Chapters Needs Words (June 8th, Saturday Morning)
Fluttershy whined as she followed Angel Bunny into the woods. Fluttershy sighed, following her pet as he showed no signs of slowing. She had been wallowing in self-pity back at her cottage but then Angel pestered her until she got up and followed him. This was actually normally the time he disappeared anyway so she had no idea where he was taking her. Normally she would be ecstatic to find out where he went but right now she just wanted to be alone in her own sadness. She was about to protest again when her ears perked up at a sound, looking about as she heard music echoing about the trees. She followed Angel a little faster, her sadness suppressed by her new curiosity on who was playing music in the woods?
Fluttershy walked out into a small clearing in the middle of which sat standing Octavia with her cello. She was surrounded by a small army of animals listening to her play her wonderful music. Fluttershy silently wondered at the fact that she'd never known about this. Many of her animal friends would disappear around this time regularly, and she realized that they must have been coming here, but she hadn't heard of this happening. She closed her eyes as she listened to the music. She was by no means an expert in classical music, Octavia's specialty but she was fairly familiar with it as it was Rarity's favorite and one of Twilight's. She had never heard this specific song before, but it was extremely beautiful. She smiled as she let the music lead her mind away from her troubles and back towards the simple pleasures of life.
Fluttershy was so caught up in the music it took her a few moments to realize that the song had ended. Fluttershy opened her eyes to see that Octavia had also opened her eyes, that had been closed during her performance but they weren't happy. Octavia was glaring daggers at Fluttershy like she had broken some sacred trust between the two. Fluttershy whimpered and started to back out of the circle her ears down when she felt her hoof caught, Angel Bunny was holding onto her left and shaking his head. Fluttershy whimpered a little and looked back at Octavia, who was still looking unhappy but did seem to have her anger directed at Angel instead of Fluttershy. Angel Bunny for his part hopped up to Octavia and beat one of his big feet on the ground, staring up at her defiantly, crossing his little arms.
A few moments later Octavia broke her staring contest with the defiant bunny to look at Fluttershy again. Fluttershy took a nervous step back but this time Octavia just gave her a long assessing look before closing her eyes and starting to play again. Fluttershy sighed in relief but still had every intention to leave whether or not Angel protested or not. But then Octavia started playing. She started off this song low and slow, Fluttershy would say that it sounded almost mournful as Octavia teased out the sounds from her cello. Fluttershy felt herself almost compelled to sit back down at the sound curled up around her, almost caressing her ears with its slow melody. She shivered slightly as she listened to this strange song that Octavia was playing for her.
Fluttershy couldn't say why but she knew that, for some reason, Octavia was playing this song for her, and her alone. It wasn't for the animals here, they were just bystanders at the moment. It wasn't Octavia practicing, she obviously had this song perfected to the point where she could play it in her sleep. No, Octavia had looked into Fluttershy's eyes, seen into her very soul and chosen this song out of her large repertoire to play for Fluttershy at that moment in time. And while Fluttershy didn't know how, Octavia had chosen perfectly. Fluttershy tried to stop the tears by closing her eyes tight but she couldn't help it. The sad, mournful music coaxed them out of her. She couldn't help but let the tears flow for what she had lost.
Fluttershy had had a crush on Muffins for a long time now but she hadn't ever had the courage to say anything. She had been trying over and over to no avail then the final kick in the flank came when she found out Coco and Applejack weren't only getting engaged but had set a date for the wedding already! And while she didn't actually blame them for her own disappointment she did curse the way it had made her feel, the need it put inside of her. Of her closest friends only she and Twilight weren't in a relationship and everyone was going well. Though Fluttershy didn't know much about Zecora and Pinkie Pie's relationships Pinkie Pie had kept it a secret for six months, that was a huge sign of devotion, especially for Pinkie Pie. Applejack and Coco were getting married, that was self-explanatory. Though Flitter wouldn't openly admit it she was extremely enamored with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy could tell Rainbow Dash was equally pleased with her new marefriend. Minuette and Rarity were hitting it off well, Minuette seemed to be a different pony when Rarity was around, which made Fluttershy a little concerned about her changing for Rarity but that wasn't really her business.
All this love around her and she didn't have anyone. That had been the catalyst for her to approach Muffins and tell her about her feelings. Unfortunately for Fluttershy, Muffins wasn't into mares. Thankfully Fluttershy had still been shy enough to ask Muffins off to the side to broach the subject, and Muffins, being one of the kindest ponies that Fluttershy knew had let her down easy, but it was still a terrible memory for Fluttershy. She knew that Muffins wouldn't tell anyone and Fluttershy wasn't intending to but it still felt terrible. She felt like everyone knew, even though that had been impossible. She sighed as she continued to silently let her tears flow, not sure what she should be doing with her life. She knew that she had a good life, lots of friends and animals. But she knew she wanted a pony to share it with. Some ponies were fine with being alone and she envied those ponies. Fluttershy needed someone to love and to love her, and more than just friends.
Fluttershy again was so wrapped up in the song, then her thoughts with the song only becoming the background catalyst she again took a few moments to realize the song had ended. She opened one eye to see that Octavia was watching her again, thought his time she didn't show any of the anger or annoyance that had shown on her face earlier. Looking around Fluttershy realized that the two of them were now alone, all the animals had left the clearing to them. She licked her muzzle looking nervously at Octavia, but unwilling to break the silence she simply pointed at Octavia's cello with a hoof, hoping for another song. After a few moments, Octavia took up her bow again and started to play another sad, slow song for Fluttershy to experience.
