Anon/Fluttershy 11

>You put away the groceries while Fluttershy cooked dinner.
>A daisy salad for her, and fish and rice for you.
>You enjoy fish, but told Fluttershy to limit it to twice a week and for dinner only.
>It was the only meat you had and there was no need to go spoiling it for yourself so quickly.
>But it was only lean meat.
>How you wish you had some red meat right about now...

>You got your mind off the subject.
"So now that I got a job, I suppose we can pool our earnings and start saving for a house."
>Fluttershy made a good living from selling gathered berries and herbs and some of her exotic pets to interested clients.
>But it would take a long time to save for a decent plot on her income alone.
>Now you can make your own money and have pride in your expenses rather than feeling bad about spending someone elses money.

>You and Fluttershy were planning to buy a plot of land near the Everfree Forest so she could raise her animals and you could go hunting without dragging an animal corpse all the way back to Fluttershy's cottage.
>This brings to mind a question about dinner.
>Fish was one thing, red meat was another.
>Fluttershy has fed fish to many of her animals, but could she stand the sight and smell of actual red meat?
--
>Dinner was over and you helped Fluttershy with the dishes.
>You grabbed the Daring Do book and walked into the living room.
>You sat on the couch and waited for Fluttershy.
>She joined you shortly and cuddle close.
>You wrapped one arm around her and held the book between the two of you.

>You began reading, but only for about 2 hours.
>It was a pretty short book.
>Much shorter than you expected.
>The book was kind of boring actually.
>It turns out, neither of you enjoy the treasure hunter/adventure theme going on.
>And with every chapter, you each had 10 new questions and no answers.
>The ending was left open-ended on a cliff hanger, which irritated the both of you greatly.

>"Well we could find the next book in the series..."
"Or not."
>You both laughed and you tossed the book to the other side of the couch.
>Well there was always your mythology book.
>It was pretty thick so hopefully it takes you a while to skim through.
>Fluttershy didn't seem too thrilled about it.
>Well you did get this book for yourself so it didn't make much of a difference.

>You opened it up and scrolled through the index.
>A few topics caught your interest.
>It turns out, the were actually pony versions of Beowulf, the Odyssey, and the Divine Comedy, but this book only had a summary of them.
>That sucks...
>You were hoping for the actual stories.
>It would be awesome to see how ponies encountered those situations instead of humans.
>But the fact that these myths exist means there is probably an old dusty book somewhere where you can actually read them.
>There was one particular subject the distracted you from everything else.
>The Centaurs of Old Equestria.
--
>Centaurs?
>Half human and half horse?
>They existed?
>Well this is a book on myths, so probably not.
>The curiosity is too much for you.

>You open the book and begin to read.
>The centaurs are known to be the bastard children of a pony demi-god and a wood nymph.
>They slew their demi-god father in anger for his part in their misbegotten creation.
>Angry and distraught, they roamed the barrens of the far east.
>They were unable to support themselves through farming.
>They turned into nomads and hunted the local fauna.
>Their expert marksmanship impressed the Mother of the Night.
>She placed an image of their most reknowned champion, Orion, into the night sky.

>You stopped reading there.
>You remember spotting Orion the first night you were here.
>You compared the drawing and outline of the constellation to what you tought it was.
>It turns out, you got the pony part right, but that wasn't a spear in his mouth.
>It was his outstretched arm, drawing back a bow.

>You return to the book
>As time wore on, they over hunted the wildlife in the area.
>Their primal rage erupted and they turned to raiding villages.
>The stronger of the tribe, the centaur Khans, eventually turned on each other and broke away, forming their own clans.
>Unable to sustain themselves, and locked in a never ending war, the centaurs eventually drove themselves to extinction.

>There were, however, a few wise centaur magi and sages who tried to bring diplomacy to the clans.
>Their efforts were in vain as the centaur never ceased in their attempts to conquer each other.
>Their insatiable bloodlust earned them the title of savagery and brutality incarnate.
--
"Maybe this is why Twilight has so much distrust toward me?"
>Fluttershy had listened to you read without a word.
>She didn't even ask what was wrong when you stopped to think about the Orion constellation.
>But now she seems a tad bit worried.
>"They aren't human. They aren't even ponies."
"Exactly. They hold qualities from both. I think Twilight views the peaceful, nomadic side of them is caused by the pony in them. And the vicious brutality to the human in them."
>"But you're not like that. You are as peaceful as any pony I know."

