Flutterheart

Chapters

First Introductions
Second opinions
Silent affirmations
The Animals
Sunday Morning Coming Down
The Morning After
Returning property
Trouble in Paradise
Wishful thinking
Resolution?
Strangers to love
Let's go sunning
Uneasy confession
Data collection
Brewing storm
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
New beginnings
Epilogue
Bonus: A Flutterheart Christmas
Unexpected arrival

First Introductions

“Trey, I just...” she said, looking away from me.

“What?” I asked. She was terribly shy. I admired that about her. I put my arm around her and pulled her tight, letting her know I cared. “You can talk to me. It’s just us.”

“Trey, I...” she said, stopping, unsure whether to say something or not. I wasn’t exactly sure what she was getting at.

“You what? Please, tell me...”

“Trey, I...I love you.” she said, looking up at me with those beautiful blue eyes. I’d never received that kind of affection before. I exhaled, smiling, unsure what to say. “I knew I shouldn’t have told you...” she said, looking away.

“Hey...” I said. “I’m not the kind of guy that just tells people things.” I tilted her face towards me, looking deep into her. “I show them.” I’d never been one to take risks, especially where mares were concerned. I’d always been very cautious, but this time, I put away all doubts and leaned in close, letting our faces slowly come together...

Trey woke up just before things got interesting. That was a common occurrence for him. He hardly dreamt, but when he did, he never got anywhere good. All he had were his daydreams about his perfect pony. He shrugged it off and got ready for the day. It was his first day in Ponyville as the new Band Director for the local high school. Music had always been his passion and he was looking forward to spending the day teaching the kids about music and applying it to the real world.

Of course, since it was his first day, the local party pony, Pinkie Pie, as he learned she was called, threw him a “Welcome to Ponyville” party after the school day was done. Trey, though a bit of an introvert, decided to go anyway.

“Welcome to Ponyville! Oh, oh, I’m so excited! I love seeing new faces around here! I have a feeling we’re gonna be GREAT friends!!! Well, enjoy the party! See ya!” she said. Trey found her spontaneity amusing, though he may have just been thinking diplomatically. Trey, not exactly sure how to act in social situations in large parties, stuck to his normal routine, meandering about aimlessly, eating because it was the only thing he knew how to do. Eventually, several ponies came up and introduced themselves.

“Hey, I’m Rainbow Dash. You seem like a pretty cool guy. Pegasus? Red and black mane? AWESOME!” said one of the multicolored ponies. Rainbow Dash was certainly an appropriate name for her.

“Well howdy, there, stranger! My name’s Applejack. I run the apple farm ‘round these parts. If you ever need any apples or apple accessories, feel free to give a shout!” said another. She seemed like a nice one.

“Hey there. My name’s Twilight Sparkle.” said one of the darker maned ponies. “I kinda live in the library. So, if you ever need any books on music theory, I’m bound to have one!” she said.

“Well hello there, darling!” said one of the whitest ponies he’d ever seen. Darling? It must be her thing. “My name’s Rarity. I’m sure I was mentioned at some point. Anyways, I’m in charge of Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique! If you require any formal attire, I’m sure I can fix something up for such a handsome colt. Ta-ta!” she said, turning off to join 5 other ponies, 4 of which had introduced themselves earlier. He didn’t exactly understand why she called him handsome. He’d never been called that before. Trey took a closer look at the group. Another tan pegasus with pink hair hung near the back of that group, hardly contributing. She must have been very shy. Trey liked shy. He watched the group occasionally, drifting in and out of assorted conversations with other ponies. Eventually, the tan one left the group to get some punch. Trey trotted over there, getting some himself, setting him next to the pony. Trey, the shorter distance, got there first. He poured himself a glass, and waited until she got to the table.

“Oh, I just poured this one. You can have it.” he said, handing her the punch. She looked at him, unsure what to do, before shrinking her body and looking down at the ground. He set the punch on the table next to her. He was used to awkward silences, but it was different being on the opposite end.

“I’m sure you heard my name. But I’m Trey. What’s your name?” he said, smiling at her. She kept looking down at the ground, muttering something. “Sorry, I’m a bit deaf in one of my ears. Could you repeat that?”

“My name is flutter...” she said, before getting really soft and inaudible. Trey, not wanting to make this worse than it was, decided to simply respond with a “Pleasure meeting you!” Flutter whatever-it-was looked at him and nodded. She then took the punch and smiled awkwardly at him, before trotting off to join her other friends. Trey kept a watch on her out of the corner of his eye. He noticed that she looked back in his direction before disappearing into the crowd.

“So, have you met everypony?”

Trey looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice.

“Down here.”

Trey looked down to see a small, baby dragon.

“The name’s Spike. You’re Trey?” Trey nodded. “So, you met Twilight. She’s the smart one of the bunch, with the most magical abilities ever. Then there’s Rarity, a total knockout! Er...uh...yeah. Then there’s Applejack, a hard working friendly pony, and then Rainbow Dash, the coolest pony of them all. Then there’s Pinkie Pie. She’s very...random. But she’s pretty funny, too.”

“What’s the other one? I couldn’t hear the last part of her name...”

“Oh, that’s Fluttershy.” said Spike. “She’s very shy, especially around new people.” Fluttershy seemed like an appropriate name for her. “Just ignore her shyness and you’ll be fine.”

“Sounds good. Thanks, Spike.”

“No prob, colt. I’m always at the library with Twilight, so if you need anything, I’ll be there.”

“Sounds good. Thanks!” said Trey, as Spike went to hang out elsewhere.

Eventually, the party died down and most of the ponies left. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie hung back to talk.

“So what brings you to Ponyville?” asked Twilight. The others nodded, inquiring for details.

“Well, I did a lot of work in Canterlot with the Royal Music Society, personally composing for Celestia.” Twilight caught a gleam of recognition and enjoyment out of hearing that, for some reason. “Eventually, I got a job offer from Ponyville High, offering me a bandmaster position. I’d always wanted to direct a Marching Band, so I informed Celestia that I needed to move on. And, well...here I am, in all my glory. Bit of a let down, if you ask me.”

“But won’t being in the sun for that long make you sweaty and icky?” asked Rarity.

“Yeah, but I think the things you can get out of Marching Band far outweigh the sweat and hardwork. Besides, I enjoy being outside, sweating from work. The marching field is my home, and there’s nothing I would trade about it.” Rarity showed a small look of confusion. She didn’t seem to like being dirty.

“So you don’t mind working with some of them rascals?” asked Applejack.

“Nah. Kids are the future. Besides, Marching Band just isn’t fun with adults who have nothing to learn.”

“Um...” started Fluttershy before Pinkie Pie interrupted.

“So are you having fun yet? Do you like the ponies here? Do ya, Do ya? Because we like you! You seem cool! I think we should definitely hang out sometime!”

Trey, overloaded by all that talking simply did his default action and smiled at her, motioning a simple “Yes”.

“Well anyways, girls, we’d better let him get some sleep. He’s got school in the morning.” said Twilight, asserting her unofficial role as leader of the pack. They all left, Fluttershy last.

“Oh, Fluttershy?” said Trey. She turned to look at him.

“Um...yes?”

“Did you have something you wanted to ask earlier?”

Fluttershy showed a sudden snap of recognition as she remembered that she didn’t get to ask her question.

“Um...no...not really...it wasn’t important...”she said shyly, looking back down at the ground.

“Alright then. Have a good night. I look forward to seeing you again.”

She looked at him and smiled happily. “That would be nice...if that’s ok with you...”

“Anytime.” he said, smiling at her. With that, Fluttershy trotted home, and Trey closed his door, retreating to bed. As he closed his eyes, laying there, he feel asleep once again to his favorite images of spending time with a special somepony, letting his fitful flights of fancy carry him away to happiness as he slept.

Second opinions

“You don’t stand a chance.”

“She’ll never like you.”

“Give up hope.”

“Just quit.”

Trey woke up from his nightmare. Voices were projecting in his head, his subconscious bereaving his conscious thought stream. He though he’d been over this. He had a bad habit of hanging on to the past longer than he needed to, and it was tearing him apart. Trey looked over at his clock, finding he woke up 30 minutes earlier than his alarm. Trey rose out of bed and put on a cheerful face, despite what raged on in his mind. Once he got an idea in his head, it wouldn’t leave. Today, that thought was Fluttershy. Trey had a bad habit of picturing himself with any attractive filly. He’d always wanted affection for so long, but was unsure how to act around ponies, fillies especially. So, for all those years spent in isolation from them, he’d had a lot of time to picture the perfect filly. His perfect, romantic desires. But, as always, they were dreams. He’d always gotten into the habit of automatically counting himself out, thinking he’d never stand a chance, hence the voices. Besides, he’d always had conflicting thoughts about being with somepony. He put those thoughts aside, not drifting into further contemplation.

That day was a good day for the band. In class, they got to the school’s fight song and school song, plus several stand tunes. After school, they learned all the show’s tunes, and started to put together the first movement for marching. All in all, it was a good day. “New beginnings” was the theme of this year’s show. Whether it was planned that way or just a coincidence of his arrival, he was unsure. Regardless, this show had a lot of potential. He planned to make it the best it could be.

“Alright, everypony! Hustle to the tower!!!” he shouted as practice ended. “There’s a lot of good work being done here. I may not know any of you yet, but I can honestly say that you’re possibly the best group of young students I’ve ever seen.” He paused, looking through the crowd. “Even you, Trumpetier!” he said, joking. Trumpetier was the class clown, and knew how to make-and take-jokes. He looked out at the band again, a smaller bunch than he was used to, only about 150 or so. “I’m proud of every one of you. Thank you for your hard work today. See you tomorrow! BAND!”

“MOVE!” they replied.

“BAND DisMISSED!”

“ONE, TWO!” they said, turning around with those steps. Trey smiled, and looked at them as they walked off, chatting with each other, putting their instruments in their cases. As Trey started to get down from the tower, a bright colored pony caught the corner of his eye. He looked over to see a tan pony, slightly resembling Fluttershy. Trey took another look. It WAS Fluttershy. Trey hurried down the tower and trotted towards her. Unfortunately, the tangled mess of kids kept him from moving too fast, and by the time he made it to the clearing, she was gone. Trey looked left and right, to no avail. He sighed to himself and went home.

Why was she there? Trey didn’t understand. Why did she just leave? None of this made sense to him. She took her own initiative to see him. He didn’t even think she knew he saw her. That made it even more mysterious. There was no possible way she could have been there on her own accord. Maybe she passed by on her way to buy some fruit or stuff. Trey’s opposing mindsets battled back and forth.

“There’s no way she came to see you. You don’t stand a chance!”

“But she still showed up...”

“That doesn’t matter. It was coincidental.”

“Well...maybe not...”

Trey grew frustrated with himself. Why did he have to be so terrible with social skills? Why couldn’t he simply accept a visit without trying to analyze the situation? Trey had a bit of a learning disability. He didn’t exactly understand social ques. As a result, he misread a lot of situations, especially this one.

“It was just a visit. Nothing more.”

Eventually his mind calmed down for the time being, though he did find it hard to concentrate on his work. He was desperate to know the truth. If he didn’t understand the situation, he was bound to make some conclusions that may not be conducive to him or a potential relationship with Fluttershy, whatever it may be. He put it on his list of things to do tomorrow and went to bed, drifting off to sleep. Tonight, however, he dreamed specifically about Fluttershy. When he woke up, he couldn’t remember a different night he’d ever slept that well.

Silent affirmations

Trey couldn’t wait to get out of school. He’d been so impatient throughout the day, rushing ahead, trying to get things done. He got too ahead of himself in band because of it and wound up derailing the band for a few minutes. He grew frustrated with himself but realized that he had to utilize his patience in order for this to work. Nopony without patience would get anywhere.

As the day finally wrapped up, Trey rallied the troops to the tower.

“Good work out there today, colts! And fillies! We have a lot of good things going on. Now, I know the big marching competition is still a ways away, but we need to execute perfectly every day. Now, I did come from Canterlot, so I’ve seen some pretty good bands out there. I want us to show them who’s boss. So, who’s ready for the first hoofball game tomorrow?”

Cheers arose as the thought of the first game of the season drew near. It was Thursday, and all the high schools played on Friday. Trey couldn’t remember the last time he’d been to a high school game. He’d always been at college games, where his music and fight songs he composed were played. He was looking forward to the experience.

“Alright. That’s what I thought. BAND!”

“MOVE!”

“ATTEN HUT!”

“MOVE!”

“Section of the day goes to the trumpets.”

The trumpets yelled screams of joy and enthusiasm.

“Trumpets dismissed!”

“One, two!”

“Everypony else, diiiiiiiiiiismissed!”

“One, two!”

Now that the day was over, Trey could start his search. He trotted off towards Ponyville Square, hoping to catch a glimpse of the tan pony he so desired. He hurriedly, though trying to keep a calm demeanor, searched for that yellow coat and pink mane before nightfall. He had only about an hour before he thought he should give up hope. He trotted around the square, searching the windows of stores, around assorted fruit stands, and around some table setups and restaurants. His search yielded no luck. He held his head low and slowly began to trot home.

“HEY THERE!”

Trey jumped and fell back, startled. Pinkie Pie was looking at him, smiling.

“Hey! I couldn’t help but notice you were looking for something. Are you playing a game? Oh OH! Can I play? Please, please?”

“Actually I’m looking for Fluttershy.”

“Oh are you two playing Hide and Seek? I’m the best at that game! I’ll go hide!”

“Wait!” said Trey. “Do you know where I could find Fluttershy?”

“That would be cheating, silly!”

“We’re not playing hide and seek, Pinkie!”

“Oh...well...you want to?”

“Um...maybe Saturday. I just wanted to talk to Fluttershy. Do you know where she lives?”

“Oh! She lives in that cottage on the edge of town, with all the animals! Tell her I said Hi!!!” she said, happily bouncing off elsewhere in typical Pinkie fashion. Trey rolled his eyes and trotted off towards a non-decrepit location, hoping that he was headed towards the right edge of town. He followed a natural trail by some woods for a good while before he decided to head back the other direction. He trotted off at a faster pace the other way, south of town, on the same trail. Eventually, he saw a cottage-like building with a light on. The shadow of a figure moved in front of the light, flapping its wings. Fluttershy was definitely home. Trey trotted up to the door and knocked. Fluttershy opened the top part of the door, and, when seeing who it was, opened her eyes wide. Whether it was joy or not, he didn’t know.

Fluttershy shrunk her body back again, looking at him. “Um...hey Trey. Can I help you with something?”

“Actually, I just wanted to see if you wanted to come to the hoofball game tomorrow night. I noticed you were at the field the other night but you left before I got a chance to say hello.”

“Oh. Well...your band sounded so nice, I just thought I’d drop in and listen...I hope that was ok...”

“No, I’m glad you did! I wish I would have gotten to say hello, though.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry...”

“It’s fine. I don’t believe in apologies.” he said, smiling at her.

“Um...well...”

“So, wanna hear the band at the hoofball game? They’ll sound just as good there!”

“I don’t know...that’s an awful lot of ponies there...and loud noises...”

“Fluttershy, I absolutely hate crowds and loud noises. But hoofball games are where I make an exception. I think it’d be really fun to see you there. Besides, the season opener is the school’s rival! That should add some excitement.”

“But...who’s gonna take care of the animals?”

“Animals?” asked Trey. He then noticed a large assortment of creatures inside Fluttershy’s cottage, looking at him.

“Oh...yes...I take care of the animals around here...um...I guess I’ll just feed them early...Angel can take care of them. Won’t you, Angel?”

A large rabbit jumped up onto Fluttershy’s back and nodded at her. He then looked at Trey, trying to figure him out. He jumped off and bounced elsewhere.

“So...see ya there?”

“Um...yes. If that’s alright?”

“I wanted you to be there.” he said, smiling. “I’d like to see you.” he said, realizing that wasn’t what he meant to say at all.

“See me?”

“See you. At the game. Yeah. Um...yeah.” he said, unsure how to catch himself. Fluttershy smiled and nodded at him.

“Sure. I’ll look out for the band and sit by you guys...If that’s alright?”

“Absolutely. See you then!” he said, smiling as he trotted away back to his house.

“She heard the music and wanted to come. It wasn’t about you.”

“But she still came.”

“Not for you.”

“But she still came.”

Trey fought back with his conscience. He felt like he could win this one. He’d gained more reason to believe that Fluttershy could be his. However, he’d keep these thoughts in his head, planning not to let them out to her, minus the accidental slip earlier. He’d found it best if he kept his crushes to himself. At first, he told himself he couldn’t develop affections for any filly. Then he succumbed and realized that as long as he didn’t act on those impulses, he’d be fine.

Trey put all reminiscences of the past behind him and closed his eyes, picturing Fluttershy in his head before he drifted off to sleep. Just a hug was all he needed. Just some physical contact...that’s all he’d ever asked for.

I sat out under the stars with her. We lied on our backs, pointing out constellations. It was just her and I out here. I looked over at her. Fluttershy. I smiled to myself as I saw her gaze into the stars with wonder. She looked so beautiful. I scooted closer to her, gazing up with her.

“This is one of my favorite things to do.” I said.

“I can see why...” she said.

“There’s just one thing wrong with it though.”

“I think it’s perfect...”

“There’s just one thing missing that would make it perfect.”

“Well...what is it?”

“I’ve always wanted somepony to share it with. This is the first time I’ve ever gazed at the stars with somepony special.” Crap. I hadn’t told her that yet.

“I’m not that special...” she said.

“You’re special to me, Fluttershy.” I said, turning to look at her. She turned to look at me with a shocked look on her face. I shouldn’t have said it.

“Nopony’s ever said that before...” she said, looking away.

“They’re missing out.” I said. If I said it, I might as well continue with it.

She blushed and looked away again. That shade of red was so cute on her. I made a move and put my hoof to her face, cradling it. She looked at me with those big, beautiful blue eyes and smiled. She didn’t remove my hoof...that was new.

“You’re making me feel...awkward.” she said, obviously unsure of what that emotion was.

“I know you’re not used to getting this much attention. I can tell you don’t like it.” I said as she nodded. I removed my hoof from her cheek and put it under her chin. “But at the very least, you deserve everything I can give you.”

She looked at me again, blushing harder, her face almost rouge with this new emotion.

“I...I don’t know what to say...”

I smiled. I decided to be daring tonight. “You don’t need to say anything.” I said, leaning my lips close to her, at a decently fast pace. Enough to where she could see it coming, but wouldn’t have enough time to react. I heard her inhale fast through her nose, hold it for a bit, and breathe it all out, as she pushed her face closer to mine.

***

Trey’s alarm woke him up. He had slept so well. He remembered having a good dream, but couldn’t quite recall what exactly it was. He knew Fluttershy was in it. Maybe he got somewhere. Maybe she hugged him.

Trey got dressed and met the day, getting his baton and music. He made sure to pep the band up before the game, reviewing over the fight song (which he wrote while in his tenure at Canterlot University) and school song. School couldn’t go by fast enough for him. He was ready for some hoofball. And to see Fluttershy again. He was also very eager to see how the band would perform their first show, and the crowd reaction. Eventually, the school day ended and the band gathered right back at the band hall, where pregame meals where being served, courtesy of the local hay market. Once their allotted meal time was over, they repped the show a few times before they got on the school buses and drove over to the stadium, where Fillydelhpia, their long hated rival, awaited.

As the band got situated in the stands, Trey kept a lookout for Fluttershy. He searched the stands high and low and didn’t see anything yet. Still 15 minutes before gametime. She had plenty of time.

Kickoff started and the band played played a drumline rift to signify the beginning of the game. Ponyville, who elected to kick, stormed down the field in an attempt to get to the ball carrier. Fillydelphia’s receiver had too much speed and he broke the tackles for a touchdown. Trey sighed. He didn’t know how Ponyville played, but this wasn’t a good sign. Trey turned around and had them play the kickoff song again, almost as soon as they had put their horns down. Trey kept a lookout for Fluttershy. Still nothing. Ponyville got the ball, and brought it out to the 40 yard line, a fairly good return. Trey had the band play a few more tunes throughout the quarter.

As the first quarter ended, the score was 14-7, Fillydelphia. Trey searched again for Fluttershy, to no avail. Trey got the band ready for halftime, broadcasting their new show. The half ended, 21-7. Trey sat back on the sidelines as the band took the field, where screams of appreciation and cheering racked the stands. Trey liked this crowd. They were a lot more supportive than some of the other schools he’d been at. As the drum major got the show started, Trey looked back towards the stands frantically, searching for Fluttershy. Still nothing. maybe she forgot the time...time...CRAP! Trey never told her the time! He kicked himself in frustration. How could he have come so far to fail? He never expected much more than failure from himself anyways. Trey sighed and watched the rest of the band’s performance. Other than a few marching issues, they sounded very good. Once they finished the show, the crowd absolutely roared. Trey smiled as the band got back in the stands for the second half. He glanced through the crowd one more time. Finding nothing, he gave it up and focused his attention on the band and the game.

Ponyville wound up losing 35-24. Disappointed, the crowd left the stands angrily, most not staying for the school song and fight song. Trey shook his head and rolled his eyes. His supporting fans only cared about winning. When they were losing, well...they weren’t supportive.

As the band got back to the school, Trey made a quick announcement telling everypony that they did a great job, and that he looked forward to seeing them Monday.

Trey began to trot towards home when he heard a familiar voice.

“Trey?”

Trey turned around to see Fluttershy, doing her best to look at him while avoiding eye contact.

“Hey! Where were you?” he asked, smiling. He didn’t want to show his frustration. He was patient, yes, and he wouldn’t explode on her.

“I..um...well...I thought it was at the school...and then I didn’t know the time...and...um...I’m sorry.” she said, shrinking her body again like she did when she first met him. Trey trotted closer to her.

“I don’t believe in apologies, remember?” he said. “Besides, you have nothing to be sorry for. I didn’t give you the time or place. That was my fault. Alright?”

“Um...sorry for apologizing. Um...oh no, I can’t keep from saying it...” she said, looking down at the ground. Trey, on an impulse, put a hoof under her chin and brought it up to eye level. She looked at him with those beautiful blue eyes, full of wonder.

“Don’t worry about it.” Trey said, smiling. He removed his hoof from her chin, a sudden sense of Deja Vu passing from him. “I’ll get it right next time.”

“Um...ok...sorry. Oh...” she said sighing. Trey couldn’t help but laugh a little.

“Hey, are you doing anything tomorrow?” he asked, hopeful.

“Um...no, not really. Just taking care of the animals. And maybe some other chores...” she said, drifting off.

“Do you want some help?”

She looked at him with a smile. “Only if that’s not too much for you...I mean...It’d be nice...But I don’t want to bother you...”

“You could never bother me.” he said smiling. Even in the darkness of the night, Trey could make out her face darken around her cheeks. Maybe it was a figment of his imagination though. “Just give me a time and I’ll be there.”

“Um...whenever you want is fine...” she said timidly. She still looked at him though. Trey noticed she’d been keeping eye contact with him more often.

“Hm...9 AM?”

“That sounds good...if that’s ok with you...”

“Of course it is. I’m pretty punctual so I’ll probably be there at about 8:50”

“Oh...ok.” she said, smiling a little.

“Anyways, I’d better get back home. It was good seeing you again!”

“Yes.” she said, more authoritative than most of her comments.

Trey turned around to walk away, but was stopped short.

“Um...Trey?” began Fluttershy.

“Yes?” he asked.

“It’s really dark...could you walk me home?”

“Absolutely.” he said.

The Animals

“She’s not going to fall for you.”

“I’m not expecting her to.”

“Why are you going?”

“To be a friend.”

Trey Battled with his inner doubts as he woke up. He was still looking for any and every excuse to exclude himself from a romantic possibility. It was a bad habit he’d developed after having some bad experiences with fillies. He shrugged it off and got ready to trot to Fluttershy’s cottage.

Trey arrived early, as he always did. He had a tendency to leave early and get there early. It bothered him when things didn’t start on time. Trey knocked on the door, awaiting for Fluttershy. She never came to the door though. Trey was perplexed by this. Suddenly, a soft, melodic tune was being sung from somewhere off in the distance. Trey followed the source of the sound, surprised at how in tune it was. He soon spotted Fluttershy picking up flowers and putting them in a basket, accompanied by several smaller animals she was singing to. Trey trotted to her. She was still unaware of his presence.

“Hey!” said Trey.

“EEEEK!” screamed Fluttershy, scared at the sudden, unexpected noise. Her wings clasped to her sides and she jumped behind a boulder nearby. Trey was also confused by this. She got frightened really easily, apparently.

“Fluttershy, it’s me.” he said, as she peeked her head from behind the rock.

“Oh...I’m sorry...I hope I didn’t scare you...”

“I’m the one who scared you, it seems. Looks like I’m the one who needs to apologize.” he said, smiling, trying to dissipate any awkwardness. “So...what do you need help with?”

“Oh!” she said, suddenly remembering what he came for. “Um...well...I could always use some help with the flowers...but I don’t want to bother you...”

“I want to help! It’s no trouble at all!” he said, smiling again. It seems he had to do a lot of smiling to reassure her. She straightened up and smiled at him. This was the first time he’d notice her straighten up. This was certainly a good sign. “So, what do you want me to do?”

Fluttershy and Trey spent the rest of the afternoon gathering flowers and berries. Fluttershy would occasionally sing a tune when she wasn’t chatting with Trey. She had a very beautiful voice, and Trey let her know that.

“Oh...thank you.” she said. She obviously wasn’t familiar with compliments and didn’t know how to accept them. Trey didn’t like receiving them either. They were in the same boat, once again.

“Don’t thank me for speaking the truth.” he said, smiling at her once again. “I believe in letting ponies know what they’re good at. You have a talent with animals and singing.”

“Oh, yes, I love animals. They’re my life! Singing is just sort of...recreational.” she said, drifting off from enthusiastic voice tones after animals stopped being mentioned. She had more of a passion for animals than anything. That seemed to be the one topic she could talk for hours about. Trey kept a mental note of it and stored it with his other observations. He was almost making his attraction sound purely analytical.

Trey and Fluttershy kept working until late in the afternoon.

“Um...I think that’s good.” she said, checking the baskets. Trey helped Fluttershy carry them in to her cottage. She had a very nice setup, with lots of animals roaming around. Mice, birds, smaller creatures, and, of course, Angel, who kept an eye on Trey as he helped put the flowers down.

“Thanks for the help...I appreciate it.” she said.

Trey smiled and started to trot out the door, trying to avoid staying too long like a bad guest.

“Oh...you’re leaving?” she asked timidly, shrinking her body once again. Trey started to catch on that she did that when apprehensive, almost like she wanted something.

“Did you want me to stay and talk?” he asked, making sure not to force himself into her company.

“If you wanted to, I wouldn’t mind...” she said, looking at him. Trey smiled and came back inside. Fluttershy smiled and the both of them sat on her couch talking for hours. Fluttershy really opened up to Trey, talking about nearly everything, including, of course, animals. She talked about her friends, Angel (Who had been keeping an eye on Trey the entire time. He seemed protective of Fluttershy. He couldn’t yet figure out if Trey was a good character or bad character yet.) and eventually herself, which Trey provoked.

“Tell me more about yourself though, Fluttershy. I’m yet to hear anything about you.” he said, kindly.