Author's Note
Alright, folks! I'm feeling better and back at it with this series again! So I give you the beginning of Fluttershy's story to celebrate me getting back on this horse! I bet those of you who've been reading the story weren't expecting this curveball! :D
Is A Duet (June 8th, Saturday Morning)
Finally, Octavia stopped playing and didn't start another song. Fluttershy had long since stopped crying silently but she had remained silent as Octavia played songs just for the shy pegasus. Octavia let out a small sigh as she set her Cello aside. Stretching, she heard her joints pop from so long in the same stance. How long had she been playing? She usually lost track of time when she played. Looking up at the sun she was not wilderness expert but she'd guess between an hour or two hours. She walked over to Fluttershy, intent on impressing onto Fluttershy that this event was to never be spoken of. Octavia had humored Angel Bunny but now she was going to make sure that Fluttershy understood the unspoken agreement that she had entered into.
Octavia didn't get the chance, as right when she got to Fluttershy the pegasus wrapped her legs around her and nuzzled deep into Octavia's neck. Octavia didn't mind hugs, but this was more than a normal friendly hug, or even a particularly close family hug. After a few moments of shock Octavia pushed Fluttershy off of her, scowling at the other pony, only to let out a gentle sigh as she met Fluttershy's big doe eyes, still brimming with unshed tears. Octavia supposed she could let it go, knowing Fluttershy she hadn't meant anything by it, she was just being overly close. Octavia couldn't help but think of something she'd heard Flitter say once, 'being mad at Fluttershy makes you feel like you're kicking a puppy.' That produced a wry grin on Octavia's muzzle, she really had to agree with that sentiment. Though it seemed that Fluttershy took the hint and didn't try to hug Octavia a second time.
Octavia sat in front of Fluttershy, looking slightly down at the other pony. Octavia rolled her eyes at that, they were almost the exact same height normally, Octavia had centimeters on Fluttershy. But Fluttershy didn't sit up straight, she always slumped where Octavia had proper posture. On top of that Fluttershy wouldn't look Octavia in the eye, avoiding her gaze causing Octavia no end of annoyance with the other pony. There was being shy then there was just being rude. "Fluttershy." Octavia was at least gratified to see that when she spoke to Fluttershy the other pony looked at her. Not in the eye but it was still progress. "You must not tell anyone of me playing out here." She would lend Fluttershy a sympathetic ear for what was obviously bothering her so much soon, but she needed to get this established first.
Fluttershy blinked slowly at the other pony but nodded nervously. "Y-Yes Octavia." If Fluttershy was being honest Octavia had always intimidated her slightly. Octavia always looked poised, but not like Rarity in an 'I want to always look my best' kind of way. In a more 'this is the proper way things are done.' Like some of those Canterlot nobles Fluttershy saw at the Grand Galloping Galla. She hooved at the ground nervously as she glanced up to meet Octavia's eyes for a moment. Fluttershy was relieved to see they didn't seem angry like when she had first shown up but they certainly still held an amount of annoyance in them.
Octavia took in a deep breath and then let it out, giving Fluttershy a small smile and seeing how that seemed to help Fluttershy relax a little. "What is the matter Fluttershy?" Octavia immediately regretted the question as Fluttershy immediately started bawling again and grabbed onto Octavia squeezing her hard.
"Muffinsdoesn'tandIdon'thaveanyponyandthey'regettingmarriedandRainbowDashandandandand!" Fluttershy's babbling continued with only snippets being in any way decipherable.
"Fluttershy! Calm down!" Octavia was tempted to slap the babbling pegasus to try and snap her out of it but that was more of a last resort. Though it was a bit gauche she decided a less extreme but just as direct way to shut Fluttershy up. Raising a hoof Octavia planted it squarely under Fluttershy's jaw and slowly, so she wouldn't bite her tongue, closed the other pony's mouth tight so she couldn't talk anymore. "Now, gather your thoughts then tell me again." And in the meantime Octavia extracted herself from the tight hug, smiling gently, even she had to admit that Fluttershy was a bit cute in a panicked mess sort of way.
Fluttershy did indeed sit back, wiping her eyes slightly as she swallowed. Taking a few deep breaths Fluttershy made to effort to calm herself down, shrinking back slightly as Octavia stared down at her. Now that she was thinking straight again she was slightly intimidated by the older pony proper pony. She mumbled something that Octavia couldn’t hear, looking down. Octavia sighed but guessed she wouldn’t get anywhere without at least breaching some proper protocol. “Fluttershy.” Octavia has to take a moment to consciously make herself sound less severe, giving the shy pegasus another, forced to be a slightly wider smile, and speaking in a gentler tone. “Fluttershy, I’m not mad at you.” At the gentler tone, Fluttershy did look back up nervously. “What is the matter?”
Fluttershy sniffled but much to Octavia’s relief kept it together. “Well... Muffins isn’t interested in mares.” It took Octavia to connect that little factoid to any problem that Fluttershy might have. She couldn’t stop her little smirk from forming, she’d seen this before. When somepony’s friends got engaged it could trigger panic in similarly aged ponies. “And with Applejack getting engaged...” Despite knowing she shouldn’t Octavia couldn’t help but feel proud of herself with her prediction.
“Is there a reason that you cannot pursue someone besides Muffins?” Octavia had courted before but ponies of her social stature didn’t ‘date.’
Fluttershy blinked and shook her head, as if the concept had just occurred to her. “Uh... No. But I’m into mares not stallions do that limits my choices somewhat...”
Octavia nodded. Many ponies were fairly open with their preferences, though the majority still had their preferences set to one or the other. “Well I am as well, Fluttershy, but I have courted my fair share of mares over the years.” To Octavia it was a perfectly normal statement. She didn’t count on Fluttershy flailing about looking for a way out of her current emotional turmoil. Fluttershy sat up a little straighter as she processed her version of Octavia’s statement. “Perhaps you can think of someone else? Perhaps someone right in front of your nose?” Octavia had been trying to lead Fluttershy’s mind to Twilight as it was known she was into mares and had broken up with Starlight a month ago. Or leading her thoughts to Starlight would work as well.
