//------------------------------// // 1 – Sharing Secrets // Story: Great and Powerful, Darling! // by Krickis //------------------------------// Chapter One Sharing Secrets ⠀ ⠀ It was a simple decision, at least in theory. It was well known at Canterlot High School that the Great and Powerful Trixie would only accept the best of the best when it came to her magic shows. Much less known was the fact that her old magician’s outfit was beginning to show signs of wear and tear. But what was also well known was the fact that Rarity was the best around when it came to this sort of thing. And so there was only one logical conclusion – Trixie would need Rarity to mend her outfit. It was a simple solution to her problem, but still, it filled her with worry. Even so, it needed to be done. She’d put off having anyone work on the outfit for far too long, and it was starting to impact her performances. And that was simply unacceptable. At least Rarity wasn’t hard to track down. Trixie shared her last class period with the seamstress, so all she had to do was wait for class to get out and seize the chance to talk to her before she ran off to meet with her friends. That last part almost did her in, but she managed to catch Rarity at the door. Or rather, she almost ran right into her trying to get to her before she could escape to the hallway, but that was close enough. “Oh, pardon me,” Rarity said with a polite smile. “I nearly didn’t see you there.” Trixie furrowed her brow for a moment, about to ask how anyone could possibly not see the Great and Powerful Trixie, but she had other matters to focus on. “Never mind that. Trixie would like a word with you about something.” “Oh?” Rarity’s smile shifted to an inquisitive one. “Is there something I can do for you?” “Yes, in fact. Trixie understands that you have a business designing and mending clothes, and well, Trixie could have use of your assistance.” Rarity broke into a grin and Trixie was left pondering how many different ways the girl could possibly smile within a single conversation. Not that she minded; bafflingly, not everyone at Canterlot High showed such welcoming reactions to Trixie’s presence. “Fancy a new outfit for your next performance? Well, you’ve come to the right person!” Rarity clapped her hands together. “And you’re in luck, because my schedule is wide open today! Just let me run to my locker to get some supplies and I’ll meet you in the music room.” “Trixie doesn’t need…” Trixie trailed off when Rarity ran into the hall before she could explain that she only needed her to mend her outfit, not design a new one. And of course, there was no chasing after her in the crowded hall. Oh well, it didn’t matter much. If Rarity wasted time getting more prepared than she needed to be, then that would be her problem. For her own part, Trixie walked leisurely to the music room. It made for an ideal place to meet, provided no one was using it. After school, the room was left open for any of the student-formed bands to practice in. Along with the library, that made the music room one of the more private places to meet after school, and unlike the library, there would be no one shushing people who were trying to have a conversation. That suited Trixie well. The more private their meeting, the better. In fact, if Trixie had the means to fix her outfit on her own, she wouldn’t dare involve Rarity in the matter. She couldn’t, but that didn’t stop her from having reservations. Rarity, after all, was a known gossip. How could Trixie trust someone like her with something so important? Because she didn’t have a choice, that’s how. Trixie had tried her hand at sewing and her last shoddy patch job had come apart during rehearsal. The thought of that happening on stage was overwhelming, and it pushed her to desperate measures. She would just have to make sure Rarity understood how delicate the situation was and hope that no one else was around to listen in. So, of course, the music room was occupied when she arrived. Flash Sentry and his band were using it to practice their act, and Trixie could do nothing but look at them as if they had specifically decided to be here to sabotage her. They took no note of her, continuing their song as if they didn’t have an audience now. Trixie took a seat and waited. She wouldn’t discuss her outfit around them, but she would at least wait for Rarity to show up. One might’ve hoped that the live entertainment passed the time, but Trixie’s thoughts were on how much better her own band was compared to such common music tastes. Even Rarity’s band was better than this. Well, Rarity’s band was better than most other bands, if Trixie were to be completely honest. Which she wouldn’t be, at least not in Rarity’s presence. So she waited for Rarity, forced to listen to a mediocre band in the meantime. Time dragged on, but eventually, Rarity showed up. “Terribly sorry for the wait,” she said as she walked in with arms full of stuff. “I just wasn’t sure exactly what we’d need and wanted to be prepared.” Trixie