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brideofdiscord-rewritten · 9 months

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Bride of Discord Chapter 9: The Spark

Discord observed distantly at the Pegasus Fluttershy as she fed her animals. The view was only slightly warped in the strange glass, like it had cooled in the middle of the pour, with ripples and silly colors. He had distanced himself, as his presence disturbed the critters. Unsurprisingly.

Besides this, he He was fascinated by how well she was able to tame every creature, calming them down and nuzzling them. The fur that connected to her feathers housed small lizards and baby birds. Even the large bear posed no threat to her. She even allowed it to lick her. mane.

How did she do it? How could she be so kind that even the fiercest of creatures were enchanted by her? Ironically enough, that was exactly what he thought of her: enchanting. Magical. She treated him the way she did not because she was afraid of him, he knew that for sure.

He shook his head. His lips made flapping noises and his eyes rolled around like marbles. "What's happening to me?

His reflection responded, "You're turning into a sap, and all for that wimpy pegasus!"

"Hey!" Discord exclaimed, glaring at the mirror. "Don't talk about her that way!"

"See? You've even stooped so low as to defend her honor! You've fallen for your own act!" His reflection scratched at his horn and it fell off.

"I have not! I just…" he twiddled his fingers, "happen to find my fiancé…slightly attractive. What's wrong with that? S'what a husband's supposed to do!"

"What's wrong?! You've never found any pony attractive in your life! Even if you were to start, why would it be this pony? I mean look at her!"

Discord glanced back out the window. "Yeah, so?

"She's just so…flawless! There's not an ounce of discord in her! She's just so…so…"

The draconequus sighed dreamily. "Perfect."

The reflection's wings fell off.

"Exactly! She's too perfect! You have to change her! Turn her hair green or something!"

"whatEVER, she's not even perfect. She gets nervous very easy, she has eye bags, she curls her upper lip weird, shes so strange but she carries herself in such a way- I like some differences!"

"Ugh!" the reflection growled. "Listen to yourself! Where is your pride?!"

"Oh, shut up! I have a fiance because I'm so powerful!"

The reflection's beard fell off.

"she's the opposite of you!"

"that's the cool part- thats what makes it CHAOTIC!"

He waved his hand and draped a blanket over the mirror then turned his attention back to Fluttershy. He had to get closer, but he did not want to frighten her. So he perched on a tree branch just a few feet away, scaring a few birds in the process. His grin widened. She certainly was more interesting up close. But of course, to sit and watch felt eerie even to himself.

"Hold still, Angel Bunny," she said in her sweet voice as she fluffed the rabbit's tail. "There. All done." She lowered herself onto the plush grass. Zoysia, or Raleigh st. Augustine.

The rabbit leapt into her hooves and cuddled her. Discord's heart fluttered as he heard her giggle for the first time. That's so wacky! Ponies are satisfied so easily.

"Yes, I missed you too. I needed some lighthearted sass."

Angel then pulled away and yapped something that made Fluttershy frown.

"Oh, you see…I made a deal with him and…we're getting married."

As the other animals heard this, they made frantic noises. She tried to calm them down.

"Yes, yes, I know, he doesn't appear very friendly…"

Discord was starting to regret bringing those animals.

"But…he's not as bad as you think."

This made his eyes widen. The animals screamed in protest.

"No, really," Fluttershy assured them. "He hasn't really done anything to me yet…though I will admit, he still scares me a little…but he did bring you all here, and that makes me happy."

She then started singing to the birds, who sang in response. Discord closed his eyes as he listened to that sweet, melodic voice of hers. Never had he ever heard a sound so beautiful, so perfect, much like the pony it came from. He would have listened to it all day had the branch not given way beneath him. He let out a cry as he hit the ground, frightening the animals and causing them to scatter. Fluttershy shrieked and spun around. Her terror faded once she saw the draconequus' state.

"Goodness, are you hurt?" she asked, flying over to him.

He flinched as she lightly touched his paw.

"Oh, don't worry about me," he said, getting up. "I'm fine."

