Author's Note

A quick note before you start reading, of things to keep in mind:

1.) This is a humanized, alternate universe. The characters are aged up, post-Tirek season 4 finale.
2.) Some characters will be displaced outside of their canon perspective, though not to ridiculous forms. This is done to better suit the path of the story of the main characters. They are still themselves, but are altered in age, for example.

Welcome to my second take on the mane 6, with our star role going to Fluttershy! After thinking on it for some time, it occurred to me that Fluttershy has rarely, if ever, been depicted quite like this. I hope you enjoy!

The Spark

If one were to overlook the city of Ponyville from above, it would appear like many similar small cities placed within the countryside of Equestria’s grand landscape. With multiple agricultural fields, a river or two running through it, and even a small natural park placed here and there throughout, the quaint town was one that many could consider a comfortable place to live. And those believers would be quite right, even amidst all the chaos and strange events that happen within the town proper.

Even after its fair share of invasions, magical uprisings, stampedes and epidemics, and even a tyrannical being or two, Ponyville was still a prosperous place when you’ve found your mark. By that idea, some would wager they’d have to make use of their special talent that’s often emblazoned across their hip, one of the unique traits of an Equestrian persona. But some don’t quite follow that rule of thumb, sticking instead with what they aspire to be.

The racing taxi that was weaving its way down the road along the western side of town belonged to one such person. The outside of the taxi looked to be like any other commonplace vehicle for public transport, yellow with dotted black and white trim and its taxi number emblazoned across the top. It was within the taxi that one finds the uniqueness.

“So I told him, ‘No you can’t do that, you’ll bring the whole house down!’ and he just kept on, and on!” The driver, a brown-haired man that held onto the wheel with one hand while gesturing with the other, seemed at ease amidst the blazing speed of his machine. His passengers, a pair of tourists whose cameras had so far been bounced around enough around their necks that they became entangled in one another, had little to say in response other than to try and hold onto each other.

“Next thing you know, he steps back all proud of his new wall he’d put up, only for it to fall on its side from one little gust! Course, which led to the whole rest of the frame following suit.” The driver beamed, laughing a little as he came around a corner, hard enough that had their seatbelts not been in place, the two tourists would have been thrown from their seats. The taxi barreled down the road before coming to a slow. “That’s what you get when you don’t listen to Rick Shaw!” The driver declared before the taxi stopped, and he hooked an arm around the head of the seat to look behind at the two now at rest passengers.

“And here we are, City Hall!” He declared, and the male tourist finally removed his head from hiding it in the hair of his female counterpart to see, indeed, the tall structure of the city’s main political office. “Hope you folks enjoy your stay in town! Feel free to call on me if you need another ride!”

The passenger side door opened and the male, a portly man dressed in a tropical shirt, managed to wobble out of the cab while his wife fished out the necessary money to pay him. “We will if we ever need to experience a roller coaster again.” She muttered under her breath as she too left the vehicle.

Rick only chuckled and shook his head, his blue eyes panning across in front of him before he gazed in the rearview mirror. There wasn’t much traffic if any at this hour, making it prime time for him to grab as many lifts as he can to make his paycheck that much better. Taking a moment to adjust the mirror, he admitted to himself that he’d been working pretty hard lately. With how the rent fee for his apartment had been raised, he’d been a bit strained for cash. His stomach growled in agreement with this thought. “Shush you. We’ll get a proper bite when we can.” He chastised his gut, and it replied only with a small pang of want for a juicy hamburger from one of the local shops.

A faint calling voice snapped Rick from his thoughts of food and he realized someone was trying to wave him down from City Hall. Flicking his light to available, he waved them over, giving little attention to the customer as they climbed into his car. He did catch a sight of long pink hair that blew as they’d made their way to him, making her a woman. “Where to, miss?” he asked instinctively, turning to give her a smile.

By the Goddess’ mercy, he barely managed to keep his composure. She was a looker, no doubt. Her pink hair that he’d spotted before framed her lovely rounded face, cyan eyes wide as a dainty hand rose up and moved a loose strand away from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

“Ponyville Elementary school, please. I have to pick up my son.” She replied, her voice soft in volume and tone. It was as if she was half-expecting him to say no, the way she turned her face away to look out the window.

“Of course, no problem.” Rick replied confidently, turning back and getting himself mentally focused on the road and not the woman behind him. Clicking on his signal, he checked again for any traffic inbound and waited for a truck to pass before entering the street once more. Once properly on the road towards the school, he tried to speak up. “So how old’s your kid? Does he like school so far?”

The woman hesitated to speak at first, and Rick was glad he chose to keep the radio down as her soft voice was hard to hear over the hum of the engine. “Um…yes, he does. He’s young, only seven or so.”

Rick smiled, nodding. “He a rambunctious little tyke, or maybe one more for taking his time?” he prodded, trying to encourage her to talk. Customers who could feel like they could chat with their driver made them feel more relaxed.

The pink-haired woman smiled to herself. “He’s very energetic. He always runs around the house when he’s not busy with schoolwork.” She replied, still softly but well enough for Rick to have no trouble understanding.

“Good on him, staying on his grades. Kid keeps that up, I’m sure he’ll be top of the class.” Rick remarked. “If I’d have done that, I might not be in this cab right now, huh?” he joked, drawing a polite giggle from the woman. “My name’s Rick Shaw by the way. Mind if I ask who I’ve got back there today?”

“Oh! My name’s Fluttershy, Mr. Shaw.” The now identified Fluttershy responded courteously.

“No need for the Mister, though I’m certain you’re worth calling a Miss, miss Fluttershy.” He replied, causing her to giggle again. Rick looked ahead, smiling to himself. The atmosphere of the cab was calm now, and he could tell she was relaxed. Up ahead, the school came into view, a large brick building that had a fair stretch of evenly cut grass all around, the sidewalk a light concrete color that was dabbled with various doodles from chalk the students no doubt left behind.

