Fluttershy awoke to humming. She didn't know the tune, but as her mind began to function again, she felt rough, hot fingers trace her veins and scars on her hands.

She didn't move, just enjoying the simple touches since she knew who it was.

Though, as she woke more, she could tell she'd been moved.

It was surprising how deep she usually slept near him.

"I'm sorry." Discord spoke suddenly, voice sounding raw.

She was going to let him continue, unsure if he knew she was awake or not, when she felt his knuckles rub against her neck, his hand slightly trembled.

Fluttershy opened her eyes, them landing on the floor underneath, between his neck and shoulder. He must've moved her to on top of him.

"I know you're awake, my Dear." He whispered, moving his knuckles to her cheek.

She lifted herself gently and looked to him. She gave a small grin, one he didn't return. She let out a breath, hesitant though she was, she reached her hand out towards his face, only for him to avert his eyes guiltily.

She paused and gulped, beginning to shake.

"Can...can we talk somewhere more private?" She could feel the weight of their concerns like many stones in her belly, heavy.

He nodded. "Get up."

She did, a strange feeling crawling along her skin. "Discord..."

He got up himself with a grace she didn't know he was capable of, using his legs to propel his top half up. "Your room or mine?"

"Your's. Please." She said quietly. She always felt safer in his room.

He motioned for her to go first, him following behind quietly. She wasn't sure why he was being quiet, though doing so made her feel she was in trouble. She supposed, if she was, she deserved it.

When he closed the door, he leaned against it, the whole time, keeping his hands to himself, crossed over his chest.

She was thinking of sitting on his hammock, but decided to walk to him instead. "Discord-I...I'm sorry. Pushing your limits-"

He suddenly fixed her a snarl, eyes glistening, until he smiled. A chill went down her spine. The smirk was cruel. "You're sorry? Sorry you pushed my limits? You were dancing with death, Fluttershy! I thought I'd killed you! I didn't even remember if you said anything after I clamped my hand around your throat!" His voice shook with emotion, with rage.

Again, she didn't blame him.

Her heart hurt as she reached to him, only for him to fix her a watery glare, making her stop. "Don't EVER take me lightly in that state again! EVER! If I lose-" his voice cracked and he shook his head, trying to gather himself.

Discord slid down the door, head between his knees, arms still folded. He let out a long whine, exhaling.

"Discord-" she tried again, getting closer.

He gripped his head hard, letting out a sob, memories returning. "You have no idea how many times I've killed you in the last few days! I'd never had it last that long! It's never made me focus on one person solely before! Each one felt so REAL!" He choked, his voice raising.

She got closer, until she crouched and he let her lift his arms, like someone sneaking under a security bar, so she sat between his legs, his crossed arms linked behind her. She knew it was her imagination, but it felt like he was protecting her within his embrace.

Fluttershy tried looking at his eyes, seeing how broken it made him. She'd seen him kill and he never showed any feeling towards them. No remorse, or interest. Just...nothing. His level of apathy while taking lives amazed her.

Though it did give her some relief to know he got so upset by the thought of her death. Her hands began trembling as she reached and wiped away what tears had fallen.

His glare softened. "I'm still mad at you. You-you can't keep putting yourself in danger!"

She gulped, throat dry. She fixed him a frustrated look. "You're one to talk. I...that day, I thought I'd lost you. The hole was so big I swore your intestines would fall out and your ribs would be-your ribs were..." she was beginning to get in hysterics again, remembering that day so vividly, "then Accord said a normal hospital wouldn't have your blood and that meant you would've died in my arms! I had too much faith in your control. I understand now, but you have to understand that I can't...even without your blood, I can't bear the thought of losing you." Her lip wobbled, the panic returning.

His arms tightened around her and she rested her hands against his neck, the pulse strong. He was alive. A thought occurred to her. "Discord? Can I ask you a couple questions aside from this one right now?" She had to be elaborate or else he'd try and squirm out of it if he didn't want to answer.

He began chuckling and she felt the heavy air was becoming lighter. It wasn't gone, but it wasn't as heavy either. He sighed, his lips curling at the edges. "Depends on your questions."

She softly ran her hands along his neck, causing him to shiver, his skin breaking out in goosebumps. "Is it true no other place, aside from the one you brought us to that day, has your blood type?"

