>You slowly crack your front door open and peek inside.
"Fluttershy?" you call out.
>When you don't get a response, you step inside and search every room, softly calling her name every so often.
>You check our bedroom.
>Under the covers and in the closet.
>She's nowhere to be found.
>You go outside and walk around the house several times.
>Still no sign of her.
>Sitting down on the couch inside, you stop to think.
>'Alright, just calm down,' you tell yourself.
>'It's still early in the day.'
>'She could just be off somewhere to cool down or something.'
>'It's going to be fine.'
>'I'll just explain to her it wasn't what it looked like.'
>'Rarity's her best friend.'
>'And I'm her husband.'
>'It's just a misunderstanding.'
>An idea.
>You get off the couch and start cleaning the house.
>It had been a mess recently, so it needs a good cleaning.
>Maybe she won't be so angry if she comes back to a tidy home.
--
>It's early in the evening now.
>You had finished pick up around the house and were waiting on the couch once again.
>Fluttershy still hasn't come back.
>You check the time and decide to make dinner.
>You search the cupboards and pull out enough to throw something together for the two of you.
>With the table set, you sit and wait.
>The night moves on and your food gets cold.
>You leave her a plate, but you throw yours away.
>You're not that hungry right now anyways.
>You decide to go sit on the couch and reflect.
>The argument started when you made a joke about her taking a long time in the shower.
>She took it seriously and began to berrate you about how long you take in the morning what with shaving, showering, and getting dressed.
>You shrugged it off and took your morning shower and got ready for the day.
>When you left your towel on the floor, Fluttershy decided to use that as a reason to complain some more.
>You told her to just calm down, but she wasn't hearing it.
>It got to the point where she just got so unlistenable you couldn't stand much more of it.
>So this entire situation started over a poorly placed joke.
>The door shakes a little, prompting you to call Fluttershy's name once more.
>After listening to the whistle from outside, you determine that it's just the wind.
>You pass out as you wait up for Fluttershy.
--
>You sit straight up and look around.
>Everything is how it was when you fell asleep last night.
>You go to the kitchen.
>Her plate is still untouched.
>You check the bedroom.
>The covers are still neatly tucked.
>She still hasn't come back.
>You go back downstairs and open the front door.
>You stand in the doorway, staring up at this grey sky morning.
>You sigh deeply.
>Maybe your friends have seen her?
>Walking into Ponyville, you stop by Twilight's house first.
>Upon answering the door, she quickly slams it in your face and throws a barrier spell around it.
>You can still open it, but you take the hint and just leave.
>Pinkie Pie's hair just deflates when you question her.
>She asks you to leave and returns to work in the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner. 
>You decide to check with Applejack.
>You are met with a swift pair of hooves to the stomach as you go to say 'Hi'.
>"Ah don't want ya comin' 'round, ya hear?" shouts Applejack. "You're lucky Ah don't keep my promise about what would happen if ya hurt Fluttershy."
"But... I didn't do anything."
>"Get out," said Applejack as she flicked her tail at you and walked away.
>So... Is that it?
>Is all of this time gone to waste?
>Is it really over so suddenly?
--
>That night, you sit on your couch and stare at the wall.
>You searched everywhere she may go.
>Any place she might be.
>If anyone has seen her, they ain't saying.
>Rarity refuses to answer her door.
>And you haven't even seen Rainbow Dash to try and ask her.
>You sink low in your seat.
>You can't be in this house right now.
>You rise to your feet and walk out, leaving the door unlocked for Fluttershy in case she comes back.
>The air is foggy and still from the light rain this morning and the night before.
>It's chilly outside, but you don't need a jacket.
>You stuff your hands in your pockets and continue walking.
>You can't believe this is really happening.
>You really lost her, haven't you?
>It wasn't that bad.
>Rarity kissed you.
>And only for a second or two.
>It... You...
>You shiver and hug your arms.