“I don’t know...I’m not that special...”

‘You’re special to me...’ Trey thought, before saying “You are special. I want to find out just how much.” he said, hoping he found a good way to phrase that without giving his secret developing affection for her away. She looked at him and blushed a little, looking away.

“Nopony’s ever wanted to hear about me before...”

“There’s a first for everything.”

She looked at him, still blushing, and smiled the biggest smile he’d ever seen from her.

“Well...” she began. Trey found out how to make her talk. He smiled to himself as he listened to her, captivated by her untapped ability to describe herself. Eventually, something she said struck at him.

“Well, I always feel left out by my friends...please don’t tell them I said that...”

“Never.” he said, reassuring her. “Why do you feel that way?”

“Well...they’re always together...and I usually have to wait for an invitation...or just stumble upon them...but Rarity and I go to the spa...and it feels good...”

“So you like the social aspect of friends, but you’re unsure how to go about doing that?”

“Well...yes...I guess that sounds right...”

Trey glanced over at her, unsure how to react. He knew exactly what he wanted to say, but was unsure if he should say it. He decided to go for it. He had a certain sense of Deja Vu that he just couldn’t place. This situation felt very familiar. He shook it off and replied with what felt right.

“Do you want somepony to hang out with?” he asked. That didn’t come out the way he wanted it to. Crap. That was the second time he’d slipped like that. Nothing he could do about it now. Fluttershy blushed a little, put her ears back and looked away from him.

“Well...um...yes...but I don’t want to bother you...”

Trey scooted closer to her as she tried to look at him. She just couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eye. Trey was unsure whether to say something or put her hoof to her chin. Trey decided to go with the safe option. He wasn’t a big risk-taker where fillies, especially those he thought he could stand a chance with, were concerned. He didn’t believe in taking risks, especially after his past experiences.

“There’s nothing you could do to bother me. I’m new to town, remember? I need a friend too. Maybe we could help each other out.” he said, trying to smile at her. She was still looking away, however. “Hey...” he said, calmly. She looked up at him with those blue eyes he’d come to adore.

“I...that would be...nice...if it’s ok with you...I don’t want to bother you...” she said again. She seemed to worry about bothering ponies a lot.

“There’s nothing you can do to bother me, remember?” he said kindly, while trying to reassert his position.

“Oh...yes...sorry...um...yeah.” she said, looking away from him again, blushing.

“So, wanna hang out tomorrow?” he asked. She looked at him, smiled, and nodded.

“Yes.” she said. Trey smiled back at her, trying not to get lost in her eyes. They were so blue...deep...full of life...

“Are you ok?” Dammit. He got lost.

“Yeah. I just like your eyes.” he said. She blushed again, looking away, smiling.

“Thanks. I haven’t heard that before.”

“Really?”

“Nopony other than you and my other friends seem to notice anything about me. You’re the first one to say anything about my eyes...” Trey was astounded. How could a pony as beautiful as her go so long without being complimented?

“I find that hard to believe.” he said. There was no way she’d never been complimented. “You’re far too...” he started before he caught himself. He almost told her most beautiful she was. Not good for his social security.

“...reclusive...I know...” she finished. Trey took a breath of relief, now that the pressure was off of him.

“No, that wasn’t what I was going to say. I was going to say that your eyes are far too striking to have never been complimented on. It saddens me that nopony’s ever commented on how nice they are, because they’re one of the things I really like about you.” he said, suddenly realizing he slipped again. At this rate, he should just tell her he was starting to fall for her. If he hadn’t been trying to analyze his emotions scientifically and diplomatically, he might have already done so. He had the patience to bite back. He was still new in town, and he couldn’t go about making a bad impression, or that of a weirdo.

She looked at him, her eyes filled with a sense of wonder. “You like me?”

Trey didn’t know what to say to that. He had to come up with something quick. Silence would give away the answer that he wasn’t ready to give yet. He didn’t know how she would react. Diplomacy, he though...Diplomacy. What could he say to that though?

“I think you’re a really nice filly. Anypony that doesn’t like you is a moron.” he said, smiling what he felt was a awkward smile. The sense of wonder in her eyes suddenly vanished as she looked away.

“Oh...ok...” she said. She sounded almost sad. Almost as if she was expecting a different answer. Trey realized that but thought it would be best if he didn’t change his answer.

“Are you ok?” he asked, hoping beating around the bush would yield an answer to a question he’d been wondering for the last few days.

“Oh...yes.” she said, refusing to look him in the eye. He wasn’t going to get anything out of her tonight. As much as she opened up earlier, she wasn’t going to open up here. Trey had to think of something...something that could show her hope, yet not give something away. If she was looking for a sign, she’d get it. If she was oblivious, it’d simply be another social gesture. In an awkward moment of inexperience and not being sure what to do, he reached out and put a hoof under her chin and made her look at him. He loved those blue eyes. He’d do nearly anything to make them be his...

“Hey...” he started. “I always look forward to seeing you. I enjoy your company. You’re the nicest pony I’ve met yet.” He smiled at her. A sense of enjoyment flooded back to her eyes as she blushed. Trey decided to screw social security as he reached out and hugged her. She was warm...soft...and she smelled good.

“Oh!” she said, a little surprised, caught offguard by this sudden burst of emotion. Maybe she’d never done this either. She quickly returned the affection though, as the two of their heads rubbed against each other, cheek to cheek. Everything about her was warm...caring...kind...perfect. They hugged for a good minute or so before Trey let go and looked at her.

“Thanks.” she said, looking at him, blushing slightly and smiling. He thought she was irresistibly cute when she blushed...but he wasn’t going to say anything.

“Anyways, as much as I’d love to stay all night, I’d better get back home and get some sleep. I’m sure your animals need a break from me anyhow.” He noticed Angel had a bit of a sad expression on his face. Trey nodded and smiled at him while on his way out, before stopping at her door. “What time do you want to meet tomorrow?”

“Oh...um...10?”

“Not soon enough. Let’s shoot for 9.” he said, smiling at her and trotting off, smiling to himself. He’d hugged her. Physical contact. That’s all he’d ever wanted. It may have just been a hug, but he was on cloud 9 for the rest of the night, as his happy emotions carried him into another night of dreaming about her.

Sunday Morning Coming Down

“Fluttershy, I really enjoy spending time with you.” I said, looking at her. She blushed again. I did all I could to get her to. It was just so adorable...almost as adorable as her eyes, so deep, full of meaning. She kept her gaze on me, as we looked deep into each other’s eyes.

“You have the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen.” I said.

“I think you have pretty eyes too.” she said. I involuntarily smiled. I wasn’t used to compliments, but I took it in stride as we stood outside, gazing at the stars once again.

“Yours are so much prettier though.” I said, smiling at her. She blushed again and looked away. “Nooooo!” I said. “Keep looking at me!!!” she giggled a bit and returned the gaze.

“Trey...I’m glad I met you...” she said. I thought I’d never hear her say that. My heart skipped a beat as I smiled. If I could blush, I’m sure I would have then. “I think you’re really nice. I really like you.” she said, more boldly than I’ve ever heard her say anything before.

“Well that’s pretty convenient...” I said. “I really like you as well.” As she looked at me, I could swear her eyes got bigger, almost like they were making a show for me. This was my favorite weather...cool, under the stars at night. I felt nearly invincible and pretty lucky, so I made a daring move. “I might even go so far as to say that I love you.”

“I...I don’t know what to say...” she said, looking away from me, trying to hide a smile. I put my hoof to her chin and tilted her head towards mine. Her deep blue eyes were glossy, almost as if she were ready to cry. “You alright?” I asked, making sure I didn’t say too much too soon.

“Yes...I’m just really happy.”

Trey’s alarm woke him up early, around 7. He had a lot of work to catch up on, since he spent Saturday with Fluttershy. Getting up early was the only option he had, since he figured he’d spend the rest of Sunday with her, too. He spent the morning writing drill and new trumpet parts to add spice to the stands, with some low brass rifts to pump up the crowd. Soon enough, 8:30 rolled around, and he left his work and trotted over to Fluttershy’s cottage.

It was a warm Sunday, as Sunday should be. Sun...day. It made perfect sense. As he trotted over to her cottage, he felt warm inside, happy...he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt like this. He felt great, almost as if he was invincible...

As Fluttershy’s cottage came into view, he could see her outside, dillydallying, almost as if she were waiting on him to show up. As he rolled into view, she spotted him and trotted to him happily. She seemed very upbeat today.

“Hey!” he said as she came up to him. “You seem happy today.”

“Well...yes. Hope that’s not a bad thing...”

“Absolutely not.” he said, to which she nearly beamed at him. She was very happy today and he liked this side of her. The happy, shy one. Her face was almost a representation of the light she had in her once she got warmed up to company. “So, what do you want to do?”

“Oh, it really doesn’t matter to me, as long as I’m with you.” she said, smiling. Trey wasn’t sure if she had a slip or if she meant to say that, but it made him feel good regardless.

“I’m new in town. I don’t know what there is to do around here. You tell me, Fluttershy.” he said.

“Oh...I’m not very good at making decisions...”

“Neither am I. If all else fails we could always go back to one of our places and talk.” he said, throwing out a last chance option. She looked at him, smiled, and nodded. He thought she liked to talk more than she let on. But they both needed to get out and experience other things as well.

“Well...there’s always the movies...or lunch...” she said, throwing out some options. Trey smiled and let her know that any of those were good.

“But we still have a little bit of time before. I say we get lunch then catch a movie. That sound good?”

“Whatever you wanna do is fine.” she said, smiling at him, looking at him with those deep blue eyes. His heart nearly melted, almost to where he couldn’t say anything. “Hey...have you ever played Frisbee?” he finally asked.

“Oh, no...what’s that?”

“C’mon back to my place. I’ll show you.”

Trey and Fluttershy trotted back to his place, where he got his Frisbee and explained to her the basics.

“Just put it in your mouth and fling it. The air pressure will keep it up.” he said, putting it in his mouth and showing her how. He began to trot outside to find a field when he heard a “Like this?” and suddenly felt a slight pain to his eye.

“OH! I’M SO SORRY!” said Fluttershy. She’d hit him while trying to get the hang of it.

“It happens all the time.” he said, groaning a bit. His eye actually really hurt. He didn’t want to let that on, though, as she was bound to get really hard on herself. He opened his eyes to find her looking at him from above. He’d apparently fallen to the ground whilst incapacitated from the sudden bang. “No worries!”

“But...you’re swollen...” she said. “I’m so sorry...I’ll...I’ll just...um...I don’t know.”

“Fluttershy, it’s ok. Really!” he said, getting up off the ground. He looked at her. She was, as he expected, shrunk back into herself, looking at the floor. “It’s not the first time I’ve been hit. I’d rather take a Frisbee than a flag...” he said, reminiscing on a marching band mishap during his high school years.

“I still feel bad...I never meant to hurt you...I’d never want to hurt you...” she said.

“Fluttershy.” he said, more forcefully than most of his tones, yet still kind. “It was an accident. I’m gonna laugh at this tomorrow when the kids ask me what happened.”

“Oh, no...please don’t tell them...I don’t want them to think I’m a bad pony...”

Trey raised an eyebrow. She was very concerned about her public image, despite how antisocial she was. “I don’t think they would quite think that, but I won’t tell them.” he said. She looked at him apologetically.

“Thanks...sorry...um...do you want me to bandage it up?”

Trey thought it would be a good idea, but he didn’t have any medical supplies at his house. He hadn’t been by a local store to get anything more than simple groceries.

“Yeah, but I don’t have anything here. It’ll be fine.”

“I have stuff at my cottage...if you wanted to come over...” she said timidly. Trey Smiled, nodded, and the two of them set off towards her cottage once again. By the time they made it, it was about 3 in the afternoon. Fluttershy led him inside the cottage and had him sit on the couch.

“I’ll be right back, ok?”

Trey smiled and let her know he had no intention of leaving. She smiled and disappeared elsewhere into her cottage. Trey sat on the couch patiently while Angel watched him.

“Hey.” said Trey, not expecting anything to happen. Angel had a different idea, as he hopped over and sat right next to him, nudging his arm a bit. Trey was taken aback by this but pet him anyway. Angel seemed to really like it, which made Trey feel good. He’d always had a soft spot for pets, and the blind loving they give. He’d always felt more appreciated as a being from animals than other ponies. Fluttershy came back from elsewhere with gauze. As soon as she spotted Trey and Angel, her eyes opened wide.

“Oh...I’m so sorry...is Angel bothering you?”

“Who, this little bunny here?” he said, looking down at Angel, who simply smiled at him.

“Yes. He’s never this good with other ponies...”

“I tend to have that effect on things. Besides, Angel’s aptly named. He’s an angel. At least to me, anyway.” he said, scratching Angel’s ears, to his delight.

“Oh...ok then!” she said, smiling as she started to wrap some bandages around his eye. He was apparently more sore on his upper cheek and lower eye than anywhere else. Fluttershy finished wrapping him up and sat down on the couch next to him. They talked for a few hours again. Movies and lunch had failed that day, and they defaulted to conversation. Angel took in every word of it, though, listening to Fluttershy and Trey, agreeing and keeping note, storing his own observations about him.

“So, Fluttershy, did you have fun hanging out? I know we didn’t do much, but I always enjoy talking to you.”

“Oh, yes...except for when I hit you...sorry...”

Trey laughed. “It was funny. I think it’s funny, anyway.” She tried to smile, but Trey could tell that she was still beating herself up for it. “But I’m glad you had fun. We should do this more often.” She looked at him with those eyes, full of hope and wonder.

“I think that would be nice.” she said, smiling. Trey noticed she didn’t even add her typical ‘‘if that’s ok with you’’. Trey saw that as a good thing.

“So do I. Maybe I’ll get to see you before the weekend. Why not come out to another band practice?”

“Would that be ok?”

“It would be more than ok.” he said, smiling at her, as she looked at him, her eyes getting a deeper sense of hope and wonder.

She smiled a very big, cute smile and told him “I’ll do my best to be there.”

“Pretty much every weekday at 5, right when school lets out. Just want to make sure I don’t forget to give you the time again.” he said, attempting to make a joke. Fluttershy smiled, and Trey assumed she understood it.

“That sounds nice.” she said.

Trey looked at his watch. “Oh, it’s getting late again. I don’t want to keep you up. I’m sure Angel needs his sleep too.” he said, noticing Angel was yawning, almost asleep on his lap.

“Oh, I’m fine. You don’t have to go.” she said, smiling at him.

“I’d love to stay, but I do have school in the morning.”

“Oh...yeah...” she said, looking away. “I won’t keep you.” she added, turning to him again, forcing herself to smile. Trey pretended to look at his watch again.

“I think I can stay for a little bit more. I love talking to you.”

She blushed, and the two of them talked for another hour or so before Trey yawned, despite trying to hold it back.

“You’re tired. You should get to bed. I’m sorry I kept you.”

“I wanted to stay! I only wish we had more time.” he said, to which she smiled and looked at him with those eyes. Those eyes would be the death of him. He’d fall for them hard and lose himself.

Trey got off the couch, making sure to let the sleeping Angel down as quietly and softly as he could, trying not to wake him up. He and Fluttershy trotted to the door, where he stepped outside and faced Fluttershy, who stood in the doorframe.

“Thanks for hanging out today. I had a lot of fun.” he said.

She looked at him with those eyes and got closer to him. “I’m really sorry about your eye..”

“It’s more my cheek, really. Don’t worry about it.” he said, smiling.

“Um...do you need new gauze?”

“It’s only a bruise, Fluttershy. I’m not bleeding.” he smiled.

“Um...well...” she said, getting even closer to him, looking down at the ground.

“You ok?” Trey asked. Fluttershy looked back up at him, nodded, and, suddenly and unexpectedly, kissed his cheek.

“There. All better.” she said, smiling at him with possibly one of the biggest smiles he’d seen from her yet. She wished him a goodnight and closed the door while Trey stood there, dumbfounded at what just happened. He gathered his thoughts and trotted off home, completely forgetting the trip, lost in thought. Trey got ready for bed and stared at the ceiling for a while, contemplating, unable to sleep.

“She kissed me”

“She gave you the mommy kiss for an injury.”

“But she still kissed me...”

“Only out of pity.”

Trey’s mind battled it out while his third stream of thought contemplated the events, picturing it again and again in his mind while a fourth stream of thought tried to analyze it scientifically, looking for an explanation to all of this. She did kiss him...but would it have happened without the injury? Was she just using the injury as an excuse? Trey knew that he couldn’t think about it for too long. He’d overthink it and kill it. Kill the mood...he had to take this at face value. But he now had an excuse to return the favor...but she wasn’t bound to injure herself anytime soon. Maybe he didn’t have to wait for an injury...Maybe he could just make one himself? No, he couldn’t do that to her...GAH! Trey had so much to think about. This emotion was new...brand new...he’d never felt that kind of emotional connection with anypony before...she also seemed so sincere about it...like she really meant it...so it couldn’t have been just for pity...could it have? Trey gave up on trying to think it through and closed his eyes, letting Fluttershy carry him off into sweet dreams once again.

The Morning After

“Hey!” I said when I saw her. She turned to me, smiling.

“Hey!”

“Hey, um...I need a favor.”

“Yes? I probably can’t help much, but I’ll try...”

“I seem to have injured my hoof...” I said.

“Oh...are you alright?” she asked, giving me a look of concern. “I don’t really have any gauze...”

“Oh, it’s just a bruise. I just need someone to kiss it and make it better.”

She looked at me, a faint shade a red starting to come onto her cheeks. “I don’t know that that may help much, but I’ll see what I can do.” I extended my hoof up, showing a slight scuff mark I inflicted on myself earlier. She looked at me with a gentle smile and kissed it, ever so tenderly. I couldn’t help but smile. She was so cute and innocent... “Does that help?” she asked.

“A lot. I have a bit of a sore spot on my lip though...”

She smiled, blushed, looked at me with those deep blue eyes, and leaned her face to mine. It was perfect...soft, tender, caring...absolutely fantastic. She only stayed there for about a second though, as she pulled back and gave me that look that made me melt.

“Feel better?” she asked, smiling.

“A little...but it may need some more attention...” I said, almost expecting something to happen.

She laughed, then looked at me with those eyes. “You don’t have to fake an injury, you know.” She smiled.

I looked at her, a smile forming across my lips. Everything was going my way today. “I know.” I said, bringing my face to hers for another kiss of passion. I was madly in love with her. I’d never wanted anything in my life as much as I wanted her. And now...I had her.

Trey was jolted awake once again by his alarm. He slept soundly throughout the night, never once needing to get up for water or anything of the sort. This was becoming a more frequent occurrence after meeting Fluttershy. Trey got dressed and ready to meet the day.

Of course, as much as he would like to simply trot over to Fluttershy’s cottage, he did have school duties. Sometimes life sucked. He was forced to choose between his two passions: Music...and Fluttershy. Fluttershy would be there later today, he hoped. He’d swing by then.

Once again, the day moved slowly for him. He managed to keep focus on his work, though, which was good. But he still thought about Fluttershy all day long. Her gorgeous mane...those deep blue eyes...he was losing himself for her, and it would only be a matter of time before he felt he would crack and confess.

Marching rehearsal went by smoothly, everypony got a lot of things done. Music really came together, marching issues were resolved, and they started drill on the second movement. “New beginnings” was bound to be a great show. He could feel it. As he dismissed the band, he climbed down the tower and began to trot off to Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Hey, Trey?”

Trey turned around to see Twilight.

“Yes?”

“We need to talk.” Twilight’s tone was concerning.

“Uh...ok then.”

Twilight led Trey back to her library, where she shut the door and invited him to a spot on her couch.

“Am I in trouble already?” he asked, making a joke.

“No, no...at least I don’t think so.”

“What’s this about?”

“I guess there’s no easy to say this.”

“...say what?”

“Well, have you noticed Fluttershy acting...different around you?”

“I’m new here, I don’t have any previous knowledge to compare it to.” he said, to which Twilight mumbled a soft “oh yeah...”

“Well...she’s not the same ever since you came around. She’s...happier.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’m glad she’s like this. I honestly think she has a thing for you.”

Trey’s heart dropped at confirmation. The cheek kiss fed the fire of suspicion, but Twilight simply confirmed it. “Really?”

“Yes. Now, Fluttershy’s my friend. I want to make sure you won’t hurt her.”

“I would have no intention of doing so.”

“Good. Oh, horsefeathers.” she said. Trey remained silent as she fretted about. “I should not have told you that...oh, no...the fastest way to lose a friend is to tell a secret! Oh, I’m so sorry, Fluttershy! Oh, dear...”

“Calm down, I’m not going to say anything.”

“Oh, good. I mean, you’re new in town, it’s probably weird to just have ponies start liking you....” Trey smiled at the irony of that statement. “I mean I don’t want to scare you away from us already, if Pinkie Pie hasn’t done that already.”

Trey laughed. “No, no, I like everypony here. Honestly, I’ve had my suspicions about Fluttershy.”

“Oh? Good. I’d hate to have been the one to ruin things.” not like she already didn’t. She seemed to have a habit of scholarly analyzing things, much like he did.

“No, no, you’re fine. I’ve been hanging out with Fluttershy a lot recently. I’ve caught on to a few things.”

“Oh, you’ve been hanging out?” she asked, surprised.

“Yeah. She stopped by band practice one day and I invited her to the hoofball game. I helped her gather flowers Saturday and attempted to teach her how to frisbee Sunday. If the slight bruise is any indication, she’s born to be a pro.” he said sarcastically.

“Really? Did she throw it too hard?” she obviously didn’t get his humor.

“No, she hit me trying to get the hang of it. She wrapped me up with gauze though.”

“For a bruise?”

“Yeah” he laughed. “But I couldn't not let her. She was just so cute.” His eyes opened wide as he realized he slipped yet again. Twilight looked at him with a sudden sense of curiosity.

“You think she’s cute?”

“Well I thought it was cute that she tried so hard to take care of me for a small bruise. By extension, that makes her cute.”

“Trey...you like her too, don’t you?”

Trey froze, unsure of what to say. “Well, I’m keeping one of your secrets, you get to keep mine. Yes, I’ve fallen for her. I really do like her a lot. She’s just so...innocent...I just...” he said, stopping himself before he went into too much detail. Twilight smiled.

“I knew it. I knew there was a reason she was happier.”

“The only problem is, I know she likes me now, but she doesn’t know I like her. I don’t know how to go about letting her know that either.”

“I’m sure you’ll find a way.” she said, smiling. “Just pretend you never heard it from me. Now, I’m sure you were headed to her place anyway. Hurry along!”

And with that Trey trotted out to Fluttershy’s cottage just before it started to get dark. He knocked on the door and awaited Fluttershy. As soon as she opened the door and saw who it was, she beamed with happiness and invited him in.

“So, do you need something?”

“No, I just wanted to come see you.” he said, smiling, to which she blushed a little and trotted off to the couch, waiting for him. He shortly joined her.

“So, Fluttershy...”

“Yes?” she asked, looking at him with those eyes he couldn’t resist. Angel hopped up on the couch with him and broke his concentration.

“I was wondering...”

“Yes?”

“Do you like anypony in Ponyville?”

She looked at him with a slight look of confusion. “Oh...well...just one pony.”

“Oh? What’s he like?”

“Well...” she said, looking away. “He’s nice...and kind...and he actually cares about getting to know me...”

“He sounds like a nice one.”

“He is...but I don’t think he likes me back...”

Trey caught on. “Why do you think that?”

“Well...I don’t know...” she said before mumbling off. Trey knew he had to make his move now or never. But he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Life was about taking risks but...he wasn’t good at that.

“Fluttershy...what if he likes you back?”

She looked at him with eyes full of wonder...and a bit of sadness.

“Oh, I don’t think he does...I mean...I don’t know...”

“Have you thought of asking him?”

“Oh, I could never do that...there’s too much to lose...” Trey respected that comment.

“Fluttershy, I can’t keep this up.” he said, putting a hoof to her chin. “I’ve liked you since day one. I’ve just always been too shy to say anything.”

She gazed at him with wonder, sadness dissipating from her eyes. “I...you have?”

Angel looked up at Trey, unsure of how to feel. He now knew Trey was a good pony, but what did that mean for Fluttershy?

“Yes, Fluttershy.” he said, smiling. “I wouldn’t lie to you. You’re far too beautiful to be lied to.” She blushed.

“You’re just saying things...”

“No, Fluttershy...I’m not.” he said, smiling reassuringly. Fluttershy looked deep at him with those large, beautiful eyes he loved. He felt that they could finally be his.

“Trey...I don’t know why I started to like you...I mean...you’re new...I hope that’s not weird...” she said, starting to look away.

“Absolutely not.” he said, tilting her face back towards him. “I’m glad you did.”

Fluttershy blushed and smiled at him. “I’ve never felt like this before...you make me feel...awkward...”

Trey remembered that phrase from his dream. “I know that’s a new sensation, but it’s a good thing, Fluttershy. You’re a good thing.”

“I don’t know why you like me...I’m not that special...”

“You’re special to me.”

She looked up at him with those eyes and smiled, a deep shade of red coming across her cheeks. “Really?”

“Really really. You’re the most amazing pony I’ve met yet, Fluttershy.” he said, making her blush even more, which he didn’t think was possible.

“Trey...”

“Yes?”

She looked at him, her eyes deepening. She looked like she was trying to make a decision...

“I...” she stammered before reaching out and hugging him tight. “...don’t leave me...please...”

Trey smiled to himself and hugged her back. “I don’t plan on it. I’d hate to lose you.”

She breathed a deep sigh of relief and she clung on to him. He started to rub her back and sway back and forth, starting to hum a tune he learned as a young colt.

“Hush now, quiet now...” she started to sing.

“You know this song?”

She pulled her head up, still clinging to him, and nodded, smiling. Trey had that much more appreciation for her. As he looked at her, their eyes locked, he could sense happiness in her...inside himself...something he hadn’t truly felt in years.

“Fluttershy...”

“Yes?”

“You make me the happiest colt in the world.” to which he impulsively kissed her forehead. It was warm and soft, just like the rest of her body he still held. She blushed once again, smiling, never letting her gaze go from him. She got warmer after that. As Fluttershy still looked at him, he could tell she was trying to make a tough decision.

“Whatcha thinkin’?” he asked.

“Oh...nothing.” She said, smiling. “Just thinking about you.” She still sounded a bit distracted. Trey pondered over what this decision was she was trying to make. Eventually, she subsided and the two of them sat there, hugging each other until it became really late.

“I suppose you have to go now, huh...” she asked, slightly sad.

“I may have to leave your house, but I’m never leaving you.” he said. She smiled, blushed and walked him to the door.

“Thanks for visiting.” she said. She’d been proclaiming herself a lot more recently, as opposed to open-ended statements.

“I was glad to do it.” he said.

“When will you be back?”

“As soon as I can tomorrow.” he said, smiling.

She smiled a bit and told him, “I’ll be looking forward to it.” as he turned around to trot off.

“Trey?”

He turned back around to find her looking at the ground, her body shrunk back.

“Yes?”

“You don’t think I’m bad for liking you...right?”

Trey laughed at that and trotted back to her. “Hey...” he started. “You could never be bad in my eyes.” She tilted her head up a little, still not looking at him. He put a hoof under her chin and made her look at him. “Promise. There’s something I want to give you.” he said, formulating an idea.

