//------------------------------// // 2 – Tears and Jazz // Story: Great and Powerful, Darling! // by Krickis //------------------------------// Chapter Two Tears and Jazz ⠀ ⠀ Everything was perfect. But of course, how could it ever not be? Rarity herself had designed the ensemble, from conception to completion. All that was left to do was hope that Trixie agreed that it was perfect. That part always caused some anxiety. Trixie had been enthusiastic about the design choices while they were working on it, but who knew what she would say when she saw it in person? It wouldn’t be the first time that a client had only thought they were happy with a design. Well, she would find out soon enough. Rarity had finished the outfit and texted pictures to Trixie, saying she would bring it to school in the morning. Just one more nerve-wracked night before she handed it off. It was a little worrying that Trixie hadn’t responded to the pictures. Not in a ‘she hates it’ way; no matter how much Rarity’s imagination ran away with her at times, she didn’t believe for a moment that Trixie would hate the dress so much that she wouldn’t even reply to the message. No, it was more likely that Trixie simply hadn’t seen it, but that hung the whole thing up in the air, leaving Rarity completely unsure of where it would eventually land. So she paced around the house, eventually settling on the living room couch with a soap opera on the TV while she steadily worked her way through a salad. It wasn’t even that Rarity watched soap operas too often. She watched enough to know the characters and to be able to pick up on the storylines, but it was usually something she did to calm herself down. It helped her feel like her own problems were a bit more grounded and manageable. As for the salad, well… She’d save the ice cream for if Trixie didn’t like the dress, but that didn’t stop her from stress eating something. And at least this way she wouldn’t feel guilty for eating it. That was where she was when she was surprised by a knock on the door. Rarity usually didn’t get visitors that didn’t call ahead first, and Sweetie Belle was already off playing with her friends, so that couldn’t be who it was. Figuring it was probably just a door to door missionary or something, Rarity got up to answer. She stopped near the front door to check her hair in a nearby mirror. Even if it was just a missionary, that was no reason to look anything but her best. Content with what she saw, she opened the door. She blinked when it was open, surprised to see none other than Trixie on the other side. She was in her old magician’s outfit, the one that Rarity had repaired for her. Seeing her in it up close definitely made Rarity realize she had made the right call to push her into getting something new and better fitting. “Hello, Trixie,” Rarity managed after a moment of staring at one another. She stepped aside. “Please, come in. I must say this is a surprise, I had thought I’d see you at school tomorrow.” “Trixie lives in the area, so she figured she might as well stop by,” Trixie said as she walked in. Rarity smiled a little; she always did find the fact that Trixie spoke in third person charming, in a strange way. As usual, Rarity didn’t draw any attention to it though. Instead, she just led the way to her bedroom. “I do believe you’ll simply love what you see!” “It did look promising in your texts.” Rarity breathed a small sigh of relief. The real test was on the other side of her bedroom door, of course, but it was nice to hear Trixie’s initial thoughts were positive. She opened the door to her room, where the dress was still on the mannequin. Trixie approached it without letting on how she felt, brushing her hand against the fabric. “Do you like it?” Rarity asked apprehensively. “Like it?” Trixie asked. She turned to look at Rarity with a frown, and Rarity’s heart dropped into her stomach. “Trixie does not like it.” “Oh I… I see… Well, we can work on –” “Trixie loves it!” Trixie broke into a grin and held her hands to her mouth. Rarity half expected her to start jumping right then and there. “Can I try it on now?” Rarity finally found a genuine smile spreading across her face. “But of course! I’d positively love to see you in it!” Rarity stepped out of the room to allow Trixie to change in private, which gave her a chance to return to the living room and turn off the TV. No longer feeling the urge to drown her sorrows in