Note: Before you comment somewhere during this story saying: “This is too fast paced.”, please read until the end, as it will (hopefully) solve that, somewhat.
You knock shortly on the door, before opening it and entering. Looking around, you are greeted by a few candles, providing the little light that the room has. It's a quaint little light, making the room seem cozy. The purple mare in front of you turns around, noticing your presence.
“Oh, hello. ” She greets, cocking her head slightly as if posing an unspoken question.
“Um, hi Twilight. I'm here to return this book I borrowed.” You reply, levitating the book over to her with your magic. She accepts the book eagerly, now using her magic to float the book down on top of a giant pile of other books. You glance over towards the pile, and notice a label in front of it that reads: “Books to be sorted”. You quietly ponder where Spike could be, as it seems he has fallen behind in his work.
“Oh, thanks. I've been looking forward to reading this myself actually, I'm just glad I don't have to hunt you down for it.” She says, adding an almost silent chuckle. You snap out of your thoughts and attempt to laugh along, but it doesn't go very well. You decide to voice your thoughts.
“Spike has fallen behind, huh?” You question, glancing over at the backlog of books once more. “I usually see that pile having only two or three books in it.”
“Well, in a sense. He's actually over at Rarity's right now. I sort of gave him the day off, although it was more self-imposed than not.” You silently chuckle, knowing of Spike's scarcely kept secret. It's a wonder the whole of Ponyville doesn't know, you think. “So anyway,” Twilight continues, interrupting your thoughts once more, “it's just me today. I've been trying to sort through these all day, but I keep getting distracted by all these interesting books!” Seeing this open opportunity, you jump on it.
“I'll help you!” You yell suddenly, causing her to raise her eyebrows quizzically. “Well...if you'd like...” You add, now feeling slightly nervous. She seems to consider this for a moment, before coming to a decision.
“Well... I'd be a fool to turn you down, wouldn't I? With Spike gone for the day, I suppose I'll need all the help I can get.” You grin widely and feel overjoyed, but settle for smiling being an appropriate way to express your feelings. Or at least, discreetly.
“So,” Twilight continues, “where shall we begin?” You shift through the piles, seeing all kinds of topics, ranging from Magical Mysteries of Equestria to You and Your Bits: The Stallion's Guide to Financial Fissures. You decide to start with Magical Mysteries of Equestria, seeing as you are a magic user yourself.
While resisting the urge to open it and start reading, you gently levitate the book over to the section of bookshelf labeled 'Magic', and tuck it into the correct space.
************
As you finish sorting the last book, you peer around the room. It did take a while, but every book is finally in it's place.
The library sure does look a lot cleaner without all these stacks of books everywhere.
“Looks like we're done.” Twilight states, turning towards you. “Thanks for your help. Most of these books were from my studying last night, but some of them were still there from when Rainbow Dash crashed into my window a week ago. I'm just glad to have them out of the way, finally.”
“Yeah, I'm sure Spike is too.” You add, jokingly.
“Well of course he is. Why wouldn't he be?” Twilight says, questioning you.
“Oh, I was just joking.”
“Oh!” She realizes, blushing slightly. “In that case, I'm sure he is.” You both share a quick laugh, but, glancing outside, you see that it is getting quite dark outside.
“Well Twilight, it's getting dark, so I probably should be on my way.” You say. Even though I don't want to go, I probably should...
“Right. I was so invested in sorting that I didn't notice the time passing. Well, I guess I'll see you around. Thanks again; I'll have to figure out a way to repay you for your kindness.” She responds.
“Oh, you don't have to do that, I'm happy to help...” You start to object, but you are quickly met by a retortion from Twilight.
“I don't have to, but I want to. Don't worry about it, I'll find something.”
“If you say so,” you reply, unsure of yourself. “Anyway, see you soon.” You open the door, walk out, and by doing so, get drenched in rain.
“Oooh!” You hear in the background. You look back inside to see Twilight cringing.
“Why don't I go get you a towel...” She suggests.
“That'd be nice.” You reply, unable to hide your sarcasm. As she goes to get a towel, you are consumed by your own thoughts.
Great, just what I need. I'm going to have to travel home in the rain? That's even better.
Twilight comes back with a towel, interrupting your brief thoughts.
“I'm sorry, I didn't notice it was raining outside.” As she barely finishes her sentence, a crack of lightning splits the air. “And storming...” She puts the towel over you, and you feel slightly warmer.