Fluttershy glanced up at the broken limb. "Were you spying on me?"

"No! Well, I was in the tree, but I wasn't watching you!" He grinned sheepishly. "You see…I didn't want to disturb you, and…sorry I scared your animals off."

She sighed. "Well, as long as you're here, care to help me feed the animals? There's so many of them you see and it's getting late…"

She pointed at the sky turning orange and pink from the sunset. The clouds looked like fish scales and shimmered their droplets of water like pearls. It had just rained and the rainbows shining off the clouds reminded them of the gems on the castle.

"Sure, I can take care of it!" he exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "Done! Now how about some dinner?"

Fluttershy's stomach growled at the mention of food. "Come to think of it, I haven't eaten much today… I nearly ate some of my bird's seeds earlier on accident."

With another snap of his fingers, a picnic blanket appeared beneath them, along with that came frozen daiquiris into two glasses. Discord offered her a glass. She spaced the small sips she took.

"no need, it's non alcoholic."

Still suspicious, she accepted the glass and took a sip. He had told the truth.

"So I take it you're enjoying the garden?" he inquired.

"Oh, yes," Fluttershy said with a smile. "Thank you again, but…" She looked up. "Some of the birds were flying, but something stopped them when they got too high."

"I didn't want them to leave you, that'd be rude!"

She stared at him with distressed eyes. "So the animals…are trapped here…like me?"

Seeing her smile disappear, Discord realized he had made a mistake and had to correct it. He gently lifted her chin.

"Cheer up, my dear. They're here with you. Isn't that all that matters?"

"I suppose," she replied, still not smiling.

He had to get that smile back, so he snapped his fingers and made a frosted carrot cake appear. Fluttershy's mouth dropped open.

"How did you…?"

"I told you," he stated simply. "I had nothing to do for three years but spy on you ponies. It was only natural that I find out a few things."

He summoned a cake cutter to cut her a slice of the cake and placed it on a smaller plate.

"What about dinner?" she asked.

"I'm sure we can break the rules a teensy bit," he smirked.

As she took the plate, a fork materialized in her hoof, Discord grinned as her smile returned. That is, until he realized she had no possible way of using it. She simply dipped her head and bit out of the slice.

"This is the best carrot cake I've ever tasted!" she declared.

"Only the best for my bride!" Discord said, taking a slice of cake himself.

Fluttershy blushed but then looked at him seriously. "Why were you spying on me, anyway? Just now, I mean."

"I wasn't spying, I was…observing. After all, you are a…interesting subject to watch."

She said nothing and stared down at her hooves, her face turning red.

"I wasn't lying, you know, when I said you were beautiful."

She looked away. "T-thank you, but…I'm not that... Comfortable with that."

"Oh, don't be so modest, my dear!" He tilted her head toward him. "You are a natural beauty, and that's saying a lot, coming from me. Usually when I see something so perfect I don't like it. But maybe it's because you're different."

Fluttershy moved from his claw and looked at the grass. "Not really. I mean…I was a model for a short while…"

His eyes widened. "Really? I mean, sure, you have the look, but…with that posture??"

She clutched her pearls in mock indignation.

"that's not at all why I quit! I couldn't handle all the attention and I had less time for my friends."

"Oh, I see…"

"See what?" She turned back to him to see a mischievous, disconcerting look on his face. "Discord, w-what are you…?"

She squealed as he attacked her with a hug. She kicked her legs frantically

"Discord, let me go!"

"What's the matter?" he taunted. "Can't handle all the attention I'm giving you?"

"N-no, I…" She trailed off as he ran his claw across her back. Then she started giggling. "T-that…he he…stop that…he he…tickles!"

This was his first time hearing her laugh, and it was captivating.

"Ha-ha! Please! I have to…ha-ha…finish my cake!"

"Oh, alright."

Discord sighed as he released her, only to have her tackle him over.

"Wait…what are you…? Ha-HA-HA-HA-HA!"

She was using her feathers to tickle him in return. However, she did not have the advantage of size. He snatched her up before she could get to the real torture.