eyed the mountain of stuff skeptically as Rarity put it down, but she chose not to comment on it. Rarity took a seat beside Trixie and pulled out a notepad and pencil. “Now, what did you have in mind?” Trixie looked over at the band, who were content to ignore the two girls. “It’s a bit too crowded in here for Trixie’s tastes. Perhaps there’s somewhere more private we could go?” “More private?” Rarity looked at Flash’s band and then back to Trixie, wearing a puzzled expression. “But there’s hardly anyone here, and they aren’t in the way in the slightest. Why could you possibly… unless…” Rarity tore her eyes away from Trixie’s and held her notepad up, hiding part of her face behind it. “Er, what kind of outfit did you want me to design again? You should know I don’t work on, how shall we say, lingerie?” Trixie blushed and opened her backpack. “It’s nothing like that! I just need this mended.” She pulled out her magician’s outfit and held it up, but pulled it away by instinct when Rarity made to reach for it. Rarity didn’t seem bothered. In fact, she just gave a dainty laugh. “Oh, is that all? And here I brought all this stuff to design you a fresh new ensemble!” Trixie rolled her eyes. “That’s because you ran off before Trixie could explain herself.” That got another small laugh out of Rarity. “I suppose you do have a point there. Well if it’s just a repair job you need, I could have it back to you by tomorrow.” Although Rarity held out her hand expectantly, Trixie didn’t hand over the outfit. “Trixie still needs to speak to you privately about it. Is there somewhere else we can go?” Rarity gave yet another one of her dainty laughs. Did that come naturally to her, or was she doing it intentionally? “A repair job is a simple enough matter. I can hardly think of anything you could possibly need to speak to me in private about.” Trixie shoved the outfit back in her bag. “Well, if you won’t meet your client’s needs, I’ll just have to find someone who will.” “Now now, there’s no need to be like that.” Rarity placed a hand on Trixie’s shoulder and smiled. “Come, we can go to my house if it’s that important to you. And since we’ll be there with all my tools, I could even repair it as you wait, if you’d like.” Trixie thought for a moment. “I suppose that’ll do. Lead the way, then.” Rarity cleared her throat and grinned sheepishly before gesturing towards the pile of stuff. “I, er, don’t suppose you wouldn’t mind lending me a hand with this?” Although Trixie didn’t see why she should need to lend a hand when Rarity was the one who had gotten ahead of herself, she chose not to argue. It was mostly fabric and a few tools anyway, nothing heavy. Rarity led them to the student parking lot, and Trixie kept an eye out for the most fabulous, show-stopping car on the lot, sure that would be Rarity’s. Instead, she followed the high-class fashionista to an old station wagon. “This is your car?” Trixie asked with a grin. “Well, yes… It’s certainly not the one I would have chosen, but beggars can’t be choosers, as they say. It was my dad’s before he got a… newer station wagon.” The distaste in her father’s car choice was apparent in her voice, and if she had any tact, Trixie wouldn’t have commented. Thankfully she didn’t, and allowed herself to laugh openly. Rarity shot her a glare. “We are more than welcome to take your car.” That shut Trixie up. “Trixie usually takes the bus…” “Well then, as I said –” Rarity put the stuff she was carrying in the backseat, so Trixie did likewise “– beggars can’t be choosers.” Trixie didn’t say anything else as she climbed into the passenger seat. Rarity climbed in beside her, and grabbed an oversized hat and a pair of sunglasses off the dash. “Do you always drive with those?” Trixie asked. “I may accept the car fate has given me, but that does not mean I need to be seen in it.” Trixie just smirked to herself as they drove off. By the time they reached their destination, Trixie was starting to wonder if she maybe could’ve found a broom closet or something that they could’ve talked in rather than going all the way to Rarity’s house. They could’ve even talked in the car on the way when it got down to it. But they didn’t, so now she might as well follow Rarity into her room. At least she decided to leave most of the stuff in the car, so they didn’t have to haul it inside. No one seemed to be home as they walked in, which suited Trixie fine; she wasn’t really in the mood to meet Rarity’s family. As if knowing what Trixie was thinking, Rarity spoke up while they walked through the house. “My sister might come home while I work on your outfit, but more than likely she’ll stay with her friends until dinner time.” She opened a door and stood aside to allow Trixie into her room, then followed behind her. Like her car, Trixie found herself a little surprised by Rarity’s bedroom. She had expected posters of boy bands, giant stuffed animals, maybe even fine china decorating the room. Instead, it looked more like a workshop with a bed, which only had one