Wonderful Lies, Fruitful Truths

Fluttershy loved her brother; she really did! But sometimes he was…a little much. She knows he’s been having a hard time, but she couldn’t keep watching over him. Zephyr is a grown man, for Celestia’s sake!

She sighed, running her hand across her face. Fluttershy couldn’t exactly blame him for how he felt. It was Soarins fault, mostly.

Fluttershy pulled her green sweater over her head. She told Zephyr that Soarin was no good for him! He needed to start listening to her!

She pulled up her stockings, letting them snap against her waist. The past week and a half had taxing on both of them. Sometimes at night, she could hear Zephyr’s cries echoing through the cottage. It broke her heart.

She slipped her skirt over her hips, patting out the wrinkles. She glanced at herself in the mirror. Fluttershy certainly looked….frazzled. Her cheeks were dusted red, and her brows were furrowed. If she didn’t know that was her reflection, she would be petrified.

“Take a deep breath in.” Fluttershy coached herself, taking a deep inhale. She closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. She ran her fingers through her hair, straightening out any loose strands.

Fluttershy opened her eyes, looking at her reflection. Just as she hoped, she looked calm. No matter how annoyed she was, she had to keep a cool head for Zephyr.

She slipped on her brown shoes, playfully clicking them against the floor. She looked at herself in the mirror once again. She looked well adjusted, just as hoped.

Fluttershy exited her room, walking down the hallway.

“Good morning, Stephen.” Fluttershy greeted a snake that was perched on her door frame. The snake hissed happily, flicking his tongue.

Fluttershy stopped in her tracks. The bathroom light was on. If the light was on, that meant Zephyr was up and doing stuff. Fluttershy felt relief flow through her body. This was the first time she had seen him move in days.

Though, it was rather odd that he was in the bathroom with the door open. What if he needed help? What if he was hurt? Fluttershy couldn’t bear the thought. Checking in on him for a second wouldn’t hurt. In fact, Fluttershy thinks it would be best to check on him.

Fluttershy crouched down, peeking through the open door.

Zephyr stood at the sink, gripping it so tightly that his knuckles were white. He stared at his reflection with bloodshot eyes, bringing his hand to his face. He cupped his cheek, staring at himself with wide eyes.

His stare was hard, as if he was judging himself. Fluttershy frowned at the sight. She hated seeing her brother this distressed.

Zephyr’s eyes wandered, catching Fluttershy’s eyes in the mirror. Fluttershy gasped in surprise, taking an abrupt step back. She slammed her shoulder into the doorframe.

“Sorry!” Fluttershy apologized, rubbing her shoulder. “I just wanted to tell you to come downstairs. I’m about to make breakfast.” She hastily explained. Fluttershy quickly turned on her heels, rushing down the hallway.

She brought her hand to her chest, letting out a sigh of relief. At least she can be sure that she and Zephyr could talk out his feelings during breakfast.

Zephyr picked around his scrambled eggs, refusing to meet Fluttershy’s gaze. His fork scraped against the plate, emitting squeaks. The squeaks filled the silent room.

Fluttershy tried her hardest not to wince at every squeak. She took a bite of her breakfast, scanning her brother’s face. She noticed how weary he looked. His eyes were sunken in, and large bags resided under them. It looked like he would pass out at any moment.

“How are you feeling?” Fluttershy asked, giving the sweetest smile she could muster. Zephyr’s eyes flickered to his sister before quickly looking down at his food.

Fluttershy frowned at his lack of an answer. If he wanted to feel better, he needed to say something. Anything.

“I’m going into town today. Do you want to come?” She offered. Zephyr shrugged, hiding his face behind his hair.

“Not really.” He muttered. Fluttershy needed to do something to cheer him up. She gently placed her hand on his. She gave it a comforting squeeze. His hands felt dry as if he hadn’t moisturized in years.

“If you want to talk about anything, I’m here to listen,” Fluttershy reassured. Zephyr swiftly stood up, nearly knocking over his seat. He opened his mouth to say something, only to quickly look away. Zephyr’s brows furrowed, quickly averting his gaze.

“I’m going back to sleep.” He responded, stomping off. Fluttershy put her head in her hands. Great, now she scared him off.

At this point, it didn’t look like Zephyr was ever going out. Fluttershy had to do something. She couldn’t stand seeing her brother so upset. But gentle love wasn’t getting him anywhere. If it were up to Zephyr, he would mope around forever.

Fluttershy pressed the palm against her forehead. This was Zephyr Breeze she was thinking about; of course, he would still be moping. If it were up to him, he’d stay on her couch until the sun imploded. The man wouldn’t get anything done unless he’s forced to.

She needed to be assertive. But how? She leaned back into her chair, crossing her arms. Fluttershy didn’t want to kick him out. If anything, that would make him worse. She needed to be gentle yet firm.

An idea flashed into her mind. Fluttershy knew exactly what to do it.

Fluttershy strolled through Sweet Apple Acres, taking a deep breath in. The air was fresh, and the warm sun shined on her face. It was refreshing to be in the sun. For whatever reason, it only had been raining near her cottage. She chalked it up to stray storm clouds.

She approached the barn, knocking on the door. The top half of the door swung open, the sweet scent of apple pastries flowing out. Applejack's eyes lit up, and a smile spread across her face.

“Well, hi, Fluttershy. What brings you here?” Applejack asked, tilting her hat upwards.

“I came here to ask for a favor,” Fluttershy asked. Applejack propped herself against the other half of the door.

“Sure thing sugarcube? What is it?”

“You know how Zephyr broke up with Soarin?” Applejack nodded. “Well, it’s really taking a toll on him. I was wondering if you could host a cookout for him if it’s not too much trouble.” She asked. Applejack cocked her head.

“A cookout? How would that help?” She asked, arching an eyebrow. Fluttershy happily nodded her head.

“When we got upset as kids, we would go out as a family. I think it would be familiar to him. And cookout would have just enough people to get Zephyr to socialize.” Fluttershy happily explained. Applejack beamed.

“You know I’d do anything to help a friend out. Come on in so we can sort this out.” Applejack opened the bottom half of the door. Fluttershy walked into the house was a skip in her step. This plan was perfect.