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			<h1 id="section_0">A Difficult Route (Edited/Improved/Fin)</h1><ul id="page-actions" class="hlist"><li id="ca-edit" class="icon icon-32px icon-edit" title="Edit the lead section of this page."></li><li id="ca-talk" class="hidden icon icon-32px icon-talk"><a href="http://mulpwiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:A_Difficult_Route_(Edited/Improved/Fin)&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="Discussion about the content page [t]" accesskey="t">Discussion</a></li><li id="ca-watch" class="watch-this-article icon icon-32px"><a href="http://mulpwiki.org/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&amp;returnto=A+Difficult+Route+%28Edited%2FImproved%2FFin%29" title="Add this page to your watchlist [w]" accesskey="w"></a></li></ul>		</div>
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<td><b>Writefag</b>
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<td> _Insignis_
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<td><b>Pastebin link</b>:
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<td><a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="http://pastebin.com/FJezXs9N">http://pastebin.com/FJezXs9N</a>
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<td><b>Pastebin creation</b>
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<td>Saturday 4th of October 2014 07:53:42 AM CDT
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<td><b>Last Pastebin update</b>
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<td>Saturday 7th of May 2016 04:18:45 AM CDT
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</div><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="A_Difficult_Route_.28Edited.2FImproved.2FFin.29">A Difficult Route (Edited/Improved/Fin)</span><a href="Fin)#/editor/1" title="Edit section: A Difficult Route (Edited/Improved/Fin)" data-section="1" class="edit-page icon icon-32px icon-edit enabled">Edit</a></h3><div>
<div dir="ltr" class="mw-geshi mw-code mw-content-ltr"><div class="gettext source-gettext">&#160;<br />The original prompt that inspired the story:<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;A-Anon? Can I talk to you? Its really important...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;its about my grades... If I can't raise my mark high enough to pass this semester, m-my parents won't let me help out at the animal shelter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;she wipes away a tear.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Please Anon? I-I mean, if you're able to, of course...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Twilight is already busy with her own studies, and since you're the second highest marked in class...&quot;</span><br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The girl asking you for help is Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A friend?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;More like an acquaintance.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've talked to her and the rest of the 'Mane Six' before.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just polite conversation here and there.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you didn't know her too well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But that wasn't any reason to turn her down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's pouring her heart out after all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'd feel like a jerk saying no.</span><br />&quot;Sure, Fluttershy, I'll help you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You answer with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her eyes light up and she returns the smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Really? Oh thank you, Anon!&quot;</span><br />&quot;It's no problem. So, how should we do this? Do you want to meet up somewhere, or wait until tomorrow?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was the end of the school day.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A monday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy had come up to you while you were putting things away in your locker.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Actually, I'd like to start today as soon as possible, and I was hoping you'd be willing to come over to my house?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Your house? Right now?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-yes.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She recoils a bit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My parents are waiting for me, and I'm not supposed to go over to a boy's house...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You remember hearing that her parents were a bit protective of her, so it made sense.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luckily, your parents didn't care what you did, since your grades were so good.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As long as you kept them up, and didn't cause any real trouble, you were free to do as you pleased.</span><br />&quot;Okay, that's fine. I'll just shoot my parents a text. Lead the way.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You motion for her to do so, and she sighs in relief.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Great! I was afraid you wouldn't want to be around my parents.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She starts walking, and you follow.</span><br />&quot;Why would I be afraid of your parents? They're not scary or anything, right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You half joke.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, no, they're not that bad. They shouldn't bother... too much.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What did that mean?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're starting to wonder what you've gotten yourself into.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've been walking for about 12 minutes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says her house isn't much further.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you walk next to her, you look her over.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've always been amazed at how pretty she is.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All of the Mane Six were attractive, of course.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But she had a delicate, gentle feminine charm that the other five lacked.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was almost fall now, and it was getting to be chilly outside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So it wasn't odd for her to be wearing a long, thick turtleneck.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was golden yellow, and a bit over-sized for her, length wise.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But that meant she was able to let the sleeves cover up her hands up to her fingers, and use the turtleneck to cover her mouth and nose.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And of course, you notice her long, pink hair.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She used it to hide her face most of the time.</span><br />&quot;That's a really nice sweater.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;T-thank you. I made it myself.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her voice muffles through the fabric.</span><br />&quot;You made that?! That's really impressive.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She blushes, and pulls the sweater's collar up even more.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-yes, but Rarity helped me a bit.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No wonder it looks so professional.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And that explains why it's almost form fitting around her waist and chest.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rarity would never design a female piece of clothing that hides the hourglass shape.</span><br />&quot;That's still great. Better than anything most others could hope to do.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She keeps quiet, quickly glances over to you, and continues walking.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A few minutes later, you reach her typical looking two story suburban house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stand behind her as she takes out a key and opens the door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You follow her inside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm home.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She quietly announces.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fluttershy? Is that you?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A female voice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The source of the voice comes into view.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A woman who looks like an older Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Needless to say, she's gorgeous.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What are you doing being all quiet? You're not at school anymo-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy shakes her head while making an ixnay motion to her throat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The woman finally notices you and laughs with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh! You've brought home a visitor!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy looks over to you and points to the woman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;T-this is my mother.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, figured that out already.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her mother walks over to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm Posey. You must be one of her friends... um?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Anon Mous.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's... quite a unique name.&quot;</span><br />&quot;So I've been told, ma'am.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Please, call me Mrs. Shy, if you must.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Mrs. Shy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles warmly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well let's not just stand here in the doorway! Come in, come in!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy and Fluttershy lead you into the house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pass by the living room, where a man is sitting in a recliner, watching a pre-game football show.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy points at him.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's my father.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy looks back at you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Wister.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Mr. Shy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy giggles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Honey! Look at what your daughter brought home!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What? Who?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He glances over and notices you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, hey there.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk over to him and shake his hand firmly.</span><br />&quot;Sir.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, yeah, nice to meet you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He pats you on the arm as he sets his sight back onto the tv.</span><br />&quot;Um...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's no use, Anon. That's just how he is when football is on. Come along with us.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy beckons you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You comply and walk with them over to the dining area.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait a minute.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wasn't her parents supposed to be really strict and scary?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What's going on?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So what are you here for? Are you two on a date?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy snickers.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mother, please! He's here to help me study. This is the boy I told you about.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy says visibly annoyed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, of course! Well, don't let me keep you then.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy places her backpack onto the table and starts taking things out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sits down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look around awkwardly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Go ahead, Anon, sit down.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy says.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit down next to Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;While you two get started, I'll be in the kitchen getting dinner ready, but I'll bring you some drinks and snacks right away.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy walks off to the kitchen.</span><br />&quot;Um, Fluttershy, wouldn't it be better if we studied in your room?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;It isn't that you're trying to be alone with her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The living room and dining room were actually one open area to each other.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you could see and hear everything going on between the two.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Which meant you had the distraction of Mr. Shy's very loud football game.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her eyes go wide.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh no, Anon! My father would never allow it. Isn't that right, dad?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without even looking he barely replies.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Huh? What?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;A boy. In my room.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy firmly states.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh! Right. Hey, you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says, suddenly glaring at you.</span><br />&quot;Sir?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't get too comfortable. I'm watching you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He does the double finger point to his eyes and then points at your eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As clich� as it may sound, being threatened by a father of a daughter in his own home is intimidating as fuck.</span><br />&quot;Yes, sir.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You answer nervously.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He goes back to watching tv as if nothing happened.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oddly enough, you could swear you hear laughing coming from the kitchen.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With some time, the day's homework was done.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy actually did a pretty good job of keeping up with you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She didn't have too much trouble understanding anything.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Makes you wonder how her grades slipped so much.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you pack away your school supplies, Mrs. Shy comes out of the kitchen.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, why don't you stay for dinner?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'd love to-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;He can't.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy Interrupts.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fluttershy!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy says sternly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You know how dad gets when someone has been over for so long, mother. Isn't that right, dad?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What? Oh, yeah. Hey, boy, you've been here for a while.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says without even looking away from the tv.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Wister!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy scolds.</span><br />&quot;It's okay, Mrs. Shy. I should be getting back home anyways. Can't stay out too late without permission.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lie.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy walks you out, as Mrs. Shy continues to lecture her husband.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thank you for today, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;No problem. See you tomorrow.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Bye.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She waves as she softly closes the front door.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The next day at lunchtime, after eating at her usual table with her friends, Fluttershy comes over to your table and takes a seat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's kinda weird, since you've only ever seen her sit with the Mane Six, the Eco Kids, or by herself, back when Sunset Shimmer was terrorizing the school.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You still had a bit of your own lunch left, but with Fluttershy in front of you, it didn't seem important anymore.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;H-hello, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Hey, Fluttershy. What brings you to my table?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, um, about our studying together. How about we try somewhere else today?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Somewhere else?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My parents were just such a bother yesterday. They'll only get worse, so we should forget about going back to my house.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pause for a moment in thought.</span><br />&quot;Your parents didn't like me, did they?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, no! It's not that they didn't like you. They actually... too much.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Some of that last sentence was too quiet to make out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A common problem when talking to Fluttershy.</span><br />&quot;What was that?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;D-don't worry about my parents so much. Now that they know you're helping me, they'll let me stay after school.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Taking that as the cue not to push the subject anymore, you let it go.</span><br />&quot;So we'll study in the library?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was at this point you realized your friend and usual lunch buddy, Norman, was giving you a smartass look.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You kick him under the table to make sure he doesn't say anything stupid.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And we can go to Sugarcube Corner too. I love their hot chocolate.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, that'll fill the void of Mrs. Shy's snacks at least.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The bell signifying the end of lunch rings.</span><br />&quot;Guess I'll see you after classes then.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She nods as you both get up from the table and go your separate ways.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman catches up with you in the hall and slings an arm over your shoulder.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nice going there, Anon. One of the 'Manes,' no less. Which means they're a super difficult route, with a high bad end ratio. The good end is rare, while the true end is unreachable with those girls.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says with a thoughtful look, as he rubs his chin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shrug him off.</span><br />&quot;It's not like that Norman. I'm just helping her study.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sure, Anon, you keep saying that. We'll see how long it lasts.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He laughs, pulls out a Vita, and begins to play it as he walks ahead of you to your next class.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Forget what he says and focus, Anon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So, no more going to her house, huh?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You weren't sure if this was good or bad when it came to solving the mystery surrounding her life at home.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But at least you would still get to spend time with Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why was that a good thing?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What exactly are you getting out of this, besides just helping out an acquaintance?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's all this is after all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, nothing more.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman doesn't know what he's talking about.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Stop over thinking it and go about your day.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And that's what you do.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Until it's time to meet in the library that is.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk inside and pass by Ms. Cheerilee, who is scolding the young Crusaders for... something.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You didn't care though, as you knew it wouldn't change anything.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The Crusaders were a force that couldn't simply be stopped by a mere mortal.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No, you needed a Celestia, a Luna, or even a she-demon Sunset Shimmer.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit down at a table, lay out your backpack and get ready for Fluttershy to arrive.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A few minutes later, you watch her walk in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You expect her to pass by the student/teacher disturbance just as you did, but are surprised to see her walk straight towards it instead.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Girls.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says calmly, but firmly behind their backs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They flinch, slowly turn around to face her, and receive her order.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Behave yourselves.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, Fluttershy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The Crusaders say in unison.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Visibly rattled, they leave the library peacefully.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy continues on towards you, passing a stupefied Ms. Cheerilee.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sits down across from you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at her in amazement.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After taking a few things out of her backpack, she finally notices.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy, how did you do that?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Do what?&quot;</span><br />&quot;The Crusaders. Ms. Cheerilee couldn't get through to them, but you handled it like it was nothing.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, that? Um... I guess I'm just as good with kids as I am with animals?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Huh... yeah, that makes sense.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not really.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You knew how alike kids and animals could be, but that was too uncanny.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You file that mental note into the Fluttershy Mystery folder, and begin helping her study.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The session goes quicker and easier this time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not having a loud football game blaring in the background helps.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You put down your pencil and stretch in your seat.</span><br />&quot;Welp, that'll do it for today. Let's pack it up.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thanks again for this, Anon. It really means a lot to me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says as she fills her backpack.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile as you do the same.</span><br />&quot;You did good today, Fluttershy. I'll see you tomorrow?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;At Sugarcube Corner.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She nods.</span><br />&quot;I expect a hot chocolate, compliments of you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wink.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You felt you'd talked to her enough that it was okay to play with her a bit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She giggles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You got it. Bye.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with smile and a wave.</span><br />&quot;Later.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wave back.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As soon as she walks out of the library doors, Ms. Cheerilee comes over to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, Mous.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Ma'am?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How did that scaredy cat of a girl get those kids under control?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Being good with animals makes you good with kids, apparently?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Animals... of course! They are like animals, aren't they?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says looking off into the distance with narrowed eyes.</span><br />&quot;Um, Ms. Cheerilee? You probably shouldn't say that around anyone.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh! I mean, I don't know what you're talking about young man. In fact, Mr. Mous, I think it's time you head on home.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yes, Ma'am.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You acknowledge with a ever so slight smile on your face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She returns the diminutive smile, and watches you walk out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and Ms. Cheerilee always got along for some reason.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe it was your laid back attitude that you could get away with because of your grades?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In any case, you go home.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The next day.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The school hours come and go.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to study again with Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She made another cameo at your lunch table to confirm that Sugarcube Corner was the place of study today.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So here you are, walking side by side with her to the local youth's hangout.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You never thought you'd be making this trek with such a pretty girl.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Normally, you weren't one to care about these things.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you had to admit, it felt kinda nice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eventually, you reach your destination.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The aroma of fresh baked goods and coffee hit you both as you enter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The Cakes keep the place warmer than outside, so Fluttershy is visibly happier to be inside after walking in chilly winds.</span><br />&quot;You might have to start wearing a jacket soon.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I think you're right. But for now, let's get to that hot chocolate. Maybe some cakes too.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says licking her lips.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She goes over to the counter to order while you grab a seat at one of the longer than normal tables.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'll need the extra room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A minute or so later, Fluttershy sits across from you with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Shouldn't take long.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, let's get started in the meantime.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Right.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You begin your session.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A few minutes into it, Mrs. Cake brings over two large hot chocolates with a mountain of whipped cream and marsh mellows.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There were also a few choice pastries picked out by Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The study session is paused to enjoy the sweet treats.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But before that, you get to watch a strange display of skill, as Fluttershy picks up a plastic knife and spoon, and moves over to her cup of coco.</span><br />&quot;Uh, Fluttershy?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She ignores you, and with intense concentration, she uses the knife to cut the very bottom of the whipped cream mountain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then, with a skillful maneuver, she uses both the knife and the spoon to lift the whipped cream off the cup, completely intact, and onto her plate of pastries.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give a quiet golf clap.</span><br />&quot;Okay, that was impressive, but... why?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I can't get to the coco with all that whipped cream in the way. I can't even blow on it. But I don't want to waste any of it, so I had Pinkie help me come up with that.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, couldn't you just order the whipped cream on the side?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No! You can't call it a cup of hot chocolate without the whipped cream, can you?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She asks quite seriously.</span><br />&quot;I... guess not.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Of course not.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says matter of factly, as she begins to delicately blow onto the hot coco, while tasting the pastries.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She has to push her long, pink hair out of the way every now and then, since she's bending over slightly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eventually, she musters up the courage to take a sip, and you're treated to her reaction of the coco being just bearably cool enough for her to enjoy the single sip.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mmm!