershy pushed his paw down, and looked at him with a slight tint in anger in her eyes, but she played a fake smile.
"I was actually going to say we were coming to Ponyville to purchase some animal food I realized I was out of..."
Discord suddenly realized that Fluttershy wouldn't really betray him. He looked around awkwardly and set Fluttershy back on the ground.
"Well.. Yes... We're doing that as well..." Discord coughed.
Applejack rose her eyebrow.
"I know for a fact that y'all aren't tellin' the truth." Applejack said suspiciously.
Discord smacked his face and dragged it down. Of all ponies to run into, why must it be the one that can detect lies as easy as he could snap up chocolate milk?
Fluttershy giggled nervously, then looked up at Discord. "Oh, come on Discord. We can tell Apple..."
"Yes! Yes! Of course we already told our dear friend Applejack... Would I lie to you?" He asked, selling a fake smile to the orange earth pony.
"Apparently." Applejack stated, her mouth still flat.
Discord sighed, then snapped up another cup of chocolate milk. He continued sipping it as the two mares staring at him. All four eyes were just melting into him, telling him to tell the truth.
"Fine. Fluttershy and I are running to Canterlot."
Fluttershy gave him an approving smile, while Applejack continued to stare.
"Why in Equestria would y'all be goin'' to Canterlot at this hour?"
Discord shrugged, not looking at her. His eyes were cast to the side. Fluttershy gave him a disapproving stare, but then looked back to the orange pony. "I'm sure he'll tell you later. He's having some issues talking clearly tonight."
The Draconequus shot her a threatening look, but Fluttershy just giggled. The Apple just shook her head. "All right. Well, y'all have a safe flight!" She continued walking in the direction of her farm. A question developed in Discord's mind that could've helped him when they first bumped into each other.
"What do you think she was doing out?" Fluttershy shrugged and started to fly upwards slightly. He followed.
"Beats me... Maybe delivering apples for something?" Fluttershy guessed.
Discord shrugged and flew through some clouds. Luna did a good job on the stars tonight. They flapped in silence side by side. Who would've guessed the quiet one would've broke it.
"So... Celestia...."
Discord blushed and continued flying in silence.
"What is it you like about her? How long?"
The questions made millions of images of the beautiful princess appear in his mind. They now flew in an even more awkward silence. He didn't really feel like answering these embarrassing questions. He was worried enough about what he was going to say or do when he got there. However, perhaps it would help Fluttershy help him figure out what to say.
"Well...I've liked her for a long, long time...."
Up hear, there were no animals or other ponies. Despite his quieter voice, Fluttershy heard him clearly.
"I... Don't know why she's stuck with me this long... Every day since we've met.... I just couldn't shake her from my mind. Granted, some days I feel stronger feelings for her then others... But its become a lot worse... Especially tonight. I couldn't even sleep..." He grumbled.
"But you never seem to act so shy when she's around." Fluttershy pointed out. Discord grumbled.
"I can't explain it."
Fluttershy nodded. She felt very happy helping her friend. This was the first time they have really talked anything really deep...Besides the earlier battle. The battle from the day before triggered another question.
"But when you were evil before, and even when Tirek persuaded you to help him... You weren't thinking of her then, were you?"
Discord hid his face in his paw and claw. He was blushing terribly.
"Of course I was thinking of her! I... I was hurt when I became the first real threat to Equestria... You see.... She..... She said no to me before when....I asked her.... I told her I loved her.... I was hurt at the time, and I thought my beautiful creation would make her happy... When it didn't... Well, I enjoyed it myself....... I suppose I should thank her. It was that who made me who I am."
Fluttershy stayed silent, processing all that she had just heard. She suddenly felt a sudden slash of worry. She hadn't have thought what would happen if Celestia didn't feel the same way. That was enough to corrupt him before... Surely it wouldn't be enough now.
"I'm actually feeling slightly better about telling her." Discord smiled at Fluttershy. "She did accept my flowers this time... and that was one of the most anxious moments in my life... And I've lived for quite a while."
