Anon/Fluttershy 31

>"Hey Anon! What'chya doin'!"

>You jumped and flinched away from Pinkie Pie.

>You took a deep breath to calm yourself.

"Pinkie Pie... Hi."

>"Hello, Anon! So what are you doing out here?"

>You had finished your morning at Rarity's and you were now hanging out on the river bank; relaxing and fiddling with your guitar.

>How Pinkie found you out here, you'll never know.

>You decide not to ask, but the question is in the back of your mind.

>Well, to answer her question:

"Nothing. Just hanging out."

>"Are you writing a song? Can I help? I write my own songs you know. I'm a one-pony band!"

"I, uh... yeah, actually. I'm trying to think of something to play for the kids at school later this week."

>"Teehee! You silly filly! They are foals, not kids."

>You raise an eyebrow?

"... Huh?"

>"We aren't goats," smiles Pinkie.

"Ooh... Okay."

>You go back to plucking the strings on your guitar.

--

>Pinkie sits beside you, listening intently.

>You repeat 2 chords over and over.

>The first being a quick 4, and the second an equally quick 3.

>You try various notes each time to find one that sounds good.

>"It looks like you're having some trouble there," commented Pinkie.

"Yeah. I never wrote a song before."

>"Well, you can't have a song with just one instrument."

"Not true. But you're right. It would sound better, and would probably be easier to come up with something if-"

>You look towards Pinkie and notice she is missing.

"-there was... more... instruments..."

>You sigh and go back to your business.

 

>You don't mind being alone as it's very relaxing.

>But that doesn't necessarily mean you don't like company.

>And you've grown fond of these ponies in the months you've been here.

>Twenty minutes later, you've moved on to another part of your song.

>You're starting to get the hang of this, but it still sounds off.

>The next part of the song has an upbe-

>"Hey Anon!"

"Ah, geez!"

>You can never get over that.

--

>Pinkie reaches behind her back and slams a drum set down in front of you.

>"Will these work?"

"I, uh... How- How did... What?"

>Pinkie stood on her hind legs in front of you, her forehooves on her drum set.

>You didn't even know Pinkie played the drums.

"Can you even-"

>You don't even get to finish before Pinkie pulled out two drumsticks and took her place behind her instrument.

>"So what do you want me to do?"

>You're not entirely sure.

>You don't know a whole lot about guitars, and much less drums.

"How good are you at improvising?"

>Pinkie Pie gave you a smile as if you just asked her 'Do you like to party?'.

>"We won't know until we try."

>You shrug a shoulder.

"Alright."

 

>Pinkie immediately caught onto the rythym as you began to play.

>For a hyperactive pony, she could keep a nice steady rythym when she really wanted to.

>You half expected her to started beating the crap out of those things.

>You lost track of the time, but you know you've been here way too long.

>The sky was turning orange with the setting sun.

>You didn't even tell Fluttershy you were coming out here.

>Of course, you didn't expect to stay out here for more than an hour or so.

>You and Pinkie finished your little jam session and you packed your respective instruments away.

"You need help carrying that back?" you offered.

>Pinkie shook her head.

>"Nope."

>Okay then.

"Well, that was fun. We need to do it again sometime."

>"Yeah!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Well, if you're okay with taking that home by yourself, I guess I'll take off. Fluttershy is probably worried sick."

>"Okie dokie lokie! See you tomorrow Anon!"

--

>The whole walk home, you couldn''t rid your face of that smile.

>Even though no one was around, you couldn't help but try to hide it a little bit.

>Well, no one except a couple squirrels who ran from some rustled bushes.

>When you got back, Fluttershy, was happy you were home safe and sound.

>She's always one to put your well being above all else, but you did get an earful for worrying her like that.

>Thankfully, arguments between the 2 of you were rare, mild, and short.

>After your well deserved tongue lashing and dinner, the two of you were now sitting on the couch, watching the fireplace dance with life.

>Fluttershy was lying in your lap.

 

>"So what have you been up to all day?" asked Fluttershy.

"I decided to go to the woods and relax by the river."

>"That sounds wonderful."

>You nod.

"It was. Pinkie also happened to stumble upon me while I was out there."

>"Oh? What did you do?"

"Nothing much. But she had a drum set for some reason, so we played a little bit. It was fun."