little teddy bear on it. There was a desk with a sewing machine, rolls of fabric in every color imaginable, and even a full-sized mannequin. Trixie pointed at that last one. “How do you sleep with that in your room?” Rarity just laughed. “Oh, you get used to it. Now, shall we get down to business? What was so important that you couldn’t speak about it at school?” Trixie took a deep breath. “Okay, I need you to swear you’ll never tell another soul about this.” Rarity gave a small nod. “I think I see where this is going. Trixie, if you can’t afford to pay me, I’ll still gladly help you.” “What?” Trixie furrowed her brow. “The Great and Powerful Trixie does not need charity work!” “Well in that case, whatever could be so sensitive that we had to come all the way here?” Trixie folded her arms. “Swear that you won’t tell a soul.” Rarity pursed her lips for a moment, then sighed. “Fine. I swear to hold your secret in the highest of confidence. No one shall hear it, at least not from me.” Trixie tried to think of a way that she could be sure of that, but nothing came to mind. In the end, she had decided to come to Rarity with this, so there was no sense in backing down now. Wordlessly, she pulled the outfit from her backpack and handed it to Rarity. Rarity held it up, then looked at Trixie. “Er, did you want this for a patch job or a resizing?” Trixie glared. “What!?” “Oh no! I didn’t mean in that way, it’s just…” She held the outfit up to Trixie. “It looks like you maybe hadn’t been quite as tall when you first got this. Surely it’s a little too short on you these days.” That was true, and it spoke to Rarity’s talent that she had been able to spot that so effortlessly. “I just need it patched up.” Rarity frowned. “Darling, I could make you something far more fetching if you’d just allow me to.” There was little doubt about that being true as well, but then… Well, Rarity was sure to notice anyway… “I… Trixie doesn’t know if that’s such a good idea…” “Oh, trust me, darling! It’ll be magnificent!” Trixie didn’t doubt that, but then she’d have to explain… “Trixie needs this outfit for a performance this weekend.” Rarity put a finger to her mouth. “Hmm, that is short notice… Tell you what, I’ll even give you a special deal. If you’ll give me the honor of designing your newest stage ensemble, I’ll mend this one for free. That way you’ll have it for this weekend’s show, and have a more dazzling one for the next after that.” That was quite the deal, even if Trixie hadn’t planned on commissioning a whole outfit. And how much longer could she even keep using the same outfit? If she grew any taller, it was certain to no longer fit her at all. “I… that is, the Great and Powerful Trixie will… accept your offer.” Rarity giggled and clapped her hands. “Alright then, let’s get to work!” Even as Rarity reached for a notepad, Trixie was already regretting it. “But you have to make sure you keep everything –” “A secret, yes I know darling.” Rarity smiled and started drawing something on the notepad. She motioned for Trixie to take a seat on her bed, which she did. “I’m thinking a twist on tradition. Of course the tuxedo is a classic magician’s staple, but perhaps we can do something that accentuates your lovely physique a little better?” Trixie blushed a little, but she grinned through it. “Well, Trixie can’t argue with that.” “Perhaps something like this?” Rarity drew a rough sketch of a tux on top that turned into a dress on the bottom. “We could keep it form-fitting on top without being constricting.” “Form-fitting might be a problem,” Trixie said with a frown. She did think she would look stunning in an outfit like that, but then there were practical concerns. “Not comfortable in tighter clothing?” Rarity asked, though she didn’t wait for an answer. “No matter, we can work around that simply enough.” Trixie looked over to her old outfit. “There needs to be certain… attributes to it.” “Oh?” Rarity looked up from her notepad inquisitively. “Such as?” “Well…” Trixie blushed harder than she did when Rarity had complimented her. She knew she had to be honest about it, but she worried… “That’s sort of the secret.” Rarity frowned slightly. “From others sure, but you can’t possibly expect me to design the ensemble without knowing the details.” “Trixie knows! She just…” Rarity’s frown grew into a smirk. “Well, a secret for a secret then. You already saw what kind of car I drive, much as I wish no one would ever see me in that hideous thing…” There was some truth to that, but it hardly seemed like an even exchange. “It can’t be that big of a secret if you just invited me in it without thinking. Besides, you’re the most dazzling girl at school, no one would care what kind of car you drive.” Rarity broke into a smile. “Most dazzling girl, you say?” Trixie blushed again. “After the Great and Powerful Trixie, of course!” Rarity giggled. “Fine. If that’s not a big enough secret…” She looked around the room for a moment, her eyes falling on the rolls of fabric. For whatever reason, seeing