PMOL Contest: Flutter (Story in Description)

It was beautiful out. The sky was filled with large, fluffy clouds, and the temperature was mild. A gentle breeze occasionally gusted over Equestria, and everything seemed to be calm. 

That is, everything aside from a unicorn named Magnolia May.

It would be easy to assume that she, like everything else around her, was calm. Outwardly, she looked the part. She was relaxed, and wore a small smile on her face. Her actions didn't betray her unease either, as she walked with an unhurried, smooth gait, and her eyes didn't dart or flicker about. 

But inside? She was deeply conflicted.

Magnolia had been invited by her close friend Rosemary to join her and her parents in butterfly watching. Despite Magnolia having no particular interest or prior knowledge on said insect, she had readily accepted the other mare's invitation. The date was set, and she had met Rosemary and her parents in town at around ten in the morning. Together, the four went out to a particularly flowery field and set out a blanket. To Magnolia's surprise, other insect lovers were present, eagerly examining the butterflies flitting about. After saying a quick hello to a pair of butterfly enthusiasts sitting close by, the four set off, roaming the field for a good two hours. Magnolia looked around with Rosemary, and Fluttershy observed the butterflies with Bulk Biceps. 

At around noon, Rosemary, Magnolia, and Rosemary's parents all sat down for lunch together. Again, Magnolia was surprised; she had neglected to actually bring anything for lunch, as she had assumed that they'd leave to get something to eat or head home before noon. Rosemary assured Magnolia that it was okay, since they'd packed food for her, anticipating their later stay. Still, Magnolia had to be thoroughly pressed by Rosemary to even take a bite of the food, Magnolia feeling guilty for not providing her own meal. However, once she tasted it, Magnolia's empty stomach prompted her to quickly, yet neatly, devour the rest of the meal. She thanked Rosemary and her parents profusely once she was done, to which they gently replied that it was no trouble whatsoever.


Afterwards, the four ponies roamed the fields and surrounding forest for a few more hours. At around four, the group decided to go home. Magnolia had enjoyed the trip greatly, relishing in the time she got to spend in the company of her dear friend. With her job, and Rosemary's schedule, the two hadn't really talked in weeks. Magnolia May realized just how much she missed Rosemary, just the sound of her voice making the stress of Magnolia's busy work week melt away. Being in Rosemary's familiar, calming presence after time spent away from her made Magnolia feel exponentially more relaxed and content. Magnolia hadn't even realized how tense she was until she lied down a few feet away from Rosemary as they waited for Rosemary's parents to return. She felt any remaining stress in her body dissipate; Rosemary was right, being outside and in nature was relaxing, even if Magnolia, being her typical groomed self, didn't quite want to admit it out loud. The two had been watching clouds and waiting for Rosemary's parents to return for some time before Magnolia stood up. "Hey darlin', why don't we go up to the top of that hill over there and see if we can see your parents?" She said, looking over at Rosemary.

Rosemary, who had her eyes closed a few seconds ago, looked over to Magnolia and blinked, "Oh? Ohhhhh... sure Magnolia, that sounds like a great idea." The mare replied with a smile.

Rosemary stood up and shook herself before walking over to where Magnolia stood. She placed a wing over the smaller mare's back, "Ready to go then?" She asked, looking down at Magnolia.

Magnolia nodded. She was a bit surprised by Rosemary's sudden closeness, but didn't comment on it. After all, it wasn't as if Magnolia was opposed to it. Rosemary's wing was soft, and it wasn't as if her wing restricted Magnolia's movements much at all. Together, the duo walked up the hill. Magnolia felt a tendril of nervousness trickle into her stomach as they got closer to the top of the hill. 

Truthfully, Magnolia had wanted to walk up to the top of the hill with Rosemary for more than just looking for the cream-colored mare's parents. Magnolia had wanted to tell Rosemary something for a while now. Ever since a year ago, when the two had been talking and Magnolia had, with wide-eyes, finally realized how she felt about Rosemary, Magnolia had been itching to talk to her alone. But that opportunity never came, or if an opportunity had presented itself, Magnolia had always chickened out at the last second. 

Today was different.

Or at least, that was what Magnolia told herself. She wanted it to be different, and well, she'd try her best. There were no guarantees that she'd say anything but... she needed to stop thinking about it so much. It tore her apart, not being able to say what she wanted to say. Before Magnolia was able to get too lost in her thoughts, the pair reached the top of the top of the hill. Rosemary removed her wing from Magnolia's back, "I'm going to look over here... maybe you could look over there?" Rosemary suggested, motioning to the other side of the hilltop. 

Magnolia nodded, walking over to where Rosemary had been pointing. She looked out, and the view was nice. The field was filled with flowers, and the world bright, yet not unbearably so. Magnolia squinted down at the field, trying to locate Rosemary's parents for several minutes… without success. There weren't a huge amount of ponies in the field, yet none of them looked remotely like Rosemary's parents. After some time spent scouting, Magnolia looked over to Rosemary, who sat with her back to Magnolia. The orange mare moved over to where Rosemary sat, coming to a stop beside her. "Any luck spottin' your parents, sugarcube?" Magnolia asked.

Rosemary shook her head, "Not yet, but I wouldn't worry too much about them. My parents are surprisingly capable of finding their way home in any condition, dear. Ah... you didn't happen to see them around though, did you?"

"So you are worried, huh?" Magnolia responded, raising an eyebrow.

Rosemary smiled guiltily, "Just a little." The mare admitted.