"I am also only one human."
>"I don't understand."
"You can take a single person, or pony in this case, and they can be cool, calm, and smart about the things they do."
>"But what does that have to with anything?"
"I'm not finished. One pony alone can do a lot of good and think rationally. But when you put him into a crowd, the mob mentality kicks in and rational thinking becomes very impractical. If the crowd were to react to something, even if he disagrees why, he will probably react the same way. Just think of the mob that confronted me outside the Sugarcube Corner. Do you really think all of them felt distrust and hate towards me?"

>Fluttershy had to think long and hard about this.
>That was a lot of information to take it.
>She finally spoke.
>"But those are ponies. It doesn't explain humans."
"Actually it does. We're different species, but we all think the same. Personally, I think it's just a bias and a fear of the uknown that keeps Twilight at a distance."
>"Well that's just awful."
--
>Fluttershy dropped her head onto her hooves.
>She was really distraught over this conversation.
>To know that her friend hated Anon because of an old ponytale...

>"I hope our children don't turn out like those centaur..."
"I'm sure they wo-"
>Our children?!
>Wow...
>Did Fluttershy really just suggest that?
>You really can't comprehend the thought right now.
>That was way too much way to suddenly.
>You grab Fluttershy in a hug and kiss her passionately on the lips.

"Never. I wouldn't allow it."
>You give her a big smile.
>She returns it.
"Come on. Lets go to bed."

>You lay the book down and stand.
>You pick Fluttershy up and hold her with one arm supporting her back and the other under her thighs.
>She curls her face into your chest and hugs you with her forelegs.
>Again she reminds you of a sleepy child.
>You carry her upstairs and lie down in the bed.
>She cuddles as close to you as possible and throws her leg over you.
>You slide one arm under her head and the other around her.
>You fall asleep in each others' embrace.
--
>You awaken to the sun shining right in your face.
>And a really sore back.
>And on the floor.
"Oh come on..."
>Maybe it's time to invest in a larger bed...
>You look up at Fluttershy, snuggled deep in the comforter with a really big smile.
>She must be dreaming something wonderful.
>You give her a kiss on the forehead and go downstairs.

"And what'll it be for breakfast?"
>You stand in front of the fridge, door open, for several minutes.
"We shouldn't eat those waffles just yet..."
"But not much else looks good."
>You settle for a bowl of corn flakes instead.
>But these are not for you.

>You set the bowl on a tray.
>You add a little daisy in a small vase and carry it upstairs.
>Fluttershy has woken up and is sitting up in her bed, rubbing her eyes.
>She looked up and saw you walking in with the tray of food.
"Breakfast in bed for my darling Fluttershy."
>She squeed with joy.
>You set the tray down in her lap and sat on the bed beside her.

"Sorry that it's only cereal. I couldn't find any good breakfast food that wasn't waffles."
>"Thank you, Anon. I love it all the same."
>You kissed her on the cheek and allowed her to eat.
>It was silent, but there was nothing wrong.
>You were just enjoying each others' company.
>When she had finished, you grabbed the tray and set it in your own lap.
>You picked the daisy out of the vase and held it in front of her.
"A little dessert perhaps?"
>She giggled and softly bit down on it.
"I'll meet you downstairs when you're ready."
>A kiss on the lips and off you go.
--
>You have just finished washing the dishes when Fluttershy walks into the kitchen.
>She notices that the only dishes in the sink were hers.
>"Have you eaten?"
"No, not yet. I was looking for something but then I thought that since you weren't up yet, I'd surprise you with breakfast in bed."
>Fluttershy floated over and kissed you on the forehead.
>"Why don't you go get ready for work. I'll fix you something."
>You nod and walk out of the kitchen.