“Oh? For me?”

“I think you’ve earned it. The only thing is, I’m going to want it back later.”

“Oh...” she said.

“Close your eyes and hold out your hoof.” he said. Fluttershy did so.

Trey, on an act of impulsiveness, passionately kissed her, putting her hoof back on the ground with his. He kissed her with such emotion that he could feel her blushing, the heat emanating from her cheeks, as she leaned her head backwards ever so slightly, making him lean into her. He pulled away after a few seconds, opening his eyes to see her staring at him with the deepest, prettiest blue eyes, a dark, dark red line across her face where she had not stopped blushing.

“Trey...I...” she tried to say. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything cohesively.

“Remember...I’m going to want that back the next time I see you.” he said, smiling, bidding her goodnight before trotting home. Fluttershy stood at her doorframe for a long while before going back inside, plopping down on the couch. Her legs were like jelly. She’d never felt so weak and helpless in her life...she was totally under his control. She smiled and closed her eyes, thinking about him before she finally drifted off to sleep, where she and Trey romanced about.

Trey trotted home slowly. His legs felt like jelly...he had never felt so weak and helpless...years of marching built up his legs but she made them worthless as he fell under her control. She was the greatest thing to ever happen to him. After his risky stunt...he felt he could finally have her. He could finally feel true happiness. He could finally call those blue eyes his...he fell asleep dreaming about them, and the wonderful pony they belonged to.

Returning property

“Trey...” I said, looking at him. He was there, smiling that wonderful smile he always did. I loved that smile.

“Yes?” he asked, giving me another smile.

“I...” I started. I couldn’t bring myself to say it. “I...”

“You alright?” he asked.

“Yes...I just...” I didn’t know how he’d feel if I told him. I’d fallen hard for that smile. I’d never fallen for any other smile...

“You just what?” I wasn’t sure if he was toying with me or if he genuinely didn’t understand. I looked at him. He loved my eyes...I loved his smile...His love of my eyes gave me a bit of strength. I mustered all I had and looked straight at him.

“I...love you...” I said. I could feel a surge of heat to my cheeks as he smiled. I looked away, almost ashamed. It felt so weird to say. I’d never really said it before... “I hope that’s ok...” I said, making sure it didn’t scare him. He smiled at me and lifted my chin up with his hoof. I had no choice but to look deep into his eyes. He had nice eyes, too...

“Fluttershy...” he started. I looked at him with anticipation and braced myself for what he was going to say next. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that...because I love you too.”

“Oh, good, because...” I started, before he leaned into me and kissed me. I was so surprised by this, my wings clasped to my side, and I inhaled deeply as my face got hot. Once I realized what was going on, I closed my eyes, exhaled and returned the favor. I had never been happier in my life.

***

I looked at her as she stood in her doorway, where I had been ready to leave to sleep for the night.

“I had a great time talking, Fluttershy.” I said. She looked down at the ground, sad. “Are you ok?” I asked.

“Well...yes...um...no, not really.” she said. I trotted back towards her.

“What’s wrong?”

“I...don’t want you to go...” she said, scuffing the ground with her hoof. She was just so darn adorable when she did that.

“Well...I can stay a bit longer.” I said, smiling at her. She looked up at me with those eyes and beamed. I trotted back into the house and she smiled at me. Everything about her was perfect...her smile...her face...but those eyes were what sold me. “Just for you.” I said, to which she blushed. I loved making her do that. I could feel like I was actually doing something right when I saw that.

“Trey?”

“Yes?”

“...thanks.” she said, trotting over towards me. “I just wanted to give you something...”

“Oh? The only thing I could ever ask from you is you.” She blushed.

“I know.” she said, looking up at me with those eyes. I couldn’t help but smile at her

“You’ve already given me enough then.” I said.

“No, not really...” she said. I swore her eyes got bigger. Everything about her face was bigger...before I knew what was happening, her eyes closed and a soft, warm sensation flowed over my lips. Was she...kissing me? She was...just as suddenly as I became aware, she pulled back and smiled at me, before opening her eyes wide and looking down at the ground.

“I’m so sorry...I wasn’t thinking...” she started. I smiled to myself as I put one hoof under her chin and made her look at me. I then put our faces together and passionately returned the favor. I pulled away, looking at her. She returned my gaze with a sense of happiness and curiosity.

“I was.” I said, smiling, promptly kissing her again before she could stammer anything. I never felt her try to back away. So...neither did I.

Fluttershy woke up naturally, not hearing any alarm. She forgot she’d fallen asleep on her couch dreaming of him. As a result, she didn’t hear the alarm in her room go off, making her oversleep. She hurriedly got up and ready for the day taking care of the animals, desperately trying to catch up on her work.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Angel. I didn’t mean to oversleep...I’m so sorry.” she said, apologizing to Angel, who didn’t seem as upset as he normally would be. He glanced at her with a look of curiosity, wondering when Trey would be back. Fluttershy quickly took care of him and trotted about, taking care of all the other animals. She then got started on cleaning and such. She wanted a nice, neat home for when Trey visited again. They didn’t arrange anything, but he was bound to come over as usual. She smiled simply thinking about him. She couldn’t wait to see him again. His smile, his face...his eyes...everything about him made her smile and blush. Could he be thinking the same? She liked him a lot...maybe she even loved him...

***

Trey’s alarm jolted him awake from a good dream. If he didn’t have duties to the school, he’d try to stay in bed and get that dream back...his mind couldn’t leave Fluttershy, it seemed. He thought about her all day, he couldn’t wait to see her, and he even dreamt about her, which was new for him. He’d never dreamed very much at all. But once again, she’d managed to permeate his daily life. It was hard to focus on his tasks when all he could think about was that gorgeous filly with the deep blue eyes. She was the most gorgeous shade of tan he’d ever seen and he loved her pink mane. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. He wondered if she felt the same.

Trey tried to hurry through school, but the seconds ticked by like hours. When you want something so bad, it seems like it takes forever to get, it seemed. He didn’t even really say that he’d come over today, but he knew she wouldn’t mind. He was crazy for her. Maybe...maybe he even loved her.

Trey knew he had to focus on his tasks at hand. He helped the band learn the drill for the second movement of the show. New beginnings was certainly seeming more and more appropriate for his life as time went on. New start, new town, new kids...new emotions...he shook it off and carried on through practice, where the remaining hour would seem like 5.

***

Fluttershy had nothing to do but wait. Trey didn’t get done with practice for another hour...she could only sit and pass the time away, hoping the hour didn’t feel like 5. She pet Angel, who had been surprisingly calm these last few days, ever since he met Trey. He was never that good with company, but he must have sensed that he made her happy. So, he was happy too.

“Oh...” she said, slightly frustrated. “Why does an hour have to seem so long?” She got up and started pacing about her room, waiting for that white figure she had developed an affection for. Surely he would be there after band practice? Oh, she hoped that it was assumed they’d meet up again. She had something of his to return. She had to return it. It was too valuable for her to keep. She looked up at her clock after an hour, only to discover 15 minutes had passed. She sighed to herself and went back to her couch and put her head down, sad. Time would pass by so slow. It was certainly going faster for Trey who had something to occupy his time. She was suddenly aware of how desperate she was to see him. She had never wanted to see anything more in her life, and that slightly bothered her. Yet, it made her carefree. On one hoof, she felt that she was completely under his control, unable to control herself around him. She liked him too much for that. But on the other hoof, she liked him too much to be inhibited by herself. She felt he could help her be more social, not as shy. He could...set her free, in a way.

***

“Alright, bring it to the tower, everypony!” Trey shouted. They all rushed to it, slightly confused. “You’ve all done great work today. We got through the drill, we put music to it. I think you’ve deserved to get out 10 minutes early.” he said, to which they all cheered. “Band!”

“Move!”

“Atten-hut!”

“Move!”

“I’m very proud of all the work you’ve done. You’re by far the best group of kids I’ve worked with. If you keep this up, we’ll get out early every practice. Section of the day goes to the tenor saxes! Tenor saxes...dismissed!”

“One, two!”

“Everypony else...DISMISSED!”

“ONE, TWO!”

The band was gone. Trey got horribly impatient and decided to let them out under the pretense of hard work. They did work hard though, and Trey respected that. These kids had a bit more determination in them than Canterlot kids. Canterlot kids just expected to win...Trey now had full insight into the other side of the marching competition. He put that thought away as Fluttershy popped into his mind. He hurried off the tower and trotted at an accelerated pace towards the cottage he’d come to love.

***

Fluttershy heard a soft clopping in the distance. She raised her head off of the couch and jumped off, heading to the window, checking. The white pony with the red and black mane was trotting up, faster than he normally did. She jumped for joy as she opened the door, standing in the frame, awaiting his arrival. He saw her and trotted faster, nearly galloping there. Fluttershy started trotting his way and the two of them hugged and embraced each other tightly.

“I guess you missed me, huh?” he said, laughing.

“Yes. That had better be alright with you.” she said. Trey liked her more assertive position. She was getting less shy about things with him, and he admired noting her growth with him. The two of them released and trotted inside her cottage. She closed the door quickly and turned to face him, where she found him smiling at her. She loved that smile...oh, she was getting ahead of herself. She looked at him and saw his smile increase.

“I love your eyes.” he said, scooting closer to her, looking deep into her, almost searching for her soul. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. All the things she had been wondering about him...if he felt the same way she did, if he was as crazy for her as she was for him, if he could possibly like somepony like her...simply dissipated. She felt that she didn’t have to worry about anything when she was with him. All she had to do was look at him...and all her troubles melted away.

“Do you know what I see when I look into your eyes?” he asked her.

“Assorted pigments from recessive genetics?”she said. Twilight said it once...she didn’t really get it, but it sounded smart.

“Uh...” he started, a bit muddled. He wasn’t sure where that came from. It sounded like something Twilight would say... “That too, but know what else I see?”

“Oh...no...” she said, looking deep into his eyes.

“I see the most beautiful mare in the world. I see the kindest soul I’ve ever met...” he started. So he COULD see into her soul. She felt it...he confirmed it. “...and I see a pony deserving of love.”

She felt the heat emanating from her cheeks as she tried to look away, hiding her face. He put his hoof up to her chin, making her look at him. She liked it when he did that. Maybe it was just because he touched her. Maybe it was because it showed his affection for her. Maybe because she felt it was romantic...

“Well...” she started, boldly gathering her thoughts. “Do you know what I see?”

“Assorted pigments from recessive genetics?” he said, smiling, trying to stifle a laugh. She couldn’t help but to do the opposite as she smiled at him. He was a funny guy, alright.

“That too...but know what else I see?”

“Nope. Lay it on me.”

“I see the most generous stallion I’ve ever met. I see a pony with the most patience I’ve ever seen from anypony before. I see a beautiful soul more deserving of love than anypony in Ponyville...” she said, to which he smiled uncontrollably.

“Except for you, that is.” he retorted. She blushed again, unable to control how sweet she found his sentiments. He genuinely cared for her, she could sense it. Sure, all of her other friends did too, but he seemed to care more for her than anypony else. It made her feel special, like she could be loved. Maybe he loved her...he did say she deserved love...she felt he alone could give it to her. She looked deep into his eyes for a few moments longer.

“I have something I need to give you.” she said, smiling at him. “Somepony I like very much gave this to me...I think it’s too valuable for me to keep. I want to give it to you. Now, close your eyes and hold out your hoof.” she said. Trey smiled at her and did so. She closed her eyes and leaned in close to him, passionately kissing him to the best of her ability. She didn’t have any experience. All she had to go on was what he gave her before. She lightly placed her lips on his, gently pushing them together, feeling his warmth. She was nervous, and was trembling. Trey apparently sensed this and pulled away, smiling at her.

“I hope that wasn’t bad...I’m not good at that at all...” she said, suddenly becoming less confident and bold. Trey rolled his eyes.

“Fluttershy...I like you too much to even complain. Simply seeing you is all I can ask for. But kissing you...that makes my life.” he said, looking deep into her again. “Besides, I think this gift is better meant for you.” he said, putting one arm around her neck and pulling them closer together. She wasn’t prepared and fell into his trap, leaning forward on her two front legs, almost supported entirely by him. He walked slowly forward, putting her back down on the ground as he kept kissing her. She was captivated, fully under his control. There was nothing she’d rather be doing right now. Her heart was fluttering...

Trey could feel her pulse pounding. He put a hoof to her chest and felt her heart flutter. She had a bit of a flutterheart around him. He smiled and pulled back, looking at her.

“Your heart is fluttering.”

“I just can’t control myself around you...” she said, almost slinking back in embarrassment. “I’m sorry...”

“Don’t be sorry, Flutterheart.”

She looked at him. “Flutterheart?”

“That’s my new name for you. A pet name, if you will.”

She blushed a little. “You want me to be your pet?” She didn’t quite understand that, but it was supposed to be sweet, she guessed.

“No, a pet name refers to a cute name that you call somepony else. Yours is Flutterheart. You’ll have to think of one for me at some point.” he said, smiling at her.

“Oh.” she said. She understood now. She blushed and smiled at him. She had to tell him. It would kill her if she didn’t.

“Trey?”

“Yes, Flutterheart?”

“I...” she started.

“You...” he said.

“I think...I think...” she stammered. It was hard to say it. She never thought it would be so difficult to say.

“Whatcha thinking?” he asked, smiling gently at her, almost like he knew what she was going to say.

“I...I think...I think I...love you...” she said, looking down at the ground away from him, preparing for the worst.

“Fluttershy?” he said.

“...yes?”

“I know I love you.” he said, putting his hoof under her chin, making her look at him. She could feel her eyes gloss with happiness as she started to stream tears of joy. Trey’s eyes got glossy as well and he wiped hers off her face before leaning in for another, more passionate kiss. She had never been happier in her life. She felt emotions stir up within her she had never felt before...she let them show as she passionately kissed him back, getting involved. Trey liked that she was starting to take charge.

Eventually, Trey knew it was best he’d get back home. He slowly trotted towards the door, dragging his hooves. He and Fluttershy hung at her doorframe for a bit.

“Do you have to go?”

“I do...I’d love to stay...but I can’t.”

“Trey...”

“Yes, Flutterheart?”

“I love you. I’m glad you introduced yourself at that party, because I never would have done it otherwise.” she said, smiling at him.

“Flutterheart...I knew you were different the minute I laid eyes on you. Now, I don’t want to take them off of you.” he said, to which she blushed. He loved doing that. He knew exactly how to do it as well.

“Trey?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks for everything.”

Trey smiled and trotted closer to her, going to give her one last kiss. Fluttershy leaned back, keeping him from reaching her, just out of his reach.

“You missed.” she said, smiling. Trey smiled back and reached in again. Fluttershy leaned back once again, starting to walk backwards. Trey kept marching forwards until he was all the way in the house. Then, he shut the door, staying inside the house with her for the rest of the night.

Trouble in Paradise

Neither Trey nor Fluttershy had dreams that night. They hardly slept at all last night, instead spending the night “watching” movies, though really they were just cuddling on the couch enjoying each other’s company. Trey was propped up laying on his side, facing the TV. Fluttershy lay on her side the other way, facing him. Midway through the first movie, when the kissing fever had worn off, they simply got to the point where they would just look at each other. Eventually Fluttershy yawned and closed her eyes.

“Trey?” she said, trying to talk to keep herself awake. She didn’t want to fall asleep on him. That was that much longer she couldn’t remember being with him.

“Yes, Flutterheart?”

She smiled at that. She really liked that name. It fit her. Every time she saw him, her heart would race, fluttering in excitement. “You’re a nice guy.” she said, yawning even bigger.

“I think you’re nicer.” said Trey, not closing his eyes. Fluttershy, tired, started to get a little loopy.

“Well that’s nice of you.”

He laughed. “Well thank you.”

“No...thank you.” she said. The mindless babble continued until Trey didn’t hear her ask another question. She was cute when she was asleep. Seemed like every filly always looked cute when they slept. She took slow, small inhales, gently exhaling on his arm, which was under her head. He was starting to lose circulation there, but he didn’t care...she was too cute to wake. He brought his free hoof up to the side of her face and stroked it. She was soft, cute...everything he’d ever desired in a filly.

“I love you.” he said softly, before kissing her lightly and falling to sleep.

Trey’s alarm jolted them both up. He’d brought it with him to wake him up for school. When Trey woke up, he saw those beautiful blue eyes of hers. It was the best thing to wake up to, he thought. He’d do anything to wake up next to them everyday.

“Morning.” he said. She smiled and blushed.

“Morning. I guess I kinda fell asleep on you. I’m sorry. I tried to stay awake...”

“No worries. You look cute when you sleep.” he said, bringing his hoof to her cheek, kissing her, then getting up to start the day.

“Do you want some breakfast?” she asked.

“Oh, I can’t. My schedule is so tight I usually skip breakfast and wait for lunch. Sometimes dinner.” he said, gathering his things.

“Oh...well...ok then!” she said, smiling.

“Don’t worry...I’ll take a rain check for the weekend.”

“Hm? Did Rainbow Dash give you money?”

Trey stopped for a bit, puzzled. It finally hit him that Rainbow Dash, a Pegasus, would control the weather...like rain. “No, no...it means I’ll take you up on your offer at another time.”

“Oh! Well I guess I sound stupid now...”

“Nah. I don’t think anything bad of you. How could I, with a face like yours?” She blushed. “Anyways, I’ll try and swing over later. Though it’ll be a little bit after school so I can get my work done.”

“Oh, I’ve put you so behind, I’m so sorry...”

Trey rolled his eyes and trotted over to her, kissing her. “It’s alright.” he said, smiling at her. She gained a look of wonder in her eyes. It seemed she was still trying to figure out why he liked her.

“Alright then!” she said as he began to trot out the door towards school. “Oh! Trey!” she said. He turned around to find her staring at the ground, like she did when she got nervous.

“Yes?”

“Um...I would appreciate it if my other friends didn’t know about this...It’s so...awkward...”

“I don’t think it’s anything to be ashamed of, but I’ll do it just for you.” She straightened up and looked at him.

“...thanks.” she said. She smiled and waved him goodbye as he trotted to school.

She turned back around inside, to see Angel staring at her.

“Oh, are you hungry?” Angel shook his head. “What is it, then, Angel?” Angel did a little conducting move with his paws. “Oh, Trey?” Angel nodded. “Well...what about him?” Angel sighed and pointed to his wrist, like a watch. “Oh, you want to know when he’s coming back?” Angel nodded again. “Well...I don’t know. Most likely later tonight. At least...I hope it’s later tonight...”

***

Trey finally got done with school a little later than anticipated. He kept the band 5 minutes over, but promised to give them 5 minutes at a later rehearsal. He hopped off the ladder, rushing home to get his work done. On the way, he found Twilight outside his door, knocking. Trey decided to sneak up quietly and stand behind her. Eventually she gave up knocking and turned around, to see him standing there, looking at her with a sarcastically mean, evil look.

“AH!!!” she screamed, falling to the floor. Trey started laughing and helped her up.

“So, what can I do ya for?”

“Well...uh...let’s talk in your house. This isn’t exactly an outside conversation.”

Trey raised an eyebrow. “Alright. Am I in trouble?”

“No, no.”

Trey invited her inside and the both of them sat down on his couch.

“I know you spent the night at Fluttershy’s last night.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Trey, I came by your house early, before you would leave. I had business to discuss and you weren’t home. Where else would you be?”

Trey didn’t say anything. He had no excuse.

“I knew it!”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“No, but...well...how do I put this...Fluttershy’s a very delicate soul. There’s been a lot of debate between Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity and I as to whether you’re able to handle it.” Trey raised an eyebrow again.

“So you came here to tell me you think I should leave her alone?” he felt sad. Twilight had been so supporting of him earlier...what changed her mind?

“I’m not saying that, per se...”

“But you’re still saying I should keep minimal contact with her?”

“I think that would be best.”

“I don’t think that’s fair. You were supporting of me earlier. What changed your mind?”

“Well I thought you were just friends who had a crush on each other. It seems you took it to the next level quite fast.” she said, giving him that look.

“Nothing bad happened. I swear. Flutterheart and I watched movies.” he said.

“Flutterheart? Is that what you call her?”

“Well...yes...”

“Look Trey, the decision is yours. There are just some...things...about Fluttershy that you don’t know yet.”

“That’s why I’m trying to get to know her.” he said, smiling.

“I don’t think you understand, Trey.” she said. Trey wasn’t getting it.

“Obviously not. What am I missing here?”

“Trey...” she said, getting up off the couch, heading towards the door. “We should probably discuss it as a group. Come over by the library later tonight and all 6 of us will discuss it.”

“I take it Fluttershy won’t be there?”

“Right. 9 at my library. We’ll discuss in more detail there.” she said, leaving. What the hell was he missing? What could he possibly not want to know about Fluttershy? He looked at his clock. 6. His mind raced trying to figure things out. He couldn’t concentrate on his work, instead pacing and muttering to himself. He refused to let this relationship go like his last one...suddenly, he got lost in memories.

“Trey...I think we need to separate.”

“I don’t understand. We’ve been good for nearly 6 months...”

“I’ve just been so busy with a social life lately, I just don’t have room for you...”

“Well...let’s think of our relationship like a car. Obviously I’m not in your passenger seat. I’m fine being in the back seat until you figure things out...I’ll wait for you.”

“I don’t want you to wait for me. I’m not even sure you’re in the back seat...”

“So I’m being dragged by a rope?”

“Yeah...kind of...”

“So you’ve considered breaking up as an option?” She nodded. “Have you considered it as the only option?” She nodded again. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I tried several arguments to keep her with me, but none of them worked. Eventually, I conceded.

“I understand if you don’t wanna take me home...” she said. I wasn’t that big of a jerk. Sure, she just ripped my heart out. Sure, my life didn’t seem to have much purpose anymore. But I had to keep a good impression just in case she decided to come back to me. I took her home.

“I guess this is goodbye...”

“Yeah...” she said.

I looked at her, sad, tears in my eyes. I kissed her one final time and trotted off without another word, furious at myself. Obviously I failed the relationship. Sure, she ended it, but obviously I failed her at some point. I went back home and screamed and cried until I couldn’t talk anymore. I fell asleep sad. I didn’t feel like eating much those few days. The worst part was she and I had decided to make love 2 weeks before...2 weeks. I’d always been a “save it for marriage” colt, but I loved her...I lost myself for her. I felt so ashamed of myself after that. I took something of hers that wasn’t mine to take. Ever since then, my slight erotophobia increased. I’ve been scared of deep commitments ever since.

8:30. Trey got lost in thought until then, thinking of his failed relationship. He snapped out of it and trotted over to Twilight’s library, where the gang had gathered. Pinkie wasn’t there, though.

“Oh good, you’re here.” Twilight said as he walked in the door.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” he said, cautious, looking for where to stand. He settled for standing by the doorway. Twilight raised an eyebrow, finding that weird, but simply settled for it anyway.

“Well, first, I have to know that what’s said here won’t leave this room.”

“You have my word.” he said.

“Good, now when Fluttershy was...” she started before Applejack interrupted.

“I think I’d better be the one to say this.” she said. Twilight conceded and let her continue. “Well, Trey, I first off wanna say that you shouldn’t think bad of anypony in this story.”

“I promise.” he said, intrigued.

“Well...it was a long time ago, when Fluttershy was a simple filly. She actually fell from Cloudsdale, and lived here ever since. Well, Bic Mac, my brother, took a liking to her. They were both young, and, long story short, they met out by the pasture one day. And...well...” she started, removing her hat. “Big Macintosh just...lost himself and took advantage of her. Not sex or nothin’, just touchin’. Fluttershy was still too young to understand what he was doing to her. All she knew was that it couldn’t have been a good thing. Somehow word got around. Big Macintosh felt bad there for a while but moved on. Fluttershy’s been stuck there. She hasn’t been able to get over it. That’s the main reason she’s so shy and not eager to meet new ponies, especially colts. Sometimes she’ll get lost in memories and start crying. She’s a different pony when she has flashbacks, Trey. I’d tread carefully where affection is concerned. That...that’s about all I can say.” she said, sad, as she put her hat back on.

“Well I truly can sympathize with her. I’ve been in that situation before. Well, kind of.” he said. He’d been young and foolish too. “I haven’t been able to move on from my mistake either. We’re in the same boat.”

“You have a boat?” asked Twilight. Was she serious?

“That means that we’re in the same situation. It’s a metaphor.”

“Oh. Anyways...that’s the long and short of it. We were all shocked when she admitted it to us. I honestly haven’t been able to view either of them the same way. All I can do is judge from what I know now.”

“Yeah...I’d appreciate you not Hatin’ or Mentionin’ this to Big Macintosh. He’s a good colt, I swear.”

“I don’t doubt that. Why has Fluttershy not been able to get over it?”

“We’re not really sure...” started Rainbow Dash. “I think it’s her memory. She’s always had a really good memory. Ever since what happened, she had nightmares for months. I think it’s been engraved into her mind. It really upset her. I don’t blame her.”

“Shortly afterward, she got more intensive with animals. Sure, she enjoyed taking care of them before, but she really got heavily addicted to them. She refused to talk to anypony, instead shutting herself off from the rest of the world and only interacting with animals. None of us know why, but I think ever since the incident, she’s been trying to understand it. This thing called love. She hasn’t been able to get it, since she shut herself off. The animals showed her more affection than anypony else did. She made that the equivalent of love in her mind. She’s always been waiting for somepony to love her like the animals, I guess. She’s really dependent on them. I’m just afraid she’ll get too dependent on you. If something should happen between you two, she’d be devastated and would probably shut herself off from the world again. Trey, I think you need to back out before you get too heavily involved.” Twilight added.

Too late, Trey thought. He was more than prepared to handle this. “She’s worth fighting for. She’s everything I’ve ever really dreamed of. I know that sounds cliche, but...well...it’s true.”

“That’s heartwarming, Trey. But seriously consider just being close friends. I don’t know what you two did last night, but it probably started a wildfire in her heart. You need to be careful not to get too close to her, Trey. She’s more fragile and volatile than you’d take her for. She can’t be made whole until she personally gets over her past.”

Trey sat there in silence, letting them continue. He didn’t have any intention of giving her up. He simply let them continue to let it all out.

“It would probably be in your best interest to back off of her.” said Rarity. Everypony was reiterating the same point over and over, pounding it into his head. Back off...back off...Trey couldn’t. She was just so perfect...but if she was as fragile as they said, maybe he’d accidentally break her. He’d broken one relationship before when he got too heavily involved. He didn’t want to break another one with somepony he loved, almost at first sight. He had a lot to think about tonight.

“I’m sure sorry, Trey...” started Applejack. “Just trust that we’re tryin’ to do what’s best for Fluttershy. We think you’re a good pony. There’s nothing wrong with you. She’s just...breakable. We’re just worried you not knowing some triggers might seriously hurt her.”

“I...I have a lot to think about then.” started Trey. He was nearly flabbergasted, unable to truly comprehend the sheer magnitude of this situation. He was in love with her. But he didn’t want to hurt her, and he had a better chance of doing that by staying with her. But he was a diplomat, and always looked for ways to peacefully solve problems. His generous, kind heart led him to want to help her. His mind wanted to do what was best for her. His heart wanted to stay with her...his mind knew better.

