The Surprise

Knock, knock.

The sound echoed throughout Fluttershy’s living room. It was a sound that she had dreaded ever since the day that Pinkie had showed up at the door, the day she’d learned of the horrible rumor that had spread throughout Ponyville. Fluttershy’s head poked out from behind a chair, and she asked, “W-who is it?” Her voice shook, and she hoped that silence would follow her question.

“It’s Pinkie! I’ve got great news! Open up, Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy nearly fainted. More news? That was the LAST thing she needed! But, being the kind pony that she was, Fluttershy opened the door. She couldn’t just let Pinkie stand outside...

Bad mistake.

“OOOOHHH! FLUTTERSHY! Come on, you’ve gotta see this, it’s just great! You’re going to love it!” Pinkie said joyfully as she grabbed Fluttershy’s hoof and started to drag her away from her house. Fluttershy had to admit, Pinkie had a good grip. She looked behind her shoulder at her cottage, and after realizing that there was no escape, she relaxed and let Pinkie take her away, wondering what it was that had made her so excited.

“Silver, dear, wait up!”

Silver looked behind him, wondering what in Equestria had made Rarity so excited. He stopped and waited, and when Rarity had caught up, he asked, “Um, hey Rarity...what’s up?”

“Silver, I’ve got the most wonderful thing to show you, come with me!”

Silver just stared at her. “Er- actually- I’m a little busy...”

“Silver, this is IMPORTANT! This could decide your entire future!” Rarity turned Silver around and tried to push him forward. “Please!”

“Well, I-I guess I could...”

“Perfect! Let’s go then!” Rarity started to dash forward, showing him the way to whatever it was he was supposed to see. As he sprinted to catch up with her, Silver couldn’t help but wonder what it was that had made her so excited.

“Come on, darling, it’s just up this hill!”

“Hurry up, Fluttershy, we’re almost here!”

Pinkie and Rarity reached the top of the hill at the same time. Shortly after, Silver and Fluttershy arrived, tired and out of breath. They looked up and saw each other, beginning a long silence. Pinkie and Rarity slowly backed off, leaving Fluttershy and Silver alone at the top of the hill.

“Oh...hey Fluttershy. I-I didn’t expect to see you here...” Silver stuttered, scratching the back of his neck with his hoof.

“Yeah...same here...” Fluttershy replied as she stared down at her hooves.

Silver looked to his right and saw the blanket and picnic basket. He instantly realized what was going on. “Was this the surprise you had planned...?”

Fluttershy looked up in alarm. “What? No, no, I-” she stopped, thinking of the consequences of her next words, “I didn’t have anything planned...”

“Oh, that’s fine. I didn’t really expect anything.”

“Ok, good. I got a little worried there...” Fluttershy gave a hint of a smile, which was quickly returned by Silver.

He gazed back at the setup. “You know, as long as we’re here, would you maybe like to-”

“Oh, yes, that would be great!” Fluttershy slowly made her way over to the blanket, settling down in front of the basket. Silver followed shortly after and sat next to her. He opened the basket, which contained a wide assortment of berries of all kinds of different colors. He took one and gave it to Fluttershy, who accepted it and brought it to her mouth, chewing it slowly.

“How is it?”

“It’s great, thanks!” Fluttershy looked up into the now dark sky. Millions of shining stars were shining across the night sky, illuminating their spot as they ate.

“I’m getting kind of full,” announced Silver, after eating a small, purple berry. He looked over at Fluttershy, who nodded as if she agreed with him. They both fell backward, lying on their backs as they gazed up at the stars.

“It’s a beautiful night,” said Fluttershy softly.

“Yeah,” Silver agreed. They sat there for a while in a peaceful silence, taking in the beauty of the night sky, as well as the cool, crisp air that came with it. After what seemed like ten minutes, Silver sat up. Fluttershy did the same. Silver looked to his left at Fluttershy, making sure to make eye contact.

             Fluttershy glanced over and their eyes connected. They stared at each other for a moment, communicating without words. They didn’t need them. Fluttershy could tell exactly how Silver felt, just by looking into those deep blue eyes. Before she knew it, his wing was around her shoulders, warming and shielding her from the chilly breeze that had settled in. His presence was reassuring, telling her that as long as he was around, she would be safe.

And she believed it.

She let her head fall onto his shoulder and they continued to look up at the clear night sky. The scene was so quiet, so peaceful, so perfect, that Fluttershy couldn’t think of the words to describe how she felt.

To her right, Silver felt the same way. He kept her close, sending her the message that he would protect her, that he would be there for her, no matter what happened.

And he could tell that she believed him.

He didn’t need some big party to tell him that Fluttershy appreciated him. It was enough that she was here with him now. That’s all that mattered.

The more he repeated it in his head, the more he believed it. Fluttershy was everything to him. There was no denying it.

The same could be said for Fluttershy. Silver was his hero. She couldn’t show him how much she appreciated him with some small party! They would have to throw a hundred parties to express Fluttershy’s gratitude.

But, then again, that might only cover half of it.

She hoped that being here tonight was enough of a reward for him. However, Fluttershy couldn’t help but feel a little bit spoiled. Silver had gone through extreme conditions to save her, and now he was here with her tonight? What more could a pony ask for?

Silver pulled Fluttershy in a little bit closer. They watched as a shooting star flew through the purple night sky.

“Make a wish,” Silver whispered to Fluttershy, nudging her with his hoof.

“I would, but my wish just came true,” she paused, “If-if that’s alright with you, of course...”

Silver nodded slowly, causing Fluttershy to sigh in relief. It was official, then.

They were together, and nothing could tear them apart.

Nothing.