“Sure is a nice school!” Rick commented as he pulled up in front of the building, his eyes panning up and around. “They must keep it up and running pretty well, compared to what I grew up with. Nothing like old wood and plastic, huh?” he remarked as he parked. Giving another glance up, he blinked as he saw a figure on top of the building. Granted, at its highest, the school sat at only two stories tall at most, half of that height coming from the bell tower that was attached to the top, giving it a rustic charm. But the person atop the roof looked lost, from Rick’s view.

Fluttershy’s gasp drew his attention from it to her, where her calm expression had shifted into something akin to panic. “Featherweight! Oh no, what is he doing?” she exclaimed, and Rick looked back again. The figure had moved to where he could be seen better, and the driver comprehended that it was no maintenance man on top of the school, but a child. And with Fluttershy’s response, he connected that it was likely her child. He climbed out of the car as Fluttershy also stepped out, and followed her up to the grass where she could call up to him. “Honey! What are you doing up there, that’s dangerous!”

“Mom?” a young boy’s voice called down to them, and Rick squinted as he held his hand up, blocking out some of the sun so he could see better. The kid was safe for the time being, not standing on the edge. He was sitting, as far as Rick could tell, but not moving. “Mom, I’m stuck. Can you help me?”

“Oh! But…oh! What do I do? We should get someone, right?” Fluttershy looked to Rick, who looked back to her. Worry permeated her eyes, and Rick came to a decision.

“I’ll see if there’s a fire ladder on the side. You go get someone inside, maybe his teacher?” He suggested, and Fluttershy nodded before going inside quickly. Rick’s attention became focused on finding his way up there, and a quick jog to the side of the building revealed a route of access, namely a beaten up ladder that looked quite aged.

“Geez, you think they’d at least fix up there safety some.” He remarked as he gripped the ladder and gave it a test tug. The metal that bound the ladder in place didn’t budge, though he heard it give a small groan of complaint. Planting his foot squarely on the first rung, Rick’s hands gripped each step firmly as he made his way up. It was a brief climb, and he was shortly on level with the roof. Sure enough, there next to the bell tower sat the little boy in question. He wore a simply blue t-shirt and shorts, and carried a nervous expression. “It’s alright, kid. I’m here to help you.”

“Who are you? Where’s mom?” Featherweight asked quickly.

“My name’s Rick. I’m a friend of your mom’s. Now don’t worry, I’m gonna help get you down, ok?” He said softly, kneeling down so his height wouldn’t intimidate the kid. Featherweight nodded and got up, walking over to him. Rick smiled softly and held out a hand to him. “See? No trouble, we’ll climb down. You can hold onto my back, and I’ll carry us down.”

Featherweight nodded and smiled as Rick walked with him back to the ladder. He paused, however, as he heard Fluttershy calling up to him. Walking to the edge, Rick looked down and saw Fluttershy standing with who he presumed was one of the teachers, a woman wearing a violet button-up shirt and matching knee-length skirt. “Is everything ok? Where’s Featherweight?” she called up to him.

“No worries miss Fluttershy! I got him right here, he’s fine! We’re going to climb down the ladder on the side over there.” He gestured with his hand before nodding. “He’s fine, don’t worry!” Moving away from the edge, Rick went back to Featherweight, who had not moved from his spot by the ladder.

“You ever climb on the jungle gym at the park, Featherweight?” Rick asked as he kneeled beside him.

“I have a couple times. It’s a little scary, cuz I keep thinking I’ll fall down into the dirt.” He replied.

“Don’t you worry, bud. I’ll make sure you don’t fall. Do you trust me?” He asked, and the boy nodded. “Good! Now, don’t worry. Ol’ Rick’s strong enough.” He turned, and hooked his arms around his back, giving Featherweight a foothold as he climbed atop him. Once his tiny arms were around his sternum, Rick stood back up and walked over to the ladder. Featherweight whimpered and tightened his hold. Sensing this, Rick looked over his shoulder at him.

“I promise you, you’re safe with me. You can close your eyes if you want. I won’t let you fall.” He said confidently, giving him a smile. Featherweight took this and nodded, tucking his head into the back of his neck as he closed his eyes. Rick nodded and swung his leg out, finding the rung of the ladder and testing to see if it’d brace them both. When nothing shook, he nodded and carefully began climbing down. He paused halfway down when he heard the metal strain, but it didn’t give way. Taking this as a sign of luck, Rick quickly climbed down the rest of the way, the pair of them making it to the ground safely. “There we go!”

Featherweight opened his eyes and saw they were indeed on the ground once more. The boy gave a small grunt of effort as Rick helped him climb off him, and he ran to Fluttershy who had come around to the side. “Oh, thank goodness! Feather, you had me worried!” she exclaimed to the child hugging her tightly.

Rick smiled at the pair, happy with his good deed. He started to walk up to them when he heard the metal groan again, and looked up to see the ladder’s braces falling off. Rusty patches of metal came loose as the ladder gave way, bits of brick and concrete raining down. Thinking instinctively as he saw them in the path of the debris, Rick rushed forward and pulled both Featherweight and Fluttershy out of the way, giving them both a brief shove that moved them away from the falling debris before he raised his arms and shielded his head. As soon as he’d done this, he felt the impacts of the falling brick and concrete, as well as the sidebar of the ladder that clubbed him in the back as it turned and fell free.

With a grunt, Rick fell to one knee, but he kept still, his arms still up. When the dust and sound had settled, he shook his head. There were a few tiny pangs of pain along his back where the brick and concrete had struck, along with the sting of where the metal ladder had hit him. Other than that, he was alright. Choosing to sit for a moment, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, trying to clear it of dust and dirt that had fallen onto him.