>"Well I'm glad you're getting along with our friends more."

>The mention of 'our friends' makes you smile.

"Heh, yeah..."

--

>Fluttershy sat up and gave you a quick kiss on the cheek.

>You stared at her for all but a second before meeting you meet her with a deep, passionate kiss.

>Your hand caressed her cheek.

>You broke the kiss to see Fluttershy's eyes closed.

>Her puckered lips searched for you as you pulled away.

>She cracked open one eye to see you laughing silently to yourself.

>Her cheeks were flustered.

>The awkward silence was broken when you bumped her nose.

"Boop."

>She smiled before failing to suppress a giggle.

>She moved off of your lap and took a seat beside you.

>She snuggled up to you and you threw an arm aroud her, pulling her close.

>The two of you just sat there, doing nothing.

>And it was pleasant.

 

>Fluttershy had curled up beside you and looked like she was about to fall asleep.

"Psst. Fluttershy," you whispered.

>"Hm...?" she grunted.

>Your little angel.

"You wanna go upstairs or something?"

>"Uhh..." she moaned, not budging at all.

"That a yes or a no?"

>She didn't respond, but the steady rise and fall of her chest made it clear she was starting to pass out.

>You lowly rose of the couch, careful not to move Fluttershy so much.

>You grabbed her and lifted her from her comfy spot.

>"Nooo..." she whined.

>You smile and shake your head, carrying her to the bedroom.

--

>The next day.

>Thursday.

>There is no way in hell you're going to be ready.

>You may have to disappoint and delay another week or something.

>But the apple harvest started next week, and if you know farmers like you think you do, it's work from sunrise to sunset.

>But you just can't promise to do something and then push it back.

>So for now, it's your usual morning routine.

>Shower and breakfast, then it's off to work.

>Huh... That's strange.

"Hey Flutttershy?" you call. "Have you seen my guitar?"

>"I moved it upstairs," she called back. "I'll get it in a minute."

>You move for the bedroom.

"That's okay. I got it."

>You hear something drop from the kitchen as you ascend the stairs.

>The closet is probably the most likely place it could be.

>You open the door, but it's not there.

>You dig around the closet a little bit, pulling back hanging clothes and-

>What the hell?

 

>You turn around towards the bedroom door, a mysterious object in your hands.

>Fluttershy was standing there, lightly kicking the carpet and looking away from you.

"Um... What's this?"

>You hold it out in front of you with both hands.

>"A, uh... gift... from Vinyl Scratch." she squeaks out.

"Oh... So I guess I wasn't supposed to know about this?"

>"Uhm... no."

"Oh. Whoops. Well then... I, uh... yeah."

--

>All morning at the boutique, you were practicing the song you and Pinkie had come up with yesterday.

>Fluttershy had allowed you to take Vinyl Scratches guitar instead of your old one.

>It's a good thing Vinyl Scratch talked Fluttershy into keeping her guitar.

>Your song sounds way better with it.

>You get the feeling you are way too modest.

>It was a gift after all, and you turned it away.

>What kind of jerk does that, anyways?

>It's too bad you found it early.

>It would've made a great wedding gift.

 

>Business is slow, yet again.

>However, there is one familiar green pony in particular who keeps walking by and watching you.

>Eventually, she got the courage to confront you.

>"So... You're still doing this?" she asked.

"Yup."

>"It sounds to me you've gotten way better," she comments.

"I've been practicing for a concert tomorrow at the school. I'm nowhere near what I need to be, though."

>"Wait a minute. A concert? Really?!"

"Yeah. Pinkie and I are going to do a song or two for the ki- children."

>"Really? Can I join?"

"Uh... Sure, I guess. I don't see why not."

>You take notice of her cutie mark.

"But, I'm not sure where we can fit a harp in anywhere.

>She scowled at your comment.

>"Lyre."

"Huh?"

>"It's a lyre. Not a harp."

"Oh. Sorry."

--

>"And I don't just play the lyre. I can play a variety string instruments."

>She strikes a prideful pose.

>"Also, I took your advice and I've been practicing alot since then."

>You think about what a band all needs.

>Vocals, lead guitar, drums... and, uh... bass! That's right!

"How are you at playing a bass guitar?"

