Equestrian Heroes
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Naruto x ?
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Story Start
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Rarity and Fluttershy were happily chatting away in the former’s Boutique. It was around the time for Opal’s usual checkup and afterwards Rarity invited Fluttershy to stay for lunch. Eventually the discussion had led to the topic of fashion. Rarity had found herself starting her fall line later than usual thanks to certain obvious distractions. “I just enjoy the autumn season, a nice reprieve from the subtler colors allowing me to explore the spectrum. The dark blues, reddish browns and mustard yellows. It gives me tingles at the thought of expressing new ideas.”

“That does sound pretty…” Fluttershy admitted softly but eagerly. The creativity and drive of the fashion pony did impress her every time.

Suddenly a strange glint appeared in Rarity’s eyes. “And it will be, because you will become the first to own a dress of this line!”

“I will?” Fluttershy asked meekly.

A grin adorned the face of the Unicorn. “Oh yes, once we finish our tea I will have to take your measurements.“
“While that is very kind of you Rarity, I can’t accept that.”

“Must we go through this every time?” Rarity playfully teased. “I have more than enough fabric that designing an outfit for a dear friend could hardly dent my finances.“ With a gleam in her eyes, images came to mind. “A gentle green with blue accessories would look absolutely divine. Then again, maybe we should go with a color that you rarely wear. Perhaps red?” A squeal escaped the Unicorns lips. “A vision of art has appeared before my mind’s eye and I must simply bring it to life.” She finished, dragging Fluttershy into her work room.

Fluttershy gasped softly as Rarity set her down and told her not to move while she grabbed a measuring tape with her magic.

The tape snaked out and around Fluttershy’s body, making the Pegasus shiver for a second. “By the time I am through you will have to fight off those bachelors with a stick.”

“I-I’m not sure that would be a good idea then!” Fluttershy gasped as she resisted the urge to shield herself with her wings.

“Or maybe I should say a certain bachelor? A certain monsieur Naruto, no?” She asked as Fluttershy’s cheeks began to burn crimson.

"Oh Rarity, I’m so sorry. I know you liked him too and I supported you, even if it wasn’t very loud, I never meant…” Fluttershy was on the verge of tears at the thought of Rarity being angry at her, but to her surprise, Rarity pulled her into a hug and giggled. Gently she stroked the Pegasus’s shoulder.

“Dry those tears of yours; I’m not mad at you. When I found out I have to admit, I was a bit surprised, but I am happy for you. Naruto is a wonderful stallion and whether or not if you decide to have a herd or be monogamous, you have my full support.”

Fluttershy took a moment to compose herself, sniffling, as she tried to find the words. “I wasn’t sure how to tell you.”

“You need not worry about it. I just hope the two of you enjoy your blossoming relationship.” She congratulated, only for the Pegasus to look up at her with misty eyes and a befuddled look. “I just wish you would tell me all the juicy details already. I have been rather patient with you to bring up the topic, but if I have to wait any longer I will simply just die.”

“Rarity, I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She was honestly confused by what her friend was talking about.

“Come now, the date you and Naruto went on.” she pointed out, surely Fluttershy couldn't have forgotten something as substantial as that.

“D-Date? Naruto and I never went on any date.” She replied as Rarity’s mouth simply hung open and she stared.

“T-that simply cannot be. Just a few days ago he came to me for romantic advice, describing a mare whose personality and issues that fit yours to a tee.”

“Did he u-use my name though?” Fluttershy wondered as Rarity found herself shocked into silence. “W-Well it's ok…I-I m-mean, as long as h-he’s happy. I guess I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up.”

A sad Fluttershy was equivalent to that of a whining puppy. No force on Earth could stop the ensuing hug that reality itself demanded to follow. “No no no, you get that thought out of your head right now. I assure you there is still a chance. When he asked me for advice I suggested to him that he take a few mares out on a single date basis and clarify that he was interested in getting into the market. He seemed rather nervous about the date, so I highly doubt the two of them have made any serious traction, not to mention he said he was the one that planned on initiating the date so there is still time. I will do everything I can to help you out.”

“Rarity, do you think I have a chance? I never met a stallion who made me felt so safe. It’s just; in my heart I feel that he’s the one for me.”

Rarity was silent for a moment as she was processing the utter conviction in her friend’s eyes. "When, when did you know?”

“Well, do you remember when I told you about how I was assaulted by one of the bullies from my foalhood and Naruto saved me? At the time, when he took care of me I felt so warm and safe in his arms. Since I was a filly my passion has always been taking care of animals. Eventually that led me into furthering my medical knowledge, which I always used to heal others and for most of my life I never pursued any interest that could result in me being injured. So when I was hurt and unable to tend to myself, he was there. I felt these warm sensations, not to mention safe when he took care of me and that’s when I first started to feel something for him.“
Fluttershy then recall the next memory. This one wasn’t that long ago, in fact it was shortly after Naruto was recovering from his last incident.

