Blind Love
Written by ZekeOfTheFreaks
It was a beautiful, peaceful day in Ponyville, and everypony was having a blissful time. The citizens were tending to their business as usual, the fillies and colts were all enjoying themselves, and one couple in particular was having one of the best days of their lives.
Thought Process, a psychologist unicorn stallion, had been spending time with Fluttershy for quite some time now, partially because she was a client of his, but also because after the events that had unfolded about a month ago, they ended up confessing their feelings for each other. They had already eaten lunch together on multiple occasions by this point, and they were starting to realize just how much each of them means to the other.
Fluttershy was visiting Thought Process for one of their weekly sessions once again, and after being able to carefully monitor her (both professionally and otherwise), he wanted to make an announcement to her.
"Thank you for coming once again, Fluttershy. I've been studying your behavior over the past few weeks, and I'm pleased to say that your condition has become stable." Fluttershy smiled, and replied,
"Yay! So, does that mean I'm cured? Am I a normal pony again?"
"Well, I cannot guarantee that you're cured, or if you ever will be, but you've been doing so well with learning to control your wild side, that I can say you're much more stable. I know you're still the shy type, but you're definitely much more in control of your emotions. Plus, I've been watching you interact with other ponies, and you've been able to carry on conversations with less familiar ponies a lot better."
"Oh, thank you, Thought Process," she said while giving him a hug. "It's all because you were willing to give me a chance not once, but twice. I feel like I owe my life to you."
"Now, now, let's not get carried away here. I know we're really close friends now, but you're still a client, and while here, I would appreciate it if you'd treat me as such."
"Oh... I see." She calmed herself down.
"Anyway, our time for today is almost over, so I just wanted to congratulate you again on finally reaching a stable level. You've come a long way since we first met, and you should be proud of that."
"I am, Thought Process, and it's all thanks to you." The stallion blushed, and tried to keep from looking unprofessional.
"Well, I suppose I'll see you again next week?"
"Sounds perfect. I look forward to it, Thought Process." He smiled in agreement, and Fluttershy left him some bits as payment, as she walked out the door.
It was the day before Fluttershy's next visit with Thought Process. She was outside her cottage, tending to her plants and animal friends, when she saw an unfamiliar unicorn mare walk by, looking lost. She fluttered over to her, and asked,
"Um, excuse me, miss, but are you new in town?" Fluttershy got a closer look at the mare's green eyes, and noticed the saturation in them. She knew what this meant; this mare was blind.
"Well, I did just move here from Manehattan a few days ago."
"Oh, I s--" she was about to use the word 'see', but she didn't want to offend the mare. "I understand. Anyway, I'm Fluttershy. what's your name?"
"My name is Eagle Eyes. I know, my name seems ironic. I'm sure you noticed that I'm blind, but I can still get around just fine."
"You can? Pardon me if I sound rude for asking, but how?"
"With my magic. Since I was a filly, I've been able to use my magic as a radar of sorts, and it lets me 'see' what's around me, more or less."
"Wow! I have a few unicorn friends who can use their magic in interesting ways, but that is simply unique."
"I know," Eagle Eyes said with a chuckle. "Everypony tells me that."
"So, how are you doing with finding your way around town?"
"Well, it is a little nerve-wracking. I kinda moved here to get away from all the tension of the big city, but it meant leaving all my friends behind. I do kinda feel lonely, and was hoping that maybe there's somepony I could talk to who might be able to give me some guidance." Fluttershy recoiled at the word 'guidance', and knew exactly how to help her.
"I think I might know just the stallion who can help. Come with me, and I'll introduce you to him." Eagle Eyes gave a grin, and started following Fluttershy, who began walking along the dirt road.
About 15 minutes or so later, the two mares arrived at Thought Process' home. Fluttershy knocked on the door to see if he was inside, but there was no response.
"I guess he's not home at the moment," Fluttershy said.