>She thought about it for a moment.

>"Well, if it's anything like yours, I shouldn't be that bad."

>Good enough for you.

>As long as there's rhythm, you don't care.

>Hopefully none of the fillies are music critics.

 

>You check the time, looking up and burning your retinas.

>The sun was high in the sky indicating the end of your shift.

"Be right back," you tell her.

>You race inside the boutique and ask Rarity for tomorrow off.

>You explain why and she agrees wholeheartedly.

>You give thanks and race back outside to the mare waiting for you.

"By the way, I forgot your name."

>"Lyra."

"Ah. Right. Sorry. Anyways, lets go!"

>You race off towards Sugarcube Corner like a kid coming home from school to play a new game.

--

>You've debated spending the night at Pinkie's place so the three of you can practice all night, but you never told Fluttershy.

>Even though she's never been truly mad at you, being talked at is just as bad.

>Probably worse since you can't tell her true feelings through that poker face of hers.

>You will just have to settle for waking up early and running back to town.

>You're falling behind the others.

>Probably because you're just out of practice.

>Your terrible song covers show some improvement, but Pinkie and Lyra are easily better than you.

>Different instruments, but they can learn and remember new things much faster than you.

>Worse yet, you only have tomorrow to figure it out.

 

>The next day, you wake before the sun is even in the sky.

>You perform your daily hygiene ritual, skipping exercise.

>You also skip breakfast.

>You need to go.

>Before you leave, you place a tray on the end table next to your bed.

>A note accompanies the food.

>You give Fluttershy a soft kiss on the forehead before grabbing Vinyl's guitar and leaving your home.

--

>You crack your front door open.

>A quick flash of light emenates from a nearby bush.

>Some light sparkles that you assume are fireflies rise from said bush.

>In this dim morning light, that actually looks pretty damn beautiful.

>You step out and slowly close the door behind you, trying to be as quiet as possible.

>The latch couldn't have been louder.

>Oh well.

>Leaving the case behind, you sling the guitar behind your back and bolt for town.

>You stop running after a few minutes, deciding that you've made up any time lost while you were still at the house.

>You need all the time you can get.

 

>You make it to Sugarcube Corner and walk around back.

>You pull on the storm cellar door, to find it unlocked.

>You descend the stairs, closing the door behind you.

>Pinkie and Lyra were waiting for you.

>The three of you wasted no time getting started.

>This should be easy, but you're making it harder than it is.

>Granted, it was all pretty simple in your mind.

>It's only repeating a few chords over and over.

>It's just actually doing it was a problem.

>Perhaps the stress was getting to you?

>You don't know why.

>This is only just for fun.

>But why do you act like your life is dependant on this?

--

>2 o'clock.

>Ms. Cheerilee allowed the children an early day seeing how you've been generous enough to donate your time.

>It wasn't much generosity as it was a promise you obligated yourself to keep.

>The fillies climbs atop the picnic benches, slide, and jungle gym to get a good view of your little ragtag band.

>There wasn't a stage at the school, so the 3 of you decided it was best to just set up in the most open area; the playground.

>Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo sat directly in front of you.

>They smiled so wide you swore their faces were going to crack.

>You also took notice of Fluttershy and the rest of her friends sitting on the picnic benches.

>A few adults and some children.

>It should be easy.

 

>"Are you nervous, Anonymous?" asked Lyra.

>You looked at her and raised an eyebrow?

>She pointed to your feet, your foot tapping wildly.

>You didn't even notice.

>You also just happened to notice that you were twidling your hands together as well.

>You quickly cease the action and tuck your hands into your pockets.

>"Psst. Anon," Pinkie whispered.

>You look at her.

>"Turn that frown upside down," she smiled.

>You looked forward and to the dirt.

>The hint of a smile graced your face.

>Lyra touched a hoof to the back of our legs.

>"It's only for fun, right?" she asked.

>You nod.

>"So what's there to be nervous about? And besides, you're probably the better of the three."

>She gave you the most honest-to-heart smile she could muster.

>The compliment boosted your spirits and brought a full smile to your face.

>You looked to Pinkie, who was enthusiastically nodding her head.

>You take a deep breath, and exhale slowly.

>You bring your hands up and grip your guitar.