“I...I’d better go.” said Trey, hurriedly getting up and trotting out the door, never saying goodbye. He trotted at a fast pace towards home, lost in thought, never looking up from the ground. He fumbled his keys trying to unlock his door and flopped into bed, staring off into no known location, thinking about the situation. He slept tumultuously that night, never having dreams about her like he did.

***

Fluttershy sat on her couch. It was nearly 10. It didn’t seem like Trey was coming over. He must have had a lot of work to do. Surely he’d be there tomorrow, inviting her to another hoofball game. She sighed and got off the couch, looking out the top part of her door for him. Seeing nothing, she turned around and shut the door behind her, the door hitting her flank.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” she screamed, turning around, yelling at the door. She realized nopony was there and quickly closed the door before bursting into tears, dashing up to her bedroom, flinging herself under her covers, sobbing into her pillow. She hated these flashbacks. But she didn’t know how to get over it. She was stuck in an endless loop, always thinking about that day.

It was a bright day. I was still kinda new in town. I’d met everypony already and took a particular fancy to Big Macintosh. He was a really nice young colt. One day I trotted off to Sweetapple Acres to find him. He and I took a walk out along some of the far parts of the ranch. It was a nice, warm day.

“Hey, Fluttershy?” he asked. I turned around to face him.

“Yes?” I asked.

“Have you ever kissed anypony?”

“No...what’s that?” I asked. I hadn’t heard of anything like that in Cloudsdale.

“Well...come here and I’ll show you.” His voice sounded kind and gentle. I trotted over to him. He promptly put his lips on mine. I didn’t know what was going on. All I knew was that this was...awkward.

“That’s a kiss?” I asked.

“Eeyup.” he said.

“Well that was...nice.” I said, trying not to hurt his feelings. “Now let’s walk some more!” I said, turning around. Suddenly I felt a hoof between my legs. I froze, not knowing what was happening. Suddenly, it was between my legs. I didn’t know what to do. This wasn’t right. I tried to turn around, but he held me there. He pushed my front end forward, making me bend over.

“STOP!” I yelled. He continued regardless. I started to cry. That was when he stopped.

“I’m sorry...I didn’t mean to hurt you...” I heard him say as I dashed off, running as fast as I could away from there. I was blinded by my tears. I had no idea where I was going. Eventually I reached the barn, finding Granny Smith rocking outside.

“What’s wrong, Dearie?” she asked me. I told her what happened and a look of contortion came across her face as the got angry. “We’re going to talk about that. Run home, dear. Don’t come back here.” I obeyed and galloped home as fast as I could, where I found my animal friends. Since then, I resolved never to get close to anypony. Animals were my passion...I wanted it to stay that way forever.

Wishful thinking

I looked at her. Something wasn’t right.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her.

“...nothing...” she said. This wasn’t her usual demeanor. I put my arm around her, leaning my face close to hers, trying to look at her.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” she screamed at me with an unmatched fervor I’d never seen or expected out of her. I quickly removed my arm and took a few steps back, unsure of what to do.

“I’m sorry...” I said, thinking that was the only safe option.

“You’re all the same. All you want is my body, caring nothing for me. Leave me and never come back.”

I froze. She couldn’t have been serious. “But...”

“NOW.” she yelled again, pointing her hoof at the door. I slowly trotted around and headed out. She slammed the door behind me as tears started to stream down my face. Even from the other side of the door, I could hear her crying too.

***

Trey looked at me. I smiled at him, trying to hide the internal rage going on in me. It was happening again. I was afraid I’d snap at him.

“Are you ok?” he asked me sincerely. What was I supposed to tell him? I nodded and looked at the ground, afraid to look at him. I could feel tears welling in my eyes as repressed memories flooded back to me. The farm...my youth...my stolen innocence...Big Macintosh.

“Fluttershy...” I heard Big Mac say. “Are you ok?” He put a hoof under my chin.

“Don’t Touch me!” I yelled at him. I looked up to see Trey standing there, scared. My eyes grew wide in fear as I realized what I’d done. Before I knew it, Trey was already galloping off in the other direction. I started bawling as I realized my fear. I was scared of losing him. Now it seemed like I did. I couldn’t live with myself. I’d lost the one pony who mattered to me...

Fluttershy woke up on a wet pillow. She’d remembered her dream vividly, and had obviously cried from it. Angel was on her bed, staring at her sympathetically. When Fluttershy stirred, Angel hopped on her and snuggled her, making her feel better.

“I’m sorry Angel.” she said. Angel simply snuggled more as Fluttershy pet him repeatedly, making herself forget that dream. She just wanted to lay down and cry more, but she had things to do. She knew she needed to talk to somepony...maybe Twilight. She was always very supportive. Fluttershy made up her mind, fed the animals, thanked Angel, and trotted off towards the library.

***

Trey woke up sweating. He remembered his nightmare vividly. Would she really snap at him like that? Probably not. This was his negative imagination settling in. He had a tendency to make things worse than it actually would be in his mind. This was no exception. Trey gathered his mind, his things, and trotted out the door, where he found Pinkie Pie waiting for him.

“Hey Trey.” she said, calmer than usual.

“Hey. What can I help you with?”

“Um...well...I’d like to talk with you about Fluttershy.”

“Twilight and the rest of them already told me.”

“No, no, it’s not that. Can I come by after your band stuff?” she said, almost sad.

“Absolutely.” he said, smiling at her. Life was certainly getting very interesting. He’d never expected to be involved with so many things when he got here. Love, troubling pasts, emotional confrontation...and now vigorous discussions with everypony. How did he suddenly get so important?

“Okie dokie lokie!” she said, her inflection changing as she bounced off like she usually did. Trey trotted off to school. He couldn’t wait to hear this one.

***

Fluttershy knocked on the door timidly, after hesitating. She really didn’t want to bother her with this, but she did have to talk about it.

“Oh hey, Fluttershy!” said Twilight as she opened the door. Fluttershy kept her head down, not making eye contact.

“...can I talk to you?” she said softly.

“Absolutely. Come on in.” said Twilight. She already knew what this would be about. She had a pretty good idea, anyway. Fluttershy and Twilight took a seat on the couch. “What’s wrong? Did it happen again?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Yes...”

Twilight sighed. “Was Trey around?”

“No...”

“Fluttershy...it wasn’t your fault. You need to move on.”

“...I’m trying...but...”

“There aren’t any buts, Fluttershy.”

“Twilight...please listen...”

Twilight stopped for a bit. She thought she had been listening. “Ok.” she said, conceding.

“I...I love Trey.” she said timidly. She didn’t want to have to say it. She didn’t want them to know.

“Fluttershy, we know.” she said smiling.

Fluttershy pulled her ears back. “I guess he told you...” she said. She couldn’t believe he would do that.

“No, we figured it out. We knew you liked him, anyways.”

That made Fluttershy feel a bit better. She could still trust him. “He’s the most amazing colt I’ve met yet...I feel things can be different with him...”

“Are you afraid you’ll snap on him?”

Fluttershy nodded, tears starting to well up in her eyes.

“Fluttershy...I think you’ll be fine. Do you want me to talk to Trey about it?”

“Oh, no...I don’t want him to know yet...”

Too late. Trey could keep a secret though. “Why not? He needs to be prepared.”

“But...”

“The more he knows, the more likely he’ll be to understand and not leave you. Fluttershy, you need to tell him.”

“I...I know...but...I just can’t...”

“I can tell him for you.” said Twilight, reassuring her.

“I...I should be the one to do it.” she said, looking at Twilight. Twilight sensed the urgency in her eyes.

“Alright Fluttershy. How are you going to break it to him?”

“I don’t know...”

“Fluttershy...are you sure you don’t want me to break it to him?”

“Yes. I need to be the one. I just don’t know...”

“Fluttershy...have you ever considered that you might just not want to get too close to Trey?” said Twilight.

Fluttershy glanced at her, almost glaring. “I love him too much for that...”

“But Fluttershy, it’s probably better that way.”

“How could it be better?”

Twilight froze. She hadn’t thought that far ahead.

“Well you stand less of a chance of hurting him. And he doesn’t have to know about what happened.”

“But...I love him...”

“I know Fluttershy. But if you really love him, you might consider it.” she said. Fluttershy looked at her, sad.

“You...you really think so?”

“Fluttershy, it’s probably for the best. He’s new in town. Do you want to scare him away?”

“No...but...”

“Just consider it, Fluttershy.” she said, smiling at her. Fluttershy nodded and hopped off the couch.

“Ok...” she said, slowly trotting out the door.

“You’ll be fine Fluttershy. Just keep it in mind.” she said, as Fluttershy trotted out the door.

“O...ok.” she said.

“Come see me again if you need anything else.” she said, smiling at her.

Fluttershy said nothing, but trotted away. Twilight quickly closed her door. She knew it would hurt Fluttershy to lose him. But it was seriously better for both of them. Trey wouldn’t be scared out of town, Fluttershy wouldn’t go dormant in the case of her snapping at him. Oh, who was she kidding? She wanted Trey for herself.He seemed like one of the only other ponies that was intellectually on her level. She hated to undercut her friend, but it was mutually beneficial. She sat down on the couch and thought long and hard about it.

***

Fluttershy closed her door and plopped down on the ground, not bothering to reach her couch.

“I should stay away from him? I don’t understand...Twilight’s never had bad advice before...maybe she’s right...” she said. Angel popped his head from around the couch, hopping over to her angrily. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. She was just going to give up on him? She was just going to let possibly the greatest thing in her life slip away from her? Whatever Twilight said wasn’t good. Angel knew it.

Angel stomped his foot in front of her, getting her attention. Fluttershy slowly glanced over at him. Angel conducted again. “Trey?” Angel nodded. He checked his watch. “What time’s he coming over?” Angel nodded again. “I don’t know...maybe he shouldn’t come over today...Twilight says I shouldn’t get too close. She doesn’t want me snapping on Trey...it makes sense...but...” Angel stomped his foot in fury. How could Twilight undercut her like that? He shook his head rapidly. “I shouldn’t give up on him?” Angel nodded. “I should?” Angel faceplamed and shook his head. “I shouldn’t?” Angel shook again. “Oh...I don’t want to Angel...but...I don’t know. I need to think about it.”

Angel could sense her depression. He hated when she got like this. He almost seethed with rage. Fluttershy had to keep him. Trey was really the only colt he’d actually liked. He could sense good in him. Angel hopped out the door as Fluttershy lazed about, pondering.

***

Trey hurried home. He had to hear this conversation. Only Fluttershy was more important, but this concerned her. Trey hurried into his house, impatiently awaiting Pinkie’s arrival. Soon, a knock sounded on his door, and he opened it to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. He wasn’t expecting Rainbow Dash.

“Hey. Come on in.” he said, showing them in. Pinkie took a spot on his couch while Rainbow Dash hung by the door.

“So, what did you need to talk about?”

“Well...” started Rainbow Dash.

“We think you should be Fluttershy’s coltfriend.” said Pinkie.

“Basically.” said Rainbow Dash.

“Wait, Rainbow, weren’t you there when Twilight said I should back off?”

“Yeah, and I didn’t like that too much. Twilight doesn’t realize that Fluttershy has always needed extra help. I knew her as a filly, I’ve seen her mature. Sure, her shyness really frustrates me sometimes, but I know exactly why. Honestly I believe you can be that extra help she needs to get over it.”

Trey sat there silently, listening. Pinkie spoke up, somber. “Yeah...I’ve known Fluttershy for a while, too. And I think you’re a pretty good colt. Trust me, I’ve had to help her get over a few things too. None of us can do it though. She needs a colt. Someone to prove to her that not all of them are the same.”

Trey was seriously taking some major responsibility. He hadn’t been here for two weeks and he was already the deciding factor in somepony’s personal retribution. “I’d be more than happy to do that. I really do like her.”

“You love her, Trey, we know.” said Rainbow Dash.

“Well...yes. You caught me. Only thing is, I don’t know how to go about it.”

“I think patience is the real key here. I know I’m slightly limited in that regard.” said Rainbow Dash.

“And you’re good looking too. Maybe that’ll help.” said Pinkie.

“Pinkie...you’re so random.” said Rainbow Dash.

“I do have a lot of patience.” said Trey. That was the only quality he’d ever learned to fully admire in himself. “I think I can do it.”

“Good!” said Pinkie and Rainbow Dash.

“So how do Rarity and Applejack feel about this?”

“Well...I don’t really know. I think Applejack’s for it, since it’ll help ease the awkwardness with Big Mac.” Trey could see that. “Rarity, I have no idea. They’re pretty good friends, so I have a feeling she’s for it as well.” said Rainbow Dash.

“So basically everypony’s on my side except for Twilight?”

“Well...I guess so, yeah. I have no idea what her problem is.” said Pinkie. “I think she’s just jealous. I know I am.” she said, smiling at him.

“Thanks.” said Trey, laughing a bit.

“Anyways, that’s all we really had to say. See ya later!” said Pinkie, bouncing out the door. Rainbow Dash stared at her with a dumbfounded look before shrugging. She flew to the door.

“Oh, Trey?” she said before leaving.

“Yes?”

“I think Fluttershy will be a lot better off with you. I can see she’s been happier. I guess I just want to say thanks.” she said, flying out.

“...no problem.” said Trey. He wasn’t sure how to feel about this. He’d been inundated with a lot of things recently. How he managed to keep up with the band at this rate was beyond him. Trey knew that Twilight had some legitimate points. If Fluttershy raged at him, and shut herself off from society again, Trey would ultimately be the cause. Then again, his love, tolerance, and patience for anypony would probably be enough to help her over her obstacle. He had a lot to think about. Trey decided to sleep on it and make a decision in the morning. He hadn’t spent any time with Fluttershy today. That slightly upset him. He’d been so busy he didn’t even see her. She was probably upset. He’d make it up to her tomorrow. Actually, he had a hoofball game then. When could he see her?

Trey brushed his teeth. Shortly before climbing into bed, he heard a knock at his door. This late at night? Trey trotted and opened the door to see Fluttershy.

“Trey...can I talk to you?” she asked timidly.

“Come on in.” he said, smiling at her.

Resolution?

“Trey...can I talk to you?” she asked timidly.

“Come on in.” he said, smiling at her.

Trey showed her to the couch, but she chose to stand up by the door instead.

“Are you ok?” asked Trey. He sensed that Fluttershy had been thinking about their relationship. Trey didn’t know why Twilight would be so against them. They hadn’t even really made it official.

“Um...not really.” she said, looking at the ground. Trey’s heart nearly dropped at that. It was only confirmation at what she was to talk about.

“Flutterheart...” he started, sad. She looked up at him with even sadder eyes.

“I’ve been thinking...and...well...I think we should just stay friends...if that’s ok...”

Trey couldn’t believe it. He’d heard that before, but she left him for good. He didn’t want Fluttershy to be like her.

“That...” he started. He had to stand up for himself. “That’s not ok.” he said, trying to keep calm. He felt he might lose it.

“I’m...sorry...” she started, starting to back up towards the door.

“Flutterheart...why do you think that we should just stay friends?”

“Um...I have...um...well...I just don’t want to risk losing you.”

“So you’re going to lose me to avoid losing me?”

“Um...”

“Twilight helped sway your mindset, didn’t she?”

Fluttershy didn’t say anything but nodded ever so slightly, scrunching her body into itself again, like she did when she wasn’t comfortable. Trey sighed and trotted over to her.

“Flutterheart...please understand...I don’t care what Twilight thinks, I’m not going to leave you. I don’t care what’s happened in your past, I don’t care about what you think is bad about yourself. I love you, Fluttershy. All the other stuff doesn’t matter.”

“Who told you?” she asked, snapping.

“Told me what?”

“About my past?”

“Nopony. I was just saying. Is there something you want to tell me?” he asked, trying to cover up his knowledge while trying to provoke her. She stared at the ground for a little bit. Trey didn’t say a word. He continued to look at her, noticing her starting quiver. Soon, she started to softly cry. Trey wasn’t sure what to do. He knew she might be having relapses, and touching her might trigger something. Likewise, maybe she needed a hug to reassure her that things were perfectly ok. He seriously didn’t know what to do. This was make it or break it time, so to speak.

“Fluttershy?” he said, bending his head down, attempting to look her in the eye. She couldn’t say anything, but instead started crying louder, more noticeably. “Flutterheart?”

“Trey...” she started to say, broken up between sobs.

“Yes, Flutterheart?” She was getting quite emotional. This was obviously one of those nights.

“I’m so sorry...” she said, launching herself onto Trey, hugging him. He returned the favor, rubbing her back, swaying side to side.

“Do you want to talk about it, Flutterheart?”

She nodded against his head, and he helped bring her to the couch.

“Now, Flutterheart...” he started.

“Please don’t hate me.”

“How could I hate you?”

“I don’t know...”

“Don’t worry, Flutterheart. Just relax and tell me what you need to say.”

She nodded, looking away from him, tears welling in her eyes. He wiped them off her face as she started to talk. She went into vivid details about that day, more than Trey knew, or cared to know. He remained silent and listened to her the entire time, though.

“I just...I...I don’t know.” she said after explaining.

“Flutterheart...what’s stopping you from getting over it? Why are you stuck thinking about it?” he asked with a gentle tone, out of pure curiosity.

“I...I don’t know...” she said, scrunching her body up again. Trey scooted closer to her on the couch. “I...I’m just such a bad pony for letting it happen.”

“Flutterheart...you didn’t know it was happening. There was nothing you could have done. You’re not a bad pony. You’re probably the best pony I know. I consider it a blessing that you’re in my life.”

“Sometimes I feel like I’m a curse...”

“Why?”

“Well...I’m so shy...and I get scared easily...I just don’t feel like I belong sometimes...”

“Fluttershy.” he said, urgently. “I beg to differ with you on everything. Sure, you’re shy. You may get scared easily. But I know exactly where you belong.”

“Where’s that?” she said, continuing to look away.

“My heart.” he said. She looked up at him with those eyes and blushed, starting to smile. “Flutterheart, you’re the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.” he said, cupping one side of her face with his hoof. “I don’t think Twilight’s really looking out for you. Friends don’t try and take away their friend’s happiness. At least, i assume you’re happy with me.” She nodded, a small smile on her lips. “Maybe Twilight’s not being a very good friend if she’s taking away your happiness. I know that I’d be missing a huge light in my life if you were gone.” he said, watching the smile on her face get even bigger as her tears dried up. “I love you, Fluttershy.”

She smiled even bigger, those eyes he loved expanding. Though her eyes were red from crying, the deep blue he loved was clear. Her eyes, even while red, were still perfect. Everything about her was perfect.

“I love you too, Trey.” she said, slowly leaning into him for a slow, passionate kiss. “Please don’t leave me.”

“I don’t plan on it. Please don’t leave me either.” he said, smiling.

“I could never leave you.”

“Don’t listen to anypony who tells you otherwise, alright?”

She nodded and smiled. “Ok.” she said, before leaning into him once again. She then put her head on his lap, looking up at him. Those eyes...

Trey stroked her hair with his hoof, staring deep into her. Neither of them said anything for a bit, instead letting their emotional connection speak for them. Trey broke the silence by telling her that he loved her, before leaning down to kiss her again. On his way up a small movement outside his window caught his eye. It was only there for a moment though. Probably a passing pony on their way home from the late shift. He ignored it and continued cuddling and caressing Fluttershy, happy as could be.

***

Twilight seethed with anger. Trey had a bit more manipulative control over her than she anticipated. She had to adopt a new strategy. Simply talking to both her and Trey didn’t seem to work. Perhaps she needed to use something more manipulative...perhaps having other friends on her side. She never saw Pinkie, so she obviously didn’t care. The other four were there though. Were they on her side? She put that thought away and decided to make it a point for tomorrow to talk to all of her friends. She was confident she could win them over. She had known them for so long, she could press every one of their buttons. She decided to sleep on it that night before heading out in the morning to discuss matters with her friends.

***

Twilight woke up early the next morning, formulating in her mind what to discuss. She decided to tackle the easiest one and trotted over to Rarity’s boutique.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything...oh, hello Twilight!” she said, seeing Twilight walk in.

“Hey Rarity. Just though I’d stop by and get your opinion on something.”

“Well of course! I’d be more than happy to do what I can.”

“What do you think of Trey and Fluttershy?” she asked, quizzically. Rarity gave her a strange look.

“You mean, like...as a couple?”

“Well...yes. Fluttershy and Trey seem to like each other a lot. I just don’t know if that’s the best thing for Fluttershy though. What do you think?”

“Well...” said Rarity, turning around to take care of some dresses, “I think whatever makes Fluttershy happy is best. If that’s Trey, so be it.” she said, attempting to end the discussion. She knew Twilight was trying to sabotage their relationship and she didn’t respect that. Fluttershy and Rarity hadn’t been to the spa since Trey came, but they had an appointment this afternoon. Rarity would certainly discuss this with her.

“But you don’t think Trey’s not a good fit for her? His messy mane doesn’t bother you?” said Twilight.

“Messy mane?”

“Yeah I’m not entirely sure he combs it, to be honest.” Rarity turned around to face her, a growing look of concern in her eye.

“...he doesn’t?”

“I don’t think so. I think Fluttershy needs somepony who takes pride in himself. Not one who doesn’t comb his mane.” she said. Twilight knew this would get her.

“Hm...that does worry me. Perhaps Fluttershy would get messy as well...oh dear...” she said. She was fully aware Twilight was manipulating her. Twilight underestimated her intellectual capabilities. She’d taken good note of Trey at the party where they first met. He was a well groomed colt. Handsome, too. It was a shame he didn’t decide to get involved with her. “I’ll definitely let Fluttershy know about that.”

“Whatever you want to do! Anyways, I have other errands to run. I’ll see you later!” she said, trotting out the door. She knew she’d captured Rarity. It was only a matter of time before Rarity would influence Fluttershy.

Rarity watched her leave. Why would Twilight even think for one second that using messiness as bait would trap her into messing up Fluttershy’s happiness? Twilight was up to something. She would find out why later. She had business to run until the afternoon. Then she had her spa date with Fluttershy. She had a feeling she’d be discussing quite a few things with her. She carried on with business until then.

***

Twilight trotted over to Sweetapple Acres. She trotted around until she found Applejack bucking on apple trees, as was her job.

“Well howdy there, Twilight!” she said, finishing the tree off and trotting over to her. “What can I do ya for?”

“I just had a question to ask.”

“Well I’m more than happy to try and help.”

“What do you think about Trey and Fluttershy?”

“You mean...as a couple?”

“Yes.”

“Well...I think it’ll do Fluttershy good. I think she’s been needin’ a good colt to help her get over things. I think it’s in her best interest. What do you think?”

“I think it’s a bad idea.”

“Well why’s that?”

“I think Trey’s bound to trigger some memories. He’s bound to trip her up in the past and cause her to shut herself out again. He’s a colt, too. He’s prone to the same mistake Big Macintosh made. I just don’t want Fluttershy to get hurt.”

“I really don’t see Trey doing something like that, Twi.”

“It’s possible, Applejack.”

“Anything’s possible, but Trey seems like a good pony. I like him.”

“But what about Fluttershy? Do you think she’s bound to get too dependant?”

“Twi...listen to me.” Applejack said, demandingly. “I think Fluttershy’s been needin’ a good colt in her life to prove her wrong about them. She’s still carryin’ around negative thoughts about colts because of what one colt did to her. Trey seems like just the colt to dispel those thoughts. I think you need to stop tryin’ to ruin their relationship because of what you think’s better. Fluttershy needs to make her own decisions.”

Twilight was taken aback my this. She could have sworn she could get Applejack on her side. True, Fluttershy did need to make her own decisions, but Twilight knew what was best for her. Fluttershy was far too timid to know about this. Fluttershy couldn’t know what love was...Twilight trotted out and went back to the library.

***

“Oh, good to see you again Darling!” said Rarity.

“Yes. I like doing this.” said Fluttershy.

“Well there’s so much we need to discuss!”

“Um...am I in trouble?”

“Heavens no! I’ll tell you when we’re in the private baths.”

“Oh...ok.”

Fluttershy and Rarity continued through their spa treatment until the private baths came up, where they were left alone for half an hour.

“Fluttershy, what do you think about Trey?”

“I like him. He’s nice...”

“Good. Has Twilight told you to leave him alone?”

“Um...”

“Fluttershy, I’m not going to say anything to her about it.”

“Well...yes.”

“Please don’t tell me you listened to her?”

“Well...I tried...but I just love Trey so much...”

“You love him?”

“Oh...um...yes...”

“I think he’s a very lucky colt, Fluttershy. I don’t know why Twilight is so against you two, but you need to do what makes you happy, darling. And I believe Trey makes you happy.”

“He does...he has a really nice smile...and he treats me like I’m worth something...”

“Are you saying the rest of us don’t?”

“No, you do...he just...does it better I guess...I hope that’s ok...”

“Darling, I was in love once, too. I know exactly how you feel. A strong colt in your life makes you feel on top of the world.”

“Yes...”

“I think the real reason Twilight’s trying to end you two is that she’s jealous.”

“Jealous?”

“Yes. She’s the only pony of our group of friends that hasn’t had a significant other yet.”

“She hasn’t?”

“Heavens no. She locks herself up reading all the time. She didn’t start getting social until she came to Ponyville, remember?”

“Yeah...”

“I think she’s just been waiting for a colt of her own, and she sees Trey as a good match. Not hard to see why. He's handsome, smart...and extremely lucky to have you. Don’t give him up.”

Fluttershy smiled at her, beaming. “Thanks Rarity. I guess I’ve needed to hear that for a while.”

“Heavens, I’m only speaking the truth. Don’t thank me for saying what needs to be said.”

Fluttershy noted that Trey did the same thing...not letting her thank him for certain things.

Fluttershy and Rarity soon finished their spa date and both trotted to their respective homes. Trey still didn’t get out of school for a little while...Oh! There was a hoofball game tonight! Fluttershy remembered it was 7 at the stadium. She’d go to see Trey this time. She was sure he was great. Maybe the music would be good too. She made up her mind to go tonight and patiently waited to see her prince again.

***

Twilight simply didn’t understand. She paced about the library furiously, trying to think. How could her friends not agree with her? What did they see in Trey and Fluttershy as a couple that made them more agree with it than her? She’d waited for a good colt ever since she came to Ponyville, and Trey seemed like just the one. She’d never had a relationship before...she just didn’t understand love. But she did know she was in love with him. She was way more capable of things than Fluttershy was. She hardly ever talked. Twilight was smarter, could use magic, and, in her opinion, prettier. She’d read multiple books on persuasion, love, psychology...how did she not do it? How did it fail? She needed to know...she stayed up for the rest of the night reading, refining her strategy.

***

Trey went through the day as normal, preparing for the hoofball game against Canterlot. This would be a bit of a personal thing for him, seeing as he went to, and came from, Canterlot. He remembered inviting Fluttershy, so he hoped to see her there, now that he gave her the proper time. The band would be doing the first two movements, marching hopefully to perfection. He was happy today, also, as he narrowly avoided losing Fluttershy to Twilight. He didn’t know what her problem was, but he was sick of it. He was looking forward to the hoofball game though. He’d see her again. That always made him smile.