"That's too bad. I was really looking forward to meeting him." Suddenly, somepony came walking towards them, and said,
"Hey, Fluttershy, when did you get here? And who's your friend?" Both mares were startled, and Eagle Eyes' horn started glowing, as if to try to defend herself. Fluttershy realized who it was, and replied,
"Oh, Thought Process, I'm glad it's you. This is Eagle Eyes. She moved to Ponyville a few days ago, and we just met today. She told me she has been looking for somepony to give her some guidance, and I thought you'd be the perfect pony for the job."
"Well, then, it's a pleasure to meet you, Eagle Eyes. My name is Thought Process. I specialize in psychology. I'm glad you met up with Fluttershy, because she's one of my clients, and one of my best ones, at that. If you ever need somepony to talk to, I'm always available for walk-ins."
"That sounds perfect! Thank you, Thought Process." Her horn glowed, and she started to see what he looked like.
"Uh, Fluttershy, what is she doing with her magic?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, Eagle Eyes is blind, so she uses her magic to be able to see what's around her."
"Hmm, that would explain the eye saturation. Anyway, like I said, Eagle Eyes, just come to my home whenever you want, and I'll see if I can take you in."
"Thanks, Thought Process. I'm glad I could meet up with you. You too, Fluttershy." They both smiled, and Fluttershy made her way back to her cottage, to get back to her gardening.
Fluttershy returned to Thought Process' home the following day, as they had agreed to the week before, and when she arrived, she looked through the window to see him talking to Eagle Eyes. Fluttershy remembered how he told Eagle Eyes that he was available whenever she needed him, so instead of coming in to ask about the situation, she just left the two alone, and decided she would come back later, and flew off. Meanwhile, Thought Process was talking to Eagle Eyes about her blindness, and he ended up asking her,
"So, how did you end up becoming blind?"
"I've been blind all my life. It's a condition that runs in my mother's side of the family. Most mares on her side are blind; she's an exception. My father is a unicorn, so they decided I should learn to use my magic as a way to see. I picked up the ability quite quickly."
"Fascinating. So how come you moved from Manehattan to Ponyville?"
"Well, because I use my magic to see, and the hustle and bustle of the city makes it taxing on my energy to use, I wanted to live someplace where I wouldn't have to constantly be relying on my magic. I heard Ponyville is a nice, peaceful, much more open place, so I figured it would be perfect for me. So far, I have no complaints."
"That's great! I'm assuming you have a job, right? After all, if you just moved here, you must have some way to make a living."
"Actually, I do. It's what it is that might surprise you." Thought Process leaned in closer, and she continued. "I'm an optician."
"An optician?" he asked in surprise. "Isn't that where you craft glasses and other corrective vision materials?"
"Yeah, I know, somepony like me without natural vision working as an optician. Go figure."
"Well, besides me and Fluttershy, have you made any friends since you came here?"
"I'm getting along with a few other ponies really well. I really like how everypony here is so friendly. I'm especially glad I got to meet you, Thought Process. Sure I've been treated well here, but only you and Fluttershy have actually tried to help me. I should probably be going now, so I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the chance to talk to you. Also, if you see Fluttershy, tell her I said thanks to her as well."
"No problem. Come back anytime." Eagle Eyes left some bits on the table by her seat, then proceeded out the door. She passed by Fluttershy, who was flying back at the time.
"Hey, it's you, Fluttershy!" The pegasus descended, and replied,
"Oh, hello, Eagle Eyes. I guess you were just coming from Thought Process' house. He was able to help you out, right?"
"Yes, he was. Thank you very much for suggesting him to me. I should be on my way, so enjoy the rest of the afternoon."
"You too, Eagle." They waved at each other, and Fluttershy descended towards the stallion's home.
Fluttershy knocked on the door, and Thought Process opened in response. Fluttershy took a seat on the couch, and Thought Process broke the ice.
"So, have you been able to maintain yourself since our last discussion?"
"Yes, I have. I haven't been having any troubles at all lately."
"I'm thrilled to hear that, Fluttershy. It warms my heart to know you're finally in control of yourself."
"I could say the same thing. It's all thanks to you, Thought Process."
"You know, I've been wondering, would you be so kind as to join me for dinner tonight?"
"I'd love to. I've been meaning to do something special with you, anyway, so this is perfect."