>It wasn't your fault... but...
>You can't help but feel sick to your stomach.
>Not because of Fluttershy or Rarity.
>Not because of the cold.
>But because you didn't exactly dislike Rarity's kiss.
>You actually found it rather enjoyable.
--
>You shake the thoughts from your head.
>It's not like you slept with her or something.
>It was a quick kiss.
>You walk by patches of red flowers on the roadside.
>Huh...
>You remember when you used to pick them for Fluttershy for no reason.
>She would find them on the counter and have a delightful snack.
>You close your eyes and smile.
>You could have done that once or twice since the return of spring.
>You know, you also remember the sunset.
>Oh how she loved to sit and watch with you.
>You could have done that more as you aren't currently working your days away.
>You pick your head up and stare off into an open field at the horizon.
>You spot that old oak tree where you first met Fluttershy standing tall on that hill.
>Curiosity gets the better of you and you start through the wet grass towards it.
>You've met Fluttershy here several times in the past during times of grief and strife.
>The place must be magical or something.
>You decide to take a seat in the sheltered grass beneath the thick leaves.
>You hum to yourself.
"Don't cry my love, don't cry no more."
>You sit and wait.
>She should come around any minute now.
>She always does.
"A crashing sky, a rolling screen."
--
>The chirping of birds rouses you from your sleep.
>You find yourself curled into a ball beneath the tree.
>Wow...
>You're lucky you didn't get a cold or hypothermia or something.
>You feel fine and stand and stretch.
>So this lead was a bust as well.
>Maybe she went back home during the night.
>She could have stayed when you were gone.
>You make your way back home.
>Perhaps you can actually explain to her what happened.
>Arriving at your house, you once again find it void of any life other than your own.
>You check the rooms.
>She still hasn't come back.
>You fall back onto the couch and stare at the ceiling.
>You grab the couch pillow and force it over your face.
"Damn it!" you shout into the pillow.
>You're not mad at anyone but yourself.
>You saw the signs from Rarity, sure.
>But you thought it was just playful flirting.
>You really are an idiot.
>Now you can only pray that it isn't too late to fix this.
>You need to find her and beg her forgiveness.
>But you've tried to find her.
>None of your friends will tell you where she is.
>And you've checked everywhere you can possibly think of.
>The only thing you can think to do now is wait.
>You walk into the kitchen and open the cupboard.
>A full bottle of apple whiskey sits untouched.
>You shrug.
"I guess now is a better time than ever."
--
>You haven't had a decent drink in months.
>Not to mention you haven't eaten all day.
>A few shots got you more than a little drunk.
>You lie on your couch and wait.
>You wait for hours.
>Hours turn to days.
>You never left your house.
>You've rummaged the cupboards for snacks, but you haven't had a real meal yet.
>You've closed the curtains to keep the sun out and off of your face.
>The lights stay off except for the kitchen.
>The pictures of you and her on the walls around you seem to make it hurt worse.
>You've never been the kind to let your feelings show, but tonight...
>You set your bottle down and squeeze your eyes shut as hard as you can.
>The feeling of a cold tear runs down your cheek and drips onto your shirt.
>You prayed that someone would stop by to check in with you.
>You could really use the boost knowing someone still cares about you.
>Too bad everyone loathes you now.
>You've taken to writing letters to Fluttershy.
>Each one only being a line or two.
>'Please come home,'
>'I love you.'
>You would send them had you known where she was.
>But you can't help but feel how cold and flat your words are.
>You don't know what to do.
>Your friends have abandoned you.
>The one pony who can help avoids you like the plague.
>You're going insane just trying to figure everything out.
>You decide to write one long letter that you will just leave for her.
--
>'If anyone asks,'
>'Tell them I went to Las Pegasus.'
>'Tell them I'm living out on the coast like a hermit.'
>'Tell them I decided to go back on the road and live like a gypsy.'
