More Than Friends?

Discord sat in his imaginary floating chair, staring down at the familiar yellow pegasus that was Fluttershy. No words were said, but his face was scrunching up as if trying to read her pokerface. It’s not that Fluttershy was emotionless, it’s that she was… her usual self. She wasn’t one to hide things, and not usually playing poker, she didn’t really know she was supposed to. The smile on her face confused him, but he was trying his hardest.

“So, if I push this tea cake up here… that means I… raise?” Fluttershy cocked her head.

Discord slowly nodded, his eyes narrowing, trying to detect… ANYTHING. His heart skipped a beat as he noticed her eye twitching. A wicked grin spread across his face that could just barely fit behind the cards in his hand. “I’ll call.”

Fluttershy smiled a little more and nodded. He was about to play his cards when her eye twitched again, followed by a sneeze. “Oh my…” She sniffed.

“Eh… bless you.” Discord’s inflection fell down to show his internally shifting dilemma. That wasn’t a slip up, that was just the start of a sneeze. He glanced down at his hand. Three of a kind, it was good… but it wasn’t the best. It could be beaten pretty easily, but what did she have? Did he want to risk the tea cakes? They were Fluttershy’s, so he’d actually be gaining something (rather than last time, when it was his turn to bring the snacks). His tongue had escaped the corner of his mouth as he thought, his foot tapping loudly on a floor that wasn’t there as he hovered in place. “You know, I retract my call.” He announced.

Fluttershy cocked her head. “You can do that?”

“Of course you can? Would I lie to you?” Discord huffed, snapping his head away from her to the point where he would make a great role in the Exorcist.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You know this game better than I do.” Fluttershy’s smile returned after a brief blank and confused look. She pushed everything he had called back to his side and sat back down. And with that, Discord put his cards down.

“Oh, I fold. Your deceptions are too great, I must admit. I have not seen such a poker face since high school.” Discord sighed.

Fluttershy’s interest had returned in full blown curiosity. “You went to…”

“Anyways!” Discord interrupted. “You might as well show me your cards, I already folded.”

Fluttershy’s disrupted thoughts left her bewildered before she shook it off and nodded. Discord’s head was turned away, attempting to feign an un-interest in what she had. Regardless of if it was working, one eye slowly peeked as her cards were splayed out on the table. “I think I had you beat.” Fluttershy admitted whole-heartedly. His eyes caught each card one-by-one. He repeated each one in his head.

‘Ace… two… four… three...’ He continued, his eyes genuinely starting to grow at the sight. A whole world of his own thoughts cascaded through his head. Not only was Fluttershy not bluffing, but she had a straight? He had thought she didn’t even know what a straight was, yet there it wa- ‘Jack...’

Discord stared at the fifth and final card, his brain seeming unable to process the information he was seeing. “Discord? Your eye is twitching. Are you okay?” Fluttershy’s innocent and caring tone bled through the boiling air around the mischievous and chaotic master.

“That… is the worst hand you can get. No pairs, no three of a kinds, no four of a kinds, no flush, no full house, nothing.” He chuckled. “I had a three of a kind. I would have won. You are a natural at this game!”

“I am?” She twisted her face up as if trying to grasp the concept. Only a few more moments of processing before she lit up like a Hearth Warming tree.

Discord laughed. Before he met Fluttershy, he rarely got angry. Annoyed, maybe. But not angry. The rare times he did, it would involve a hundred years of droughts or floods. But with her, simply the smile on her face makes his emotions slip away like water through the cracks of the earth below, feeding the roots of their friendship. Every day she talked to him felt like a breath of fresh air, like he hadn’t started living until now. The forgiveness after Tirek was unbelievable. For once in his life… Discord truly believed that he didn’t deserve a second chance. He was ready to be alone, just as he had for thousands of years. It was only having a taste of social contact that would have served as a punishment that no amount of healing could fix.

Fluttershy grabbed his hand, snapping Discord from his rather eerie train of thoughts. Moments later, he felt something squishy replace her hand. When he looked down, he saw a tea cake from their betting pool. His eyes then glanced at the table. He only had a few remaining, as she had won the rest. But she had changed it entirely. Fluttershy only had a few on her side, and had pushed the rest to him. He wasn’t sure what to say. Taken from his depressing thoughts to the generosity of her friend was something he would probably never get used to. Especially if he had to see that smile every time, with so much genuinity that it hurt him. It hurt in a way that made his eyes water. Celestia’s greatest punishment of all was his reformation. He may have gained a gift, one he did not deserve, but with it came the great pains of a heart not even he knew he had. He had a lot to make up for…

“Did you want some more tea?” Fluttershy’s quiet voice was accompanied by the glass-like clanking of the pot being raised.

