Artist’s Description:

“Mom, stop it, you’re embarrassing me…,” Nessa growled from between gritted teeth.

“Oh I just can’t help it,” Fluttershy cooed, fluffing up her daughter’s bow, “you just look so cute!” Fluttershy giggled playfully and admired Nessa’s outfit: a black tank top depicting a severed pony’s skull and a black bow to match. Though a bit drab, Fluttershy knew that this was her baby’s “happy” attire.

Fluttershy continued to fuss about Nessa’s outfit, straightening it up every couple of seconds ever so slightly.

“Oh I just want this picture to be perfect since you don’t allow your father and I to get many,” she stated, “Will is going to be so excited to get one of us through the mail while he’s on his tour! Hopefully it gets to him in time,” Fluttershy whispered in a worried tone.

“Are you two ready!?” the photographer called kindly.

“That’s us, Nessa!” Fluttershy hurriedly pushed Nessa Mae next to her with her large, spindly wings and draped her arm lovingly around her daughter.

“Please smile, Nessie!” she pleaded and pulled her in closer, smiling happily for the camera.

Nessa blushed in hot embarrassment as her mother’s arm pulled her in tight and her wing bopped her accidentally in the face. She tried hard not to smile, as for if she did, she would not be maintaining her punkish appearance.

FLASH! The camera’s bulb exploded with light as the moment was captured forever: Fluttershy smiling happily as she held her blushing calf close to her chest, biting back a genuinely happy smile.

———

Ahhh Nessa Mae and Fluttershy, one of my favorite Next Gen relationships to work with! 

Nessa can be a bit of a butt in an attempt to maintain a “cool and aloof” appearance, but deep down really loves and appreciates the more soft and cute acts her mother does for her.

While their relationship does become strained at times due to Nessa’s defiant behavior, they have an extremely deep bond which helps resolve the tension; most arguments ending in fits of laughter. Fluttershy wants the very best for her punk rock baby, and if that means letting her pretend to be tough, then Fluttershy will do what she can to make it happen.