And if the dark clouds start to swirl, don't fear, don't shed a tear...

[whatfeelsright]

While Amy and Fluttershy weren't close friends, Fluttershy had helped Amy out enough during the latter's time in Birchpointe that there was a bond there. And while Amy may have settled on the West Coast a couple of years ago, they'd kept in touch. It had been a while since Amy had hear from Fluttershy, though, and while Amy wasn't a worrier by nature, she couldn't help feeling a bit concerned - and certainly curious to know what was up.

She'd taken the long bus ride out to Birchponte, then made her way to the forest outside city limits. Even though she'd been to Fluttershy's home before, and thus was able to get there again, it took her some searching to get there - but finally, she did. She rapped her claws against the door, calling out as she did so, "Yo, 'Shy! It's Amy, what's up?"

Comments

[shiningkindness]

Fluttershy, of course, was already aware of Amy's visit, thanks to her animal friends letting her know when she'd arrived at the woods. So when she knocked on the door, she was quick to answer.

"Hi, Amy!" she greeting; though she wore a bright smile, there certain was an air of something else there. "It's been a while! How are you? Do you want to come in?"

[whatfeelsright]

"Yeah, it's been too long! I'm doing good, but..." Amy paused on her way in. She'd definitely picked up on that vibe that something wasn't quite right with Fluttershy. And, well, she'd never been one to mince words. "What's going on with you, dude?"

[shiningkindness]

"Oh, nothing much," she said, just a bit distractedly as a few birds fluttered over. She quickly handed them something before they flitted off again. "Just...you know, busy as usual."

As they entered the house, which was somehow much larger on the inside than the outside would suggest, there were little critters running or flying around, and a few of the larger creatures passing by as they went from one room to another.

[whatfeelsright]

Amy glanced around, then looked back to Fluttershy. "Yeah, I see that," she snorted, shaking her head. "Doesn't it ever get to be a drag?"

[shiningkindness]

She giggled softly, taking a blanket and unfolding it before draping it over a deer's antlers. The deer then headed into another room.

"Oh, not really. You know I'm happy to help out however I can."

[whatfeelsright]

"Sure, but like, don't you get really tired sometimes?" Amy asked, before adding, "'Cause you look really tired now, no offense."

[shiningkindness]

That had Fluttershy pause a moment. "Well..." she said after a long silence. "I guess it can be a little...much. Sometimes. But with these woods the way they are, there's no one else around to help if someone gets lost or hurt."

[whatfeelsright]

That slight acknowledgement was enough for Amy, who grinned eagerly. "But you've got a zillion animals who can help people out, I'm sure everything will be fine for one night!" She grabbed one of Fluttershy's hands in both of her own, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "So tonight, we're gonna party!"

[shiningkindness]

"H-Huh...?" She turned to Amy, a little surprised. "A...party? Oh, no-no, I can't - "

[whatfeelsright]

"Aw, come on! There'll be plenty of people like me there, so you can totally go unnoticed if you want to!" Amy declared, winking at Fluttershy. Or possibly blinking. The sideswept bangs made it hard to judge. "I've got your back, don't worry!"

[shiningkindness]

Fluttershy wondered if her feathered wings would give her away, but decided not to comment on it. Instead, she said, "But there's just...so much to do around here, and I'd have to split up the chores if I'm going out. Plus I'm not even ready to go to a party, I wouldn't have anything to wear..."

[whatfeelsright]

"Who cares what you're wearing!" Amy exclaimed, laughing. "It's totally come as you are! All anybody's going to care about is if you're having a good time, so do your whole Snow White thing and tell the animals what to do!" Playfully, she punched Fluttershy's arm. "You're gonna have a great time, trust me - this is totally what you're needing."

[shiningkindness]

She hesitated a moment, still clearly reluctant. Then, glancing around the house, she realized that some of the animals also seemed to be in agreement with Amy.

"W-Well...I guess...having a night off couldn't hurt."

[whatfeelsright]

Amy whooped happily, throwing her arms up and out to the sides. "Yeah, 'atta girl! Oooh, this is going to be fun!"

[shiningkindness]

She giggled softly, though her mind was already trying to plan out the remaining chores around the house. "Maybe I ask Rapunzel to help out tonight..."

[whatfeelsright]

"Yeah, yeah, there you go! Ask Goldilocks to help! Here, can I see your phone?" Amy asked, holding out her hand. "I'll set in the location for you later, I gotta go ahead." Her grin faded, then. "I got roped into helping set up, somehow."

Sure, the set-up wouldn't be particularly intensive, but still...

[shiningkindness]

With another giggle, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone to hand to Amy.

"I'd offer to help, but I have to get things taken care of here."

[whatfeelsright]

"Hey, don't worry about it, the whole idea of tonight is to get you to relax and have some fun!" Amy snorted, waving her free hand through the air to dismiss the very idea of Fluttershy helping out. With her other hand, she kept hold of Fluttershy's phone, using her thumb to punch in the address on the map app.

[shiningkindness]

"Right." She paused for a moment, thinking. "Goodness, I can't even remember the last time I took a break..."

[whatfeelsright]

Amy shook her head. "Which is why you gotta take one now! If you go too long without a break, you'll end up as uptight as Pearl!"

[shiningkindness]

Despite herself, she couldn't help a soft giggle. "Well, it might be nice just having a night to have some fun. What time is it at?"

[whatfeelsright]

Amy shrugged. "No hard and fast rule, but things should be going by nine tonight, definitely!"

[shiningkindness]

She nodded. "Okay. That should give me enough time to get everyone ready."

[whatfeelsright]

"Great! I'll see you then! And hey - no wimping out, okay?"

[shiningkindness]

With a giggle, she gave another nod. "I promise I won't."

[whatfeelsright]

"'Atta girl," Amy said, patting Fluttershy's shoulder before taking her leave.

That night's party was being held at someone's lake house on the edge of the city, although with the spacious grounds, very few people were inside. By the time nine o'clock rolled around, set-up was done, and things were in full swing.

Amy was certainly enjoying herself. With her long hair tied back in a ponytail - though her bangs still fell over one eye - she sat at the edge of the lake, boots off and feet in the water, calling out to some friends who were taking a swim.

[shiningkindness]

At some point in the evening, Fluttershy managed to slip into the party. She stood a bit awkwardly though, not too familiar with...anyone else, really, and mostly just keeping an eye out for Amy.

[whatfeelsright]

"Yo! Fluttershy!" Amy got up once she spotted her, and ran over. A playful punch to the shoulder, accompanied by a grin. "You didn't wimp out!"

[shiningkindness]

She winces a little bit at the punch, but still smiles even as she rubs her shoulder.

"Y-Yeah...though there are a lot more people here than I expected."