"Very well then, same place as usual?"
"Absolutely." The two ponies continued to talk for about an hour before Fluttershy left. That evening, the two met up at Fluttershy's cottage, both dressed nicely, and made their way to the restaurant in Ponyville. They arrived at the place, and Thought Process opened the door for Fluttershy before letting himself in. He then asked the mare at the reception,
"A table for two please?"
"I'm sorry, but all of our seats have been taken at the moment," she replied. Thought Process and Fluttershy were both disappointed, until they heard a familiar voice from the booth nearby.
"Those two are with me, miss." They both recognized the female voice, as they turned towards it. It was Eagle Eyes. Thought Process looked at the mare, who winked at him, and the reception mare commented,
"Oh, so you're the rest of Ms. Eagle Eyes' party of three. Allow me to escort you." The two ponies rolled with this turn of events, since they didn't want to waste a trip, and they both took a seat by their blind friend.
"It's nice to be in your company again," Eagle Eyes said to her friends.
"Likewise for us," Thought Process replied, "We were worried we wouldn't have the chance to have dinner here tonight."
"Um... how did you know we were coming, Eagle?" Fluttershy asked nervously.
"Actually, I didn't. I wanted to check this restaurant out for the first time, and when Fluttershy passed by me earlier today, I figured that since you two are such great friends, if I went here tonight, there would be a chance of you two showing up, so I asked for a table for three, just in case."
"That's wonderful, and lucky for us, if I may add," Thought Process replied, putting his hoof on the table.
"Plus..." Eagle Eyes continued, "I was hoping you would come, Thought Process. I've been meaning to tell you something important." She placed her hoof on top of the stallion's, and was about to say something, before Fluttershy shouted,
"NO!!" Her loudness attracted the attention of the ponies in the tables surrounding them, before she sheepishly continued, "No... salt. That's right, there's no salt." Fortunately for her, the staff had indeed forgotten to place a saltshaker on the table. A waiter arrived within minutes with a fresh one, placed it on the table, and asked,
"Are you alright, madam? You seem troubled."
"It's... nothing, sir, I just overreacted a little. I'm sorry." The waiter still gave her a skeptical look, but replied,
"So, what will the three of you be having?"
"I'll take an oat burger," Thought Process replied.
"A daisy caesar salad for me, please," Fluttershy said quietly.
"I'll take the same thing as both of them, sir." Eagle Eyes commented with joy.
"Very well," the waiter said writing down their orders, "and for drinks?"
"Water, please," the three said in unison. The waiter smiled at them, and the three were finally alone.
"Fluttershy, what was that outburst for?" Thought Process asked.
"I... I'm not sure. I really don't know what came over me, but I'm fine now."
"Gee, you sure about that?" Eagle Eyes asked. "You sure gave me a scare. But if you say so. Anyway, Thought Process, as I was saying, I've been thinking about how you helped me out with your chats, and I know this might seem sudden, but would you mind if we became--"
"NO!!" Fluttershy screamed. She startled the surrounding ponies again, and anxiously said, "I'm sorry, I just... I need to use the little fillies' room." She got out of her seat, and trotted towards the restroom area, leaving the other two alone.
"Is she OK?" Eagle Eyes asked.
"To be honest, I really don't know. She usually doesn't act out like this when we go out to eat."
"Well, luckily she's gone now, so I really need to ask you something. Would you... please be my special somepony? You've already done so much for me, and I just want to be able to spend more time with you."
"Oh, uh... this is awkward," Thought Process replied, "You see... Fluttershy and I are kinda already dating. We have been for a while now, even before you came to town. You understand, right?"
"I understand. And I'm not mad." She started to tear up, as she continued, "After all, you did have her first, and she is a good friend. Without her, I'd never have met you, so she deserves a great stallion such as yourself."
"Eagle Eyes... don't be so upset. I still like you. In fact, you're quite the beauty yourself."
"I-I am?"
"Yes. I just didn't want to say it at risk of being rude to Fluttershy. I know you're blind, hay, my vision isn't the best either, but..." He removed his glasses, and continued, "You may not be able to see it, but I don't need my glasses to see how beautiful of a mare you are." Eagle Eyes blushed, and gave him a peck on the cheek out of impulse.