salad, she covered it in saran wrap and placed it in the fridge for later. She returned to the room and knocked on the door. “Trixie, are you okay in there?” “Er, perhaps you could lend Trixie a hand?” “Yes, of course.” Rarity smiled as she walked into the room. Trixie was already in the dress, she was just having trouble getting the back zipped up. Rarity did the zipper for her, then Trixie put on the tuxedo jacket. “How does Trixie look?” Rarity gestured towards a standing mirror. “See for yourself, darling.” Trixie stepped in front of it and twirled around to show off the dress half. “Trixie looks amazing!” “Yes,” Rarity agreed. “Trixie looks positively beautiful.” Trixie blushed a little, a slight purple tint against her blue skin. “Trixie will have to practice all her tricks in this new outfit.” Rarity smiled. “Well you know, if you need an audience, I’d happily oblige.” “Really?” Trixie seemed surprised for some reason. “But of course! After all, we must keep this dress’s secrets between the two of us, no?” “Thank you.” Trixie looked a little uncomfortable with saying it. It hadn’t escaped Rarity’s attention that Trixie had seemed to grow significantly in politeness when they were first working on the dress, and it seemed to be something she was still working on in their few interactions since. Rarity didn’t mind. She understood that Trixie was still getting used to actually having friends. “Now then, is there anything that needs adjusting? Too tight or loose in any areas?” “Trixie doesn’t think so.” “Do move around a bit. This ensemble was designed to be worn during a magic show, so you ought to try moving as much as you normally would during one of your shows.” Trixie nodded and walked around the room. She sashayed around, which got Rarity excited for her next stage show; she had no doubt the new dress would be a hit, as would be the girl in it. “It’s perfect!” Trixie exclaimed. “Trixie feels like she could conquer the world in this!” “But of course you can, darling,” Rarity said with a grin. “Just you wait until they see you on stage in that.” Trixie’s smile fell for just a moment, then it didn’t look quite so bright when she put it back on. “Yeah… I’m sure everyone will love it.” Rarity was still trying to get used to Trixie’s mannerisms, so she wasn’t exactly sure what it meant, but she knew the slip into first-person speech meant something. “Are you sure there’s nothing the matter?” Trixie fixed her face into a confident grin. “Positive! Trixie is going to be even more great and powerful than ever before!” Rarity waved away her concerns and smiled. “That’s what I like to hear!” Trixie walked over to her purse and pulled out some money, which she handed to Rarity. She didn’t want to count it in front of Trixie, but she felt something was out of place. “I do think you’ve given me too much, darling.” “Keep it, you’ve earned it.” Rarity grinned. “Why thank you, Trixie. Who knew you were so generous?” “The Great and Giving Trixie is full of surprises.” “So it seems.” Trixie glanced towards her purse, but she left it where it was sitting. She looked around the room awkwardly, leaving Rarity puzzled. It dawned on her a second later what Trixie must want. “Shall I step out so you can get changed again? Or would you like help with the zipper first?” Trixie shifted her weight. “No, Trixie will just stay in this outfit. It… fits better than the other one.” Rarity frowned. She could see Trixie’s point, but she was more than a bit confused. Was… Trixie lingering on purpose? “Yes, of course.” “So, er…” Trixie didn’t quite meet Rarity’s eyes. “What are you up to today, anyway?” Ah, yes, she was definitely lingering on purpose. Well, she was new to having friends. Rarity took a seat on her bed. “Oh, nothing at all. I was simply killing time when you arrived.” “I see. I suppose I should get out of your hair then.” It was cute how bad she was at this. “Trixie, would you like to hang out for a bit?” Trixie blushed even more at that than she had at Rarity complimenting her. “Trixie supposes she could stay for a bit.” Rarity bolted upright and snapped her fingers. “Idea! We could do your makeup to see exactly how stunning you’ll look in that outfit when you wear it on stage!” Trixie grinned sheepishly. “Trixie isn’t so good at makeup.” “Well then, you are in for a treat today! I happen to be an expert, if I do say so myself. Here, take a seat in that chair right beside you.” “Is it