Octavia smiled a little as Fluttershy brightened up. Getting up and retrieving her cello Octavia hoisted it onto her back and walked back over to Fluttershy. “Now you promise not to tell others of this correct?”
Fluttershy frowned for a moment but then smiled and nodded. “Oh! No telling them about you playing! Right!” Fluttershy pawed at the ground nervously and looked down. “But I can tell them about what we talked about and...” Fluttershy mumbled off to a level that Octavia, unfortunately, couldn’t hear with her finished statement. “Us being together...”
Octavia nodded after a moment. She would have preferred her presence here go completely ignored but their talk wasn’t a threat to her secret. “Yes, though we simply met while walking on the road in that version, agreed?”
Fluttershy nodded a little hesitantly. She wasn’t a fan of lying but it was Octavia’s business why she was out here and wanted to keep it secret. “Yes, Octavia. Would you like to come to my cottage for some tea?”
Octavia was going to turn down the other pony, politely of course, but then she paused. She didn’t have many friends in Ponyville really. Octavia didn’t think completely like her parents, she didn’t think she was above other ponies because of her birth. She was still a product of her upbringing however, she simply didn’t have a lot in common with the other ponies of Ponyville, with a few exceptions. Such as Filthy Rich and Rarity. Octavia smiled a little, she did let herself cut loose every once and a while. The odd rumor of her acting improper would be ignored, but constant word of it... Octavia nodded to herself as she looked at Fluttershy, she supposed that they both liked animals, maybe some tea with Fluttershy would be an enjoyable Saturday morning. And Fluttershy was a quiet thing, in her parents' eyes a slightly improper friend being below her station, but acceptable due to Fluttershy's reserved behavior. “Yes Fluttershy, I would enjoy that.”
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Sounds The Same (June 8th, Saturday Morning)
Octavia sat on the comfortable if crowded couch in Fluttershy's living room. She wasn't bothered by the crowd though, they were all manner of small, and some large animals. Especially the birds made Octavia smile as they trilled out their own beautiful songs. She was waiting patiently for her hostess to bring out the tea that she'd been offered. She was absent-mindedly petting Angel Bunny, something she didn't realize was out of character for the usually finicky rabbit, but then again Angel Bunny was a large fan of Octavia's music.
Fluttershy paused at the doorway, mildly surprised that Angel Bunny was putting up with the attentions from Octavia, but smiling at the sight none the less. Pushing her small trolley out laden with a steaming kettle, two teacups, on saucers, a selection of teas and sugar cubes. Octavia smiled, this was a very fine tea service, far more than she had actually been expecting. She leaned forward taking one of the Earl Grey tea packets and placing it in her cup. She was surprised, pleasantly so, when Fluttershy took the initiative to pour the water for her tea. She smiled at the other pony as she allowed her tea to seep, watching Fluttershy select a green tea for herself and poured her own hot water. Fluttershy raised a spoon with a sugar cube nestled in it. "Sugar cube?"
Octavia clicked her tongue in disapproval causing Fluttershy to look confused. Octavia had to smile and shake her head. "Oh, my apologies Fluttershy. No, thank you." She had to remind herself that Fluttershy wasn't one of the fellow upper crust ponies who knew the proper ways to appreciate a good cup of tea.
Fluttershy however, now being more comfortable with the still slightly intimidating Octavia she tilted her head in question. "Is something wrong with sugar Octavia?"
Octavia shook her head smiling. "Oh no my dear, please don't let my refusal put you off of enjoying it yourself." As Fluttershy still looked cruious Octavia expanded on her reasoning. "I was simply brought up to appreciate the purity of a tea, without extra flavoring in it. But those not used to it will likely find many teas a bit abrasive for their taste." She raised her own tea to her lips, taking a polite sip of it and nodding, pleasantly surprised by the quality of the tea that Fluttershy had. Octavia didn't doubt that part of it was an influence that Rarity was a good friend of Fluttershy so she likely kept good tea for her friend. However, she wouldn't want to downplay Fluttershy's own part. She knew enough to look for the good stuff, even if she didn't appreciate it fully by adding sugar and possible cream to her tea. Though there was a good sign that Octavia didn't see any cream on the trolley.
Fluttershy looked down at the tea she had yet to put anything in it. She hesitantly raised it to her lips taking a hesitant sip and immediately regretting it. She hadn't realized how bitter this tea was without sugar in it, managing not to spit it out, just barely. She did make the most horrified face as she fought to keep from making a mess of herself or the table in front of her new marefriend she swallowed down the tea. Octavia was not so successful. When she saw Fluttershy's face in the wake of tasting her tea Octavia couldn't stop her snort of amusement. Hot tea splattered onto the floor in front of the table as Octavia had managed to look down and miss the tea or sugar on the table.
Octavia looked mortified. "Oh, I do apologize, my dear!" She got up to get the towel that was hanging off the cart only to turn around and find that the many small animals had beat her to it and they had produced a towel, wiping away the spilled tea and scampering back off. Octavia couldn't help but smile, that certainly was convenient. She returned to her seat where across from where Fluttershy was giggling at her and adding sugar to her tea. "Allow me to apologize for that again, Fluttershy, it was very unseemly."
Fluttershy tilted her head, smiling at the other pony and waving a hoof dismissively. "Don't worry about it, Octavia. No harm no foul." She was taking another sip of her tea, properly sweetened this time. However, this was interrupted by Fluttershy noticing a faint blush on Octavia's cheeks. She was quite bothered by her social faux pas. Fluttershy bit her bottom lip for a moment before looking up at Octavia, meeting her eyes intently and giving her her most confident smile. "Really Octavia, we all make mistakes at times, nothing to get caught up on."