that caused her to blush. She gave a small sigh, then turned resolutely towards Trixie. “I can’t tell the difference between seafoam and aquamarine without reading the label.” Trixie laughed. “No one can tell the difference between colors like that, that’s not a secret!” Rarity frowned and set down her notepad. “It is to me! Honestly, I’m trying to work with you here, and I would appreciate it if you didn’t laugh in my face for telling you something I’m sensitive about!” Trixie stopped laughing immediately and instead turned her eyes towards the floor. “Trixie… I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that would really matter to you.” Rarity seemed to accept her apology, as she nodded and picked up her notepad again. “So then, care to tell me what this big secret is all about?” Trixie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This was it. “The outfit needs to have hidden compartments for my magic show.” “Ah, right, that would make form-fitting rather difficult then. But a dress would work well, we could conceal pockets in it that loop up into the tuxedo part.” Trixie opened her eyes, but she wouldn’t meet Rarity’s. “You won’t tell anyone, will you?” Rarity laughed a little, though not unkindly. “Trixie, darling, you have my utmost secrecy. Although I do hate to break it to you, but everyone knows that magic shows aren’t real magic.” “But they are!” Trixie said, her eyes instantly darting to Rarity’s. “The thrill of the audience, the wonder and excitement, it’s all magic! The tricks may not be real, but the illusion is, and it’s a magician’s sacred duty to maintain that illusion at any cost!” There seemed to be no end to the ways Rarity could manage to smile. Trixie wasn’t entirely sure what this one meant, but if she had to guess, it would be that Rarity was somehow touched by Trixie’s speech. “I never realized how passionate you were about your magic, Trixie. In that case, it’s my sacred duty to make sure you get the most amazing outfit you could possibly imagine! Together the two of us will find new ways to dazzle your audience!” Work progressed on the outfit much easier than before, as Trixie started to ease up on telling Rarity exactly what she needed. They were able to use her old outfit and its secret compartments as a starting point, but Rarity had some brilliant ideas about new features they could add into the tuxedo dress. And even more surprising, while Rarity worked, they made idle conversation that Trixie found she actually enjoyed. She finished her sketches and moved onto taking Trixie’s measurements, and Rarity had no problems keeping a conversation going. “With the way you didn’t want to talk about it, I thought your big secret was going to be something a lot more personal.” “The art of magic is very personal to Trixie.” “Oh yes, and I completely understand. I just meant I thought it would be something about Trixie as well. With the way you clammed up, I might’ve thought you were failing English class or something.” Trixie frowned. “History, actually.” “I beg your pardon?” “I’m failing history.” That was less of a secret than the fact that she had hidden compartments in her outfit, but Trixie still surprised herself by admitting it to Rarity. “I see. Well, if it’s any help, I could ask Twilight to tutor you. She helps me in science all the time, and I could probably stand to brush up on my history a bit better as well. Perhaps the three of us could form a study group?” “Trixie will get by, like she always does.” Trixie was left puzzled at why she told Rarity that at all. Rarity didn’t seem to question it, but Trixie still wanted to give a reason. “There, now we’re two for two. You told me two secrets, and now Trixie has matched you.” Rarity smiled as she wrapped the measuring tape around Trixie’s midsection. “Oh, there was no need for that. I trust you to keep my secrets, you know.” “You do?” Rarity laughed and looked up into Trixie’s eyes with her hands still holding the measuring tape to her midsection. The effect caused Trixie to blush again, just a little. “But of course. Shouldn’t I?” “It’s just… people don’t usually trust Trixie.” “Well then, I’ll be the exception.” Trixie smiled and Rarity pulled the measuring tape away to use it elsewhere. She had Trixie extend an arm to get the length measured, and she didn’t seem to think much of the words that meant so much more than Trixie would dare admit. “To tell you the truth,” Trixie said, forcing them back to a casual conversation, “I expected your room to be a lot different.” “Oh?” “More… girly, I guess? You know, cutesy things or high fashion stuff, that sort of thing.” Rarity laughed. “Oh, I do have lots of fashion magazines stowed away, I just don’t tend to leave them out. Staying up on the industry isn’t just for fun, it’s part of my job as well.” “So then fashion isn’t just a hobby for you?” “Oh heavens no.” Rarity gestured towards her work station. “This is my passion, darling. I fully intend to make a career out of it, too.” “Of course.” Rarity giggled. “Yes, I