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her face lights up with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You watch every moment intently with your own smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For some reason, watching her puts you at ease.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If you had any problems in your life right now, none of them mattered.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You only cared about this moment.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A moment which seemed to last longer than it actually was, as you're snapped out of it by a question.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Aren't you going to try yours, Anon?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Hm? Oh! Yeah.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You awkwardly begin to indulge in your share of the treats.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's probably just your imagination, but they seem to taste better than they would normally.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Is it just because you're with her?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You even attempt Fluttershy's expert whipped cream maneuver, only for the mountain of cream to fall apart in your plastic utensil's clutches.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You comically hang your head in shame and put on a bad accent.</span><br />&quot;Sensei, forgive me, for I have tarnished your honorabur name with my shamefur dispray.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without missing a beat, Fluttershy raises her hand to her mouth and smiles mockingly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You were a fool to try such a dangerous skill at your level. Someday, the student will become the master. But that day, it is not. Ha ha ha.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both share a good laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's a lot more fun than you thought she was.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And she's way easier to talk to now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You never imagined you'd ever see Fluttershy act like this, but you like it.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A while later the session, and the treats, are over.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy tries to pay for everything, but you insist on going halfsies.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both pack up your things and walk outside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The cold wind seems to have picked up a bit in the time you've been here.</span><br />&quot;I guess that's it for today. If you're going home, want me to walk you there?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;What was the point of that?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Did you just want to spend more time with her?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Actually, I'm going over to the girls. They texted me they're hanging out, so...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She trails off, but pulls it back with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thanks, Anon, this was kind of fun. See you tomorrow.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She begins to walk off with a wave.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're supposed to wave back and say 'later,' or 'bye.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But something comes over you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;An urge that you can't resist giving into.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy, wait!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You suddenly call out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;W-what is it? Is something wrong?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk over to get closer to her again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's visibly nervous.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy... would you, maybe wanna exchange phone numbers?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Are you seriously asking this?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And do people even use that phrase anymore?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Phone numbers?&quot;</span><br />&quot;You know, in case you have any study questions while you're at home.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Real smooth.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She frowns and looks down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I... I'm sorry, Anon, but I can't give out my number to a boy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And then, with a sigh, you remember.</span><br />&quot;Right. Your dad.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;S-sorry, really I-&quot;</span><br />&quot;No, it's not your fault. I shouldn't have asked in the first place. It's okay, forget about it. I'll see you tomorrow.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You fake a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nice back peddling.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A gust of wind kicks up, causing her to bundle up some more.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-yeah, I'll bring a jacket next time.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She awkwardly jokes, and starts to walk away again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You watch her for a few moments, before turning and starting off yourself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, great.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You feel like a jerk.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you probably made her feel just as bad.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Way to go.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Things are gonna be awkward tomorrow.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hopefully you can get past it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As big as a mistake this was, it made you realize something.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Man, of all the girls at school, it had to be this one?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're made to wonder a previous thought again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What have you gotten yourself into?</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The next day.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;School is over.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're already waiting in the library for Fluttershy to show up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She hasn't said anything to you all day, not even at lunch.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not a good sign.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She finally walks in, later than usual.</span><br />&quot;Hey, Fluttershy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hello, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She doesn't look at you directly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She seems apprehensive.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You go through the study session.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You try your best to make small talk and jokes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Try to lighten the mood.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It doesn't do much.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The whole thing feels like a business transaction more than anything.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's definitely keeping her distance from you now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The session ends and Fluttershy leaves with a meek 'bye.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a terrible feeling.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Friday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Another study session in the library.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's kept her distance just like yesterday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon... um...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, you've got a good idea where this is going now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instead of watching her stumble through it, you decide to help her along.</span><br />&quot;You've done really well, Fluttershy. Your grades have already improved, so you don't need my help anymore, do you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I don't think so.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, I'm glad. It's what we set out to accomplish, right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Right.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A moment of silence.</span><br />&quot;...Tell ya what, how about I make you a cheat sheet?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Cheat sheet? Anon, I don't want-&quot;</span><br />&quot;I don't mean actual cheating, more like a study guide for the upcoming subjects. To help you keep prepared.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I would... really appreciate that.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Can we meet up tomorrow?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;It could've waited until Monday, but you wanted an excuse to see her outside of school again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Um... yeah. Remember the big park, near my house? I'll be there around four o'clock, checking up on some birds.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Then I'll see you tomorrow.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Okay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Having already packed her things, she gets up from her seat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Bye.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a small wave, she walks out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Leaving you to pack your things and go home.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Saturday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're on your way to the park, holding a binder full of notes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stayed up late last night working on this study guide.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You didn't skimp out on the quality of it at all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This was the last thing you were going to do for her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This was the last time... you were going to have a real moment with her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you made sure you were going to do it right.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wander into the park.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's big and well taken care of.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's probably the nicest neighborhood park in the whole area.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Perfect for Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There are some other people walking around, but you spot her easily, thanks to her outfit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's wearing a bright yellow... sailor sweater?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And a shorter than usual gray skirt.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The skirt made sense, since it was warmer today.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's feeding some small, colorful birds out of her hands.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's even one on her shoulder.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She really is great with animals.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without thinking, you walk up to her in awe.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But as you get closer, the birds take notice and flee.</span><br />&quot;Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shakes her head.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's okay, It's about time I go home anyways.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hand her the binder.</span><br />&quot;Well, here it is.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She opens it up and flips through it.</span><br />&quot;I made sure to make everything clear and easy as possible.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her eyes go wide and she almost gasps.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This is... really amazing. I don't know what to say.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks back up to you.</span><br />&quot;I'm sure you'll do fine. Will your parents let you go to the shelter now?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She closes the binder and hugs it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, they've already agreed to it.&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's great!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give a genuine smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's all thanks to you, Anon. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't helped me. You've done so much...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She makes a small, almost sad smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A moment of silence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;PASS IT OVER HERE!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both look towards where the shout came from to see a group of jocks playing football.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They're way bigger than any CHS student.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They must be college guys.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before you can even comment on them, a sudden gust of wind blows.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's strong enough to kick up a bunch of leaves all over you and Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She yelps in surprise and raises her arms up to her face, trying to protect herself from the attacking foliage.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The wind dies down, but you're both covered in leaves.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She let's out a high pitched whine sound, while making a pouty face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't help but laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anooooonnnn.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Okay, okay. Here, let me help.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You brush the leaves off her as much as you can and even pick out the ones in her hair.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Did you get them all?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I think so.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look her over to make sure.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's in this moment that you realize how beautiful she really is.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The long, full pink hair flowing in the wind.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Those big, emerald eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her feminine figure.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can feel your heart starting to ache.</span><br />&quot;So... I guess... that's it.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say with a somber voice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She replies quietly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thank you again, Anon. For everything.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm happy I was able to help.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say sincerely.</span><br />&quot;Well, I'm gonna go. See you around at school.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both give a little wave goodbye.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You turn around and start walking away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your heart is hurting even more having to do this.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's going to be hard to get over, but at least you know you did everything you could for her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everything you could.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stop in your tracks.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've suddenly remembered you had something else to tell her about the notes.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy, about those-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You turn around, only to see a horrifying scene unfolding.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy has opened the binder to take another look at it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Making her completely oblivious to what's approaching her from behind.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A jock, running towards her at his full speed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But he can't see Fluttershy either.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's too busy looking back, focusing on the incoming football he's trying to catch.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They both have no idea they're about to collide.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The instant your brain is able to process the situation, you start running towards Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You push yourself to move as quickly as you can.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But the jock is moving so much faster.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Even if you tried to yell 'watch out', it wouldn't make any difference saying it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your mind races with flashes of thoughts.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The sheer amount of force from being hit would seriously injure Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's too delicate.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Too fragile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Truthfully, you're probably not going to fair much better.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you don't care what happens to you, as long as it doesn't happen to her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't let it happen.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You won't.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you get closer to Fluttershy, you ready yourself to push her out of the way.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You have to be careful, you could end up hurting her yourself if you don't do this right.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're only a step away now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You place your hands on her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You push her away.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You did it.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your vision goes blurry.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A loud scream.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're lying on the ground.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You begin to move.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's not easy, you feel really light headed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Head.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reach with a hand to check it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wet?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blood.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But not much.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Moving your arm made you realize it hurts.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So does your chest.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Actually, a lot of things hurt right now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you can tell right away that nothings been broken.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're gonna have a hell of a headache though.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;ASSHOLES!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A female voice?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It sounds so angry.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What the FUCK do you think you were doing?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Easy, girl scout, we said we're sorry. Look, he's fine. It's cool.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Girl scout?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No... it couldn't be...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You half sit up to see the jocks nervously huddled in front of... Fluttershy?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fuck your apology! Children play here all the time! What if you had hit one of them?! Would that have been cool?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're completely shocked.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy has lost it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her voice...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's yelling so loud and so harshly, it's barely recognizable.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Even her stance is different.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She just seems so much more intimidating now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Especially her eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's something about them that's genuinely frightening.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The jocks are scared shitless.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They're actually backing away from her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-yo man! What's with this girl?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One of them points at her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dude, isn't her dad a big time cop?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Police?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's RIGHT motherfuckers! I's down with the popo, straight up fo' sho'!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy just did an impression of a wannabe gangsta, hand gestures and all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Holy crap.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So I better not see you reckless jackasses in this park, EVER again! Or I'll make sure that you are seriously fucked over! GOT IT?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This chick is scary as fuck!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;L-let's get out of here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They begin to leave, hastily.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy watches them go for a few moments, breathing deeply.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She finally looks over to you and sees your shocked, slack jawed expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She rolls her eyes and sighs loudly with annoyance, throwing her arms into the air.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, that's right.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She walks over to you, kneels down, and does jazzhands.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This is the real me! The REAL Fluttershy! Yay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says dripping with sarcasm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Is this really Fluttershy anymore?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You try to stammer something out.</span><br />&quot;F-fluttershy, what-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, yeah, I know, you've got questions that need answers, but how about we save that for later? You're kinda bleeding right now.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not to mention all the pain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Guess it would be a good idea to get to a hospital.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come on, let's get back to my house.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Your house?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just trust me on this. Now up we go.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She slings your arm around her shoulder and helps you to stand up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wobble a bit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You alright?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Just a little dizzy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No surprise. You were knocked back like a ragdoll.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Heh, yeah.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reply with a bit of embarrassment.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After picking up the binder she dropped when you pushed her, she starts walking you out of the park.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy, I can walk on my own, I'm fine now.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh shut up. The last thing we need is for you to be any more pathetic and trip on yourself. My house is just down the block.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's strange, somehow she feels stronger than before.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like you could depend on her.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reach her house and she takes you inside to her mother.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Got a patient for ya, Doc.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Doc?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ms. Shy gasps when she sees you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fluttershy! Did you beat this poor boy up?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy replies angrily.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Did you beat up someone else?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No! ...But I would have liked to.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grumbles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Bring him into the kitchen and tell me all about it.&quot;</span><br /><br />&quot;So you're a doctor, Ms. Shy?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, sir.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She answers as she tends to the cut on your head, standing above you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You try to be still as possible for her, while you sit on a barstool next to one of the kitchen counters.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Various medical supplies litter the counter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And I hoped my daughter would follow in my footsteps, but...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy sighs loudly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Really, mom? Right now?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fine, fine.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's an awkward silence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You decide to break it with another question.</span><br />&quot;And um, Mr. Shy is a police officer?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy flinches.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Caught that, huh?&quot;</span><br />&quot;It was kinda hard not to.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give her a raised eyebrow.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks away from you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, my husband is an officer. Sheriff Shy.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Sheriff?! Seriously?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, sir.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy wasn't kidding about getting those jocks fucked over.</span><br />&quot;That's... intimidating. I-is he home right now?&quot;<br />You ask, suddenly very nervous.<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy laughs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh don't worry, he's tough on crime, but he's really a bag of sugar. And no, he's out at the moment.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's a relief.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He could easily blame you for getting his daughter involved in an incident.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Best not to see him.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A few minutes later and Ms. Shy is done treating your cut.</span><br />&quot;So what's the prognosis, Doc? Uh! I mean, Ms. Shy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She chuckles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You'll be fine. Nothing was broken. You're really lucky actually. But you are bruised up pretty good.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm in for a lot of pain, aren't I?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh yeah, totally. But here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She hands you a full pill bottle.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Take two a day. They're the good stuff, so they'll do their job and dull the pain. Take one right now.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy hands you a glass of water, and you swallow one.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;They're going to make you drowsy as a side effect. But that's the price you'll have to pay.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Thanks, Ms. Shy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's the least I can do.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And you ARE staying for dinner this time young man. Understood?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yes, ma'am.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good. It'll be ready in an hour, so make yourself at home.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As Ms. Shy starts packing up her medical supplies, Fluttershy begins dragging you out of the kitchen.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come on, Anon, let's go to my room.&quot;</span><br />&quot;W-wait, I thought I wasn't allowed-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't worry about it.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reluctantly let Fluttershy take you upstairs to her room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She closes the door behind you.</span><br />&quot;Is this really okay?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I said don't worry about it.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Easier said than done.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look around the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a mix of the Fluttershy you've come to know, and someone else you don't.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Plenty of cute, girly things scattered among boyish things.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What grabs your attention the most though is the oldschool Sony CRT.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's pretty big, taking up almost an entire corner of the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hooked up to it are multiple retro video game consoles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not something you expected to find at all in Fluttershy's room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sits down on the floor, at the foot of her bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Still want those answers?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh... yeah, some answers would be nice.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pats the carpeted floor next to her, and you sit in that very spot.