Fluttershy's mind was now traveling deep into her own thoughts. It was difficult to listen to him. What if Celestia did deny him, and he returned to his previous life of creating chaos and making ponies miserable? A voice kept telling her he wouldn't. He was reformed, and a good friend. He cared for her and her friends. However, this was the same voice that held her faith to him earlier that day, when Tirek had manipulated him and had him come back to the dark side. Her trust for him had broken, and was sloppily glued together. What if he did return to his previous state? Fluttershy would be to blame.
Now, the tables had turned. Discord was now flying way ahead of Fluttershy, and when he noticed, he flew back beside her.
"Something wrong?"
Fluttershy shook her head. "No... I'm just a bit tired."
She hated lying. She was far from being tired. Her heart pounded heavy with worry. Discord shrugged an apology. They flew on in silence. At last, the castle came into view, along with the night guards below.
"Wait a minute!" Discord stopped flying forward and looked at Fluttershy nervously.
Maybe he was deciding not to tell her, which would relieve Fluttershy of her worries.
"I don't really want to go explaining why I'm coming into the castle... And being me, they're sure to be asking me a lot of questions... Instead I can snap to the hallway right in front of her bedroom." Discord decided. After talking it out, he realized he really did love Celestia. She was beautiful and strong. Despite his churning stomach, Discord knew he had to tell her, and could only hope she felt the same way... But he knew he shouldn't get his hopes up.
Before Fluttershy could reply, he grabbed her and snapped.
Her eyes were tightly closed, and when they opened, she was surrounded by darkness. There was a sliver of light coming through a crack in front of her.
"Disc...."
He planted his paw across her mouth to silence her. As Fluttershy's green eyes adjusted, she realized he was nervously looking through the crack. It appeared they were in a closet. Fortunately, the closet was quite large and had more then enough room to move about. Fluttershy trotted over and looked through the crack.
A bed could be seen with yellow blankets and red pillows. Dark pink drapes hung around it, and the floor below it was a shiny polished blue. Something had caught Fluttershy's ear, and she peered through the crack closer. Another room's door was open, and steam poured through. Coming from the same room was a beautiful voice, which was clearly the princess they were looking for. It was unclear what she was singing, but it was certainly beautiful.
Fluttershy pulled away, realized Discord had stopped peaking through and was in the back of the closet. His back faced her, and he was curled into a tight ball. She quietly trotted over.
"Well...?"
Discord turned his face to her, and his face was blushing more then it had been all night, which was really saying something.
He whispered quietly to her. "I didn't mean to snap us in her closet! And she's obviously not wanting any visitors right now!" His voice started to panic. "And I can't just snap us out of here, she'll hear it! Ughh..." Discord turned and looked through the crack again. Fluttershy did the same.
Celestia had come out, and was now humming the tune of the song she was just singing. She wore a pink fluffy robe, and her mane was still dripping wet on the shiny floor. "She really would hate it if I saw her right now, wouldn't she? I mean, if she knew."
Fluttershy rolled her eyes, forgetting her previous thoughts of him becoming evil again. While looking around the room, Fluttershy noticed something. Something that could certainly help Discord feel better. "Look, there on her night stand." She whispered.
Discord's eye blinked a few times. The flowers he had given to her earlier were sitting in a shiny crystal vase beside her bed. He stared at the flowers in disbelief. Celestia walked in the way, tying her mane in a ponytail.
"I decided I can't talk to her tonight." Discord stated.
Fluttershy looked at him, half relieved and half disappointed. "We can't exactly stay in her closet until she leaves." Fluttershy whispered.
"Why not?" He asked.
"Discord, we're spying on the princess!"
Discord looked at her with a worried expression. The yellow Pegasus, the quiet one, covered her mouth quickly. She had spoken too loud, and Celestia was walking over to her closet.
Discord's red pupils had shrunk down to tiny dots, and he had a look of pure fear. Fluttershy nervously gulped, and smiled when the princess opened the closet doors with her magic.
"Uhhh.... Hi princess!" Fluttershy said smiling.