“Rick! Are you alright?” Fluttershy’s voice called to him, and he looked up to see her running to him. It might have been the daze of impact from the ladder, but Rick realized he was getting a proper look at the woman in question finally, and wondered if he’d been hit on the head after all. She looked downright angelic, her hair acting like a halo of pink as it waved behind her. Her figure, hidden within the confines of a green sweater and a blue jean skirt that reached down to her ankles, was as beautiful as it was arousing to Rick’s inner self. One could easily make out the sway of thick, strong hips and even a slight bounce to her bosom as she ran over to him.
He needed to hit his head more often if he was going to be treated to sights like this.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m alright. I got a thick noggin, I’m told.” He took her offered hand in his own and stood, coming up to her height and smiling. “Is the kid ok?”

Smiling in relief, Fluttershy nodded and looked down to Featherweight, who came up from behind to cling to his mother’s side. “Thank you, mister Rick.” He said softly, smiling at the man.

Rick nodded and gave a thumbs-up. “Not a problem. You just need to be more careful, bud. What were you doing up there?”

Featherweight looked to answer, but the teacher from before returned to the trio with another student in tow, a portly boy who was being tugged by the ear by the woman. “I believe the culprit can be found here. Mr. Snips here informed me that he had dared Mr. Featherweight at recess to climb atop the roof.” She cast a reproachful glare at the boy, who pouted and kicked a loose rock with his sneaker-clad foot. “What do you have to say for yourself, young man?”

“I’m sorry I dared him to do something dangerous, Miss Cheerilee.” He replied, his cheeks puffing. Rick raised an eyebrow as he questioned the sincerity of the apology, but let it be.

“It’s alright, Miss Cheerilee. Everyone’s safe and sound, and that’s what matters.” Fluttershy said, turning to look at her son. She then looked to Rick, who blinked and met her gaze.

“Thank you. I don’t know what we’d have done had one of us tried to climb it.” Her smile beamed at him, and he forced his blush down as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Nah, I was just doin’ the right thing. Sides, it’s the kid that matters most, right?” Rick nodded at Featherweight.

“Still, thank you. Oh!” She blinked as she brought a hand to her cheek. “I forgot to pay the fee for you driving me here!” She exclaimed, only to blink in surprise when Rick waved his hand dismissively.

“Nah-ah. It wouldn’t feel right to take money for it. It’s on the house.” He assured, and gestured at Featherweight. “Why don’t I help you two get around town? Maybe the park to relax some and let Feathers here get some play time in?”

Fluttershy nodded at the idea. “I think that would be great!” she looked to Featherweight, who turned his head up to look at her. “What do you think, honey? Want to go to the park and play some?”

The boy nodded, and Rick couldn’t help but smile at the scene. The three of them went back to his taxi, while Cheerilee escorted the still sour Snips back into the school, no doubt to discipline him for his role in the mess.

***

Central Park in Ponyville wasn’t too unique in terms of constructs to play on or things to occupy one’s time. Of course, it had the unspoken requirement of a play set for kids to enjoy themselves on, be it to play hide and seek, have imaginative adventures, or to just enjoy being a kid. Featherweight was one to pursue each of these endeavors, while Rick and Fluttershy chose to simply sit at one of the nearby benches while Fluttershy watched her child play.

Rick stretched and sighed, smiling to himself. The slight pain from before of the debris falling on him was mostly gone by now. He was glad that he was fortunate enough to only have been nicked and not hit full on, or else he might’ve needed to visit the hospital. Turning his gaze to the woman beside him, he was again struck by her beauty. Whoever she had waiting for her at home was certainly a lucky man. He caught himself when he realized he was staring and chose to speak up, turning his eyes back to watch Featherweight play.

“He’s certainly an energetic kid. I can remember being much the same like him when I was his age. Though that was more a time that all we had were sticks and hoops, huh?” he remarked.

Fluttershy giggled, bringing a hand up to her lips to stifle it before she looked over to the brown-haired man. “I’m sure you had just as much fun.” She commented before ducking her head down a little, the bangs of her hair hiding her face partially. “Um…thank you, again. Today would’ve been a much rougher day if not for all your help.”

Rick waved a hand dismissively, feeling bashful for hearing gratitude from the beauty beside him. “Nah, it was nothing!” he assured. “It was the right thing to do, and I’m sure anyone else would’ve done the same.” He added.

Fluttershy smiled at his words and nodded. Rick looked out at Featherweight and chuckled as the boy struggled while climbing the miniature wall that was set up as part of the large play construct set in the middle of the area. With the wide open field surrounding the location, it certainly allowed anyone there to feel relaxed. The additional benefit of the sunny day kept things feeling smooth and easy.

“So would you be the same Fluttershy I’ve heard about in the news? The one who wound up saving our nice little town every few months or so?” He asked, looking back over to her.

Fluttershy blushed self-consciously and fiddled with her skirt as her hands rested in her lap. “Oh, I didn’t do that much. But…yes, me and my friends did help do quite a lot. It seems like it was only yesterday, but it’s hard to believe that it’s been a few years since those days.” Fluttershy looked up at the sky and smiled. “It was certainly an interesting time then.”

Rick whistled and leaned back into the bench. So he really was sitting next to one of the fabled “Harmony” women, and he’d somehow been fortunate enough to get one in his cab. “Wow. I’m sure lucky then!” He laughed, making Fluttershy blink.

“What do you mean?” She questioned.

“Well, how many other cab drivers can say they got to drive both a beauty and a famous celebrity in the same day?” he said without thinking, before his brain caught up with what his mouth had said. Almost immediately, his cheeks burned and he rubbed the back of his head. “Gah. Sorry, I’m sure you put up with that enough as is. You don’t need to feel like you’re in the spotlight.” He added bashfully.

