All things considered, it was a fairly calm and peaceful afternoon as Rainbow made her way away from the centre of Canterlot. A smile was upon her face as she confidently strode beyond the town's borders and towards the more rural part of the area. The closer she moved to her destination, the more wildlife she began to see, from birds chirping in the sky to small groups of rabbits hiding in the nearby bushes. Seeing all these animals here, knowing who they were keeping close to, Rainbow couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head at it all. But, it wasn't long after when her goal was finally in sight; Fluttershy's cottage. Even now, seeing it as many times as she had, the young athlete could scarcely believe that such an idyllic-looking place could actually exist outside of a fairy tale. But exist it did, and as she approached the door, she balled her hand into a fist and gave a single knock upon the door.
"Fluttershy? You in there?"
There was a pause, during which, Rainbow could have sworn that she could hear her friend speaking on the other side. But the words were muffled, and she couldn't hear them properly. However, just then, the door opened, and she soon looked upon the smiling face of her childhood friend.
"Oh! Rainbow! You're early!"
Rainbow smirked a little.
"Heck yeah! No way am I gonna miss our movie night!"
Fluttershy nodded, stepping aside to allow the other girl inside. After closing the door behind her though, it wasn't long before Rainbow asked the obvious question.
"So who were you talking to? I heard you a few seconds ago."
The animal carer gave a nod to that.
"I was just talking with my brother over the phone."
A shudder passed through Rainbow after hearing that.
"Ugh! What's Zephyr done this time?"
Fluttershy giggled.
"Nothing. We were just talking about what to get our Father for Father's Day next week."
Rainbow nodded.
"Ah, right."
But while she seemed nonchalant about this, Fluttershy suddenly took on a more apologetic look.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I forgot! You never...well..."
However, contrary to Fluttershy's expectations, Rainbow just seemed amused by her friend's reaction.
"Hey, it's not all bad. Not knowing him just means I don't have to worry like you do when this time of year comes around."
In spite of herself, Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle to that remark, much to Rainbow's delight. When the laughter died down afterwards, the latter placed her hand upon the former's shoulder, using her other hand to point to a nearby door.
"So...shall we get settled?"
Fluttershy nodded, and began leading her companion into the other room. Entering it, the two girls were soon presented with a wonderful sight, as the sun setting over the horizon was giving the room a warm and comfortable glow. Looking around, Rainbow soon settled her eyes on the closest sofa, moving over to it and taking her respective place.
"Ah! I swear, Flutters, your furniture is, like, the softest stuff ever!"
A look of pride covered the other girl's face after hearing that, but she said nothing as she began to make her way over to a shelf on the wall. There, row upon row of DVD's lay, waiting for their owner to choose from amongst them. After almost a full minute though, Rainbow was becoming somewhat impatient.
"You know...my offer still stands."
But Fluttershy turned to her and shook her head.
"Not today, Rainbow. No action movies. I have...a special choice tonight."
The way she'd said that caught the athlete's interest, and so Rainbow watched with renewed interest as Fluttershy continued to look along her collection. It wasn't long when Fluttershy soon let out a happy-sounding "aha", catching Rainbow's attention once more. She watched as the shy girl pulled the case out as carefully as possible, before presenting it to her friend.
"This is what we'll be watching."
At first, Rainbow was pretty happy that a film had finally been chosen. But, as she actually started to take in the choice in question, her smile faded. The cover bore a picture containing a clear collection of animal characters, all rabbits, as one would expect of Fluttershy. However, in spite of this, Rainbow continued to look concerned, bearing recognition as she gazed at that cover.
"Um...Flutters? Are you sure that this is what you want to watch?"
Fluttershy said nothing, instead giving a short nod in response to her friend's words. Another silence followed, and when it ended, Rainbow took a large gulp before speaking up yet again.
"Of course."
Raising one hand, Rainbow nervously scratched the back of her head.
"Look...I know you like animals and stuff...but I'm not sure if this is really gonna be your thing."
Looking down at the film, Fluttershy let out a brief sigh.
"Rainbow...the original book's author died recently."
To that, Rainbow looked to her with a surprised expression.
"Oh...really?"
Fluttershy nodded.
"I just...felt it'd be nice...to remember him."
Looking to the film herself, Rainbow let her shoulders slump slightly.
"Well...okay...I guess I can understand that. But I'm not sure you're gonna like all...all the stuff that's in this one."
Raising her head once more, Fluttershy frowned slightly.
"I know nature, Rainbow. I may seem like I just enjoy being around animals...but I understand that things aren't always perfect for them. It's hard out there, and if nothing else...stories like this should be recognised for acknowledging that."
While it was clear from her expression that Rainbow was going to have a hard time arguing that point, there was nevertheless still some hesitancy in her.
"Yeah...I know, but..."
Here, at last, Fluttershy had made up her mind, and so began to speak in a calm, yet still firm manner.
"Rainbow, we are watching this man's story. Now please...sit."
Though taken aback by her friend's assertiveness, Rainbow still did as instructed, sitting herself right back where she'd been before, much to Fluttershy's appreciation. The latter then turned, heading for her TV and getting down on one knee, doing all the things necessary to get the film set up and ready to watch. As the screen lit up and the opening frames of the film began to roll on, the animal lover then took her place beside her friend, noticing still how she seemed uncertain about all of this.
"I'm surprised you would object to this Rainbow. I always thought you liked more intense movies like this."
Rainbow folded her arms, looking just the tiniest bit uncomfortable all of a sudden.
"I do, but...well..."
She mumbled the rest of her response, her face bearing some clear embarrassment about something, prompting Fluttershy to raise an eyebrow.
"Pardon?"
Rainbow hesitated, but only for a moment.
"It's just...this movie kinda freaked me out when I was little. All those rabbits doing...things to each other."
Now understanding, Fluttershy looked to her friend with surprise, while Rainbow continued to look embarrassed about what she'd just admitted to. Then, as the music of the film continued to fill the room, Fluttershy's expression softened, and she gave her friend both a warm smile and a reassuring hand upon her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Rainbow. This time...I'm here to look after you."
Looking to her, Rainbow couldn't help but smile.
"Yeah...guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, right?"
