As you entered Fluttershy's cottage, you were greeted by a barrage of hugs from none other than Fluttershy. After last night, Fluttershy was very cheery and giggly, apparently the romantic encounter doing wonders to her expression. All the more reason to keep your past a secret. Your smile you wore was a mix of actual happiness from seeing Fluttershy so giddy, and a facade to discern the fear and anger that plagued you. Fluttershy had a mix of her usual shyness and modesty, but she was also wearing an omnipresent smile accomponied by a slight redness of the cheeks, and seemed a lot more comfortable around. That is, until the threat of any type of intimacy dared to rear it's head, and her normal timidness had returned. You couldn't help but smile like a creep every time you had attempted to hold her hand, or dare an embrace from behind. The recent night really boosted your courage, but you couldn't say the same about Fluttershy, intimacy-wise.

You had helped Fluttershy finish all the chores around the house, and the two of you were sitting on the couch, watching two mice scuttling around, playing and enjoying their blissful life. Fluttershy had rested her head on your shoulder, this time fully conscious, her hand being held by yours, her other hand clutching lightly on your shirt. The blissful silence was enough to tell the happiness the two of you shared at that moment. Despite the memories that flowed through your mind, the contents of such bringing despair, anger, and frustration, Fluttershy being next to you outweighed the negativity clinging to your mind.

"Can I ask you a question?" You broke the silence.

"Y-yes," Fluttershy responded shyly.

"When did you first, er...you know...start, um, l-loving m-me?" You cursed your shyness that'd decided to suddenly return. Fluttershy responded with silence and a blush.

"Th-that's an odd question..." She finally uttered.

"Do you not want to tell me?"

"I-it's not that, it's just an embarrasing question..."

"I'm sorry," You sighed.

"No, d-don't be..." She stayed silent.

"I guess I did w-when I first met you..." She said softly.

"What, when you found me dying on the path to your house?" You asked sarcastically.

Fluttershy giggled. "No, when we took you through a tour of Ponyville...I guess that's when I-I..." She let the sentence hang. It didn't need to be finished; you could get the message. "W-w-what about you?"

"Hm..." You had to stop and think about that one. You'd always thought she was kinda cute ever since you first met her, but you never actually fell fully in love with her until recently. "Only a couple of days ago really. But, don't worry, time doesn't matter," You quickly added. Fluttershy did nothing but smile.

The two of you sat in silence yet again, enjoying each others' company. You had watched Angel approach Misty, timid and shy. Well, that's different, you thought to yourself. Instantly, a mischevious smile broke across your face. D'aww, bunny love, You thought to yourself, still grinning. You're smile slowly fell as your mind wandered. Why did it seem love favored blooming in either the most strange situations, or the most stressful? You just hoped that all would work out in the end.

***

Rarity waved goodbye as Fluttershy left the Carousel Boutique. She felt good about her little pep talk she'd given her. The only thing that ached was her heart. Twice now Rarity had a chance to steer the situation in a whole different direction, and possibly have Epee to herself. She longed to be with Epee, to have him return her love for him. Sky Liner had left her alone and heartbroken, and she desparatly wanted someone to love. Epee coming around had been a blessing from Celestia herself. Of course, most of her friends had ended up falling for him themselves. She just had to promise Fluttershy she would help them be close together, she had to not do anything when Epee'd visited her... Oh no, Rarity thought, how will Pinkie, or Dash react!? They had vowed to help Fluttershy with Epee as well, but to know that they would be together? They would be broken. Mixed emotions coursed through Rarity; heartache, guilt, frustration, fear, all because of one little conversation. How will I deal with this, Rarity thought as she paced around her room. She begged that Fluttershy didn't tell him, but she also wanted her to finally confess her love. These feelings and wants conflicted and contrasted, her emotions going 9 different directions. How am I going to deal with this...

***

The next day, Rarity had visited the Sugarcube Corner to see Epee. He looked quite upbeat and satisfied. Pinkie was clinging to him, as usual. Rarity felt another stab of guilt, knowing that she will soon ruin Pinkie's happy demeanor.

"Hey Rarity." Epee greeted her in his normal friendly voice. Again, the the knife of guilt twisted in Rarity.

"Hello there you two. I heard what'd happened a couple days ago, I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner,"

"It's fine, really," Epee sighed. He sounded like he got that many times already.