“I would love some.” Discord smiled, his gaze wandering out the window. Literally. A set of eyes slowly peered in from outside, and Discord could see the pair of them from an outside perspective, making him smile wider. He was spending time with his best friend, and he couldn’t think of anywhere else he’d rather be.

“So, have you spent time with anyone else?” Fluttershy asked as she refilled his cup. His face slowly blanked.

“... Every now and again, but to be blunt, it is more to annoy than bond. You’re not free for tea parties and picnics all the time, so I have to keep myself occupied.” Discord snickered, remembering how he had turned all of the apples in Sweet Apple Acres into dragonfruit for an afternoon. It was the first time he had ever seen Applejack’s big brother laugh, as his little sister chased Discord around with a rake.

The sound of the tea-pot hitting the table rather loudly sent him spiraling not only from his thoughts, but straight to the ground. “Discord.” Fluttershy stated his name in the same manner that a disapproving mother would her child.

“It was only for the afternoon, and really, the value of a single dragon fruit is astronomically higher than even a dozen apples! Honestly, if dear Applejack had realized, she would have made a pretty sizable sum.” Discord waved his paw dismissively.

“That is NOT what I am upset about.” Fluttershy stood up, now seeming to tower over his prone form with an almost scary appearance. Mostly due to the fact that her disapproving eyes had slowly grown from laughable, to a nightmare. “After the incident with Tree Hugger, you promised me you’d make other friends.”

Discord remained silent for a long moment, before opening his mouth, closing it, and opening it again. “There’s a point in some ponies where trust can’t be regained. Even if I spent years, I doubt Applejack or Rainbow Dash would ever consider me a friend. Twilight and Rarity have only ever thought of me as a nuisance, and Pinkie Pie… well, it took me a while to figure out, but she sort of views me like a clown or magician you would hire for a birthday party. Whenever they’re around, they are beloved and the center of affection, but when they are gone…” Discord snapped his clawed fingers. “Poof, they disappear from your existence.”

“But they’re trying. When you were at that party and you talked with Twilight, did she ask you to leave?” Fluttershy crossed her arms.

“She gave me a few glances that even you would be able to plainly see meant ‘please leave me alone, or my migraine will get worse’. I gave her a couple pain killers before I left.” Discord added.

“That’s not what I said. Did she. Ask you. To leave?” Fluttershy restated her question.

“Vocally? No. Silently? Debatable.”

“And if you two were in each other’s shoes, what would you have done?”

“Probably stuff my face with a dozen coconut creams.” Discord murmured.

Fluttershy stared Discord directly in the eyes, not uttering another word.

“And… Probably spike the punch with poison joke.” Discord confessed, his eyes darting about nervously.

“Look at me Discord.” Fluttershy ordered, her tone making him cringe.

“And I would’ve played ring toss with donuts and Luna’s horn!” Discord said quickly, now biting his nails rapidly.

Fluttershy glared at him for a few more moments before slowly breathing in. She lifted up the tray of snacks and tea and started towards the kitchen. Discord frowned, slowly following her. “Where are you going?” He asked in an almost reluctant tone.

“If you aren’t going to take this seriously, then neither am I.” Fluttershy retorted, dumping the tea into the sink. Discord’s eyes snapped open, utter shock flowing through him at that moment. Soon after, she dumped all the tea-cakes into the trash. “You’re a grown chaotic lord, you don’t need tea parties anymore.”

Discord opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by Fluttershy. “In fact, if you aren’t even going to try… then why should I?” Fluttershy admitted almost painfully, phasing Discord out as she walked past him and back to the couch.

Discord’s entire body flinched, almost violently. “It’s... not my fault most ponies still look at me as if I’m about to kidnap their whole family.”

Fluttershy ignored him, failing to even acknowledge his presence as she walked up to her room. Discord’s teeth ground together. It didn’t feel good to be ignored, and normally he would return such impertinence with a prank, or a hundred year drought. But this was Fluttershy… her ignoring him just hurt.