suppose that isn’t terribly surprising to anyone who’s met me.” “Well not just that,” Trixie said with a confident grin. “You’ll be absolutely unstoppable at it. Anyone who can design a new outfit for –” “The Great and Powerful Trixie!” Rarity finished with a smirk. “Well, yes. But I say it better.” Rarity smiled and wrote down the last of the measurements. “I’m really flattered to hear you say that, Trixie. It means a lot to me.” Was Rarity being so nice to her because Trixie was her client? People usually didn’t put too much stock into the things Trixie said. “Yes, well… you also have good taste to listen to the Great and Powerful Trixie!” “Hmm, one of these days, I’ll manage to say that as well as you.” “Ha! Trixie would love to see that!” “Someday. But for now, I better get to work on repairing your old outfit.” Rarity held up the outfit and examined it, then brought it over to her sewing machine. Trixie watched her work, practiced fingers moving the garment along effortlessly. “How long have you been using this outfit?” “A few years,” Trixie admitted. “It used to be too big on me.” “Your new one will fit perfectly, I guarantee.” “Trixie trusts you.” “I’m glad to hear it. I thought you were going to make me ramble off even more secrets before I earned your trust.” Trixie grinned. “Oh, so you were ready to? Maybe I should have held out longer.” Rarity giggled. “Maybe. Do you want to know another?” Trixie had only been teasing, she hadn’t really meant to worm more secrets out of the fashionista. But now that the offer was on the table… “Whatever it is, Trixie will be able to top it.” Rarity glanced towards her bed and the one teddy bear on it. “I simply can not sleep without Mr. Cuddlesworth.” Trixie snickered. “You named your teddy bear Mr. Cuddlesworth?” “I did, and I think it’s a perfectly charming name.” Rarity looked up at Trixie and fluttered her eyelashes. “Don’t you agree?” Trixie had been considering poking more fun at Rarity, but the look she was giving made her heart skip a beat. “I… Trixie supposes it’s cute.” Rarity laughed and moved onto fixing a different part of the outfit. “And I believe you promised you could outdo me?” “But of course. The Great and Secretive Trixie has many, erm, secrets. You can’t sleep without your teddy? Well, Trixie can’t sleep without her night light!” Trixie had expected Rarity to laugh, but she just smiled. “Aww, that’s simply adorable! But you poor dear, are you afraid of the dark?” “No,” Trixie answered too quickly. “Trixie just likes how her night light casts stars and moons over her room.” “Yes, of course.” Rarity paused sewing for a moment to tap on her chin. “Well, I suppose if we’re getting into really big secrets, I have one that can top that… But you must promise to never tell a soul.” “Trixie swears that it’ll never leave this room.” Rarity took a deep breath. “My accent is fake.” As much as Trixie wanted to maintain her poise like Rarity had, she couldn’t resist letting out a laugh. At least Rarity didn’t seem to mind. “You’re kidding.” “Nope. When I was young, I came up with this idea of whom I wanted to be. The perfect lady, whose speech would match everything else about her to a T.” “So then what’s your real accent sound like?” Rarity blushed. “Oh no, I simply couldn’t… I’ve been talking this way for so long, it really has become my natural way of speaking.” “Come on, don’t make Trixie break out the puppy dog eyes.” Rarity laughed. “Oh, well, I suppose we couldn’t have that.” She took a deep breath, and when she spoke again, she wore a deep blush and her voice held a strong midwestern accent. “Oh, I suppose it sounds something like this?” There was no hiding her laughter this time. Hearing that accent come out of Rarity was just too amusing not to. Before she could reign it in and apologize for laughing, Rarity joined in with her own laughter. “I can’t believe you made me do that!” she said with her regular accent returning. “Trixie finds it to be cute!” Trixie said as she laughed. “Even if it was a little unexpected.” “Well now, does this mean I win our little game?” Trixie thought for a moment, realizing that if she was going to up the ante, she would need to share something very personal. It wasn’t that she couldn’t, it was just that the things she thought of… “It’s alright to admit defeat,” Rarity said with a cocky grin. Trixie looked down and folded her hands in her lap. “Trixie is… gay.” “Oh, is that all, darling?” Rarity asked as if this wasn’t one of the biggest secrets of Trixie’s life. “You’re hardly the only person with an interest in the fairer sex. I myself am bisexual.” Trixie looked up at Rarity’s comforting smile, unable to make a smile of her own. “You… you are?” “Oh you poor thing, you’ve really been keeping this inside for a long time haven’t you? Yes, and so are many of our peers. Really, you have nothing to be ashamed of.” “I…” Trixie looked back down at the ground and didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what to say, not to something like that. “Given the