“Uh, thanks, I guess. I should get going if I want to make it home in time. Here's your towel.” You sigh, as you hand Twilight her towel back. She takes it and presses it down on you again.
“What? You can't go home in this weather! You'll have to stay in the library for the night. Oh, I know! We can have a slumber party!” Twilight finishes, smiling widely. You hear a weird squee sound afterwards.
“I don't know... are you sure you want to do this? Where will I sleep?” You question nervously, looking around for a spare bedroom.
“Don't worry, you can just sleep in my room!” Twilight answers, that big grin still on her face.
“Um..” You query, still unsure.
“What's the matter?” She questioned back, the grin turning into a frown.
“Well, I've never had a sleep and I, um... really lik-” You were cut off suddenly, by another crack of thunder. Both Twilight and you jump, not expecting it.
Of course.
“I haven't had a sleepover since AJ and Rarity showed up. I'm sure you'll be fine.”
“Uh huh...”
“You stay right there, I'll go get some sleepover supplies!” Twilight said, taking the towel off of you and rummaging through an unseen closet.
************
“Okay, let's see,” Twilight read, holding what appeared to be a sleepover manual in her hand. “Step 8. Games.” You sit next to her, patiently waiting for the next strange activity from Twilight's book.
“Pin the tail on the pony, truth or dare, pony pose up...” She listed off, reading from the book. “I guess we could play truth or dare. That's a classic, isn't it? Although there's only two people, but that doesn't matter.” You squirm in your place a little, although Twilight doesn't see to notice.
“Uh, yeah...”
“Great! I'll go get a bottle.” You start having panicked thoughts about all the things that could go wrong, when Twilight returns with a bottle.
“Well, let's get started. I guess I'll be using the sleepover book for this game as well, as I'm not very good at it.”
“Likewise...” You mutter, mostly towards yourself. Twilight doesn't seem to hear you.
“Okay, I'll go first.” She spins the bottle, and it lands on you. “Um,” She ponders for a moment, looking through the book. “Truth or dare?”
“Dare.”
“Hmm. I dare you to...lick the floor.”
“Um, sure...” You lie down, lick the floor, and then sit up, like you were doing a minute ago. “Tastes like...dust.” You reply, much to Twilight's enjoyment, in which she's laughing at you having to lick the floor.
“Alright, my turn.” She says, passing the bottle to you. “Do you want the book too?”
“No, I'm fine without it.” You reply, taking the bottle and spinning it. It stops on you, so you spin again. This time it stops on Twilight. “Alright,” You start, “Truth or dare?”
“Truth.”
“What is your favorite...book?” You ask, causing Twilight to go into thinking mode.
“Hmmmmmmmm,” She wonders. “I can't decide....”
“What happens if you can't answer correctly, then?”
“Let me consult the book for that.” She picks up the book, flipping through a couple of pages. “Ah! It says here that the person who fails to do the truth or dare has to do a separate dare, determined by the players of the game. So,” Twilight questions, putting the book down, “What should the fail dare be?”
“Well, I guess they could....drink pickle...juice?” You answer, your face scrunched up from the thought of it.
“I guess that's....suitable.” She replies, her face contorted in what appeared to be mild disgust.
************
After returning with a jar of pickle juice and some small cups, the game resumed and heated up, after many strange dares and truths.
“Okay, next one.” Twilight continued, the pickle jar about half empty. “Truth, or dare?”
“Truth.”
Reading from the book once more, she asked: “Okay, um..the next suggestion in the book is 'Who do you like?', but I don't know if you want to answer-”
“Um, that's okay, the rules are the rules, right?” You reply somewhat nervously, cutting Twilight off.
“I suppose so, if you're sure about this. Truth; who do you like?” She stated, giving you an unsure look.
“Well, to be blunt,” You started, “I like....you.” After being said, you glanced around the room, not wanting to see Twilight's reaction very much.
“Oh,” She responded, her cheeks tinged by pink, joining yours. “Well, I like you...as well.” She replied, casting her eyes down at the floor. You say nothing, but just glance up at her quizzically. She looks at you back, and you just stare at each other for a few minutes. Or what it seemed like, anyway.
“I, um, think that's enough excitement...for one night.” Twilight says, breaking the silence. “I suggest we get to bed.”
“Yeah...I guess you're right.” You reply, still staring at her.
“I actually have a spare bed that I can set up, let me go get it.”
************
As you settled into Twilight's spare bed, you reflected silently on the events of the day. It was a very strange day.
Twilight settled into her bed as well, just after you did.
