Twilight gave out a yawn as she went down to breakfast, seeing her brother, Cadence, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash already up.

"Good morning." she said.

"Hey, Twily." Shining Armor replied.

"Good morning, darling." said Rarity.

Apple Jack and Pinkie walked in.

"Hey y'all!" greeted AJ.

"That just leaves… Fluttershy…" said Twilight.

"I know," said Cadence, "do any of you know if she came back yesterday? I found Little Lady in her pen but I wasn't sure if Fluttershy found her or not. I hope she did, but she must think that I'd be upset at her for losing Little Lady, but I'm not."

Rainbow answer, "Yeah, I saw her looking for Little Lady, so she must have found her if the sheep's back in her pen, but I haven't seen Fluttershy since then."

"I think I can help out with that," spoke Apple Jack, "I saw Fluttershy at dinner. She was at my place; Spike can verify."

"Okay then, but why isn't she here now?" Twilight questions.

"Maybe she's still resting from all her searching yesterday?" voiced Rarity.

"If she is, let her sleep then, but when she wakes up, I want to talk to her. Can you all let her know that?" asks Cadence.

They all nodded.

In the meadow, the sun was getting on Discord's eyelids, causing him to wake up. Remembering the night before, he smiles down at the beautiful mare next to him. How amazing she was to let him be himself instead of a cleverly-disguised pony. The rest of her friends would have forced him to stay that way, but not her. She cared about his true self and nothing more. Then she started stirring in her sleep; she woke up with a startle.

Gasping, "What time is it?!" seeing the sun, "It's morning?! How long was I out?"

"About the whole night, I believe."

"I know that! But why did it have to be the whole night? Oh, every pony must be worried about me."

"Oh, I'm sure they haven't noticed yet. It's still early as it is."

"I hope you're right."

"I do have something to ask you, though."

"Yes?"

"Look what's in front of you; what do you see?"

"Well, the Empire, mostly; the fair grounds, stores, homes, the castle…"

"Ah, but what do those mean exactly?"

"What are you getting at?"

"Jobs! Work! No freedom! You spend your days working and not enjoying life! So look again… only this time, beyond the Empire…"

She looked and saw mountain ranges above and beyond.

"There's an entire kingdom we could explore together, just the two of us having fun… What do you think?" nudging her.

She gave out a huge sigh, "As fun as that would be… but I couldn't desert my friends or my animals… I have my life in Pony-Ville, no matter how lonely it gets, I want to stay there… It's my home…"

Looking on in sympathy, he did a slight chuckle, "You win."

She flew up to his face, "Listen, I have to go now, but I hope to see you real soon." taking his paw.

He touches her chin, "I'll be around."

They embraced until she had to head back to the castle, he waved her off.

Making into the castle, Fluttershy ran into Rarity.

"There you are! Where've you been?"

"I was…"

"Never mind, we'll worry about that later, right now, Cadence wants to see you."

"Oh no, she is…" she gave a big gulp, "mad at me?"

"Good gracious, no! If anything, she's worried about you."

"Worried?"

"Come on, you'll see." she takes her into the throne room.

Cadence jumps from her throne, and give Fluttershy a huge hug.

"I'm so glad you're safe! When you ran off the other day, it seemed you were really distressed."

"I was… but I've gotten over it, and I did find Little Lady, I hope that makes up for losing her in the first place…"

"Fluttershy, I wasn't upset at you for losing Little Lady, because Little Lady always found some way to get out of her pen when we first got her."

"So… you weren't too upset she was gone?"

"It wouldn't be the first time."

"But I know from Dis- uh, some pony else that they saw the stall door being forced opened."

"Really? By who, do they know?"

"Yes, it was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon."

Rarity spoke up, "How awful! I know they're bad from Sweetie Belle's standards but for them to really… Ooh! That just makes my blood boil that they would do that to you!"

"It's okay…" Fluttershy comforted her.

"No, it's not! Those little jerks did that on purpose, they should be put out of the running!" Rarity replied.

"We'll think of something, now that we have this piece of news, but first, I want you to go relax after all your hard work of finding Little Lady." declared Cadence.

"Oh, I could never leave… I want to make sure Little Lady and the animals are alright."