Strangers to love

“We’re no strangers to love...you know the rules. So do I.” he said, glancing at her. She made her heart melt with anticipation. He was just the sweetest colt she’d ever known. “I got no commitments...I wanna pick it up. You wouldn’t get this from any other colt.” he said slyly. She blushed even harder as he smiled at her...looking deep into her soul. Almost as if he knew what she was thinking. “I’m never gonna give you up...let you down...run around or desert you. I’m never gonna make you cry...say goodbye...or tell a lie and hurt you.”

“I don’t know what to say...”

“We’ve known each other for so long...your heart’s been aching...”

“But I’m too strong to say it.”

“We both know what’s been going on.”

“We know the game...and we’re gonna play.” he said, before kissing her romantically. He had never been more in love with any filly. She had never loved anyone more. They were the perfect pair. Nothing else mattered. They were the only two in the world now as they continued to caress each other, oblivious to anything else.

“Twilight?”

“AGH!” yelled Twilight, falling out of her chair. Spike looked at her curiously.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, you just...scared me.” she said, trying to hide the book.

“I know what you’re reading Twilight. I did an inventory check.” he said, rolling his eyes and walking out of the room. Twilight blushed, embarrassed. She’d stayed up all night reading “The new mare in town”. This was one of those novels she didn’t buy, but rather came with the library. She didn’t know exactly why, but she kept it around. Now she was glad she did.

Twilight put the book away, seeing as she was done with it. After reading that story, she had a bit of a better understanding for love, but still couldn’t quite emotionally grasp it. She’d read the dictionary entry over it numerous times, read several articles from magazines, including “cosmoponitan”, famous for its articles on love and...other things. She’d read entire psychology volumes about it, and just recently read a romance novel. How did she still not understand it?

“Love is a strong emotional attachment to another pony or object; a strong sense of affection for a particular thing or pony; an emotional sense of belonging or dependence on an object or pony..” she repeated. It was all so educational, so formal. It was a ridged set of guidelines that had to be followed. How did Fluttershy fall for him? How did he fall for her? They had hardly anything in common. She didn’t really finish school, as far as she knew. He went to college and graduated with a music degree. She was anti-social. He worked with kids. She worked with animals. She sighed, frustrated at her lack of understanding. She started to scan the shelves of the library for another book until she found one she missed earlier, titled “What is love?”

“What is love?” she said, opening the book for a preview. “Baby...don’t hurt me...don’t hurt me no more.” she mimicked. This sounded interesting. It was a rather short novel too, so she sat down and read it thoroughly, hoping to gain more insight into what love was on a scholarly level before she trotted out to talk to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash about the couple. It was Saturday, so Rainbow was bound to be sleeping for the rest of the afternoon. She put all thoughts away and got absorbed in the novel.

“I don’t know...you’re not there.” she said. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “I feed you my love but you don’t care...”

“What is right? What is wrong? Give me a sign!” he said angrily...

***

Trey woke up on the couch in Fluttershy’s cottage. He recalled falling asleep next to her after another session of “watching” movies. Really, though, they cuddled and caressed each other, murmuring sweet everythings to each other. Trey refused to call it “sweet nothings”. She meant everything to him. “Sweet everythings” was more appropriate.

Trey woke up to the smell of eggs and cheese, with a little hint of cinnamon apples. Trey gathered himself and trotted to the kitchen, where Fluttershy was cooking for them.

“Good morning, sleepyhead!” she said, smiling and giggling a bit at him. He returned the favor and kissed her on the cheek, making her smile even wider. “I decided to give you that rain credit card Rainbow Dash gave you.”

Trey laughed to himself. She was so cute when she tried to impress him. “A rain check, you mean?”

“Oh...yes.” she said, shaking her head a little, still smiling.

“Do you know how amazingly cute you are when you blush?” he asked her.

She turned to look at him. “But I’m not blushing...” she said.

“You are now.” said Trey, pulling off a psychic move. She blushed uncontrollably.

“Oh...” she smiled. She didn’t know how he did it...but she liked that he did. She was completely under his control... “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Flutterheart, I love it. You’re just so cute when you do that. I’m shocked nopony’s ever told you that before.”

“I’m glad that you’re my first.” she said smiling. “Now lets get breakfast on the table.”

Trey and Fluttershy set out a rather large portion of eggs, cheese, and apples on the table. Though the table was large, Trey decided to sit next to her, occasionally nudging her elbow jokingly, making her miss picking up food with a fork. They both laughed and ate before giving the leftover food to the animals, which was a hefty bit. Perhaps she fixed extra on purpose. She was very smart in planning ahead, and he admired that. After they finished the dishes, Trey and Fluttershy went outside and spent the rest of the day together.

***

“Hey, Pinkie!” said Twilight as she managed to track her down. She wasn’t easy to find when you wanted to find her. She wasn’t easy to get rid of when you didn’t.

“Oh, hey, Twilight! What’s up?”

“Oh, not much, just wanted to...”

“Up is a direction!”

“Huh?”

“I asked you what’s up! Remember? Up is a direction!”

“Oh, yes, haha, totally forgot about that!”

“You spend all your day reading and you forgot what up was?”

“Pinkie...”

“Even I can tell you what’s up! Of course Rainbow Dash can because she’s always up!”

“Pinkie...”

“Applejack and Rarity can tell you, too!”

“PINKIE!”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I get it. I have a question.”

“Oh, ok! Ask away!”

“What do you think of Trey and Fluttershy?”

“You mean like...as a couple?”

“Everypony keeps saying that...yes, as a couple.”

“I think they’re good for each other. You’d have to be pretty dumb to think otherwise.” she said, smiling. She knew Twilight thought otherwise, but sought to end the discussion before it began.

“You don’t think Trey will hurt Fluttershy? Or that she’ll snap on him and recluse?”

“No, silly, she’s a pony, not a spider!”

Twilight’s mouth was open trying to figure out exactly what she meant.

“Though it might be cool to be a spider. I wanna be a pink widow! Brown recluses are boriiiiiiiiiiing!” Oh. Recluse. Brown recluse.

“Well I’ll definitely keep that in mind in case we ever need to turn into spiders for something!”

“Alrighty then!” said Pinkie, bouncing off. Twilight wasn’t finished with her, but Pinkie couldn’t stay on topic for long. She sighed, frustrated, and headed off to try and find Rainbow Dash.

***

Trey tossed the Frisbee to Fluttershy.

“You’re getting better!” he said to her. “You haven’t hit me once!” She laughed and tossed it back to him. Now that she had the hang of it, she really enjoyed it. It was especially fun as a Pegasus, because you could swoop and dive for it instead of being stuck on the ground. She enjoyed the spirit of competition, though she didn’t care who won. She was just happy to be with him. Trey caught her pass and flew over to her, telling her he wanted to play a new game.

“Oh? What do you want to play?”

Trey kissed her on the lips and shouted “tag!” before flying off. Fluttershy blushed and hurried after him, though he was in no hurry to outrun her.

***

“Oh, hey, Twilight. What’s up?” shouted Rainbow Dash as she descended from her cloud.

“Oh, not much. Just wanted to ask a question.”

“Well yeah, go ahead.”

“What do you think of Trey and Fluttershy?”

“You mean...as a...”

“Yes, as a couple.” she said, slightly annoyed. Everypony was asking the same thing.

“I think they’re good for each other. It’d be a shame if something happened to that.”

“You’re not worried about Trey hurting her? Or Fluttershy having relapses?”

“Twilight, I’ve noticed them hanging out. I started to follow them when he visited her, and every time, she’s happier than she was before. Trey’s doing her a lot of good. I don’t think it’s right for you to question that. If he makes her happier, just let her be happy. Why are you so against them anyway?” she asked, leaning into her like she did when she asked Twilight if she was a spy, when they met all those years ago.

“I’m just afraid one of them’s bound to get hurt. Either Trey will make a move too soon, or Fluttershy will tell him about what happened and he’ll get scared. Maybe she’ll even have relapses and yell at him. He’s hasn’t been here long enough for it to work out properly.”

“Twilight, you don’t understand.” said Rainbow Dash, sighing. “You’re the only one of our friends that hasn’t loved anypony yet. Rarity knew love with Blueblood, before it went haywire. Pinkie just accepts things, and admires happiness for others, amongst the love she suddenly felt for her family after she got her mark. Applejack had a small affair with somepony before you got here.”

“What about you?”

“Me? Well...I have a bit of a crush on Soarin’.”

“From the wonderbolts?”

“Yes. He’s so...dream...good with flying.” she said, correcting herself.

“But you haven’t really experienced anything. You and I are in the same boat. And who did Applejack have a thing for?”

“Look...I don’t want to talk about it. But Applejack and I have both experienced love, alright? You’re the only one left out.”

Twilight smiled slyly as she put two and two together.

“What are you smilin at?” asked Rainbow, afraid of the answer.

“Nothing.”

“Whatever. I’ve got stuff to do. Did you have anything else you wanted to talk about?”

“Oh, no, not really. Carry on!” she said, turning around. As Rainbow Dash flew off, Twilight grew even more frustrated. None of her friends could see her side, except for Rarity. She’d have to double check on that. The way things were going, she’d be the only one. She trotted off to the library, fuming. She had to read some more books.

“Surely love is more than just a biochemical reaction destined to make sure our genes get passed on...what is it about?” she asked herself before immersing herself in several more volumes of romance novels, psychology books, and personal journal observations.

***

Trey and Fluttershy snuggled down in his bed, “Watching” a movie. Of course, they were really just snuggling each other, cuddling, kissing, caressing...Trey even muted the TV just to hear her lovely voice with no interruptions.

“Flutterheart?” he said, putting his hoof to her chest, feeling her heart beat.

“Yes?” Her heart started racing.

“You wanna hear a story?”

Fluttershy nodded. It was a perfect excuse to listen to his voice.

“This is the story about the most beautiful filly in the world.”

“Is it me?” she asked, blushing.

“You’ll have to wait and see!”

“Oh...ok.”

“Once upon a time, there was a music colt who moved to Ponyville. A party was thrown in honor of his arrival. At the party, he saw the most beautiful pony he’d ever met, with a gorgeous tan coat and lovely pink mane. I...er...he knew from that moment that he knew she was special. From there, he did his best to spend as much time with her as he could, inviting her to hoofball games. But he forgot to give her the time once, and he was very upset with himself, because he knew that was less time that he could see her. After that, his like for her developed into love, and he was very shy around her, hoping that she wouldn’t find it weird. She also had love in her heart for him though, and when she kissed his injured cheek, he could feel it. One day, he decided to give her something-a kiss-for her to hold on to until he could get it back from her later. Since then, the two have been trading it off.”

“That was a good story.” she said, smiling and blushing as she stroked his cheek.

“Thank you. It took me a few weeks to get it perfect.”

“I can tell. It seems like you worked really hard at it. But what happened to the kiss?”

“She still has it.” he said. She smiled and leaned into him, passionately embracing him for a light-lipped kiss that only the truest of love could produce.

“Not anymore.” she said, smiling at him. She was starting to get braver around him with these things. He really liked it. He still also noticed she was still timid and shy about some things, which he loved also. She was, simply put, the perfect pony for him. He couldn’t imagine anything better. Well...only one thing could make it better.

“Flutterheart?” he asked, cradling her face.

“Yes, Trey?”

“You’re perfect.”

“You’re perfect too.”

“I’m only missing one thing to make me perfect.”

“Oh? What is that?”

“You. Flutterheart...we’ve been in love for a little bit.”

“Yes. And I couldn’t be happier.”

“Flutterheart, there’s only one thing that could make me happier.”

“What’s that?” she said, worried. Was she not perfect enough?

“Flutterheart...would you like to make it official? Will you be my special somepony?”

Let's go sunning

“Flutterheart...would you like to make it official? Will you be my special somepony?”

She smiled at him, about to speak.

“Actually, don’t say anything yet.” he said, putting his hoof to her heart. It was fluttering, once again. He looked deep into her eyes, smiling. “That’s a yes, isn’t it?”

She blushed and laughed a little. “Yes.” she said. She had felt so magical knowing that she could simply look into his eyes and give an answer without having to say anything. She loved hearing his voice, and the less she said, the more she was bound to hear it. Trey smiled at her, possibly the biggest smile she’d ever seen from him. Before, he always smirked a bit, but this was a full-on smile.

“Why are you smiling so big?” she asked him.

“You have no idea how happy you just made me.” he said, bringing her in for a passionate kiss. “I’m the happiest colt in the world right now.”

She blushed slightly and looked him dead in the eye. “I’m the happiest filly in the world.”

They both smiled at each other and snuggled, her face close to his chest as they lay on his couch.

“Should I even bother putting a movie in?”

She shook her head softly, looking up at him, innocently smiling. He smirked again and locked his lips with hers, as both of them closed their eyes in heavenly embrace.

As they both woke up the next morning, Fluttershy had somehow shifted in the night and had her flank very close to Trey’s “Danger zone” so to speak. He scooted slightly back, figuring that wouldn’t be a very good contact, lest she have flashbacks. He didn’t know why, but he felt like stroking her. He’d always had a little bit of a thing for the stomach, so he lightly rubbed her back, ribs, and stomach, feeling how soft she was.

“I love you Trey...” she said.

“I love you too.” he said. Her breathing snapped, signifying she just woke up. Obviously she talked to him in her sleep. Cute, he thought. Then again, what about her wasn’t?

“Good morning!” he said.

“Oh!” she said, realizing she had flipped over in the night. “I’m so sorry...”

“It’s ok, Flutterheart.” he said, smiling at her. He didn’t want to let her know it was awkward.

“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to make it awkward for you...”

“Flutterheart, I love you. Nothing could be awkward for me. Now...want do you want to do after breakfast? My treat.”

“Well...maybe we could play frisbee some more...”

“You really like that game, don’t you?”

“Oh, yes. It’s really fun!” she said, smiling. He didn’t know why she loved it so much, but he found it cute. Suddenly, a crash of thunder roared as rain started to pour in torrents.

“Guess we’re staying inside, huh?” he noted, smiling at her. She simply returned a smile, innocent as can be, before kissing him one more time and letting him get up to fix breakfast.

***

Rainbow Dash smiled. It took a lot of convincing to have the pegasi have a storm today, but it worked out perfectly. Now Trey and Fluttershy had even more time together. The rain would prohibit Twilight from moving much, which was good. She and Pinkie (mostly Pinkie) sensed that Twilight was stocking up on knowledge and/or formulating a plan to separate the two. Luckily, it could be held off for another day. Rainbow gently turned her back on the clouds, resting, basking in the glorious sun that was hidden from the world below.

***

“Drats”. thought Twilight. “That storm is so inconvenient.” she noted, sighing. She’d stayed up all night frying her brain with novels on love, rereading several romance novels. Still, she didn’t understand it. How could she possibly believe in something that didn’t have a possible explanation? She couldn’t exactly ask Celestia about it...or could she? Wait a minute...did Celestia love her? She was her favorite student, and basically took her in. Twilight didn’t remember seeing much of her parents after Celestia took her in.

“So, Twilight, who is it?” said Spike, waltzing into her room.

“Who’s who?”

“Don’t play dumb with me. You obviously have a crush on somepony, seeing all the novels you’ve been reading recently.”

“It’s research. Nothing more.”

“You weren’t like this before Trey got to town.”

“I wasn’t?” asked Twilight, desperately looking for a way out.

“No, Twilight. I’ve lived with you long enough to know when you’re fixated on something. Obviously you don’t understand what you’re feeling.”

“I understand perfectly, Spike.”

“You’ve been reading books all day. Looking up definitions, reading romance novels. You’re analyzing it. Why can’t you just accept things without trying to understand them?”

“What could I possibly be accepting?”

“Love, obviously. You’ve never really felt it, and I know it. That’s why you’re looking it all up. Just admit it, Twilight.”

Twilight sighed, defeated. “Alright, yes. You’re absolutely right. I find it hard to grasp this concept though. Surely it’s more than just a biochemical reaction?”

“Uh...” said Spike. “I’m not sure what that meant, but yeah. Love is a feeling. Love’s something you just...feel. You just know when it hits you.”

“Well how would I know?”

“You’ll just know.”

“But that doesn’t make any sense, Spike!”

“Twilight...” said Spike, shaking his head.

“What, Spike?” said Twilight, slightly frustrated. Spike was too young to understand these things, how could he be giving her advice?

“Remember Pinkie’s ‘Pinkie sense’? Same concept.”

Twilight suddenly remembered. Just because she couldn’t explain something didn’t mean she couldn’t believe in it. She sighed, defeated once again.

“It’s not the same, Spike.” she settled for saying. She was wrong and she knew it.

“Alright, fine, Twilight. Just because I’m a baby dragon means I couldn’t have ever loved someone or somepony.”

Twilight stopped. She suddenly realized how horrible she’d been to him during this. He loved Rarity, she’d completely forgotten. Everyone but her had experienced love in some fashion. She’d always been to involved with books to really care about anything else. Maybe she needed to release her inhibitions and just accept things. She sighed and looked out the window. With this rain, she’d have to wait a while before talking to Fluttershy again. Maybe she’d even talk to Trey, if she could build up the nerve. She sighed again and trotted to her bed, absorbing herself in reading once again.

***

Fluttershy smiled. “I didn’t know you were a good cook...” she said. Trey simply smiled at her.

“Everypony has a main talent, and something else they can do well. You take care of animals, but you can sing like an angel. I’m a bandmaster, and I can cook. It was just a hobby I developed.”

“Well maybe you can cook for me more...if that’s ok...”

“I’d be glad to.” he said. “Maybe the animals will like it, too.”

“Oh, yes, I’m sure they will.” she smiled. Trey took her plate and started working on dishes.

“Now the only question is, what are we going to do? We have so much time...”

“Well...” Fluttershy started, “There’s always cuddling...” she said. Fillies always did like that. He smiled.

“Should we bother with a movie?”

“No.” she said, smiling.

He smiled at her. “In that case, we might as well use my bed. It has more room than the couch. Besides, it’s probably more comfy for falling asleep.”

“That would be nice.” she said.

As Trey exited the kitchen, the lights suddenly shut off. He heard Fluttershy scream and jump onto him, knocking him over. He couldn’t see much, but he could tell she was right on top of him, staring down at him.

“Hey there.” he said.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” she said, trying to get up. Trey simply put two arms over her neck and brought her down for a kiss. He could hear her heart racing. Apparently, darkness made it even more special for her.

“Don’t worry. I don’t mind one bit.” he said, as the lights suddenly came on. Fluttershy was staring down at him, her deep blue eyes locked with his. She smiled at him for a bit before hopping off after a light kiss. Trey showed her to his room, and the two cuddled until they fell asleep again on the lazy, blustery day.

Trey, of course, didn’t fall asleep, but instead opted to stay up, watching the rhythmic in-out fashion of Fluttershy’s breathing. He was entranced by it. Fillies always looked cute when they slept, but it was something else entirely to hold one in your arms. He smiled and slowly moved her head along his arm, closer to his chest, feeling her breathing. He didn’t know what he did to deserve somepony like her...he only wished he’d done it sooner. He enjoyed the moment until her breathing suddenly increased, her head slightly shaking. He looked at her, finding her still sleeping. Was she having a nightmare?

“Please don’t...stop...” she mumbled in her sleep. Her hooves slightly kicked a little, nipping Trey in the inner thigh. He had no idea what to do, as usual. “I love him...please...stop...” she said. It sounded like a mixture of flashbacks with her inner desires about him. He debated speaking to her, like a guiding voice in her dreams. “No, wait...don’t leave me...” she continued, tears starting to roll down her cheeks. He couldn’t stand to see her like this.

“Flutterheart, I’m right here.” he said softly in her ear. “I’m not going anywhere.” he said, finding that her body calmed down a little. She still kicked a small amount, almost fighting against his embrace before finally settling in, digging herself closer to him. He hugged her tight, kissing her forehead.

“I love you...” she said softly.

“I love you, too, Flutterheart. I love you, too.”

She dug herself even closer to Trey, nuzzling his chest. Trey wondered how she could do all this while still asleep. Eventually, he closed his eyes and let his thought process carry him into a lovely dreamworld filled with Fluttershy. At least, that was the plan.

“I’ve been stuck in a loop, too, Fluttershy” I told her. I could truly sympathize. Only problem was...my situation was completely different from hers. She had been taken advantage of in her youth. I...well...I took advantage of somepony in my foolish youth. I’ve been stuck in a loop ever since that day, constantly beating myself up over it. I wish I’d killed myself long ago for it. But where would I be without Fluttershy? And how could I tell her? Could I tell her? I’ve been stuck in that loop for so long...I’ve been waiting to get it off my chest, but I’m so scared somepony special will run away if I confess. I don’t want to lose her...but I need to do this for me...I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Every time I get happy thinking about her,there’s an equally upsetting thought about my past. The thing that bothers be most is thinking that I’ll lose myself and hurt her, too. She means too much to me to lose her. I love her too much...

“Fluttershy...I...” I began...

“You what?” she asked. He suddenly jolted awake. “Oh, I didn’t mean to scare you...I’m sorry...” she said, concerned.

“Oh, no, you’re fine. I just had a...bad dream.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” he said, smiling at her. “When did you wake up?”

“Only a few minutes ago. I guess I fell asleep on your chest.” she said, smiling. “It’s just so comfortable.”

“Well you’re welcome to it anytime.” he said, looking deep into those eyes he loved. Even though he no longer had to hope that they would be his, they were still just as wonderful.

“Trey?”

“Yes, Flutterheart?”

“I love you. I guess I just wanted to thank you for giving me a chance...I know I’m really shy...that bothers ponies sometimes...”

Trey put a hoof over her mouth, preventing her from talking. “Flutterheart...there’s nothing about you that bothers me. Everything about you is perfect...I wish I could spend forever with you, just cradling you in my arms. You’re the most perfect filly I’ve ever met, Fluttershy...don’t change anything about yourself.”

She blushed, a dark red line appearing over her face. “Trey...” she started. “...I could spend forever your arms. Everything you do is just so nice...you know how to make me feel special...I guess I’ve always wanted somepony to do that. I’m glad it was you. There’s nopony else I’d rather be with.”

Trey smiled. “Flutterheart?”

“Yes?”

“Could you ever hate me?”

“Oh, no, Trey.”

“Ever?”

“Never.”

“No matter what I’ve done in the past?”

“Nothing can make me not love you, Trey. Is something wrong?”

“Fluttershy...” he said, sighing, getting ready for an emotional disruption. “There’s something I need to confess...it’s been killing me inside for years...and I can’t keep it in...please listen...and don’t judge me...”

Fluttershy remained quiet.

“Can I have your word that you won’t judge me?”

“I could never judge you, Trey.”

“Good.”

Trey cleared his mind and prepared to give the most difficult speech to her. He knew he ran the risk of losing her, but he had to tell somepony. He sighed, rolling over on his back, looking up at the ceiling to avoid making eye contact with her.

“Well...here goes...” he said.

Uneasy confession

“This isn’t going to be easy for me to say...or for you to hear. Please bear with me.” he said. She nodded, letting him continue.

“Well...when I was a young colt...” he started, trying to figure out how best to admit or confess. “...well...I was young, foolish, stupid...and I was typical. Had only one thing on my mind. One day, we got invited to go to a friend’s ranch for a family friend’s party. I forgot what the occasion was, but regardless, we were there. Well...I got left alone with one of the younger ones...I think she was 5 years younger than me. And...well...long story short, I did to her what Big Macintosh did to you. I’ve regretted that day ever since, and it’s been plaguing me. Since then, I got very anti-social...much like you. I’ve strived to be anything but typical...I never really talked much to fillies...I just...Fluttershy...I...I love you. You’ve broken every emotional and social barrier I tried to set for myself. I guess there’s always a trade off...you’re worried about snapping on me in flashbacks...I’m always worried I’m going to hurt you. You think that you’re a bad pony for letting something happen to you...I know I’m a bad pony because I did that. Fluttershy...I just...” he said, before whimpering, on the verge of crying. “Please don’t hate me.” he finished, looking as far away from her as he could, sighing.

Fluttershy didn’t say anything for a good while. Did...did he really admit that to her? Did he trust her that much? Could she trust him after that though? He made it seem like he’d learned his lesson, but who was to say he wouldn’t give in again? She didn’t want to relive that day again. He did have a good point though...they could help each other get over it. She could help him get over it by love and support, continuing her kindness. She could get over her own past by simply being loved in an honest manner, apart from what happened to her. They were both victims. Not by somepony else, but by themselves. The irony of what he’d done versus what had happened to her was prevalent in the fact that they had maintained a good, stable relationship. She loved him, she didn’t care what he’d done. He loved her, no matter what had happened.

“Trey...” she started, trying to find the best words.

“I understand if you want to end it.” he said, a tear streaming down his cheek.

“No, Trey...I’m not.” she said, putting a hoof to his chin and making him look at her, much like he’d done with her several times. This time, though, he was the sad, red-eyed pony looking into the eyes of the other.

She debated saying something, but opted not to, instead letting her eyes, the ones she knew he loved, do the talking for her. They looked deep into each other’s eyes for several minutes, her sending him the message that it was ok...she loved him anyway. She then brought his lips close to hers, taking the first step for once in her life, letting the emotions between the two of them swirl, making the kiss one of the most meaningful yet. Her cheeks were wet with his tears as he slowly stopped his emotional breakdown.

“Trey...” she said. Trey nodded, still not saying anything. “I love you. That’s all there is to it.”

“...thank you.” Trey finally managed to say, before hugging Fluttershy tight. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”

“Not as much as you mean to me.” said Fluttershy, nuzzling her head into his chest. It bothered her slightly, yes, but he was worth too much to her for anything to take him away. The two layed there in silence until they both drifted off to sleep again, happily cradled in each other’s arms.

***

Twilight sighed. Today was just a lazy day...and she felt terrible. She’d managed to insult Spike, herself, and, essentially, Trey and Fluttershy. One part of her felt terrible for trying to undercut her friend for personal gain. The other part knew it was better for everypony this way. The third part of her tried to psychologically analyze all those thoughts and emotions to back up both sides of her brain. She sighed and relaxed in bed, debating whether to read any more into the topic or simply lay there. One part of her also wanted to apologize to Spike too, but a different part of her wanted to maintain her pride and refuse to. She had so many parts of her brain today...it seemed like every day she went on without understanding love, a new opinion on the matter would pop up, thus a new side of her brain. She reflected on all her lessons on friendship...not one of them really helped her out here. One did on a separate matter, and she attended to it properly, trotting off to find Spike.

“Spike?” she asked, calling out to him.

“Yeah?” said Spike, bouncing away from nowhere, ready to give a hand.

“I just wanted to say that I’m sorry. I know I’ve been a little scatterbrained recently and...well...it came off on you. I’m sorry.”

“Twilight, I’m not the one you need to be apologizing to.”

“Yes, I do...wait...who should I be apologizing to, then?”

“Well there’s multiple ponies you should be apologizing to. I think you need to apologize to yourself, first off, for the sorry state you put yourself in. Then you need to apologize to Trey and Fluttershy. You’re undercutting your friend, and making a very poor impression on the new colt in town. If Fluttershy loves him, let her love him. It’s her decision. You can’t make it for her.” he said, hurrying out of the room, letting her think about it.

