((Prompt: Daddy's little girl.))

To my dearest daughter, Fluttershy:

One of the things that has kept me from writing this letter is that I don't know how I should start. Should I ask you how you're doing? Would that even mean anything, coming from me? Maybe I should start by telling you that I'm sorry? Sorry for not being there, for leaving your mother to raise you by herself? Sorry for all the birthdays I never saw, the talks we never had, sorry for the big, father-shaped hole I left in your life?

I am sorry. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I hadn't been such a coward. You deserve much, much better than that. I could go on with all the excuses I've told myself over the years—I wasn't ready to be a father, I would have messed it up worse by staying than by going, etc.—but the simple truth of the matter is that I was afraid. I was afraid, and all I know to do with fear is to run away. I am sorry your father is such a coward.

I saw you in the papers. Saved the world from eternal night. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read about it. I wondered for a while if it was maybe some other Fluttershy, because I couldn't believe anypony related to me could be so brave. But there you were in the picture, with your friends and the Princess. I know I don't have the right to be, but I'm proud of you, Fluttershy. You've grown into an incredible mare.

I'm in the Guard now, myself. Your grandmother would be so proud of me; she always talked about “continuing the family tradition.” A recruiter found me in a bar and talked me into it. I wouldn't have guessed that the Guard needed ponies that were good at running away and hiding, but I guess that makes for a good scout. I spend a lot of time by myself outdoors, and it's nice. Quiet. Except, of course, when I come across an encroaching dragon; then I do what I do best and scamper out of there.

It's ironic, I guess, that I ran away from fatherhood into the safety of fighting dragons and minotaurs. Maybe you'll understand some day how much scarier the one is than the other. I just hope you don't do the same thing I did when that happens.

I'm not in any position to ask you for anything, Fluttershy, but I'm writing this letter because there's something I really need you to do. It's important, and I'll understand if you won't do it for me, but please, do it for yourself.

Don't be me. Be brave and strong, Fluttershy. Stand up for the ponies you love, and don't ever leave them on their own. Give them a shoulder to cry on, a couch to lay down on. Always be there for them, no matter how scared you might get.

Because without the ponies you love, you're all alone. Nothing is scarier than that. Take it from a professional scaredy-pony.

Give your mother a hug, but don't tell her it's from me, or she might not take it. Whatever happens, please know that I love you.

Sincerely,

PFC. Pansy IV

Author's Notes:

The end.

Keep an eye out for the next installment, An Apple A Day, coming to a FimFic near you!

Bonus Chapter: Subtle Hints [Romance] [Comedy]

“Darling, thank you for coming over. I have some things I need to tell you.”

“Of course, Rarity. Actually, I had something I needed to say to you, too.”

“This will only take a minute, Fluttershy. I really must get this off my chest.”

“Um, I really would like to put this out in the open before I lose my nerve.”

“Well, you'll just have to talk over me, darling, because I cannot hold this in any longer.”

“I'm sorry, but I might do that.”

“As you well know, I appreciate subtlety. Often times, I would rather imply something than just say it outright.”

“I don't do well with words. Not when I really need to get the idea across. So it's probably my fault you didn't catch it when I mumbled at the spa.”

“I am entirely to blame for you not picking up on the nuances I have been using while speaking to you on our spa dates. I have tried leaving you hints...”

“My animal friends have been helping me leave you clues...”

“Gift after gift...”

“I don't know if you've noticed, but every time you've come over to my cottage, the woodland creatures have made a point of giving you cuddles and making you feel at home.”

“Honestly, darling, how many times do you think Opal has really been sick over the last few weeks? That excuse for dropping by has got to be wearing thin.”

“I thought for sure you would notice that it was the same dress that kept getting mysterious holes that needed repairing.”

“Lingerie, darling. Exactly what do you think it means when a friend makes exciting undergarments for you and says she hopes to see you in them sometime?”

“I think Angel Bunny maybe went a bit overboard when he organized all the birds to spell out, 'Kiss the yellow one, already,' in the tree outside your bedroom.”

“And yet, somehow, you haven't gotten the message.”

“But it still doesn't seem like you understand.”

“So I am going to lay this out in the plainest, most explicit terms I can manage.”

“So it's time for me to pony up and just say it.”

“I am laying my heart out on the line, Fluttershy. You can take it, or you can leave it.”

“It would be really nice if you decide you'd like to go with this, but, um, it's up to you. Whatever you decide is okay.”

“This is it... Oh Celestia, it's harder to say aloud than I ever imagined.”

“I... I... um, remember that part about me losing my nerve? I think that's happening right now.”

“No more putting it off. This is too important to stay quiet about.”

“I have to say it. I can't go on regretting not saying it.”

“Fluttershy...”

“Rarity...”

“I love you.”

“I lo... Y-you do??”

Author's Notes:

Ha! I fooled you all! You thought it was over, but you were wrong! The Fluttershy never ends!

Some of the time, I don't have an idea of what to write until I see the prompt. But sometimes, I've got something I want to write, and am just holding onto it until I get a prompt that fits for it. That's the case, for example, with Over Again in the Rarity compilation, and Lungs, Lips and Life in the Dash compilation.

This chapter was an idea I had that I was saving for the right prompt, but the right prompt never came. And with both Rarity and Fluttershy's time behind me, I wasn't going to get a chance to use this one. So have a special extra bonus chapter with extra fluffy Flarity goodness in it. After all, I started this with a Flarity that was a bit of a downer; it's only appropriate that I end things with a more upbeat Flarity to tie it all together.

The end for reals this time, I promise!