okay to stay in this dress?” Trixie asked as she sat down at the vanity as Rarity had instructed. “Trixie doesn’t want to get anything on it.” Rarity laughed as she opened drawers on the vanity to collect her tools. “Oh, nothing to fret about. In less capable hands it might be better to dress afterwards, but you’ve nothing to worry about with me.” Rarity powdered a brush with foundation and began applying it to Trixie’s face. “What’s this?” “Trixie, darling, I’m going to need you to be quiet while I do your face,” Rarity said patiently. She knew Trixie liked to talk, but the last thing they needed was to blemish the makeup and have to redo it. So to placate Trixie, Rarity explained what she was doing as she went. She worked her way through her makeup collection, doing a full makeover. To her surprise, Trixie let her work in peace without interrupting at all. “There!” Rarity said as she finished. “Shall we do your nails next?” Trixie smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror. “Will Trixie be allowed to talk for that part?” Rarity giggled. “Yes, I dare say so.” She held a few colors up to Trixie’s skin to decide which one would look best, eventually deciding on a shade of purple that would complement both her skin and the eyeshadow she’d chosen. “Did you have a show today?” Rarity asked. “Er, yes. How did you know?” Rarity laughed. “Well, I didn’t think you wore that old outfit for fun.” “Oh. Right.” “Is something the matter?” “No. Trixie was as dazzling as ever today!” “Hmm, I have no doubts. Do you know, I don’t believe I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing you perform in a formal setting?” “Yeah.” Rarity tried to piece together what Trixie meant from her one-word response, but she wasn’t yet familiar enough with Trixie to pick it apart. “A shame I didn’t know about today sooner. I would have liked to be there.” “Yeah…” Okay, that ‘yeah’ was definitely a sour note. Something was going on that Trixie wasn’t saying, and Rarity wasn’t exactly sure how to get her to open up about it. “Be careful with that hand, we don’t want nail polish on your new dress.” “Trixie knows.” Rarity took Trixie’s left hand while Trixie looked at the nails on her right. She took a moment to stroke her thumb over the back of Trixie’s hand before getting started. “I suppose that’s why you didn’t reply to my text earlier. You must have been busy with your show.” “Yes.” One word replies weren’t telling Rarity anything other than what she already knew, but she wasn’t sure how forward she should be. She decided to try and show a little weakness herself to maybe remind Trixie that she could do the same. “Do you know I was beside myself with worry before you showed up?” “You? Why?” “Well, it’s always a bit nerve-wracking to show off a new outfit to a client. Even more so when that client is also a friend.” “But everyone loves your outfits,” Trixie said, furrowing her brow. “What could you possibly be worried about?” “I assure you, I’ve had my fair share of disappointed clients as well.” “Well then, they were idiots to not appreciate your obvious talent.” Rarity smiled a little. “Well, some of them were misguided, sure. Although I’m not above making the occasional mistake myself.” “Trixie will believe it when she sees it.” At least Trixie was sounding a little more like herself. Rarity finished with her left hand then stood up. “What do you think?” Trixie examined her hands, then stood up to look at herself in the standing mirror again. “Trixie looks amazing!” “I must say I agree. Oh, but here, let’s complete the look!” Rarity fetched Trixie’s top hat, and Trixie reached out to grab it. “Let me do it, darling. We don’t want to smudge those nails.” Trixie faced forward, and Rarity placed the hat on her head. She took a step back, and Trixie turned from the mirror. “How does Trixie look?” “See for yourself,” Rarity said, gesturing back to the mirror. “Trixie would rather hear it from you.” Rarity smiled as she stepped forwards, straightening Trixie’s jacket just a little. “You look magnificent, darling.” “Trixie looks like a real magician?” Rarity giggled. “My dear, you always look like a real magician.” Although Rarity expected a smile, Trixie gave no such thing. Instead, she turned to look back at her reflection. “Trixie isn’t so sure…” “Whatever do you mean?” Trixie shook her head. “It’s nothing…” Rarity placed her hand on Trixie’s shoulder, looking at their shared