“Goodnight. I'll see you in the morning.” She says, winking at you before rolling over and closing her eyes.
“Goodnight, Twilight.” With those last words, you roll over in your own bed, seemingly too excited to sleep. But it comes anyway, and you drift off into a peaceful slumber.
And then you wake up.
A/N: If you read this far, please tell me what you thought. You might want to thank FiMFiction for causing me to write 1,000 words more, as I was going to upload this at ~700 words, and I saw the 1000 minimum limit (and now we're at ~1900 words).
And if you're not sure, the ending is a cliffhanger. c:
You open your eyes, and the first thing you see is your ceiling. Drywall. White drywall. For one expecting to see the wooden roof of the library, you are very disappointed. You sit up in your bed, feeling mildly confused. A warm, fuzzy feeling persists in your stomach, but you can't seem to figure out why. Then it hits you. The Dream. At this realization, the disappointment grows, until you're feeling somewhat depressed.
“I should've known.” You groan to yourself. Now standing on the floor, you shake your head, trying to wear away the groggy effects of sleep. Stumbling over to the bathroom, you mumble to yourself along the way. “Falling for me? Ha! Twilight would fall for anypony but me.” Looking at yourself in the mirror doesn't help boost your confidence.
You are the average Joe of ponies, not cursed, nor blessed, with good looks. Your mane is a two color combination, one part being a fire-brick red, with the other part being a lighter shade of so. Matching your mane, your tail is the same. Your horn is the same color as your body: shaded a Tuscan red, with the lower part of your hooves patterned by cream colored fur. Lastly, you glance at your cutie mark. It's nothing special, being – what else – a book, inscripted with magical writing.
You levitate your comb over, and being brushing your mane slowly. Then you brush your teeth, using magic once more. Once that's all taken care of, you walk out of the bathroom and into your kitchen, intent on making breakfast, which consists of a quickly thrown-together salad. You sit down and begin to eat, thinking over what you aim to accomplish for the day.
Hmm. What to do? You wonder, while biting into a piece of lettuce. I could go visit Twilight, but I did yesterday and I don't want to impose. Much less come off as needy. You suddenly stand up and look through a nearby window, realizing that you don't know what the weather is going to be like throughout the day. It looks sunny, I hope it'll stay that way. Sitting back down, you begin to mull over the dream. Again.
What am I going to do about it? I have to do something. After thinking about it for a while, you come to the conclusion that you have no idea what to do next. Concerning your feelings with Twilight, at least.
Oddly enough, that thought drives you to an idea. Since I don't know what to do, maybe... maybe somepony else could advise me? But, that's risky... who could I trust to keep my secret safe? You don't have very many friends, despite having a big 'welcome to Ponyville' party thrown for you. I don't know anypony very well, come to think of it. I can't just go out and tell whoever, so maybe I'll start with... Twilight's... relations? Would her friends be eager to blab? You've heard of the famous elements of harmony before, but haven't spent the time to get to know them. I could pick one of them, but whoever I pick would just be a blind guess, based on what I've heard so far.
You try to recall the elements' personalities and figure out what exactly their elements are. Let's see... I remember magic, obviously. Rainbow Dash is loyalty... and Pinkie Pie is laughter, but I can't remember what the others are. Whilst trying to remember their traits, you happen to recall receiving a pamphlet of Ponyville, which, if your memory is correct, also showcased the elements and their specialties. You soon find it placed in between a book you've been reading. It appears you've been using it as a bookmark. You chuckle lightly to yourself, then take pamphlet out and turn it over, looking for the descriptions. Ah! Okay, here we go. Magic, loyalty, laughter... generosity, kindness, and honesty. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack.
Thinking of the traits that would be helpful to you, you decide who is a candidate and who isn't. I can't use magic. I don't really need laughter or honesty. Honesty would probably have to reveal my secret if they were asked directly. That is, if anypony suspected it in the first place. You think about whether you've hid your feelings well, and decide you have been doing a good-enough job. I'm not really near Twilight around anypony else anyway. You think back to choosing. That's 3 down out of 6. Loyalty? That might be useful. Although, I haven't heard such great things about Rainbow's personality, either. That just leaves generosity and kindness. I don't think generosity would benefit me, but kindness doesn't seem to be all too great. I have heard Futtershy isn't too social, so maybe she'd be less likely to say anything. But, that also means that she won't be so pleased to talk with me, wouldn't it? Is kindness... what I want? I guess it's the best I can get. I just hope she gives good advice...