"You deserve a break, I'll have guards posted around the petting zoo to make sure no one messes Little Lady's chances again. I insist you go somewhere so you can be away from the pressures of the fair."

"Still… I don't know…" in her thoughts she didn't want to go somewhere just now, she worried about Little Lady but also… how could she leave Discord after finding out how much she cared for him… Fluttershy never once pictured her and the Spirit of Chaos together like that. Probably because one, he was her enemy at first, and two, she had to reformed him to be good and they were good friends afterwards becoming pen pals. Last night was a big step in their relationship, they became more than just friends… She didn't know how she was going to admit it to him but… she loved him…

"Fluttershy? Yoo-hoo." Rarity was waving her hoof in front of her face.

"Huh? Oh, sorry… I must have been thinking…"

"Thinking about what?" asks Cadence.

"Nothing, it's nothing."

"Fluttershy, I have an idea," said Rarity, "how you like to come with me to Canterlot? I have to pick up a shipment of hoof files for the spa anyway, so maybe this can be the break you need."

"I think that's a great idea, wouldn't you agree Fluttershy?"

She was feeling uncertain but said, "I… suppose…"

"Wonderful! The train leaves in two hours, that gives us enough time to bid our friends a quick good bye." exclaimed Rarity as they began leaving the room.

"Have a great time, you two." said Cadence as she closed the door behind them.

Their friends gathered at the station to send them off.

"Now we'll see you in a few days to finish up the preparations, right?" asks Twilight.

"But of course, darling, there's little time till the Fair but we should be back soon."

"A few days?!" yelled Pinkie, "But by then, you'll forget all about us!"

"Oh, Pinkie…" said Fluttershy, "How could we forget you?"

"Fluttershy makes an admirable point." said Rarity.

"Hey Flutters, a word?" Rainbow asks.

"Sure." they went off to the side, making sure they were out of earshot.

"About Discord… is he gone?"

"No, he's still around, but I know for a fact he won't cause any trouble."

"How do you know that?"

"I just… do. You have to trust me, Dashie. Look, Apple Jack and Spike knows he's here, too. So if it bothers you two, you can confide in each other, but I doubt you'll need to…"

"Flutters… why do you seem so sad?"

"Am I?"

"Well, you've been moping, it seems; are you sure you're okay?"

"I…" but she couldn't say it, not now.

The train whistles then, and Fluttershy and Rarity had to get on board.

"I'll tell you all later, I promise." she said and quickly got on the train.

As the train started moving, Fluttershy looks out the window to see on the other side of the station was Discord in his disguise giving a solemn glance. Causing her to lower her head in sadness, giving a huge sigh as she sat down in a seat next to Rarity.

Rarity notices her mood, "Are you alright?"

"Hm? Oh… yes…" but she felt unsure.

Canterlot's main street was busy as usual while Rarity and Fluttershy were drinking cups at a café.

"While I wait for the shipment to come through, you and I can enjoy the sights."

"True…" giving off a small smile. Of all her friends, it was Rarity she liked spending the most time with, maybe she did need a break but at the same time her heart longed back to the Empire, to Discord…

"Rarity! Is that you?" came a British accent.

They turned to see Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis.

"Fancy Pants! What a pleasure to see you again!" said Rarity.

"What brings you back to Canterlot, my dear?" he asks.

"Business for the Crystal Empire. We're helping an important event there for Princess Cadence."

"My dear, it never ceases to amaze me how much you know the princesses. Isn't your friend Princess Twilight? If memory serves right, you made her that charming dress. And isn't this one of your other pony friends?"

"Yes, you remember Fluttershy?"

"Lovely to see you again as well, my dear." bowing his head to Fluttershy.

"Oh, thank you, it's… lovely to see you too." replied Fluttershy.

"I say, Rarity, how long will you and your friend be in Canterlot?"

"At least a few days." she replied.

"By all means then, do come to my dinner party tomorrow night, both of you."

"How wonderful! We'd love to come! Wouldn't we, Fluttershy?"

"I… guess…"

"Splendid! We shall expect you at six o'clock, in the castle ballroom." he and Fleur go.

"Oh, my… so much to do before tomorrow! Come, Fluttershy, we've got serious shopping to do!"