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She stares down and away from you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's been trying to avoid eye contact since you walked inside her house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Now, your first question should be...&quot;</span><br />&quot;...Who've I been talking to this whole time? A fake Fluttershy?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, that is me. Just... the old me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sighs deeply.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;When I was a little girl, I was even more shy than what you've been dealing with.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I can't see how that's possible.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Imagine trying to talk to me, and just getting a 'squeak' from me as I run away.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wow.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah. But, little by little, I got better at being around people. Eventually, I was able to make some friends. A few in class, some at the park. It was nice for a while.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Until...?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She wraps her arms around her legs and hugs them.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;As time went on, I became more assertive. More confident. I started taking a bigger part in everything. My 'friends,' didn't like that. They all got upset with me. Said I changed too much, and that I was different. 'You're not Fluttershy anymore!' Stuff like that.&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's bullshit.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But I didn't know that at the time, so I was crushed losing all my friends like that. I thought maybe there was something wrong with me. That I must've done awful things to make them hate me. It wasn't until later that I realized, they were never really my friends to begin with. They just wanted someone quiet they could boss around. So when I stopped being such a pushover, they didn't want me in the group anymore.&quot;</span><br />&quot;But if you became more assertive and figured all that out, why are you still your old self at school?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Because I also became bitter and hateful from being treated like that. I didn't want to associate with anyone anymore, and playing the 'meek, shy girl' worked perfectly for that. It just makes everything easier to deal with and keep at a distance.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look over to her and think for a moment.</span><br />&quot;...Does that mean... this whole time?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks away from you with a guilty expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...I never had any intention of being your friend. I just needed your help, that's all.&quot;</span><br />&quot;And your parents not wanting you to talk to boys?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;They both have no problems with me talking to boys. It's just a lie I make them go along with.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is starting to feel really shitty.</span><br />&quot;Well how about that, this whole time I've been used and lied to?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was a tinge of anger in your voice, now knowing you never even had a chance at friendship with her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But the next thing you say has a much more somber tone.</span><br />&quot;I... I think I should go.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You move to get up and leave, but she grabs and holds you down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh don't get so dramatic and pissed off now!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give her a scowl.</span><br />&quot;Don't get so pissed off?! Fluttershy, you-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I have trust issues, okay?! You were being really nice and doing a lot for me, but I still couldn't trust you. Just like how I don't trust a lot of people. ...I've been a jerk to you, and I'm really sorry.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare each other down, you giving an angry expression, while hers is more stern.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a few moments of this, you sigh and look away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You know what? Give me your phone.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Why?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just give me your phone!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She orders.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Because you now know what she's capable of, and don't want to be put through that, you comply.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With your phone in hand she takes hers out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After some expert flicking and swishing, she hands you back your phone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There, we've 'exchanged phone numbers' now.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You check your contacts, and sure enough, there's her name in your phone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You think things over again.</span><br />&quot;Wait... aren't you just doing this because I saved you today?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grows a cheeky grin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't look at it like that! Think of it as... your reward.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You scoff.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But really...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her grin goes away, and she looks at the floor again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The first thing I did after you pushed me was look back over to you. And when I saw you lying on the ground, I realized that could have been me. In that moment I knew, just like the girls, the only real friends I have... I could trust you too.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks up to you with a smile.</span><br />&quot;You mean we're friends now? For real?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her smile grows bigger.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Stick a cupcake in my eye.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give a confused look.</span><br />&quot;Stick a... what are you talking about?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh right, you've never really talked to the girls much either, have you? Eh, you'll find out soon enough. Just know that when cupcakes are involved, it's serious business.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Not sure how cupcakes can be serious, but, okay?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a moment to stare at your phone, which is displaying Fluttershy's info page.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sooo... we're good now, right?&quot;</span><br />&quot;...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her smile fades as you remain silent.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Truthfully, you still have doubts about all this.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just because she was treated like that, it gives her the right to do the same to you?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And what if she decides to throw you away again on a whim?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Who's to say 'this' Fluttershy isn't like that?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You need to think this over, so for now, it's best to buy yourself some time.</span><br />&quot;Yeah, we're good.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You answer with a small smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She seems relieved, but not completely convinced.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How about... we start over?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She puts out her hand for what is unmistakably a handshake.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look up from her welcoming hand to an expression that gives an answer before you even ask.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yes, she's serious.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Probably 'cupcake' serious.</span><br />&quot;...No more 'old Fluttershy' lies?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shakes her head.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nope.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You half heartedly extend your hand to hers, and she quickly takes it with her own.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her handshake is firm, but not overly tight, just enough to convey her sincerity.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm Fluttershy. The 'present' one.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says while looking you directly in the eyes.</span><br />&quot;Anon, same guy from a week ago.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her smile returns.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nice to meet you, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If she's going this far, you might as well run with it.</span><br />&quot;Yeah, likewise. So, I heard you need help with studying or something?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She lights up and runs along with you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, actually, I do! You see, I've been kind of a lazy shit, neglecting a lot of my schoolwork. And now my parents are pissed off, or some junk, and if I don't get my grades back up, I'm like, not gonna be able to help all the cute animals n' stuff.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wow girl, that totally sounds harsh.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I knooow, riiight?&quot;</span><br />&quot;...Why did this go valley girl?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I don't know.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both share a good laugh, and the tension between you lifts.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A moment is spent in silence, until the sheets on Fluttershy's bed begin to rustle.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh! Was my sweetums sleeping under the blanket again?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A bump in the blanket starts moving towards the both of you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It makes it's way to the end of the bed and throws the fabric off to reveal...</span><br />&quot;A white rabbit?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Angel Bunny!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The bunny jumps from the bed and into the arms of Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She hugs him tightly, while he enjoys every second.</span><br />&quot;A pet of yours?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My one and only. I take care of a lot of animals, but Angel here is the only one who's mine alone.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, he is pretty cute.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reach out to pet him in Fluttershy's arms, but Angel bats your hand away with surprising strength.</span><br />&quot;What?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sorry, Anon, but Angel doesn't like new people. It can take him a while to get used to someone.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Angel makes a mean face at you, then buries himself even more into Fluttershy.</span><br />&quot;Is that so? How long have you had him?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, years now. I found him in the park one day during a big rainstorm. He was abandoned by the rest of his group, just because he acted differently from the others. He reminded me of myself, so when I saw him all alone, I knew I had to take him in. That way, together, we would never be lonely. Right, Angel?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The rabbit hugs her back, and says something through sign language to her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What's that? You want your snack? Alright.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy reaches over and opens one of her draws, taking out a box of Trix cereal.</span><br />&quot;Trix? That's my favorite cereal.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take the box from Fluttershy.</span><br />&quot;Do you really feed him thi-OW!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Angel has just kicked your foot.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hard.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Causing you to drop the box into the waiting arms of the rabbit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yep, it's his favorite cereal too. You both have something in common, isn't that nice?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with a friendly expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;To add insult to injury, Angel pulls one of his eyelids down and sticks his tongue out at you.</span><br />&quot;Hey, this rabbit is kind of a jerk.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy chuckles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, isn't he great?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She asks with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But he isn't really a bad boy, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She then leans over and starts rubbing and scratching his chin, causing him to drop the box and start thumping the ground with his leg in delight.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;He's just a little rascal! Isn't that right, Angel Bunny? Yes you are.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy is totally coddling and making excuses for this little runt, but there's nothing you can do about it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Angel knows this all too well, as he gives you a smug face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give him a look that says 'alright rabbit, you've won this round.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Enough about this cotton ball, you've still got a few questions for Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Those questions would have to wait though, as knocking emits from the other side of the door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fluttershy? I'm coming in.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That sounds like her father!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh shit!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She doesn't hesitate to answer.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Okay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The door swings open and Mr. Shy walks in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your immediate reaction is to stand up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Face to face, you now realize how big her father is.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's actually bigger than those jocks, so he easily towers over you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You also notice the big, shiny sheriff's badge on his shirt.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't help but feel totally screwed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So, here you are.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says in a gruff voice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your cowardly survival instincts kick in as you try to talk your way out of this.</span><br />&quot;Mr. Shy, I know how this looks, but I can explain.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, there's no need to explain, the misses told me everything.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aw crap.</span><br />&quot;Is that so? In that case, I'll just be on my way then-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You move to walk past the burly man, but he stops you in your tracks.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm afraid you're not goin' anywhere. You'll have to stay...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fuck.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't see it, but you can hear Angel rolling around on the floor laughing.</span><br />&quot;Sir, please, I didn't mean t-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;For a hero's dinner of course!&quot;</span><br />&quot;I... what?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He pulls you over to him.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You saved my daughter! I knew you were a good kid from the moment I saw you! Sorry about having to throw you out that time, but it wasn't my choice. She made me do it!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He points at his daughter accusingly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She rolls her eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, dad, I've already told him the truth.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good, cause if you didn't, I would have.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you're not in trouble at all?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fuckin' A.</span><br />&quot;It's alright Mr. Shy, I'd be happy to stay for dinner.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gives you a hearty slap on the back, which knocks all the air out of you and nearly sends you flying.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Of course! Come on, let's get to table. I wanna hear the whole story from the hero himself.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He keeps his arm over your shoulder and brings you along out of the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy and Angel follow behind.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You regale the table with your story.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you don't over sell it, just tell the truth.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy is hanging on every word, while Mrs. Shy has a smile the entire time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy rolls her eyes at how invested in the story her father is.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The rest of the dinner is spent with Fluttershy's parents asking you questions.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your life at home, what you want to do when you get out of school, the usual stuff.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You also get to know them a bit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You find that they're actually pretty laid back.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The food is delicious.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Spaghetti and meatballs, no complaints at all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As always, you have a strange urge to put some in your pocket.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy has the vegetarian version, complete with it's own salad, which she shares with Angel.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;By the end of the meal, you're starting to get tired.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy says it's the pills taking effect.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With the situation as it is, Mr. Shy says he'll take you home.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He even offers to come down with you and explain to your parents why you're banged up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You respectfully decline that part, but you're not about to turn down a ride home with your current condition.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With everyone in the doorway, you say your parting words.</span><br />&quot;Thanks for the meal, Mrs. Shy, I really enjoyed it.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come back any time for more. Are you sure you don't want help explaining to your parents? I could at least write you a note.&quot;</span><br />&quot;A doctor's note? That's... a good idea. But I don't want to trouble you-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Too late, I already wrote it.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She hands it to you with a sly smile.</span><br />&quot;I appreciate it.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You turn to Fluttershy, who has her hands in her skirt pockets, and Angel perched atop her head.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If you really wanna make it simple, just say you fell down the stairs.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with a deadpan expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fluttershy!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy scolds.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't help but chuckle a bit.</span><br />&quot;It'll be fine. Goodnight.&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your ride home with Mr. Shy is a bit awkward at first, but he starts telling you some of his old cop stories, and they're pretty cool.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Makes what you went through today seem like nothing comparatively.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before you know it, you're home.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Explaining the day to your parents takes a bit of doing, but with the note from Mrs. Shy, you're able to smooth things out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You go up to your room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Man, what a day.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're not sure what hit you harder, the jock, or finding out Fluttershy's secret.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What exactly are you supposed to think of her now?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's completely different from what you thought you had figured out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And what did she think of all this?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She didn't even want to be friends with you a few hours ago.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now she says you are.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Was she telling the truth?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe she just did all that to help bide her time and cover her tracks?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What if come monday, she ignores you and acts like nothing ever happened?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She might feel it'd be in her best interests.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And it's not like you could prove anything otherwise.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her 'shy girl' act is so good, no one would ever believe you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well... if she did choose to do that, you would take the hint and leave her be of course, just like you planned to anyways.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But that doesn't stop your mind from being racked with doubt.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You never thought you'd have to face trust issues with Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fuck, this is gonna drive you cra-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your phone buzzes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Probably Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You check it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a text from Fluttershy?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[I'll be busy tomorrow at the shelter so I'll see you monday at school]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hmm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If she planned to ignore you, she wouldn't have bothered with this text.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You send her a simple reply.</span><br />[yeah see you monday]<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Seems you can put some of that doubt to rest.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...You were pretty sluggish writing that replay, short as it was.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pain meds must be really getting to you now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time for sleep.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You change into your pj's, and promptly knock out in your bed.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Monday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You spent all of sunday resting.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But now it was time to go back to school.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't help but feel crazy though, as all you can think about is Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Play it cool, Anon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You do want to find out where you stand with her, but you also don't want to seem clingy or anything.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Let her come to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Until then, act like you don't even notice her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What a brilliant plan.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And so, you go about your day.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lunchtime.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'd definitely see Fluttershy here, since, ya know, everyone is here.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Stick to the plan.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Don't look for her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just sit at your usual table with Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe she would drop by at the end of lunch?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get your tray stocked.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Meatball Monday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is gonna be disappointing after Mrs. Shy's dinner.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now get to your table.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Don't let your eyes wander.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ignore Rarity waving at you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Keep walking and-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rarity is waving at you?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yoohoo! Anon! Come sit with us!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No way.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The Mane Six, the elite of elites, is inviting you to sit down with them?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looks like that plan totally paid off, aww yeah!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait, no.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Don't get carried away from being invited to sit at 'the cool kids' table.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Focus, Anon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone is looking at you now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If you mess up somehow, you'll be the joke of the school.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You calmly walk over to their table and sit down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoa, just sitting here feels weird.</span><br />&quot;Um, hi?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The rest of the table give their greetings.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You notice Twilight is the only one who doesn't actually speak, but instead just gives you a meek wave.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She must feel out of place, still being the new girl.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With that out of the way, Rarity takes charge again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Let's get straight to the point. Fluttershy told us all about what happened last saturday!&quot;</span><br />&quot;She did? Does anyone else know?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nope, only us. And we wanted to tell ya how mighty thankful we are fer what ya did.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Applejack says.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah! You, outrunning a college football player, to reach Fluttershy first? Awesome!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow Dash cheers.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Definitely went better than when I pushed someone out of the way.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunset chuckles awkwardly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I, for one, am happy to hear that chivalry is NOT dead. Well done, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Compliments Rarity.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're a bit embarrassed, but not nearly as much as Fluttershy, who's blushing and looking away from you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It seems like the girls are having some fun teasing her a bit.</span><br />&quot;Thanks guys, but it was nothing, really.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No way, Nonny! You're Fluttershy's friend! And a friend of Flutters' is a friend of ours!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pinkie Pie says sternly, as she stuffs her face with a cupcake.</span><br />&quot;I appreciate that, and the feeling is mutual.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say with a smile.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A while later, you're all outside near the soccer field.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Having finished your lunches, it was decided the last bit of lunchtime would be spent outdoors.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The topic of conversation had changed over the course of your meal.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was mostly the girls asking you the usual questions to get to know you better.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now you decided it was time to find out about something that's been on your mind since saturday.</span><br />&quot;Hey girls, there's a question I was hoping you could answer for me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, go ahead n' ask, Non. You can always count on us bein' honest with ya.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Applejack pledges.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're not sure you can count on the others sticking to that, given the way they roll their eyes.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy told me that when she was younger, she didn't want to make any new friends. So, how did you guys become so close to her?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, that's easy. It's all thanks to me!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow says proudly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She takes a long sip of the extra juicebox she brought from home, ending with a satisfied sigh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Okay, so, years ago, back when we were just kids, AJ, Rarity, Pinkie, and me were playing in the park. We're playing tag, and I'm winning of course, because I'm awesome-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;AHEM.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;AJ loudly clears her throat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow chuckles nervously, then continues.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anyways, I notice Fluttershy off in the distance. She was all alone, and she looked so sad and mopey. So I went over to her, and I was like, 'hey! Why don't you play with us?' And she was like, 'nah, go away.' That kinda pissed me off, and I decided I wouldn't take no for an answer, so I kept bugging her, and MADE her play with us. And from then on, we were all friends.