>'But the truth is that I've gone crazy.'
>'I'm missing you and I can't stand life without you.'
>'I know I've said it before, and I know I don't say it often enough,'
>'But I love you.'
>'If you need me, and if you find this note, you can find me at Ghastly Gorge.'
>You wake up several hours later.
>You fell asleep mid-penstroke.
>You set your pen down and re-read your letter several times.
>'You are a selfish son of a bitch,' you tell yourself.
>You leave the letter on the kitchen table with a small bouquet of those roadside flowers.
>You go outside and take the first steps of a long, long walk.
>It must have been around 4 am.
>The moon was shining bright as the street lamps in Ponyville.
>You constantly ask yourself what you're doing.
>Life can't always be perfect.
>But when hard times hit, you would prefer to have someone there with you.
>You always thought that if it ever came to this, you would be able to carry on without a problem.
>But as it turns out, you never really know until it actually happens.
>And damned if you ever thought it would really happen.
>As much as you question it, you feel you already know how this will end.
--
>You stand at the bottom of a steady hill.
>At the top stands a dead, withered tree.
>Your slow ascent up the hill frightens you.
>Coming up to the tree, you now stand at the edge of a very deep gorge.
>The roots of the tree hang halfway off.
>Anymore erosion and that tree is going to topple deep into the ravine below.
>You dangle your toes over the ledge.
>You only wish she was here.
>She always knows the perfect thing to say.
>She could save you from yourself.
>She is literally an angel in every way, shape, or form.
>Finally taking a seat, you dangle your legs over the ledge.
>You don't know what to do.
>You close your eyes and take a deep breath in.
--
>"What do you think you're doing?"
>You open your eyes.
"Rainbow Dash?"
>The cyan pegasus was floating in front of you, both front legs extended as if to catch you should you fall.
>"I said, what do you think you're doing?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"I, uh... What are... you doing?" you stutter.
>Rainbow Dash's angry glare causes you to feel so much shame from what you were seriously just contemplating.
>You stand up and step away from the ledge.
>Rainbow Dash spins and bucks oh so very hard into your chest.
>You fall backwards to the ground, shouting in pain and clutching your torso.
>"Are you out of your mind?!" shouted Rainbow.
>You slowly rise to your feet.
"Was that for kissing Rarity as well?"
>"That's for being a idiot!" she shouted.
"Right. If it makes you feel any better, I wasn't gonna do anything."
>"Hmph. Coulda fooled me," scoffed Rainbow.
--
>Several awkward seconds tick by.
"So... Is it by sheer coincidence you're here or what?"
>Rainbow Dash reaches back and holds your letter in her mouth.
"Oh... Right."
>Rainbow dropped it at her hooves.
>"I came to talk to you. It's important."
"Is it about Rarity? It wasn't my fault."
>"It's not about Rarity. And I already know."
"Know what? That it she kissed me?"
>"Yeah."
>You blink twice.
"Then where were you a week ago!" you shout.
>"Hey, Fluttershy told me when she left. I saw her crying and asked her. I would have marched into the boutique, but Fluttershy needed me more than you and Rarity needed a kick in the flank."
"Wait a minute. So where did Fluttershy go?"
>"Her parents' home in Cloudsdale."
>You stand there with a dumbfound look on your face.
>Then you facepalm.
>You shake your head.
"How do we get to Cloudsdale?"
>"Sorry dude. Pegasi only. And besides, she's not in Cloudsdale anymore."
"Then where is she if she's not at her parents'?"
>"She's at the-"
>Rainbow's eyes widen and her ears fall flat.
>"Gah! I forgot! Anon! We gotta get to the hospital!"
>Her shouting causes you a slight panic.
"What? Why? Is it Fluttershy? What happened!"
>"The foal's coming!"
--
>You calm down immediately and stare at her with an unamused expression.
"Whatever."
>"Whatever? How can you say that about your own family?"
