Hey. I know we don't talk a lot, but can I ask you something?
Short&Hoofy
Okay. What do you want?
PaintDrop
RRBB. You've been friends for a long time, so... what things do you like? I mean I know what she says she likes, and there are the MCE scrolls (which she’s got already), but what does she really like? As in something that would make her happy.
Short&Hoofy
Heh. A functional family? Acceptance? It's a long list. Just to let you know she hates surprise parties. She never liked them, but lately she's really started to despise them.
PaintDrop
No, not a party. I want to give her a gift that will make her feel better, even if it's for a few days. Jade will be coming to visit soonish, so I want to ask him to get something. That's why I need your help. You know her better than anypony.
Short&Hoofy
... do you like her?
PaintDrop
Of course I do. She's always so sad or getting into fights. She's got a really bad rep in school and everypony thinks she's mean, but so few see she's hurting. Getting something nice every once in awhile might get her to feel a bit better. She can use that.
Short&Hoofy
That's not what I asked :/
PaintDrop
I do.
Short&Hoofy
Oh. I guess that's why you're always here when she was feeling down. I thought it was a MC thing. You know, because of your sis. How long has this been going on?
PaintDrop
Two and a half years almost.
Short&Hoofy
I never noticed. Are you...?
PaintDrop
Gay? Yes. I'm just discreet about it. My family knows. They support me, they just don't tell anyone about me. And yes, I know that one day I'll have to come out publicly, but for now I'll just keep things like this. And let's face it, I'm not very noticeable.
Short&Hoofy
You got that last bit right. And I never would have guessed. I've seen you talk with colts just as much as with fillies. Does RRBB know?
PainDrop
Paint, just because I am doesn't mean I'll drool at anypony with nipples! :/ Do you run around chasing colts all day? The only difference between me and RRBB is that I've known for a long time and had no pressure to hide it, not to my family at least. They even took me to a psychiatrist to do some tests the first time the were doubts. I'm perfectly okay with who I am, I just don't make a big deal out of it.
And... I'm not sure. I hinted to RRBB, but she might not have gotten the message. I just don't want to be too forward so soon after she had her heart shattered, you know? It's not like YouKnowWho isn't attractive (trust me on this), and let's face it, I'm not that much.
Short&Hoofy
That's RRBB for you. She tends to think about herself a lot. I know I'll hate myself, but how high am I rated?
PaintDrop
Haven't you asked her? And of course she'll think about herself! Don't pretend you don't know what I mean.
Short&Hoofy
Hey, I've been friends with her ever since kindergarten, so don't give me that! And we do talk a lot, just not about such stuff, with it being a touchy subject and all. In fact, she specifically asked me not to because she didn't want to feel uncomfortable!
PaintDrop
Yes. Sorry. I know, it's just... it's not easy seeing the one you like hurt all day and not be able to say a thing...
You're an 8/10
Short&Hoofy
I know what you mean. I don't think of RRBB the same way you do, obviously, but yes, it's painful watching her. Usually I wouldn't be saying this, but all the times we go to the bathroom to "freshen up" we’re actually there so she could cry. I used to think it was because of her parents and the shit she was getting at school.
Just an 8!? Are you serious? Why? What's wrong with me?
PainDrop
It's subjective. And you're too much of a stallion's mare to be of interest. RRBB and YouKnowWho are 11/10 just so you know.
Short&Hoofy
Okay, hold on. I take it this is your personal preference, but just 8? I know I'm not the most stylish, but stars... that's really average. What about SweetStuff?
PaintDrop
:/
Short&Hoofy
Seriously, tell me! It's not like I can ask anypony else, and I am curious in an academic way. Sort of. Really, I'm not picking on you or anything, I just find it curious. :)
PaintDrop
Fine. Sweet is a 9.5, Twist is a 8, WaterBottle is a 7. Anypony else you want? :/
Short&Hoofy
Twist? I’m rated the same as lispy Twist?! I must seriously reassess my life choices.
PaintDrop
Back to RRBB please? What gift do you think be okay for her? Something with crystals? I was thinking a crystal tiara? She likes those, I think. Maybe earrings?
Short&Hoofy
Err... no. Just no. Tiara has family in the Crystal Empire. She's probably got every jewelry there is. Have you seen her with anything else than she usually wears? No. The reason for that is simple: they hold no emotional value. For a really cool gift go unexpected. She'll never admit it, but she loves fluff and girly stuff. No sharp objects, please. I'm a bit scared what she might do with those. (Just kidding, but seriously don't!)
That help?
PaintDrop
I guess. Something fluffy and unexpected... can't be that hard, right?
Short&Hoofy
Why do I feel like I've made a huge mistake? Just one thing...if you hurt her, especially now, I will destroy you.
PaintDrop
If I hurt her, I'll help you do it.
Short&Hoofy