Once in the dark...

Another week passed while his friends took care of some problems for the Princesses and Kyle sat on a bench in the park slowly eating a sandwich and enjoying the calm breeze. He heard the gentle flap of wings and looked up to see Fluttershy landing next to him. "Hello, Kyle. Can I sit with you? I mean... if that's ok," she said to him.

"Yeah, that's fine. Take a seat. You want a tomato and cheese sandwich?" he asked her as he thought to himself, 'she has really pretty wings.'

She took a seat and nodded. He got one from his bag and handed it to her. She answered his kindness with, "thank you." She paused and he looked forward, while she took a delicate bite and chewed slowly. Afterwards she looked at Kyle and asked him quietly, "what happened when you first saw us and at Twilight's party; those were both panic attacks weren't they."

Kyle looked back at her and saw something he hadn't seen ever, understanding. He chewed on his lip and took a breath. Then, he answered her, "y... yes, I have some... issues with big crowds." He looked down and took a bite of his food. She took a bite as well as a soft silence coated the two.

After some time when they had both finished their food Fluttershy took a breath and scooted a little closer to him. "I've never met somepony who had the same debilitating shyness that I have. I... I don't know why, but it makes me feel a little happier, a little less alone," she whispered.

"Like there's someone out there that feels your pain and can help you carry your burden up the steep mountain of life," he whispered back.

She put a hand on his shoulder and he looked at her. The two of them smiled and giggled. "Maybe... maybe we could help each other. Maybe, give each other support?" Fluttershy asked politely.

"That... that sounds wonderful actually," he answered, putting out his hand. "Ok, so if you are having issues with anyone or anything, feel free to come to me and I will do the same," he continued.

Fluttershy thought for a moment and added, "and no secrets, between us. Ev... even if the issue is... is between us." She took his hand and they shook on it.

"Deal," he said with a smile. They released hands and looked in front of them once more and saw a pink mare bouncing happily towards them. "Here comes Pinkie," he said with a chuckle. Then, an idea came to him. "Hey, when she gets here just let me talk, I think I have something that might be funny. Don't know why, I'm terrible with jokes," he asked her. She smiled and nodded, curious as to what he would say.

"Hey, Kyle and Flutters," she bubbled.

"Ah, good day, Pinkamena our humble Purveyor of Playtime, Bringer of the Boisterous and Wooer of Wile. How might we help you this fine afternoon," Kyle announced, fighting a laugh. Pinkie however had no such conflict and the bubbly mare busted out laughing, while Fluttershy lightly giggled next to him. Finally, he let out a chortle and said, "good, I wasn't sure if that was actually going to work."

"Ooo, that was a nice giggle. Thanks Kyle." Pinkie said as she smiled at the two of them.

"So, what's up Pinkie?" Kyle asked as stood up with his bag and helped Fluttershy to her hooves.

"Just coming to see some of my two bestest friends," Pinkie said with a smile. "How about you two, what are you up to?" Pinkie beamed.

"I was just having lunch and Fluttershy decided to join me. We had a talk and that's about it, I actually don't even know what to do next," Kyle said as Fluttershy nodded, then, stretched out her wings a bit. "Yep, very pretty wings," Kyle whispered without realizing.

"What?" Fluttershy asked. Kyle tensed up a little realizing that now he had to tell her, he didn't want to break a promise. To many had done that to him.

"He said, he thinks your wings are very pretty," Pinkie answered for him while beaming innocently.

Kyle's chuckled uncomfortably as he nodded with a blush. Fluttershy smiled and looked down blushing as well while she while she quietly breathed out, "Th... Thank you."

"Oh, I have something that you both can do!" Pinkie burst out, causing the others to jump a little. "Come on, follow me," she continued as she bounced back the way she came. Kyle took a breath, getting rid of the blush and shrugged as they both followed the joy filled pink mare.

After a little walking they found themselves at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie just bounced right in as Kyle and Fluttershy happily followed her in without a second thought. For a split second it was dark before all the lights went on and a loud 'surprise!' was shouted by everyone present. Immediately Kyle began panicking and stumbled backwards, but Fluttershy put a hand on his back and said quietly, "it's ok. It'll be fine, they're here as friends. Shh... hush now, it's fine... it's fine." That quiet, calm, motherly voice of hers bringing him away from his panic attack.

"Ok..." he started pausing for a short breath, "I'm.. I'm fi... fine now." Twilight brought over a glass of water to him. "Thank you, thank both of you," he breathed out before guzzling the water down. "Sorry, everyone," he said once he had control. "Ok, let's have some fun now," he finished as the ponies went about partying.

An hour or so later, Kyle found himself set up against the wall with a cup of punch watching the ponies play. He took a drink as a certain cotton candy maned pony stopped next to him.

"Why aren't you over having lots and lots and lots and lots of fun with everypony else?" she asked. Her innocence showed through in her question. However there was something behind it, but he didn't know what.

He finished his sip and looked down at the glass twirling the juice. "I still don't know why I feel like I can't lie to any of you. Not even a little one, like; it's nothing or I'm ok," he admitted, pausing before looking at Pinkie and continuing, "I'm terrified. I don't know what to do or how to talk to anyone. I mean, hell, before I got here any party I was invited to, I ended up being the brunt of everyone's jokes and something like having a garbage bag full of manure was dropped on my head happened. I..."

"Come on let's go have some fun," Pinkie broke in, pulling Kyle towards some of the games and kept asking ponies to teach me how to play each of them. All while Pinkie kept up with keeping me occupied with a smile on my face.