"Thanks," she said. "I needed to hear that. Anyway, you think Fluttershy has calmed down yet?"
"About that, I think I know why she had her outbursts." He started whispering to her, "Between you and me, she has this other side of her that she's been trying to keep under control. In fact, that's why she started seeing me in the first place. I think when we touched hooves, and you were about to confess to me in front of her, that side of her almost came out. I think if you just treat this like a casual dinner, as friends, she won't do that again."
"I understand, Thought Process, and I'm sorry if it's my fault that she had to shout like that." The two smiled, and waited for their friend to return.
Meanwhile, in the restroom, Fluttershy was giving herself a splash of water from the sink, and she looked at herself in the mirror, and said,
"What's happening to me? I thought my problems had finally been sorted out. When Thought Process and Eagle Eyes touched hooves, though, I don't know what came over me. I just couldn't help myself. I think I can guess what Eagle Eyes was about to say, too. Was I so scared of losing Thought Process that I'd let myself go berserk? Oh, I don't know if I can go through with this anymore." She splashed more water on her face, and continued, "I can't just leave those two sitting there out of nowhere, though, especially when we haven't eaten yet. Plus, I agreed to have dinner with him, and I can't just leave her hanging, since I was her first friend in town. I'm sure if I just keep myself under control, I'll be fine." She dried her face off, and walked back to her booth, where Thought Process and Eagle Eyes were waiting for her. The waiter arrived with their food, and they spent the rest of the evening just talking about what each had been up to, even though it was a little more of an awkward night than Fluttershy and Thought Process had intended. After they were finished with their food, the three agreed to split the bill evenly, and they all walked out and back home without any more problems.
A few days had passed, and Fluttershy was still feeling guilty about the trouble she caused at the restaurant, especially since it was Eagle Eyes' first time at the place, and she didn't want her to assume that everypony who goes there is like that. She decided to find Eagle Eyes' house, and personally pay her a visit, so she could apologize for her behavior. She learned of her address through their conversation at dinner, so finding her home wasn't going to be an issue. Fluttershy left her cottage, and flew to Eagle Eyes' house, hoping she'd be able to find her. When she arrived, there was a sign on her front door, saying she wasn't home at the moment. This disappointed her, and she had no idea who to talk to next. Rarity was busy with her work that day, and Rainbow Dash was taking Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie Pie to a Wonderbolts derby, so the only pony Fluttershy had left to talk to was Thought Process. She decided that if she can't clear her head by talking to Eagle Eyes, she'd at least consult her psychologist, who could give her some advice on the subject.
Fluttershy flew to Thought Process' house, and knocked on the door. There wasn't a response, but she could hear two voices coming from inside. She looked through the window, and what she saw shattered her heart. Thought Process and Eagle Eyes were inside, giving each other a kiss. Fluttershy wanted to cry, but she started feeling rage instead, and quickly went back to the front door, kicked the door open, and shouted at the top of her voice,
"WHAT IN EQUESTRIA IS GOING ON HERE?! THOUGHT PROCESS, I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU! HOW COULD YOU CHEAT ON ME LIKE THIS?! AND WITH HER?! SOMEPONY BETTER SPEAK UP BEFORE I LOSE IT!" Thought Process and Eagle Eyes were scared out of their wits, but Thought Process calmed himself down, and approached Fluttershy slowly.
"F-Fluttershy, just... calm down. This isn't what it looks like."
"NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE?! I DON'T KNOW ABOUT BLIND GIRL OVER THERE, BUT I CAN SEE THIS JUST FINE!"
"If you'll just quiet down, I can explain everything." Fluttershy tried to calm herself down, but could only bring herself down to a seething breath. "I believe you deserve to know what happened between me and Eagle Eyes." Fluttershy finally brought herself to a stable temper, and took a seat in the chair next to the two ponies.
"Is... is she good now?" Eagle Eyes asked.