“Fluttershy!” He raises his voice. “What am I supposed to do?! Just… introduce myself to somepony and hope they don’t faint or run away?”

“That’s up to you to figure out.” Her voice finally retorted before a loud door slammed shut between them.

Discord dropped to the ground. So many thoughts raced around his head. Was he angry? Sad? Amused? In the mood for chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream? After a moment, he finally settled on panic. What should he do? He needed to make a friend fast so Fluttershy wouldn’t be… What was Fluttershy feeling? Discord assumed anger, but the pain in her voice suggested otherwise.

Shaking his head, Discord forced his thoughts back on track. He needed to make another friend or else he could potentially lose Fluttershy’s friendship. The thought made his heart sink. He would rather be encased in stone and have Fluttershy still be his friend than lose her. But who would be willing to be his friend?

“There’s got to be somepony who’s got as much patience as Fluttershy… Oh, wait. No there isn’t.” Discord groaned, raking his claws through his mane. “C’mon, think, think! Is there another way to win Fluttershy back? No, when she gets like this, she doesn’t budge, I don’t think saying I’ve befriended the Smooze counts.”

Suddenly, a light bulb appears above his head. “Wait… If ponies fear Discord… All I have to do is not be Discord! In physical appearance, at least.” He snapped his fingers, and suddenly, in his place is a brown furred rabbit.

“I shall befriend Angel!” He cried triumphantly, before pausing. “Oh… wait. I have to befriend a pony…” He returned to his normal(?) form.

“Come on… who would… The mail mare!” Discord laughed. “She’s chaotic enough to be my assistant!” He snapped his fingers again, and took the form of a ruggedly attractive stallion with grey-ish tan skin, a white mane with a black streak, just like his tail. He wore a brown tailcoat with a yellow dress shirt and a burgundy tie, as well as dark purple dress pants, and dark brown dress shoes. Conjuring a mirror, Discord looked himself over.

“Perfect.” He grinned. “I’m going to make myself a friend.”

Derpy stared down at her tray of muffins, each eye seeming to focus on a different one. Her mouth was open and a small bit of drool trickled down onto the table.

“Hehe! Good to see another happy customer!” Pinkie giggled as she trotted back to the pantry. Derpy was about to snatch one when a shadow enveloped her plate. Her mouth slowly turned to an O of not surprise, but curiosity. She tilted her head back and saw a strange pony standing above her.

“Hello my dear, might I sit with you?” The strange pony asked, smiling widely.

Derpy’s confusion left her immediately and was replaced with a goofy smile. She nodded, scooting over and patting the spot in the booth next to her.

The strange pony smiled wider and sat next in the space Derpy made. “You’re the local mail mare, are you not?”

Derpy nodded, her mouth already full of banana-nut muffin.

“You cause quite a bit of mischief, it is rather amusing, in the way you would giggle at a puppy accidentally tripping over its own paws.”

Derpy shrugged, not seeming to be offended by it. In fact, the smile on her face seemed to take it as a compliment.

“Where are my manners, my name is Discord” His thoughts went into a full blown panic. His hand clasped his mouth shut so quickly, his jaw popped slightly.

Derpy’s mouth reshaped into an O, but again, out of curiosity. She looked up at him with a questioning look.

“I- I mean… Disco Cord!” He grinned nervously.

Derpy wasn’t convinced, and Discord could see that plain as day. What happened next was surprising even to him. She extended a hand to him, offering a muffin as her goofy smile returned.

“W- Well, thank you.” Discord raised an eyebrow, before taking the muffin. “I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve disguised myself as a pony.” He takes the wrapping off the treat.

Derpy simply shook her head and continued eating her fruity and nutty muffin.

“That is… rather surprising.” Discord said, taking a bite. “I think I remember…” He pauses to swallow his bite of muffin. “I think I remember somepony yelling your name once… Kermie? Kirby? No, Derpy, I think it was.”

Derpy throws her arms up in celebration of his success, nodding to confirm her name.

Discord grins, taking another bite of his muffin. “Would you perhaps be interested in a glass chocolate milk? I find it goes rather good with bready things like muffins and cake.”

Derpy just stared at him with an expression that he could only describe as awe. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him gently.

“I take that as a yes!” Discord laughs, summoning two large glasses of chocolate milk.

“Bye bye!” Discord waved.