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;An awkward silence falls over the group.</span><br />&quot;Sooo... you harassed and forced her to be your friend? That's it?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Pretty much.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow replies as she takes another loud sip.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So much for the 'magic of friendship.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You all give her an odd look.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What?! It worked, didn't it?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says defensively.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, it did.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Speaks up Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I hated you then. I couldn't stand that I was being forced to play with you all. But... if it wasn't for Dash, I would've stayed alone. I never would have known what it is to have true friends. Can't imagine the kind of person I'd have grown to be. I'm truly thankful to all you girls.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives a smile to them.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They all return the smile, except for Sunset and Twilight.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight is quietly rubbing her arm while looking down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunset also looks down, but with her hands in her jacket's pockets.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy notices this.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sunset, Twilight, what's wrong?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The former school bully moves a lock of her hair aside with a frown.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I... wasn't here for that.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight, who hasn't said anything this entire time, finds the courage to reply with Sunset.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Neither was I. I'm not even that princess version of me that's helped you all so much...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy reaches out and takes both Twilight and Sunset's hands into her own.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Girls, you're our friends. You may not have the same experiences or memories as us, but you have the same hearts. You're both just as important to us. Don't ever think otherwise.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy gives a smile while looking them in the eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pinkie, AJ, Rarity and Rainbow all agree immediately and heartily.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunset blushes with a smile, and Twilight's eyes start to water.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight hugs Fluttershy tightly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You don't know what that means to me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The rest of the girls, not able to hold back anymore, join in as well to make it a group hug.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stand back and watch in awe.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And a bit of envy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sure, you had your share of friends.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You had Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But these girls' friendship was the real deal.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The kind that only comes once in a lifetime.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And Fluttershy, she's so soft spoken and warm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's like she's her old self again, just more confident.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So this is what she's like around her friends?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Feeling somewhat out of place, and not wanting to ruin the moment, you quietly walk away with a smile of your own.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You make your way to your next class, the smile you wear fading the closer you get.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Or, the farther you become from the girls.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whichever way you choose to see it works.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk into the class to see Norman way at the very back, saving you a seat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The seats in the back were usually the most prized.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You were less likely to be called on, and you got a small form of privacy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You notice all the students are either on their phones, or talking casually.</span><br />&quot;What's going on?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You ask aloud on your way over to Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Teacher's gonna be late.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A girl tapping away on her device answers, too busy gossiping through text to bother looking at you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sweet, free time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take your reserved seat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman is, of course, using these precious moments to play with his Vita.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, I'm proud of you, man. Having lunch with the Mane Six? You've definitely leveled up. And I'm betting it's thanks to making a break through with Fluttershy?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slump with a sigh.</span><br />&quot;Norman... you were right.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He looks away from the handheld to give you a cocky grin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;About what?&quot;</span><br />&quot;About everything.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He goes back to his dating sim.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hate to say I told you so.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab the Vita out of his hands and take a look at it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He seems to be at a major turning point, with a 'yes' or 'no' choice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a sad girl on screen.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She suddenly speaks in japanese, but you get subtitles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm sorry, I know I lied to you, but can you please forgive me?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at the screen with a disheartened face.</span><br />&quot;...You were spot on about Fluttershy. She really is a difficult route.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;All of the Mane Six are. That's why you have to be pretty crazy to chase after one. Especially Fluttershy. She's the second most difficult, what with her 'true self' and all.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You perk up in your seat.</span><br />&quot;You know about that?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, I know way more about this school than you can imagine. Trust me on this.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Why didn't you tell me sooner?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, it's supposed to be a secret, right?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, no one besides her really close friends should know, so how do you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Because I'm one of them? I've known her since middle school.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Seriously?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, man. And part of being such good friends with someone is not spilling their secrets. Ya know, like how I've never told anyone about that time in Disneyland when you-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Okay, I get it! No need to continue speaking about that subject aloud.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You cut off Norman as you look around nervously to see if anyone might be listening in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No one must ever know.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman chuckles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Besides, you needed to find all this out by yourself. If you couldn't make it this far on your own, then you didn't deserve to.&quot;</span><br />&quot;That sounds like elitist dating sim talk to me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Perhaps.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pout a bit before another thought returns to you.</span><br />&quot;...Speaking of which, you said Fluttershy is the second most difficult route?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes indeedy.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Then who's the most difficult of all?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman pauses for a moment, almost seeming hesitant to tell you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...Rarity.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The realization slowly dawns on you.</span><br />&quot;...Oh yeah, of course, Rarity. She's a beautiful fashionista who was in the running to win princess of the fall formal. Her standards for guys must be sky high.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nahh... that's not it.&quot;</span><br />&quot;It's not? What else could it be?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Rarity's a nice girl, and she can be a great friend, but when it comes to being a girlfriend... let's just say she has her own fair share of secrets, and leave it at that.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can tell Norman's not messing with you, and that he has no intention to give you anymore details.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's rare to see him so serious.</span><br />&quot;If you say so.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slump back over, and begin to cycle through 'yes' and 'no' over and over with the Vita's d-pad.</span><br />&quot;Help me out, Norman. What should I do? I thought I knew who I was talking to, but instead, Fluttershy's almost a completely different person. I was lied to the whole time. She didn't even want to be friends with me. She was just...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;She's been through a lot, man. It's hard for her to really trust people.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, well, she's the one I'm having a hard time trusting now. She wants to start over, but...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...Say yes, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Say yes? To Fluttershy?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What? Nah dude, I'm talking about the game. I'm pretty sure you answer 'yes' here to get the best ending.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Damn it, Norman!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He laughs.</span><br />&quot;First time I've come to you asking for help with a girl, and all you care about is your 2D waifu?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Alright, alright. Look, give her a second chance. She only opens up to people she really cares about. So get to know the real her as best you can. What's the worst that happens? You get the friendship ending? What's so bad about that? It's not like you seriously planned any of this from the beginning.&quot;</span><br />&quot;But what if she-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman places a hand on your shoulder with a genuine smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Trust me on this, Anon. Only good things can happen from here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You want to say no, and give up on the whole thing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But seeing Norman so unusually positive gives you some hope.</span><br />&quot;...Okay, I'll take it slow and see where it goes.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman lifts his hand off your shoulder to lightly punch your arm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's mai boy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Satisfied with Norman's 'sagely' advice, you highlight 'yes' and press the circle button.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The girl on screen lights up with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Really?! Thank you, I know we'll be the best of friends!&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Over the course of the week, you hang out with Fluttershy and the girls.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a lot of fun.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Definitely a change of pace.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You even get invited to Sugarcube Corner with them once.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Getting to know them better, you realize how unique and interesting each of them are.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You theorize that, if things had been even slightly different, you could have fallen for any one of them.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You could have taken on any of their 'routes.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But, in this universe...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In this life...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're already progressing through the one you've chosen.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mid afternoon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You didn't see Fluttershy at all yesterday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She was busy with the shelter, and spending time with the girls.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Today will probably be a repeat of that for her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you plan to have a lazy day at home.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe stay on the computer all day, at your favorite image board.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mom even offered to make you anything for dinner.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you sit in your room preparing to do nothing, your phone gets a text.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[what's up]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's Fluttershy.</span><br />[absolutely nothing how bout you]<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You fire back.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[same here]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So she's got nothing going on either, huh?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe you could convince her to hang out with you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But how?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What should you say?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before you could think up something, another buzz of your phone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[wanna come over and play video games]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay then.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A while later, you're walking up to the door of Fluttershy's house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without Fluttershy to unlock the door for you, you're forced to ring the doorbell and wait patiently.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a few moments, the door is opened by Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She greets with a small smile and waves you in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hi.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get a good look at her as she closes the door behind you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's wearing jeans again, with another oversized sweater.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her hair, as beautiful as it is, looks like it hasn't gotten any attention since rolling out of bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grow a goofy smile.</span><br />&quot;Oh wow, rockin' the homebody look eh?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her smile gets bigger, but it's an annoyed one.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Shut up, it's sunday. I can look however I want.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold yourself back from laughing.</span><br />&quot;Fair enough.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come on wise guy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;On the way to her room, you pass by the living room, where Mr. Shy is watching his sunday football.</span><br />&quot;Hello, Mr. Shy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grunts in reply.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Guess Mrs. Shy was right about him and football.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Speaking of which.</span><br />&quot;Where's your mom?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Busy with work.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Aww.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;She'll be back in time to make dinner though.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Awesome!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She stops in her tracks to look back at you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Seriously?&quot;</span><br />&quot;What? Your mom's cooking is great.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She starts walking again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're here for her food more than to hang out with me.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Jealous?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Totally.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Following her with only a back view, you can't see it, but you can feel her eyes rolling in sarcasm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get to her room, and she closes the door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still not used to that, but it was completely fine with her parents.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They had absolute trust in her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A trust that was built up over years of her being mostly a social recluse.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If anything, from what you've gathered, they're actually happy she's talking to a boy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, you could only hope anyways.</span><br />�<span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So, Anon, what do you want to play? I've got pretty much all the major systems, except the newest generation.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look towards her old tv, and only spot a few consoles and games in front of it.</span><br />&quot;What are you talking about? I only see-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She opens up what looks to be a second closet, packed full of consoles and games.</span><br />&quot;...Alrighty then.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look her collection over.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sits down on her bed while you do.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She really does have almost all the consoles, from the NES, up to the last gen.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And a shit ton of games.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're beginning to suspect she posts on a certain image board.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No, of course not.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She would never go to such an awful site.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though... there was a way to test that.</span><br />&quot;If you have all these systems, why don't you have the newest ones?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No games.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She replies deadpan.</span><br />&quot;Ah ha!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You point at her triumphantly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives you a bewildered look.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah ha?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You got a little too excited there.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pull it back.</span><br />&quot;Y-you're right! There are no games for them yet. Didn't think of that.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Better not go any further with this.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It could lead to a whole line of questions.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you don't want that, Anon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You don't want her to find out about your deep, dark secrets.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just thinking about Fluttershy knowing makes you shudder a bit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You turn back to her collection.</span><br />&quot;Anyways, I was thinking of something for two players. How about Kirby Super Star?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good choice.&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've been playing for a while now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're almost halfway through the game.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get an idea of Fluttershy's skill.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's good.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Really good.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe even better than you.</span><br />&quot;I'm really impressed, Flutters.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'd caught onto that nickname thanks to her friends.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;With what?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Your collection. How I'm barely able to keep up with you. You must really love video games, huh?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She chuckles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Are you kidding?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She becomes silent for a moment.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...There was a time when these games were one of the only things that made me feel happy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her voice was quiet and melancholy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She was still playing the game, but her expression was vacant.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Before I met the girls, and I was all alone, one of my uncles gave me that NES. I didn't care at first. I knew what video games were, I just never played them before. But after a few moments, I fell in love. It was like being in a different world. A world where my problems...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She slowly trials off.</span><br />&quot;Didn't matter anymore.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pauses the game and looks at you surprised.</span><br />&quot;I know what that's like.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You tell her sincerely.</span><br />&quot;But that's not a good thing, Flutters.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks down, almost in shame.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know that. And it's different, now that I have the girls and I've grown up a bit. Now I only play games for fun, not to run away. ...I don't need to anymore.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile.</span><br />&quot;Neither do I.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles back.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Wanna play something else?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, we've played co-op. How about versus now?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her smile becomes a devious grin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, I know the game for that.&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're now playing a stock match of Smash 64.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy is destroying you.</span><br />&quot;How are you so good at this?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Lots of practice.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your character flies off screen, ending the match.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I believe that's two out of three for me.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Make it three out of five?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sure. But give me a few minutes, I wanna get something to drink. You okay with fruit punch?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yep.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gets up from the floor and heads out of the room, leaving the door open.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You decide to use this time to play a match against the computer as practice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A jingle sounds from her phone on her desk.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Must be a text message.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You know you shouldn't, but your curiosity gets the best of you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Quickly getting up, you're able to read the text as an alert, before the screen fades.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's from a contact named 'Rara.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Who else would send such a proper, punctuated text?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[The girls are getting together to eat and see a movie. Will you be joining us?]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Shit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They're calling her to go out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She'll go, won't she?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Of course she will.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She only invited you over because she was bored.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now that she has something to do with her friends...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just sit back down, Anon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Play the game.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pretend you didn't see it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At least you got to hang out with her for a while.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...And wow, Rarity.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Who writes such a proper, punctuated text?</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A few minutes later, she walks back in with two cups of punch.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's followed behind by Angel.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The rabbit is surprised to see you, and gives you a glare.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You answer back with a glare of your own, but cut it short as you're handed your cup.</span><br />&quot;Thanks.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You could keep her to yourself a bit longer, but...</span><br />&quot;Your phone made a noise, by the way.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grabs her phone and sits back down next to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks at it for a moment, then begins to type a reply.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After pressing send, she sets the phone down next to her and picks up the controller.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Alright, ready to lose again?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoa, what?</span><br />&quot;Uh, yeah... I mean, no!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She chuckles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both select your character and stage.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Angel gets comfortable in Fluttershy's lap.</span><br />&quot;So, that message, anything important?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You ask casually.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just the girls.&quot;</span><br />&quot;The girls? They got some juicy gossip?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You tease.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nah, nothing like that. They wanna hang out, but I'm not interested.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You're not?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nope.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her devious grin returns.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm having too much fun humiliating you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Holy crap, she's leaving her best friends hanging, for you?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Damn, that makes you feel good.</span><br />&quot;Oh! That does it, I'm taking you down a peg.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My peg shall remain in place.&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Two matches later, and you're one win away from victory.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're both down to your last stock, but you've got her on the ropes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just one good smash will end it.</span><br />&quot;Yes. Yeesss.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're so focused on the game, you don't even notice Angel hopping over to the N64.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without warning, he pulls your controller socket out.</span><br />&quot;Hey!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good boy, Angel!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Gimme that you little-!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You try to grab it from the rodent, but he plays keep away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy has more than enough time to smash you off the stage.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Game set.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Having achieved his goal, Angel drops the cord and jumps into her arms for a hug.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Momma's so proud of you!&quot;</span><br />&quot;That doesn't count! It wasn't fair at all!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You didn't know, Anon? Bunnie interference is legal. House rules.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says smugly, while Angel sticks his tongue out at you.</span><br />&quot;Unbelievable!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You cross your arms in a huff, causing Fluttershy to laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The sound of the front door opening reaches your ears, along with a voice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fluttershy! Come help me with these groceries!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gets up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Coming!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You follow her downstairs and outside, where Mrs. Shy is taking bags from her car.</span><br />&quot;Hello, Mrs. Shy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon! I didn't know you were here. Are you staying over for dinner again?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, he wouldn't miss it for the world.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Is it so wrong that I like your mom's cooking?