Futile Devices

by themoontonite

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy
Length: 1083

Rainbow Dash seeks shelter from a storm in Fluttershy's cabin.

Ever since Rainbow Dash moved to Ponyville, Fluttershy's cabin was a place of safety for her. A refuge from the hurt and confusion of the world. So why did her heart sting when she looked in Fluttershy's eyes?

Please do check out the sequel by Silent Whisper. One of the more enchanting pieces I've read and a better sequel than I ever could've written. Delightful stuff.

Published 2017-01-05 06:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-01-05 06:20:01 UTC

Futile Devices

Here I am again, curled up with aching bones on your couch. A few hours ago I was soaked through to the core, battered by some of the fiercest rain we’ve had in months. I knew to expect it, but expectation and preparation are two very different things. So you took me in, got some soup in me, played the guitar until my eyelids were heavy, and then put me to bed. I've fallen asleep on your couch probably a hundred times so why do I always feel so guilty? Why do I always feel like I owe you something? I know I'd give you the same treatment if you showed up on my doorstep, drenched in rain. It's what friends are for. I guess it's just who I am. Or who you are. Still, I feel safe here. Safe from the outside, safe from myself, safe from everything. My own sanctuary. Your sanctuary, really. Thanks for that.

I do

Have we really known each other since we were fillies? It feels like so much longer. I remember your face, the first time I saw you. It was soft, kind. I had just wiped out and you were there to see if I was okay. The best I could do at the time was smile through a mouthful of dirt and say something like 'I'm fine.' I still can't believe you wanted to be my friend after seeing that. You stayed though. For my entire life, up to this point. It seems you’re going to stay staying, which is nice. I really appreciate that. Not many rocks in the life of a pegasus like me, y’know? Can I say that after that day, I dedicated your face to memory? I was never gonna forget somepony like that, no ma’am. And so far I haven’t. If I ever forget you it’s gonna be one of two things: Magic or death.

Love you

I’ve been here for four hours now. You’re asleep, which is good. You need your sleep. I’ve finally dried off completely thanks to that fire you had going. That storm really hit me hard, y’know? Flying in weather like that makes it feel like even your bones are soaked but it’s my job to stay up there for as long as possible, do what I can to mitigate lightning strikes and things like that. I like to leave thunder up there cause I feel like it gives storms presence. Makes ‘em mean something. I like to mean something. You probably already know that though. I kinda make it obvious, don’t I? Do I mean anything to you? Because you mean so much to me.

I do

I would have gone back home but your cottage was closer and I was cold, wet, and tired. I figured you wouldn’t mind. I didn’t mean to interrupt your guitar session either. That song you were playing? Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I really liked sitting by the fire and just… watching you play. I get lost in listening. I’ve never felt a buzz like what I’ve felt watching you play. Not even from Applejacks Special Reserve. I’ve never seen anypony play the guitar like you do, just soft plucks right where they need to be. Watching those steel strings vibrate was like watching the rain build or seeing the clouds part on an overcast day. It’s like… Magic, I guess. I’d like to learn a song or two one of these days, if you’ve ever got the time.

Love you

It was really nice of you to bring out those blankets for me, by the way. I know you crocheted this one on top here, the blue and gold one. It’s too beautiful, too delicate to be made by anypony else. Have you ever seen yourself crochet? I mean of course you’ve seen it but have you really seen it? That stuff is mesmerizing, seeing those little needles click and clack for hours on hours until after half a day is passed and you’ve made something wonderful. It’s usually a blanket for one of your little critter friends or some gift to give to your friends. Would it be weird if I said that made me proud? I’ve met a lot of ponies dedicated to their craft but man, you take it to another level sometimes. I really respect that.

I do

You’re kind of like a sister to me, did you know that? I know it sounds dumb but… It’s true. Honestly. It’s hard to speak your mind. At least for me it is. I could do it if I was Applejack or Rarity or Twilight or… Anypony else, really. But I’m me. Rainbow Dash. And the truth isn’t my thing, I guess. I’ve learned that no matter what, you can’t outfly a lie. Nopony ever said anything about a lack of the truth though, right? Who needs to put their feelings into words? Who needs to bare their heart like that? Not me. No way. I’ll be gone by morning. You’ll find the blankets folded neatly, the fire stocked with wood, the place tidied up. I can’t stand being idle, especially when the morning hits. So I’ll be out of your hair. Thanks again, by the way. I’ll tell you how I really feel one of these days. Right now it’s just… Too hard. I’m too soft.

Love you

I need you. It’s the only thought in my head as sleep creeps in. It’s the last light on in the attic of my tired little mind. Do you need me? I hope so. Sometimes I don’t think you do. That’s usually just the mean part of my brain talking. Do you have a mean part of your brain? The part that tells you that you can’t pull something off or that you look ridiculous. That kinda stuff. I’m not a big fan of mine. Still, I’m gonna spill the beans one of these days. It might not be in words though. Not written or spoken. I’m gonna show you. Demonstrate my love, y’know? Because for me, words are futile devices.

I do,love you.

Author's Note

It was a fight to get this tiny ass story to reach 1000 words BUT I did it. That's why the paragraphs are so bloated, in case you're curious. Anyways, this is pretty much a ripoff of Sufjan Stevens lovely song Futile Devices, the opener for the incredible album Age of Adz. Check it out!