Capper was fun, Fluttershy had to admit. Watching the weird flirt/deny advances thing him and Chrysalis had going was cute.

Rainbow kept looking at her weird, though, like trying to figure something out. Fluttershy left it.

Plans had changed a bit. They had to wait a couple more days then Sombra couldn't come with, having a sudden list of assignments his teachers piled on him.

So it was her, Chrysalis, Rainbow, Pinkie, and the only two guys, Capper and Discord.

She was taking plenty of pictures though. Capper apparently worked intel in their job, that's how him and Discord knew each other.

Their banter was funny too. Even though the camper was huge, they agreed to do hotel rooms. The girls would share one larger room and the guys their own.

Fluttershy wouldn't dare open her mouth to complain. Though she did steal one of Discord's pillow cases to put on her pillow just in case of nightmares.

Yes, she knew it was kinda creepy...but she'd rather do that, then risk nightmares when they were in a strange place.

They got to the coastline early in the morning, at the end of the week. They'd spend the weekend there.

After they got checked in and settled, they split off.

Chrysalis took Discord by the ear to show him "some god damn fashion sense" and Capper obviously went with, camera on hand ready for blackmail.

Which left the teens to do their own thing.

Fluttershy wore a large brim summer hat and sunglasses to help with her Vampirism.

They went to shops, chatting like old times. How Rarity would like this dress, Applejack would've loved that food, Twilight would've loved these local books.

Rainbow snorted. "I bet that tall loser would like this." She pointed to a deep grey crochet hat with two different horns (antlers?) on top. One blue wavy one and a more deer like one. It had the strings in the side, like those snow hats that go over the ears.

Fluttershy puffed out her cheeks. "He's not a loser, Dash. He's...really cool." She blushed hard. "But yes...he would. I'm gonna get it for him!" She smiled and Rainbow face palmed. Her intent of torment failing.

Pinkie just giggled, hopping along and picking out little things for her cousins.

"Look, Dash. A cool scooter for Scootaloo." Fluttershy pointed as she ran up to pay for the hat. Only after did she realize, did Discord even wear hats? She never saw him do so. But she really liked it.

They spent most of the day, till it neared where the sky was turning orange, shopping and running along the beach. They got some little things for their friends and Rainbow and Pinkie got for their families. Rainbow started to tan fast, Pinkie burning and because of her precautions, Fluttershy didn't do either.

She got Sombra some books, as a "sorry you couldn't come" and she found a beautiful green gem bracelet for Chrysalis. If Discord didn't like the hat, she'd find him something else. She got some outfits Derpy could wear on her own trip she'd go on in a week after they returned.

When she talked to Chrysalis, they were to all meet up in the middle of the strip to get dinner.

Her and Rainbow and Pinkie got there first, their gifts beside them.

"Hello, ladies. Thanks for waiting for your wonderful friend such as myself." Capper said, tilting his cap and grinning. Chrysalis and Discord were behind him, walking towards them. Chrysalis looked pleased with herself and Fluttershy froze, seeing Discord and what he had been changed in to.

Chrysalis had successfully changed him from his weird shirt and pants mix to a casual formal outfit. A white button up, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the muscles on his forearms. A deep brown silk vest and pants that matched, the legs rolled up enough so no sand could get on them. He still wore his sandals, refusing to wear normal shoes, plus, Chrysalis explained they didn't have his shoe size anyway.

That had Rainbow cackling. Capper was still amused, most likely having laughed before they met up.

Chrysalis examined her work, still disappointed but also proud at what she accomplished.

Discord rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed with a light blush on his cheeks.

Fluttershy couldn't breathe. She couldn't move. Images flashed in Fluttershy's mind, not just of him standing there in...THAT either. It still involved the outfit, just...with blood splattered on it, some dripping down the silk or dripping down his skin onto it, or staining the white, or tears or her pulling the collar just low enough...She got redder and her face felt hotter with each image as she stayed silent and just stared.

She wasn't even sure WHY him in that outfit was bothering her so much.

She squeaked and jolted, almost going to hide her face, when she suddenly realized he was closer, a look of concern on his face. "Fluttershy, are you okay? Too much sun?"

She shook her head rapidly, almost dizzy. "I'm fine!" Her voice was high pitched with embarrassment.

"Let's eat!" Pinkie saved her by announcing. Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief.

Rainbow looked like she just saw her parents kissing, as the others snickered, Discord looking confused.

Fluttershy was half listening as they listed off places. She was finally calming down when Chrysalis mentioned no fancy places. Discord wouldn't fit in. Whatever that meant.