He looked at her, surprised. He opened and closed his mouth, obviously unsure how to respond. He sighed, looking as if in defeat. He looked at her head on and she caught the intensity, the insecurity in those eyes. "Yes."

There was obviously more to it. But, she supposed she could play the long game. "Why is it the only place?" She slowly moved her hands to caress his jaw, her fingertips leaving a light trail in their wake.

Discord gasped at her touch, his anger easily melting away. "My blood type is different. It's "rare"."

She made a noise of acknowledgment in her throat. Fluttershy tried observing his face to see if there was anything else she wanted to ask. Truth was, his embrace and scent was making her relaxed.

She could tell...they both were beginning to drown.

"Mmm...why does your medication affect you like it does?" She moved herself, with no help from Discord, to where she sat in his lap.

He sat butterflied so she was more comfortable. He took a deep breath, seeming to be fighting whatever it was she was fighting as well. "It messes with the chemicals in my brain and my neurological responses."

Fluttershy supposed that made sense. She decided to lightly touch his face, seeing how relaxed he'd get. He shivered and when her hands caressed his face, he tried burying his face in her palm.

She saw his earring move and went to lightly touch it. It was cold. "Do you work for her?"

He hummed, enjoying her touch. He looked at her with hooded eyes. "Supposed to be."

"Supposed to?" She asked, running her nails through his scalp, down the back and side of his neck, until she flattened her hand to slowly run down his chest under his shirt. She had no real reason for doing it except it was an impulse.

He tightened his grip, looking at her. "You heard Accord. Believe it or not, to them, I'm a defect. But not enough of one where I'm terminal."

"I don't think you are." She ran her hand back up the same trail it did down, making him release a stifled groan.

Seeing him so pliant under her gentle touch sent a thrill down her spine. Part of her wanted to see his lips and neck dripping with blood again. She didn't want to lose him again.

"My Dear?" Discord asked, voice hoarse again.

"Yes?" She replied almost voiceless.

"I want to do something...to make up for-for harming you." He averted his gaze, a blush dusting his cheeks pink.

She tilted her head. "What?" She wouldn't dare tell him he didn't have to since it was obvious he wouldn't listen or he'd bring it up until he felt satisfied in doing right by her.

Letting go from behind her, she whined at the loss, making his eyes fly to her own. He gulped, returning one hand, it felt like hot iron on her lower back. She gasped at the pressure, closing her eyes.

Fluttershy couldn't even bring herself to open them as she felt his knuckles brush against her cheek, moving her hair.

She sighed against it, dragging both her hands to his chest and laying them there.

The air began to feel warm as her fangs began feeling that pull, her venom making her mouth water, her mind that buzzing thrum. He pulled her tighter, the pressure rougher, even as he did so slowly, as to not scare her. Lowering his hand from her cheek to cupping the back of her neck, it shook, and Discord pulled her closer, his nose bumping her's.

Fluttershy couldn't breathe. She didn't dare to speak even as her chest was thumping so fast she swore he could hear it. This was different. She could feel it.

His eyes didn't leave her's even as he slowly got closer, his own breath shuddering and actions hesitant as if to give her time to pull away.

Fluttershy hadn't meant to, but her eyes fluttered closed just as slowly, not wanting to let go of his eyes but also wanting whatever he was about to do.

She felt a puff of hot breath before her eyes closed completely and the chill of his lip ring was forgotten as his lips seared her own even with the light pressure he put.

Something broke like wire in her chest and with a whine in the back of her throat, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled away, forcing his lips back on her's, causing him to make a surprised noise.

Discord kissed back roughly, the arm around her hip squeezing and pulling her closer, her stomach against his, while the one on her neck tangled harshly in her hair, the pressure making her press into the kiss more.

They pulled away, panting, only far enough where they looked into each other's eyes. Something passed over in Discord's and he pressed his lips against her pulse on her neck, feeling it beating wildly. Before she could ask him, before she could even gather her voice, he bit down on the pulse point and sucked gently. Fluttershy gasped and hoped it wouldn't leave a mark.

She'd be too embarrassed to explain.

He moved his lips to the junction behind her jaw, licking there before he bit. The feel of his tongue ring hot against her skin made Fluttershy gasp out a small moan, before clamping her hand over her mouth, her mind becoming hazy, even as he pulled away.

It was so quiet, Fluttershy swore a pin could drop. Neither of them were stupid. Neither were oblivious to the other's feelings.

