Fluttershy started to leave her cottage but was suddenly stopped by a small, white bunny yanking at her tail. She looked down to find Angle looking crossed and patting his foot rapidly.

"What is it Angle?" she asked. The furry white rabbit thumped and pointed to his empty food bowl inside her living room.

"Oh goodness, I'm sorry. I can't believe I almost forgot," Fluttershy apologized.

She slowly flew back inside and filled up his bowl with green lettuce. After she made sure everything was taken care of she trotted back outside and, before closing the door, waved goodbye.

"Be back soon!" she yelled, in more of a whisper than a yelp.

She walked to the train station near the edge of Ponyville and got a ride to Canterlot. She was well aware of the fact that she could fly there but felt too scared to fly so high and for such a long distance. Despite being a Pegasi she didn't use her wings too often and when she did, she flew at a steady pace and near the ground.

She sat on the train watching the world go by as if she were traveling through time, seeing everything that would happen in the next few moons. Although she seemed content with her life, she couldn't help but feel...alone. Every pony else seemed satisfied and had freedom, they weren't scared of anything and weren't judged.

Although she knew there were other ponies who did feel that way she felt as if it was only her who wasn't totally satisfied with her life. Even now she is scared of her own shadow, fly's close to the ground, avoids most ponies and hardly speaks to them as if each one of them has a dark secret waiting to be unleashed upon her. This was how she felt, about herself and the world around her.

All the thoughts in her head were halted as the train came to a stop for Canterlot. She steadily got off and left to visit her friend. It had been a while since they talked and enjoyed an afternoon together.

Fluttershy paced herself towards his stay away home by Canterlot Castle. She reached the door.

Knock, Knock.

The doors stayed closed, she was about to knock again when Discord materialized right underneath her. Fluttershy was hoisted into the air by a grinning Draconequus.

He slowly set her down.

"You know it's so nice to see you. I was getting bored with that flying Orange," he smirked.

"I know, its been so long since we had some time to ourselves."

Discord nodded.

"Oh, how rude of me. Come in, come in."

Fluttershy walked into Discord's temporary home, that looked much smaller on the outside, had mismatched wallpaper and furniture. There was upside down doors and staircases that just hit the roof that didn't lead anywhere. Although this wasn't unusual, it being Discord and all, it still took Fluttershy a while to absorb it all.

They walked into his living room with multi coloured plaid armchairs. Discord sat down on the biggest one and padded the spot next to him for Fluttershy.

"I trust you had a safe trip?" asked Discord.

"Oh, yes. Although I felt like I was in such a rush I almost forgot to feed Angle," she giggled.

Discord chuckled.

"That bunny can go without food for a few hours, you can't just let a rabbit push you around," he added.

"Oh, but I don't mind. After all he needs his vegetables, running around all the time."

Fluttershy smiled but Discord just raised his eyebrow. Fluttershy ignored his gaze.

"So how are you doing, now working with the princess' and all?" she inquired.

"Well, it does get quite boring but it's better that being entrapped in a stone prison."

"I guess it could get quite boring, having no freedom over your capabilities. But I would think anything would be better than being entrapped in stone," she joked. Despite her comment, Discord couldn't help but feel she was hiding something.

"What is it?" he asked.

"What?" she responded but not yet answering his question.

"I can tell something is bothering you."

Fluttershy showed no expression and turned away to face her hooves.

Discord put his paw to her face and saw her eyes glossing over. He looked surprised, as she had been fine 1 minute ago. He moved closer to her.

"Fluttershy, whats wrong?" He cared and she could tell. He grabbed one of her hooves. She sighed.

"It's just. Ever since I was a Filly I never knew what I wanted and now I...I do. But I know theres nothing I can do to have that now. It's too late."

"Well, what is it you want?" Discord was curious, he didn't like seeing her upset and troubled.

"I want freedom," she looked him in his red eyes, "I don't want to be scared anymore, or feel like I'm helpless and alone. In the dark, I don't feel safe or in control of anything. I sleep with a nightlight Discord, because I'm afraid of what could be in the dark. I just want to be free of all that." She took a breath and paused, looking back down.

"Hey. You may not be the bravest pony I've ever met, but you have so many other traits that make up for that. I'm not a super mushy Draconequus so I won't go on about how smart, beautiful, funny, and kind you are. But just know that you have nothing to worry about." He sighed. Wow he had never really been one to give sympathy but something about that look in Fluttershy's eyes made it seem easy and needed.

Fluttershy smiled and pulled him into an embrace.

"Thank you Discord," she said lightly. At first Discord didn't expect the hug so he was a bit shaken, but he quickly returned the embraced.

Once they had finished the hug, Discord wiped the small tears off Fluttershy's cheek with his paw.

She smiled up at him.

"Tea?" he suggested. Fluttershy nodded. With a snap of his claw a warm cup of Chamomile tea appeared in Fluttershy's hooves. She took a sip, carefully trying not to burn herself.

"Thank you Discord."

He simply nodded and materialized a glass of Chocolate Milk with a swirly straw. Fluttershy grinned.

They talked for a while about work and how life had been so far until the sun started to set.

"Dinner?" he asked. Fluttershy looked outside and thought she could spare another hour. She nodded, Discord held out his claw for her to take. She slowly took it as he led her to the dining room.

Fluttershy sat at a round wooden table, with several seats. She looked up at Discord and raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you never know when you could have company," he said while rubbing the back of is head. She just smirked and hopped onto a chair.

Discord used his magic to make a Chef's outfit appear on him.

"So what will it be for the lovely lady?" he asked.

"Sandwich? Please."

Before she could blink, there was a sandwich with lettuce, dandelions, whole wheat bread and some sort of sauce; just the way she liked it.

"Voila," he said feeling proud of himself that was so simple.

She took a bite.

"Hmm, yum," she spoke with her mouth full of sandwich. Discord beamed and sat down with a bigger glass of chocolate milk and a bowl of paper. Once again Fluttershy laughed.

"What?" he glanced.

"Do you remember the day when you were released from your stone prison?" she asked, "by us I mean."

"Yes." he didn't have much to say.

"And how I took you to my cottage...I found you eating paper, which we later discovered was the reforming spells?"

"Heh, yeah, seems so long ago," he replied softly.

There was a moment of silence, and it felt a bit awkward.

"Discord?" she asked. He looked up at her.

"Yes."

"I...I'm really glad that we're friends."

"Me too."

They both smiled at each other and glanced back at their food.

Once she had finished she wiped her mouth with a napkin and put it down.

"I guess I should be leaving."

Discord looked at her and then grinned.

"Right, well I guess I'll see you sometime around Ponyville or Canterlot."

She nodded, and started towards the door.

"Bye Discord." She said as she left through the door. Once she was gone, Discord used his magic to clean the dishes and put them away.

"Bye Fluttershy," he whispered under his breath.

Fluttershy started walking away from his house when she heard something.

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy!" she turned and saw...herself?