Octavia hesitated a moment then smiled back at Fluttershy. That was one of the good things about the lower classes, they tended to not worry about the small things and nit pic people to death over them. Probably because they actually had to worry about things that were important, like paying off their house or if they could afford to splurge on some vacation. Octavia straightened up a little and smiled a little wider at the other pony. "Fluttershy, how would you like to go shopping later?"
Fluttershy was taken aback, blinking at the sudden suggestion. She then considered it for a moment, she wasn't really much of a shopper, if Octavia just wanted a shopping companion Fluttershy would have suggested she ask Rarity. And was going to do just that for a moment, before realizing that Octavia was asking her out on a date! Fluttershy smiled sheepishly and blushed gently but nodded. She was a little unsure, this was moving rather fast for her, but she wasn't going to say no if Octavia wanted to go out. "I would enjoy that. Though I don't really need anything I'll help you shop."
Octavia grinned at the obvious, at least in her mind, avoidance by Fluttershy to admitting that she couldn't spend money as freely as Octavia. Octavia herself waved a hoof, she would pay for anything the other mare liked. Money mattered little to her, she had plenty, and then some. She was the second wealthiest pony in Ponyville after all (not including the princess.) "Oh don't worry about that Fluttershy, I'll buy you something." She smiled, looking around the cottage she assumed what Fluttershy would like. "Something cute."
Fluttershy blushed a little brighter, something that Octavia took as confirmation for being called out, for Fluttershy it was the prospect of her marefriend buying her something cute. "O-Ok, but only something small."
Octavia nodded, not sure she was going to stick that agreement but either way, it'd work out. "So, see you at... Let's meet up at Rarity's boutique at... Two?" Fluttershy nodded and smiled as she showed Octavia out. Octavia smiled and nodded. "See you later Fluttershy." Turning she walked back towards town, happy she'd made a new friend today.
Fluttershy smiled as she leaned against the door jam of her cottage and grinned ear to ear. She was heartbroken last night but now she had a pretty new marefriend. She grinned, she knew on an intellectual level she really shouldn't have barreled into a relationship after just being rejected. When in that frame of mind you didn't make good decisions. But Octavia was super nice to Fluttershy and she wanted to be in a relationship so badly!... Now if only Octavia knew they were in a relationship...
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Cautious Minuette (June 8th, Saturday afternoon) (Minor crossover from Time To Model)
“Rarity Rarity Rarity!” Fluttershy galloped into the boutique and over to her friend veritably vibrating with excitement. Rarity was taken aback by her normally shy friends excited manner. Even Minuette opened an eye from her supposed nap on a nearby couch to watch the two mares. Rarity grinned and blew a kiss to her marefriend before looking back at Fluttershy.
“Yes, I’m right here darling. What has you so excited?” Rarity has rarely seen Fluttershy like this, had she discovered some new animal?
“I have a date!”
Rarity’s polite smile turned instantly genuine. “Oh, that’s great news darling! You finally told Muffins how you feel!”
Fluttershy shook her head. “It’s not Muffins.” Fluttershy bounced excitedly up and down but didn’t continue.
Rarity tried her best to ignore Minuette’s snickering. In her overexcitement, Fluttershy apparently forgot to say who her date was with. Rarity couldn’t help but grin, quite pleased to see her friend so pleased. “Care to tell me whom it is darling?”
Fluttershy giggled and nodded. “Sorry! I’m excited!”
“I noticed that. Now, her name Fluttershy?” Rarity rolled her eyes good-naturedly, wondering slightly if she’d be asking a third time.
“Oh oh oh! It’s Octavia!”
Rarity was surprised, but pleased. Octavia was a kind mare, if a very proper one. “She’s a very fine mare. Kind and a very skilled musician.” Rarity pointedly ignored the fact Octavia was filthy rich. Rarity made a mental note to work out some joke about being filthy rich but not being Filthy Rich. However, Rarity’s planned questions were interrupted by Minuette, who had apparently given up in her nap, or attempted nap.
“You said Octavia?” Minuette was frowning as she walked over to the only other ponies in the boutique. At Fluttershy’s enthusiastic nods Minuette managed to catch Rarity’s eye and motioned off to the side with her head.
Rarity frowned but nodded. “Well, why don’t you take a look around the shop dear? You want a new dress for your date?”
Fluttershy oblivious to the secret conversation between the other two shook her head. “No, we’re meeting up in an just a little bit! I’ll just look around?”
Rarity smiled and nodded as she followed Minuette into her storage room. She glanced back out at Fluttershy humming and perusing around the store. “What’s the matter Minuette?”
Minuette frowned as she too watched Fluttershy. “There’s something going on here Rarity.” She shifted her eyes to Rarity. “Is Fluttershy distantly related to one of the old pegasi generals?”
"Not that I know of darling... Why?"
Minuette shook her head. "I know Octavia's family Rarity, they're old money, old nobility types. They wouldn't give me the time of day, and I'm a freaking Grand Master! Well, at least her mother wouldn't, her father's also as arrogant but at least he's not a prick about it."
Rarity frowned, Octavia was a bit standoffish but she wasn't rude. "Darling Octavia's nothing like that."
Minuette smiled, reaching up and gently rubbing her marefriends chest. Rarity liked to think she understood the nobles, but there were two tiers of the nobility and Rarity only understood the ones who were willing to associate with her. "I'm sure she isn't dearheart but... She has responsibilities to her family to put on the proper airs."
Rarity frowned and pushed the other mare's hoof off of her. "The nobles aren't like that darling, well, at least not most of them. I'm sure Prince Blueblood is."
Minuette shook her head. "No Rarity. There are nobles and then there are nobles . Octavia's family falls into the later."
Rarity frowned, still irritated with her marefriend but she didn't think Minuette was lying to her. "Very well darling, what of it? Octavia obviously doesn't think like her parents."