---

“Fluttershy? Shy?”

She could hear Naruto’s voice from the hallway, but she was too terrified to move from under her blanket.

Rain drummed against the windows and the roof. A fork of lightning raced over the sky and white light filled the room. Her body trembled from terror.

Lightning flashed again, but before the next thunderclap which resulted in her whimpering. Another loud thunderclap shook the house and Fluttershy could no longer help herself as she leaped from her bed and wrapped her arms around the blond, causing the stallion to stumble forward and land on the bed. A teary cheek was pressed against his chest and sobs followed the next heavenly growling.

“Fluttershy?” Naruto asked in surprise, but the only answers were sobs and gasps, following the growling outside.

The Pegasus was clinging with a strength to the earth pony that went beyond what he knew of her. “Fluttershy, could you let go?” He asked as he wanted to avoid the inevitable awkwardness that always followed these situations.

But the Pegasus just let out several sobs and squeezed tighter. Another flash of lightning cracked the sky and thunder shook the town. Fluttershy yelped loudly and buried her face in Naruto’s chest.

“Shy could you please loosen up?” He asked as he tried to push her off by the shoulders which resulted in the Pegasus sliding down his body, the exact situation he was trying to avoid.

But suddenly, the Pegasus spoke. “I’m sorry Naruto, but I can’t!” She whimpered. “I'm so afraid of thunderstorms! I’m so ashamed. It’s bad enough I’m scared of heights, but thunderstorms scare me beyond reason. I know you must think I’m a silly coward, but I can’t help it.” She broke down into sobs.

All her life Fluttershy had been scared of so many things. She was scared of even her own shadow as a filly, but while she always felt a little ashamed she never felt as horrible about it as she did now. She was embarrassed. She was revolted in herself. She was supposed to be looking after and taking care of Naruto, but here she was forcing him to comfort her. He was supposed to be in his room resting, not taking care of her.

“I don’t think you’re silly.” She felt his hands lift up her face. “…and a coward wouldn’t have been capable of making that journey to fight Nightmare Moon all those weeks ago.“ Fluttershy found herself pulled forward. Next thing she knew, Naruto wrapped his arms around her protectively as he placed his chin on top of her head. “I’m here for you.“ Those words, those words meant everything in the world to Fluttershy. “Are you tired…are you tired of being scared Fluttershy?”

She simply nodded. The question had come out of nowhere, but the words resonated strongly with how she felt. “I am.”

“We can’t make those fears vanish overnight. Some ponies are just braver than others, that can’t be helped any more than the tribe you were born in, but one can make strides towards it. You and I are going to work on making you a bit braver okay shy? It might take a while, weeks, months, or even years, but until you’re at least no longer afraid of storms and heights, we’re going to keep trying. Nopony should ever have the right to make you feel ashamed for what you are and you deserve the right to feel happy and comfortable in your own body.”

Fluttershy couldn’t find the words and only nod. This feeling in her heart. Was this…was this what love felt like?

---

“I knew from that moment on I went from liking Naruto to deeply caring about him. Even before that promise he made me feel safe enough to go through parts of the Everfree and as time goes on I want to keep growing braver. I want to be able to become brave enough to where I could do things like that on my own.”

Rarity hand clasped over her mouth, stopping her from betraying what she wanted to express. “For Fluttershy. Do this for Fluttershy.” She reminded herself. Of all the mares to be the personification of Generosity. What she wouldn’t give to be Honesty now instead. “In that case, we just have to make sure that Naruto picks you as one of his choices for his date and that you woo him.” She gently assured her friend.

---

Speaking of said stallion he was busy scheduling his next date. Walking alongside him was Ditzy Doo, complete in her mail mare uniform. “So Ditzy are you free tonight?”

“Nope, I have no plans for tonight? Why?” she wondered.

“I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight? I’ve been considering going on the market and I’d thought I explore my choices.”

She couldn’t help but grin as her face turned a deep shade of pink. Her smile attempted to dominate her face, making Naruto’s coat stand on end as she looked at him with such glee. The mare shifted around as if she were a school filly talking to her crush.
“O-Of course. I would love to come to dinner!” Then she suddenly gasped and realized something. “But who would watch Dinky?”

“I’m sure Carrot top wouldn’t mind?” Later that evening they would soon learn that Golden Harvest did indeed mind that they made the decision without consulting her first.

“Well in that case, where are we going?”

“I was thinking maybe dinner at my place? I’ve been looking for a reason to try out a new recipe.”