circumstances, perhaps we should call this game a draw? I’ve finished the repairs anyway.” “No! Trixie can still win!” Trixie fished around her thoughts for something truly shocking, something that would be sure to top anything Rarity could throw at her. She found just the thing. “Trixie doesn’t believe anyone but her mom will ever love her!” Rarity’s face fell at that one, and for one brief moment, Trixie revelled in her victory. Only for a moment, then she took note of exactly how Rarity was looking at her. She stood up and walked over to the bed, wrapping her arms around Trixie in a hug. “Trixie… Is this because of the gay thing? Because I assure you, there are a number of girls at CHS who feel the same way.” “No,” Trixie said. Not really sure what to do about the hug, she did nothing; she didn’t return it, nor did she try to pull away. “Even my dad… He doesn’t like to be home. He’s really amazing! He’s a travelling magician, and he inspired me to learn magic. But when he’s home, he’s just thinking about when he gets to leave again…” “I… I know a little about what that’s like,” Rarity said. She took a seat on the bed beside Trixie. “My parents do live here, but they’re still not around much. They’ve mostly left me to take care of Sweetie Belle by myself, and… Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t think I want them to be around anymore.” Rarity shook her head. “Sorry, I’m stealing the spotlight.” “No, it’s okay. Trixie knows what you mean. I always used to practice every day, thinking if I was good enough for him, maybe he’d come back. But then eventually… Well, like you said, maybe it’s best if he never does come back.” “It’s hard. But you can’t blame yourself for his actions. You will be loved, Trixie. You just have to find the right girl to go after.” “It’s not just him.” Trixie collapsed backwards on the bed. “It’s everything. You’ve seen how everyone is at school. A few people might enjoy my magic shows, but no one likes me. Let alone loves me.” “You can be a bit much, I’ll admit.” Rarity smiled. “But then, so can I. And you know, we’ve spent the day together, and I would very much like to spend time with you again, Trixie. It’s been fun, and I see no reason why we can’t be friends.” “Really?” Trixie sat up and shook her head. “I mean, of course you’d want to be friends with the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Rarity placed her hand on top of Trixie’s. “And even when she’s not feeling so great and powerful.” Trixie looked down at their hands, watching as Rarity pulled hers away. “I can’t ever let myself not be great and powerful. That’s how I stay above all the things everyone says about me.” “It must be hard.” Rarity shook her head. “No, I know it is hard. I’ve had my fair share of doubters. More than my fair share, if I do say so myself. I’ve always admired the way you manage to stay above it all.” “But so do you.” Rarity laughed. “No, darling, I come home and stress eat my way through a pint of ice cream while crying to Fluttershy over the phone.” “But you never let them see they get to you. That’s what really counts. That’s what makes you great and powerful.” “Hmm, the Great and Powerful Rarity? It does have a ring to it.” “Don’t push your luck.” Rarity laughed, and after a moment, Trixie joined in. They both stood up, and Rarity presented Trixie with her newly repaired outfit. “It looks great,” Trixie said as she looked it over. “Thank you.” “My pleasure. And just wait until you see what the new one looks like! You’ll be simply blown away, I promise you.” “Trixie has no doubts there.” “And Trixie? Please don’t hesitate to come to me if you need to talk sometime.” “Trixie will keep it in mind,” Trixie said, having no doubts that she would never need to talk to Rarity about things like this again. “And… Trixie will see you at school tomorrow?” “Of course, darling!” Rarity led them out of her room and to the front door. “Do you want a ride to your house?” “No, Trixie doesn’t live far from here, she can walk.” “If you’re sure, but you know it’s no trouble at all.” “I’m sure.” “Alright then, take care of yourself.” Rarity gave her another hug, and this time, Trixie hugged her back. “Tata for now!” “Bye, Rarity.” Trixie walked out the door and heard it close behind her. She couldn’t resist turning and looking back at the house one more time, thinking about everything that had just happened. Really, she probably could have used the ride to her house. But then, she had a lot on her mind and needed a little time to sort her thoughts. Rarity was her friend now? Was that right? Or maybe it was just that they could be friends, someday. Trixie wasn’t too good at this sort of thing, and it didn’t help that everything they’d talked about kept rattling around her brain, making her feel even less sure than she did before. But no time to mope about it. She may not be at school, but she was still out in public, and that meant her head must be held high. Regardless of how she felt, Trixie must forever appear to be Great and Powerful.