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy hands you a heavy bag.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm flattered, dear.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What's on the menu tonight?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Beef stroganoff. Mushroom stroganoff for Fluttershy.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I can't wait.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Careful there, don't wanna drool all over yourself.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy mocks as she passes you with her share of the bags.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Soon enough, you're at the table with everyone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take your first bite.</span><br />&quot;...Mrs. Shy?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I love you.&quot;<br />You say with your eyes closed in bliss.<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You hear that, dad? A young boy just professed his love for your wife.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come on! Sack the quarterback!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy shouts to the tv across the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Looks like you're clear for take off, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy says casually as she shares her food with Angel.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy looks over to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We elope at midnight, dear.&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's going to be a problem, ma'am. I have a curfew.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sighs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I lose more schoolboys that way.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You think for a moment.</span><br />&quot;Wait, there were others before me?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy suddenly laughs, causing her to start choking on her food.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She drinks some water and coughs a few times.</span><br />&quot;You okay over there?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I will be if you stop being so lame.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's giving you the Costanza face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She definitely posts on that image board.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Now, Anon, we need to plan our future.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Ma'am?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I think we should go outside the city.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Outside the city?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh yes, so we can get a big house, with a big field for the kids to play in.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Kids?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Of course! We'll have six or seven.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy says flatly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No to what, dear?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If I couldn't be raised in a big house in the countryside, than I certainly won't let your illegitimate children have that.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You can always come visit as my first born.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'd rather not.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Whoa now, let's not get too hasty. I'll have to talk it over with my parents after all.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Tell them I'm a doctor. They'll be thrilled.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You scratch your chin.</span><br />&quot;They would be, actually.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy scolds you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's a first.</span><br />&quot;What?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say innocently.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't encourage her! Dad, seriously, do you have anything to say about all this?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She actually makes the effort to block his view of the tv, finally getting his attention.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fine, fine.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He looks over to you and Mrs. Shy from his seat at the head of the table.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gives you both a serious face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're actually worried about what he'll say now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Finally, after a few tense moments...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What house are you eloping to?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He asks his wife.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The one with the big backyard near the rolling hills and the lake.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, I LOVE that house!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know you do.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says slyly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Can I come visit?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Of course! When the weather gets warmer, we could even barbecue.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sounds good to me!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says happily.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But only if you bring your daughter with you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy states.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What for? She doesn't eat meat.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh forget it!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy shouts, tossing her hands into the air.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I don't even know what I expected from you two!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her parents have a good laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You struggle not to join in.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;When dinner is over, you give your thanks to Mrs. Shy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're now back in Fluttershy's room, to hang out and play games for a few minutes more.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The both of you sitting on the floor, controllers in hand in front of her CRT.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Angel watches from the bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sorry about my parents, they're idiots.&quot;</span><br />&quot;No way, your parents are awesome.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's what the girls say too.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Oh geez, the girls must love them.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, they do.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She admits with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You notice the study binder you made for her on the desk.</span><br />&quot;How's your homework going?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Great. No problems at all, thanks to you.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Nice.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's an awkward moment of silence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And it seems to be more awkward for her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're not sure why though.</span><br />&quot;...Thanks for inviting me over today, Flutters. I had a lot of fun.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Me too. It was nice to play against someone who's actually decent at games.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Don't you play anything with the girls?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, but they're not as good. The most worked up they ever get is over Mario Party.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Figures.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You put your controller down.</span><br />&quot;Welp, I'd better head home.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...Alright.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It almost sounds like there was some disappointment in her voice there.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you must've imagined it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get up and walk downstairs to the door, followed by Fluttershy and Angel.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You open the door and take a few steps out, turning back to look at her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Angel jumps up and perches himself on her shoulder.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shakes his tiny rabbit fist at you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake yours in reply.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy laughs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Goodnight, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;See you at school.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She waves.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy comes over and stands next to Fluttershy in the doorway.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'll be waiting at the airport, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with seductive eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though it's obviously a joke, she's playing the part so well that someone else could get the wrong idea.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chuckle, while Fluttershy rolls her eyes.</span><br />&quot;Goodnight, Mrs. Shy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You start walking away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get to the curb and Mrs. Shy calls out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'll always wait for you, Anon! We're meant to be together!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You turn back to see her waving at you dramatically, as if she was in an old black and white movie.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy facepalms while shaking her head.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Even Angel is giving her an odd look.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You laugh and wave back, then continue on.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you do, you can hear the sounds of Fluttershy struggling to drag her mother back inside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come on, 'ya crazy dame!' That's enough!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't help but smile.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you walk home, you realize something.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You finally feel like you can trust Fluttershy again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've still been wary of her all this time, but tonight she proved her sincerity.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She really is being truthful with you, and genuinely wants to be your friend.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not just because you saved her, but because you both get along well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You don't think you'll ever be anything more than friends though, as it doesn't seem like she wants a boyfriend.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But that's okay.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Somehow, having a genuine friendship with the 'real' Fluttershy is enough for you.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Friday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Over this last school week, you noticed that Fluttershy started hanging around and talking to you more often.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She even spent every lunch at your table.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You were surprised at first to see Fluttershy forgo the shy girl act around Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But then you remembered that they've been friends since before you even knew them.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's been fun to hear the two of them make jokes, have conversations, and tell you old stories from their middle school days.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And just when you thought this week was done, you're hit with another surprise.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Because the rest of the Mane Six have suddenly come over to sit at your table as well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;May we join you for lunch?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rarity asks politely.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The entire cafeteria stops to stare at this amazing event.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The elites, descending from their throne, to sit with the commoners?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not the other way around?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Unheard of!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There are even actual, audible gasps.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The situation feels a bit daunting, but it doesn't phase Norman at all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Of course. To what do we owe the pleasure?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The girls all place their trays and take a seat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Slowly, the room goes back to business as usual.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bravo, Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We thought since you've stolen our darling Fluttershy from us, we might as well join you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We wanted to see what's so fun.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pinkie chimes in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's only fair after all.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Applejack adds.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm sorry if I haven't been spending much time with you lately.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy apologizes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There's nothing to be sorry for, Fluttershy. We're just wondering what you've been up to.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunset says.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, I know what Anon's been up to.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow says with a smirk.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh shit, where is this going?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Seems him and Mrs. Shy are having a love affair, with plans to run off in the night.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow is barely able to keep a straight face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a collective 'oooo' from the girls.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy nearly jumps out of her seat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How do you know about that?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;She told me the other day when I came over to visit.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow grins.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy facepalms.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I can't believe she told someone.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, you sly dog. Nice going.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Approves Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You raise your hands.</span><br />&quot;It's not what you guys think.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come now, Anon, it's perfectly understandable to be interested in Mrs. Shy. She's beautiful, with the sophistication and class that comes with being an older woman.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rarity points out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman grows a mischievous smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, it is true that Flutters' mom HAS got it goin' on.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy's eyes shoot open, and she puts on a serious tone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, Norman. No!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow picks up on where Norman is going immediately, and with the same exact smile, carries the torch.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know right? She's all I want, and I've waited for so long!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Rainbow, I swear-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Flutters, can't ya see?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Even Applejack is getting in on it, with a smug grin no less.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunset lightly elbows Twilight with a smile, who again, hasn't said anything yet.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight takes the cue that's given to her, smiles awkwardly and twirls her hair in her finger.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Um... you're just... not the girl for me?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She asks more than states, unsure if she's getting it right.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;By this point, Fluttershy has given up, burying her face in her hands.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rarity has been muffling her giggles the entire time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The previous girls look to her expectantly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh for heaven's sake!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She rolls her eyes, but goes along with it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know it might be wrong-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;BUT I'M IN LOVE WITH FLUTTERS' MOM!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pinkie finishes with a shout loud enough for the whole cafeteria to hear.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was so sudden, everyone at the table bursts out laughing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It gets to the point that you're all laughing to tears, and even Fluttershy can't help but join in against her will.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get the feeling this will be a memory you'll never forget.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The school day ends.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're off for home.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But before you can leave school grounds, Fluttershy catches up with you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, Anon?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Flutters? I thought you were going to hang out with the girls?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I am, but I wanted to ask you something.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Okay, what's up?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, tomorrow I'll be at the shelter, and after that I'll probably do something with the girls again.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Par for the course.</span><br />&quot;Yeah, and?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...On sunday, I won't have anything to do again. So...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile.</span><br />&quot;You want me to come over again? I'd be up for that. As long as you keep that fuzzball reigned in, I'd love to take you on in a Smash rematch.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Actually, I was thinking... I could come over to your house to hang out?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoa, seriously?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy, the girl known for never going over to a boy's house, wants to come to yours?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a second look at Fluttershy, and realize how nervous she is right now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's fidgeting and looking away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It reminds you of her shy self, but she doesn't seem to be faking it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The whole situation feels odd.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Even you start getting a bit nervous for some reason.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But this isn't a bad thing, right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just go along with it.</span><br />&quot;Uh... sure! That'd be fine.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gets a slight smile, and a bit excited.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Can I come over early afternoon? I'll have mom drop me off.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, I'll text you my address later.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Great.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She takes a few steps away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;See you then.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She waves.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wave back, and she hurries off to the girls.</span><br />&quot;What was that about?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You ask Norman as he walks up to you chuckling.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't worry about it, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He slings his arm over your shoulder and starts walking you off with him.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's friday! Let's go hang out with the guys.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say absent-mindedly.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've told your parents about Fluttershy coming over.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They already know her as the girl you helped with schoolwork.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They're pretty excited to finally meet her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've told them to be on their best behavior.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And not to pry into your room too much.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Speaking of which, you've cleaned it up, to the point it's spotless.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've also made sure it smells clean too.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It wasn't just Norman coming over after all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This was a girl.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And while you didn't know much about girls, you knew one thing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They do not like dirty, smelly rooms.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Around two in the afternoon, there's a knock at the door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You make sure to be the one to open it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As expected, it's Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's wearing a yellow colored button sweater, over a white blouse, with a long green skirt.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her outfit looks a bit old fashioned, but it also makes her look much more mature.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This obviously isn't for you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Is she trying to make a good impression on your parents?</span><br />&quot;Hey, Flutters.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hi, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks back and waves to a car with her mother inside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy returns the wave and drives off, while Fluttershy walks in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You close the door behind her.</span><br />&quot;Nice outfit. Did you make it yourself?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, with Rarity's help of course.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You make your own outfits? That's very impressive! I love it!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your mother says as she walks over to her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looks like her tactic worked.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thank you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You must be Fluttershy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She reaches out and takes Fluttershy's hand.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon has told me so much about you, but his description could never do justice to how beautiful you are!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;T-thank you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy actually blushes a bit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Haven't seen that in a while.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, I don't want to get in the way of you two spending time together. So I won't bother you anymore.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Something about the way she said that makes you cringe.</span><br />&quot;Thanks for that, mother. Very generous of you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's the least I can do.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She jokes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy giggles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She seems to be on her best behavior as well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Um... is Mr. Mous home? I should introduce myself.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;He's out at the moment, but he'll be back in time for dinner.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Deja vu, huh?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give Fluttershy a knowing smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, actually.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles back.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What about deja vu? Anon, you know I hate to be left out of things!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your mother pouts.</span><br />&quot;It's nothing, mom, really.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sigh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy stifles some chuckles.</span><br />&quot;Anyways, we're going to play some games in my room for a while.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Okay, I'll be around if you need me. I can even bring some snacks in a bit, if you want?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Nah, we don't ne-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That would be lovely, Mrs. Mous, thank you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy smiles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It'll just be a few minutes.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your mom walks into the kitchen.</span><br />&quot;C'mon.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You guide Fluttershy over to your room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You don't have to walk up stairs to get to your room. That's nice.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What do you mean? Don't you like having a bedroom upstairs?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Eh, it gets tiring after a while.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reach the doorway to your room and gesture for her to go ahead of you.</span><br />&quot;Ladies first.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks at the open door for a moment.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She seems hesitant.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wonder what's wrong, but then you remember.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is probably the first time she's been in a boy's room in years.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Slowly, she steps inside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She stands in the middle of the room, looking at everything.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eventually, she speaks up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm... surprised.&quot;</span><br />&quot;At what?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's just so... clean.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah? Why is that surprising?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, I've always been under the impression that boy's rooms are dirty.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sniffs the air.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And smelly.&quot;</span><br />&quot;They typically are, but it's not true for everyone. You shouldn't have such low expectations of me, Flutters.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;They're not low! They're just... not especially high. They're somewhere in the middle. A nice, comfortable middle.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She teases, gesturing with her hands at waist level.</span><br />&quot;Well gee, you've sure inflated my ego. It certainly doesn't seem like you've come to my house just to insult me or anything.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lay the sarcasm on thick.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She puts on that devious grin again, as she sits down on your bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So, you mean to say that if I were to look under your bed-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pats down on it with her hand a few times before continuing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Right now, I wouldn't find any naughty magazines?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Pfft, no! If I want porn, I just use the internet-! I mean-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah ha!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She points at you triumphantly while laughing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Shit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She totally caught you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But that doesn't mean you won't try to talk your way out of it anyway.</span><br />&quot;What I meant to say was, if I WERE to look at those sorts of awful things, I would use the internet.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smirks.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's okay, Anon, you're a boy. It'd probably be weirder if you didn't look at that stuff.&quot;</span><br />&quot;How about we stop talking about such things and play some video games?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I dunno, I'm having a lot of fun playing this game right now. I might just go for the world record high score.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with a coy smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh, that's it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've got to get back at her and even the playing field.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you know just how to do it.</span><br />&quot;Aw come on, Flutters, at least I'm not as bad as 'those' idiots.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What idiots?&quot;</span><br />&quot;The ones who post asking about what they should do for their pet, that they think is sick.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She suddenly gets genuinely upset.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Augh, I know! I just wanna slap them and say 'take it to the vet!' Uh! I mean-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Ah ha!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A triumphant point.