Having decided on kindness, you finish your breakfast, and then get ready to pay her a visit. You remember that her cottage is near the Everfree forest, somewhat. Deciding to take a map of Ponyville with you, you think about lunch, but then resolve to buy something at Sugarcube Corner, afterwards. If this is successful, anyway... Looking outside again, you see that it's early dawn. This shouldn't take past midday, but I hope Fluttershy is awake and in the mood to cooperate.
You set off, feeling mildly doubtful. So, you think, looking at your map, I'm near Sugarcube Corner right now. All I have to do is to cross over to the town exit, and then continue along the path until I get to Fluttershy's house. Seems easy enough.
You begin to take the path that, according to the map, leads to Fluttershy's house. Along the way, you see a bunch of dark-leaved trees, along with a bunch of scattered leaves on the ground. You look at your map again. Further down on it, you see a forest labeled 'Everfree'. You have heard of the Everfree, but have never actually gone into it. After enjoying the scenery and conforming your position with your map a couple of times, you come to a stop, ending up at your desired destination: Fluttershy's house. So this map is reliable, you think.
Walking up to her door, you begin to knock. You hear a soft “Eeep” in the background, followed by the slow sound of hooves clicking against wood. Finally, the door creaks open, and you are 'greeted' by a cream colored Pegasus with a pink mane, which she seems to be trying to hide behind. She just sits there in her door frame – which is partially closed, trying to avoid your gaze. You decide to initiate conversation, since you're obviously not going to get a first word from this Pegasus.
“Uh, you're Fluttershy... aren't you?” You begin, while she glances down at the ground and around at the trees, looking anywhere but at you.
“Um...y-yes...” She reluctantly replies, glancing at you for a second, but then quickly averting her gaze back to the ground.
This is going to be harder than I thought, You think to yourself.
“So, I need...uh... advice. And I think you're the mare that could give me... some.”
“M-me? Why... me?” Fluttershy mutters, finally half-glancing at you with a puzzled look on her face.
“Well...it's kind of hard to explain. But... I'll say you have... traits, that I think will help.”
“Help with...what?” She asks, opening her door a little more, now seemingly curious. At least, as curious as a person like her could be. To a stranger.
“To my... problem. Like I said. If you want to, I guess.” You tell her, while sporting a furrowed brow.
“Okay... I s-suppose it would be... alright?” She murmured, while having a puzzled look on her face as well. “Come inside,” She notions, while walking back into her house. “I mean... if you want to.” She adds, peeking back at you. Fluttershy continues walking, and you follow, slowly trodding into her house.
As your hooves hit the wooden floor of her house, you take a look around, never having seen it before. All around you see brown-colored walls, followed by a vine-like pattern leading into what you assume to be the bathroom, as you see the corner of a bathtub. The room closest to the door – which you are standing in – is fairly populated with furniture of all sorts. To the right is a fireplace, while across from that sits a doorway to her supposed kitchen, along with a staircase leading up to the second floor. Fluttershy's wall is carved out in some spots, leaving space to hold objects. Those spaces are currently being taken up by, mostly, books.
You look back towards Fluttershy, who sat down on a lime green sofa. You do the same, sitting next to her. She scoots away a little, although you ignore it.
“So, um...” She starts. You widen your eyes slightly, surprised that she was the first to speak, but wait for her to continue. “W-what did you want to talk... to me, about?”
A/N: I used this: [Map of Ponyville] as a general reference to where everything is. I also used this: [Fluttershy's House]. I'm not as familiar with Ponyville as I want to (or should) be.
I was going to continue this chapter further but I didn't, so I'll try and get another chapter out soon to compensate, hopefully. Thanks for reading.
You shift nervously in your seat. Being asked the intimidating question directly makes it much harder to explain.
“Well, I... um...” You drift off. Fluttershy just looks at you curiously, tilting her head slightly. You look into her blue eyes and suddenly feel as if they're piercing through you. A thought forms in your head as to how ironic this is, but you push it away, trying to concentrate on what you're going to say. “I wanted to talk to you, about...” You start again, only to lock up internally. Fluttershy frowns. “About Twilight!” You burst out, immediately covering your mouth with your hooves after.
“About... Twilight?” She responds, now more curious than before. Her frown turns into an express of wonder. You nod curtly and put your hooves back down, feeling embarrassed. “Um... what about, Twilight?” She asks, clearly puzzled.