>You really want to wear that shirt Rarity gave you yesterday, but a black long-sleeve in the middle of the day in summer was probably a bad idea.
"Well, no need to stray from the norm I guess."
>You settle for your usual neutral clothes.
>The sound of the door from the kitchen catches your ears, but you ignore it.
>You grab your hygiene gear and go to shave and brush your teeth.
>You return about 5 minutes later to hear a sizzling and a popping sound from the kitchen.
>A whiff of air catches your nose.
"No way..."

>You run to the kitchen and see Fluttershy with a frying pan on the stovetop.
>And in the pan?
>Eggs.
>But not just eggs.
>She was cooking you an omelette!
>You walk over to try to peek what she's put in it.
>Cheese, tomato, and black pepper is all you can make out immediately.
>But sadly... no ham.
>But you shouldn't expect otherwise.
--
>And with her expert skills, she flips the omelette out of the pan and onto a plate as if it was a pancake.
>She serves it to you with a little garnish and a glass of orange juice.
>You never thought about cooking eggs.
>Probably because they come from Flutterhy's chickens and you assumed it would be wrong to use them.
>How wrong were you?

>Suddenly you feel like a total jerk for only serving her up a bowl of cereal.
>She can see the disappointment in your face.
>She hovers behind you and hugs your neck.
>She sticks her head on your shoulder and whispers in your ear.
>"Don't think I appreciate it any less."
>She kisses your cheek.
>"I just think you deserve a little something special this morning."
"And I love you even more for it."

>You take a bite out of your omelette.
>You eyes open wide and you just stare.
>Straight forward.
>You swallow and your jaw drops open.
"This is the greatest omelette I have ever had..."
"I'm actually sad to say that those waffles of yours have some serious competition."
>Her face lights up at the compliment.
>Once again, you seriously consider her getting a job in a restaurant.
--
>Breakfast was done.
>Time for work.
>You grab your guitar case and walked to the door.
>Fluttershy met you with a long kiss goodbye.
>She watched you from the door as you walked away.

"Just another day in paradise."
>You whistle and sing as you walk to town.
>You get the same usual reactions as any other trip you make into Ponyville.
>But this time there was also a deep curiosity about the oddly-shaped, black case you were carrying.
>You have never brought your guitar into town before.
>Maybe this was your chance to finally impress them and show you have a soft side.
>You draw stares and can hear the whispers, but it doesn't bother you.
>You walk up to the Carousel Boutique and knock on the door.
>It was too early for the store to be open, so you shouldn't just walk right in.
--
>The door opens.
>Rarity is nowhere to be seen.
>Instead, you are greeted by Sweetie Belle.
>She immediately jumps up to you with a laugh.
>You manage to catch her with your one free arm.
>"Hi Mr. Anonymous! Are you here to walk me to school?"
"Oh... no. Sorry Sweetie Belle."
>Rarity comes down stairs.
>"I'm actually here to speak to Rarity."
>Sweetie Belle begins to pout.
>"Oh... Okay then... I wish you could go..."

>Rarity finally speaks up.
>"Go where?"
>You look up from Sweetie Belle and finally take notice of Rarity.
"Sweetie Belles wants me to walk her to school but I told her I need to talk to you about work today."
>"That would be great if you would Anonymous. I need to get a thing or two done this morning, and freeing up some time from walking Sweetie Belle to school would be just what I need!"
>Sweetie Belle looks at you with big puppy eyes.

"Well then"
>You set Sweetie Belle on top of your head.
"Looks like that was settled easy enough."
>Sweetie Belle lets out a loud cheer.
"Now you need to tell me where the school is."
--
>Sweetie Belle sat up on your head.
>She turned and pointed her hoof in the direction of the school.
>"That way!"
"Aye-aye captain!"
>You give a quick salute and your off.
>Sweetie Belle was bouncing on your head.
>You both shared in the laughter.

>You used to think that children were the bane of your existence.
>Always loud and obnoxious.
>But in all honesty, you never gave kids a chance before.
>Now here you were with the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
>The most adorable little fillies you have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
>They were also some of your best friends.
>Suddenly the idea of having a filly of your own doesn't sound so bad.