reflection. “Trixie… You can talk to me. Something is bothering you, and I’d like to hear what it is.” “It’s…” Rarity shook her head. “Don’t say it’s nothing. Say you don’t want to talk about it if that’s the case, but don’t say that it’s nothing.” Trixie looked unsure, so Rarity moved her hand from her shoulder to her side, holding her in a sideways hug. “Trixie, I’m your friend. I want to help you if I can, but I can’t unless you let me in.” Rarity smiled a little as an idea occurred to her. “Would it help if I told you another secret first?” Trixie turned with a small smile of her own. “No. The truth is that, well… Trixie’s show didn’t go so good today.” “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that… But you know, we all have our off days! I know I have plenty of them myself.” “But my show was flawless! I did everything right!” Trixie stamped her foot, causing Rarity to jump back. She folded her arms and looked down at the floor. “I know I have off nights, but this wasn’t one of them. Everything went spectacularly today, I know it!” The way Trixie looked at Rarity broke her heart. It was as if she wanted Rarity’s promise that yes, today’s show had been every bit as amazing as Trixie herself was, and Rarity so wanted to give her that assurance. But she couldn’t; she hadn’t been there, and her words would be meaningless. “So what was the problem then?” “It started with just one heckler. And Trixie performed her best anyway, I ignored him, but then… then there were more, and…” Trixie inhaled sharply, and it took a moment for Rarity to notice what was happening. When she did, it hit her like a blow. “Trixie are you… are you crying?” “I was perfect!” Trixie looked up with both anger and tears in her eyes. “I did everything right!” Rarity moved in to hug her. “Shh, of course you did.” Even if her words were hollow, she just couldn’t sit by while Trixie was so upset. “You’re amazing, Trixie. Great and powerful, even!” “But then they just wouldn’t stop…” Trixie said as she wrapped her arms around Rarity. “I thought they were going to boo me off stage. And I…” Rarity pulled Trixie’s top hat off and set it on a nearby table so she could stroke Trixie’s hair. “There there…” “Rarity… If the crowd hates me even when I’m at my best…” “Shh, none of that,” Rarity said. “No one hates you, Trixie. People can just be so cruel.” “They hate me! Everyone hates me!” Rarity shook her head. “That’s not true at all. Here, take a seat on the bed with me.” Trixie let Rarity lead them to the bed. It seemed that she was running out of words, because she instead just leaned against Rarity’s shoulder and cried. “Do you know that I almost gave up fashion design?” Rarity asked as Trixie cried. She didn’t get a response, but she continued anyway. “When I was… Oh, I must have been thirteen at the time. There was a junior fashion designer competition where kids put together their very best outfits to wow the judges. I did something truly unique, inspired by the latest trends of high fashion. I even customized it for Fluttershy, who was modeling it for me.” “Trixie remembers that competition…” Rarity nodded. “Then perhaps you remember that the winner had simply thrown a few off the rack items together and called it a day. She barely did anything other than color match, while I poured my heart and soul into my ensemble.” “You should have won.” Rarity smiled. “Maybe, maybe not. While I may not have a high opinion of the winner’s outfit, there were some others that did an exceptional job. No, losing wasn’t what hurt. What nearly made me give up was all anyone cared about was Fluttershy. ‘Perfect model. Shame she has to wear such a ghastly dress.’ ” “They said that about you?” “They did, as well as a number of other equally cutting remarks.” Rarity sighed, the memory still causing some pain even years later. “I wound up ripping that dress to shreds when Fluttershy gave it back to me. I won’t say that it was my finest work by any means, but I do believe it was nicer than the reception it received.” “What do you do when you know you’re doing good but others won’t see it?” “Me? I eat a pint of ice cream and cry my eyes out. But after that, I pick myself up, and I tell myself that if they can’t see what I have to offer, I’ll just have to make them see it! Do so well that there’s no room for doubters next time!” “And does that work?” “Well… It gets me to the next task, so yes. Although I don’t truly