Discord leaned in again and gave her another kiss, this one more gentle and tender. "I'm sorry for hurting you."

She caressed his face gently, looking into his strange, beautiful eyes. "I know you are. Hey, Discord?"

He hummed, still not breaking eye contact.

She still felt the venom pulsing in her fangs, but she ran her thumb across his lip. "Do I still have to wait till I'm 18 for kisses?"

His face broke into a large grin and he began to chuckle, then laugh, both of them moving from the force of it. She began laughing lightly too, not because she knew why he was laughing, but because she found his laugh funny.

"After everything? After it all, that's what you ask?" He asked as he calmed, though his eyes glistened with mirth.

Fluttershy blushed, looking away. "I-uh-um-well...what would you prefer I ask?" She tilted her head down, batting her eyes upward.

Both of them blushed, beginning to process what they'd done.

After a moment of silence, Discord's smile fell slowly and he ran a hand through his Mohawk, though the blush remained. "Why aren't you mad at me? Why don't you hate me? Why don't you fear me for all of it?" He looked at her pleadingly.

Sighing, she grasped the hand he laid on her thigh and quickly brought it to around her neck, causing his hand to flinch and terror greet his eyes. He went to yell, but Fluttershy moved the hand and kissed the palm. "Your reaction, is why. I'm at fault for not running the moment you told me. I don't fear you because I know the TRUE Discord...wouldn't kill me. It would tear your soul to shreds if you did. As for hating you...I still feel the opposite...of that. I'm not completely innocent either, Discord."

"I know that. I didn't-didn't mean because of what I've done to other's. I meant...I almost strangled you! And that night at the beach. I was so close to stabbing you!" He countered.

Fluttershy's smile was small, but no less full. She leaned and gave him a chaste kiss. He let out a surprised noise but allowed it. "I'm still here, though. Like I said, it was a mistake on my part to trust your control so easily and to ignore when you told me it was slipping. I pushed, you reacted. Everyone knows not to agitate a cornered animal. I learned and so have you. I've forgiven you because there was nothing to even be guilty over. So why can't you forgive yourself?"

Discord went quiet and looked away. When he looked back, he put her hair behind her ear. "I'll work on that."

She smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Sounds good to me."

He chuckled, seeing her smile and went to kiss her, but as she closed her eyes, he snorted and puffed air against her lips, causing her face to scrunch and she giggled. "To answer your question. No, but you will for us to do other things."

She blushed so fast she got lightheaded as her mind went to places she'd rather not acknowledge around him yet. "O-okay!" She squeaked.

He rose a brow, smiling rottenly. "Oh, my Dear, what are you thinking about?"

Fluttershy puffed her cheeks and turned her head. "Nothing!"

Discord hummed, laying his head against his knuckles. "Did it gross you out, by the way, when I force fed you my blood? That's one of the last things I remember clearly."

Her head began to hurt at the force the blush was taking over. "N-n-no."

He looked at her skeptically until he must've pieced something together and blushed, covering his mouth and turning his head. He nodded.

They seemed to silently agree not to go into her kinks or his at that time.

After they both seemed to calm a bit from their mutual embarrassment, he looked at her again. "I'm happy you're home."

She smiled gently. "Me too."

Fluttershy hummed as she cooked dinner later that night. Dance music was playing and she saw Discord was still dancing with Chrysalis, both laughing while Sombra critiqued them and chatted with Capper on his laptop.

She sent Tree Hugger a text and felt a nice bubble of happiness in her throat, her smile so wide it almost split her face. She knew since Discord admitted he worked for The Madame, that she should be asking questions, but in truth, she just wanted to enjoy the bubble of happiness she had at the moment.

It hurt, thinking about Zephyr. It hurt, knowing she'd have to do something about school. About her ex-friends.

Knowing she'd have to find out how to destroy the Elements.

She sighed, figuring she'd focus on the good times for a bit before stressing again. She startled at feeling warm hands on her hips and mismatched teeth graze behind her ear, making her shiver. She turned her head. "Now who's being ballsy?"

Discord chuckled lightly. "I was sent to check the status of dinner while Chrissy took a call."

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh? I don't think that means kissing behind my ear though."

Still smiling, Discord leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. "No one said it wasn't either. And I wanted to know if you wanted to go on a "after work" date with me this weekend? We could leave after I return if you wanted to hang around with Yona while you wait?"