"Oh, contrare, my lovely beetle, Discord cleans up nicely in a three piece. He hates it, but sometimes it's necessary for work. Though...he always does remove the tie. I wonder if he'd wear it for a special someone." Capper argued, shrugging and grinning mischievously, but side glancing at Fluttershy at the last bit of information.

Fluttershy tried thinking of something else but it was too late. The picture was in her mind and she blushed harder and just as bad as she was a bit earlier.

"You speak like I'm not here, feline. Ties are suffocating and of course when Boss has appointments, I'm going to dress how he says. I'd never have someone like that, so I'm not sure why you'd bring it up."Discord argued, annoyed at his coworker.

Fluttershy would say on the contrary but she was far too gone in embarrassment to respond. But she did realize, that was the second time Discord called him "cat". To get off the embarrassing topic only she was having a problem with, she looked over.

"Why do you call him "feline"?"

Discord rolled his eyes. "Simple, my Dear, it's because he's the crazy cat guy. His work space is nothing but his, what, 50 cats?" He looked over.

Capper scoffed. "Now that's not quite true. I live in a cat heavy area and it just so happens plenty of strays just...come over. You're one to talk. Everyone gags at what you bring for food. Or what you do with what you bring from home. And your weird fashion sense. You also get on weird topics and begin stating horrific tales when the Boss brings in some extra merch for everyone. Zecora still won't touch a chainsaw, and don't get some started on the youngin's you've scarred from any drugs, Dissy."

Discord rolled his eyes and Chrysalis snorted, along with Rainbow and Pinkie.

""Dissy?" Is that what they call you?" Chrysalis kept cackling.

Discord blushed. "It's just what Capper here calls me. I found it's best to ignore him."

Capper let out a loud "hah". "No, it's not just me. Aside from the youngins, mostly everyone, including Boss, calls you that. If I may," he cleared his throat, he deepended his voice. Discord looked about ready to punch him, ""Dissy, we have an appointment with Perron at 5am, make sure you're not wearing that freaky shit," Capper then tried terribly to imitate an accent, "Dissy, the battle made the area messy, you should clean it up before the younglings upchuck." He then looked right in Discord's face, challenging him to deny it.

Discord was still blushing but he had a look of utter annoyance, like if Capper were closer, he'd bash his head in a wall or just sock him a good one.

Fluttershy giggled in her hand. She wondered how well he responds to the nickname. She would ignore the new information she learned and save it for other times. Times where she could listen to him tell whatever stories they would become, because of course they'd be wonderful, silly, overdramatized tales. She bit her lip. "Dissy?"

She wasn't sure if it was her tone or just the name, but she saw his blush deepen and he looked over, responding to her calling him. "Yes, Dear?"

Her own blush got darker and she thought she finally found out where her teen hormones went.

The stupid things had waited. They waited years and she thought she was safe. She thought she was one of the few who didn't get crazy, but she was wrong!

They had apparently waited until this day and when Discord was in a suit-like outfit and his voice sounded nice in her ears, and when his beautiful yellow eyes looked at her with such gentleness-to be like this!

She could tell he was trying to not let his voice falter and the other two adults knew it too because they tried stifling their snickers. She went to respond but Rainbow cut her off.

"Why the fuck do you call her "Dear?" That's like the fourth or whatever time I've heard you call her that." She crossed her arms defiantly.

Discord rose a brow, his shade returned to normal. He shrugged. "No idea, but I'm sure it's not your business what I call her or my reasons why."

"Well, that's not her name and it's weird for an adult who's just her pal to call her that. So stop it. It's also creepy, man."

Rainbow stood tall, she moved almost in front of Fluttershy.

The change in the air was immediate. She knew they probably couldn't feel it, but she could.

Discord crossed his arms, it was obvious it wasn't what Rainbow said, that ticked him off. He wasn't really someone to let a name like "creepy" effect him.

She did notice how Rainbow's body language spoke. It was something she'd do when they were kids, to shield Fluttershy from harm or who she seemed a threat.

That was it!

Fluttershy moved from behind Rainbow. She wanted to go grab Discord's fingers, to assure him that she didn't mind it. But she stopped herself. "Actually, Dashy, I don't mind the name. So...I think we're all hungry so we should go get dinner." She smiled sweetly to try and placate her longest friend.

Pinkie took charge, helping Fluttershy and the other two distract and get to a different topic.

Fluttershy sighed. If Discord and Rainbow were going to be near each other, they had to learn to get along.

