Author's Note
I thought about adding this as a canon part of the original story, but it wasn't conducive to the dark tone, so I made it into a short one-shot while I took a break from writing longer stuff. Fluttershy's timid personality would be better suited for someone more down to earth, so I figured I'd try it and see how it turned out.
What Could have Been
The wipers hovered back and forth in a sweeping motion, clearing the ethereal fluid from Brandon's windshield. It wouldn't be much longer now. After a long day's work, he figured it best to rest and unwind.
"Almost home..."
He turned the corner, driving past the first house on their side of the block. It was a bright shade of white darkened only by the sky above. The next house was the one he shared with his sister, Maria. He noticed something unusual right away.
"Fluttershy...?"
The elder Drake pulled into the driveway, quickly killing the engine to avoid wasting fuel. The appearance of the Pegasus on their veranda worried him, though he couldn't pinpoint why. It was rare for them to see each other outside holidays. Despite Halloween approaching, his gut told him this wasn't about gathering plans. He exited the car, quickly running under the awning to avoid being soaked by the storm.
"Hey..." he muttered monotonously.
"You sound sad. Is everything okay?"
"I thought something was wrong."
"Sorry."
"Don't apologize. You know you guys are always welcome."
"We're really grateful."
"You guys faced death with us. As far as I'm concerned, you're family."
"Do you think Maria feels the same way?"
"No question."
"That's a relief."
"Did you need somethin'?"
"Actually, um..."
Fluttershy rubbed her leg. Her face turned deep red.
"I...Wanted to talk to you..."
"What's on your mind?"
"Well...You..."
"I don't follow."
"I've been thinking about you - everything we've been through. You and Maria had every reason to give up. Why didn't you?"
"I haven't completely lost the will to live yet, surprising as that might sound. Maria...I don't know..."
"She's a lot closer than you, isn't she?"
"..."
"You feel like she doesn't need you anymore..."
"People we love tend to disappear when we get older. There's nothing I can really do about it..."
"Except grieve..."
"For what good that'll do..."
"I think you're wrong."
This statement caught Brandon by surprise, even more so considering who it was coming from.
"It feels like she doesn't because she's waiting for the right time to call on your strength. You and Emily are her trump cards."
"How can you tell?"
"Twilight's always pointing out how meticulous she is. Everything she does has an end-goal. You've seen it."
"I have..."
"Don't let your senses deceive you. She loves you with all her heart. I know if it came down to it, she would take the fall in your place."
"Maria and mom are my whole world. If anything happened to them..."
"You have to let go of that fear. Loss is inevitable, even in our world. What matters is what you have to gain."
"What's there to gain from something so painful...?"
"Maria knows you're stronger than her. You always have been. When she's gone, the duty of protecting this world will fall on you. The lessons you learned will become your sword to forge a new future."
"Losses to lessons..."
"Do you understand now? You've fulfilled your role as her brother. The day she leaves this earth, she'll call upon you once more. It's time to let go: to see the beauty of this life for what it truly is."
"I think I'm beginning to understand..."
Brandon knelt down, meeting her at eye level.
"Fluttershy...?"
"Yes?"
"Would you like to take a walk with me?"
"I would - very much."
Brandon and Fluttershy took a leisurely stroll through the city. They decided on a Mexican restaurant in the northwestern edge of the city for dinner. It was a welcome change of pace for both of them. They took a corner table to avoid prying eyes. Brandon did his best to keep her entertained while they waited.
"Now that I think about, I never asked about your job."
"There's not really one specific thing I do. A lot of it's pet sitting, but I'm also licensed in vet care. I volunteer at the animal shelter from time to time when I'm not busy."
"I should've figured. Ian gravitated towards you right away. He's usually skittish around new people."
"Why did you give him a human name?"
"Maria picked it. She wanted to feel closer to him."
"She wanted to show him the empathy she feels the world lacks."
"That's a good way to put it."
"You're the same way. That's what made me fall in love with you."
"Why weren't scared?"
"Because I could see the innocence in you. Ponies are generally a benevolent race, but humans like you...Those that stand out...There's something deeper...More pure..."
"Ah..."
"...Brandon...?"
"Yeah...?"
"How do you feel...You know...About me...?"
"I really like spending time with you. I think you're really sweet."
"Really...?"
"Truly and honestly."
"That's all that matters, right...?"
"Dunno why it shouldn't be."
"Then...Carry me home."
Brandon nodded. The pair finished their meal and headed back where they came.
Back at the house, Brandon closed the bedroom door, sealing himself and Fluttershy off from the outside world. They picked a movie to watch and spent the next several hours huddled together in each other's embrace. The warmth of protection seeped through their skin, somehow heightening and dulling their senses simultaneously. As expected, a natural escalation began to occur.
"Brandon, would you like to...Um..."
Fluttershy's confidence vanished in a haze of smoke. She'd managed to pull the man into her clutches, and yet, there was only so much she was willing to speak out loud. Brandon knew what she meant.
"Are you sure this is what you want?"
"Our reasons for coming here were focused solely on you. It's my turn to be selfish. There's no one waiting for me back home either anymore..."
"Our despair's not your burden to carry. Please, don't cry."
"Promise me you'll protect everyone. That's all I need to hear..."
"Promise."
"Pinkie promise?"
"Pinkie promise."
Brandon kissed the mares neck as a symbol of devotion. He swore to himself he would never subject her to the same despair the human race was once forced to endure.
A short while later, Maria stepped into the main hall. As she approached the kitchen, she noticed the position of her brother's door. He wasn't alone, and she had a pretty good idea who was inside with him.
"You finally found happiness, man. Once I finish my training, I can leave this place without regrets...Take care of her..."
