>As your laundry was being done, you had made the decision to hang around for a little bit.
>Mostly because in the day that you've known Fluttershy, you've come to enjoy her company.
>Although in reality, shoving everyone away isn't a good way to make companionship with others.
"So what's the plan for today?" you ask Fluttershy as you forcefully scrub your jeans on the washboard.
>"I'm... not sure, actually," she admitted.  "My day is open after the morning chores."
"What's that entail?" you inquire.
>"Feeding the animals, mostly," she says.  "I also sing to the birds, check to see if the hens are comfortable, and make Angel Bunny his breakfast."
"Sounds like a lot of work," you comment while pinning your now-cleaned jeans to the clothes line.
>"Oh my, yes, but I would do anything to help a creature in need."
>Sounds to you like she just loves animals.
"And what about me?" you ask, taking the other pair of jeans to wash.
>"You are someone in need and I'll be more than welcome to help you any way I can."
>A grateful smile comes across your face.
"Thank you," you tell her with honesty.

>You had stopped what you were doing when you gave Fluttershy thanks and continue on with the task at hand.
"So what would you like to do today?" you ask Fluttershy.
>"Hm..." thinks the pegasus, bringing a hoof to her chin.  "Would you like to meet the hens?" she asks.
"No thanks.  I'll probably see them later.  What is there to do around here that's relaxing?"
>Because unbeknownst to you, everything Fluttershy does is relaxed.
"Something to do outside, maybe?" you suggest.
>After a quick minute, you both get and idea and voice it simultaneously.
"How about a picnic?"
>"How about a picnic?"
>You share in a chuckle at the unexpected agreement.
>It looked like a wonderful day out and you shouldn't spend it cooped up inside.
>Over the next hour, you do what you can to help Fluttershy prepare for your outing together. 
>Fluttershy insisted on doing it alone. 
>She wanted you to just go and take a nap, but you just woke up, like, two hours earlier.
>You also were only asleep for an hour before that damned rabbit pestered you awake.
>Instead of going to sleep, and since Fluttershy wouldn't allow you to help make lunch, you go outside and play in the stream in front of her house. 
>You're just like a child; damming up the stream with rocks to try to stop the water.
>Not long after, Fluttershy calls you back inside; ready to leave.

>Meeting her in the kitchen, Fluttershy had a picnic basket in her mouth and an eager expression on her face. 
>The both of you walk to the front door when an idea hits you. 
>You quickly run to the corner and grab your guitar case. 
>You would be out of your mind to go anywhere without it. 
>That's like leaving your cell phone at home in the sense that you never know when you might want it around.
>It can provide some entertainment for later after you've eaten your lunch.
>A giggle comes from the closed mouth of Fluttershy. 
>You sure love that guitar, and she can see it. 
>She has witnessed first hand the elegant music you can create with that instrument.
>Well, elegant is a bit of an exaggeration, but nonetheless.
>Yes, you can play a variety of songs, but that's not exactly a measure of your ability to play.

>You have no idea where you are going. 
>Fluttershy is leading the way and you are just along for the ride. 
>You stick close to her side and allow her to take you where she wants to go.
>She must know of all the best picnic spots around here.
>Perhaps she'll choose a place beside a gently flowing brook?
>You notice a look of discomfort in her face and neck. 
>To help her out, you simply walk up and lightly grab the handle of the picnic basket.
"Please?" you ask sincerely.
>She smiles and releases the handle, allowing you to carry it.
>Mama always said to be a gentleman to the ladies at all times.
>A pony lady is no different.
>As you walk, Fluttershy runs a few thoughts through her head.
>The mannerisms of her companion are enough make her blush and you don't intimidate her in the least. 
>You're polite yet respect her wishes and don't demean her.
>Perhaps Rarity would like to meet you sometime? 
>Surely she would adore your etiquette and appreciate your fondness for clothing. 
>Of course, that would have to wait.