"Because you're lying. The foal's not due for another 6 weeks or so."
>"That's why this is so urgent! We need to get to the hospital now!"
>You take a seat on the grass.
"Don't they have hospitals in Cloudsdale? Why would she be in Ponyville?"
>"She asked them to fly her by chariot to Ponyville. She wants you to be there."
>You suppose that makes sense.
"But why would she after what she saw with Rarity? Why would she just-"
>Rainbow Dash grabs you by the shirt and gets face-to-face.
>"Anonymous... MOVE!"
>She shoves you back and you scramble to your feet.
>She's really determined to get you moving.
>Maybe there's some truth to this after all.
>You start walking towards Ponyville.
>Rainbow Dash prods you to go faster by repeatedly giving you a swift kick to the ass.
>By the time you hit Ponyville, she's got you near sprinting.
>She flies next to you and directs you to the hospital.
>By the time you walk through the doors, you fully believe what Rainbow Dash was telling you.
--
>Your friends and Fluttershy's parents are sitting in the waiting area.
>Their heads turn to you as you enter.
>"Anon?" they ask in surprise.
"Which room?" you ask.
>"Anon," said Twilight. "You can't just-"
"Which room!" you demand.
>"I got it," called Rainbow.
>She flew from the secretary's desk and down the halls with you on her tail.
>"There!" pointed Rainbow at a door down the hall
>Several nurses ran into the room.
>Rainbow stayed back as you sprinted down the hall.
>You almost slipped and fell on your face as you stopped to turn into the emergency room.
>And wouldn't you know it?
>Fluttershy lies in the bed, two nurses tend to her while other doctors prepare.
"Thanks for waiting," you say with a smile.
>Fluttershy sees you at the door and a feeling of deep relief washes over her.
>A nurse moves over as you take a knee beside Fluttershy.
>"Our foal can't come without his daddy," whispered Fluttershy.
>Fluttershy's smile vanishes and she lets out a siren's scream.
>She reaches for your hand with a wing and squeezes.
>You didn't even know pegasi had this much strength in their wings.
>It kind of hurts.
>One doctor positions himself at the foot of the bed.
>He tells a nurse something and she runs to Fluttershy's side and speaks into her ear.
>Fluttershy's screams get louder.
>Suddenly, quiet.
--
>The doctor looks into his hooves, his expression that of deep worry.
>Then the soft cry of a baby.
>"Aha!" cheers the doctor.
>The nurse walks over with a blanket and wraps the foal up.
>"Congratulations," said the doctor. "It's a girl."
>He cradles the blanketed foal in one leg and gives her to you.
"She's so small."
>You tickle her cheek with a finger.
>The foal fell asleep in your arms.
>You place the quiet bundle on the bed for Fluttershy to see.
>Fluttershy takes the foal and cradles her, nuzzling her snout.
>The doctor mentions how they want to take her for testing.
>Being born so early, they want to make sure she's healthy before you take her home.
Fluttershy reluctantly gives up the foal and a nurse wheels her away.
>"I think I'm going to take a nap..." mumbled Fluttershy.
>You think she just fell asleep mid-thought.
>You pull up a chair and sit next to her, softly stroking her hair.
>Rainbow Dash pokes her head in the door.
>"Hey! I saw them wheel the foal out and-"
"Ssh!"
>You point to the slumbering pegasus next to you.
>"Sorry," Rainbow whispered. "Is everything alright?"
>You nod.
>"I'm gonna go tell everypony the news," she says as her head disappears from view.
>You watch Fluttershy's chest slowly rise and fall.
--
>For several hours, you sit there in silence.
>Finally, a soft knock at the door.
>You find Steelwing standing in the doorway.
>He motions for you to follow.
>You kiss Fluttershy softly on the forehead and follow Steelwing out.
"What's the word?" you ask as you walk.
>"The doctors can't find any obvious complications," said Steelwing. "They just rolled her into the nursery."