Minuette grimaced a little. "Well keep your eye out, there's either a misunderstanding, or there's going to be a big fight between Octavia and her parents sometime soon. Since I've not heard of her being disowned."
Rarity blinked and tilted her head to the side. "Disowned?"
Minuette sighed and patted her marefriend consolingly on the shoulder. "The brighter the glamor the deeper the shadows Rarity."
Rarity frowned and glanced out at Fluttershy. "This is going to... End poorly isn't it Minuette?"
Minuette nodded. "Unless Fluttersy's secretly related to royalty, oh yeah."
Rarity shifted a bit. "So... what should we tell her?"
"Nothing."
Rarity wielded around and stared incredulously at Minuette. "Nothing!? Fluttershy is my friend!" Rarity glanced out the door again, glad to see that it seemed that Fluttershy had missed her raised voice.
Minuette cooed gently to Rarity. "No dearheart. We don't know enough at the moment to do anything."
Rarity let out a small breath smiling at her marefriend. "Sorry, darling."
Minuette grinned. "You're just protective of Fluttershy." She reached up and booped Rarity on the nose. "It shows me how you'll be with our future foals."
Rarity blushed brightly but still smiled gently at the teasing. "Don't get ahead of yourself there darling, it's Coco and Applejack who are getting married, remember?"
Minuette grinned and raised an eyebrow. "Are you hinting at something?"
Rarity chortled and shook her head as she started to head back out to Fluttershy. "I'm fond of you darling but I'm going to make you work for it for a bit longer, I mean we just moved you in here, and that's not even full time."
Minuette smiled as she followed after Rarity, but keeping her voice low. "Anyway, it's not like Octavia's parents are going to show up today. Let Fluttershy enjoy her date then we can have a chat with Octavia about what's going on."
Rarity nodded and smiled as they got back into earshot of Fluttershy. "Did you see anything you might like darling? Like a new hairpin, or a hat?"
Fluttershy shook her head and smiled. "Oh no, but that's ok! We're going shopping anyway!" Fluttershy blushed a little as she continued. "And... Octavia said she wanted to buy me something cute."
Rarity smiled, slightly forced after the revelations from Minuette. She tried to think of another way to change the subject before Minuette saved her, pointing out the window of the boutique. "Isn't that Octavia?"
Fluttershy looked out the window and meeped quietly. "Oh! Oh! Oh! I should go talk to her! Right?" At the nods from both the other ponies, she rushed out the door to approach her date, at least, who she thought was her date.
Minuette looked at Rarity, a small grin despite the coming issues she assumed were on the horizon. "She's really bad at this isn't she?"
Rarity chortled and nodded. "She's shy and she's never actually had a special somepony except for two days when she was a teenager, what do you think?"
Minuette smiled, she remembered her younger days of putzing around fondly because she heard her call. Time magic was a powerful special talent and she felt blessed to have it, but it certainly hadn't helped her decide what she'd wanted to do with her life. And she’d found her calling in her knighthood. Glancing over at Rarity Minuette grinned. It was still early and they still had a lot to talk about but she hoped she might have found one she’d be spending her years with. “I think that I’m a lucky mare.” Rarity turned to ask about the change in topic to receive a kiss on the lips.
Ends Gently (June 8th, Saturday afternoon)
Octavia raised an eyebrow as Fluttershy veritably galloped out to her, grinning widely. Octavia stood patiently, waiting for Fluttershy outside of Rarity's boutique. She smiled as she looked at the happy mare, Fluttershy seemed to have cheered up rather significantly since this morning. Octavia stiffened slightly when she was greeted with a hug but smiled after a moment, returning it. Fluttershy certainly was one of the more touchy ponies around after she got past the hurdle of her shyness. Octavia turned and motioned down the main road, smiling as Fluttershy nodded and started down it. "Fluttershy, have you thought of where you might like to go shopping?"
Fluttershy frowned a little in confusion, shaking her head. "Uh... No Octavia, I don't..." She blushed a little as she remembered Octavia's offer to buy her something. She had thought about it then forgotten. “Well, I couldn’t really think of anything I needed. But I’d like to hear you play again.”
Octavia opened her mouth to reprimand the other pony, annoyed she’d bring up their agreed-upon secret before she realized what Fluttershy probably was talking about. “You’d like tickets to my next performance?” A few more seconds and Octavia grinned, this was actually a very good idea on Fluttershy’s part. “Ahh! I’ll get you two.”
Fluttershy frowned and tilted her head slightly. “Two? But it’s only me.”
Octavia groaned slightly as her pegasus companion missed the point entirely. “But this way you could invite someone else.” As Fluttershy still stared at her blankly, Octavia could understand how such a cute mare was still single. “Maybe someone like Princess Twilight...?"
Fluttershy seemed, at least from Octavia’s perspective to get it. “Oh! Twilight does like classical music!” Fluttershy giggles gently and nodded at Octavia. “And it’s not like you could sit out in the audience with me.”
Octavia smiled, the joke wasn’t half bad really. “I should certainly say not. The conductor would certainly have a fit.” She chuckled and gave a partial shrug of her shoulder. “But such things cost me nothing. If you are so set against a gift Fluttershy do at least let me treat you to a meal then. Perhaps dinner after shopping?” Fluttershy’s enthusiastic but slightly embarrassed nod made Octavia giggle gently, assuming it was because Fluttershy didn’t get to go out much. “Hm... Well for this special occasion perhaps Pâturage De Fleurs?” Octavia was silently congratulating herself on her cleverness, she never said she'd skip the present.
Fluttershy blinked, she heard Rarity talk about the only Prench restaurant in town. It was by far the most expensive place. “Oh Octavia, that place is supposed to be really expensive...”