>"This is the spot," says Fluttershy. 
>You stare out at the beautiful plain that must have stretched a full square mile. 
>Wild grasses and flowers of all kinds spread across the field. 
>You gotta hand it to Fluttershy. 
>She knows beauty when she sees it. 
>She also knows how to put a smile across your face without you even knowing it.
>Something about the colors just makes you feel good for no reason.
>It was high noon and the sun shined bright on the world. 
>Almost all evidence of the previous night's rain were evaporated by now. 
>The clouds were few, but large and fluffy. 
>You have always thought about what it would be like to jump out of a plane and land on a cottony-soft cloud.
>As you were admiring the landscape around you, Fluttershy softly nuzzled your hand.
>You looked down and, already knowing what she wants, held out the basket as she took the handle in her mouth.
>Fluttershy sets it down and opens it up. 
>With her mouth, she pulled out a red and white checkered blanket. 
>You stepped forward to help her lay it out, but in one quick whip of her head the blanket threw itself out flat and even. 
>Very impressive.
>You instead take the basket and place it on the center of the blanket. 
>You allow Fluttershy to seat herself before you take a seat opposite of her, indian-style.
>"I have a surprise for you Anon. I'm sure you will enjoy it very much." She canted her head, closed her eyes, and smiled.
"Really..." You lean forward, elbows on your thighs, supporting your head with a fist under your chin.
>She reaches into the basket and pulls out a sandwich before handing it over to you. 
>She gives a cheerful squee as you take it from her. 
>That sound... 
>So adorable...
>You bring the sandwich to your mouth to take a bite.

>A sudden white blur and a pain in the cheek take you by complete surprise. 
>Your shock subsides immediately. 
>Standing on Fluttershy's head, YOUR sandwich in hand, is that damn rabbit from earlier.
"Where did you come from?" you ask, not really expecting an answer.
>And who the hell does he think he is stealing your sandwich? 
>You are about to lunge for the little bastard, but then...
>As the rabbit goes to take a bite out of your sandwich, he stops. 
>He curiously begins to sniff it. 
>Ok that's wierd, but not really. 
>His face turns green and he throws a paw up in front of his mouth.
>You swear he looks like he's about to vomit.
 >Angel turns to you and whips the sandwich at you, hitting you in the face before falling into your lap. 
>Your anger flares up again, but only briefly. 
>An odor reaches up and fills your nostrils.
>Determining that it's coming from the sandwich in you lap, you peel off the top slice of bread and inspect it. 
>It's a fish fillet!
>You destroy that sandwich in a matter of seconds. 
>Oh God... 
>You can't remember the last time you had fish, or even any kind of meat. 
>Too bad you killed it before you could actually savor the taste.
 >If only Fluttershy had brought two of them..
>Oh crap, Fluttershy!
>It's now you realize that she knows you can eat meat.
>And she was comfortable with that?
>You are staring at Fluttershy across the blanket with a face of shock, but a feeling of tremendous gratitude. 
>She is still giving you that tilted smile.
"You knew?" you ask.  "And...  And you don't care?"
>Fluttershy gives a shake of her head.
>"Of course not." 
>She takes Angel off of her head and cradles him in her hooves. 
>"I have dealt with carnivores before.  Large birds of prey, seals, and even cute little weasels.  They can't simply eat plants all the time, or sometimes even at all."
>Now that you think of it, it's too bad that rabbit of hers didn't take a bite of the fish sandwich. 
>You probably would've busted a gut at the consequences of it's selfish and rude behavior.

>You didn't even notice the smell until he threw the sandwich in your face. 
>Fluttershy must have hidden the sandwich under something more aromatic, but that doesn't defeat the fact that you never smelled it cooking back at the cottage. 
>Fish can really stink and the smell can hang around for a while. 
>She is a very sneaky pony to have hidden this from you.
>You reach across the blanket and wrap your arms around Fluttershy; giving thanks for the wonderful meal, albeit just a sandwich. 
>Her yellow coat turns a tinge of red before she returns the gesture.
>Angel, however, becomes crushed between the two of you. 
>After he frees himself, he tries to force the two of you apart with his rear legs on your chest and his forelegs on hers. 
>He gives up after a bit and instead opts to just hop away with a look of disgust on his face. 
>You snicker at him as you watch him leave. 
>Fluttershy doesn't seem to notice.
>When Angel's gone, you realize just how awkward you hugging her like this must be and release her.
"Eh...  Sorry," you say with a grin and rubbing the back of your head.
>You caught a short glimpse of Fluttershy's elated face before it disappears.
>She turns her head towards the ground, causing her bangs to fall over her eyes.