Fluttershy shook her head, her pink tresses blowing lightly in the breeze. She felt a twinge of shyness at being called a beauty, but didn’t let it hamper her. “It’s alright. You’re not shoving a camera in my face, so I think you’re already better than most for that alone.”

Rick chuckled, scratching his cheek idly with a finger. “Nah, I wouldn’t do that. Going the route of the paparazzi ain’t exactly the way to be a friend.” He said before looking again to Featherweight. The boy was swinging on the swing set, his little legs propelling him off the ground when he could time it right. He didn’t get too far or high, but it was enough for him that he was enjoying himself if his smile was any indication. “Kid’s got a great mom in you for sure. He must have a great dad too, huh?”

He had expected her to agree; Rick’s outlook on the world told him outright that this was a woman who would surely have had a man by now, for many years even. What he hadn’t expected was for her to keep quiet, not looking at Rick while her hands settled on her lap. “He…doesn’t have a father. Or a mother.” She said softly.

Rick felt a cold sliver of shame crawl down his spine and slam forward into his gut. Here they were having a nice time, and he’d gone and said something stupid. “I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me.” He apologized immediately. “I just…assumed, with you and how you two interacted.”

Fluttershy sat there quietly for a moment, and Rick contemplated for a brief second how difficult it’d be to change his identity to spare her ever talking to him again before she spoke up. “I adopted him. It was when he was little.” She explained, and Rick kept quiet, afraid to interrupt for sake of upsetting her.

“It was a short while after the Tirek incident and we’d restored Equestria’s magic. I had been out on a walk, and happened to pass by an alleyway where a building that had been damaged by Tirek’s rampage was still standing. I heard crying from inside, and went in to find the source. I found him; still in his cradle…his mother and father had been crushed by the roof collapsing. He’d been spared, but if I hadn’t walked by, who knows what could’ve happened?” she detailed.

Rick simply stayed still, nodding as he listened. The world around them was quiet, the only sound being the wind breezing through the trees and rustling the leaves above them. Fluttershy sighed and looked to the child in question. “I took him in and cared for him while Twilight saw to the orphanage. She said that he would be safe there, but…in that short time, he’d grown attached to me. Every time I tried to pass him to another of the girls, or to the caretaker at the orphanage, he cried. I couldn’t stand it. So I did the next best thing and…well, here we are.” She finished, looking over to Rick.

“You’re very brave, Fluttershy. It’s no joke to try and take on a kid like that alone.” He winced and rubbed his head. “Sorry. Again.” He apologized. “And here I thought I was a good conversation maker.”

Fluttershy looked over to Rick and smiled a small smile. “Don’t worry. You couldn’t have known without asking.” She assures. “It’s been me and Featherweight for a few years now…I’ve…tried to find him a father. But you’d be surprised how deterred some people are just because you have someone to care for.” The woman sighed and closed her eyes. “I’ve heard what some of them say. If it’s not Feather, it’s me…”

Rick blinked and sat up, scooting a little closer. “What do you mean?” he asked. “What, are they intimidated by the color pink?”

Fluttershy shook her head before turning to meet his gaze. “It’s…” she trailed off and looked away, her face heating in embarrassment. “Y-you don’t need to hear, it’s not like it matters.”

Rick snorted and took her hand in his, making her jump a little as she turned back to look at him. “It matters to me.” He said firmly. “What guy in their right mind would see something bad in you?”

Fluttershy ducked her head as she sat there. Her mind briefly wondered what had possessed her to suddenly bring everything out onto this man’s lap. She’d only just met him today, yet here she was, pouring out to him all her woes. She squeezed his hand but kept her eyes on the ground, a frown marring her beautiful face. “…they…sometimes, they say I’m…too fat. That…my figure…” She gestured her free hand loosely at herself. “I mean…I guess I’m not as thin as some women, but…I always thought I was fine…”

Hearing this, Rick frowned at her description of the treatment she’d received. The taxi driver was no stranger to biting comments and remarks that dug at the mind. When he’d dropped out of school, there’d been plenty of that from his own parents, let alone his then so-called friends. He could see where she was coming from in feeling sensitive to the views of others.

“Miss Fluttershy?” he asked, drawing her attention. “Look, I…I’m not the best example of things. I mean, heck, I drive people around town as my job.” He started, rubbing at his head with a spare hand. “But I know one thing about people when it came to me: they don’t decide who I am, I do. And I usually feel pretty darn good about myself.” He said, looking up to her and gesturing at her with a hand.

“I always hear people talk about whether or not they look good to others, but you don’t have to worry about that. You can say you look great, because I think you look great!” he stated, making her blink in surprise. He continued on while he had her attention. “You’ve done so much for the world, in your own ways. That’s something to be proud of, and there’s nobody no how who can take that from you. Add that on with your looks, and I’m pretty sure those jealous idiots are nothing more than that; stupid idiots who can’t compare to you by a mile.”

Rick finished his declaration and took a deep breath before sighing and sitting himself down again. Fluttershy was torn between surprise at his earnest defense of her appearance and humor at his passion. But he seemed so open on the topic…she giggled, which drew Rick’s attention. She looked up at him and smiled apologetically. “Sorry, it’s just…you remind me of Rainbow. When she’d get all fired up over something.” She explained, making Rick smile sheepishly at the comparison.

“Is that a good thing? I’m assuming it’s a good thing.” He remarked, drawing another smile out of the busty pink-haired woman.

The pair of them sat there quietly for a moment, the heavy atmosphere of Fluttershy’s confessions leaving them. When she spoke next, Rick had to lean close to hear her. “Did you mean it?” she questioned.