"Yes, she's fine. But she needs to hear this." He turned to Fluttershy, and continued, "Fluttershy, a while before you came in, Eagle Eyes was visiting me, wanting to tell me how sorry she was for causing you to lose your cool at dinner the other night. She then reminded me of how much I helped her out with getting settled in town, and told me again how she hoped I could be her special somepony. Of course, I reminded her that you and I were together, and how I didn't want us all to stop being friends. One thing led to another, and Eagle Eyes and I agreed that we should at least have one kiss, just to get our tensions out of the way. It was then that you came storming in. I wasn't trying to cheat on you, I was just trying to make Eagle happy. You understand, right?" Fluttershy realized just how much she must have upset the two, coming in kicking and screaming without fully understanding the situation.
"Personally," she replied, "I came to talk to you about apologizing to Eagle for my own outbursts. I didn't want her first impression of the restaurant to be ruined by me, and I didn't want her to think I was crazy or something." Fluttershy started to cry, as she continued, "But now, I've shown my inner beast to her for a second time, ruining any hopes of fixing my first mistake. Eagle, I'm sorry you had to see me like this, and for everything I did to hurt you. Thought Process, I don't want your relationship with Eagle to be damaged because of me, so if she really wants you to be with her, then I'm perfectly fine with that. I just... want you both to know, I'd never want to hurt either of you, and I'm sorry. Eagle, you can have Thought Process. After what I've done to you, and because you still need somepony to guide you through town, you deserve him. Goodbye." Fluttershy continued to cry, as she walked out of the house, closed the door behind her, and made her way back home.
"Was that... her other side?" Eagle Eyes asked.
"I'm afraid so. She must have been so heartbroken over what she saw us do that she lost control of herself. I'm sorry too, Eagle, for letting that happen."
"Actually, I should apologize. It was my idea for us to share just one kiss, so I deserve all the blame for what she did."
"I understand. How about we just end our session here, and you just go on home, no charge for today." Eagle Eyes nodded, as she found her way to the door using her magic, and left the house. "Oh, Fluttershy," he said when he was finally alone, "you were so close to managing your inner beast, and this had to happen. Why didn't I stop myself in the heat of the moment? Why didn't I assert my relationship with you enough? Why did this have to end up this way?" At this point, all three ponies were starting to cry, and after both mares returned home, none of the three did anything for the rest of the day.
The next day came, and Fluttershy, who was still feeling upset, was tending to her garden as usual. Angel tried to console her by helping her out, but she couldn't bring herself out of her depression. She heard two ponies walking towards her cottage, and fluttered back inside, scared to talk to anypony. One of the two ponies came to the front door, and knocked.
"Fluttershy... we need to talk," the pony's voice spoke. She came to the door, and opened it, to see Thought Process, looking remorseful. "Can Eagle and I please come in?"
"Okay..." she said, moving aside. Both ponies came into her cottage, and took a seat. Fluttershy closed her door, and met them at the couch.
"Fluttershy," Eagle Eyes started, "I'm truly sorry for making Thought Process cheat on you like that. I had no idea how much he meant to you. I was so occupied by my own desires for him to even notice. I... know you said I could have him, but because I didn't consider your feelings, I have no right to him. Plus, I realized that you've known him longer than I have, and I realize that a relationship like yours can't be replicated so soon with somepony else. You should stay with him. It's what I would really want." Fluttershy sensed the sincerity behind Eagle Eyes' words, and replied,
"Thanks, Eagle, but I think you have more of a right to him than I do. I was seeing him as my psychologist, and the fact that he and I first met as foals, and didn't see each other again for years, made me think he must be the right one for me. He was helping me become more emotionally sound, and I used my past with him as a crutch for my relationship with him. You, however, met him because I introduced you to him, and were seeing him more as a helpful friend than a psychologist. You two got together more naturally, and deserve each other because of it. I wouldn't want to stand in your way, when it was clearly more meant to be with you two."
"You... really want him to be with me that much?"
"Yes. I know I had him first, but you're here now, and if Thought Process can move on, so can I."
"But, if he doesn't want to move on, he should keep you. You said it yourself, you have a past with him. I can't supersede that."
"Oh, but you do."