Dinner was pleasant. She sipped on a water as everyone ate. Forced by Pinkie and Rainbow she had a nibble of theirs. They had went to some hole in the wall steak place.

The table was lively and so much so, Fluttershy couldn't get a word in to talk to Discord about his day. He wasn't talking much either and kept glancing at her.

She smiled at him though and she grinned wider when he returned it, a fond grin of his own curling at the corners of his lips.

She was running again. She kept slipping on mud and wet grass. Late Spring. She was purposely being loud. Panting, smacking her feet as loudly as she could on the wet and practically splashing in the puddles.

She was suddenly tackled from the side, the breath knocked out of her and she grunted, though she'd recognize the blonde hair and lanky figure of Zephyr any day.

He panted too, sitting up over her, the knife glinting in moonlight.

"Come on, Zephyr. You can't just tackle me-hurry!"

She hissed through her teeth, hearing the hunting dogs nearing. If he didn't hurry, the dogs would break his arm again.

She saw the tears in his eyes, the panic and fear.

"B-but, Shy! I-I can't!" His voice cracked. He tried and failed to whisper.

She kissed his head and grabbed the hand that had the knife. She forced him to look her in the eye. "Zephyr. You HAVE to. They...I don't want them drugging you again...or worse. Just fucking stab me. It doesn't have to be fatal, just DO IT. NOW!"

She crossed her arms against vital areas and he lifted his hand, bringing it down fast into her arm.

Zephyr choked on a sob and with hot tears down his face, he repeated it over and over. With some of the deeper ones, she cried out, it was hot. The blade burned when it hit her skin and sliced through like she was warmed butter.

It hurt.

Hearing Zephyr's screams were worse.

She knew part of it was he was scared and frustrated.

She was too.

He finally dropped it, a loud gurgling cry breaking through his already roughed up voice.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Shy! I'm sorry! Forgive me!"

He went to try and make sure he didn't hit anything fatal.

She knew he didn't. She felt sluggish but she stayed awake, even with tears streaming down her cheeks, she made sure not to look too upset at Zephyr.

She may have been only a couple years older, but she acted like she was more than that.

They heard the dogs snarling close by and one of the Hunters came.

"Ah-you got her good, Pin Cushion. Good. Now c'mon! Time for your next dose."

Fluttershy was suddenly over her brother, her head turned towards the Hunter. "No! He-he did good, like you said and he even did it multiple times! He gets to go back unharmed!"

She felt Zephyr cling to her, whispering pleas.

The Hunter never did like Fluttershy. Maybe it was because she gouged out his eye at the first chance she got. He grabbed her by her hair and pulled her off, or at least tried to. She dug her fingers into the wet roots underneath, boxing her cut up limbs to protect Zephyr.

"Move it, Doll. Our chemist has a new batch they wanna try and Pin Cushion always been the best subject so far. As for you an' your not listening, maybe we should see if the Boss wants to see ya?"

"Why can't you guys just let us go?! What did we ever do?!" Zephyr cried.

The Hunter chuckled. "Ya can blame yer sister there, Welp. If it weren't for the Boss liking her, y'all wouldn't be in this mess."

Using the lapse in their defense, the Hunter pulled Fluttershy by her hair again and pushed Zephyr along.

She had to lean on him as the blood loss made her weaker.

Zephyr tried to both hold her tight and hold her loosely.

"I know he's lying. You'd never do something to hurt us."

By the time they trudged back, someone else came and took Zephyr away. Fluttershy screamed and screamed for them to leave him alone.

Truthfully, she was scared. She was frightened to her bones.

Without taking her to get patched up first, she was blindfolded and dragged, pushed and snapped at to continue.

She couldn't stop the tears.

A door opened.

Smoke filled her nose and she gagged.

Even when the blindfold was taken off, she glared.

Boss had walked over, obviously upset, his deep blue eyes glaring cold.

"What did I say about being careful with her? Look what you've done." The most he sounded annoyed.

"It was the little lab rat who did it. We was just following and making sure they played." The Hunter made the excuse.

Boss clicked his tongue. Fluttershy's eyes didn't leave him for a moment.

He looked back, thinking. It was his grin that made Fluttershy feel dirty.

"I suppose we'll have to work around it. As long as her face isn't touched, she'll be worth something. Now...have your wounds made you more docile?"

He went to touch her cheek, the feeling of bugs crawling already there before his hand got close.

The Hunter almost warned him, but she was faster. She went to bite his hand, she missed though, she hiked her shoulder up the best she could.