Twilight knew he was right. She trotted back to her bed, defeated, as the storm raged on. The pathetic fallacy, she thought. Weather representative of your feelings...she took a moment, once again psychoanalyzing. She’d been a terrible friend recently. She also needed to understand. She’d been looking for love for so long...but always got involved in studies. She had a crush on somepony back in Canterlot, but opted to stay in Ponyville. She’d searched high and low for somepony who she felt would make a good partner. However, nopony fit her fancy. Nopony else seemed on her intellectual level. At least not any other males, anyway. Big Macintosh seemed more logically smart, not the biggest apple on the tree, so to speak. There really weren’t many dominant male figures in Ponyville, now that she thought about it. The most colts she’d ever seen in a town was in Appleloosa...

Twilight sighed and rolled over in bed, closing her eyes. Checking her clock, she found it was 2 PM. With the storm rolling, though, it felt more like AM. She rested, ignoring reading, instead thinking...about love. About what she could feel like if she had somepony special. She fell asleep dreaming, as if she was the star in one of her novels.

“Twilight...I think you were not aptly named.” he said, looking at me. Aptly. I hadn’t heard anypony else use that word before.

“Well, I do have a darker mane...colors of twilight, you know.”

“No, Twilight...it’s not good because you’re the brightest thing in my life...brighter than twilight could ever be. But Twilight...”

“Yes?” I asked. I could feel a certain pang of emotion I’d never felt before.

“Will you be the one to sparkle in my life?” he asked, looking deep into me with those eyes. I’d never noticed them before, but they were icy blue, almost as if they could freeze me. He’d certainly frozen my heart, as the old saying goes.

I could feel myself blushing. I’d never done that much...especially never in front of another colt...but he brought it out of me. Almost against my will. He had a way with words.

“I...yes.” I said, resisting the urge to hop around in happiness.

He smiled and brought me in close. Was this...a kiss? Yes! Yes it was! The emotion going on in such a simple little act of contact...why did it bring me so much pleasure? I put all analysis out and simply enjoyed the moment, a little gesture that meant so much. Am I doing it right? I've never done it before...oh, I hoped I wasn’t screwing it up...he wasn’t stopping...so it had to be good, right?

“Just close your eyes and let your emotions guide you, not your brain. Quit thinking so much about it, Twilight. You’re doing fine.” he said, backing away. I guess I did have my eyes open. Was that bad? Oh, whatever. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the intense heated moment.

“I love you, Twilight.” he said.

“I love you too, Trey.”

***

Trey woke up as a small roar of thunder resounded. Fluttershy was still sleeping, nestled on his chest. He didn’t know why, but he really loved having her on his chest. The soft feel of her nose against his chest...her head on his warm chest...just the thought of her hearing his heartbeat...he’d never let it on, but she made his heart flutter as much, if not more, as he made hers. He smiled to himself, wondering how somepony like him could have possibly deserved somepony as amazing as her. He took his free hoof and lightly stroked her hair. He then kissed her forehead and stared off into space, letting her soft head and silky hair soothe him, taking away any other thoughts in his mind except her. He then closed his eyes, took his free arm, and put it around Fluttershy, hugging her tighter to him, her warmth resonating.

“I love you, Fluttershy.” he said softly, almost to himself.

He must have fallen asleep, because when he woke up, Fluttershy was staring at him.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked.

“I could never sleep otherwise without you. You must have slept well too. You were out the last time I woke up.”

“Oh, I never went to sleep silly.” she said, smiling at him. “I love you too.”

Trey smiled a bit. He never expected to get caught with one of his romantically driven gestures of love, committed while she slept like a beauty.

“Oh...and I can tell you love me.” she said. “I know you don’t want to tell me, but your heart flutters just as much as mine does.” she added, smiling, blushing. “That makes me feel special.”

“Not as special as you are to me.” Trey noted, finishing it off. He then kissed her lightly and passionately, stroking her face with his hoof. He then looked deep into her eyes, those eyes he loved.

“I wish it would rain some more...” Fluttershy said, looking out the window to a clearing sky.

“It doesn’t have to rain for you to stay here.”

“I know. But I like having an excuse.” she said, smiling. Trey simply smiled back as the two of them lazed about in bed, loving each other.

***

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but smile as the two of them cradled each other. Sure, it was rude to peep through the window, but hey, it was for a good cause. And it was a second story window...who bothers keeping shades on those? It was just so romantic...Fluttershy really loved him. She’d been needing somepony to love for a while. Fluttershy all but admitted that much to her. Fluttershy never came straight out about her desires, but let on more than she probably knew she did. Rainbow Dash managed to pick up enough pieces here and there to know that she wanted social acceptance, and that a nice colt was the best one to give it to her. Twilight didn’t know that side of her. In fact, now that she thought of it, Fluttershy was probably the pony she didn’t know the most about, other than Pinkie Pie, who she ignored half the time.

She noticed Fluttershy look towards the window, saying something, to which Trey agreed. Rainbow Dash measured the clouds, before smiling to herself. She pounced on the clouds above his house, giving them another hour or two of rain. Just enough to get them till it was dark outside. Fluttershy would be bound to spend the night then. Rainbow Dash smiled to herself as she turned her back to the clouds once again, napping and basking happily, knowing Fluttershy and Trey were happy.

Data collection

“So what attracted you to Trey?” Twilight began, still angry at herself for forgetting some paper as a distraction.

“Well...he’s very sweet...and he actually took the time to get to know me even though I was so shy...he invites me to things...and stuff...” she said, choosing her words carefully. She didn’t want to let on that Twilight hadn’t been doing a good job of that either. “He’s just a really nice colt.” she said, nuzzling her head into his chest. Twilight took note of that sign of affection. She’d never seen her do that to anypony other than her animals.

“Alright. When did you know you were attracted to him?”

“Well...I thought he was interesting at the first party we met at...since then, my love him for him just...grew. I don’t know exactly when I fell in love with him, all I know is that I’m glad I did.” she started, as Trey rubbed her back.

“Uh huh...and are you satisfied with Trey?”

“Satisfied?”

“Yes. Are you happy with him?”

“Oh, yes, I’m much more than happy. I don’t think I could be happy without him.” she smiled at Trey. She wished Twilight would just leave already. She wanted to get more time with him by herself.

“And just a few more questions...what has Trey done to make you feel wanted?”

“Well...” she started, looking into Trey’s eyes. “I don’t think he’s done anything to make me feel unwanted. Everything he does, from the way he talks to me, touches me, compliments me...looks at me, even. It just seems...natural. Like he genuinely wants me in his life.”

“And I do.” said Trey, smiling at her. They’d hardly been looking at Twilight, lost in their own little world. Twilight recognized this and sped things up, getting their attention again.

“Alright, and last question...would you say you two are good lovers?”

“Oh yes. He loves me and I love him very much.” she said.

“That’s not what I meant.” she said. Trey immediately understood where she was going.

“What did you mean?”

“Twilight, I don’t think that’s something we can discuss.” Trey said, trying to end the conversation.

“What’s she asking?” asked Fluttershy.

“Have you...been good lovers?”

“Oh, yes. We love each other a lot.” she smiled.

“That’s not what I mean...”

“Twilight, let’s not go there.” said Trey, a little more forecefully. She ignored his statement.

“I don’t understand...” said Fluttershy.

“Have you two...done it?”

“Done what?” asked Fluttershy. Twilight facehoofed. Trey warned her again.

“Have you two had sex?” she asked. A large, brooding silence hung over the room as Fluttershy stared at her, tears starting to come to her face. Trey stared at Twilight, angry. “I mean, I read about the sexual revolution...and you guys have been together for a while now...by studies, you guys should have...”

“Twilight.” said Trey, as Fluttershy covered her face with her hooves, hiding her tears. “You need to leave. I’ll discuss that with you later.” he said, giving her a menacing stare. Twilight then realized the error of that question. Fluttershy couldn’t handle stuff like that...why did she even ask that?

“I’m...I’m sorry.” she said, before hanging her head low, trotting out the door back home. Trey slammed the door behind her, sighing heavily as Fluttershy let out her sobs of frustration, getting lost in memories. Trey took his seat beside her on the couch again.

“Fluttershy? It’s going to be ok.” he said, putting an arm around her to comfort her.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” she screamed at him. Trey reeled back in a slight surprise, removing his arm quickly. He sat beside her on couch in silence.

“Flutterheart...” he said.

“I’m sorry, Trey.” she managed to say between sobs. “I didn’t mean to.”

“I know. I know exactly why you did it, too. She should have known better than to ask that. I’ll be letting her have a piece of my mind later.”

“You don’t have to do that...I don’t want her to get upset...”

“Fluttershy, she upset you. I’m just going to lay it out with her. Nopony upsets my filly and gets away with it. Are you going to be ok?”

She nodded, still crying. “Just stay here...” she said, putting one hoof out to him. Trey took it with his and kissed it. She threw herself upon him, hugging him, burying her head deep in his chest while he stroked her softly, shushing her, rocking back and forth.

***

“Oh...hey Trey. Yeah, about earlier...” began Twilight as she opened her library door.

“That’s exactly what we’re here to talk about.” said Trey. “I told you we’d discuss this later.”

“Come on in...” she said. She took a seat, offering the couch to him. He said nothing, but began his tirade standing up.

“Listen. There were multiple problems with what you said. First off, why would you think asking ponies about their private lives was a good idea?”

“It was a research paper.”

“Bullshit, Twilight. You’re one of the smartest bookworms in the town and you’re writing a report without taking notes on what’s said? That’s what gave it away for me. But the bigger question is, why would you think asking somepony, who’s had that kind of a past, would be a good idea at all?”

“I didn’t mean for it to happen like that. I honestly wasn’t thinking.”

“That’s a little out of character for you, Twilight. You’re always thinking. There must have been some ulterior motive. Honestly, I think you’re trying to sabotage our relationship.” he said, taking a seat on the couch.

“No, not at all.” said Twilight, fearing her answer. How did Trey reach that conclusion?

“And let me give you something personal about myself. First off, before I say that, let me say that all the reading you’ve been doing on love won’t give you any practical knowledge. It’s something learned on the field, not read. You reading about the sexual revolution doesn’t matter. Sure, many of the colts and fillies these days are having sex more and more often, outside of wedlock. You know what? I’ve struggled my entire life trying to make sure I wasn’t like them. Not all colts are the same, Twilight.”

“I never said they were...”

“Shh. So here. This is what you need to know about me. I’m erotophobic.”

“You’re scared of sex?” she asked, shocked. She’d never heard of a male who’d been scared of sex...he certainly did defy expectations.

“Not necessarily scared. There’s some fear, yes, but it’s really more strong negative opinions about it. I have absolutely no interest in sex.”

“What is this...I don’t even...”

“And you know what else? I’m basiexic.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. Out of all the reading she’d done, she’d never heard that word before. “What’s that?”

“Strong sexual arousal by kissing. So let me lay this out psychologically for you. I don’t like sex. Multiple reasons, I’ll get into those later. But since I don’t like sex, I have to have some other way to release myself, so to speak. Kissing is what turns me on. Personally, I think a kiss means much more than sex. So, I prefer kissing over sex. Yadda yadda yadda. Point proved?”

“Yes.” she said. She didn’t expect that from him. He seemed so...confident in himself...why wasn’t he confident in having a sex life? “How do you know you don’t like sex if you’ve never had it?” she asked, trying to trip him up.

“Because...well...I have had it. That’s how I know.”

“You...what?” So he WAS typical? He...he didn’t make sense to her anymore.

“I’ve always been against sex before marriage. Part of the way I was raised. Well, back in Canterlot, first year in college, I got my first fillyfriend. After about 6 months, I decided to make love to her. Even then, it wasn’t great.”

“Probably just because she didn’t know what she was doing.”

“Neither of us did. That’s not the point. Point is, shortly afterward, after about 2 weeks, she broke up with me. I decided to release my inhibitions about sex, and foolishly made love to her thinking we’d last longer. After that, I was so grief stricken. We were both virgins, and since I was raised to know better than that, I felt terrible. Worst part was, I feel like I took something from her that wasn’t mine to take.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. Most colts never felt bad about taking somepony’s virginity. It was almost like a trophy for them. “You...felt bad about it?”

“Yes. Strange I know, since all colts are the same and consider virginity trophies of sorts. Certainly there’s not one single colt in all of Equestria that may feel bad. Certainly not, Twilight. The books say we’re all the same. Must be right, hm?”

“I...don’t know what to say really. I don’t understand why you’re erotophobic...you did have sex. If you were so scared of it, why did you do it?”

“Because I decided to put away my fear for her. I thought my fear would go away. After she left me, I was so overcome with grief that I settled back into my old mindset. Besides...sex is just so...invasive. I don’t like being invasive.”

“You...I...what?”

“I know. Hard to imagine there might be an exception to the social rules, right, Twilight? I think you should think about that before boldly making accusations. Besides...” he said, hopping up off the couch towards the door. “Fluttershy was invaded once. I’m not going to let it happen again. See you later, Twilight.” he said, walking out the door. He was seething with rage. He’d never been that angry at anypony other than himself before, but...he felt she deserved it. He trotted back home, getting ready for Fluttershy to visit yet again.

Twilight sat in her chair, dumbfounded. There was an...exception? There were no exceptions in math, why was there an exception in love?

“Sounds like he let you have it.”

Twilight turned to face Spike, who poked his head from the kitchen.

“Guess you heard that, huh?”

“Oh yeah. Why can’t you just leave him alone about her, Twilight? What did he ever do to you?”

‘He stole my heart...’ she said silently to herself.

“Nothing. I just got too curious for my own good. Asked all the wrong questions.”

“I think you need to leave them alone. Just stop looking for love and it will find you.”

“But what about the rules? They’re breaking every one of them!”

“All’s fair in love and war, Twilight.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“It’s an old saying. Just take a step back and let them love each other. They’re not hurting anypony.”

“He’s hurting me.” she said. She immediately covered her mouth with her hoof, realizing what she said. Spike raised an eyebrow.

“So THAT’S what’s really going on.” he said.

Brewing storm

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am happy to report that I now realize there are wonderful things in this world you just can't explain, but that doesn't necessarily make them any less true. It just means you have to choose to believe in them, and sometimes it takes a friend to show you the way.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight read the letter over and over. It applied to her, this situation, nearly everything recently. She sighed, tossing the letter aside, thinking.

“This isn’t any different, Twilight. It’s the same thing.”

“It’s completely different.” she said, arguing with herself over and over.

“How? It’s about putting blind faith into something. You just have to believe.”

“You won’t understand it until you experience it.”

“True, but we can say the same thing for Pinkie, can’t we? We don’t understand her but we still accept her.”

“A pony and an intangible concept are two totally different things.”

“Yeah, but not in this case...”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Twilight?” Twilight’s ranting ended abruptly as Spike showed himself. “Who are you talking to?”

“Nopony. Just reading.” she said, hurriedly grabbing a book near her, giving him an awkward smile.

“Aaaaaaalright then.” he said, turning around. “Oh, by the way, I need to head off to Canterlot. You gonna be alright by yourself?”

“Hm? Oh, yes, I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” she said, smiling at him. It might be easier to think by herself.

“Great. I’ll see you in two days or so.”

“Alrighty! See you then!” she said as he closed the door behind him in a hurry. She didn’t even think to ask WHY he was going. It didn’t matter to her, anyway. She needed some time alone.

***

Fluttershy trotted about her cottage, taking care of the animals. School day. Trey couldn’t be there, but he’d be over later.

“Angel!” she called. “Angel?”

Angel wasn’t anywhere to be found.

“Angel, time to stop playing games, you silly bunny. It’s time for breakfast.”

There was still no reply. She asked all the other animals if they’d seen him, to which none of them could say yes. She started to worry.

“Angel. Come out now. This isn’t funny.” she said, fretting about the cottage. “Angel? Please come out...”

What if he’d gone? Run away? What if...she checked the front door, finding it slightly ajar. A small trail of bunny prints led outward.

“Angel, you silly bunny. It’s not playtime yet.” she said as she opened the door expecting to see him trotting about the meadow. There was no sight of him. Fluttershy started to sweat out of panic.

“Angel!” she yelled. No response.

The sweat on her brow increased as she started following the trail. It wasn’t so much the length of the trail as to the fact that it led straight to...the Everfree Forest. She cringed a little bit. Was Angel ok? Maybe she should go back home and wait for him...but what if he wasn’t ok? He probably was. He was Angel. But maybe she should make sure...

She breathed in heavily, gathering her courage. It was just a hop, skip...

“And jump...” she said herself as she put a small pep in her step, traveling through the Everfree in search of Angel.

***

Twilight set out to Fluttershy’s cottage. She needed a favor from her, and knew this was the best time to find her. As she neared her front door, she found it open. Strange, she thought. It was then she realized a fresh trail of hoofprints leading out, alongside a smaller trail of bunny paws. Had Angel gotten loose?

She followed the trail, right up until a faint darkness loomed above her. She looked up. The Everfree Forest lay in front of her. Fluttershy went into...the Everfree? She obviously needed help in there. It was a good thing Twilight needed to find her. She stepped into the dark, foreboding Everfree, following the trail, which she could barely make out.

“Fluttershy?” she called out. “Where are you?”

Twilight traveled through the Everfree for about half an hour calling her name.

“It’s no use. She’s never going to hear me. She probably left a while ago.” she said to herself, turning around. Suddenly, a loud, thunderous roar resounded across the forest while a louder, higher pitched scream pierced the heavy atmosphere.

“Fluttershy?”

That was definitely Fluttershy’s scream. She galloped as fast as she could towards the sound. It was no use...she got lost.

“No, no, no! FLUTTERSHY!!!” she yelled. Suddenly, Angel appeared out of the bushes, beckoning her. Twilight followed him to where Fluttershy lay in a small clearing, down on the ground, a wound across her face.

“Fluttershy?” she asked, trying to get her attention. She was out cold, bleeding from a gash in her head.

Twilight used her magic to make some gauze out of some nearby leaves, applying pressure to the wound. She needed help fast. Twilight used her magic to teleport them to the hospital, where she quickly checked her in. She then set off to make sure Trey knew.

***

Trey went through the day smoothly. Everything was going his way. The band made major progress in their music, the lunch in the cafeteria today was actually decent, they had cake in the break room, compliments of Pinkie Pie. Then, he’d get to go see the most beautiful filly in the world, his very own. He smiled simply thinking about that beautiful face, that beautiful smile, and those beautiful eyes

School couldn’t let out early enough for him. He gathered his materials, strolling out the door.

“Trey. You need to come with me. Hurry!”

Trey turned his head to see Twilight, a look of urgency and concern on her face.

“Is everything alright?”

“No. Fluttershy’s in the hospital. We need to go see her!”

She and Trey galloped to the hospital as fast as they could, nearly bursting in the door. She showed Trey to her room, letting him inside.

“I...I’ll be outside.” she said, looking away. Trey grew concerned. He turned his attention to the bed in front of him, where Fluttershy lay.

“Flutterheart?”

Fluttershy’s head twitched a bit at the mention of her name, but she didn’t look at him.

“Fluttershy? How are you feeling?”

Fluttershy still didn’t say anything as a silent tear ran down her cheek.

“Fluttershy...please look at me...” he said, growing concerned.

“...I can’t.” she said.

“Why not?”

“I’m...not pretty...” she said, wincing. “I’m not any of those things you said about me anymore.”

“Let me be the judge of that.” he said, taking one of her hooves with his.

“I...I just can’t.”

“Flutterheart...please. I’m not going to stop loving you, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

She stopped a bit, thinking it over.

“Please don’t hate me.” she said.

“Never.”

She turned her face over, revealing a moderately large gash on one side of her face. It was mostly covered up with gauze, but Trey could still tell where the gash was. Her eye on that side was completely bloodshot, the corner of her lip swollen and bruised.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know...I went into Everfree to find Angel...last thing I remember seeing was a manticore...and then I woke up ugly.” she said, turning her head back away from him, crying.

“Fluttershy, look at me.” he said reassuringly. she turned to face him.

He smiled at her. “You’re still the prettiest filly in the world to me.You’re still perfect. And you know what else?”

“...what?”

“I still love you.” he said, before kissing her good cheek. She smiled a small amount.

“I love you too. And Trey?”

“Yes?”

“Can I ask a favor?”

“I’m going to be here all night.”

“...thanks.” she said, gripping his hoof tighter. True to his word, Trey stayed with her all night, keeping her company, watching her sleep.

Day 1

Trey looked at Fluttershy as she slept. Even though she was injured, she was peaceful...

“Fluttershy, I love you.”

“I don’t see why...I’m just a bother now...”

Trey’s pessimism grabbed the worst of his attention. Voices battled back and forth in his mind about how he was going to lose Fluttershy. She was so fragile...once she felt broken, she’d consider herself as much.

“I just won’t bring you down...”

“Fluttershy, I want you. You’re not bringing me down.”

“I’m sorry...You deserve better...”

“Trey?”

Trey’s thought process halted as he looked at Nurse Redheart, who’d come into the room at some point.

“We need to talk.”

She led Trey outside the room, holding a medical chart.

“Is...is everything alright?”

“I’m afraid not. Fluttershy did take a pretty big hit.”

“But other than the scratch, she’s fine, right?”

“No...Trey, she ruptured an organ. She ruptured one of her kidneys.”

“She can still go without one, can’t she?”

“We ran some tests. Normally, ponies can. But she...she’s different. Her anatomy is a little strange, and she has half functionality in her other one. Turns out she’s going to need a replacement.” she said somberly.

“Give her mine.” he said without hesitation.

“We’ll see. However, you’re quite larger than she is. I don’t think yours will fit her. She’s going to need somepony similar to her size.”

“Well...run the test anyway.”

“Of course. I just wouldn’t get your hopes up.”

“How long does she have to find a replacement?”

“Three days, give or take.”

“Oh...”

“I’m sorry, Trey. This is never easy news to give.”

“When can we run the tests?”

“I think we can fit you in for later this afternoon, around 2. Will that be fine?”

“Can you do it any earlier?”

“I’m afraid not. I’m sorry.”

Trey looked at his watch. 8 AM. He sighed, muttering a soft “It’s alright.” under his breath before going back to Fluttershy’s side. This could possibly be it for her. Silent tears rolled down his cheeks as he watched Fluttershy. It couldn’t be like this. They were going to grow old together...could their time together really end like this?

***

“Twilight, it’s not your fault.” Spike began.

“You don’t understand.” she began. “This...it IS my fault.”

“How? Did you cause the manticore to attack her?”

“No, but...”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I feel like it is somehow. I don’t know how, but it just is.”

“How could it possibly be your fault? Why do you feel guilty?”

Secretly, she felt guilty because she’d been trying to sabotage Trey and Fluttershy, and now, after seeing how upset both of them were, she couldn’t live with herself. She felt like she’d caused the accident with her bad will...and it was killing her.

“I don’t know. But that’s not the important thing. She could die.”

“What?” said Spike, bewildered.

“She ruptured one of her kidneys. Due to her anatomy, she’ll need a replacement.”

“Oh...dude, that’s...not good.”

“No, it’s not good at all. Now excuse me, I have to tell the girls.”

“Why don’t I do it? You can go visit Fluttershy...”

“That...sounds like a good idea.” said Twilight, exasperated. “Tell them to visit her, too. She needs the support.”

***

A knock reverberated on the wooden door of Fluttershy’s room. Soon, Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash trotted in the door, surprising Trey.

“Oh...hey.” said Trey, sadly.

“Hey. We just came to see if Fluttershy’s alright.” said Rainbow Dash. “How ya feelin?” she said, turning her attention to Fluttershy.

“Um...I don’t know...”

“That bad, huh?”

“...yes...I’m sorry...” she said, still refusing to look at her. She hadn’t looked at anypony other than Trey since she got here, and even so, it was hard looking at him. She felt so unwanted. That huge scar was certainly having an effect on her mentality.

“Fluttershy, darling, you have nothing to apologize for!” said Rarity, trying to give her a smile. Fluttershy didn’t respond.

“Look, Sugarcube, we’re here for ya. Ain’t nothin’ gonna take that away.”

“...thank you.” she said, finally turning to face them. Upon seeing that side of her, their eyes opened wide, shrinking back in sudden horror. Fluttershy immediately turned away, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry, sugarcube...”

“I as well.”

“Girls, I think we should go...” said Rainbow Dash. “Maybe go to the waiting room.”

Trey wasn’t even paying attention. He was lost in his own world.

“Trey?” asked Pinkie. Trey snapped out of it seeing her as the only one in the room.

“Yeah?”

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah...no...” he said, shaking his head. “No I’m not. Fluttershy’s injured. She needs an organ replacement, and after running some tests, mine won’t fit her. that means somepony else is going to have to donate, and we only have three days to find that replacement.” he began, a tear falling down his cheek. “I just...don’t know what to do.” Trey covered his face with his hooves, hiding his shame.

“It’s going to be alright, Trey...” she said sadly, trotting out. Trey’d never seen her actually trot...she’d always bounced around...

Soon, the room was empty again. Trey looked at Fluttershy.

“Are you tired?”

She nodded.

“Get some sleep. Let me tell you a story.” he said, grabbing her hoof.

“Trey?” she asked.

“Yes, Flutterheart?”

“Why are you still here?”

“Because I love you.”

“But...”

“There are no buts in love, Fluttershy.”

She looked at him with eyes full of amazement and wonder. Could he still love her? Even with the way she looked? She simply gazed at him, seeing him look deep into her once again. She gripped his hoof tight in appreciation. She didn’t want him to leave...but she understood if he did.

“Now, this is the story...all about how my life got flipped...turned upside down. I’d like to take a minute, so lay right down, I’ll tell you all about how the most beautiful filly in the world became mine.” he started. She smiled at him, trying to keep awake.

“Once upon a time, there was a lonely bandmaster. One day, he moved into a new town, teaching younger kids about music. One day, he met the most beautiful filly in the world. She was a wonderful yellow, pink haired pony that didn’t talk much. Trey knew it would be a challenge, but he decided to go after her. He fell in love with her that very first day.”

Fluttershy yawned a small amount, still smiling at him, trying to stay awake.

“Trey spent a few days with her, where he heard her beautiful voice, helped her pick flowers, and even gave her something valuable.” he continued, bringing his other hoof to hers, a silent tear falling down his cheek. “She was the prettiest thing ever. I-er-He fell more and more in love with her each day. The thing he loved most about her, however, was her eyes. He could look into those eyes all days long. Those eyes told him how much she loved him too, even before she was ready to admit it. One day, Trey decided that he couldn’t hold it in any longer, and he finally admitted to Fluttershy that he loved her. He gave her something valuable...a kiss...”

Fluttershy was soon asleep. Trey smiled and pulled her blanket up closer to her, kissing her forehead away from her injury, continuing on in first pony.

“Fluttershy...I love you. Ever since I met you, I felt things could be different with you. I felt like I could feel special. I could be someone. I could actually feel loved. Honestly, I’ve never felt more loved and lucky in my life than when I’ve met you. I love you.” he started, tears strolling down his cheeks. “I guess...after three days, if we don’t find you a kidney, well...this is as old as we’re going to grow together. I wanted to grow old with you, Fluttershy...I know it’s early, but...I wanted to marry you...I can only say that in confidence because I know you’re asleep, but Fluttershy...thank you for everything. I’m going to be here for the next two days with you. I’m not leaving. I love you.”