"Nice try, you devious little thing!" he exclaimed. The rocking ceased and they pulled away from each other. "So in conclusion, I don't play."

Fluttershy giggled. "Understand."

He gently set her down. "You know? You should laugh more often. Laughter becomes you well."

She blushed and then realized that was the first time she had belly laughed with someone is weeks. heck, maybe even a month.

"Thanks for walkin' me home, Spike." Applejack said when they reached the edge of the farm. "And thanks again for helpin' me with the critters. Even though it didn't turn out so well, it was still mighty big of ya."

After they had finished eating, Fluttershy was getting tired. She had been unable to sleep with everything going on, so she decided to retire early. When she entered her room, she looked in the mirror on the vanity, examining her face and hair. No matter how many ponies called her beautiful she felt like an outsider looking in at a conversation. They weren't complimenting her, they liked her face.

"Anything for you, AJ," the dragon said with a smile.

She lowered her head and tucked her face back behind her hat. He skipped and flounced so lovingly. She wondered how betrayed he'd feel when he realized that two of his first best friends stole away his first love. Not that he could've had a chance to date her, but what an unfortunate way to realize your situation.

The last pony she wanted to see zoomed past her, unwaveringly hovering over her like a wraith in the night. Then, her features peeked through the black lace sheet of night.

Applejack was about to say something when Rainbow Dash smiled and her words caught in her throat.

"I was lookin' for you! Rarity asked me to come over, and I want you to come with!"

"Aw shucks, talk about'a wingpony!"

"You know I gotchu! Besides, you just make sleepovers more... Uhh.."

She noticed the farm mare's tentative gaze. She actually listened to her, and considered it. It didn't help Rainbow's flow of thought that the ponys eyes seemed to glow when she blushes. Illuminating her smile were street lights, showcasing her bonny beautiful smile lines. Her teeth were slightly crooked, but rainbow had hyperdontia anyways-

"Dash? Shug? The sleepovers?"

"right! You make em' more fun! All of us are different and we mesh WAY too well. Anyways, I gotta hot date, and she's YOUR marefriend!"

Rainbow was chased playfully by the draft pony, after all her head cleared when she flew.

Fluttershy woke up with a scream. Discord flew through her thick doors in the moments following.

"What is it?! What's wrong?!"

She sighed in relief. "Nothing. It was a bad dream."

"Oh." Discord blushed in embarrassment. "My bad, I just thought…

"That I was in danger?" she finished.

She had to admit that was awfully sweet of him.

"Yes, but you're not, I see. So I'll just be going…"

"Wait! Could you, um…stay for a little bit?"

He stared at her, and then clapped his hands, turning the lights on. He sat on the edge of the bed.

"So this nightmare," he said, "what was it about?"

Fluttershy was about to tell him, but then remembered who she was talking to and hid her face under the covers. Discord was confused by this reaction. Then he recalled something and frowned.

"Was it about…me?"

She peered out at him. "How did you…?"

"You mentioned it to your friends."

She hid her face again in shame. "I'm really sorry, I…

"Tell me."

"What? Why?"

She was hesitant at first, but the beans had been spilt. She told him how it was the same every night: he would hold her, chuckle darkly, whisper horrible things in her ear, and sometimes turn her into her discordant self again. It stung him.

"Is that how you see me?" he asked, with hurt behind the mask of his bright eyes.

"I…I…"

"Please, I…I don't know why I keep dreaming it. I'm not scared of... You, in front of me."

When he gazed into those pleading eyes, his coldness dissolved. He could not leave her in this state.

"Alright," he said with a sigh. "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep.

She smiled in thanks. "I'm not really sure if I can go to sleep now."

"How about I help you?"

"Sure, but what…?"

With a snap of his fingers, they found themselves sitting on top of a cloud high above the castle.

"Whyd you do that?" Fluttershy asked.

"It's a clear night," Discord said, lounging onto his back. "I thought we could have a look at the stars."