believe I’ll ever get to a point where I have no doubters. I think that just comes with the territory of being at the top.” Trixie wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry I ruined your makeup.” “Think nothing of it. Here, let’s get you cleaned up.” Rarity stood up and held out her hand. Trixie took it, and she didn’t let go when they were standing. She lingered by the bed for a moment, so Rarity gently tugged on her hand to get her to follow. She kept hold of Trixie as she led them to the bathroom. “Here, let’s take your jacket off for now,” Rarity suggested. Trixie obliged, letting Rarity help her out of it. She poured makeup remover on a cotton ball and started wiping away the mess that had become Trixie’s face, revealing her natural beauty as she worked. She wondered if Trixie had ever let herself be this open around someone before. Perhaps her mom, but Rarity suspected that none of her peers had ever seen the Great and Powerful Trixie cry. She suspected that Trixie needed someone like her, someone she could be fragile around. “There, all better,” Rarity said with a smile. Trixie looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. “No more dazzling Trixie.” “Nonsense.” Rarity took hold of Trixie’s hands and turned her from the mirror. “You look absolutely stunning all on your own, darling. And if you want, I have no problem redoing your makeup for you.” Trixie shook her head. “Thank you, but Trixie already ruined it once. She… doesn’t want to risk doing it again.” “Well if that’s how you feel, I could break out the ice cream.” “Does that really help?” Rarity laughed and led Trixie by the hand out of the bathroom. “Darling, there’s nothing that ice cream doesn’t help with. You just tell me if you want vanilla or chocolate.” “Chocolate,” Trixie said, a small smile finally appearing. Rarity sat Trixie down in the kitchen and got out two bowls, filling each of them with chocolate ice cream. Trixie took a bite of her ice cream and shot Rarity an uncertain glance. “You won’t tell anyone about this, will you?” “Of course not. My lips are sealed.” Trixie sighed. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess.” Rarity laughed a little. “Darling, this is nothing compared to what poor Fluttershy has had to put up with from me, and for much smaller problems.” Trixie nodded. “It was just a bad show. Even if Trixie was flawless…” “Yes, even if you were flawless.” Rarity took a bite of her ice cream and grinned. “And you better believe that if I’m in the crowd, nothing of the sort will happen at the next show!” “Oh yeah? Are you gonna fight the hecklers for Trixie?” “I just might!” Trixie laughed. It was only a small laugh, but it sounded musical to Rarity. Trixie certainly had a quicker turnaround than Rarity did when she was feeling down. It was probably the ice cream. Although ice cream didn’t really seem to be enough, not for Trixie. Nothing about her said ‘quietly sit around eating ice cream’; she was dazzling through and through, and perhaps the best thing for her would be to get out of the house. She had, after all, decided to stay at Rarity’s rather than seeking the comfort of her own house. “What do you say the two of us go out?” Rarity asked. “I know a café that’s open late into the night, it’s a lovely place. We could grab a tea or coffee and enjoy the ambiance.” Trixie thought about it as she took another bite of ice cream. “Trixie would like to show off her new outfit.” Rarity grinned. “And I’ll just have to dress to match! I know just the dress I’ll wear, we’ll positively cause a scene.” Trixie grinned as well. “Every magician does need a lovely assistant.” Rarity smirked. “You should know I usually take the lead, but for you, I suppose I can play second.” “Not at all,” Trixie said. “Often it’s the assistant that does the real magic in a show. The magician is the one everyone’s eyes are on, so the assistant will do the hard work of the trick.” “A bit like how you’ll get the credit for that stunning ensemble?” “No, Trixie would never allow that,” she said with a grin. “She’ll make sure everyone knows where it came from!” “Well, I do appreciate it.” Rarity finished her ice cream and set her bowl in the sink. “Now then, I’ll go and get changed, then we can head out.” “Sounds good to Trixie.” Rarity left Trixie in the kitchen and stepped into her bedroom. She went rifling through her closet for a moment before finding the dress she wanted. It