>You walk into the viewing area and find all your friends pressing their faces against the glass.
>They move so you can have the best view.
>You crouch at the window and rest your head on your arms against the window sill.
>Your little girl lies in her little wheeled bed, sleeping like a rock.
>She's wearing tiny pink socks and a band around her ankle with your name on it.
>The coat was a deep yellow.
>A tint of orange made it look gold.
>The hair was like orange sherbert.
>A single pink lock fell in front of her eyes.
>She looks like her mother, but took her grandfather's colors.
>As you stare through the glass, your mind goes to the stallion standing next to you.
>The trouble you went through with Steelwing and the bonding moments you've had.
>You were after his daughter.
>Now it's your turn to be the defensive father.
>Steelwing's got a hoof resting on your shoulder, staring at his new grand daughter.
>"She's a real miracle, isn't she?" he asked.
>You nod.
"All things considering, she's easily the greatest miracle in the world today."
>"I believe it. She's going to grow up to do amazing things."
"There's not a doubt in my mind."
--
>A nurse trots up and tugs on your shirt sleeve.
>"Anonymous?" she asks.
>You turn to face her.
"Yes?"
>"Mrs. Fluttershy is awake and wishes to speak with you."
>You nod.
"I'll be back in a few," you say as you stand and start walking out.
>You feel a tug on your pant leg.
>You look down to see Rarity looking up at you with guilt-filled eyes.
>"Anonymous..." she whispers. "I just want to say... I'm really, truly sorry about-"
>You crouch and press a finger softly to her lips, shushing her.
"I don't think it's me you should be apologizing to," you whisper back.
>You look up and see the rest of your friends are still occupied with watching the foal.
>You motion for Rarity to follow and you walk to Fluttershy's room.
>You knock twice as you enter, Rarity nervously follows behind.
"Evening, sleepy head. I hope you had a good nap."
>Fluttershy smiled and nodded.
>"Where's our little filly?" she asked.
>You gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"The nursery. Despite being born way early, they can't seem to find and obvious problems. Talk about lucky, right?"
>Fluttershy laid her head back.
>"Wonderful."
--
>"Fluttershy? Darling?"
>Rarity stepped forward and Fluttershy turned her head towards her.
>"Hello Rarity," she greeted with a smile.
>Rarity looked away, not daring to look Fluttershy in the eyes.
>"Fluttershy, I... I just want you to know how sorry I am."
>Fluttershy looked at you and you quickly put a finger to your lips.
>A few tears started to well up in Rarity's eyes.
>"I was being selfish and inconsiderate of your feelings," continued Rarity. "I betrayed you and your trust. Anon's as well."
>She finally looked at Fluttershy.
>"Will you ever forgive me? I'm so sorry! It won't happen again! Promise!"
>You and Fluttershy exchange glances before laughing amongst yourselves.
>Rarity's face was one of complete dumbfoundment.
>"I, uh... What's happening?" she asked.
"Rarity, relax. We know it was... Well I can't say innocent, but it was just a kiss. It just so happens everyone over reacted."
>You rub the back of your head ashamedly and look at your feet.
"Some more than others..."
>"So... you're not mad?" asked Rarity.
"Not mad. Just disappointed. Not just you, but ourselves."
>"You gotta understand," said Rarity. "You're the only stallion who's ever been so kind to me and I feel we really connect."
>Did you not just explain this to her?
"I'm married," you tell her flat out.
>Wow, that was harsh.
>"Yes, yes I know..." said Rarity. "That's what seemed to make it more... exciting."
>You look to Fluttershy.
>You have no idea what to say.
>Fluttershy is covering her mouth with a hoof to surpress a laugh.
>Eh, whatever.
"Hey Fluttershy, guess what?"
>"Hm?"
>You crouch next to her bed and plant one on her lips.
"Our little bundle of joy is coming home tomorrow afternoon," you say when you part.