"Now hold your horses, girls," Thought Process commented, "it seems you two are at an impasse. I realize that I mean a lot to both of you, and quite frankly, I'm flattered, but you both have such good reasons to have me. Plus, I do kinda have feelings for both of you. I know I can only have one special somepony, though, so I think I'm the one who should decide, since neither of you is willing to accept me." Both mares looked at each other, thinking about each of their experiences with each other and Thought Process, and nodded in agreement.
"Fluttershy, we met so many years ago as foals. I was your first friend in Ponyville, and you were my first friend, well, ever. I'll never forget the joy you brought me that day when we were young. Eagle Eyes, you came to Ponyville to get away from the city's tension, and still need somepony to help you find your way through this town, even though Fluttershy did have me first." He thought about his choices for a while, and said, "It pains me to say this, it really does, but... Fluttershy, you said it yourself that if I could move on, so could you. You were also the first to willingly give me up, which took a lot of guts. And, you had a point when you said my relationship with Eagle was much more natural, so I think I should give her a chance. We can still be friends, for sure, but for now, another mare needs me." He gave Fluttershy one last kiss, before walking towards Eagle Eyes, who started crying tears of joy.
"Thank you, Thought Process, for everything," Fluttershy said. "I can still see you about my... condition, right?"
"Of course. Nothing would make me happier than to see you through your transition." Fluttershy smiled, and the new sweethearts walked out of the cottage, as Fluttershy waved goodbye, feeling happy that two of her close friends could now live happily.
That night, Fluttershy found the journal she had kept before becoming Thought Process' girlfriend. She started reading through it, and remembered just how much she had improved since she met him. She then realized that she had never put in another entry after hooking up with him. She decided to give it another entry, and after she wrote, it read,
"Dear Journal,
I know it's been quite some time since I last wrote in you, but for the longest time, I thought I didn't need you anymore. Well, with the events that unfolded today, I've realized otherwise. You see, my psychologist, Thought Process, turned out to be the same colt I met when I first came to Ponyville. We both got so caught up with reuniting that we ended up becoming each other's special somepony. By being able to spend so much more time with him, I thought I had finally been able to control my inner beast, but what ended up happening proved that wasn't the case.
I met this mare named Eagle Eyes, who is blind. She was new in town, and didn't even have any friends yet. I thought she might need somepony to help guide her through town, so I introduced her to Thought Process. The two hit it off as friends almost immediately, and I couldn't have been happier for them. It was some time later that things started to sour between us three. He and I were going to that restaurant we'd always meet at for lunch, and Eagle Eyes happened to be there, with a table for the three of us. I saw her expressing her feelings for him, and nearly lost control of myself.
It was a few days after that when everything changed. I came to apologize to Eagle, when I saw her kissing Thought Process. In my jealousy, the rage of my inner beast came out, and I scared both of them out of their wits (which I still don't think I can forgive myself for). When I finally calmed down, and he explained the situation, I realized just how much he means to her, and said she could have him, if he was okay with that. The next day, the two came to my cottage, and Eagle said I deserve him more than she does, so she and I got in a stalemate, and he decided he should choose. He ended up choosing Eagle, which broke my heart (or whatever was left of it), but at the same time, I couldn't feel happier knowing that I at least had closure. Plus, two great friends of mine are now together as sweethearts, and I'm happy for them, if not for myself. We're all still friends, so that's good. I'll be sure to write in here more often, now that I'm going to need some help with recovering from this big setback. Thanks for being here for me.
Sincerely,
Fluttershy."
That afternoon, Twilight Sparkle came to pay Fluttershy a visit, and noticed her face both tearing up and smiling.
"Hi Fluttershy. Did I miss something?"
"Oh, I just had the reality check of my life. Nothing serious."
"O...kay then. Well, we just came back from the Wonderbolts derby. Want to hear about it?"
"I'd love to. Did Fleetfoot win like she usually does?"
"You really should hear just what happened. It ended up being quite the turnaround." The two mares spent the rest of the afternoon talking about the derby, as Thought Process and Eagle Eyes were walking by to check on their friend, smiling at how happy she looked through the window.