[AnonShy] Childbearing 4

>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.

>'What are you doing?' you ask yourself.

>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.

>You stand there for minutes on end.

>You don't know what to do.

>You close your eyes and take a deep breath in.

>You spread your arms like wings.

>And you lean forward.

--

>And then you stop.

>Again you ask,

>"What do you think you're doing?"

>You lower your arms and sigh.

>This isn't the way to handle this.

>You open your eyes.

"Rainbow Dash?"

>The cyan pegasus was floating in front of you, both front legs extended towards you as if to catch you.

>"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 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 bucking mind?!" shouted Rainbow.

>You slowly rise to your feet.

"Was that for kissing Rarity as well?"

>"That's for being a bucking idiot!" she shouted.

"Right. If it makes you feel any better, I was really gonna do it."

>"Hmph. Coulda fooled me," said 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 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.