Fluttershy smiled in her sleep, happy images of their life so far-and what she’d hoped for them later-playing in her head.

Day 2

“Why not just give her one of yours?” asked Spike.

“I can’t.” began Twilight. “I...I only have one. Birth defect. If I give her one of mine, I’ll die. Either that or someone else has to give me one. It’d be easier for that pony to just give Fluttershy theirs.”

“Oh. That’s...sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. I just wish I could find someone to give Fluttershy a kidney. Rarity won’t do it because the blood will gross her out. Rainbow Dash won’t because she needs to work the clouds. Applejack has to work the farm, and Pinkie can’t stop working at Sugarcube Corner. This just won’t work. And it worries me.”

“What about any of the other ponies in town? Lyra? Bon-bon? Rose? Why not ask them?”

“I don’t know them well enough, Spike...You can’t just ask someone you barely know to give up their kidney.” she said, sighing heavily. “I just...I just don’t know what to do. There’s not a book in this library on the subject either. Why did this have to happen to her?” she continued, completely losing herself in her own little world. “She didn’t deserve this...she’s a good pony...if anything, I should have been the one gone.”

“Twilight, I’m still here, you know.”

“Oh, Spike...” she said, her voice trembling. She quickly pulled Spike in close for a tight hug. Spike, slightly hesitant at first, gave in and allowed her to squeeze his feeble frame. He felt her convulse. Then she started crying. Even with his thick scales, he could feel her tears, warm splashes of liquid. He’d never seen her cry before...she’d never hugged him either. He was seeing a brand new side of Twilight, one he thought he’d never see.

***

Trey sat silently to himself, writing furiously in a journal, trying to make sense of his feelings. He’d always been terrible with handling grief. When his grandfather died, he almost went insane for a little bit learning to deal with this new emotion. He’d never liked to think of the mortality of ponies, but now he was confronted with it. With someone he loved, no less. He’d been fighting back tears all day while talking to her. Now, she was asleep. Trey took this opportunity to document his emotions.

I love her. She’s the only pony I’ve ever loved on this level. Yes, I had someone in Canterlot, but she’s different. Flutterheart...she’s...she’s an angel. An angel in disguise. She’s the kindest soul I’ve ever met, and all the greatest qualities I’ve ever daydreamed about fillies. Soft skin, small hooves, a beautiful face...she’s patient with me...she’s more than I deserve. She means everything to me and it makes me sick to think that there’s nothing I can do to save her. My kidney won’t fit her. Day 2, and no offers have been made yet. Twilight wouldn’t give it up. She probably hasn’t mentioned it to the other 4 of her friends. It’s just so sad to think that the minute I find something great in my life, something that’s actually gone right, gone my way for once in my life, it’s just taken away as soon as it came. I wish that there was something I can do...I’ve never felt so weak and helpless in my life. So small and insignificant. I can’t do anything for the love of my life. We were going to grow old together...I know it’s still early, but I wanted to marry her. There’s so much more I need to learn about her. So much more I need to tell her about me. So much more...there’s so much more that needs to be done, but she’s stuck in a hospital bed. I’d give anything for another day of being hit with a Frisbee, another day to cuddle, help with chores, make breakfast...just one more day. I still have tomorrow, but it feels like this is it. I’ve given up. I can only pray for a miracle.

This is it.

Trey

Fluttershy stirred in her sleep, opening her eyes to Trey writing. He didn’t notice her, though, and he continued writing. Fluttershy watched him silently, as he let silent tears drip onto the journal he was writing in. Eventually he closed it, turning to face her. He looked slightly shocked when he noticed she was awake.

“Oh. I didn’t know you were awake.” he said, trying to turn his face away, wiping his tears quickly.

“Trey?” she asked solemnly, yet firmly.

“Yes, Flutterheart?”

“You don’t need to cry for me.”

Trey couldn’t help but look at her, finding her smiling at him, as if nothing was wrong. How could she be so optimistic?

“Flutterheart, I...”

“Shh...” she began, smiling. “I’m not worth crying over.”

“You’re worth everything to me, Fluttershy.” he said, firmly. “Don’t undervalue yourself. You’re the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me and it makes me sad and upset when you try to tell yourself you’re not worth that much.” he said, tears streaming down his eyes. “I don’t want to lose you, but it looks like I am. You’re the only pony I’ve ever felt like I could love, fully reveal myself to. I can actually be myself around you. I just...I love you too much to lose you.”

“Trey, you shouldn’t be crying because I’m not. I’m not worried, silly. You shouldn’t be either.”

“How can you be so optimistic? I don’t understand...”

“Trey, I firmly believe that if there’s a will, there’s a way. I love you more than anything. More than all of my animals combined. I know that you and I are meant to be together. Whether that happens in this life or the next, it’s going to happen. Besides, I can take solace in the fact that even if I die...” she said, smiling, grabbing his hoof. “...your face will be the last thing I see.”

Trey broke down crying at that statement. That was one of the most meaningful things he’d heard from her yet. He gathered his wits and spoke again.

“I tried giving my kidney...but they wouldn’t take it. This is one place where the thought doesn’t count.”

“You’ve given so much to me, Trey...I don’t need your kidney to feel loved. Simply you being here is what I need.” she said, closing her eyes. “All I need is you. Nothing more.”

Trey smiled at her. She was so full of wisdom Trey never knew she had. Trey gently, tenderly, and lovingly, kissed her. She smiled, nuzzling her pillow. She soon feel asleep as the sun set behind Trey, counting off to the last day she would spend on this earth.

Day 3

Fluttershy shuddered.

“It’s cold...” she said. “Can I have another blanket?”

“Fluttershy...you have all the spare blankets on...” said Trey. Obviously her immune system was breaking down due to the kidney. She was under 3 wool blankets and STILL felt cold. She continued to shudder as Trey tried to calm her.

“If I give you another one, you’ll sweat all your fluid out. You need to stay hydrated.”

“But it’s so cold...please...” she said, curling up in a ball to try and get warmer.

“I can’t Fluttershy. Please trust me on that. I wouldn’t do anything that wasn’t good for you.”

“I know...it’s just...cold...”

“I know. I’m sorry.” he said, taking her hoof, placing it to his forehead, a small tear coming to his eye. He’d expected her to go out a little more gracefully than this. Death was a grim reality, indeed. “I wish I could do everything for you right now...but I can’t. I feel so worthless...”

“But you’re worth everything to me. Don’t ever forget that.” she told him. He smiled through his pain, trying to stay strong for her.

“You’re worth everything to me, too.”

“You know, you were always different, Trey.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, Angel actually liked you. He’s never really been nice to anypony else before, especially males. Yet...he just...took a liking to you, I guess. You were always just the nicest colt I’ve ever met. You actually made me...happy. I didn’t know I could feel truly happy until I met you.”

“Fluttershy, I...”

“Trey...It’s alright.” she said, smiling at him. “I love you. That’s never going to change.” she continued, yawning. “I’m tired. Will you be here when I wake up?”

“Yes, Flutterheart.” he said. ‘If you wake up.’ He thought to himself.

***

“Twilight? Are you alright?”

Spike walked into her room, hearing her wailing, crying away. Twilight snapped her head over to his direction, trying to hide her shame.

“No...No I’m not. Fluttershy’s going to die. I don’t think there’s been a donor yet. It’s...the end of our friendship...”

“Just because she’s leaving the earth doesn’t mean she’s leaving your life. You two are great friends. Hold onto that for as long as you can. Why not go visit her?”

“I know I’m going to regret this later, but I just can’t see her like that. I just can’t stand the thought of seeing her dying.”

“It’s better than seeing her dead. Seriously, Twilight...go see her before it’s too late.”

Twilight nodded at him, gathering a satchel, putting some paper, ink, and a quill, as well as a few books in there.

“What’s that for?”

“I have a feeling I’m going to have to write Celestia a letter tonight.”

“Oh. Yeah, I imagine. Twilight?”

“Yes, Spike?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Me too. Me too...” she said, contemplating on her way out the door. She stopped in the frame, looking back at him.

“Spike?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“You know I’ve always loved you, right?”

***

A knock resounded on the door of Fluttershy’s room. Trey got up to answer while Fluttershy stayed sound asleep.

“Oh, hey, Twilight.” said Trey. It was evident there was a sad undertone in his voice.

“Hey...” said Twilight, even more sad than him. “I guess I...came to pay my respects. Is she awake?”

“No...she feel asleep an hour ago.”

“Can...can I see her?”

“Absolutely.”

Twilight walked over to where Fluttershy lay, her angelically perfect form, minus a gash on her head, breathing rhythmically in sleep. Twilight hovered around the body for a minute, tears welling up in her eyes. Trey gently pulled her into a hug. Both of them needed it right now, regardless of any bad blood between them. Twilight embraced the hug quickly and tightly, sobbing into his chest.

“We’re all hurting here. It means a lot that you stopped by. Here.” he said, releasing the hug, waking Fluttershy up. “She’ll want to see you, too.”

Fluttershy stirred awake, turning to her other side.

“Oh...hey, Twilight.” she said, yawning. “I...wasn’t sure if I’d see you again.”

“I wouldn’t miss you for the world. You are one of my best friends...I know I haven’t been acting like it recently...but you really are. You mean a lot to me...and I just wanted to let you know...I love you.” she said, breaking down into hysterics.

“Twilight...I love you too. It means a lot that you showed up. Just glad I could see you one last time.”

“Yeah...” said Twilight, holding back tears. Once she regained her composure, she spoke again. “I need to write Princess Celestia a letter...I’ll see you later.” she said, levitating her ink, quill, and parchment out of her bag while trotting out of the room.

Trey sat with Fluttershy, talking to her for the next hour.

“Remember when I hit you with the Frisbee?”

“Yeah. So does my cheek. Remember when you thought a rain check was Rainbow Dash giving me money?”

Fluttershy giggled a bit. “Remember when you gave me the most valuable thing you had?”

Trey froze a little bit, remembering the good times. “Yeah. I remember you returning it, too. I think you deserve it more than me, though. If you’re going to go out...you should have something of mine.” he said, kissing her lightly and passionately. She blushed, smiling, looking at him with those eyes he loved, the ones he feared he’d never see again.

“I love you, Trey.”

“I love you too, Flutterheart.”

Fluttershy closed her eyes, falling back into sleep. Shortly afterwards, Nurse Redheart stepped into the room, carrying some medical supplies. She hooked up a small bag to Fluttershy’s IV.

“What’s that for?” asked Trey.

“It’s a sedative. She’s going to want to be asleep for this.”

“I guess it’s time, huh...” said Trey, slumping back, starting to cry.

“Yes...” she said. “The surgery will only take about 2 hours, don’t worry.”

“Wait, what?”

“She’s getting a new kidney. I thought you knew?”

“No, not at all.” said Trey, barely able to contain his joy.

“Yep. She’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

“But wait...who donated?”

New beginnings

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned that while friendship is a wonderful thing, sometimes sacrificing something dear to you to keep that friendship alive is worth it. Sometimes you’ll only have to give up a moment of your day to listen to the woes of your friend. Sometimes, you’ll have to give one of the greatest sacrifices-your life. I learned this the hard way. I will be donating my kidney, the only one I have, to Fluttershy. I’ve learned so much from you. You’ve given me friends, everything I could ever ask for. Fluttershy showed mercy, kindness, and compassion. I feel like I’m returning the favor. I want to thank you personally for forcing me from my studies and showing me the world beyond books, full of so many wonders that are begging to be shared by friends. It’s a beautiful world, and I’m glad I could share it with Fluttershy, one last time.

Your Faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle.

***

Twilight held back her tears as she gave Spike the letter.

“Spike? Send this to Princess Celestia, please.”

“What is it? Did you write this?”

“Yes...please do it. I’ll tell you in a second.”

Spike obediently blew his fire on the letter, sending it to Canterlot Castle. Spike looked over at Twilight with a look of concern.

“Twilight?” he asked, concerned. “What’s wrong?”

“I...I’m giving my kidney to Fluttershy. My mind is set. I...I need to do this.”

“Twilight, please don’t...” he began, tears welling in his eyes. Twilight reached out to him, hugging him tight, for the very last time.

“Just make sure nopony hurts the books, alright? Don’t let them hurt you either...”

“Twilight...” Spike managed to choke began sobs. “Please don’t.”

“I have to do this, Spike. It’s only right. There’s something poetically just about it, like a greek tragedy. Romeo and Juliet. That kind of stuff.” she continued, releasing the hug. “I...Spike?”

“...yes?”

“I love you. Always have, always will. Stay strong, my baby dragon.” she said, opening the door. “Stay strong.”

“Twilight, no...” Spike tried to say, but Twilight had already shut the door, on route to the hospital.

***

Twilight walked up to the counter where Nurse Redheart was scribbling hastily on a sheet of paper. Twilight coughed, announcing her presence.

“Oh, Twilight, what can I do for you?”

“I want to donate my kidney to Fluttershy.”

“Well...that’s nice of you. But I’m afraid it’s too late.”

Twilight’s heart dropped to her stomach.

“...what? Too late? I...”

“Yes, somepony else already donated. She’s actually in the procedure now.”

“WHAT?” Twilight yelled. “Another donor? Who?”

“Patient confidentiality. I guess word got around town. Several ponies actually came up, but we took it on a first come, first serve basis. I was shocked at the generosity of the donor.”

“Rarity...” Twilight muttered. Her poetic justice didn’t work out. Her Greek tragedy...her perfect, story-like ending...how could that be ruined?

“Well, it wasn’t her, no. I’ve said far too much already.” she said, getting up out of the chair. “But if you wait, you might be able to catch her on her way out.” she noted, smiling.

“Thank you...” Twilight said, defeated. She shrank into herself, much like Fluttershy did, and sat in the waiting room, hoping to catch a glimpse of who donated. Possibilities raced through her head. If it wasn’t Rarity, then it had to be Pinkie. She was the one with the least amount of responsibility. Applejack had to work the farm, Rainbow Dash the weather. But what if Rainbow Dash exercised her loyalty to Fluttershy and defied her job for the life of a friend? What if Applejack decided to be honest with herself and donate? What if Pinkie Pie decided that Fluttershy was more important than cupcakes? It had to be Pinkie. A kidney for a cupcake...it seemed like a fair trade. It was Pinkie. Definitely Pinkie.

Twilight sat for hours on end, with no patients coming in or out. Did a transplant really take this long? Her books proved otherwise...

“Hey Twilight.”

Twilight looked up to see Trey, standing over her, a smile on his face.

“Hey...”

“She’s going to be alright, Twilight. It’s ok. Relax.”

“It wasn’t supposed to be like this!” she said, out of near insanity that things didn’t go as planned. Trey gave her a strange glance, unsure of what she meant. Did she want Fluttershy dead?

“What do you mean?”

“I was supposed to donate...I was going to lay my life down for her...it...I’ve caused you two so much pain that I’d right the wrongs...”

“Twilight, were you really going to lay your life down for her? You’d be fine, wouldn’t you?”

“I only have one kidney. I’d die. I was supposed to give it to her...”

“Oh.” said Trey, shocked. Twilight had shown compassion, then tried to sabotage a relationship, now she was trying to donate to keep it alive. There was something almost poetic about it. “I think that was a very admirable thought. It’s the thought that counts.”

“No, not really. Not when someponys life is on the line.”

“Twilight...” Trey began, hugging her. “Everything’s going to be fine. Don’t worry.”

“I...” she started, hanging her head. “Yeah.” she conceded.

Trey and Twilight sat in the waiting room for a short while longer before Nurse Redheart approached the two.

“Well, the operation took a little longer the usual, but it was successful. She’s in her room, in stable condition. She’s a little out of it, though.”

“Wait, I never got to see who donated...” said Twilight, a little tone of sadness in her voice.

“Oh, yes. They’re holed up in the same room, don’t worry.” she said, trotting off to attend to other matters. Trey and Twilight hurried to the room, for completely separate reasons.

Once in, Trey took a seat by Fluttershy, who was sleeping off the surgery. Twilight paced about the room frantically. There was no other pony in there. She sighed in frustration. She said they were in the same room.

“Well howdy, y’all.” said Applejack. Twilight turned around to see her in a hospital bed, being rolled into the room. Applejack. Applejack donated.

“Hey there, Applejack. I know she can’t say it right now, but both of us thank you...you have no idea how much.”

“I reckon you’d have done the same thing if I was in that position.”

“How did you find out? I don’t think I told you guys...” Twilight began. Trey looked over at her. She kept it from her friends? A selfish way to an unselfish act...

“Yeah, we wondered about that. Word got around town somehow, and Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and RD all talked about it. Is she asleep?” Applejack asked. Trey nodded.

“The truth is...” she started, her voice lowering. “I donated because Big Macintosh pressed so hard on the issue. He was more upset than most of us when he found out the news. He talked me into it. He still cares for her, that much is for sure. Honestly, I’m glad I did it though. RD needed to work the skies more than I needed to work the farm. We have extra hooves, she doesn’t. Pinkie Pie...well...she would reinjure herself tryin’ to bounce around like she does. I was the most logical donater.”

“What about Rarity?”

“Her? Oh, well...she would have, bein the element of Generosity and all, but I felt a stronger need to do it. So here I am. Huge hole in my side, huge weight off our minds.”

“Trey?”

Trey turned around to see Fluttershy starting to open her eyes slowly. A small smile appeared on her face. She was still weak, but she was trying.

“Flutterheart!” Trey proclaimed, rushing over to the seat beside her. He carefully took one of her hooves into his, kissing it. “How are you feeling?”

“Well...My side hurts...”

“That’s to be expected. How’s it feel to wake up to a new day?”

“It feels...good. It always feels good waking up next to you...I’m tired.”

Trey and Fluttershy continued to talk to each other while Twilight began to leave.

“Twilight?” asked Fluttershy.

“Yes, Fluttershy?”

“Thanks.” she said, the faint smile on her lips.

“I...” she began, almost saying that she didn’t do anything. “...thanks.” she said.

“You leavin so soon?” asked Applejack.

“Yes...I have quite a few things I need to fix pretty quick. I tried to predict time, and, well...didn’t work out so well. Besides, this would make a great letter to the princess.” she said, using the princess as an excuse once again. Applejack nodded and Twilight went out the door, back to the library.

Trey and Fluttershy continued to talk. Applejack closed her eyes, listening to the sweet nothings they were saying to each other. It was almost soothing, listening to two ponies in love. Trey could come up with some of the greatest lines she’d ever heard...Fluttershy couldn’t do anything but blush and smile.

“I love you, Flutterheart.”

“I...” she began, yawning. “I love you too.”

“Now get some rest...” he said, kissing her forehead lightly and delicately, avoiding injuring her. “I’ll be here with you all day.”

And with that, Fluttershy feel into her rhythmic sleep, away from the pain. Applejack soon followed suit, unable to stay awake much longer. Trey smiled at them, getting his journal out for a final writing.

She lived. It’s a miracle. We found a donor at the last minute. I was thinking I wouldn’t be able to love Flutterheart any more...but now we have the rest of our lives. More days of Frisbee injuries, more days of romantic walks, lovely nights spent cuddling up pretending to watch a movie, and of course, more days just to love her and bask in the glorious filly that she is. She is my Flutterheart...she is my everything.

Trey

Epilogue

“Hey, Flutterwing, take it easy!” Trey called out. “You’ll hurt yourself!”

“Oh, they’re little. Let them have fun. Looks like they’re having a lot of it.” said Fluttershy as the two of them watched their children play. “Reminds me of us when we were younger.”

“We’re not old...” said Trey. “I’ve still got some fight in me yet. It’s only been 6 years.”

“I know.” she said, nuzzling her head into him. “I just think it’s cute how you get so worked up over it. You’re as bad as Rainbow Dash.” she said, smiling. Trey put his arm around her, hugging her, pulling her head closer to him. She was so adorable.

“Daddy, come play with us!!!” yelled Flutterwing, the daughter, a white Pegasus with a pink mane.

“Yeah, Dad!” called Anacrusis, a tan Pegasus with a dark black mane. A few red highlights accented his mane, giving him his father’s image.

“You really want me to win again?” Trey called out to them.

“Go easy on them, Treyble.” said Fluttershy.

“Always.” said Trey, smiling. Fluttershy had finally come up with a pet name for him. After several that just didn’t fit, like Treighth note, or Treynee, Treyble Clef seemed to fit the best.

“Alright...I got a new game...” said Trey.

“A new game?” said the children, bringing in close to him.

“Yes...it’s called...tickle and everything.” said Trey, quickly reaching out and holding them tight, tickling them as they tried to escape. This had been a game Trey got his father to play with him. He created it himself and now understood just how great it felt to play it as a dad. Fluttershy smiled from the porch as she watched the stallion she loved prance about the yard, chasing the kids, hearing their shrieks of laughter. She continued to watch, mesmerized. The days and years had slipped by so fast. Sometimes she wished she’d kept a diary, a catalogue of their days together...

Soon, Trey managed to capture the kids again, but they both tackled him as he wrestled with them on the ground, tickling them all the way. Fluttershy carefully got up from the porch, avoiding hitting her stomach, and went to fix dinner, his favorite meal.

***

“But I’m not tired, Dad!”

“It’s your first day of school tomorrow, Flutterwing. You too, Anacrusis. Cheerilee’s going to want to see your bright smiling faces. Not some tired, mopey foals who can’t pay attention!”

“Will you tell us a story?” asked Anacrusis.

“Sure. Which one do you want to hear this time?”

“Tell us how you met mommy!” said Flutterwing.

“Yeah!”

“Well...” said Trey, looking over at Fluttershy, who smiled. “See, I came here from Canterlot...as you know I took a teaching position. Well, I got introduced to a few friends, whose children you’re bound to see tomorrow, by the way. One of those friends was the absolute most beautiful mare I’d ever seen.” he said, as Fluttershy blushed.

“Get to the good part already!”

“All good things to those who wait. Anyways, this beautiful mare, who just happens to be right beside you, caught my eye.”

“Wouldn’t that hurt?” asked Flutterwing.

“It’s a figure of speech, Flutterwing, silly! I just meant that since she was so beautiful, I paid a lot of attention to her.”

“Mom, what did you think of him?”

“Well...I don’t know if you could tell, but I was terribly shy. The way he introduced himself and his kindness took me by surprise, I guess. I’d never really known anypony to stick with me when I couldn’t introduce myself.”

“After that day, I just couldn’t get her out of my head. Soon, we became best friends, and, well...I fell in love with her.”

“Awwwww!” said Flutterwing.

“Yeah, yeah, when did you kiss her?” asked Anacrusis. He seemed genuinely interested, even for his age.

“Well would you look at the time! Guess we’ll have to save that part of the story for tomorrow night.” he said, winking. They complained loudly, asking for more. “Well the faster you fall asleep, the faster you can wake up to a new day of storytelling!” he said, to which the kids promptly went to their rooms, closing their eyes tight, trying to fall asleep. Trey smiled as he and Fluttershy went into their bedroom, closing the door behind them.

Once inside, Trey caught Fluttershy by surprise, giving her a powerful, emotional kiss. She couldn’t help but melt.

“I love you, Flutterheart. More than anything.” he said, looking deep into her eyes, the very ones he fell in love with on the first day he met her.

She smiled at him, gaining her composure, kissing him back romantically, leading him back into the bed. “I love you too, Trey. More than you love me.”

“No way...I love you more.”

“I love you most.”

“I love you mostest.”

Fluttershy exhaled quickly, smiling, before kissing him again as they laid on the bed, facing each other. They stared into each other’s eyes for a long while, Trey rubbing the side of her face, Fluttershy playing with his mane. She didn’t know why, but she enjoyed running her hoof through his hair. It seemed romantic and sensual. For as romantic as the two were, it was quite appropriate.

“Hey, Flutterheart?”

“Yes?”

“Did you know that you’re still the prettiest mare in the world?” he said, quickly putting his hoof to her heart. “And that your nickname never fails?”

Fluttershy, impulsively, kissed him, madly in love with him. He always found a way to make her feel wanted, loved, appreciated...she couldn’t live without him.

As Trey returned her impulsive act of love, he reflected on how she could always make him feel worth something. He’d never had self-esteem in his life, but ever since he fell in love with Fluttershy, he had a reason to believe in himself. Every time he gave her a kiss, she matched the emotion with a fervor like no other. She made him feel wanted, loved, appreciated...he couldn’t live without her.

As they settled down, looking into each other’s eyes again, Trey stroked her face again. “I have something for you.” he said.

“For me?” she asked. “What’s the occasion?”

“Beautiful mares don’t need an occasion.” he said, to which she blushed and smiled. He got off the bed, to his closet. He returned with two relatively old, worn journals with assorted scraps of paper.

“What’s that?” she asked, curious.

“This, my love...is a journal. I’ve been keeping a diary for a long time. I’ve never shared this with anypony. And I...I want to share it with you. It starts shortly before I came here...and continues up to today. I guess it’s sort of a catalogue of our adventures. I never get tired of going back and reliving some of my greatest memories with you. I think it’d be fun to relive them together.” he said, smiling at her.

Fluttershy couldn’t contain her excitement as she smiled from ear to ear. “Trey, I love you. You always know how to make me happy. I’d love to revisit lost time with you.” she said, bringing him in for another kiss. Trey smiled at her.

“Want to start tonight?”

“If that’s ok with you.”

“Absolutely. I guess you could call these the Flutterheart diaries.”

Fluttershy smiled at him. He was just so cute. He didn’t even know why, but he was.

Trey opened one of the journals up and started reading to her. Fluttershy rested her head on his chest, nuzzling him, as he read to her until she fell asleep, lost in memories not too far gone.

Bonus: A Flutterheart Christmas

“Angel, give it back!” warned Fluttershy, chasing after him. Angel had decided he wanted the trimming, and chomped down on it, hopping off, dragging a green, leafy snake-like decoration behind him. Trey laughed a little, putting his hoof down on the trimming, effectually stopping Angel from continuing on with it. Fluttershy picked him up as he shook about, trying to hop away with it again.

“Now Angel, these decorations are for the tree, silly! These aren’t for playing.” she said, as he let his body relax, defeated.

“Now let go, Angel.” she said nicely. Angel shook his head, refusing.

“Angel...” she began. Suddenly, a knock on the door brought them both to attention. Fluttershy put Angel down, leaving to answer it as he hopped away with it again. Trey kept his hoof on the trimming, amused by Angel trying to force it from under him.

“Hey, Twilight!” said Fluttershy. “Come on in!” she continued, opening the door for her.

“Hey, everypony. I figured I’d bring something to eat, since you’ve offered your house.” she continued, levitating a casserole of some sort to the dining table.

“Well that’s very nice of you!” said Fluttershy, smiling at her. “Oh, hey Applejack!”

Applejack, who had been standing behind Twilight, obviously out of sight, tipped her hat. “Howdy, Ma’am. I brought the Apple family specialty again...hope that ain’t a bother.”

“Oh, no, we look forward to it!” said Fluttershy. Twilight nodded her head as well. Applejack carried her saddlebag to the kitchen, setting it gently on the floor.

“Trey? Can I trouble ya for some help?”

“Oh, sure!” said Trey. He looked at the trimming beneath him, Angel still struggling. He rolled his eyes, bending down to bite off a small chunk, as Angel happily bounced away with a small portion of it.