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For the third time.</span><br />&quot;I knew you posted there!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Damn it.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She mutters bitterly.</span><br />&quot;So, you go to /an, of course.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks away in frustration.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...And the v's.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Also not surprising.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile smugly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Feels good to finally catch her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She glares at you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What about you?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Me?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Where do YOU post?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Crap, your worst fears have come true.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's okay, just answer calmly.</span><br />&quot;Oh... just /co and the v's.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...AND?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You flinch a bit.</span><br />&quot;...And... sometimes... /a.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Norman got you into that stuff, didn't he?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Y-yeah, actually. How did you know?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She scoffs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Because he's a damn weeaboo. A weeaboo in a stupid beanie.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with narrowed eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'd laugh at that remark if you weren't so on edge from Fluttershy's line of questioning.</span><br />&quot;So we both post on the v's. At least we have that in common. How about we leave it at that and play a game?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fine.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She answers in a huff.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What do you have anyways?&quot;</span><br />&quot;How do you feel about the Wii U?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You ask, pointing to it next to your tv.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's alright. I don't like what Nintendo's been doing lately, but at least it has some exclusives.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, I have all of the best ones, so take your pick.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How about 3D World? That looks fun.&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After awhile, Fluttershy gets used to the controls.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She can easily keep up with you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mom eventually brings some snacks.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fresh fruit and sweet tea.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've played a few more games, and Fluttershy seems to be enjoying herself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So far, so good.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your mother calls out to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Can you come help me? I need a second pair of hands in the kitchen!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dammit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, it's not exactly something you can refuse.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You excuse yourself, telling Fluttershy to play whatever she wants until you come back.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sometime later, you come back to your room to find a sight you never could have imagined a few weeks ago.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your father is sitting next to Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;On your bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Playing Mario Kart 8.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And they both look like they're having a lot of fun.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay then.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, son.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your father greets without looking away from the tv.</span><br />&quot;Dad.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You answer casually.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, your dad is really good at games!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy says joyfully.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, where do you think he got all his skills from?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad says with pride and a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Seriously?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy asks you excitedly.</span><br />&quot;Yep. He taught me everything I know.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You answer as you take a seat on the floor next to your bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're just in time to watch Fluttershy win.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad comes in second.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're pretty good yourself, kiddo.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad compliments her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thanks, Mr. Mous.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with a giggle.</span><br />&quot;Okay, I'm in for the next race.&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're now in the last race of a three player grand prix.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's been close between you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoever wins this race wins the whole thing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But for this race, dad and Fluttershy decided to team up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They've only been targeting you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, kiddo, if we keep this up, you won't win.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad warns her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her trademark grin returns.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's fine, as long as Anon doesn't win.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad laughs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You know what? I like you. You're alright.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What the heck guys?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The race ends with dad in first.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy in second.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And thanks to an unfortunate chain of events set off by Fluttershy, you in dead last.</span><br />&quot;Unbelievable!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shout as you let your controller fall out of your hands.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy begins to laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm sorry, son, it looks like I didn't teach you well enough.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad apologizes.</span><br />&quot;It's not like you can teach anything against cheating. Which is what you both did!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Whoa.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad says as he turns to Fluttershy with a smug face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Get a load of the whiny sissy over there. What's his problem?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says thumbing over to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy starts laughing even harder, clutching her stomach.</span><br />&quot;Dad!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's okay, Anon, even though you're a loser, you're still my favorite son.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He pats you on the shoulder.</span><br />&quot;I'm your only son! I'm your only CHILD!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Exactly! I'm glad we understand each other, my only child.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy is now in tears, on the verge of falling off the bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And she would have, if dad had kept up the comedy routine.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But the sound of Mom's voice calling to you all cuts it short.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dinners ready! Come and eat while it's hot!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oop, I guess we better head over. She can get upset when we take our time getting to the table, so hurry up you two.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad gets up from your bed and makes his way to the table.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You watch as Fluttershy catches her breath to finally speak up again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your dad is awesome!&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm glad you think so.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say as unenthusiastic as possible.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, really! I mean, growing up with your dad playing video games? That must have been a lot of fun.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, I guess it was.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks down with a distant expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her voice becomes softer.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I... I always hoped my parents would play video games with me, but they never did...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You haven't given it much thought before, but you were pretty fortunate in that regard.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stand up.</span><br />&quot;Well, if you ever felt like it, you could come over and play with us again.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks up at you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Really?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Sure. These two would be happy to have you back anytime.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks down again, but with a smile this time.</span><br />&quot;Hey c'mon, let's eat.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You motion to the door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, yeah.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gets up from your bed and follows you out of the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take your seats at the table, joining your parents who are already sitting.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The meal your mother has prepared is butter bean soup.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy takes notice that her bowl is vegetarian.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She stares at it for a few moments.</span><br />&quot;Something wrong, Flutters?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;N-no, it's just that... this looks better than anything my mom could make.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, that might have something to do with my mom being a vegetarian herself.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You are?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She asks Mom, who nods with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She then looks to see her bowl is also the vegetarian version.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With excitement, she eats a spoonful of the soup.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She closes her eyes and stays still.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sweetie, are you okay?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mom asks concerned.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm better than okay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With her eyes still closed, a euphoric smile overcomes her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm in love.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You've got to be kidding.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You roll your eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Excuse me, son? Is it really that hard to believe someone could appreciate my cooking?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mom asks offended.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, Anon, is it so wrong that I like your mom's cooking?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy joins in with a smug face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It would seem the tables have turned.</span><br />&quot;No, I guess not.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare slightly at her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles, taking delight in your frustration.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She turns back to Mom.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Do you think I could get the recipe?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Of course. I have a whole book full if you're interested?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Very.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She nods.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, at least Fluttershy and your parents get along.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After dinner, Fluttershy spends some time in the kitchen with Mom.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They talk about recipes, and the trials and tribulations of being a vegetarian.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You watch and listen with a smile on your face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a strange feeling, to see Fluttershy interacting with your home life.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But it's a welcomed one.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eventually, Mrs. Shy comes back to pick her up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk her to the car, to which Mrs. Shy is more than happy to see you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon! You never came to the meeting place!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says disappointed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy gets into the passenger seat visibly annoyed.</span><br />&quot;I'm sorry Mrs. Shy, maybe it's not meant to be?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't say that, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy reaches over from the driver's seat for your hand.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lean over to the open passenger window and take it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're now holding hands dramatically with Mrs. Shy, right in front of Fluttershy's face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can see the rage building up in her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know it's tough, but we'll get through this. Together.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives you a much too serious and determined face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chuckle.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy reaches her limit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grabs both of your hands and pulls them apart.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's enough!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives her mother a stern look.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Now either you start driving, or I start walking.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy sighs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I suppose we'll have to end it here for now, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She puts the car into gear.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But, Anon?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Ma'am?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy raises her hand to her face, sticks out her thumb and pinkie, and mouths the words 'call me' seductively, before pulling away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As they drive off, you can hear Fluttershy yell in anger through the still open window.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh my god! Did you seriously just do that in front of their house?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without Fluttershy to give you a death stare, you finally allow yourself to laugh.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's been 2 months since then.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and Fluttershy have gotten to know each other well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've visited each others houses plenty of times.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've even become friends with the girls.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everything turned out pretty good, just like Norman predicted.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Speaking of the beanie capped weeaboo, he's on his way over to your house right now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Said he has something important to talk about.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He probably just wants to rant about a bad plot twist in one of the new animes he's watching.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, whatever, it's a saturday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy and the girls are doing their own thing, so you've got nothing going on anyways.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hear the front door open, your mom greeting someone, and soon enough...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yo, man!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman walks into your room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He seems excited.</span><br />&quot;Hey, Norm. Something up?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dude, did you see what happened in the new episode of 'Moe Moe Kawaii Girls'?! Fuckin' crazy, man!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Goddammit.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You end up discussing the entirety of the winter anime season, and playing some games.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's all the usual stuff that comes with a visit from Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The usual, until he suddenly puts down his controller.</span><br />&quot;Norm?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gets up from his spot on the bed next to you, and takes a seat on your desk chair, swiveling it around to face you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, there's something else we need to talk about.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh... yeah?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I think it's finally time.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Look, are we really gonna go through this again? I don't think it's a good idea to buy one of those anime body pillows. It'll get people talking. What if your parents find out?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, no! That's not what I meant. And shut up! I'm totally getting one soon! You're gonna be so jealous!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Not even for a second.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anyways, what I'm talking about is... Fluttershy.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What about her?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's time you take the next step. It's time you ask her to be your girlfriend.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a silence and stare down between you before you reply.</span><br />&quot;...The hell are you saying? Are you actually serious?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He continues to bore into you with unflinching eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's another one of those rare times when you can tell he isn't messing with you.</span><br />&quot;Dude, she doesn't want a boyfriend. You know that. I got the 'friendship ending.'&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And you're fine with that?&quot;</span><br />&quot;What the fuck, Norman? You're the one who said that was an okay ending to the route!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're getting upset, Anon. What's the reason for that?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's because...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You love her, don't you? You love her even more than you did after that first week.&quot;</span><br />&quot;So what if I do?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Then do something about it.&quot;</span><br />&quot;But she-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;She's in love with you. She's absolutely crazy about you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Another moment of silence, this time a stunned version.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Since you know he isn't messing around, you can skip to the next question.</span><br />&quot;...How do you know?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I've known Fluttershy for a while now, and I've never seen her act the way she does around you. To be honest, Anon, it's written all over the both of you. Even the girls have figured it out.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The Mane Six?</span><br />&quot;They have?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, but don't worry, they haven't said anything to Fluttershy. They're going to wait for you to make a move first.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well isn't that considerate.</span><br />&quot;And what exactly is that first move supposed to be?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman starts rubbing the back of his head.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's... something I can't help you with.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Why not?! You're the best dating sim expert in all of Canterlot!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But this is Fluttershy we're talking about, the second hardest route in all of Canterlot. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I have no idea how to get to her perfect ending.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says looking down at the ground.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman seems genuinely upset that he doesn't have an answer for you.</span><br />&quot;...What if things go bad? I don't want to ruin my friendship with her.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That won't happen.&quot;</span><br />&quot;How can you be so sure?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He stands up, and walks over to you placing a hand on your shoulder.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Because you've made it this far! If there's anyone that can get the perfect ending, it's you, Anon!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says with a big dumb smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chuckle.</span><br />&quot;Thanks, Norman, that doesn't help me at all.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gives you a thumbs up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And me being useless is something you can always count on!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's nice that you can joke about it, but this is serious.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy is so stubborn.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;How were you going to pull this off?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'll have to think about this...</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One week later.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Christmas is almost around the corner.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And as such, everyone at CHS was on their holiday vacation.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You know that Fluttershy will be at the park today.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You told her you'd meet her there.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's the perfect time and opportunity.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk into the park, trying to find Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The entire area is covered in a thick blanket of white.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's been snowing for sometime now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As such, you're bundled up well to fight off the cold.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You make your way through the park.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Finally, you see a pink mass amongst the sea of white.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There she is.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She spots you too, and waves.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're nervous as can be, but you go over to her hiding it as best you can.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Standing in front of each other, you look all around and notice that it's only the two of you in the whole park.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Hey, Flutters. Why are you out here all alone?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, I was just making sure the park animals are okay. It's been snowing so much, I was a bit worried about them. But they're doing fine.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks around the park with a smile.</span><br />&quot;Good to hear.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What about you? You said there was something you needed to tell me?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh, yeah, there is.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It must be important for you to come meet me like this?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Pretty much.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, let's go back to my house then.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She begins to walk.</span><br />&quot;No-! I mean... it's better if I tell you here and now.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She raises an eyebrow.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh...kaaay?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She moves back in front of you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Alright, fine, what is it? Hurry it up, I'm freezing!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her rushing you like this isn't helping your nerves at all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But looking at her helps you calm down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's bundled up like you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though, even with all those layers on, she's still beautiful.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Especially her eyes and hair.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They shine and stand out well amongst the snow.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You breathe in and out a few times.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your breath making thick clouds of steam as you do.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to say it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look her in the eyes.</span><br />&quot;Flutters... no. Fluttershy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-yes?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You haven't called her by her real name in months.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hearing you say it again after so long makes her visibly nervous.</span><br />&quot;I... I love you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A moment of silence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...W-what?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I love you. I want you to be my girlfriend.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;There it is.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You finally said it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't help but smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy on the other hand, has gone slack jawed from shock.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;W-what are you talking about?! You can't be serious?!&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm completely serious.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take her gloved hands into yours.</span><br />&quot;I love you more than anything, and I want to be with you from now on.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She blushes, deeper than you've ever seen her before.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pulls her hands away, and takes a few steps back.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;N-no! W-we can't be together!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Why not?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Because we can't!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She stands still for a moment, looking at you in what you can only describe as... fear?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This is ridiculous. I'm going home!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She starts to stomp off in a hurry.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you were prepared for this.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rainbow Dash was right.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The key with Fluttershy was persistence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If it were left up to her, she would never face anything.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you weren't going to let this go.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You begin following right behind her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You also notice that it's started to snow again.</span><br />&quot;You don't really mean that, Fluttershy!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You call out to her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes I do!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She yells back.</span><br />&quot;You love me just as much as I love you!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No I don't!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't help but chuckle.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is all a bit silly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But nows not the time to let up.</span><br />&quot;I love everything about you, Fluttershy!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Stop following me, Anon!&quot;</span><br />&quot;I love how strong and confident you've become! I love how you still can't help but be genuinely shy sometimes! I love how much you care about and love your friends! I love how you'll do anything for helpless animals! I love how you take things too seriously! Especially video games, I love how competitive you become over them! I even love your relationship with that damn fuzzball of yours! How you became his family when he had none! I wanna be his family too!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;S-stop it, Anon! G-go away!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Through the silence of the snow, you can hear her sobbing now clearly.</span><br />&quot;Can't you see?! You don't have to be alone anymore! So why?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You catch up to her, and grab her by the arm, forcing her to stop.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She tries to get away, but you pull her closer.</span><br />&quot;What are you so afraid of?