As Derpy walked away, she spun around, walking backwards as she waved back. She bumped into a ladder, causing a pony that was atop it to fall off and into the dirt with a loud thump. The tools he had set in the box on top also tumbled down and scattered across the ground just in time for someone to pass by and step on a nail. What Discord witnessed was a series of unfortunate events that would seem almost on par with his own twisted mind.

“... I feel… So proud of her.” Discord said as his eyes teared up.

Derpy stared at the crowd of half-injured and irritated ponies with a surprised O on her face. She stared at them for a few more moments before her attention returned to Discord, smiling once again and waving as she started walking backwards again.

“Never… walk forwards again.” Discord muttered as he salutes. As he stood, he could hear another disaster occurring around a corner. “Sweet gal… Quieter than Fluttershy though.”

Then Discord suddenly realized something. Only Derpy knew that he was Discord, and not just an eccentrically dressed pony. Heck, he was so eccentric, he could actually use the name Disco Cord! Except that would be too obvious… Not even Flutterwhy knew about his new form.

“Perhaps… it is time to find out what a few select mares truly think about me…” He muttered.

“Watch out!” A familiar voice rang out in warning.

Discord smiled. “Speaking of.”

As if expecting it, Discord held his arms out just in time for Rainbow Dash to tackle him out of no where.

“Ah! Sorry… was just in a hurry.” Dash groaned, pulling herself off his limp body and holding a hand out. He shook his head and took her hand, pulling him to his feet.

“It isn’t a problem, I’m used to living a life full of surprises.” Discord laughed. “Well… are you not Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah, I guess I am. Who’s asking?” Rainbow smiled.

‘CRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAP’

“Why, my name is Random Thought.” Discord said, bowing. Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

“Nice to meet you.” She returned.

“Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but you are one of the element bearers that encased Discord in stone the second time, as well as taking part in reforming him.”

“...Yeah? It was mostly Fluttershy, but… Ahem, I inspired him, ya know?” Dash straightened up and grinned.

“Yes, being the only pegasus to ever execute a Sonic Rainboom must be an inspiration to anypony, or anyone, in Discord’s case.” He laughed while internally rolling his eyes. “But there is a reason I ask about Discord in particular…”

Dash sulked for a short moment before sighing. “What about?”

“I am planning on writing a book on him, and how you and the other elements reformed him. Of course you would be featured in my book… and who wouldn’t be curious enough to buy something that explains why Discord is… well, Discord.” He smirked at that little nudge.

“Oh, okay. Well eh… he’s the master of chaos.” Dash started.

“God of Chaos.” Discord corrected. “... That is what everypony else has thus far called him.” He quickly added.

Dash narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. “And he used to be a pain in the ass.”

Discord pulled out a pen and note book. “Used to be? Most ponies agree that he is still a rather large… annoyance.”

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s still Discord, but he’s changed. After what he did to us AND Fluttershy when Tirek came back… He didn’t deserve a second chance. I still have to visit Fluttershy occasionally to comfort her. She doesn’t tell him everything, but that day… It hurt her. It hurt her a lot.” Dash continued.

It took all of Discord’s willpower not to drop his pen and teleport back to Fluttershy’s cottage, but he continued writing. “Yes… I have heard that he was planning to go back to his ways, others claim he was coerced, or tricked into helping Tirek, which do you think happened?”

“Discord is still stronger than anypony I know. If he wanted to take over again, he could. I don’t really know what to think… Maybe he was tricked, but he learned his lesson. But there’s one thing I know for certain. He’s not getting another chance again… I’m not going to let anyone hurt Fluttershy like that again. I’ve seen enough of her tears for one lifetime.” Dash said, her tone seeming slightly more pained.

“You seem to care quite a bit about Fluttershy…” Discord said, his voice wavering slightly.

“I care about my friends, that’s who I am; Loyalty. But as long as Fluttershy trusts him, I trust him. As much as it hurts, I know she cares about him. I just don’t know how.”

Discord’s writing concluded shakily. “T- Thank you, Rainbow Dash. It seems that… even the stories cannot come close to what actually happened…”

Rainbow refused to look at him. “If you want to know more just… go see Rarity. I uh… I’m gonna go visit Fluttershy.” She trailed off into a mumble, turning and walking down towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Good idea…” Discord muttered, turning to see the top of Carousel Boutique past a few rows of houses.