>Lyra stands on her hind legs, holding her guitar with her hooves, levitating a pick just over the strings.

>Pinkie holds her sticks high.

--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDGuyGPJ_JE

>You tap your foot and lightly bob your head as you play.

>Pinkie and Lyra as well.

>You hum the notes to yourself as well to try to get more into the mood.

 

"Someone told me long ago"

"There's a calm before the storm"

"I know!"

"It's been coming for some time"

 

>Pinkie and Lyra traded a quick glance.

>You never sung before when you practiced this morning or yesterday.

 

"When it's over, so they say"

"It'll rain a sunny day"

"I know!"

"Shinin' down like water"

 

>They got right back into it as the chorus began.

 

"I wanna know"

"Have you ever seen the rain?"

"I wanna know"

"Have you ever seen the rain?"

"Comin' down, a sunny day?"

--

>The Crusaders sat before you, swaying side to side in unison.

 

"Yesterday, and days before"

"Sun is cold nd rain is hard"

"I know!"

"Been that way for ll my time"

 

>Fluttershy and Rarity were standing up, swaying side to side and doing some light dancing.

 

"'Til forever, on it goes"

"Through the circle, fast and slow"

"I know!"

"It can't stop, I wonder"

 

>Rainbow Dash and Applejack were dancing with each other, having a good time.

 

"I wanna know"

"Have you ever seen the rain?"

"I wanna know"

"Have you ever seen the rain?"

"Comin' down, a sunny day?"

"Yeah~!"

 

>Twilight raised an eyebrow at your random outburst.

 

"I wanna know"

"Have you ever seen the rain?"

"I wanna know"

"Have you ever seen the rain?"

"Comin' down, a sunny day?"

--

>The crusaders and the rest of the fillies clopped their hooves and cheered excitedly.

>Rarity and Fluttershy lighty clopped there hooves on the ground.

>Rainbow Dash and Applejack stopped their dancing and stared at you, wondering why it was over already.

>Lyra tugged on your shirt sleve.

>"I didn't know there were words to that song," she whispered.

"Is that a problem?"

>"No, actually. A little surprising, but some heads up would be good next time."

"Right. Sorry."

 

>When everyone calmed down, Scootaloo spoke up.

>"Is that is?"

"One more," you stated.

>"Only one?" asked Applebloom, disappointed.

>"Sorry," Lyra apologized. "But we only had a day and half to practice."

>"That's okay," said Sweetie Belle. "Keep going!"

>The fillies cheered once more.

>Man, you love these three.

>Very well.

--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLK9fbk4Lp4

>You start it off slow.

>Lyra and Pinkie join in, Lyra keeping the beat and Pinkie tapping the cymbals.

 

"Day after day I'm more confused"

"Then I look for the light through the pourin' rain"

"You know, that's a game, that I hate to lose"

"I'm feelin' the strain, ain't it a shame"

 

>You point back at your drummer and bassist.

 

"Give me the beat, girls and free my soul"

"I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

"Give me the beat, girls and free my soul"

"I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

"Won't you take me away"

 

>A minor alteration.

>Although it sounds awkward, it works.

>They don't know the difference anyways.

--

"Beginin' to think, that I'm wastin' time"

"And I don't understand the things I do"

"The world outside looks so unkind"

"And I'm countin' on you, you can carry me through"

 

>Fluttershy's ears perked up.

 

"Give me the beat, girls and free my soul"

"I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

"Give me the beat, girls and free my soul"

"I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

"Won't you take me away"

 

>Everything slows down.

>You stop playing, allowing Lyra and Pinkie to keep the beat.

 

"And when my mind is free"

"You know your melody can move me"

"And when I'm feelin' blue"

"The guitars come through to soothe me"

 

>A large smile came over Fluttershy's face.

--

"Thanks for the joy you've given me"

"I want you to know that I believe in your song"

"And rhythm, and rhyme, and harmony"

 

>Lyra and Pinkie pick up the tempo.

 

"You helped me along, you're makin' me strong"

 

>You can't help but bob your head with the beat.

 

"Give me the beat, girls and free my soul"

"I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

"Give me the beat, girls and free my soul"

"I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

"Won't you take me away"

 

"Give me the beat, girls and free my soul"

"I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

"Give me the beat, girls and free my soul"

"I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"

"Won't you take me away"

 

"Oh, won't you take me?"

