This story is a sequel to The Sweetest Gem

The second episode of The Gems Trilogy. Rated Teen for strong language and sexual implications.

Rarity becomes desperate to find her special somepony once and for all as an air of romance in Ponyville continually surrounds her. But little does she know that her own best friend has been secretly harboring a crush on her for a very long time.

This story is told from the perspectives of both Rarity and Fluttershy, and will alternate between their POV's by chapter, with occasional third-party narration and multi-POV chapters to extend the story further.

Spike orders a How-To guide book to win Rarity's heart. Will Spike be able to follow all the steps like a true gentlecolt? Will any of the steps actually work? And just what is Rarity looking for in her friendship with Spike, anyway?

Image by VanilleCream at DeviantArt (used by permission).

Totally awesome fanart by Multiversecafe found here: http://multiversecafe.deviantart.com/art/How-to-Woo-your-Lady-in-9-Easy-Steps-285329019

While visiting Rarity, Sweetie Belle decides to commemorate their relationship with a drawing, but she doesn't want to make just any old drawing. She wants to make a masterpiece. The only problem is making it.

A Cutie Mark is meant to represent the personality and special talent of each pony that has one. Cheerilee's flowers symbolize her desire to help her students bloom, and the smiles represent the cheer that she hopes to bring to their lives.

At least...that's what she tells everypony who asks.

[SEMI-SAD]

The friends we take for granted are often the ones that leave the largest impact on our lives. When Spike falls seriously ill with a mysterious disease and the ponies strive to nurse him back to health, Twilight Sparkle comes to grips with this very realization about her number one assistant--and friend.

EDIT: So this little story made it on Equestria Daily on 10/8/12. Now please excuse me while I pass out on Rarity's fainting couch while murmuring a soft Fluttershy "...yay."

Due to a typo on her permit to build a new barn, and the meddling of a recalcitrant bureaucrat, Applejack is stuck running a bar, at least until Mayor Mare gets back to town. So sit down and have a drink in Ponyville's least likely watering hole!

Princess Celestia will at last get a taste of Twilight Sparkle. No, not in that way! The whole Elemental Harmony Squad is involved... no, still not in that way!

Popsicles will be prominently involved... and again, not in a naughty way. The only naughty pony here is Luna.

Octavia is pointed in the direction of Carousel Boutique by a respected colleague. She intends to commision matching uniforms on behalf of her ensemble leader, the esteemed Frederic Horseshoepin. Octavia has misgivings however, when informed that the boutique in question is in Ponyville, a backwater farming town.

Can the proprietor of Carousel Boutique prove to the Canterlot mare that she has what it takes?

The first episode of The Gems Trilogy.

Sweetie Belle attempts to deal with the realization that she's developed a crush on Spike. Meanwhile, Spike's own feelings are in flux.

As the Ursa Minor problem is drawn to bitter conclusion, Trixie finds herself torn by choices - should she carry on down the harsh and lonely road of her life, now with nothing to her name, or rein in her pride and return to Ponyville to ask somepony for help? At that, will she even learn anything?
[Featured on EqD or something October '11]