The next night, as they moved through the ballroom.

"Oh, Fluttershy! Isn't it grand?" said Rarity as they caught a glimpse of the buffet table and the sparkling dance floor. Both wore formal gowns, Rarity's was blue while Fluttershy's was green. Their manes were up, Rarity had curls as Fluttershy had her hair like when she was a model.

Fluttershy saw the other ponies and gulped, "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…" she turned to go.

Rarity stopped in front of her, "Now, darling, Fancy Pants was very kind to invite us; the least we can do is show up and have a good time."

"Oh… okay…"

"Fluttershy, I don't get it. I thought you'd feel happy once we were in Canterlot, but every time we spend here you grow more miserable."

"I…"

"Rarity!" Fancy Pants came over, "Jolly good, I'm so glad you came, you too, Fluttershy."

Rarity quickly whispers in Fluttershy's ear, "See…?" then she began conversing with Fancy Pants and a few Canterlot ponies she met before.

Fluttershy didn't say a word throughout the party; she stood by Rarity's side as her mind began to wonder what Discord was doing. How lonely he must be without her as she was without him… Her ears perk up then to what Upper Crust had asked Rarity.

"If you don't mind my asking, but I'm curious, are you seeing any pony? Such a mare as you must be."

Rarity turned red, "Well, um, no, no not at the moment."

"Really?" said Fancy Pants, "Then I must introduce you to my nephew, Good Manners."

Her eyes widened in hope, "Really?! Oh, I'm very flattered, is he here?"

"Afraid not, but he's due for a visit soon, but I think you two could get along very well."

"Why, thank you… I'm honored."

Jet Set turns his head to Fluttershy, "And you, do you have a very special some pony?"

"Oh um…"

Rarity pointed out, "Fluttershy isn't seeing any pony at the moment. Right, Fluttershy?" But Fluttershy bit her lip; she didn't know what to say. "Fluttershy? You aren't, are you?" her eyes widened.

She gulped, could she admit she had a date or should she fib? Technically, Discord and her didn't make a point they were special some ponies, but their gestures said it all of how much they cared for each other. Finally she just nodded.

Rarity gasps, "Why didn't I see it before?! No wonder you've been distant! You're in love!" she swooned, "So who is the lucky colt? What's his name? Do I know him?"

"Um…" she was trapped, she had no way around it, she had to tell. But why did she feel so ashamed about her feelings for Discord? Wasn't it just a couple of nights ago she told Discord he should be himself? In that case, she shouldn't care what any of her pony friends say. But they did agree they should keep his identity hidden in the meantime so she said, "Yes, I do have a special some pony, but I cannot say who he is yet… He's very shy about his appearance, all the more reason why we got along so well. I do want to tell you, but all in good time."

"Oh… well… if you think that's best…"

"It is…"

"Well, when we can meet him? I will be very happy knowing you have found love in your life…"

"Thank you for understanding. Do you think I can… go back to the suite?"

"Of course, dearest, I'm just so sorry for not realizing the heartache you've been experiencing! We'll leave first thing in the morning!"

"But… the shipment…?"

"Oh, yes… in that case, you go on ahead tomorrow. Who am I to stand in the way of true love?!"

Fluttershy gave a small smile.

In the castle suite that night, Fluttershy tossed and turned in her sleep. She couldn't sleep, she was anxious for morning to come. I hope he's doing okay… she thought, but of course, this was Discord she was thinking about. He was fine.

Outside of the empire was Discord's encampment. He was lying on the grass watching the stars, and then thought, Fluttershy would have loved this! Then felt sad, for once in his immortal life, he had a gap in his heart, he knew then what he was missing in the life he had. I never thought I could feel this way… It shouldn't even exist within me, yet it does! But the more I think about it… Love is strange and mysterious… it comes in all forms… something that chaos does! It seems love has been with me this whole time, I just needed the right pony to share it with! Seeing other couples acting all lovey-dovey makes me sick, but it's different when you're the one feeling it… Wait a minute… Now that I think about it, how am I ever going to admit it to her face that I… I… Geez, I can't even say let alone think it! What to do… Then he summons a pink rose, and studies it, thinking of words to say when he would present this flower to Fluttershy when she comes back.