"I didn't mean to upset you," you tell her.  "I just got a little excited, is all."
>"That...  That's fine, Anon," said Fluttershy as she looked up.
>You may have seen her smile if you weren't already digging around inside the picnic basket.
>From said basket, you pull out two apples and a salad.
>If the sandwich was your main course, then the salad is obviously hers.
>It's pretty simple, with lettuce, tomato, carrots, and cucumber. 
>You place the salad on the blanket in front of her along with an apple. 
>You also find a small vase with some daisies in it and place them between the two of you.
>She packed a centerpiece and you had also devoured your meal before the picnic was even set up.
>What a jerk, you are.
>The two of you sit quietly as you proceed to enjoy your meals.

>As you finish your apple, you lie down and stretch across the blanket to stare at the sky.
>Fluttershy follows you gaze as she continues to munch on her lunch.
>You just sat in silent thought.
>This was nice.
>You made a new friend, had a great night's sleep, and just ate a wonderful lunch.
>You pat your distended belly in content.
>Fluttershy really is quite the character.
>Quiet, kind, and generous.
>Easily the best qualities one could want in a woman.
>Implying she was a woman, that is.
>Pony or no, you're starting to really like this one.
>After a few more minutes, you come to the conclusion that you need to repay her.
>How's about a little entertainment?
>You sit up and reach for your guitar case; pulling it towards you.
>It's nothing in comparison, but you feel it's the best you can do to give back to Fluttershy at this point in time.
>You pull the guitar out of its case; the sun reflecting off it's polished surface.
>A quick strum of the strings and a few plucks later, you feel like you can crank something out.
>Fluttershy scoots over and sits next to you.
>She leans over and rests her head on your shoulder; closing her eyes as she listens.

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATgzrO4OhAY
>As you strum the strings, you tap your foot to help keep rhythm.
"Can't you see that it's just raining?" you sing.  "Ain't no need to go outside."
>Kind of ironic, don't you think?
>Fluttershy even takes a look around to figure out what you're talking about.
"But baby, you hardly even notice.  When I try to show you this;  Song is meant keep you;  From doing what you're supposed to."
>Fluttershy leans side to side as she lightly bops her head to the beat.
>Her bangs keep falling around her face as she sways.
"Waking up too early;  Maybe we can sleep in.  Make you banana pancakes;  Pretend like it's the weekend now."
>Fluttershy's eyes are still closed as she imagines that scenario playing out in her head.
>Waking up to her special somepony bringing her breakfast in bed and holding her close as they fall back asleep to the soft patter of rain drops on the window pane.
"And we could pretend it all the time.  Can't you see that it's just raining?  There ain't no need to go outside."
>You continue to sing and play as your audience sits in polite silence.

>As you finish, you don't get an applause, but that's alright.
>You lie back down, crading the neck of the guitar under one arm.
>Your free arm goes behind your head as you relax.
>The head of the yellow pegasus beside you rests on the arm thats supporting your head.
>Glancing over, you see that she is bedding down for a nap and though to use you as a pillow.
>You don't have much of a problem with that, actually.
>In fact, you remove your hand from the back of your head and wrap that arm around her while still allowing her head to rest on your bicep.
>The two of you start to drift off to sleep in the afternoon sun.
>Your arm falls asleep before you do, however.
>It gets really uncomfortable; becoming all tingly and numb.
>You would move it, but you're afraid of rousing the pony thats sleeping on it.
>Ah, to hell with it.
>You'll put up with it for now.