Octavia couldn’t stop her eye roll as she shook her head. “Really Fluttershy you shouldn’t worry yourself over such things. I’ll be paying of course.” Octavia was getting a little cross before she paused, shaking her head and smiling a little. She never understood why some ponies got so go in arms about charity but that was their business. Now to deal with Fluttershy’s resistance. “I was going to go anyway Fluttershy. I like to treat myself on Saturdays. But eating alone can get tedious. Having some company would be a very pleasant change for me.”
At that Fluttershy nodded. Glad she wasn’t putting her new marefriend out. “Oh! I’d be happy to Octavia!” She licked her muzzle, blushing brightly as that had come out a little more forcefully than she’d meant for it to. Though she adopted her usual quieter way for the next sentence. “Octavia, can I ask you a personal question?”
Octavia raised an eyebrow at that but nodded. “Certainly, Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy hesitates a few more moments before she continued. “Do you have a lot of friends, Octavia?”
Octavia chuckled gently at the question before realizing that Fluttershy was serious. She shook her head. “Not really, Fluttershy.” Octavia looked up slightly. “Hm... Here in Ponyville, there’s Rarity, Filthy Rich, Vinyl, and Lyra.” Smiling She motioned to Fluttershy with a hoof. “Guess we’ll be adding you to that list too.”
Fluttershy giggled and nodded, smiling gently. “Well, I’d hope so.” She turned to follow Octavia into a nearby store only to let out a small, “oooo.” The store was a jewelry store. Fluttershy knew it existed and had passed it many times but she’d never come inside. “Goodness, this is pretty.”
Octavia chuckled gently. “I’d agree, it’s quite, ‘pretty.’” Fluttershy’s frown at the admittedly teasing comment made Octavia flush slightly. Cursing Flitter for putting the ‘kicking a puppy’ metaphor in her head she quickly tried to move on. “So, I do believe I promised to get you something while shopping.”
Fluttershy’s eyes widened, the bad feelings from being teased forgotten at the suggestion. Looking around nervously Fluttershy swallowed her ears down. “Here? But Octavia the cost...”
Octavia grinned in return as she looked around imitating Fluttershy, though not mockingly this time. “I do believe your only requirement was that it be small. This store has many small things.”
Fluttershy knew that Octavia was wealthy, she didn’t really know how wealthy this still felt like a bit much. “Well... But... Octavia...”
Octavia rolled her eyes, thankful that the only other pony in the store were the two clerks. “Fluttershy, trust me, this isn’t a big deal. I used to get Rarity presents every week too.”
Fluttershy froze for a good five seconds, her mind racing before it ran the sentences through her head a third time and she latched onto one of the most important words. “Oh, I never knew.” Fluttershy knew she should leave it at that but she couldn’t. “If I can pry, Octavia, how long ago did you stop...?”
Completely missing the unfortunate misunderstanding that Fluttershy has worked into the statement, Octavia considered. “Oh, it’s been... Years now. I made the decision right after she opened her third boutique.”
Fluttershy nodded, that made sense. Rarity had been extremely busy about that tone, maintaining a relationship would have been hard. She smiled, that had been a long time ago and Rarity hadn’t batted an eye when she found out this morning. Fluttershy would double-check later but she assumed Rarity didn’t have an issue with Octavia’s new relationship. “Ok, Octavia, but it’ll be something small.”
Octavia smiled at the reiteration of the meaningless restriction but nodded. Octavia turned to browse the display cases as well. She still needed to get Lyra something this week. It was, of course, expected for ponies of certain social and economic standing to get gifts for those on significantly lower economic rungs. Even if they had the proper breeding as Lyra did.
Fluttershy turned and spent a few moments looking at the pretty necklaces in the case before hearing a gentle clearing of a throat above her. “Hello madam. Might I help you find what you’re looking for?”
Fluttershy flushed ever so slightly as the stranger addressed her. A stallion she’d only ever seen in passing. She wasn’t nearly as bad with strangers as she used to be, but they still made her a little nervous. “Oh, I was just looking at these necklaces.”
The stallion smiled, nodding as he looked over at Octavia then back to Fluttershy. “I see madam. Is this one of the cases where we should put it aside for pick up later, or does she know?”
Fluttershy tilted her head slightly, unsure of how to answer the question. “Well, she’s buying it for me...”
The stallion nodded, the moment of uncertainty leaving his face as he once again felt he understood the situation. “Ahh, I see. Very good madam. May I offer my congratulations to you then.” At another confused tilt of Fluttershy’s head confusion started to creep back into the stallion's expression. “On... Your engagement madam?”
Fluttershy flushed to crimson instantly and shook her head. “W-We... We’re not...!” Pausing for a few deep breaths the stallion dipped his head in apology.
“Oh, my apologies madam I thought with her buying you one you two were...” He cleared his throat, cutting himself off. “My apologies again for such an assumption, madam. Did one of the necklaces catch your eye in particular?”
Fluttershy swallowed, nervous but she didn’t want Octavia to think she was ashamed of their relationship. “Oh no we are... A couple. But we’re not getting engaged!” Fluttershy resisted adding the word yet.
The stallion stared nonplussed before something seemed to click in his head. Despite his professionalism, he couldn’t stop the small smirk from forming on his muzzle. “I see madam. I apologize if you already noticed but this display case is for engagement necklaces.”
Fluttershy took a step back like the stallion had threatened to slap her. After the moments' shock, she couldn’t stop blushing brightly. Adding to her embarrassment ware the three supremely obvious signs stating the same information she’d just received from the stallion. She turned and cantered quickly over to Octavia, gently prodding her in the side with a hoof and saying quietly. "O-Octavia? Can we go?"