Rosemary stood up, and Magnolia lightly pressed herself against the other mare's side, "Why are you worried? Didn't you say it yourself, your parents are capable of gettin' through anything to come home?" Magnolia asked, curious.

"Yes, and... I meant it. They're resilient, even if they might not always seem like it. But... hmm." Rosemary replied, suddenly going quiet.

"Mm?" Magnolia said, looking at Rosemary, who stays silent.

Rosemary shook her head, smiling, “It’s nothing, Magnolia. It’s just funny that you’re the one who has to tell me to calm down. Usually it’s the other way around.”

Magnolia laughed, “You do have a point there, Rosemary.”

Rosemary nodded, returning to looking out over the fields. Magnolia decided to do the same, her vision shifting to the wide plains of grass and forest. “Magnolia, earlier today you said you had something to tell me, right?” Rosemary asked suddenly.

Magnolia tensed, her heart jumping. Before they had made the trek to the fields, Magnolia had pulled the other mare to the side and nervously asked Rosemary if later, she could talk to her alone. Rosemary had agreed, and Magnolia had almost forgotten about her agreement. Magnolia laughed nervously, “I… oh! Yes, yes I did.”

She paused, taking a deep breath. She made a promise to herself to finally tell Rosemary about how she felt, and she had come too far to stop now. After all the time the orange-colored mare spent struggling and wondering how everything was going to work out would all be worth it. Now that Magnolia finally felt brave and had the perfect opportunity to talk to Rosemary alone, she couldn’t let it go to waste.

Magnolia turned to face Rosemary, looking her in the eyes, “Rosemary, I wanted to tell you that I-“ Magnolia started, only to be interrupted by a violet butterfly landing on her nose.

She goes cross-eyed, staring at the creature in surprise. Magnolia is astounded by the creature’s lousy timing, and Rosemary, unaware of Magnolia’s plight, chuckles airily under her breath. The butterfly stayed still for a few moments before fluttering away, leaving Magnolia thrown for a loop, her bravery from before flying away with the butterfly. “I think that butterfly landed on the wrong Magnolia.” Rosemary commented slyly, Magnolia laughing lightly in response.

“Huh, I guess you’re right, Rosemary.” Magnolia replied, her smile widening.

Rosemary smiled for a moment before her expression became serious, and she tilted her head, “Oh, I’m sorry Magnolia, I cut you off. What where you going to say to me again?”

“Rosemary, I… I wanted to thank you for being my friend. It means a lot to me, darlin’, to have you around. I know we might not have been talkin’ quite as much recently, with work and all, but I… I do enjoy it when we do. So… thanks Rosie.” Magnolia responded shyly, looking up at the taller mare.

Magnolia swears the cream-colored mare’s cheeks turned a slightly reddish hue as she spoke to her. Rosemary seemed surprised by Magnolia’s sudden thank you, and fumbled for a suitable response. However, she regained her calm composure seconds later, smiling kindly at Magnolia, “Oh, it’s no trouble Magnolia, and I’m glad you’re my friend too. I hope we can talk more soon, May.” Rosemary said, pulling Magnolia into a gentle hug.

Magnolia laid her head on Rosemary’s back, closing her eyes. The two friends stayed together for some time, their hug lingering. They separated when the sound of a familiar voice floated over to them in the breeze. Rosemary’s ears stood straight up, “Mummy?” She said, hopeful.

Magnolia and Rosemary listened intently, and sure enough, moments later, they got a reply. “It’s Mummy; she said Daddy was with her too, so they’re both alright.” Rosemary breathed in relief, her smile becoming more relaxed.

“Oh, well sugarcube, why don’t we go and meet up with your parents? It’s no use staying up here and making them worried sick, now is it?” Magnolia proposed, glancing at Rosemary.

The cream-colored mare nodded, “Good idea… are you ready to go, Magnolia?” Rosemary asked.

“You go ahead darlin’, I’ll catch up, alright? The air up here is magnificent, and if it’s possible, I’d like to stay up here for a few more breaths.” Magnolia replied, looking up at the clouds.

“Oh, yeah, I totally get what you mean. I’ll make sure to stay where you can see us, then, alright?” Rosemary replied understandingly.

With that, Rosemary was off, and Magnolia was left alone on the hill. Magnolia smiled; although she might not have told Rosemary about all of what she felt for her, the orange-colored mare had told Rosemary part of how she felt. Maybe it wasn’t everything, but… it was a start. She realized now that telling Rosemary about a particular set of feelings she had towards her wasn’t something she needed to rush.

No; they had time, and Magnolia May was perfectly fine with waiting.

---

For Lopoddity's contest involving the theme of love in Pandoraverse

This entry focusses mostly on actually platonic love, but also shows a little one-sided or seemingly one-sided love regarding Magnolia's crush on Rosemary.

Drawing this was pretty tedious, especially when I added in the background because Sketchbook kind of wanted to kill itself multiple times cause I had a shit ton of layers flying around... Luckily it actually only crashed once, and I didn't even lose anything so it didn't really matter. I probably would've added a bit more to the background primarily if I didn't have so many l a y e r s.

Also I haven't drawn ponies since middle school... and well, we don't... talk about that... //shudders. So yeah, uh, not exactly sure what this style is but hey let's just go with it. 

Art © Me
Rosemary and Magnolia May © Lopoddity

MLP:FiM © Lauren Faust

Please do NOT use/edit/trace/repost this artwork in ANY way!! Thanks