Log Twenty-Two - Chapter Twenty-One

The time for the coronation drew nearer the more I squandered around getting prepared, so without further delay I decided to skip combing my hair and quickly donned my suit-jacket and pants in a careful fashion.  As I made my hasty egress from the bathroom down to the stairs, while paying a wary mind to the steps this time, I contemplated what Discord had said in the bathroom.

Yes, he made a rather convincing case that there were plentiful benefits to dating royalty.  But, I'm pretty concerned on the matter that if I dated Twilight just for that despicable purpose, it would devastate her to the very depth of her soul.  And I would not dare envision how Fluttershy, and her other close friends for that matter, would react to that.

Probably unkindly would be the appropriate term to use.

As for Celestia's reaction?  Well, it's obvious whether I'd get catapulted to the sun or get tossed in a dark dungeon and become spoils for the rats.  Or worse...  She might strap me to a chair and force me against my will to listen to Pinkie Pie prattle on and on about stupid stuff for an entire day.  That'd be something straight out of a nightmare.

Maybe I'm exaggerating a teeny bit.  But I'm not taking any chances!

I eventually reached the bottom of the stairs.  In the center of the living room, I saw my daughter having a hushed discussion with Angel who seemed indignant judging by his narrowed, beady eyes.

I sauntered toward the two furtively as Fluttershy had just about gone over the rules with Angel.

"Alright, Angel," Fluttershy said softly.  "Be sure to behave yourself while we're absent.  I left you a nice, small bowl of delicious salad with whip cream and a cherry on that table."  Fluttershy pointedly glanced at the said table, and indeed sitting on it was a fairly-sized bowl of healthy-looking greens layered with a mountain of whip cream and a ripe-looking cherry on its peak.  I'm not much of a vegetarian but damn it looked mighty appetizing.  "I shouldn't be gone for too long, sweetie," she crooned, "and when I come home and see you've been a good bunny, I'll fluff your tail two times a day for a whole week.  Deal?"

Crossing his tiny and furry arms, the little fluffball tapped his left foot, his eyes still narrowed.

Fluttershy smiled motherly.  "I know you're a little mad, but it's only for a while.  Can I count on you to keep an eye on the animals and the house for me?" she asked.  "Pretty please?"

Angel considered the thought and scratched the bottom of his chin.  He pantomimed several gestures I couldn't decipher but Fluttershy nodded here and there like she understood him entirely.

"Three times a day?" Fluttershy queried.  Angel answered with a brief, firm nod.  "Alright, Angel.  Three times a day for a week."

Angel's defiance was alleviated by my daughter's concession.  He jerked a smile of satisfaction and then scurried off elsewhere.  Fluttershy blew out a relieved sigh and smiled.  She swiveled her neck an inch, her small smile then broadened when she saw me.  I gladly reciprocated with my own.

"Quite the little tike," I started conversationally.

"Angel's still a young bunny," Fluttershy remarked.  "He'll learn eventually."

"Right, right," I replied, nodding.

My daughter gave me a once-over.  "You look marvelous," she admired.

"Thanks.  Been a while since I've worn these."  I slowly spun around and back.  "Glad they're still in great condition.  Anyways.  It seems we might have an hour and a half before the coronation.  Twilight already left to go pamper herself or whatever you girls do."

"Funny you mention that because I was just about to go pamper myself in the bathroom upstairs.  I just needed Angel to watch over the place while we're gone."

"By bribing him salad and tail fluffing," I said, disapprovingly.  "I know you said he's young, but spoiling him won't help him learn to be mature anytime soon.  I raised you to be better than that," I scolded with arms crossed.

"I know..." Fluttershy admitted sadly, hanging her head low.

I knelt down to her level and rubbed the top of her head.  "I really didn't mean to scold you like that, my dear Shy," I said, consoling her.  "I know you're very responsible with all your other animals.  It's just Angel, specifically."

She still had her head low.  Feeling sorry, I lifted her off the floor and cradled her in my arms like a caring mother would hold her newborn baby.  What was I going to do, you ask?  Just how any loving father would do to brighten his daughter's day; I pursed my lips, dove my mouth into the center of Fluttershy's belly without warning and gave it a mean raspberry.

"Ahahahaha!" Fluttershy shrieked in giggling laughter.  "N-no-Ahaha!  Stop-Ahahaha!" she spoke between her stifling laughs while flailing her legs frantically.

I parted my lips from her belly, but not before I came for another swift blow.  This time I gave it my all in short bursts, as my daughter laughed herself silly.  Finally after some blows I stopped so she could catch her breath.

"All better now?" I asked with a warm smile.

Fluttershy wrapped her hooves around my neck and pulled herself up to me in an affectionate hug, smothering the side of her head against my cheek.

"Yes, thank you," she whispered gratefully.

I held her close and patted her back.  "You're very welcome, my dear Shy," I whispered, now stroking her back comfortingly.  "I'm just trying to help you.  I never meant to hurt your feelings that way.  I love you very dearly, and I would never hurt you intentionally."  I trailed my hand up behind her head, where it was soon devoured by her soft mane, and brought her forehead to mine.

"I love you too, Father," Fluttershy said as she tickled my nose with her muzzle, "and I know you never would."

"And I certainly won't, either," I added.  I lowered her to the floor.  "Now that that's settled, go ahead and get ready.  We might have to leave here very soon if we're going to meet up with your other friends in Canterlot."

"Okay!" Fluttershy chirped.  She trotted past me and headed to the stairs, her smile brighter than it ever was before.