“Now on the count of three...” said Applejack, putting her front hooves under a giant vat of Apple Cider.

As Trey and Applejack worked the kitchen, Rarity and Rainbow Dash entered unannounced.

“Well, hello, darlings!” said Rarity, clad in a red scarf and green hat. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, flying inside.

“Oh, hey girls!” said Fluttershy, slightly overwhelmed at everypony suddenly showing up. Pinkie Pie didn’t help matters as she happily bounced in, several boxes of red and green cupcakes in tow. How they managed to stay balanced on her back wasn’t quite understood, but then again, neither was Pinkie.

“HI!” she yelled, beaming from ear to ear, shaking the boxes off her back onto the table. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought Gummy.” she added, pointing to him, suctioned on to one side of her face.

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll behave.” said Fluttershy, smiling. “We didn’t really finish decorating...I hope that’s not a problem...”

“Not at all! Why not let us help?” asked Twilight.

“I don’t see why not.” said Trey, appearing from the kitchen. “Just don’t let Angel get a hold of the trimming and garland. He thinks it’s a giant vegetable.” he added, laughing.

As each pony helped with their specialties, Applejack lifting heavy boxes, Pinkie setting party items on the table, Rarity making sensational adornments, Twilight laying those adornments out immaculately and perfectly where Trey and Fluttershy couldn’t, and Rainbow Dash lazing about on the couch, mentioning how great a job everypony was doing, the house slowly but surely came together in true holiday spirit.

“I guess the only thing left is the tree.” said Trey, glancing about the room, smiling at how magnificent the cottage looked. “All the ornaments are in that box.” he said, pointing to one Applejack had set aside earlier. “Shall we deck the halls?”

After about an hour, lights, trimming, garland, ornaments, bells, jingles, whistles, and a wide assortment of other holiday decorations adorned the walls of Fluttershy’s cottage.

“All that’s left is the angel on top.” said Fluttershy.

“I don’t think he’ll stay up there.” said Twilight, searching for him.

Fluttershy picked up a small tree topper from the box, in the shape of an angel.

“What was that, Twilight?” asked Fluttershy.

“Oh, nothing.” she said, giving an awkward blush and smile. Everypony except Fluttershy let out a little laugh.

“Um...okay.” she said. “Trey?” she began, turning towards him.

“Yeah?”

“Do you want to do it?”

“Nah. I’ll get next year. You should get our first Christmas together.” he added, winking. Fluttershy blushed, smiling, as the other ponies smiled a bit. It wasn’t too long ago that Fluttershy had still been bed-ridden from the surgery. Only last month was she able to move and fly. Trey knew that even though she didn’t want to let it on, Fluttershy wanted to put the angel on top. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Oh...alright then.” she said, still beaming as she flew above the tree, placing the angel on top.

“Well, I must say, this cottage just looks fabulous!” said Rarity. The other ponies there all nodded in admiration and agreement. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah...when do we eat?” she asked. Pinkie Pie jumped up in excitement.

“Oh, yes! Let’s eat!” she said. “I hope you like the cupcakes!”

Twilight put her face to her hoof. She wanted to admire the room a little more, but whatever. “I don’t think you’ve ever made any bad cupcakes.” she began. “But let’s eat some real food first.”

***

“Now, Applejack, is this the same cider you made last year?” asked Twilight.

“Yes ma’am!”

“Did you change the recipe at all?”

“Nope. Is somethin’ wrong?”

“No, I think it tastes a little better than it did last year. Are you sure you didn’t add something?”

“You say that every year, Twilight.” began Rarity. “You just forget what it tastes like, darling.”

“Oh.” said Twilight, sheepishly smiling.

“You say THAT every year, too.” said Rainbow Dash, to which everypony laughed.

“So...it looks like everypony’s done...” said Fluttershy.

“Oh, yes. It was simply marvelous!” said Rarity.

“Cupcake time!” yelled Pinkie.

“Oh, yes...of course.” said Fluttershy. Pinkie quickly opened a box, dolling out the sweet treats hurriedly. Once everypony had one, she quickly buried her head in the box, inhaling several at a time.

“Well...” began Trey. “They must be really good.” he continued, taking a bite, to which another round of laughter ensued.

After dinner, all the ponies gathered in the living room, sitting, talking, admiring each other’s company on this cold Christmas Eve.

“Say, Everypony, did you remember to bring a wrapped gift?”

“Oh, yes!” said several of them, retrieving assorted boxes wrapped in paper.

“I still can’t imagine what these are for.” said Rarity.

“Yeah, why not just give gifts to everypony outright?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Well you can do that too, but this is something I just remembered from my days in Canterlot! The librarians and I would always buy some sort of cheap, funny gift, and wrap it up. But you never knew what gift was what. Everypony got a turn to pick one, and whatever gift you picked, you were stuck with! It’s really funny sometimes. We called it Albino Pachyderm!”

“Albino what?” asked Applejack, confused.

“Er...white elephant.” said Twilight, putting her face to her hoof. She forgot that technical words weren’t exactly well known down here.

“Oh...I’ve never seen an elephant!” said Fluttershy, excited.

“Well I’m afraid you won’t tonight. It’s just what we call it. So...everypony place your gifts on the table and we’ll draw names out of a hat to see who goes first!” said Twilight. She was way too excited.

As everypony put their names in, Twilight, almost frantic to see what would come of this, shook her hat, pulling out a name.

“Well...it looks like Rarity goes first!”

***

“Well that was...intrestin’” said Applejack, still trying to figure out what sort of practical application she could find for horseshoe polish. Her hooves never stayed clean long enough for it to matter.

“I have to agree.” said Rarity, still wondering what she could do with a dog collar.

“Yeah, I kinda bought stuff with specific ponies in mind...” said Rainbow Dash, trying to understand why she got a horn filer.

“I think it was kinda fun...” said Fluttershy, as she played with her new puzzle. Trey was too absorbed in figuring out how to open a can he was given.

“Gummy liked it!” said Pinkie, as Gummy gently gnawed on his brand new ball.

“I couldn’t be happier!” said Twilight, eying over her new quill set. “But don’t worry. I’m sure some of you got stuck with useless gifts. But the fun thing is, next year you can totally throw that gift back in if you don’t want it! Oh, the librarians and I had an ongoing joke where we wouldn’t want a book about making books!” she said, clopping her hooves together in excitement before realizing everypony was staring at her. “Ahem...yes...and I uh...got stuck with it the last year we did it.” she added, simmering down.

“Oh!” said Fluttershy, as Angel hopped up in her lap, yawning loudly. He still carried the trimming he stole earlier, but soon fell asleep next to her. “Well it seems like Some little rabbit is ready for Santa Hooves to visit!” she said, smiling at him.

“Well, I’d best get back to the farm. Applebloom’s gonna need to get ready for Santa Hooves too.”

“And Sweetie Belle.”

“And Spike.”

“And Fluttershy.” added Trey, putting his head on her shoulder, still trying to figure out that can.

“Oh, and Gummy!” said Pinkie. “He’s gonna make a haul tonight, I bet!” she added, scooping him up, letting him suction cup himself to her accordingly. How she could stand that was unclear...then again, so was Pinkie.

“Well, I guess we’d better call it a night, girls!” said Twilight. “Can’t wait to do this next year!”

“Agreed.” said Rarity, as the other ponies nodded their heads.

“And on a side note...” began Fluttershy. “...I just wanted to thank you girls. I wasn’t quite sure I’d have this Christmas. So...thanks, everypony.”

“Aw, Sugarcube...” said Applejack, getting a little teary eyed. Everypony there soon swarmed her for a large group hug before beginning to disband.

“Trey? You alright?”

“Yeah...” he said, wiping a tear from his eye, returning to his puzzle to seem busy. “I almost got...AGH!” he shouted, as the can burst open, launching copious amounts of confetti and streamers into the air. Pinkie fell to the ground laughing, kicking her legs up into the air as Angel, suddenly jolted awake, hopped off elsewhere in a hurry. Fluttershy screeched loudly as well, as the entire room sat in shocked silence for a second, before they all cracked up laughing.

“You got me!” said Trey. “Guess I’ll have to return the favor one day, huh?”

“Oh, Trey, you’re such a crack-up! Oh, you can keep the rest of the cupcakes!” she added, scooping up Gummy again, who’d fallen off of her, bouncing off into the chilly night.

“Well, I guess we’ll see each other tomorrow or the day after.” said Rarity, bidding them adieu.

“Well it was great seeing you guys again!” said Twilight. “Feel free to stop by the library anytime tomorrow if you want to visit.”

“And another thanks for havin me over, Fluttershy.” said Applejack. “I’ll get the cider vat from ya later. Feel free to finish it off. See y’all later!” she added, trotting off.

“And uh...yeah. We’ll do this again next year. Glad to see you’re doing okay though.” said Rainbow Dash. “Well...I’ll be in the sky. Scootaloo wanted me to visit tomorrow, so I’d better rest up.” she added, flying out the door.

“That’s nice of her.” said Trey, closing the door. “Now...are you ready for Santa?”

“Oh, yes.” began Fluttershy. “Angel?” she asked, hoping he would reappear. He poked his head from under the couch, anxiously looking around. “There’s nothing to worry about anymore, silly.” she smiled, picking him up, as he still gnawed on the trimming.

“Why does he like that trimming so much?” asked Trey. “He seems a little spoiled.” he added, rubbing Angel’s head with his hoof. Angel yawned loudly once again, curling up against Fluttershy’s arms.

“Well he’s a very tired bunny, if anything.” said Fluttershy, rubbing her cheek up against him.

“Are you ready for Santa Hooves?” asked Trey. Angel lethargically nodded, trying to open his eyes to look Trey in the eye.

“Well that’s good. Now, let’s get you to bed so he’ll show up tonight!” said Fluttershy, carrying him off to his little nook in the house, where he stayed in cold weather. Both Trey and Fluttershy smiled, watching him curl up and quickly fall asleep.

“Oh?” said Trey, noticing the trimming on the couch. He picked it up and put it on Angel, who then hugged it before lapsing into sleep.

“So...are YOU ready for Santa?” asked Trey.

“Oh, yes. He’s my favorite pony.” she added giving him a small wink, kissing him lightly.

“I still say Fluttershy is best pony.” said Trey, kissing her back.

Fluttershy blushed, smiling. It never ceased to amaze Trey that even after months of saying the same things over and over, she still blushed at it. Not that he was complaining.

Fluttershy started to head towards her room, flipping the lights off. As Trey and Fluttershy both settled into bed together, they started debating over whose gift would be better.

“I think you’ll like my gift best.” said Trey, rubbing her cheek with his hoof.

“I don’t think so, mister.” said Fluttershy, smiling at him almost deviantly. She wasn’t used to being authoritative and telling other ponies what they would like, but this was a welcome change.

“There’s no way that my gift to the most beautiful mare in the world wouldn’t be the best.” he said, quickly putting his hoof to her chest. “And your body says it all, Flutterheart.”

“Oh...” she said, blushing at him. She couldn’t help but smile, tears nearly welling in her eyes with happiness.

“You know...ever since I met you, I knew that I wanted to spend time with you.” she started, catching Trey off-guard a bit. “I’m just glad that we can spend this Christmas together. It doesn’t matter that my gift is better than yours. The only gift I really need is you.” she finished, looking deep into his eyes, showing the ones he loved so much.

“Flutterheart, I...”

“Shh...” she said, putting a hoof to his lip. Trey quickly tried to shut up, unable to keep a smile off his lips. Fluttershy then slowly brought her face to his, kissing him passionately. “I love you, Trey. I love you more than anything.”

“I love you too, Fluttershy.” said Trey, tears in his eyes from happiness. He gently kissed her back, letting his emotion carry him away as they caressed and cuddled for the rest of the night, eagerly awaiting the morning, eventually falling asleep in each other’s arms.

***

“Ouch!” said Trey, suddenly jolted awake by Angel tapping his foot on his head. “Is it morning already?” he asked, to which Angel violently nodded, impatient. Fluttershy smiled as she woke up, laughing at him.

“It’s too early...” said Trey, putting his head back on the pillow.

“Oh, Trey, we did the same thing when we were young.” said Fluttershy. Trey knew she was right. Every foal woke up early, begging their parents to get up before the crack of dawn. Suddenly, Trey sprung forth with new energy, realizing that it was, indeed, Christmas Day, and that he had to give Fluttershy his gift. He rushed out of bed, nearly knocking Angel to the floor.

As soon as Trey and Fluttershy were settled, they each divvied up the presents between each other, making sure angel got his first. He ripped up the paper, revealing a new bedding, surrounded by the same trimming he gnawed earlier. A few carrots sat on the bed, to which he devoured, hopping into his new bedding, snuggling against the trimming.

“Well...I think he likes it.” said Trey, as he and Fluttershy stared in amazement as the scene. Paper surrounded him with a 15 hoof radius, carrot munchings and bits left about the vicinity. Fluttershy chuckled a little, pushing a present in front of him.

“This isn’t the best one I have for you, but I want you to open that one first.”

“Likewise.” said Trey, pushing a present to her, as he ripped the paper in front of him.

“Oh, Trey...” said Fluttershy, smiling uncontrollably as she pulled out a bright colored sweater. Trey remembered that those were her favorite colors and couldn’t resist. Granted, they didn’t wear clothes much anyway, but it was good for cold weather.

“Oh, wow.” said Trey, looking at a kit in front of him.

“I went down to Parch’s Parchments and got a few things together.” she said, smiling. Trey pulled out several sheets of composition paper, ink, quills, and staff paper.

“Thank you! I know just what I’m going to work on next.” he said.

“What’s that?”

“A song for you.” he said, smiling, pushing another small present in front of her. She blushed, opening up the small sack, pulling out two tickets.

“There’s a huge concert coming up, and I thought you might like to go.” said Trey. “I know you’ve never been to the Canterlot Symphony Hall...I thought you might find it fun!”

“Oh, yes!” she added, pushing another present towards him. Trey opened it, a large, square, flat package, revealing a huge framed picture of Ponyville High school’s band.

“I got my hooves on one of those group photos you had and I had it blown up and framed.”

Trey wiped a tear from his eye, setting it aside.

“Is everything alright? Is it bad?” she asked. Trey said nothing, instead pulling her in for a tight hug, whispering a soft “I love you.” into her ear. She smiled and hugged him tightly.

“Now...this one...” said Trey, grabbing the last box he had for her. “This one isn’t my last present, but it’s my second favorite.”

“Oh?” asked Fluttershy, opening it curiously. She opened it to find a rather large, square book with several paper trimmings. “What is it?”

“I got some help, and I made a scrapbook of all of our time together.” he said, opening it up to a random page, revealing a picture of Trey and Fluttershy at Winter Wrap Up, taking care of the animals. Fluttershy flipped through the pages curiously, tears in her eyes of happiness. Then she got to the last page.

“I...I wrote a few things down in a journal while you were sick...and I felt it was a good note to end on.” he said, waiting for her to read it. She unabashedly bawled, putting the scrapbook aside, launching herself into him for the tightest hug she’d ever given. Trey simply returned it, tears of his own welling up. “I love you, Fluttershy.”

“I love you, Trey...” she managed to choke out.

Once they were done with the emotional scene, Fluttershy pushed her last present to him. “This one is my best present to you. I hope you like it.” she said, eagerly awaiting for him to open it.

Trey carefully unwrapped the present, finding a small, leather journal. He curiously opened it, finding a long note that she’d written him.

Trey,

I know that nothing I ever say or do will ever be able to truly demonstrate how much I love you.

Ever since I met you, that first day you came into town, I knew you were different. I knew there was something unique about you. I didn’t know what it was...all I knew was that I liked it. I was far too shy to say anything though, and I thought that I was bound to lose you before I even had you. I visited the band at practice one day, just to see what it was you do. Honestly, I just wanted to see you. I didn’t have any animals to take care of right then, like I said at first. I wanted to see you more, but was far too shy to say anything. When you invited me to the hoofball game, I felt the happiest in my life that I could remember for a long time. Then I embarrassed myself by forgetting to ask you the time and place, and I felt terrible, thinking that I may have lost you again.

Then you showed up around me, somehow. I couldn’t do anything but apologize...and yet you refused to say that I had any fault in it. I felt so much better about myself then that I decided to take a risk for you. I knew my way home, I’ve done it several times, but I used the darkness as an excuse to spend more time with you.

Then we met again the next day, and I couldn’t have been happier. We sat on the couch, talking. It felt great that somepony finally wanted to know about me. I felt like I could trust you. I...I had developed feelings for you at that point. And when you said you liked me, my heart raced...or fluttered, I should say. I could tell by the way you tried to cover your tracks that you were too shy to tell me you felt the same. I wasn’t sure though, until you told me. And I was so happy that day, that night. That was the happiest I’d ever been.

Every night, I would lie awake and wonder if you felt the same. I knew I wanted to spend time with you, but I was too shy to ask that of you. But you came to me, instead. You taught me a new game, Frisbee. And though it’s fun to play, I know I hit you while trying to learn. I felt terrible after that, so I bandaged you up. A little much for a bruise, I know, but I just couldn’t help myself.

And we spent the next day together as well, which made me truly happy. The day went by so smoothly, time seemed to travel in an instant. When the day finally ended, and you tried to go home, my heart nearly broke. So I took another risk, and asked you how your cheek was, since I’d hit it. I kissed your cheek, under the pretense of kissing to make it better. Really, I just wanted an excuse to kiss you. I know I shut my door quickly after that, but it was only because too many emotions stirred up in me that I couldn’t control. My legs felt like jelly, I was under your control. I’d never felt happier in my life.

Then we met again, of course, and you made me even happier simply with your presence. But that night, you wanted to give me something. I had never wanted anything other than you, but that night, you told me you wanted to give me something, and I could hardly contain my excitement. When I heard you would want it back, I felt slightly disappointed, but you more than made up for it by asking me to close my eyes and hold out my hoof. When you unexpectedly kissed me, I was caught so off guard by it, I froze, unable to give you it back, which I so desperately wanted to do. Then, you left quickly, reminding me that you’d want it back. You broke the record again, making me the happiest I’d ever been. I could barely move, immobilized by love. I couldn’t sleep well at all that night, as I would picture that kiss over and over again, savoring the moment. I wanted to give you one so badly for so long, but never had the courage. Then, you gave me that courage the following night when I told you I had something of yours. I worked up my courage and kissed you back. I was on cloud 9, so to speak, for that entire night. When I told you I didn’t want you to leave, I never expected you to stay, but you made me the happiest I’d ever been again, as we spent the entire night kissing and cuddling, pretending to watch movies. From that point on, I knew that my like for you was love. I loved you, I just didn’t know how to say it.

And of course we spent time together afterwards for as much as we could. I’m not sure what got into Twilight, but we overcame that little obstacle, since our love for each other was too strong.

Then I put myself out there and trusted you completely with my past. You listened to every word, not saying much, instead only hugging me and telling me that everything was alright, that you loved me, and that things would get better. Nopony before I felt I could trust with that...I felt they’d run away...but...you stayed. And I can’t thank you enough. I loved you even more.

But then it was really put to the test when I got attacked by the manticore. I still don’t recall much of that day, but I do know that when I woke up, you were right there beside me. I’ve never woken up to a more beautiful sight, than the stallion I love next to me in my time of need.

Then we discovered I’d need a new kidney. You had to find out that I had a defunct one. I didn’t want you to know, lest you think I was imperfect. But, we searched and searched. You tried to donate, but it wouldn’t work. Things were put off until the last day. But those two days, you stayed by my side, never faltering. You cried, and I tried to stay strong. But on the inside, I was scared. I felt like I wouldn’t have a lifetime with you, that our time was short, that I didn’t have just one more time to tell you that I loved you. I thought all would be lost...

Watching you cry, hearing you cry when you thought I was asleep hurt. But soon, it all came to an end as we found a mysterious donor at the last second. Soon, our lives were complete again. You took care of me while I was bed-ridden, helped me while I was still limited in my movement, and never once complained about what a dead weight I was. You mean so much to me. You’ve done so much for me. There’s nothing I can say or do that will ever be able to explain my gratitude. The only thing I really can say is that I love you. I love you so tremendously much and I don’t want to lose you.

I am your Flutterheart. You picked the name well. I’m sorry I haven’t come up with one for you yet. But just know that regardless, I love you, and I wouldn’t mind spending the rest of my life with you. I. Love. You.

Flutterheart

Trey put down the journal, wiping tears from his eyes. This was the most emotional Christmas ever, if anything. He hugged Fluttershy tight for as long as felt right, before kissing her passionately on the lips.

“None of those gifts I gave you come close to that. You’re right. You win.” he said. Fluttershy simply laughed a little bit, letting him continue. “But...my last gift for you...I think is better. Wait here.” he said, quickly, hurriedly, jumping up and trotting off.

“Now, close your eyes.” he said from the other room. Fluttershy did so, smiling uncontrollably.

“Now keep them closed.” said Trey, getting close to her, much like he did when he first gave her a kiss. “Now, Fluttershy, I know you said it best in your journal. But when you say that there’s nothing you can do or say to show me how much you love me, you’re wrong. Every time you kiss me, you show me. Every time you talk to me, you tell me. But Flutterheart, what I need from you now is only one word. Open your eyes.”

Fluttershy opened her eyes, jumping back in shock, tears in her eyes. Trey was knelt before her, presenting a diamond wedding ring in a box. Tears streamed down Fluttershy’s face as she covered her mouth with her hooves.

“Fluttershy...will you give me the best Christmas ever...and marry me?”

Unexpected arrival

“Sparkle in my life, Twilight...”

“Sparkle...”

“Sparkle...for me...”

“Be my bandmaster.”

Twilight awoke to her early alarm going off again. Her dreams recently had been focused on one thing: Trey. Yet, she’d been very scatterbrained in how she approached it. Ever since the “Sparkle in my life” dream, she’d never quite been able to get over it. Hearing such compliments in her life just made her...happy. She’d long desired such affection, but never knew exactly how to go about it. She’d read multiple books on the subject, read some of the more...interesting...pickup line novels, and still...what was she missing?

She munched down on breakfast, pondering over the same proposal she’d been thinking of for a while.

“Twilight?”

Twilight suddenly snapped out of it, looking at Spike.

“Yes?”

“You alright? You seem out of it recently.”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking.”

“Whatcha thinking about?”

“Whether to give you the day off or not.” she said, lying.

Spike simply nodded at her, smiling a bit.

“Well I guess you have the day off, then. Have fun!” she said, as Spike let out a gentle “Alright!” and ran out the door for other unknown activities. Twilight then continued pondering to herself silently, habitually grazing on her food.

***

“Good morning.” said Trey, as he once again woke up to the most beautiful sight of Fluttershy right next to him. “Hope you slept well.”

“I can never sleep bad next to you, silly.” she said, smiling at him, kissing him. He smiled back at her and stroked her face with his hoof tenderly.

“I always love waking up next to you. Now, Rainbow Dash gave me another rain check. Let’s have some breakfast.”

Fluttershy smiled and lightly kissed him again before letting him get up.

***

Twilight trotted down Ponyville, hoping not to get seen by any of her friends. As Trey’s house drew nearer, she suddenly spotted Fluttershy leaving. Trey waved her goodbye, blowing her a kiss. Twilight took note of this and waited until he closed the door, when Fluttershy was well out of sight. She took a deep breath in, trotted up, and knocked on the door.

Trey opened the door, a small look of surprise on his face as he noticed Twilight.

“Hello there, Twilight. What can I do for you?”

“Um...I just have a few questions. Can I come in?”

“Uh...sure.” he said, letting her step in, showing her to the couch. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, I’m writing a new report on love, and, well...books just don’t do it. Since I need to interview ponies, I was wondering if you’d like to give your opinion on the matter.” she said.

Trey clearly saw through this ploy but played along. “What do you want to know?”

“How do you know if you’ve fallen in love?”

“There’s really no good way to describe it. You just know. Love isn’t about finding a pony you can live with...it’s about finding somepony you can’t live without.”

Twilight pretended to write it down, shortly before realizing she didn’t bring any sort of parchment or quill. She sighed, frustrated with herself.

“That’s a very good way to look at it.” she said. “So what attracted you to Fluttershy?”

“Well, I’ve always had a bit of a thing for shy fillies.” he said, much to Twilight’s astonishment. Most colts thought confidence was a big turn-on, according to her studies. Trey never ceased to defy expectations.

“And why would that be?”

“Well...probably because I’m an habitually natured creature, and I’m actually slightly introverted and shy as well. She’s like sticking with the familiar. Besides, I just think it’s cute. But that’s just the purely psychological explanation.” he said, nodding at Twilight. He knew she’d want that.

“You seem to know a lot about psychology...” stated Twilight.

“I may be introverted, but because of it, I’ve had a lot of time to study ponies. Their attitudes, what works socially and what doesn’t. There are some things books can’t teach you. Some things, only books can teach you. It’s healthy to find a balance.”

“How would you psychologically describe Fluttershy? Why do you think she, psychologically, would be attracted to you?”

“I think because she needs a good colt in her life. She had something bad happen to her, yes. Deep in her mind, she wants something to prove to her that not all colts are the same. Since everypony in Ponyville already knows what happened with her, she wanted a fresh start. That’s where I came in. I’ve strived my entire life to be anything but typical, and I can only hope that Fluttershy accepts it. I know that she’s shy, yes, but she’s desired for so long to have a true friend, and she feels slightly neglected. I guess I give her the attention she needs, in a truly beneficial way. She also likes the feeling of knowing that she’s helping somepony. She’s truly helping me out by allowing herself to love me and vice versa. It’s a mutualistic relationship.”

Twilight froze for a second. That was an excessively good explanation. He was a lot smarter than she gave him credit for, which was saying a lot, since she already knew he was smart.

“Are you satisfied with Fluttershy?”

“I’m more than satisfied.”

“Is Fluttershy satisfied with you?”

“I think you should stick around and ask her yourself.” he said. Twilight almost shunned the idea, but gracefully accepted it. “She’ll be right back.”

“You two spend a lot of time together.”

“Usually that’s what ponies do when they’re in love.” Trey said, making his answers intentionally bland and mundane, almost sarcastic. “Besides, I don’t like the moments I have to spend away from her. You’d be surprised at how much Fluttershy feels the same way once she finds somepony to really love her.”

“I’m sure she’s very happy to have you.” she said, not thinking of much else to say. She’d completely tuned out, though. She suddenly pondered to herself as to what he could give her that her other friends couldn’t. Apparently Trey gave her something that Twilight failed to give her as a good friend. What was she missing?

“Would you say you’re also friends with Fluttershy?” she asked.

“Yes. But there’s a difference between simply being a friend and being in love. A good friend will do nearly everything somepony in love will do. The only difference, however, is how you react to it. For example, you and I would both rush to Fluttershy’s aid should she be in trouble. She’d show proclivity towards me showing up though, since she loves me. It’s not a matter of seeing who cares, but seeing who you care about.”

“Oh...am I interrupting?” asked Fluttershy, who’d been standing in the doorway.

“Not at all.” said Twilight. “I just had a few questions to ask for a research paper. Care to answer some for me?”

“Oh..um...sure.” she said shyly, unsure of what she was getting into.