She turned back to dinner, thinking, even as he stayed put, hands still hot on her hips. The dark part of her wouldn't think twice, especially if it meant seeing him covered in blood again. She bit her lip. She was also curious what he was like at work. She nodded, turning her head back to him. "I'd like that. Let me know more when you do, okay?"

He hummed in answer and moved her hair, giving her a hickey at the base of her skull, her body shuddering from the new, but welcome, feeling. She was beginning to think he had a possessive streak if he kept marking her like that.

He paused to observe her. "Did that make you uncomfortable, my Dear?"

She jumped, looking at him wide eyed. She stammered. "Ah. No, I mean..." she sighed, giving him an uneasy look. "I'm sorry. The last person who was possessive with me...it didn't go well."

He pulled her head to look at him. "That wasn't my intention, or at least consciously. But if that's how you read it, then I'll stop. I just thought you'd get tired of me kissing your lips too often."

Her heart melted. "Oh, Dissy, you're so sweet. But...if just being affectionate is your intention, then it's okay."

Discord smiled and shook his head. "No. Until you're begging me to mark you, I'll stop."

She felt a wave of happiness wash over her along with a lump lodging in her throat. There he went, treating her like a person again. Though that one part of her did shiver at the thought of him making her beg to be marked by him.

"Your comfort matters too."

Discord rolled his eyes and went to reply when he abruptly let go, hearing Chrysalis enter.

She let it be, until she remembered, as she spoke about comfort, she wasn't sure how often he was supposed to take his medication.

She turned to Chrysalis with a smile. "Dinner's almost ready. Will you tell Sombra to wrap it up and Discord can set the table since he has nothing better to do?"

Chrysalis snorted a laugh at Discord's groan and eye roll like a child being told to do chores. To be honest, it was mostly so she could ask him about it before it got too much later.

Discord did as ordered though, and grabbed plates, even one for Derpy since she'd be home soon. "Discord? How often do you need to take your medication?"

He froze at the question but sighed a bit later. "I'll take it later so then I can leave after. Ma-The Madame messed with my dosage so it's a bit unpredictable until my body grows accustomed to it...if it does." He mumbled the last bit irritably, but quiet enough it was obvious she wasn't meant to hear it, so she'd keep quiet about it for then.

Fluttershy nodded, not liking the knot forming in her belly. "Okay. Just-just see me before you do or after, so I know you made it back safely."

She saw him nod as he set the table.

Fluttershy couldn't bring herself to say more on it or ask. She'd have to find time to, she supposed.

She would think he'd be easier to crack, but even the smallest thing she learned about him, only confused her more.

As she chatted with Chrysalis, she saw from across the table, Discord's eyes flickered rapidly. No one else seemed to notice and he kept silent. That worried her. Before she came along, how often did they not see the signs? How often was he alone? Did he ever cry over a kill, alone and huddled in his hammock?

Why did Discord do what he does?

She huffed a deep breath out her nose. The Madame seemed to be at the center of Fluttershy's issues.

If she didn't want Fluttershy causing a ruckus in "her World", she shouldn't have dragged Fluttershy into it.

She laughed along with a story Derpy was telling them. Fluttershy wasn't about to lose herself again. But she wasn't about to roll over and turn her head either.

So The Madame wanted to play?

Discord was helping her do dishes and they'd just finished. He looked exhausted, but she knew he'd leave soon after taking his medication. "Dissy?"

He hummed, looking over to her and giving her a tired smile. "Yes, my Dear?"

She grasped his hands and kissed his knuckles lightly. "I'll sleep in my room, so stop in when you get back. I might be up, who knows. Be safe. Be cunning. Come home to me safely."

He chuckled quietly and swapped their hands, kissing her's. "I'll try, but no promises. Try and sleep. I know you don't get enough."

She smiled. "I'll try, but no promises."

He smiled fondly at her as he grabbed a few things, she noted a small pack, and weapons, mostly. She had insisted on seeing him off. He took a deep breath and took one of the pills, it was large but triangular with mixed colors. Definitely a different prescription than what she remembered giving him.

With that, his body already trembling, he kissed her head and took off, the medication must've been fast acting as he sped down the road, guilt written on his face for but a moment, before she saw nothing but his taillights, she swore she saw a manic grin.