was a tight red slip dress with lacy accents and a long skirt that had a slit down the side. It was perfectly suited for the scene of the café and complemented Trixie’s tuxedo dress perfectly. She finished the look by pulling on long matching gloves. She changed into it as quickly as she could, then popped her head out of the bedroom. “Trixie, would you like me to do your makeup before we leave?” “You don’t have to,” Trixie called back. “Oh, darling, it’s no trouble at all. I’d like to at least apply a light layer myself.” “Well, if you’re sure.” “Positive. Now come here.” Trixie obliged, so Rarity reapplied her makeup in the same style as last time. At least she still had her nails painted, so that was one less step than before. Once she was done with Trixie, Rarity did her own makeup while Trixie waited patiently, then they were on their way. Although Rarity had never imagined Trixie as being patient, to her pleasant surprise, the magician had surprised her over the few weeks that they’d been friends. She decided not to comment on that, sure that would only go to Trixie’s ego, which certainly needed no help from Rarity in its growth. Her self-confidence, perhaps, but her ego? Trixie certainly had that covered all on her own. “We’re going to steal the show at that café!” Trixie said as they climbed into Rarity’s car. She was admiring herself in the side view mirror. Oh yes, she definitely didn’t need any help with that ego. And worst of all, it was contagious. “I would normally point out that there’s no show for us to steal, but in this case… You’re absolutely right! We look simply divine!” Rarity drove off, thinking of how different Trixie was from her other friends. True, her knowledge on fashion was as minimal as any of the others, but it was fun to be with someone who shared her enthusiasm for looking good. Dear Fluttershy knew fashion a bit better than any of her other friends, but she was always content to just watch, and when Rainbow Dash could be swayed to dress up she never hesitated with her confidence, but she was always focused on herself. Trixie was different, though. Trixie had every bit the ego Rainbow did, and if possible, even more. But she showered praise as much on Rarity as she did on herself, and it proved infectious. It was simply hard to feel anything but amazing with Trixie around. “Now if we could only do something about this car of yours,” Trixie said with a smirk. Well, what fun would it be if she didn’t have a few rough edges? “As I said before, we’re always more than welcome to take yours instead.” “Perhaps Trixie will find a way to do just that. I’ll get a car that’s worthy of taking a couple beauties like us around.” Rarity giggled. “I shall like to see that. Tell me, are you thinking a convertible?” “Does it need to be said? Of course! Something classic.” “Ooh, I do like classic.” They fantasized as they drove about the type of car Trixie would drive, and she seemed to take it as a given that she would chauffeur Rarity around in it when she got it. As far as Rarity could tell, Trixie was no closer to owning a car than Rarity was to owning her own boutique, but it was a fun hypothetical. It was always hard to find parking downtown, but Rarity managed to find something that wasn’t too far from the café. When she stepped out and walked around, Trixie was waiting with her arm extended. “My lady.” “Oh, why thank you.” Rarity linked her arm with Trixie’s and they walked down the street side by side. “Have you been to this place before?” “Trixie doesn’t think so.” “I’m positive you’ll love it.” Trixie looked at Rarity and smiled. “Trixie has no doubts.” They walked down the block and to the café. They could hear jazz before they even entered, and they were greeted by a man in a two-piece tuxedo. Rarity was convinced it had nothing on Trixie’s, of course. “You two lovely dames by yourself this evening?” he asked. “Dames?” Trixie asked. Rarity just laughed. “Trixie, darling, that’s just how everyone talks here. It’s part of the ambiance.” She turned to the man again. “Yes, just the two of us. Perhaps we could get a booth?” “You got it. Right this way, ladies.” He led them to a booth, where they sat across from one another, then he left to greet another customer. “So what, is this place supposed to be like the fifties or something?” Trixie asked. “The twenties, actually,” Rarity said. “The fifties would be more like the rock and roll era.” Trixie