“Well,” You start to explain, but then stop abruptly. Thinking back on your dream, you decide to start from there. “So, this morning, I had this dream.” You pause, and Fluttershy nods understandingly. “It was about Twilight, obviously. Um... I went to the library to return a book. And... I ended up spending the day there, sorting books.” You pause again, while she just stares, waiting for you to continue. “When we finished sorting the books, it was time for me to go. I stepped outside, but... it was suddenly pouring outside. Twilight told me I could stay the night, so I did. We had a... slumber party, if you will.” You break off from your spheel, thinking as to how to continue. “We played some... games.” You add, nervously. After a few seconds without speech, Fluttershy notices you didn't expand on your statement, so she prompts you to.
“What kind of games?”
“Well,” You begin, rubbing the back of your head with a hoof. A light blush appears on your cheeks, and you glance downward. Fluttershy doesn't appear to notice. Or at least, she doesn't comment on it. You silently hope that she didn't notice, anyway. “We played, truth or... dare.” She doesn't say anything, failing to notice anything out of the ordinary. “We began to play... oh! But she was using a... sleepover guide for the game, as well as for the sleepover in general.” Fluttershy frowns momentarily at this, but then giggles, laughing at Twilight's bookish nature. “One of the questions was...” You think on how to explain without giving away too much. “Rather... intrusive.” You click your hooves together; a nervous habit. You look towards Fluttershy as her puzzled look returns, briefly. It is quickly replaced with a shy, sly grin. She looks towards you eagerly, and you can't help but squirm, fearing what she figured out.
Her sly smile suddenly turns into that of a sheepish grin, and you begin to internally panic. She opens her mouth to speak, and you glance side to side fearfully.
“I know! She asked if your were having fun, and you said yes!” Fluttershy turns her nose towards the ceiling as she says this, and all that's left is a big smile on her face. You visibly relax, but the fear of having to tell her the truth at some point still lingers in the back of your mind.
“Uh... yeah.” You reply, glancing down at the floor. She, however, catches onto this. Unfortunately.
“What's wrong?” She asks,turning her head back down, a slight frown appearing on her face once more.
“Nothing...” You answer, suddenly regretting your visit.
“Are you sure?” Fluttershy glances at you worriedly, scooting closer. You shudder. “Oh, are you cold? I could get you a blanket...”
'No... that's fine.”
She just looks at you, now silent. “Please, continue your story. If she didn't ask you that, what did she ask?” You sigh.
“Well... she asked me if I... liked her, basically.” You put out blatantly. You look towards the wooden floor again, feeling ashamed. A pink tinge makes it's way to your cheeks once more, the feeling becoming too familiar. Fluttershy looks at you blankly, as if her brain seized up and shut down. You begin to think this was a terrible idea.
I knew I should've stayed home today. Your mind rings out, doing nothing to change the situation in front of you. Fluttershy suddenly springs back to life, her cheeks resembling that of a tomato. Her eyes carry what seems like a happy expression, but you're unsure. Well, until she says:
“Aww,” She moans, looking at you with a huge grin, clicking her hooves together like you did a moment ago. “What did you say?” Her face turns eager once more, apparently wanting to hear what you replied at this point.
“Well, I said... yes?” You mutter back, almost as if you aren't sure yourself. She reacts by clapping her hooves together excitedly and uttering a soft and drawn out 'Yay”.
“You do remember this was just a dream, right?” You ask Fluttershy. She nods, her clapping beginning to slow down. “Well I certainly had no idea you were such a... romantic.” You offer, smirking a little, trying to lighten the mood. Her blush strengthens in turn, and she giggles softly at you.
When you both settle down, the conversation resumes.
“Anyway,” You say, breaking the silence. “So that's what it was. And now, I need your... help. Or rather, advice, concerning what I should do now.” You carry on, some scraps of confidence clinging to you so you have the will to continue this conversation in the first place. Fluttershy briefly looks confused, before starting to speak again.
“But it was just a... dream. I don't really think there's anything to do about that, seeing as isn't a nightmare or anything.” She ponders, leaving you with the strong urge to facehoof.
“Well yes, I know, but I'd like some advice on how to make the events in my dream happen in real life. Not in that exact situation, of course, but just as some... general tips.”
“I'm not really the one to ask.” She admits, causing you to bite your lip in mild frustration.
“But I'd rather not have my secret spread all over Ponyville.”
A/N: Yeah, this was a strange place to end this chapter (and it was pretty short...). And yes, if this were a Fluttershy oriented fic I there would've been many places I could have capitalized upon.