First Sight
Rarity sighed dramatically and strode out to her car. She’d only just returned back from college and already her parents had her running errands. “Never mind Rarity, as soon as the money from those designs is in the bank, you can get your own place and get the boutique up and running...” It had become her mantra since she’d dumped her bags onto her bed in the family home. Today she had to fetch Sweetie from after school club. Her rattletrap of a car sputtered down the road and eventually she arrived at the school building.
Parked up she began to wait. Eventually a group of school children came running out followed by the voice of an adult. Rarity stepped from the car to attract Sweetie’s attention. Sure enough her little sister was heading towards to gates talking to the most attractive woman Rarity had set eyes on. “Now who is she...”Rarity watched their progress patiently, admiring the pink haired woman.
“Rarity! You came to collect me!” Sweetie shouted and ran to her sister, hugging her happily.
“Hello Sweetie, how was school today?” The woman smiled in their direction and Rarity managed to return it without seeming too shell shocked. She let her sister into the car and sat down in the driver’s seat, vaguely listening to her sister’s account of her day. “Delightful Sweetie, who was that with you just then?”
“Oh, that was Miss Cheerielee, she’s the fifth grade teacher.” Sweetie smiled. “She’s really nice.”
“I see...” Rarity gave her sister a smile, maybe Ponyville again wasn’t going to be so bad.
Girls Night Out
“Ha ha! Just like old times right? Rarity, AJ and Bon-bon out on the town and causing a ruckus!” Bon-bon threw her arms around her two friends with a grin and pulled them closer. “We’re all back Ponyville. Y’all better watch out!” Rarity tried to act cross but it was too much fun being back with her girls again.
“Sure was quieter with you in the city and Rarity out at college.” Applejack said, pulling her hat back into place. “But you haven’t introduced the lady yet.” She gestured to the slightly uncomfortable woman with minty green hair.
“Oh man! I am terrible aren’t I? Girls, meet the love of my life, my better half, my soul mate and missing piece: Lyra Heartstrings.” Bon-bon let go of her friends and grabbed the woman closer.
“Uh... Hi.” Lyra smiled and blushed a little at Bon-bon’s introduction.
“We met in the city, she’s a musician and she came with me when I moved back to take over the family business!” Bon-bon kissed her on the cheek. “Hope you guys don’t mind that she’s tagging along tonight.”
“No problem darling, it’s wonderful to meet you Lyra.” Rarity smiled at her rambunctious friend.
“’s Pleasure.” Applejack shook her hand. “Now, are we going to keep on jawin’ on the street or can we get to a bar first?” She grinned.
*
The booth was ample space for the four young women, toasting returns and future plans. Eventually Rarity had to excuse herself for the ladies room. As she was touching up her makeup in the mirror a voice called from the doorway. “I’ve seen you somewhere before haven’t I?” Rarity turned and made a valiant effort to maintain composure. It was the teacher from the school.
“Yes, I’m Sweetie’s sister, I collected her from school earlier in the week.” Rarity gave a winning smile. Her last partner had rather unceremoniously dumped her come end of college, some girls only dallied with other girls when their father wasn’t likely to find out. She wasn’t looking right now but a girl always kept her options open.
“Oh yes! I remember now. She often speaks about you, I help out with the glee club and Sweetie is always telling me how well her sister sings.” Cheerielee smiled. “I’m Cheerielee by the way.” She proffered her hand.
“Rarity.” She shook. “Pleasure to meet you.” Rarity was about to continue the conversation when dark green haired woman stepped in.
“Oh there you are Cheer’s come on! I’ve been waiting for you ages!” She grabbed the teachers hand and pulled her away. Cheerielee gave an apologetic smile and followed her hand.
Rarity smiled and waved a little. “Too bad Rarity, never mind though. Plenty of time for relationships.” She finished up her touch-up and re-joined her friends.
Chances
A year was a long time in fashion but Carousel Designs had done very well. Not to mention her college work that had sold well through a well known fashion house. Her boutique had regular custom from the local area and more than one big name had commissioned work. The shop bell rang out and Rarity was about to launch into her spiel when she was face to face with Cheerielee.
“Rarity! You run Carousel Boutique?”
“Yes indeed darling. Established shortly after my return from College.” Rarity smiled invitingly and gestured to one of the comfy seats. “What can I do for you?”