Boss hummed. Then he grinned and wrapped his hand around her throat.

She stilled at the pressure.

"That's better. Seems we could up the anti. You will learn to obey me."

She felt the needle then he played with her hair, getting the wet leaves out. "See? As docile as a pretty little Doll."

The room was too hot. Her eyes opened wide and she sat up. She needed air.

She saw Pinkie had stolen her pillow as they'd shared a bed.

Air.

She got up, still in pajamas, she slipped her shoes on and went outside.

She tried itching at her skin as best she could.

The hotel was near the beach, Discord had surprised them with that earlier.

Feeling the salty, chilly wind against her felt nice.

Her eyes caught something near one of the large rocks overseeing the ocean.

She'd recognize that tall man anywhere. Smiling, she walked over, trying not to be blown over by the wind. She forgot her jacket.

"Hi. Can't sleep?" She asked when she got close. He startled and looked up, a peppermint stick hanging out his mouth.

She quickly saw in the moonlight under his eyes were red.

Discord silently observed her for a second before he held out his large hand, palm up. "Need company?" He asked around the candy.

She put her hand in his gently and he took his time wrapping his fingers around her's and waited.

He wasn't going to pull her. She could choose.

He'd always done that. Every embrace, every touch, was suggested.

She walked over and sat between his legs, her back as close to him as she could. He made a strangled noise. Surprised.

She knew her movements were slow, but he was patient.

Her action was bold. He didn't reject her.

She turned her head to look at him. He was still moving the peppermint stick around.

"What are you doing?"

He looked to her with his eyes, not moving his head which was staring straight. "Making a peppermint shank. Want one?"

He pulled one out , it still wrapped. She choked out a small huff of laughter. "Peppermint in summer?" She took it though. She stared at it for a time. "My brother...Zephyr and I would do these every year when fall turned to winter."

She allowed herself to be encased in his embrace. His legs trapped her as his arms encircled her own, and her body, forcing him to lean forward slightly to be comfortable.

She briefly wondered if there was the possibility of her disappearing into his arms and never being found again.

She took a deep breath.

She glanced back at him again, he was being unusually quiet, and saw his eyes were still wet and underneath was still red. His nose was red too.

She wondered if he'd been crying?

She unwrapped the candy some, only enough for the amount she was going to sharpen.

He was always there to comfort her. She knew he had to have nightmares too...right?

"Do you wanna talk about it? Y-you don't have to. It's just...you're always there for me and I...I want to be here for you too."

She blushed and focused on her task.

He wrapped her tighter in his arms. Sometimes she forgot how strong he was, despite his lanky appearance. "This okay?" He asked, his voice quiet.

She nodded. "Yes. Is this okay for you?" She asked in turn.

He only nodded, his chin bumping softly against the top of her head.

Only when she stayed still, looking out into the ocean, enjoying the beauty of it they could see, did she feel his slight tremble. "Cold?" She asked and turned her head a bit, only to stop short.

His brows were furrowed, eyes glinting with tears and glowing in the moonlight.

He was trying not to cry.

He clenched his jaw so tight the candy broke, part of it landing in the sand between them.

She scooted farther back, laying her head against his chest. She could hear his heartbeat.

She slowly and gently reached one hand up, hesitant in case he didn't want it, and ran her knuckles against his jaw gently, a feather light touch, before placing her hand against his cheek, feeling it wet.

She waited. Hell, she didn't even know if he would talk. She was there either way, like he was to her.

"I thought I could run from it." His voice rasped.

She looked up, a few tear drops dripping on her face. Her heart hurt for him...but there was a strange feeling too. She knew the feeling because they both were going through it. For different people, but the same.

"You can't...all you can do...is face it, I think. Not alone, though. E-even if... if no one else will...I-I will. So...it's-its okay." She rubbed her thumb against his cheekbone.

It seemed to help, because he began to chuckle, no more tears but it was obvious he was crying. He looked down, finally realizing he dropped his peppermint stick, it covered in sand and now some bugs.

"Ah, no. I didn't have anymore. Haha. Oops." He removed one arm from her and wiped furiously at his eyes.

She took the one out of her mouth, not thinking about it, and put it to his mouth.

Only when he took it, did they both realize what had happened.

He must've felt the sharp tip she had worked because he blushed fast and so red, she thought he'd pass out.

She was no better. Only after had she realized it was an indirect kiss.

She spluttered and flailed her arms, unsure what to do. She couldn't take it back now!