Thinking on what she meant, he realized she was referring to his praise from a moment before. “I did and do. You’re…really something, Fluttershy.” He says, smiling as he fixed his eyes on her. “In fact…” he trailed off and paused before nodding. “Why don’t I show you?”

“Show me?” She repeated, tilting her head in a fashion that Rick had to admit was cute.

“I’ll take you out. A dinner date, you and me.” He elaborated, mustering all his courage to not look away. “I can’t offer anything fancy or big. But at the very least, I can show you that I’m sincere in what I say.” He held out his hand to her, and she looked to it. “What do you say?”

Fluttershy wasn’t quite sure what to really say. Everything had progressed so fast this afternoon that she was having a little trouble keeping up. One minute, she was pondering what tonight’s meal would be for her and Featherweight, and the next, she has this man asking her out on a date. An honest to Celestia date. The meekness within her tried to rationalize turning him down kindly, that he was kind but didn’t need to go that far.

That voice might’ve won out, had it not been for her other side speaking. The side of her that relished the idea of having someone say they wanted to go out with her, to spend time with her. Her friends had always encouraged her to be more outgoing, to find fun things in life like dating. But she’d always turned them down out of shyness to the idea of making herself seem dateable. But Rick seemed so open on the idea. He wasn’t trying to set her up or harm her. He’d done nothing but good since she first got into his cab that day.

“Well?” Rick prodded, bringing Fluttershy back to reality. She stood up along with him, her hand shaking at her side. But when she looked up at his eyes, she relaxed and smiled.

“I think I’d like that, Rick.” She agreed, taking his hand gently and giving it a soft squeeze.

Rick’s heart soared in that moment as elation coursed through him. “Really? Great! That’s great!” He exclaimed. “I’m off later this week. How’s about say, Thursday night?”

The pink-haired woman nodded. “Sure, I think that’s good. I can arrange for a babysitter for Featherweight while we are out.”

“Alright then!” Rick said, beaming at the woman before him who smiled back in turn. She wasn’t sure of what to expect for this venture of his. But it was the first time in a long time. And as they left the park - Rick being kind enough to drive them home in his cab to spare them any cost of a bus or otherwise – Fluttershy realized that this had the potential to turn into something good for her for the first time in a while.

Standing on her porch as she waved Rick goodbye, she turned to Featherweight who had waved as well. “Feather? Did you like him?” she asked softly, leaning down to look at her adoptive son’s face.

“Uh-huh! He was really nice and friendly! He’s a nice man, mom.” He replied, looking up at her. “Can we spend more time with him? Can we, please?”

Fluttershy giggled at the child’s enthusiasm. “Of course we can.” Rick had the forethought to give the private number to his cab, so that she can call on him any time she needed a ride in town or to get in touch with him. As they went inside, she sat his card on the counter before picking up the phone. Dialing a number she knew all too well, Fluttershy waited until the other line picked up.

“Rarity? I’ve had such a day. I need your help with something.” Rarity’s concerned voice made her giggle and she shook her head as she looked out the window and towards the town where Rick was undoubtedly still driving. “No, no. It’s something good. I…I have a date.”

***

Thursday night seemed to arrive in a blur for Rick. When he had dropped off Fluttershy and given her his number, he was sure he must’ve broken at least four driving laws while making his way back to town. But he couldn’t have cared in the elation of knowing that he had gotten a date. Pulling back into the cab company’s station was barely noteworthy, even when his boss tried to have a go at him for being unavailable for pickups while driving the pink-haired beauty around. Rick had just shrugged it off and told his boss he’d be more careful next time.

When Thursday finally came, Rick rushed home from work and set about preparing himself. It’d been some time since he’d been on a date, and had panicked for a moment on wondering if he’d be able to make himself look presentable enough. A once over in the mirror gave him relief in that his physique hadn’t deteriorated, being well-built and tall. He settled on going for something nice, but casual, since he told her it’d be nothing formal. The whole idea was to simply show her a good time, that she was really as lovely as he saw her to be.

He wound up choosing a pair of jeans and a spare white button up shirt that had seen little use. With his job, he more often than not dressed casual, but he wanted to show that he would make an effort for Fluttershy’s behalf. The shirt was short-sleeved, letting his broad, tanned arms be on display. Stepping out, he locked the door to his apartment and went back down to his cab. He grimaced slightly, realizing that in some parts of society, it would look shabby to drive his work car for a date. But he couldn’t afford his own car just yet, though with enough luck, he’d have one at least as a rental.

Putting it aside, he got in and drove down the road he remembered to take to get to Fluttershy’s home. He hadn’t paid it much heed before while talking with Fluttershy, but she lived a little ways out of town, out near the countryside but close enough that the town was reasonably nearby for anything she might need. She had explained that she worked as an at-home veterinarian, having a talent for handling critters of all kinds. Rick had found the job admirable, knowing that it took a considerable amount of care and knowledge to properly care for animals.

The countryside peeked over in the horizon as Rick turned down one of the few established roads that led to the more rural living areas where Fluttershy’s house was. He pegged her to be a girl who adored nature, which made sense with her line of work. Coming up to her house, he had to admit she’d made a nice home for herself. With two floors and a wide porch, the house looked like something out of a picture book almost. Various flowers of shades of blue, red, and yellow dotted along the sides, adding more vibrant color to the rich brown oak house.

Stepping out of the cab, Rick’s shoes rustled the grass that led up to her porch, the trimmed lawn free of weeds. At the door, he knocked politely and waited, his heart pounding slightly as he felt his anticipation build. When the door opened, he opened his mouth to greet Fluttershy, but found no pink-haired beauty waiting. Looking down, he saw Featherweight instead, clutching a book to his chest.

“Hey, big guy.” Rick kneeled down immediately, putting himself at eye level with the boy. “Whatcha got there?”