>You are coming up on the school house.
>Applejack is dropping off Applebloom and you see Scootaloo running to meet her.
>Sweetie Belle calls out to her friends.
>"Applebloom! Scootaloo!"
>Her friends look over and call back to her.
>Applejack turns around to see Sweetie Belle riding atop your head.
>She becomes visibly nervous and shifts her footing.

>You walk up and crouch down so Sweetie Belle can hop off safely.
"Hello Applejack."
>"Oh, uh... Howdy Anonymous."
>You are aware of her feelings toward you, but it would be wrong to bring it up now.
>You simply smile and nod in her direction.
>You were ignoring the fillies' conversation for a second there, but are now tuning in.
--
>"-hopefully we can do this every morning!" said Sweetie Belle.
>"Yeah!" Applebloom agreed. "Maybe he can pick up me an' Scootaloo too!"
>Scootaloo chimed in.
>"That would be so rad!"
>You are now interested.
"What would be rad?"
>They looked up to you with those adorable smiles of theirs.
>They all spoke at the same time.
>"Would you walk us to school every morning?"

>Uh oh.
>Your first instinct was to look back at Applejack.
>She had a scowl on her face that scared you to death.
>Gotta think fast.
"I'm sorry. I wouldn't take you from Applejack like that Applebloom. Besides, the walk to and from school can be a bonding moment for the two of you."
>They all grew very sad.
>Applebloom softly spoke, looking at her hooves.
>"Yeah I guess so..."
>"Aw shucks Anonymous, that would be a great idea!"

>You all snapped your attention to Applejack, surprised.
>"Workin' on a farm means a load a' work to do in the mornin'. Not having ta' walk Applebloom ta' school would free up all kinds a' time!"
>Wow that was completely unexpected.
>You look back to the three fillies, giving you that smile again.
>You sigh.
"Well if that's alright with you, I guess that's fine with me."
>The three fillies shrieked with glee.

>You look back to Applejack.
"Are you sure about this?"
>"Ya of course ah am!"
>What a horrible liar...
--
>This might come back to haunt you later.
>Also, Sweet Apple Acres is in another direction from Ponyville.
>You would need to get up even earlier to get them to school on time.
>But you are sooo lazy...

"Alright then."
>You look over to the fillies.
"I'll pick you up at your house tomorrow morning Applebloom."
>She cheered at this news.
"Scootaloo, where do you live?"
>Scootaloo grew nervous and seemed to calm down immediately.
>"Can you just pick me up at Sweetie Belle's?"
>What's wrong with her?
"Yeah I can do that."
>You mess her mane.

>Applebloom suddenly speaks up.
>"Mr. Anonymous?"
"Yes?"
>"What's that thing?"
>She motions toward our guitar case.
>You smile, set it down, and unclip it.
>You pull your guitar out and show it to them.
>They stare at you, wide-eyed and mouths in an "O".
>Even Applejack was curious, but maintained her composure better than the excited fillies.

>You played an up-tempo, 5 second riff before you decided to put it back in its case.
>The fillies cheered.
>"That was amazing!" Sweetie Belle shouted.
>"That was awesome!" Scootaloo clapped.
"How long do you get for lunch?"
>They all answered.
>"One hour."
>Cool.
"Visit me at the Carousel Boutique this afternoon. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised."
>They immediately grew excited at started running around you.
--
>The school bell start to ring out.
"Looks like you better run. Class is about to start."
>The three fillies encircle you in a group hug.
>You return it as best you can.
>"Bye Mr. Anonymous! We'll see you at lunch!"
>You wave as you watch them run to the school house.

>You turn back around to see Applejack already on her way home.
>You call out to her.
"Applejack!"
>"What."
>Ouch.
>Not the reaction you were expecting.
"Is something wrong?"
>She turns around and runs right up to you.
>She stops just short of running into you and sticks her head up at you as high as she can, staring you in the eyes.
>"Oh I don't know. How about how you've been corruptin' Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie?"
"Corrupting? How am I-"
>She takes a step forward.
>You step back.
>"Or how you attacked us outside Sugarcube Corner?"
"I was only acting in self-
>Another step forward.
>"Or how 'bout..."
>She sniffed.
>"You tryin' ta' steal mah lil sister from me?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... WHAT?"
>She wasn't hearing any of it.
>She turned and galloped away.