He seemed to be thinking, his blush growing darker. Then he sighed, leaning his head down, he took off the rest of the wrapper.

She looked at him, unsure what he was wanting.

He clenched his jaw tight, her seeing the muscle there. He averted his gaze.

"Bite de oter en tiht." He spoke around the stick and his jaw.

She gulped, but listened. Using his shoulders as a push off, she leaned up and bit hard on the rounded part of the cane.

He was already so close, her heart was hammering fast and her face felt hot. He tilted his head down hard and fast so it broke the candy in two pieces.

But before she could pull away, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers, obviously a kiss, but not a actual one. He pulled away fast, covering his face with his hands in embarrassment.

She squeaked around the candy in her mouth and tried asking why, when she remembered her question she asked in the kitchen. "A small one." Is what she'd asked.

He did just that. In the safety of night, in the comfort of each other.

He side glanced her, brows still furrowed. "It's just a thank you. For being here. For not leaving me." He croaked. His eyes widened. "Un-unless it wasn't-wasn't wanted, then-then I am so sorry, Fluttershy. I-I might've read the-the signs wrong. Oh no, way to go, Discord-" he was spiraling into an embarrassed fit.

Once she got a grip on her heart, she put her fingers to his lips, silencing him. It worked.

She put her head down, not wanting to look in his eyes. "It's-its okay. But...but you're right. My-my heart couldn't take it. Can-can we wait...for a bit? Like-like y-y-you said. Did-did your heart do this too?"

He whined out a "uh-huh" and nodded. "It...is."

She removed her fingers and turned back to facing the ocean. She sucked on the peppermint, it almost tasting even sweeter. She saw, from the corner of her eye, he was playing with her hair too, just gently flicking it around his fingers.

He was silent, as was she.

He began to hum that tune she heard the first time she saw him. She still felt him trembling.

After hearing it again and again as he replayed it, both calming down and enjoying the rising sun, she asked.

"What's that song?"

He stopped, humming to her in question.

"The one you're humming. You did it the first time I saw you too." She clarified.

He ran one hand through his Mohawk and sighed. "A close friend of mine used to sing it. I always loved the tune, never the lyrics."

Her mouth made an 'O' of understanding. She let it be.

Before they got up, too much of the sun on her would be harmful, plus they'd have to get back before the others woke, he said something that made her eyes go wide and a little fearful chill go down her spine.

It wasn't directed at her, his head still pointed towards the horizon.

His brows were furrowed in almost an angered pain.

"I'm glad he never met you. I would've had to kill him."

A large grin split across Discord's face. It wasn't one she knew. It wasn't one she wanted to. The air changed again, alternating with pulsing and static, but at her feather light touch, he shook his head and took a deep breath, rubbing his head with his palm.

"Let's go." He grumbled, rubbing his head harder.

But before she could ask, as they stood, he lifted her up and running towards the water, he tossed her in.

She screamed. It was freezing!!!

She lifted her head up out and took a big breath. "DISCORD!"

He was swimming after her, seemingly unbothered. He snickered then began laughing loudly.

When he reached her, him having been able to throw her far, he picked her up, beginning to go back to shore.

She shivered from the cold and kept hitting his back, shoulders, wherever she could reach.

"You jerk! Why would you do that?! It's so cold!!"

She pouted.

When they got to land, he snapped his fingers and suddenly her clothes, skin and hair were dry. So was he.

He just...

"You used your magic? When could you do that? N-not the magic, but-but the drying snapping fingers thing?"

Her anger dissolved into amazement.

He looked at her fondly and nuzzled her jaw, making her blush. "Been practicing. You really think I wasn't going to try and figure all this out when I could?"

She rose her brow. "Did you figure it out?"

He shook his head. "Nope. But I've been learning what I can do."

She smiled big. "That's wonderful!" She clapped her hands and they began walking back.

She didn't let it show she saw he kept rubbing his palm against his head and he kept mumbling, when she tried listening, there weren't any words coming out of his mouth.

She linked her fingers with his and he startled.

He didn't look, but he closed his fingers to her's.

Yes, she wanted to hold his hand, but it was a bit more than that.

He was still trembling, his body doing small spasms.

Before she could ask, they made it to their doors. She hadn't even realized they entered the building. She could've sworn...they were still walking on the sand.

She looked up to him and when he looked back, he smiled small, almost painful, and she froze, seeing his usually yellow eyes, red pupils...opposite. They were red with yellow pupils.

She went to ask but he caressed her cheek and next thing she knew, she blinked and was standing next to her bed she was sharing with Pinkie.