"Hello Fluttershy....Discord." Celestia didn't smile. She just stared at the two in confusion. "Is there a reason you two are watching me?"
Discord choked at a chuckle as best as he could. "You see, princess, Fluttershy didn't believe I could teleport any where in..."
Fluttershy nudged him, urging him to tell the truth. Celestia moved aside and bowed her head, which basically meant to come out of the closet.
The two did as the princess wanted, and they all sat in a circle on the floor. Celestia had gotten three fancy cups with chocolate milk inside from a maid who was walking the hallways. As always, it was fast service. The princess sipped her chocolate milk, waiting for one of the two to explain.
Fluttershy stared up at Discord, and kept nudging him. Discord cast her an angry glance, then slowly took a sip of chocolate milk. It was obvious they weren't getting out of this room without telling some kind of story, so it might as well be the truth. Celestia gave a quite ahem, but Discord just let his eyes trail around the room nervously as his fingers tapped his glass of chocolate milk. His heart was pounding heavily, and it felt as if it was threatening to burst out of his chest.
"Well?" Celestia at last decided to break the silence.
Fluttershy finished sipping her chocolate milk. Both the mares had been patient with him, it was time to push him a little closer to the edge. She politely set it down on the floor
"Well, Princess, Discord has something to tell you."
Celestia looked at him, but he continued to let his eyes trail around the room as he slowly sipped the chocolate milk.
"Discord, now is not the time. I am tired and have a big day tomorrow." She said, pulling the cup away from his lips with her magic.
He chuckled nervously, casting a glance at Fluttershy that was a cross between "help" and "I'll get you back for this"
"You see, princess.... There was this really funny joke on the back of my cereal box and you just had to hear it."
Celestia looked over at Fluttershy, eye brows raised. Fluttershy nudged him again.
"Discord, please tell me that isn't the only reason you came here." Celestia set her cup down.
Fluttershy watched Celestia carefully... She appeared to be blushing slightly... It wouldn't surprise her if Discord didn't notice. He was too busy doing his best to hide his red face to realize it. Suddenly, Fluttershy's mind snapped. Celestia liked Discord. Not only was she blushing, but her voice contained a small hint. She wanted him to leave only because she felt shy about knowing he heard her sing. It would've been fine if it was just Fluttershy, or perhaps a night guard. But it was Discord she felt awkward about hearing her voice. Fluttershy had seen it in many other animals, so it was easy to sense it. She tried her best not to smile.
"Oh, and Discord. I believe Celestia has something to tell you as well."
Discord had a look of confusion on his face and he looked at her, but Celestia looked back at Fluttershy with a worried expression. The two sat there awkwardly in silence, waiting for one another to spill the beans. Fluttershy chuckled. She obviously had to push a little harder. The two watched as Fluttershy started flapping her wings. She flew up to Discord's ear and whispered:
"I need you to slide your arms down. You can keep your neck up, just kind of lay down on the floor."
Unsure of what was going on or how to respond, he did as he was told. Fluttershy stay flapping behind him. Celestia watched in silence and confusion. At last, Fluttershy gave his neck a gentle push. Luckily, the princess and the Draconequus had sat close enough across each other to make this act easier. Discord looked back at Fluttershy, now blushing terribly as his lips touched Celestia's.
Celestia was now blushing just as hard, deciding to stare at Fluttershy as well. Discord tried to pull his neck away from it, but Fluttershy kept the study shove going. The yellow Pegasus smiled and whispered in his ear once again.
"She's not pulling away."
Discord realized she was right, and soon Fluttershy stopped pushing on his neck. Discord was blushing terribly, along with the princess who soon turned her head away shyly. Discord looked crushed, then looked at Fluttershy, who was now sitting on the corner of Celestia's bed.
The Pegasus looked carefully at Celestia, who was blushing terribly. However, hidden behind her hoof was a smile. She nodded her head and gestured her hooves in a movement that urged him to continue. Discord didn't hesitate. He still felt nervous, but he wasn't going to wait for the princess to reply. He held her head with his paw and eagle claw, and leaned forward to give her a much more meaningful kiss himself.