"no- well not no, but why did you teleport us? We can both fly."

"works up a sweat!" Suddenly as she looked at him he wore an outfit similar to the actress and activist, Mane Fonda. only, in the 80's.

"They're beautiful," she marveled.

"Yeah." Discord muttered. She raised an eyebrow at him. "I can admire pretty lights!" He continued to look at the ones reflecting in the pools of her eyes rather than the ones in space.

"You know Twilight could name all the stars and planets and constellations?" she said. "Every single one of them!"

Her smile wavered at the thought of her friend. Discord saw this and knew he had to distract her.

"The stars are rather boring when they're stuck on the sky like that, aren't they?"

He waved his paw and Fluttershy gasped as the stars moved into the shape of a butterfly.

"Does that count as your confines?"

"if it isn't, I got lots of paperwork to do."

Fluttershy watched as the astral butterfly flapped its wings against the night sky and floated in circles. "Well…it is kind of…neat…"

Discord laughed triumphantly as the smile returned to her face. "See? My chaos can be useful."

"you've done more useful stuff than that. Just, for your reasons."

He grinned and made writing motions with his claw, using the stars to spell out a message. Fluttershy's eyes grew to the size of frying pans as she read it: Do you love me? Check Yes or No. Underneath, he drew two boxes marked 'Yes' and 'No.'

When she turned to him, he had that excited look on his face. He handed her his glowing claw, still pointing towards the sky. She glanced between him and the message, and then finally took the claw and drew a check in the second box.

Discord shrugged, still half smiling. "Creative, eh? I'm getting good at this."

...

"I-I'm really sorry, but…I just don't…feel that way about you yet…"

"No, it's okay!" he said quickly.

But it was not okay. She had rejected him before, but for some reason, it hurt this time.

He stiffened as he felt something nuzzle against him. He glanced down to see the pegasus curling up to him.

"But I'm willing to accept you as a friend," she said softly.

It was as if a string were pulled inside his chest. "Friend?"

"Why, of course. I think it's only fair."

He did not know what to say. "Oh…well, I've…never really had a friend before. i should rework the sign."

The stars now read: Do you wanna be my friend And if you do, Well then don't be afraid to take me by the hand If you want to. I think this is how love goes. Check yes or no.

"Huhuhuh, I stole that."

"Never?"

"What do you think?"

She nuzzled closer to him. "Well, now you do. And I'm sorry."

He blinked. "For what?"

"I was wrong about you. You're not a monster."

She closed her eyes and snuggled into his fur. Discord stared at her in awe, not believing that such a pony could exist. Not only was she beautiful beyond belief, but she was kind enough to even care for him. Even if she had not given him what he had expected, the idea of having a friend made his heart explode. Who knew I even had a heart?

She mumbled. "Well, you might be. But I like monsters then."

He stuck out his claw unsurely and began to stroke her mane. Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked up at him. He retracted his claw, not sure why he was suddenly so hesitant.

"Sorry, I…do you mind?"

She stared at him for a moment and then smiled. "No, it's okay." She flipped onto her belly and closed her eyes. "Go ahead, so long as you don't tickle me again."

He chuckled as he sat up, leaning on his arm. "Don't worry, my dear. I'll be gentle."

Not wasting a second of this opportunity, he placed his paw on the top of her head and slowly ran his fingers through her mane. He sighed internally at the softness of her hair and Fluttershy was once again surprised at his tender touch. His raptor talons now used to graze her scalp ever so gently, like a large bumblebee on a small flower.

The sleep she was lulled in was one discord was hesitant to cut short. So of course he didn't. He lie close to her, feeling her heart beating, and wondered if it was him she dreamed of. Thank Celestia they were together, he just wanted to stay in this moment forever.

So he curled his body around her, like a dragon guarding its treasure. He continued to stare at her face, so it would be the last thing he would see before drifting off to sleep himself. He didn't want to sleep though, he could've spent the whole night just hearing her breathing. Watching her smile while she slept. Despite his droopy lids, he didn't wanna miss a thing.

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