>How are you able to make amends with these ponies if the don't even allow you to speak for yourself?
>You give a long, drawn-out sigh.
>You shake your head, pick up your guitar case, and head back to the Carousel Boutique.
--
>You walk through the front door.
>It's business hours now.
>Nopony home.
>You call out.
"Rarity?"
>She hollars back.
>"In the back!"
"I'm gonna start my shift!"
>"Okay darling! I'll talk to you later!"
"Very well!"
>You step back outside.

>Now where would be a good place to set up?
>You want somewhere you can relax, but still be close enough to draw attention to the boutique.
>You spot a tree stump a few yards from the front of the shop.
>It will have to do.
>The boutique isn't very close to the busy market, but it's close enough to the town square that you should still attract a few ponies from the decent amount of traffic.

>You sit down and drop your case.
>You unclip it and pull out your guitar.
>You set you open case just off to the side.
"Well... It's now or never."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BjGVK7r0wg
--
>As you play you notice you are attracting quite alot of attention considering the circumstances.
>Ponies stop what they're doing and look over at you.
>The ones that don't ignore you completely begin to walk over to you.
>Some of them calling to friends to join them.
>You haven't been playing for 2 minutes and you already have a crowd of 7 ponies.
>They just sit and listen, a smile on a few of their faces.

>You finish your song.
>Hoof stomps and cheers are the reaction.
>One pony even tossed a bit into your guitar case.
"The coin is greatly appreciated, ma'am."
>She giggles and returns to the group.
>The commotion seems to be attracting more ponies.
>The crowd slowly grows.
>You take this opportunity to try a sales pitch.
"Thank you very much. If you would, please stop by the Carousel Boutique for some of the highest quality suits and dresses in Equestria!"
>A few mumbles in the crowd.
>You smile when you spot 2 mares walk into the shop.

>Might as well keep going.
>Perhaps something a little more upbeat?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6K-EJ2e7PU
--
>The end is met with more cheers and a few more bits.
>You graciously thank every pony who decides to toss a coin your way.
>This continues for about 3 hours.
>You try to mix up what you play, going from soft and gentle to a little upbeat.
>Taking a few minutes between each song to rest your hand and think of something new to play.
>The reactions from the crowd goes over quite well.

>11:00
>Lunch time.
>Rarity comes out of her shop and notices a crowd of at least 25 ponies
>She walks over to you and sets a plate with a veggie sandwich on your lap.
>You look over to her and nod in appreciation.
>She smiles and returns to her duties in the boutique.

"I'm gonna take a few minutes to eat mares and gentlecolts. Please excuse me."
>A few groans of irritation and disappointment rise from the crowd.
>You start to feel a little bad about eating in front of everypony like this.
>But off to the side you see 3 ponies lay out a blanket with a picnic basket on the grass.
>Suddenly you don't feel so bad.

>You take small bites and chew slowly.
>Your really just stalling for time until a few little fillies come bounding up the road to you.
>They should be here any minute.

>You don't even finish your thought when you see a group of about 7 fillies come galloping through the town toward you.
>They must have brought a few of their classmates.
>You sure hope their parents don't mind them spending their lunch period watching you play.
>The last thing you want to see is an angry mother pulling away her child because she thinks you're going to hurt them.

>"Hey Mr. Anonymous!"
>You smile as you wave to the fillies, your thoughts immediately struck down.
--
"Ah! My esteemed little fan club has arrived!"
>You laugh as they give you a scowl.
"I'm kidding little ones."
>They run up and sit directly in front of you.
>Their classmates sit behind them.
>Applebloom stands up to speak.
>"Mr. Anonymous, we brought you some lunch."
>Applebloom pulls an apple out of her saddle bag and hoofs it over to you.
"D'aww. Thank you very much Applebloom."
>She gives you the largest smile as you take a bite.
>You chew and swallow.
"Do you mind if I eat in front of you?"
>"Not at all!" they respond.
>Fair enough.
>You eat the apple pretty quickly.
>Regardless of their approval, you still find it rude.

