Unfamiliar Languages

Sunset knew something had changed over the last week. She was experiencing an emotion she hadn’t before, and she had a theory on it, but wasn’t sure if she was right. She had to wait until the next school morning where she and Fluttershy would usually arrive early.

Even sitting next to her however, she couldn’t really settle. The feeling left her on her feet, somewhat nervous to bring it up. She hadn’t understood the feeling of butterflies in ages, but it returned to her with ease. Fluttershy seemed to catch on that something was going on as she looked at her, but she waited, something she was really good about gauging with Sunset.

Sunset knew that Fluttershy wanted her to say it, it felt as though it stuck in her arms and wouldn’t leave her mouth. She took a deep breath as though trying to pull it out of herself, doing so as discreetly as she could. She looked away a bit and then quietly asked, “Is it possible to crave a hug?”

She was a little stunned when Fluttershy started with a small giggle and managed to work her way up to a laugh. Sunset flushed with embarrassment, kind of but not fully regretting her choices. Fluttershy however then stood up, taking a couple breaths to come down off her laughter, “It is, sorry. It’s not what I was expecting, is all. Perfectly reasonable question.”

Sunset’s lingering curiosity made her ask again, coming down off her own embarrassment as she processed, “So craving hugs is a thing?”

Fluttershy nodded rhythmically, “Of course, why do you think Pinkie gets suddenly touchy or goes overboard with affection sometimes?”

That question clicked an answer so fast that she had to blink a few times to process it, Sunset then whispered out, “That explains a fair bit.”

Fluttershy hummed an agreement before softly asking, “So, did you want a hug from me, or do you want to wait for Pinkie?”

Sunset still hadn’t tried with anyone but Pinkie yet, but Fluttershy had seen it. She knew Fluttershy was gentle enough, she was a perfect next person to go for. With a short shrug, she spoke, “We could try?”

Fluttershy simply smiled, and let Sunset take the lead on the hug. Once again putting her arms under the other person’s, shortly loose from hesitation, then more snug. It felt a little familiar, a little not, but also surprisingly right.