"Oh, won't you take me?"

"Won't you take me away..."

--

>The crowd was getting into the groove by swaying side to side.

>Their eyes were closed and some were even tapping their hooves.

>Your final chord pulled them from their trance.

>They cheered and hollared.

>They must be very generous to put up with your mediocre singing.

>You couldn't even remember all of the words.

>Hopefully no one noticed.

 

>You slung your guitar on your back as Fluttershy flew over and met you with a deep kiss.

>Said kiss drew plenty of cries of disgust from the fillies.

>Whoops.

>The Crusaders had also attacked your legs, hugging them and forming a ring with their forelegs.

>You could move, but this was just too sweet.

 

>The school fillies trotted over to speak to you, Pinkie and Lyra.

>You all answered questions and gave them some advice.

>Most of it was cheesy motivational speak such as "Just put your mind to it, and you can do anything".

>Not once did they ask about you, where you were from, or what you were.

>They mostly wondered what the songs meant.

>It was nice.

--

>Two in particular were more excited than the rest.

>Snips and Snails they were.

>You saw Snips' cutie mark, and asked him a few questions of your own.

"Hey, how about I give you 10 bits to cut my hair?" you say, tugging on a lock of hair.

>"B-but... why would you want to cut off your mane?" he asked.

"Lets just say I was raised a little different."

>Snips didn't ask anymore questions, and agreed to give you the haircut you oh so needed.

>As the children threw their questions at the three of you, you couldn't help but noticed the Crusaders off to the side, talking to 2 other fillies.

>You would assume they were friends, but judging by the looks on the Crusaders's faces, that idea was quickly shot down.

>You excused yourself from the group and walked over to the Crusaders.

 

>"He's not a monster! He's just as talented as any pony! If not more!" argued Applebloom.

>"Yeah!" agreed Scootaloo. "What makes you think you can just talk down about him like that?"

>"Because," said the filly with a tiara cutie mark. "No beast can simply waltz in and become a star. It's obviously been trained like any other vile animal. Although that was still garbage."

>"Yeah," agreed the second filly with a spoon cutie mark.

>"That's not nice!" said Sweetie Belle. "He's the nicest, most talented pon- ... human we've ever met!"

>"Then why doesn't it have it's cutie mark yet? Hey! Maybe you can see if your cutie marks are what his would- Oh yeah, that's right."

>Tears began to well up in the Crusaders eyes.

>The two fillies laughed it up, ceasing and choking when they saw a massive shadow hovering over them.

--

>You stared down at them with the best poker face you could muster.

>Your arms were crossed and you didn't say a word.

>The two fillies turned around.

>The one with the spoon took a step back.

>The one with the tiara scowled at you.

>"Ugh," she waved a hoof in front of her nose. "Horrible music AND it smells? Disgusting! Someone give this thing a bath!"

>"Heheh... heh..." her companion chuckled nervously.

>The Crusaders took a step forward to defend you, but you shot them a glance and they stood down.

>"Why don't you go back to the Everfree Forest where you belong?" the tiara filly asked. "You're filth is ruining this town. My father will not stand for it!"

>What, is her father the mayor's husband?

>"What, are you deaf too?" she asked.

>You still stood there, staring at her.

>She nervously began to shift her footing as you watched her.

 

>You raised an eyebrow as she began to back away, and eventually turning into a full gallop.

>The spoon filly soon followed.

>You watch them gallop away, and you shook your head.

"What was that about?" you ask the Crusaders.

>"Nothin'," said Applebloom through sniffles.

>You crouch down and lift her chin to look her in the eyes.

"Hey now. Don't let a bully tell you what's what. Remember what we said. You can do whatever you want. Be what you want. I mean, look at me."

>You stood up and spread your arms to emphasize your point.

"You think an ape like me can just fit in anywhere?" you ask with a smile.

>The girls lighten up an chuckle a bit.

>"Heheh, I guess not," said Sweetie Belle.

"Thatta girl."

>You mess Sweetie Belle's mane, much to her annoyance.

>You stood up and walked back to the crowd of fillies, the Crusaders following you.

>Twilight was staring at you, to which you responded with a friendly smile and a wave.