Octavia had to raise an eyebrow, Fluttershy was shy, but she wasn't usually this bad. At least, from what Octavia heard from Rarity she used to be really bad, but she'd gotten better. Still, Octavia had no vested interest in staying so she could certainly give into her companion's desires. "Certainly Fluttershy." She looked back to the clerk she'd been speaking with. "Home delivery, if you would." The mare nodded and took the bracelet off to wrap it and set it aside for delivery later. Octavia spared a look for the stallion who had been helping Fluttershy who shook his head in genuine confusion.
The stallion watched the two mares in a rather confused state. It had been an embarrassing blunder on Fluttershy's part but that was an extreme reaction. He shrugged it off, it wasn't his fault, and Octavia obviously wasn't offended. Losing Octavia as a customer would have gotten him yelled at, but she was obviously still fine with shopping there so this likely wouldn't even be mentioned. But he did grin as he walked over to his coworker with his new bit of gossip. "Hey Little Treasure, guess what I just heard?"
View Online
Ends Harmoniously (June 8th, Saturday afternoon)
Octavia nodded to the waiter in dismissal, though giving him a slight smile she knew the proper way to act in an upscale restaurant. Though she knew what she was going to order it was proper procedure to look at the menu for at least a few moments. Looking up at Fluttershy, Octavia set her menu aside. “Fluttershy, have you ever been to Pâturage de Fleurs?”
Fluttershy shook her head as she looked over the menu. “Oh no, Rarity likes it a lot but...” She wasn't willing to let Rarity spend so much.
Octavia smiled and nodded, looking down at her own menu as she tried to decide her own order. "But you'll let me bring you. At least you recognize the difference in kind between us."
Fluttershy giggled gently and nodded. "Well, I'd hope I would." She smiled a little at what she perceived to be a joke.
Octavia raised an eyebrow but smiled. She was impressed that it seemed a Pegasus knew enough about other cultures to differentiate between her and Rarity's position. But then again Fluttershy did seem to have a closer affinity to earth pony culture than Pegasi. "Well Fluttershy, I must say this is turning out better than I had expected at first."
As Fluttershy stared and Octavia realized she could have put that better. "I should rephrase that. When we met this morning I was afraid that it would cause issues before I was ready."
Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Oh! I'm sorry I didn't mean to rush you... If you need..."
Octavia waved a hoof, smiling. "Don't worry about it. Alls well that ends well."
Fluttershy nodded and smiled. That was far better. "Ahh, ok." She smiled faintly. "That does sound better." She went back to frown at the menu.
Octavia nodded, parodying it herself before nodding. She knew what she would order. After a few minutes, Octavia cleared her throat gently. "Fluttershy? Are you alright?"
Fluttershy swallowed and shifted nervously. "Uh... I don't know... What... They are..."
Octavia chortled and shook her head slightly. "Well, what kind of things do you like?"
After a short discussion, they hit on what Octavia thought Fluttershy might like. However, getting her to decide on a specific thing was like pulling teeth. Eventually, Octavia made an alternate suggestion. "Why don't I just order for you?"
Fluttershy flushed and smiled widely. She knew that was something couples did so she nodded vigorously. That was something that couples did and Fluttershy liked the idea of it.
Octavia shook her head slightly. Fluttershy was so timid that she actively welcomed not needing to talk to the waiter. "Alright then." Octavia motioned with a hoof to her companion. "Put your menu down so the waiter knows we're ready."
"Oh!" Fluttershy giggled and put down her menu. "Normally they just come up and ask."
Octavia gave a small smirk. "Well, not normally here. They try not to impose on their patrons." With that, the waiter walked over and gave them both a small nod.
"Are you ready to order, madams?"
After Octavia had told him her orders and he went off to do his job Octavia smiled at Fluttershy. "Tell me Fluttershy, do you have any plans for next weekend? I could see my way to scaring up two tickets to a nice spa up in Canterlot. The owner owes me a favor." Octavia wasn't sure why she was putting so much effort into helping Fluttershy's love life, but the poor thing had just looked so sad earlier she supposed that it was only natural. And after all, it wasn't like she couldn't spare the effort. She grinned, soon she'd be even richer than she was now and could finally be free to have any friend she'd want.
Fluttershy blushed brightly and squirmed in her seat. Goodness, Octavia certainly believed in moving quickly. They had only started dating and she was already purposing an out of city trip. That would involve them staying together overnight! Though Fluttershy didn't know if she meant for them to stay in the same room... But then again if Octavia wanted to move quickly Fluttershy wasn't precisely opposed to the concept. She smiled a bit. "Well... I suppose that would work. I mean... Would... It be appropriate to share a room or perhaps I should have my own...?"
Octavia stared for a long moment at the pegasus. Whatever Fluttershy and Princess Twilight or whoever she invited really wasn't any of her business. But then she reminded herself that this was Fluttershy, she probably had literally no clue what was socially acceptable. "That would be up to you Fluttershy. Whatever you're comfortable with." Octavia smiled a bit. "If anyone asks you to do something you're uncomfortable with... Well, no, let me rephrase. If someone insists that you do something you're uncomfortable with, you tell me, ok?"
Fluttershy smiled widely and nodded vigorously. She had an extremely protective marefriend and she was loving it. Fluttershy thought to herself for a few long moments then nodded. "Hm... I think I'd be up for sharing a room... If that's ok with you Octavia."
Octavia frowned for a long moment, shaking her head slightly. "Uh... Well, it doesn't really matt..." As Octavia trailed off she frowned a little deeper as a thought occurred to her. It couldn't be that Fluttershy thought they were dating did she...? She looked up at Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, just so we're clear..."
She never got to finish her sentence as a loud, superior, and obnoxious voice cut through the restaurant. One that Octavia flinched as she recognized. "That cannot be my daughter cavorting with some common trollop!" Octavia whipped her head around to see her mother storming across the open area, with her father following a few paces behind.