“I need this adjusted to fit.” She pulled a dress from her bag. “A friend of mine made some, ah, last minute changes to her bridal party and all the dresses had already been bought...”
“Problems occurred then?” Rarity wasn’t one to pry but gossip was gossip after all.
“Let’s just say one or more of her previous friends had intimate knowledge of her future husband.” Cheerielee chuckled and lay the garment on the counter. “Normally I’d object but it helps to keep at least one or two friends...”
There was a hint of sadness about the final statement but Rarity let it lie. “Well, there’s a changing room out back, let’s see what needs to be done.” She led the way to her work room.
*
“Then when Maple left me, it turns out that my friends were more her friends.” Cheerielee was stood on a plinth while Rarity adjusted the dress.
“That’s terrible darling, simply awful. Turn please.” Rarity made a few quick stitches. She decided to be daring. “If you ever feel the need for socialising, I’m happy to oblige.”
“Really? That would be lovely Rarity. Too many of my friends recently have sided with exes of mine.” Cheerielee smiled.
“Think nothing of it dear, to tell the truth apart from my old school friends, I’ve not been able to branch out locally.” She made some stitches and removed some pins. “Truth be told one of them is caught up in work and the other has her partner to spend time with now. My college friends are spread around the state. It would be lovely to have someone else to spend time with.”
“It’s a deal then Rarity.”
Friendship
A light rain brushed the grass and rustled leaves in the trees. The official at the head of the group spoke solemnly as the gathered people stood in silence. Rarity hated funerals, she’d been to more than a few at Ponyville’s cemetery and they never made less of an impact. In front of her stood a lightly swaying Berry Punch, her daughter stood beside her sobbing and Colgate supported her. From what Rarity could gather the local dentist and Berry had a tentative relationship that was keeping the woman mostly away from alcohol.
Straightening and looking to the fresh grave Rarity held back a sob of her own and lightly touched her shoulder against the woman next to her. Cheerielee’s face was set in an emotionless gaze, staring straight ahead. No one would tell she was so tightly wound apart from Rarity, who’s hand she clutched. White knuckles for the pair of them. As the coffin was lowered and family shuffled by to pay last respects Rarity stood and guided Cheerielee over. “Bye Mom.” Was all she could utter before stumbling once more.
Over the entire day she only let go of Rarity’s hand once, to embrace her father in a tight hug with her sister and niece. Rarity accompanied the woman home and sat in support as she sobbed and wailed. It struck her that she sadly experienced in being there for people. Applejack had been in a similar position some years before. Whispering soothing words she smoothed her friend’s pink hair and let her cry against her.
Being there, just being there was sometimes what true friendship was.
Valentines
Rarity shut-up shop and walked home alone, February 14th wasn’t her favourite day personally but on the business side it was one of her more successful days of the year. Her route home passed many of the popular spots for couples. “Man up Rarity, you’ve had plenty of valentine’s days on your own, it isn’t a big deal.” She held her head high and walked on despite the many recognisable couples.
There was Mac and the lovely veterinarian who had moved to town in the past year. Just a few blocks away sat Lyra and Bon-bon, the musician serenading her lover in yhe park. Familiar faces sharing a day for love. She nearly crumbled as she passed a bench, just a simple wooden thing but sat upon it were Applejack and Caramel. Rarity steeled herself and strode on, determined to reach her home without feeling too terrible.
“Rarity, fancy spending an evening in with a fellow sad-sack?” A voice addressing her broke Rarity from her near despairing reverie. Cheerielee stood in the street, an large brown bag in her arms and a hopeful look on her face. “Earth to Rarity?”
“Sorry ‘Lee, I was in a world of my own for a second.” Rarity smiled weakly.
“Sure’nuff Rare, I think all us singletons spend today in a world of our own. How about we share?” She grinned and hefted the bag, I clinked with the telltale sound of spirit bottles. “I’ve got a book on cocktails, a pamper yourself kit and a stack of cheesy DVDs. How about it?”
Rarity gave her first genuine smile of the day. “Sounds like a plan.”
*
“I have to-to say darling... This pink monstrosity tastes nothing like Sunset Lovin’ regardless of what the recipe calls it.” Rarity giggled and placed the empty glass on the coffee table, knocking some DVD cases over. “Ooops!”