>Finishing your apple, you place the core on your empty plate.
>Sweetie Belle runs up and grabs the plate from you.
>"I'll get that for you Mr. Anonymous!"
"Why thank you Sweetie Belle."
>She runs inside, drops the plate off and is back in front of you, quick as a flash.

"Now then, my little ponies, I would like a volunteer."
>All the fillies raised their hooves.
"Who can sing?"
>Everyponies hoof went down except for Scootaloo's.
>Instead, they all pointed to Sweetie Belle.
>Sweetie Belle shrunk into herself.
>She was embarassed and trying to hide herself.
"Sweetie Belle would you like to come up here?"
>"Uhm..."
"Pretty please?"
>She slowly rose and walked over to you and sat down next to you, facing the crowd.
>Scootaloo crossed her forelegs and pouted.
--
>You stand up and motion for Sweetie Belle to stand on the stump.
>She does so, but she stares at her hooves.
>She's got stage fright, but maybe when you start she can get over it.
>You take position to the side and a little bit behind her, giving her the spotlight.

>Ponies watch in silence.
>You being to strum a light tune.
>It takes a minute, but she begins to mumble.
>She suddenly siezes up and curls into a ball.
>You drop the guitar and pick her up and hold her.
"I'm sorry."
>She digs her head into your chest.
"I'm proud of you."
>She looks up like she's about to cry, but she has a smile.
"You can sit down now. I think I got this."
>She nods and returns to her friends.
"Give a round of applause for the brave little filly."
>The clopping and cheers of the surrounding ponies makes Sweetie Belle blush.

"I got a song I would like to sing for one special pony."
>You haven't sung all day, just casually played your guitar.
>The ponies immediately shush themselves and watch you intently.
--
>You begin strumming a medium-tempo tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTvxq8IfRMs

**
I never had no one
I could count on
I've been let down so many times
I was tired of hurtin'
So tired of searchin'
'Til you walked into my life
It was a feelin'
I'd never known
And for the first time
I didn't feel alone

You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend
You're my best friend, oh yeah
**

>There's a commotion in the back of the crowd.
>You look up and see a familiar yellow pegasus parting the crowd as she walks toward you, smiling.
>You didn't even know she was here.
>She doesn't even get to you before she begins to sing.
--
**
>You stand by me
>And you believe in me
>Like nobody ever has
>When my world goes crazy
>You're right there to save me
>You make me see how much I have

>And I still tremble
>When we touch
**

>Your turn.

**
And oh the look in your eyes
**

>You strum the strings all at once to create a small pause in the music.
>You look deep into her in the eyes.

**
When we make love
**

>Her face just lit up.
>The crowds' jaws dropped.
>The music picks up again and you both are singing the chorus together.

**
You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
And I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend
**
--
>Once more with feeling!

**
You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
And I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend
**

>You begin to slow down the tempo as you end the song.
>A few high notes, and one last big strum of the strings.
>The crowd absolutely loses it.
>D'awws, cheers, and clopping alike.
>The ponies are being ever more generous in their tips to you.

>Fluttershy jumped up at you.
>You dropped you guitar so you could catch her.
>With her on the stump, standing on her hind legs, and you supporting her, you close your eyes and share in a deep, passionate kiss that draws even more d'awws and gasps from the crowds.

>The Cutie Mark Crusaders were cheering and jumping around with joy.
>Scootaloo was grossed out by yours and Fluttershy's kiss and turned to look away.

"Wow, that was totally unexpected!"
>An unplanned duet that worked out perfectly?
>How can anyone expect that?
>You give her another peck on the lips.
"I didn't know you had such an amazing singing voice!"
>She blushed and leaned her head against your chest.
--
>You held each other for several minutes.
>You finally decided to break away and address you fans.
"I'm sorry everypony, but that's all for today."
>You met with saddened "Aww...'s" and a few ponies complaining.
>You close your guitar case and pick it up, your guitar in the opposite hand.
"Thank you all for coming out. You don't know how much it means to me."
>More cheers and clopping.