smiled. “Are you an expert on history now?” “Well, I dabble just a bit in more recent history. It’s so fascinating, the fashion, the culture, seeing how trends grow and evolve.” “You know, I’m not actually that surprised after all.” Trixie stood up. “How about I get us some drinks? Do you want coffee or tea?” “Coffee, please. Cream and two sugars.” “You got it.” Trixie left, so Rarity sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere. There was a live band playing smooth jazz, and the clientele were all dressed in relatively period-accurate attire. If she were in the mood to do so, Rarity could find several things that would have been out of place during the roaring twenties, but it was a fair forgery. And of course, Rarity and Trixie themselves wouldn’t have fit into the actual decade. They were in the ballpark, but both of them were dressed in a more sensationalist take on classic looks. All of which suited Rarity just fine. Within a few minutes, Trixie was back. “Thank you,” Rarity said as she set coffee down for both of them. “Trixie’s never actually had coffee,” Trixie said as she blew on her drink. “Really?” Rarity’s mouth curved into a worried smile. “Er, you know coffee is often a bit of an acquired taste.” Trixie took a sip. “Oh, Trixie got tea for herself.” “Ah. Wise choice.” Rarity took a sip of her coffee. “Would you like to try some?” Trixie took Rarity’s cup and took a sip. She scrunched up her face as if she hated it and then, surprisingly, took another sip before passing it back to Rarity. “It tastes interesting.” Rarity laughed. “Well, as I said, it is an acquired taste.” Trixie nodded, then turned to watch the jazz band. “So what about you?” Rarity asked. “The golden age of magic was right around the twenties, I believe. I would have thought you’d rather enjoy a place like this.” “Oh, Trixie does like it. And it should go without saying that Trixie is a big fan of classic magicians. She just… doesn’t know much else about the past.” “I think I’ll have to look into some classic magic acts myself sometime. Perhaps we can incorporate more modern twists on classics in your acts?” “Trixie would like that.” “I have a soft spot for the twenties and thirties. Noir fiction and all that.” Trixie turned back to her and smiled. “You mean like detective stories?” “Precisely. It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine.” “And I take it your decision for a tuxedo dress wasn’t a coincidence?” Rarity laughed. “Well, not exactly no. But are you complaining about it now?” “No no, not at all.” Trixie took a sip of her tea. “Trixie loves it. It makes Trixie feel as pretty as, well, as you.” Rarity laughed again, this time accompanied by a blush. “Oh, stop. You’re positively gorgeous all on your own, you know. I told you that already.” “Not like this, though.” “Hmm.” Rarity traced her finger around the lip of her coffee cup. “Want to know another secret?” Trixie leaned in closer. “Do tell.” “I’ve always found you to be extremely pretty.” Trixie blushed. “What do you mean?” “Just what I said. Long before we ever spoke, you’d always caught my eye. I hope you don’t mind.” Trixie grinned. “You say that with the distinct tone of someone who knows very well that I do not mind.” Rarity matched her grin. “Yes, well, that may be so.” Trixie blushed a little. “Well, Trixie hasn’t exactly made it a secret that she feels the same way.” “I know, and I’m quite flattered.” Trixie preoccupied herself with drinking more of her tea. It was cute watching the normally outgoing girl flounder her way through flirting, but Rarity felt just a little guilty. She liked where things seemed to be going, but she didn’t want them to go there too quickly and make Trixie uncomfortable. The band switched from smooth jazz to a more uptempo jazz number, and Trixie stood up. At first Rarity thought she was going to excuse herself to the bathroom, but she just held out her hand. “Trixie would like to dance.” “Right now?” “Right now.” Rarity took Trixie’s hand and stood up. “Well if you’re going to insist, how could I possibly say no to that face?” Trixie blushed and looked away. “Well… you can’t. Obviously.” She looked back into Rarity’s eyes and grinned through her blush. “Come, our audience awaits us.” “I suppose they do.” Rarity followed Trixie out onto the floor, then noticed how much less sure of herself she seemed to be once they were there. “Er, you do know how to dance to this, yes?” Trixie