Featherweight held the book up, the cover displaying the renowned Daring Do dangling from a rope over a canyon wall. “Aunty Rainbow gave it to me! She said it’s a great series and it’s really cool!”

Rick raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “I think I’d have to believe that. You know what’s more cool though?” At Featherweight’s curious look, he grinned. “Having the Daring Do movie collection.”

“No way!” Featherweight exclaimed. “I gotta see those!” He jumped up and down in excitement, and Rick would be lying if the sight wasn’t something to tug at the heart strings. “Aunty Rainbow always brags about how she has a bunch of them. She’s always too busy to let me over and see them though.”

Rick reached up and ruffled his hair. “Well, I’ll tell you what. I’ll bring them by sometime, and you and I can watch them together. It’ll be something fun for us both, yeah?”

Featherweight nodded eagerly. He then blinked in remembrance. “Oh! I was supposed to tell mom when you got here. She’s upstairs.” He turned around and called into the house. “MOM! RICK’S HERE!”

Rick blinked at the volume, surprised it could come from such a small child. But he shook it off and stood back up. “I’ll wait here for her, you go get her champ, ok?” he suggested, and the boy nodded before closing the door and running off. Rick turned and gazed out towards the city in the distance, and realized that this was something Fluttershy got to wake up to every day. The sky above was clear of any clouds, and had a slight tinge of orange as the sun slowly wavered towards the horizon.

“Um…sorry for keeping you waiting…” he heard a meek voice behind him say, and Rick chuckled.

“No need to…apologize…Fluttershy…” he trailed off as he stared at her. He had been able to tell she was a beauty just from the casual clothing she wore before, albeit conservative enough to hide most of her features. But with the dress she’d chosen, it was like seeing the new and improved Fluttershy come out to play. The dress was a deep blue, matching well with her long, brushed pink hair that swayed behind her. The dress reached down to her mid-calf, covering her legs and leaving her heel-clad feet exposed. Trailing his eyes up, her outfit still gave a good idea of how shapely her figure was, the fullness of her hips doing a pleasant wave as she walked out. What gave Rick a near heart attack was the magical wonders that the front of the dress did with her bountiful cleavage.

The dress didn’t leave her looking distasteful or too open, covering plenty of her form. But it would be impossible for her to hide that kind of bust without the aid of something like the sweater he saw her in the day previous. They had a healthy swell to them, the line of her cleavage on display. They even wobbled slightly as she walked, and Rick pondered for a moment if those heavenly treasures were possible to exist. He was quick to remember where he was, however, and turned his eyes up to her face.

Her expression showed nervousness behind the shy smile, her face clear of any blemish or mark. A light dab of makeup had been applied to her cheeks, giving them a rosier look, while her lips were kept in a thin smile, Rick being able to make out a small trace of lipstick applied on them. Her eyes, blinking, revealed a dash of eye shadow being applied, and it took Rick another moment just to remember how to speak.

“Rick?” Fluttershy’s voice prodded and he shook his head to try and get his gears back into shape. “I hope I don’t look bad…”

The taxi-man shook his head quickly. “No, no! Fluttershy, you look terrific!” he assured. “You look…you look beautiful. You really do.” He added as he stepped closer.

“You don’t really mean that…do you?” she said in disbelief. When Rarity had come over yesterday and helped her to pick this out, the gentle woman had been uncertain of her date’s response. But he seemed to be as enamored with her as Rarity had predicted. For his part, Fluttershy admitted he looked just as nice. His jeans and shirt were clean and smoothed out, a black belt looped around his middle. The way the clothes fit to him, she could see he was a stronger man than expected of most taxi drivers. But he hadn’t mentioned being a very physical guy before, so how would he explain this?

“Fluttershy, if I had to choose between ditching my taxi to get some high paid desk job, or getting to drive a beauty like you around for the rest of my life just to get to see you like this? I’m more encouraged to take the latter.” Rick said, and she giggled, making the earrings that had been hidden behind her pink curtain of hair jingle about slightly. He held out his arm for her to take, and she wrapped her own thin arm around his, resisting the temptation to squeeze and feel just how thick his arm really was.

“Did everything work out to find a babysitter for Feathers back there?” Rick asked as he held the door open for her, letting her seat herself comfortably before he went around quickly and got inside the driver’s seat.

“Mmhmm! My friend Pinkie Pie said she would. She’s real good with kids, so it shouldn’t be any trouble.” She replied, the taxi rumbling to life as they took off towards the city. Rick took his time, wanting the drive to be pleasant and relaxed so they could talk aplenty.

“Pinkie Pie, huh? I think I remember seeing her once or twice. Mailed me a birthday card on my birthday, in fact, last year. I can’t say I remember talking to her, but she strikes me the type who is fond of celebrating. I was cleaning out confetti from the way the envelope exploded for a week!” Rick remarked.

Fluttershy held up a hand to her lips, giggling again. “Pinkie’s always one to give the best celebration she can. It’s part of who she is. You should see the cakes she makes when she’s really getting into it. I remember once that she managed to put a bow tie on every one of my animals to surprise me when I came in for my surprise party.” The memory left a smile on her face, thinking of her friends. She looked to Rick and smiled. “Maybe some time, I could introduce you to them?”

The tanned man nodded at the suggestion. “I think I’d like that. Though between you and me, you’ve already took first place for looks alone.” He teased, the sly compliment drawing a light blush from Fluttershy who turned her head away shyly, yet continued to grin as her cheeks bloomed.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Rick held the door open for her and escorted her in, his attention solely focused on her. The location he’d chosen was a place called the Luciano Café. Though during the daytime, it worked as mainly an outdoors café, the owner had the idea to make it be more profitable for there to be space for an indoor crowd too. Thus, at a time like when Fluttershy and Rick arrived, they were well into their restaurant mode, the outdoor seating having been either reserved or used purely for waiting.