“Okay I’ll see you then.” She stepped closer as her eyes began to shift once more. Naruto felt the temperature jump around him as the distance between them vanished entirely. Ditzy planted a gentle kiss on his cheek before turning from him. “See you tonight.” She said, trying to hide the red in her own face.

Naruto couldn’t help but be a bit surprised. Ditzy never gave indication that she was ever interested him so he thought this would be a safe option to test how well he learned about body language and cues from a mare looked like the still had much to learn.

Either way he had more than enough time to prepare dinner and ready up his house. Ever since he revealed Twilight his backstory he had a kagebunshin over whenever he could and when Twilight had free time for her to educate his copy whatever she could about magic to help him develop counter-measures against it.

Entering his home he decided to clean up first and then start cooking. Checking the wooden floors he created some clones to start sweeping them. Looking around he created some more kagebunshin to rearrange the furniture with his couch now facing the fireplace.

He quickly placed two logs onto the pit so it would be ready to be lit later on. He began going through the pantries and grabbing the ingredients for what he needed for tonight’s dinner. He brought out clove garlic, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and a few others.

Once he finished rummaging through the pantry he opened the fridge and brought out some butter and some carrots.

Finally he grabbed the onions and pitted prunes. He then grabbed the pots from the lower cabinets, turning on the fire and began preparation.

First he browned the onions and garlic in three tablespoons in oil. Once ready he began adding the salt, pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric and cardamom.

He then began sauté carrots in two tablespoons of oil. He hoped that the recipe would still be okay despite the fact that there was no chicken or meat in it. Just in case he decided to also make a salad and a backup cauliflower cheese soup if the first one didn’t come out alright.

After about an hour the meal was ready and Naruto set up the table. With everything set up he was ready to receive his date. Suddenly the smell of muffins reached his nose. He went to the door and sure enough the sound of a knock on the door indicated her arrival. He opened the door as the cold rush of the evening night brushed past him causing him to shiver. “Hey Ditzy.”

“H-Hi Naruto.” She greeted timidly as in her hands were a basket of muffins.

“Come in,” He said as he invited her in. “You look wonderful.” He complimented her look. Ditzy was wearing a green denim shirt and black skirt that reached below her knees. It wasn’t anything extremely extravagant, but it really flattered Ditzy’s figure.

With a deep breath Ditzy began looking around the place. “Your home is really nice.”

“Thanks, it works as a shelter; I spend more of my time out and about.” He said as he led her into the dining room. Ditz let out a gasp of delight as she saw the spread that was laid out.

“This looks pretty good.”

“I hope you enjoy it,” He said as he went over and pulled out a chair which had a pillow. “Your seat my lady.”

“Oh,” she replied with a grin. “Why thank you good sir.” She replied with a posh accent as she went to sit over, smoothing her skirt as she took her seat.

“Would you like to try some Blueberry Banana splat? I know you like Bananas and that you only drink occasionally so I thought it would be a pretty good choice.”

Ditzy normally would have said no, but she decided it would be nice to cut loose a little. “Sure.”

After a few drinks in and after dinner the two of them found themselves on the couch as the log fire kept the warm not only lit, but the air warm. The two of them laughed and joked as they cuddled together on the couch. Ditzy found herself enthralled as Naruto began regaling some of the crazy misadventures he kept finding himself in which then led to Ditzy teasing him.

“Oh, you keep that up you’re going to have every available mare in town wanting to snatch you up.”

“Hey I’m not the only one miss plot power.” He teased as Ditzy head snapped up.

“W-What?” she asked.

“You heard me.” His nose was inches away from her. “I’ve seen those bubbles you somehow managed to squeeze in those shorts.” As his teasing continued Ditzy’s cheeks darkened. “I hear plenty of stallions and mares alike wouldn’t mind making those bubbles…pop.” Naruto felt himself growing braver as the distance between them shrunk. When did he start clamming up and shying away from expressing himself? Was that why his body was reacting so strangely? Because he was suppressing his instincts instead of acting on them and his body’s reactions an attempt to get his attention? Either way it was time for him to stop worrying and enjoy his life.

The sound of snoring drew his attention. For a moment he was startled as he noticed that Ditzy had passed out. He knew she was a bit of a light weight, but damn that was kind of sudden. Drawing up the blanket they were using he covered them. With a flick of his fingers he sent a burst of wind to put out the fire. He then leaned over and placed a kiss on Ditzy’s head causing the sleep mare too smile.

“Good night Ditzy.” He said as rested his head against hers and began to nod off.

Next Chapter: Side Chapter: Final Interview Applejack!? Estimated time remaining: 52 Hours, 46 Minutes