>You look down at the children and crouch so you're close to eye level.
"I think it's time to go back to school, yes?"
>"Aww..."
>Yeah they aren't very thrilled about it.
>They just got here and they already have to go back?
"Don't worry little fillies, I'll see you tomorrow morning."
>You give them a large smile.
>The Cutie Mark Crusaders run up and give you a goodbye hug.
>"Okay Mr. Anonymous! We'll see you later!"
>The group of fillies left with their classmates back to the school.

>Oh crap you almost forgot.
"Excuse me everypony. Don't forget to stop by the Carousel Boutique for the greatest suits and dresses in Equestria!"
>They don't care anymore.
>Oh well, at least you tried.
>You look at Fluttershy and motion towards the boutique.
"Shall we?"
>She nods and walks to the door with you.
--
"So when did you get here?"
>"When the fillies got here."
"And you hid in the back?"
>"I wanted to see what you would play."
"And when I sang about you?"
>You entered the boutique.
>"I was inspired and felt the courage to stand up with you."
"We should try it again sometime."
>"Maybe."

>Rarity was at the counter filling orders from the ponies who were in the store.
>Huh...
>Looks like your advertising worked.
>You walked around the small crowd and behind the counter.
"Hey Rarity I'm done for the day."
>She looked at you with a large smile.
>"I think you are done for a while, darling. There's so many orders to fill, I can't take anymore for about 2 weeks."
>She levitates over to you a bag of bits.
>"There's extra in there for an amazing job well done."

>You nod, take the bag, and find an empty spot on the floor.
>You open your guitar case and dump the huge donation into the bag.
>There must be 30 bits here!
>Added onto Rarity's bag, you got about 70 bits!
>You look over at Fluttershy and motion her over.
>You show her the large sack of coins.
"Where would you like me to take you to dinner tonight?"
--
>Her eyes widen and her jaw drops.
>"Oh no, Anonymous... I couldn't spend your money like that."
"You won't be. I will."
>You give her a smile.
>Ah that clever wordplay of yours...

>You left the boutique with Fluttershy.
"So I'll meet you tonight then?"
>"Yes."
"Very well."
>You give her a quick kiss.
>This is where you part ways.
>You each had a few errands to run before you go home tonight.
>You waved as she left to go about her business.

>You walk the other way.
>You want to check out that book on the history of Equestria.
>There might be something to this centaur myth, but there's a reason it's only myth.
>You are staring at the ground as you walk.
>Not because of other ponies.
>Your just thinking.
>You bump into a pony standing in your path.
"Oh I'm sorry."
>Hey you know this pony!
>It was that green unicorn that got snatched up when she tried to talk to you before.

>"Hi there mister!"
"Hello."
>She extends her hoof to you.
"I'm Lyra! What's your name?"
>You meet her with your hand.
"Anon."
>"I heard you playing outside the Carousel Boutique! It was amazing!"
"Thank you."
>"I was wondering... Could you teach me how to play like that?"
--
>That was completely unexpected.
"You... You want to learn how to play the guitar?"
>"No. I play the Lyre! I wanna learn how you can play a stringed instrument in such a complex way!"
>Complex?
>Is she talking about your hands?

>You hold up your free hand.
"You're talking about my hands aren't you?"
>Her eyes widen and sparkle and her mouth opens in an "O" in admiration.
>"Yes! Yes I am! Can you teach me how to play like you do?"
"But... you don't have hands?"
>Her faced turned down to the ground.
>"Oh... Right..."
"But that's not nessecarily a bad thing."
>She picks her head up, curious.
"Have you tried using a pick when you play? It's a little piece of plastic that you use to pluck the strings with. If you're fast, you can make just as complicated tunes as I can."

>That did it.
>She hugged you around the legs.
>"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"I'm sorry I can't actually teach you anything. I just play whatever randomly comes to mind."
>She looks up at you, still hugging your legs.
>"That's okay. That little tip will help me alot!"
>She releases you and trots away, calling back at you.
>"Thank you Anon!"

>Wow.
>Did you just help another pony to try to better herself?
>You think so.
>And you feel good too.