"Yeah I was too, but then Mr. and Mrs. Cake told me to stay here, even though I really really really wanted to go see him, cuz I was worried," Pinkie said without a pause.

"Yes, I was too, but I had so many orders to fill out, and I was dreadfully behind. I'm sorry, Epee, dear,"

"Ugh, really, it's fine," Epee groaned. Few customers came and went, sometimes in numbers, sometimes alone. Rarity, Epee and Pinkie engaged in normal conversation, talking about work, Rarity's newly sewn garments, Epee's amazing swordplay (which Rarity was dying to see) and other copious topics.

Epee glanced at the clock, and sighed. "Shift's almost over." Pinkie then followed his action, looking at the clock.

"Oh yeah..." She deflated. Rarity didn't know whether Epee could sense Pinkie's despair at his inevitable leave, but to Rarity, it was apparent. In a few minutes, Epee was gearing up to leave.

"Seeya tomorrow, Pinkie," He said, waving as he and Rarity exited Sugarcube Corner.

"Bye, Epee..." She replied in a dead tone. Epee had a look of concern come over his face.

"You alright? You sound...depressed," He asked, approaching Pinkie.

"O-Oh, yeah, I'm fine!" She yold him, pulling a fake cheerful smile.

Epee studied her for a while, then said, still suspicious, "Okay then..." He waved a final goodbye as Rarity accomponied him out the door.

"I'll see you later, dear," Rarity said. As they exited, Rarity stopped him.

"Hey, Epee..."

"Hm?" He asked, turning. "Oh yeah, I need to tell you something."

"W-what?" She asked, her heart sinking.

"Remember when you told me that Fluttershy was being tortured by the fact she didn't know that I didn't feel the same?"

"Yes..."

"You've got nothing to worry about," He said in a hushed tone. Epee looked around, as if looking for someone, then leaned over to Rarity's ear. "I've told how I feel."

Those words being spoken to her were like a hammer to the heart. He told Fluttershy that he loved her, and no doubt she told him the same. Everyone was bound to be heartbroken. "Th-that's...wonderful!" Rarity exclaimed, trying her best to sound happy through her dismay.

"Thanks," Epee said through a smile. "I'm glad you're happy for me."

"Yes, well, I have to go meet a client soon. I'll see you later dear."

Rarity had to get out of there. Her heart was in pieces, and she needed to leave before she herself broke. She walked hastily to the Boutique, and slammed the door shut once she was in. She had uttered the nearest believable thing, for example, having to meet a client, in orer to get away, even though the Carousel Boutique was actually closed for the day. Okay, I must tell the others, She thought to herself. They'll find out eventually anyways, and the heartbreak will be nine times as worse. Rarity took a deep breath, and stepped out the door, on her task of being the deliverer of bad news.

***

Sunlight poured through the windows, warming the room. Your yawned as your eyes fluttered open. You started to sit up, but stopped when you felt a weight on your left side. You glance to your left, and jumped slightly to see Fluttershy clutching lightly on your arm. You sighed in relief as you recalled the events of the previous night. Fluttershy had, for some reason, asked to sleep in the same bed as you. You'd guessed that lovers had slept in the same bed together, but, since you'd never actually been in a romantic situation before, (and this time, you could remember) you just went with your gut feeling. You were proud that you could also keep your vow of never going farther with her.

You glanced at the clock. Almost time for work. You looked back at Fluttershy, who showed no signs of waking up soon. You decided to take your chances of waking her up, and get ready for work. You slowly slipped out from under her, using your arm to keep her in her original position. Then, once out from under her, you cautiously lowered her. Triumphant with your victory, you walked out of the room.

"Mm...Epee? Are you leaving?"

Damn. She woke up.

"Yeah...sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up."

"No, it's okay, I should be getting up anyways..."

You had just showered, and you were prepared to head to Sugarcube Corner. Just as you were about to leave, you stopped, your hand still wrapped around the knob, and turned. Fluttershy was standing behind you, silent and blushing.

"Um...I guess I'll, um...see you...late-" She was cut off by the sudden kiss you lightly placed on her lips. You held lip contact for a few seconds, and you backed away.

"I'll see you in a few hours. I love you, Fluttershy." You smiled. You stepped out of the cottage, on your trek to Sugarcube Corner. The whole trip, you had a grin plastered on your face. A smile of triumph and joy. Joy of the fact that the moment you just experienced would be the first of many.