The pair of them had been seated quickly, Rick having called ahead and reserving a seat for them both. Fluttershy found herself enjoying the comfortable, easygoing atmosphere that the place carried; it didn’t have the crisp formality of some of the higher tier eateries in town, but wasn’t in low quality either. “You know, I’ve walked by here before during the day, but I’ve never been here at night.” Fluttershy admitted to Rick as he sat himself across from her, the pair of them having been ushered into a two-person booth.

“Well, I’m glad I get to help you have your first experience with it.” Rick stated, smiling at her. “I’ve never had a complaint about this place yet, myself. I had to drive several customers here myself in the past that I got curious and chose to see it myself.” He explained. “They serve all kinds of foods, and sometimes they can even make something new if you request it.”

Fluttershy nodded and looked up as the waitress arrived. A bob of blue hair sat atop her head, and she smiled at both warmly. “Welcome to Luciano’s! I’m Minuette and I’ll be serving you tonight. What can I get you to start with?”

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak, but paused temporarily as she glanced at Rick. He seemed prepared for this and waved his hand. “Order anything you like, Flutters. I’m buying.” He assured. He had to dip into his savings a little for this date, but it was well worth it for her enjoyment.

Relaxing and giving him a smile at the chivalrous gesture, she turned back to the waitress. “A Raspberry tea please.” She said softly, and the other woman nodded. “And you, sir?” she asked.

“I’ll go with a sweet tea, myself, and no lemon please.” He said, and the waitress bowed before stepping away. When she had left, Fluttershy took a slow breath and exhaled. Rick took notice of this, seeing her relax in her posture. “Everything alright?” he asked the pink-haired busty beauty.

Fluttershy’s eyes opened and she smiled at Rick. Her hands sat in her lap, fingers fidgeting with one another, yet her smile was genuine. “Yes…just…it’s been awhile since I’ve been in this kind of position. I would be lying if I said it’s…it’s nice.” She looked up to him and nodded. “That’s…ok, right?”

Rick only chuckled, returning her smile. “Fluttershy, if it wasn’t ok, then I’d definitely not want to be ok. I know I’m happy; eating in a nice restaurant with the loveliest company seen here in Ponyville? I’d be nuts to not be happy.” He missed the flush that spread across her cheeks as he sipped from his water. When he looked up at her again, she was still smiling, if shyly now. He liked it on her, seeing her smile.

“Now, I want to hear more about this lady who hopped into my cab and stole my heart in the same instant.” He teased playfully as she giggled. “What’s it like being Fluttershy?”

From there, the evening progressed like a dream for them both. For Rick, he was treated to the chance to enjoy the company of a rose like Fluttershy, and that seemed to be best how to describe her in this moment. Seemingly thin and frail, yet full of life. When she spoke of her past adventures with her friends, he held on to every word. It seemed almost too fantastical, all the places she’d been to in her younger life. But Rick believed her whole-heartedly.

“So let me get this straight; you wrestled a bear…to give it a massage?” he asked for clarity, making a comically curious expression that made Fluttershy snort into her salad bowl.

“Yes, I really did! The funniest part was making Twilight think that I wrestled bears for fun. But all the poor dear needed was some relief from his strained shoulder. Mr. Bear is really very sweet!” Fluttershy explained.

Rick finished off his tea and set it aside for the waitress to come and refill. “Remind me to be afraid should I ever mention wrestling around you. For all I know, I’m sitting across from one of the most dangerous women in Equestria!” he declared, making her laugh all over again.

For Fluttershy, the evening out was so refreshing to her that she could barely contain herself. The shy exterior that she was used to hiding behind had faded as she warmed up to Rick and listening to his stories. He explained to her how he came to be a taxi driver after switching out of the construction service he’d been with before. When he mentioned how he had been saved one day from a falling pylon by a caped crusader, Fluttershy almost dropped her fork, giving a small gasp of surprise.

“You were there? Oh my gosh! That was me and my friends!” She exclaimed.

Rick blinked. “You…all fit in one suit?” he remarked, causing Fluttershy to pause before laughing. “Cuz I mean, I’ve heard you women like squeezing into tight outfits sometimes, but I think that’s pushing it.”

Bordering red from laughter, Fluttershy shook her head, her pink tresses whipping about with her motions. “No, no. You see, we were all wearing a different copy of it. Rainbow was so focused on being a hero at the time and being praised, that she basically got a swollen ego from it all. So we thought to teach her a lesson about it!”

Rick chuckled. “Well, how about that? You got everything going on, huh?” he laughed as did she, and the night continued. When the waitress had come by and saw them in such merry spirits, she proposed breaking out a bottle of wine for the two of them, if they wanted. Fluttershy looked to Rick, who nodded. A short while later found their teas replaced with a glass of wine for them both.

Yet, for all their fun, they could only stay so long at the restaurant. Walking out together arm in arm, Fluttershy happily stayed by Rick’s side as he waved farewell to the waitress who served them, having left her a fair tip as well. “Man…this has been one of the best nights I’ve had yet!” He commented as he led Fluttershy to his parked cab.

“I know…it’s a shame it has to end.” Fluttershy remarked, her posture drooping slightly. “I’ve enjoyed it so much!”

Rick looked to her and thought quickly of anything he could do to let it end on a high note. It came to him as he looked towards the park, reminding him of the first day they met. “Hey, I got an idea!” he exclaimed, snapping his fingers as the idea crystallized in his mind. Fluttershy looked on curiously as Rick held the door open for her. “Care to take a little ride with me?”

“Well, you did drive me out here…” Fluttershy said shrewdly, making Rick blink before he caught her grin.