Octavia's frown instantly turned into a small snarl of anger. Normally she was given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to defend herself. It seemed her mother had decided to make assumptions, and she was tired of it. Her plans were far enough along to survive the public falling out, and while it wouldn't be as satisfying as when her plan came to fruition, the freedom would make up for it.
Octavia turned her glare to her mother. "One would expect, mother, that one would have better manners than to cause such a scene in public." While it would, on a personal level, have been more satisfying to yell at her mother, she knew it would be more of an admonishment to her mother for the rebuke to be high class.
Gilded Gold snorted and scowled at her daughter. "As if you haven't already caused enough of a scene fooling around with some low born pegasus! I wi... And where are you going!?"
Octavia for her part had gotten up, motioning to a Fluttershy attempting to hide behind the centerpiece. "I am going outside. That you might embarrass our family less with your outbursts, mother."
Though Gilded Gold was fuming as she watched Fluttershy quickly ducking around the table and cantering next to Octavia, the decision made sense. She likely would have ignored the logic if it wasn't for her husband, Mighty Diamond, also making a motion with his hooves to encourage his wife to calm down.
As they got out to the street however Octavia instantly started down it, pushing Fluttershy gently in front of her so she couldn't get cornered. Gilded Gold sputtered in outrage as her daughter walked away from her. "And where do you think are you going now!?"
Octavia rolled her eyes and continued walking. "Home, mother, that you might not cause a scene on the street. Like some common busker looking for change." When she was turned away Octavia allowed herself a small grin as her mother continued to splutter. Her mother absolutely hated getting schedules piecemeal. She also couldn't help but congratulate herself on the busker comparison.
"And what then, Octavia?" Gilded Gold trotted to catch up and glare at her daughter. "Will you introduce me to my grandfoal you secretly sired with th..."
"Mother!" Octavia interrupted before her mother could finish. Calling Fluttershy low born was a simple fact, but Octavia wasn't sure if her mother wasn't going to be nasty. "You will kindly restrict your ire to me. It is not your place to speak of my chosen companion."
Though she fumed, Gilded Gold remained silent as they returned to Octavia's home. Even waiting for the front door to be closed. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?" Her eyes flitted to Fluttershy. "Prancing around with..." her eyes went back to Octavia, who's own flared a warning. "Such a disregard for common decorum."
Octavia let out an exasperated sigh. She did want her freedom, but she should at least give her mother the chance to salvage this. She wouldn't humiliate and disown her mother over some harsh words... "Mother, as I am not the family Scion you have no say in my choice of mates. You are overreacting, and owe..."
"I owe you nothing!" Gilded Gold snarled, pushing off her husband's attempt at a restraining hoof. "You represent our family! Even if I do not technically have a say in your future marriage it has long been family tradition that parents must approve their children's mates! It keeps the blood pure!"
Octavia rolled her eyes. "Mother, you are a fool." Gilded Gold reared back, having expected defiance but not a verbal slap. "When I was a foal I assumed you knew best. When I was a teenager I thought you just said such things to keep up appearances. But you are truly such a fool as to believe that blood lines matter behind simple genetics. It's quite pathetic really." Octavia glanced back at Fluttershy, giving her an encouraging smile. Looking back at her mother Octavia smirked a little. The kind pegasi obviously didn't like the fighting but this had been a long time coming. Octavia decided now was the right moment. Besides, defending Fluttershy's honor did point to some interesting possibilities. She hadn't intended to go down that road but... it wasn't a bad road to go down really.
Gilded gold hissed her irritation. Not only was Octavia being a childish, petulant and a few other foolish things. On top of that, she wasn't even giving their fight her full attention "We've obviously given you too much leash. You only enjoy this life because of mine and your father's largess. That stops now. You will either... Look at me!"
Octavia had taken to looking at the window absently. She had to admit that that one was childish. Just to get under her mother's skin. She paused for a few more moments before looking back. "What? You're going to cut off my bits from the family?"
Gilded Gold scowled but didn't let Octavia's attempt to steal her thunder derail her. "Yes. But remember, I'm not your father." Mighty Diamond rolled his eyes behind his wife's back but she wasn't wrong. He'd never been able to seriously punish his daughter. "I will cut you off. Now you will return to Canterlot with us where you can have eyes kept on you. If you apologize and behave, I'm sure you can visit in a few months." Gilded Gold waved a hoof dismissively. "Perhaps, if we can find you an open minded mate, you can even keep this one as a mistress." She smiled, Octavia would fall into line no doubt. She was too ensconced in the upper crust that even a professional cellist could afford. And there was a pretty mare from one of their friendly families she could introduce to Octavia...
"Do it."
And with a nice political marriage in the... Gilded Gold blinked. "What?"
Octavia shrugged. "Do it then. And get out of my house. Until you can keep a civil tongue about my mate you will no longer be welcome in my home." Gilded Gold gasped as Octavia's severe frown turned into a genuine smile as she looked to her father. "You are of course welcome to stay if you wish father. I have a guest room you can use."
The corners of Mighty Diamond twitched for just a moment despite the terrible situation. Octavia and Gilded Gold hadn't gotten along since her teenage years, serious fighting had started in her late teenage years. But it'd never been this bad, and he should intervene. "Now really, I think we could come to a middle ground..."
Gilded gold turned on her husband with a snarl. "She's made her choice Mighty! We're leaving." Gilded Gold made it half way to the door before saying again. "Now Mighty! We aren't welcome here any more."
Mighty sighed and shook her head, mouthing to his daughter. "We'll work this out." Before turning and following his wife.
Octavia watched the empty doorway until she heard the front door slam shut. And with that Octavia took a long, calming breath, and turned her gaze to Fluttershy. Now what to do with her supposed mate...
Author's Note
Yeah, I've given up on the naming convention, I ran out of ideas. And the dating, I don't think anyone pays it much mind. :D
This really turned out to be a chapter about establishing a bit of background for Octavia.