Celestia stared at him as she felt his warm lips against hers. The kiss lasted for several seconds before the two broke apart, smiling and blushing. Discord was blushing even more then Celestia was, if that was even possible. Fluttershy gave quiet sigh of relief. Perhaps she was overreacting when she thought Discord would return to his chaotic state of mind.
Though that was over with, a long silence lingered after the kiss. At first Fluttershy thought it had been awkward, but realized the two were still staring at each other smiling. The yellow Pegasus let out a cough to remind the two she was there. Both of them blinked several times before looking over.
"S-sorry Fluttershy." Discord looked over at his friend, nodding a slight thank you. Flutters nodded in response, then gave him a wink. She was more then happy for him.
Celestia giggled a little bit, then looked at the two. "So... If you don't mind me asking, Discord,"
The Draconequus looked back over at Celestia, and his floppy ears lifted slightly, showing that he was indeed listening to what the princess had to say.
"How did you go about in gaining the courage to.. Um... Well, you started with the flowers earlier.." She gestured to the flowers beside her bed.
"I.. I guess I'm just impressed. I didn't think you'd actually do what you just did."
He chuckled as a response. Now that he had succeeded in his task, he was a lot more comfortable and more like himself. He made yet another glass of chocolate milk appear and held it in his hand. He took a sip before replying.
"In all honesty, Tia, it was mostly Fluttershy. I wouldn't have came here tonight if it weren't for her."
Fluttershy blushed at being acknowledged. Celestia bowed her head as a thank you, then sipped from the chocolate milk out of the fancy glass from earlier. "You know... I've never really liked tea. I always preferred chocolate milk, to be honest."
Discord chuckled again.
"I know."
Fluttershy smiled. She wasn't quite the one for romance, but seeing her friend so happy with the princess... It gave her a good feeling.
"So," Celestia set her empty cup neatly on the floor, then stood up. She tightened her ponytail with her magic before turning to place the cup on her nightstand beside the flower arrangement. "I bet you two are tired... Extracting magic can be hard for the body to cope with... And having it come back can be just as tiring. Would you two like to spend the night here in the castle?"
Fluttershy smiled excitedly, and Discord did the same. Even for a creature of chaos, staying in the castle was a privilege. Celestia smiled, then picked up a candle and lit it. "You're currently in the morning scheduled area of the castle, so I suggest you stay quiet. Many of the guards are tired. For their magic was stolen earlier today." Celestia lead the two down the long hallway. "There are two rooms next to each other a little way from here..."
The two followed her, making sure to keep quiet. It felt odd to hear the princess whisper when her voice was normally strong and demanding. "Now, if either of you need anything..."
The princess smiled at Discord, who was walking beside her. The candlelight bounced off oh him as he smiled back sheepishly.
"And I do mean anything, my room is right down the hall." As Celestia finished, she opened the two doors at once. Both had rooms that are pretty much identical. Both the beds bared of boring cream colored sheets, and boring pictures of flowers. Discord would've went along and listed everything unpleasantly boring, but it would take far too long. It was a miserable looking room, and he felt rather disappointed.
Fluttershy squeaked with excitement, and nodded her head to the princess before walking in to her room. Celestia watched, pleased that the Pegasus was thankful. When she cast a glanced to Discord, he seemed rather disappointed. But as soon as he noticed she was watching, he looked over and smiled.
"Umm.... Thanks Tia... Its very...." He rolled his lion paw as he tried to think of a non insulting word. Celestia finished for him.
"Boring?"
Discord looked at her. "Well.. Yes."
Celestia chuckled, then gave him a small peck on the cheek. He blushed at the sudden unexpected gesture, then looked back at her beautiful, violet eyes. "I'm sorry for all the trouble I've brought you in the past..." He looked away quickly, ashamed.
"But I can assure you, I can change."
Celestia smiled and started to turn away to head to her own bedroom. "But you already have."
Discord looked up hopefully and smiled.
"And feel free to do some decorating in that little room of yours." Celestia winked.