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She turns around and pounds on your chest, tears streaming down her face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'M AFRAID OF LOSING YOU!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She yells, breaking down and sobbing into your chest.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hug her tightly, as she's given up on running.</span><br />&quot;What are you talking about? I'm right here, see?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No! You don't understand...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her voice is muffled into your sweater.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can feel the vibrations of her voice and crying.</span><br />&quot;Then help me understand.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She struggles to speak through her sobs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...I-I'm afraid you'll get tired or upset with me. That you won't want to be around me anymore. So you'll abandon me, just like everyone else has before!&quot;</span><br />&quot;The girls haven't abandoned you! I thought you've already learned that lesson?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shakes her head, still buried in your chest.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's different! They're my girlfriends. But every boy I've ever had feelings for... They've always come to hate me. And if that ever happened with you... If you ever came to hate and leave me... I would never be able to handle it!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She breaks down again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm so... so scared...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She barely sobs out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hug her even tighter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You fight against tearing up yourself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pain and fear you can feel coming from her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The idea of what she's saying...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's almost too much for your heart.</span><br />&quot;How could you ever think that I would do that to you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says nothing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You push her away from your chest.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And before she can react, you place your lips onto hers.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mmph?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's shocked at first.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But slowly...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She relaxes into the kiss, putting her arms around you to push deeper into your lips.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You taste the salt from her tears.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You continue to kiss, as snow continues to build up onto you both.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eventually, you pull away and break the kiss.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at each other for a few moments in silence while you both catch your breathe.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her face suddenly turns angry.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pounds on your chest again and begins to cry once more.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Why did you have to do that?! Why?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She continues to pound on you with her fists, but with each time, they become weaker.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You let her do as she pleases.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She finally stops, and buries her head into your chest again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You welcome her back with another hug.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Why did you have to do any of this?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She whispers through her sobs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both stay like that for a few moments, until she calms down enough to speak up again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Promise me... promise that you'll never leave me...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold her tighter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You draw in close to her ear.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you whisper...</span><br />&quot;Stick a cupcake in my eye.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She blurts out laughter through her crying.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After hearing her cry, her laughter is nothing short of beautiful, and it lightens your heart.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She calms herself down and sniffles loudly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks you in the eyes with a big smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You better mean that. Cupcakes are serious, ya know?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile back.</span><br />&quot;Oh, I know. And I mean it... because I love you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She takes a deep breath.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I love you more.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You kiss each other again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not caring that the snow has started to fall even heavier.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But soon enough, the kiss is broken again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This time, by Fluttershy herself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Okay, seriously? I can't stay out here any longer. Let's go back to my house. Now.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She orders, as she brushes the snow off you.</span><br />&quot;Aye, captain.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You heed, as you do the same for her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without saying another word, but smiling brightly, you take each others hand and walk back to her house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You remain quiet the whole way.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The sound of the snow under your shoes, and the feeling of holding hands more than enough for you both.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As nice as the moment is, there's no complaints to it's ending when you get inside the warm house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Shhhh! I'm so cold, I've lost feeling everywhere!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shivers.</span><br />&quot;Same here. Guess we did stay out there a bit too long.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Who's fault is that, Mister I-love-you-in-the-middle-of-a-freezing-park?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I don't know, Miss I'm-gonna-have-a-breakdown-in-a-snowstorm.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both glare at each other for a few seconds, before slowly going back to smiles, which leads to you laughing together.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You notice how quiet it is.</span><br />&quot;Hey, where are your parents?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I guess they're still out christmas shopping. They'll probably be gone for a few more hours.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Oh.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come on, let's go up to my room and warm up.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She takes your hand again and leads you to her room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Let's take off our jackets, they're ice cold anyways.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She takes yours off for you and throws it on the floor, along with her own.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She then plugs in her electric heater, and aims it at the bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Go ahead and sit down in front of it. I've gotta go check on Angel.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She walks out of the room while you do as suggested.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's not exactly a good feeling, trying to warm up your numbed body.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But slowly, your shivering stops.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a few minutes Fluttershy comes back.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She closes the door behind her this time.</span><br />&quot;So, where's the fuzzball?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sleeping in my parents bed. He'll be fine in there.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sits down next to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You move over a bit to make sure she's getting the warm air.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shivers and frowns.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ahhh, I'm still numb.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You warp her up in your arms and hold her close to you.</span><br />&quot;I'm warmer than you now, so I'll help speed you up.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Okay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She warps herself around you as well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You intended not to take it any further.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But after awhile, she starts nuzzling you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take no action, but she continues to nuzzle you even more.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Until finally, you start to laugh a bit.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pulls your face towards her, and slowly moves her lips closer to yours.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You kiss.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you brake it.</span><br />&quot;What do you think you're doing?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You ask with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles back with her eyes half open.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A kiss.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I just think...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Another kiss.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This will help us...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Another.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Warm up faster...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And another.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But this time, she doesn't allow it to be broken.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instead, she kisses you deeply.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Deeper than before, even pushing her tongue into your mouth now.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reciprocate, as you push her to lie down onto the bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She lets you, and you lie on top of her with all your weight.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's so soft.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Softer than you ever could have imagined.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With this 'technique,' you warm up in a matter of minutes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you continue to make out and cuddle for hours regardless.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It isn't until you both hear the front door open that you pull yourselves from each other.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fluttershy! Are you home?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy quickly rolls off the bed, and tidies her clothes and hair up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You do the same.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Giving herself a quick, satisfied look in the mirror, she opens her door and walks out casually, as if nothing happened.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Did you buy me anything good for christmas?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She calls down to them from the second floor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk out of the room and stand beside her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both lean against the banister railing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy looks up at the two of you, holding bags that are clearly from the mall.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;While Mr. Shy goes back out to get more things from the car.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He leaves the door open, letting in all the cold and snow from outside into the house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You don't need to know anything about what presents we bought. But, you're more than welcome to help your father with all the groceries!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy says with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both groan in unison like children.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But it's sooo cold out there!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy whines.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy comes back in holding bags of food.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come on you two! Get down here and help! I don't wanna hear any complainin' if you're gonna eat dinner!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy orders, seemingly hearing everything that's been said in the house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You perk up a bit.</span><br />&quot;Wait, what kinda dinner are we talking about?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Homemade chicken noodle soup.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy says proudly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy scoffs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We don't care about your soup! We've had enough of being out in the cold today! We are not going outside anymo-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A stunned Fluttershy watches you leave her side and rush down the stairs to Mr. Shy.</span><br />&quot;Reporting for bag duty, sir!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Attaboy!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He slaps you on the back cheerfully, as you walk out into the frigid air with him.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;OH COME ON!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy shouts in anger, slamming her fists down on the banister.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After multiple trips outside, you and Mr. Shy have retrieved all of the groceries.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both walk into the kitchen and place the last bags onto the countertop.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy and her mother are there waiting.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy was already going through ingredients, getting ready to start.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;While Fluttershy stood arms crossed, glaring at you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You had taken to shivering, as without your jacket, you were much more susceptible to the cold.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;'I want to be with you,' you said! 'Stick a cupcake in my eye,' you said!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy walks up close to you with the unchanging glare.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just wait until I tell Pinkie about this!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Even as cold as you were, you still felt a chill run down your spine hearing those words.</span><br />&quot;Please no! Anything but that!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Over the course of getting to know the girls, you had learned of the terrifying consequences to breaking a Pinkie Promise.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shudder some memories away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just because you're in love now, doesn't mean he's going to resist my delicious cooking, dear.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy chimes in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and Fluttershy look over to her parents in surprise.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How do you-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh please, we could see it all over your faces as soon as we saw you. We were young once too, you know.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Not to mention you two have been hanging around each other like lovesick puppies constantly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy adds, while helping his wife unpack all the bags.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And about that...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy drops what she's doing, and walks over to the both of you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, I can't believe you've picked her over me!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with a hurt expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You do know she's just a cheap knockoff of the original?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She asks, pointing to herself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What was that?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy gets between you and her mother.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If I'm just a cheap knockoff, isn't that the fault of the manufacturer?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, it's not like I wanted to build such a chintzy 'model.' He's the one who placed the order on me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy points to her husband.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He raises his hands and shakes his head at you all, with the look of a deer caught in headlights.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;In any case, it's fine. If you want to claim Anon as his girlfriend, so be it. I'll just be his mistress who cooks for him.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with a sly smile, then goes back to getting dinner ready.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;EXCUSE ME?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy yells, absolutely fuming.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dad! Do you have ANYTHING to say about this?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy sighs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Look, I've been with your mother for a lifetime. I love her, and want her to be happy. And if this is what makes her happy, well... I'm not going to stand in the way of that.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says very casually.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Eeerggh!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy grumbles loudly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She whips around to you, sticks her finger into your chest, and gives one of her patented death stares.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I am NOT warming you up again!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She stomps off in a huff.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stand there still shivering, and look back at her parents, who couldn't seem to care less about what just happened.</span><br />&quot;Uh...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon dear, there's a heater in the front you can use.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy informs you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's not the same as making out with our daughter, but...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy comments, keeping his casual demeanor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That would have sent you over the edge of uncomfortable...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But at this point, it was just a drop in the already overflowing bucket of the whole situation.</span><br />&quot;I'd, um, better go talk to her.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Be careful, she's been known to bite when she's that upset.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy warns.</span><br />&quot;Heh... wait, seriously?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;They both just nod at you in silence.</span><br />&quot;Okay, I'm just gonna... yeah.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk off towards the stairs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you leave the kitchen, you can hear them break out into poorly muffled laughter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're now standing outside Fluttershy's door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You knock.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy? I'm coming in.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You open the door to reveal her sitting on the bed, scowling.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You enter her room and sit next to her, leaving the door open.</span><br />&quot;Hey, c'mon, they're just joking with us.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;They're taking the joke too far! I've finally got someone to love, they should understand how important that is to me! Not tease me about it.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her anger slowly faded, replaced by hurt feelings.</span><br />&quot;They're teasing you because they care.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What do you mean?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Think about it. You've been alone so long, they've probably been worried about you. I think they're actually really happy right now.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She rolls her eyes.</span><br />&quot;Hey, it could be worse. At least they're not upset about us being together.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, that's true...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take her hands in yours and smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A small smile makes it's way to her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her gaze falls from you though, and settles back to the open doorway.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Where Angel has been watching.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If you've ever seen a pissed off rabbit in your life, this was it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, Angel Bunny!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yo, man.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both greet him nervously.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His angry expression doesn't change.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Look, sweetie, Anon and I... we love each other. Now... now we can all be together as one big family!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smiles brightly.</span><br />&quot;Whaddya say? How about we put everything behind us, and get along from now on?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say as sincerely as possible.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shakes with anger, and suddenly runs off down the hallway.</span><br />&quot;Angel!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You call, about to get up and go after him.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But she stops you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Let him go, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Are you sure?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This is a big shock for him. He's always thought it would be just me and him. He's had no reason to think otherwise. It's going to take time for him to warm up to the idea...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both frown.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This kind of reaction isn't what either of you wanted.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a few moments of sitting in silence, looking out the open doorway, you grow a cheeky smile.</span><br />&quot;Say... speaking of... 'warming u-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Dammit.&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Soon enough, dinner is served.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The soup is amazing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Totally worth all the craziness.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Although, this dinner is the most uncomfortable and awkward yet.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's mostly all of you eating in silence, while Fluttershy and her mother shoot each other glares.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy breaks the silence with a question.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How do you like it, Anon?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nervously look at Fluttershy for permission to respond.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives it to you with a slight nod.</span><br />&quot;It's great. I didn't expect you to put dumplings in too. They make it even better.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy puts on another one of her sly smiles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, if they mean that much, you can have my dumplings anytime you want.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with a much too seductive look and voice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy slams a fist down onto the table, starting another silent glare match between the two of them.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You decide to strike up a conversation with Mr. Shy, to try and get past it.</span><br />&quot;Say, Mr. Shy, I'm getting pretty excited about the playoff games coming up!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Then how about coming over to watch them with me?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'd love to sir!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Who do you think is going to win?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well I-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Shut up, darlings.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy orders sternly, without breaking her stare with Fluttershy.</span><br />&quot;Yes ma'am.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both answer in unison, and go back to eating your oh so delicious meal in silence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...The soup is still totally worth it.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After dinner, Mr. Shy says he'll have to take you home now, before the weather gets any worse.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But he gives you a few minutes to say goodnight to Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both go up to her room to do so.</span><br />&quot;Well... this was a strange, but great day.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It was certainly eventful.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with some sarcasm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...I hate that you have to leave.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pouts.</span><br />&quot;It's not like I won't come back. And you can always call me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She nods.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I will.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She kisses you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hug tightly.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The car ride with Mr. Shy is spent having the discussion about football you couldn't have at the table.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Once he drops you off home, you head straight to bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The day much too physically, and emotionally draining to talk to your parents.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not to mention how you didn't get much sleep the night before.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Because of this, you fall asleep easily.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Besides waking up with the realization that you now have a girlfriend, the morning seems to be the usual.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You did expect Fluttershy to call, or at least text you something, but your phone has remained silent.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She may have been busy doing some christmas shopping after all.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It isn't until you find yourself lazing about in the afternoon that you get a call.</span><br />&quot;Hello?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;A-anon! I can't find him!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's crying, and sounds panicked.</span><br />&quot;What? Can't find who?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Angel! I haven't seen him since this morning! I think he ran away!&quot;</span><br />&quot;You mean he's been outside this whole time?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, I'm pretty sure he was still in the house until just a while ago. But if he stays out too long...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She breaks down before she can finish her words.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is bad.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The temperatures had dropped even more since yesterday.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was not the kind of weather anyone should stay in.</span><br />&quot;Alright, I'm coming over there right now. You keep looking.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;O-okay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hang up, and start layering clothes on.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Once you're bundled up, you talk your mother into letting you borrow her car.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was an older model Honda.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nothing fancy, but kept in good condition.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thanks to the city snowploughs, the roads were free of snow and ice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You make it to Fluttershy in no time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's outside the house, looking in some of the bushes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;ANGEL!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She calls out, as you pull up into the driveway.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You could tell by a missing car that her parents were gone again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You meet each other in the middle of her front lawn.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I tried talking to him about us this morning. But he was so angry, I couldn't get through to him. And now he's...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She starts crying again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hug her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A terrible thought enters your mind.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy... he wouldn't go to the park, would he?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She breaks the hug and her face drops.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I-I don't think so. But if he did... we would never be able to...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She covers her mouth.