“Look at you! Next thing you know, you’ll be sassing me about my fashion sense.” Rick remarked.

“But you look so handsome!” she said immediately, before she realized what she said and blushed. Rick only chuckled and winked at her as the cab came to life, the pair of them heading out as the restaurant faded into the background. Fluttershy watched their surroundings change as they drove uphill towards where she knew the train station was, but Rick then surprised her by turning down a gravel road. The cab jumped and wobbled from the unsteady road, and Fluttershy gave a small “eep” when she realized her dress was allowing herself to do the same. She was spared any embarrassment as Rick was focused on the road, much to her relief.

When he finally came to a stop, Fluttershy found the pair of them resting atop a hill that was perched to where one could look out at much of the town during the day. She thought for a moment and recognized it as one of the hills that she and the other girls had used for star-gazing when they were younger, and smiled at the memory.

“I come here sometimes to get away from everything and just sit with myself. Everybody needs a place they can go to like that, you know?” He said before turning off the cab and exiting it, Fluttershy following suit. Walking to the front of it, he sat himself on it before holding out a hand to the woman, letting her climb up with ease. She had a little trouble at first due to her heels, but quickly slipped them off, letting her bare feet rest on the cool metal. She looked up, and was treated to the night sky beaming down on them with stars aplenty.

While Fluttershy was enraptured by the beauty in the sky, Rick found his eyes drawn to the beauty sitting beside him. He patted himself on the back for giving her a pleasant night long overdue. To see her smile like she had lit his spirit up, but he couldn’t help but feel the tinge of depression that clung to the back of his mind. For all of his efforts, it was likely that she may only see him as a friend. Which he would by no means regret; but he would be lying to himself if he did not desire more.

Fluttershy felt the silence weigh in and turned to Rick, blinking as she saw the mixed emotions in his gaze. “Rick? What’s wrong?” she asked, turning to face him properly.

“Huh? Ah…” he trailed off before sighing and looking up to her apologetically. “Sorry, Shy. I just…” he looked away, shame crawling up into his mind. He felt her hand rest on his shoulder, and he looked back to her, seeing her listening intently. “It’s just…I’m here on this great date. Having the best time of my life in Sun knows how long. And yet…I keep remembering how long it’s been since someone did something like this with me.”

Fluttershy nodded slowly. “But…surely you have friends who you spend time with? They could come up here with you too?” she suggested.

Rick chuckled quietly and shook his head. “Yeah…but no one like you, Fluttershy.” He said, looking up to her. “I’ve had the time of my life with you tonight, just getting to enjoy your company. I’m sure you’ve got other people in mind you’d rather spend time with. But for me, I’m just grateful that for once, a lovely woman didn’t look at the taxi driver and dismiss him as being a grubby cheap lowlife.” He explained. “I know it sounds like a lot of whining, but I’m actually grateful for you being here with me. You make me feel like when I’m talking that you care, that you’re not just being polite.”

As Fluttershy listened to him pouring out his heart, she felt her heart reach out to him. The woman didn’t know why, but everything he was saying was resounding with her deeply. It came to her suddenly; he understood how she felt. To be alone.

‘But he doesn’t have to be alone. And you don’t either.’ Her inner voice told herself, and she looked down to his hand next to hers. Mustering what courage she could gather, her fingertips slowly walked to his outstretched own.

“Bah. You don’t need to hear me moan about being alone. It’s nothing for you to worry about.” Rick said finally, dismissing her silence as confusion or uncertainty. Yet he paused when he felt a pair of soft fingers brush against his own, and looked down to see her hand over his. He looked up slowly and saw her face blushing, but she was facing him, eyes uncertain but unwavering.

“M-maybe…y-you don’t have to be alone, Rick?” she suggested quietly, taking a moment to gulp nervously.

“…Fluttershy?” he whispered. His hand flexed and his fingers linked with hers, weaving together and helping her to steady as her heart hammered within her chest.

“Rick…I…I know this might be sudden.” She stammered out before taking a breath to steady herself. “You and I…we had a great time tonight. Right?” she asked, leaning closer slightly. Unbidden, Rick did as well, nodding. “And we…we had fun. And we both admit we like each other’s company.” Again, another nod. He was close enough that she could look up and count the freckles on his cheek. She didn’t know they were there before.

“S-so…m-maybe…m-maybe…” she stuttered, and Rick gave her an assuring squeeze that made her pause. She slowly looked up, her long pink bangs covering one eye as she watched him for any sign of rejection. Yet none were given, as he did not retreat. “M-maybe…”

She stopped speaking as they held there, lips hovering near each other as cyan blue peered into cerulean pools, hearts alight with anxiousness. He looked to her and saw no resistance or fear, and took the leap, connecting his lips to hers in a gentle smooch. That single act opened gates long thought rusted shut, as Fluttershy gasped through her nose only to give a high-pitched groan as she returned his kiss slowly. The moment held long as they became lost in the touch of the other before the need for air became too great, and they parted, Rick gazing on her with a new light that Fluttershy had not seen in some time from another.

“Fluttershy…I think you got the right idea.” He said with a smile, the woman giving a small nod.

“Do you…” she whispered hesitantly before gulping, her cheeks darkening. “Could we…do that again?” she asked, and he nodded, leaning in and capturing her lips once more. Her heart seemed to take flight, their hands remaining locked together. Rick’s spare arm came around her middle and pulled her closer to him, causing her to blink her eyes open, only to relax as her hand came to rest on his chest, holding there as they parted once more.

In the quiet of the night, the pair of them sat together, lost in each other’s gaze as a new bridge was formed between the two, Luna’s moon shining down on them as they remained there, hands remaining linked as Fluttershy pressed herself to Rick’s chest.