After a bit of walking, Discord was faced with the front door to the fashionista's business and home. He peeked inside and saw Rarity sewing a dress, along with the CMC gathered around talking. Taking moment, he knocked on the door. The pitter-patter of feet was heard growing ever closer as the door cracked open, followed by three heads staring up at him.

“Hi!” Sweetie chimed in.

“Hello, I was wondering if Miss Rarity was in.” Discord said smoothly.

The three pip-squeaks nodded and pulled the door open. The ringing of the bell atop the door made Rarity’s ears twitch, followed by a smile flowing onto her face. “Welcome to my boutique. How may I help you?” Rarity looked up at him happily.

“My name is Random Thought. I came here at the recommendation of Rainbow Dash.” Discord began, “I understand you and the other Elements of Harmony were the ones to reform Discord.”

“Yes, why do you ask? Did he do something wrong?” Rarity began, growing a slightly worried look to replace her happy demeanor.

“Nono. Well,probably, but that isn’t why I’ve come.” Discord pulls out the same notebook he had used when questioning Rainbow. “I’m writing a book on him, his influence, his reformation into a… somewhat functioning member of society, and of course, his chaos and how it affects ponies and the world around him.”

“Oh, well then. Ask away.” Rarity’s smile returned as the crusaders returned to their activity.

Discord smiles, taking out a fountain pen. “What is your opinion of him, and what are your feelings towards him?”

“As meddlesome as he can be, I have become quite fond of him.” Rarity shrugged, her attention returning to the dress she was working on.

“Could you explain?” Discord asks.

“His acts are immature, but I can tell he is truly trying to be a friend. I only hope he has learned his lesson with Tirek. He won’t be getting another chance, and I would hate to see him ruin his last chance… He deserves to be happy, believe it or not.”

“While I agree that everypony deserves happiness, many seem to feel that he shouldn’t be forgiven. What would you say to those ponies?”

“I certainly understand, but you must view it from a broader perspective. He was a child with too much power. He hadn’t had a chance to learn societies morals, and never knew what making friends could do. From that moment back at the apple farm when he changed the ice back to normal, I saw something in him…” Rarity continued, her sewing slowing to a stop.

“What did you see in him?”

“Sadness.” She answered. “It was then that I knew he wasn’t some heartless monster. That sadness doesn’t just go away. I saw he had emotions, he just never had a chance to use them.” Rarity looked up at him and smiled. “With Tirek he strayed momentarily, but everyone makes mistakes. I have with that book, changing Ponyville into a golden paradi- I mean… ahem, hell. Rainbow with her incident with Tank and Cloudsdale. We’ve all made large mistakes, and truly… If Discord hadn’t betrayed us, Twilight never would have gotten her key. Tell me Random, do you believe in destiny?”

“Not always, but sometimes there are coincidences that are just… too perfect to be an event of random chance.” Discord replied.

“As do I. It was the tree that spawned that chest, and I believe it knew what was going to happen. It predicted his betrayal, but saw it as a chance to learn. That’s all Tirek was there for, was to in a sense reform Discord. Not only that, but our friendship has never been stronger. There’s one pony that trusts him above anyone, even Fluttershy.”

“Oh? That is a rather bold claim, Miss Rarity. Nopony has yet to mention a pony who has a stronger bond with him than Fluttershy.”

Rarity put a hand to her mouth and laughed gently. “Oh, you mustn’t think of it as a bond. They don’t speak much, but she shows it in her own ways. I don’t doubt he’s noticed it. If he hasn’t, then he must be blind.” She continued to laugh.

Discord felt a twinge of annoyance. “Well, Miss Rarity, who is this pony that you speak of?”

“Well…”

The bell of the shop rang as a familiar Filthy Rich strolled in, smiling as him and Rarity locked eyes. “It is done?”

“Of course! I’m sure your daughter will love it.” Rarity hopped to her feet and displayed the dress for him.

“Fantastic! Would you mind accompanying me? I need to ask you something.”

“Of course, dear.” Rarity nodded, walking the dress and Rich to the door. She turned back to Random and said, “Sorry, a tad busy right now. Go speak with Twilight, she’ll answer any further questions you need.”

Discord’s mind was demanding an answer, but in an exercise of self control, he smiled. “Thank you Miss Rarity, I will do just that.” Standing up, he put his notebook away. A spark of interest was burning in his heart, and he wasn’t going to stop until it was extinguished.