looked between Rarity and the band. “Trixie thinks she will give you the honor of leading tonight. Just this once.” “But of course, darling.” The two of them laughed as the exited the café, hand in hand. “I never knew you could dance like that!” Trixie said. “Well, it might have escaped your attention, but I am in a musical band.” “Yes, Trixie knows. But you’ve never danced to Rainboom songs like that!” Rarity laughed. “Well, I should think not. The Rainbooms are not a jazz band. And you, my lovely assistant, were simply spectacular.” “Just because Trixie let you lead this time does not make her the assistant.” Rarity stopped walking to spin Trixie around and catch her by the waist, causing her to laugh. “Doesn’t it though?” “Well… okay. But only for tonight!” “Of course, darling.” Trixie’s laugh lingered a little after Rarity righted her and they were on their way again. It was positively charming, and Rarity wanted to hear it more and more. They reached Rarity’s car, and Trixie held her free hand out towards it. “Our chariot awaits!” “Am I ever going to hear the end of your teasing?” “No, Trixie doesn’t believe so.” Rarity laughed and gave Trixie’s hand a squeeze before letting go of it so she could pull out her keys. She unlocked the passenger side first so Trixie could get in, then walked around to the driver’s side. “Tell me, do you even know how to drive?” Rarity asked as she buckled up. “Well, no…” “I could give you lessons if you like. Of course, it’ll come at a cost.” “You’re going to ask Trixie to stop making fun of your station wagon, aren’t you?” “You know me so well already.” In truth, Rarity had a few ideas in mind. Say, for example, a kiss from the lovely lady herself. But she was still worried about moving too fast for Trixie, who wasn’t even used to friends. Not to mention she wasn’t even fully out of the closet, judging from their conversation the other day. Who knew what she’d think about having a girlfriend? No, Rarity would wait to make that particular move. Although if the night was anything to go by, and Rarity very much hoped it was, that was a move they would be making someday. “So where is your house, anyway?” Rarity asked as she drove off. Trixie gave Rarity directions, which led to a house in Rarity’s neighborhood. It was surprising how close they lived without either of them ever knowing it until recently. As they drove, they talked about what life must have been like in the twenties. Rarity would design outfits for all the artists in the burgeoning music industry, from back when everyone dressed formally. As well as, of course, Trixie’s outfits for her stage shows. Trixie herself would no doubt be an influential magician, part of the golden age of magic. Neither of them really wanted to live in the past, as evident by the way their hands found one another’s as Rarity drove, but it was a fun thing to talk about. Even though the conversation was only light and fun, Rarity was sorry to see it end as she pulled up to Trixie’s house. She parked the car and stepped out to walk Trixie to the door, getting at least a few more moments together. “Tonight was fun,” Rarity said. “It was.” Rarity wondered how Trixie really felt. She had no doubt at all that Trixie did have fun, but she wondered if it was more than that. The night felt like a date to Rarity, but did Trixie feel that way? She certainly gave as much as she got when it came to flirting. And then it was Trixie who took Rarity’s hands in her own when they reached her door. “Thank you, Rarity. For everything today. Trix– I’ve never had a friend like you.” Ah, there it was. Trixie was still thinking of them as friends. That was all well and good, Rarity was just happy to know that’s where they stood with one another. Which of course all went out the window when Trixie kissed her. She lingered just a moment, just long enough for Rarity to kiss her back, then she pulled away with a smile. Rarity couldn’t say for certain what her own expression looked like. “Good night, Rarity.” Finally, Rarity managed a smile of her own. “Yes. Good night, Trixie.” Trixie let go of Rarity’s hands, gave her one final wave, and walked into the house. Meanwhile, Rarity was left to walk back to her car in confusion. Her hand reached up to her lips, which she found were curved in a smile. That had been a completely unexpected ending to the evening, but she supposed, a good magician always did leave one guessing.