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tears flow from her silently.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Trying to find a small white rabbit in all that snow would be next to impossible.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look up at the sky in despair.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The situation seems hopeless.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But as you bring your gaze back down, you notice something in a nearby tree.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A shaking patch of white.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk up to the tree to get a better look through it's snow covered foliage.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sure enough...</span><br />&quot;There he is!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy runs to your side and looks up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Angel!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He was up pretty high, and shivering badly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He looked down at the both of you with a terrified expression, while clinging to a branch.</span><br />&quot;What's wrong with him?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;He's never been up so high. He must be too frightened to get back down.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Do you have a ladder?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We did, but after dad put up the lights on the house, he said it was too old and rickety to keep. So he threw it away.&quot;</span><br />&quot;And we don't have time to go looking for another one...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You zip up your jacket and tighten your gloves.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What are you doing?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm gonna climb up and get him.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's too dangerous!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She tries to hold you back.</span><br />&quot;It's okay! I used to climb trees and all kinds of stuff when I was kid. My parents used to call me a 'wild monkey.'&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That doesn't sound like a compliment.&quot;</span><br />&quot;It wasn't. Look, just trust me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give her a confident smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her worried expression doesn't change, but she nods.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You start climbing the tree.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Slowly, but surely, you make your way up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eventually, you get as high as you can.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're just out of reach from grabbing Angel yourself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You unzip your jacket halfway, and extend your arm out to him.</span><br />&quot;Alright, Angel, you have to get to my hand so I can put you in my jacket.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He looks at your hand, and shakes his head fearfully.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy had been watching with her hands over her mouth the whole time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But she speaks up loud and clear to Angel.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Angel! Momma's right here! You can trust Anon! Reach out to him!&quot;</span><br />&quot;I won't let anything happen to you, buddy. Come on.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He seems a bit more willing, but he still hesitates.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You need to give him one more push.</span><br />&quot;Look, fuzzball, I saved your mom, didn't I?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give him a cocky grin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He flashes you a look of anger.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That did it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He slowly moves over to your hand and latches on.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Making sure you've got a firm grip on him, you hug him to your chest.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Once he grabs onto your sweater, you zip your jacket back up.</span><br />&quot;Package secure!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give Fluttershy a thumbs up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good, good! N-now, just get down safely!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Being even more careful now that you have cargo aboard, It takes you a bit longer to get down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you make it to terra firma safely.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh my sweet little Angel!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You unzip your jacket to let Fluttershy get a hold of Angel, but he won't let go of your sweater.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;He's too scared and cold! Let's get him back into the house!&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're in Fluttershy's room again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're sitting on her bed again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're also facing her heater again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But this time, you've got a shivering rabbit stuck to your chest.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After being in the kitchen for awhile, Fluttershy comes in with a bowl of hot carrot soup.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With you holding him like a baby, Fluttershy feeds him the soup.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Soon enough, he stops shivering.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy tries to take him from you again, but he still won't let go.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though now, instead of fear, it's out of reluctance.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy laughs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Looks like he's finally grown attached to you, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Hey, kid, you've been on me for an hour. Let your mom have a turn now.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He hops into her arms, and she gives him a tight hug.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A while later, Angel is tucked into bed, sleeping.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit with Fluttershy on the opposite side, watching him.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her room now darkened, as she's turned off her lamp.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The only source of light being the ample glow of her huge CRT playing Mario World.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;He'll be fine now. He just needs rest.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her eyes turn to you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thank you, Anon. I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost him.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I didn't do anything that great.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wave your hand dismissively and look away from her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pulls you to face back to her by your chin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't say that. You did a great job climbing the tree after all... my 'wild monkey'~.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She coos with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take hold of her hand off your chin.</span><br />&quot;Hey now, let's not make that a nickname, alright?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She giggles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I won't, it's too stupid.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You kiss her hand.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She brings herself closer to you until she's resting her forehead against yours.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I love you.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I love you more.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold each other tight.</span><br />&quot;...Say, have I earned myself a free warm up coupon, redeemable for another time?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mmm... I suppose you have.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yesss.&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The next day.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No emergency calls from Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you do get a visitor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and him laze about in your room, discussing the recent events.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So how's the fuzzbutt doing now?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman asks, while playing with his Vita.</span><br />&quot;Fine. Fluttershy says we got to him just in time before anything really bad could happen.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nice. Well, Anon, it seems you've cleared Fluttershy's difficult route for the perfect ending.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I guess so. And a big part of it is thanks to you, Norman.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Aw, think nothing of it my good man. I'm proud of you. You're one of a select few to get a stable relationship with a Mane. I always knew you could do it. ...Now if only I could clear this final route for my own perfect ending.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You're STILL playing that dating sim?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I can't get past this part!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He hands you the Vita.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's that same girl you gave the 'yes' answer to in class.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just go away! I can't do this anymore!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She cries.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This is where I always end up. There's no way out of it, except a bad end.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Why not just look up a guide?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No dating sim enthusiast worth his salt would ever do such a thing! You know that!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman declarers insulted.</span><br />&quot;Stubborn elitist.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look over your choices.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One of them is 'I love you, give me another chance.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You choose it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I said no!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The girl shouts.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A red bar on screen grows.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If that red bar fills up in any scene, it just leads to the bad end.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman informs.</span><br />&quot;Are you sure? Have you ever filled it on this scene?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, no, but...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You continue to select the same choice over and over.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That kind of persistence isn't going to work, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wanna bet?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You fill the red bar completely.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You just won't give up, will you?! Fine! I-I'll give you one more chance! But that's it!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The girl huffs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Norman greedily takes the Vita away from you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How did you know to do that?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grow a smug smile.</span><br />&quot;Eh, just a hunch I had.&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Christmas eve.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Because you'd both be busy spending christmas day with your families, you and Fluttershy decided you would spend the day before together, and exchange presents.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your parents let you borrow the car again to get to her house.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It'd also make getting back a lot easier.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You arrive for dinner, as Mrs. Shy had instructed you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She had prepared a baked ham and turkey with all the trimmings.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Needless to say, it was delicious.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Afterwords, you gather with Fluttershy and her parents in the living room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give presents to everyone except Fluttershy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;To Mrs. Shy, you gave an apron and oven gloves that had the words 'World's best mom' embroidered in them.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She was highly amused.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy was not.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;To Mr. Shy, an official jersey of his favorite team, but with his name on it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He loves it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You even got Angel a present.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A huge industrial size box of Trix.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He jumps into it and swims happily in the cereal.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy approaches you with a present.</span><br />&quot;Oh, Mrs. Shy, you didn't have to do this.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;For my favorite young man? Of course I did.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy seems to have not known anything about this, as she raises an eyebrow and comes over to see you open the present.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You rip away the festive wrapping to reveal...</span><br />&quot;A photo album?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;An album of the best pictures with you and I, Anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy says happily.</span><br />&quot;We... we took pictures?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Open it and see dear!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You open the album, and to your confusion...</span><br />&quot;Mrs. Shy, these... these are all pictures of just you. It's an album of selfies?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Not at all! Look, see there?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She points to a figure in the background of one of the selfies.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There you are!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sure enough, that is you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But... it's just you in the background, doing something else.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You had no idea she even took the picture.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In fact, ALL of the pictures in the album are like that.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Some of them even have you with your backside to the camera, but are still counted as a picture with her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well? What do you think? Aren't they romantic?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uhh... they... sure are amazing, Mrs. Shy. I really don't know what to say.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You give her an awkward smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know what to say.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy gently takes the album away from you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Calmly and casually, she walks over to the fireplace, and throws the album in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It burns up easily.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It makes for great kindling.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with a bright, but fake smile.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy! That was a present from your mom! You can't just-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's quite alright, dear.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Interrupts Mrs. Shy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy's fake smile slowly turns to a dawning realization.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh my god... you made copies, didn't you?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy smiles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I even have a set at the office.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;YOU-!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before Fluttershy can explode with anger, you take her hand and drag her over to where her father is sitting.</span><br />&quot;Now, now! Let's see what your father got me! You do have a present for me, right, Mr. Shy?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mr. Shy slowly takes a sip of some eggnog before answering.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My daughter.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He says sternly, while looking you directly in the eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instantly, fear and intimidation is struck into your heart.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pull Fluttershy over to you and hold her close with one arm.</span><br />&quot;And she's the BEST present I can ask for, sir! I'm certainly grateful! Thank you so much!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile nervously, and give a thumbs up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy facepalms and shakes her head.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Let's just move onto our presents now.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ooo! I can't wait to see what you two love birds got for each other.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy says on the edge of her seat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and Fluttershy share an uncomfortable glance.</span><br />&quot;Think we should do this somewhere private?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She nods.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're now outside on the front lawn.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was cold, but not unbearably so like the days before.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You suggested you exchange presents in her room, but Fluttershy liked this better.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Showing a bit of her old self, she timidly gives you a small box.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You unwrap it carefully to reveal a perfectly boxed copy of Kirby Super Star, with it's manual and everything.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy... isn't this your Kirby Super Star?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well I... I can't take this! You love this game.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's true I've always loved it. But I love it even more now because... it was the first game we ever played together.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives you a warm smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now you understand.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;By giving you this, she's actually giving you her feelings and memories.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not accepting this game would be the same as not accepting her love for you.</span><br />&quot;I love it, and I'll always treasure it.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say sincerely.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Besides, it's not like I won't be able to come over and play it with you anytime.&quot;</span><br />&quot;More like you'd end up playing it with my dad.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was time to give your present.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hand it to her, and she excitedly rips into it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She reveals what's inside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A beautiful sweater, with her name embroidered into it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's the same shade of pink as her hair.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gasps, and her eyes go wide.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon... did you make this yourself?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah. Well, Rarity helped. Mostly. About... <span class="nu0">70</span> percent really. But she did guide me carefully on what I could do, so...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She buries her face into it, and cries.</span><br />&quot;Fluttershy?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She quickly puts it on and hugs you tightly, still crying.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, Anon! Thank you. I love you. I love you so much.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sobs.</span><br />&quot;I love you more.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She laughs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You've really stolen my line, huh?&quot;</span><br />&quot;It's a pretty good line.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, as long as you admit I came up with it first.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold each other like that in silence for a few moments, before she speaks up again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I... I've decided I'm not going to pretend to be shy anymore. Not at school or anywhere. I'm going to be myself from now on.&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's great! I'm proud of you!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's because I have you, Anon.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I give you that kind of courage?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You do.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chuckle.</span><br />&quot;I can't wait to see everyone's reaction at school.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh yeah, that'll be fun.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both laugh again.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Suddenly, the front door opens with Mrs. Shy standing in it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both break the hug to look over to her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Never mind that knockoff! I've just baked some cookies! Come inside and let me hand feed them to you!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy grabs you by the collar and pulls your face to hers.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Go home. Now.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What?! But-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;She's not kidding about hand feeding you! GO!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives you a taste of her death stare.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You have no choice but to obey.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get into the car and begin to drive away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;ANON, MY LOVE!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy calls out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;GET BACK INTO THE HOUSE!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy yells at her.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;7 months later.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and Fluttershy are playing Smash Brothers on your 3DS'.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's the final match out of five.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're both down to your last stock, but she's got you on the ropes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just one good smash will end it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At this rate, you're going to lose.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes. Yeesss.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's so focused on the game, she doesn't even notice Angel sneaking up on her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without warning, he grabs her 3DS away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Nice one, Angel!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Angel! Give that back!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She tries to grab it from the awesome rabbit, but he plays keep away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You have more than enough time to smash her off the stage.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Game set.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Having achieved his goal, Angel drops the 3DS and hops over to you for a high five.</span><br />&quot;That's my man!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That doesn't count! I've been betrayed!&quot;</span><br />&quot;You didn't know, Fluttershy? Bunnie interference is legal. House rules.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You say smugly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But we're not in a house!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She motions to your surroundings.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;An open blue sky, green rolling hills, and a big lake.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In other words, you're outside.</span><br />&quot;Yeah, but look over there.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You point to the big country style house not too far away.</span><br />&quot;All this land counts as house grounds, sooo...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Unbelievable.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She crosses her arms in a huff, causing you and Angel to laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both turn off your 3DS' and lean back against a tree.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Angel lays down on the grass with a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A nice breeze gusts up as you take in the amazing scenery.</span><br />&quot;I still can't believe your parents were serious about that whole 'house in the country' thing.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dad said that when they were making that joke at the table, they had already signed the papers for this place.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well... not a bad place to spend our summer vacation.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nope. And the girls said they'll be here soon to stay for awhile too.&quot;</span><br />&quot;We'll have plenty of room for them in that giant house.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mmhmm.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy scoots closer to you, until she's leaning against you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold hands and nuzzle.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is the part where you're supposed to say you love each other.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But there was no need anymore.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both had fallen in love so deeply, and completely, it went without saying.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You just... knew.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After staying like that for some time, Fluttershy stands up, and pulls you to stand as well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm hungry, let's grab something to eat.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Okay. Your dad's going to start grilling on the pit soon.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'll have him grill me some vegetables. But he'd better not crack any jokes.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk down the small hill hand in hand, Angel following you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;When you get closer to the house, Mrs. Shy comes out of the big doors leading directly to the kitchen.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's wearing the apron you gave her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She has white frosting all over her fingers.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh boys, you're just in time!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Time for what?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I just finished frosting a cake.&quot;</span><br />&quot;A cake?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You perk up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;A carrot cake.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Angel perks up as well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I baked it just for you, darlings. Would you care to eat it now, while it's fresh and... moist?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She says with an incredibly sexy voice and expression, as she licks one of her fingers clean of frosting.</span><br />&quot;Would we?!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and Angel run excitedly into the kitchen, letting go of Fluttershy's hand.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy grinds her teeth in anger.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's enough, mom! Seriously! You've taken this joke too far!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dear, I'm not so sure this is a joke anymore. I think I may have really fallen for that boy of yours.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;W-what... what are you saying?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mrs. Shy walks up closer to her daughter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Remember how you always wanted your father and I to play games with you? We would have, really, we just never had the time when you were younger. But now?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She dabs Fluttershy's nose with some frosting.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's game on, darling.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives her trademark sly smile, and walks back into the kitchen.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fluttershy stands there in shock.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She wipes the frosting off with disgust.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her eye twitches.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's livid.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She throws her fists into the air.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;ANON! ANGEL! YOU BOYS BETTER NOT TAKE ONE BITE! YOU HEAR ME?!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She yells, and runs into the kitchen.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The warm summer breeze.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The sunshine and white clouds.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The emerald green grass and blue waters.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This beautiful landscape is disturbed only by a young girl's voice, booming from across the plains.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;YOU'VE ALREADY EATEN HALF THE CAKE?!&quot;</span><br /><br />End.</div></div>




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