“Tell me about it... Not nearly sweaty enough!” Cheerielee snorted sliding tipsily against her friend and knocking her down onto the sofa. They both sat up at the same pace, finishing up chin to chin and discovered their close proximity to each other. Without a word and barely a thought they closed the gap with a kiss.
Both participants were eager, nearly simultaneously moving from a simple kiss to one of the French variety. Rarity, a little worse for the variety of cocktails taken that evening seized her chance and slid her hand down past Cheerielee’s waistband. Her rear had been tempting the fashionista for far too long to let this opportunity escape her. Not to be outdone Cheerielee expertly undid Rarity’s bra. Suddenly they both stopped, realising just exactly what they were doing.
“Are you sure?”
“You want to do this?”
They both spoke at the same time, pulling away in time with each other. Realising they both had the same thing on their minds they fell about laughing.
“So, bedroom?” Rarity asked, not concerned with how forward she was being.
“Good idea.” Cheerielee led the way as they each shed clothes between living room and bed. Two eager participants jumped into bed for something they had each decided had been last enacted far too long ago.
*
Sunrise woke them, retiring to bed for activities left little thought for preparation or much comfort considering the unplanned nature of events. The curtains were undrawn so dawn rays came flooding in. “That was fun.” Rarity proclaimed, giving Cheerielee’s ass a squeeze.
“What was it though. I had a great time but we haven’t, you know, wrecked anything right?”
“Darling, I believe this is what is called friends with benefits. Something I for one welcome gladly. You have no idea how long it’s been since I last had, ahem, organic companionship.” Rarity blushed a little, although considering the previous night she wasn’t entirely sure why.
“Tell me about it!” Cheerielee broke the tension with a laugh. “So long as we stay honest right? I don’t want to complicate anything.”
Rarity held up her hands. “We are simply scratching a mutual itch darling, something good friends can do without a problem.”
“Fantastic.”
Thus began the next step of a close friendship.
New Friends
Cheerielee poured out two glasses of wine and sat back, taking hers in hand. “So, tell me about your friends Rare.”
“Oh ‘Lee, they’re simply wonderful! Of course Applejack and I have known each other since school, Pinkie of course is such an energetic little thing. She is the youngest of the little group. Rainbow is an interesting girl although not someone I would have normally had much to do with honestly. Fluttershy is a real dear, she’s the vet? You know the one dating Mac, a little older than myself. Oh and Twilight, she’s just adorable and so clever! She’s the protégé of Senator Celestia and quite the researcher. Oh, it’s so nice to have a group again.” Rarity smiled at the recollection of her new friends.
“That’s great Rare, I’m glad we’ve both been able to branch out.” She shifted in her seat a little.
“Yes dear, I’ve been meaning to ask, how has it been with Colgate and the others?” Rarity took a sip from her glass.
“Great, really good. She’s a good influence on Berry so that’s a plus mark in my book. Carrot is so funny, reminds me of your Applejack, a good farming girl. Ditzy is lovely, she dotes on little Dinky and of course John is a real intellectual. They’re a cute family. We’ve had a few lunches and Berry managed to make them all!” She stopped for a moment and briefly looked a little pensive. “where does that leave us then?”
“We’re still friends ‘Lee. Heavens, it sounds childish but we’re Best Friends darling. Special consideration and special circumstances.” Rarity leaned forward and gripped Cheerielee’s shoulder. “We’ll keep spending time together dear.”
“We’ve just got others to spend time with besides right?” Cheerielee smiled.
“Right darling. Nothing could ever replace you.”
“Nothing at all Rare, you too.”
Different Perspective
The last test was graded and placed in the pile. With a grim smile of a job finally completed Cheerielee dropped her pen in the cup on her desk and sat back to relax. Too soon unfortunately as her phone rang out. The number was that of a local bar. “Oh Berry.” She sighed and answered the call.
“Thank’s Tap.” She said, holding her elder sister up as the woman swayed on her feet. “She always gets a little lonesome when Colgate is off at one of those dental conventions.
“Yeah, I know. That’s why I cut her off and gave you a call Cheers.” Tap the bartender replied, sorting away the change into the register. “Sorry to call you out.”
“No problem Tap. Come on sis’ let’s get you back home.” Cheerielee shoved open the door and pulled her sister along. Who began singing. “Berry, really, please quiet down.” She dragged her through the door and onto the darkened street.
“Need a hand Cheerielee?” Rarity stepped out of the shadows on the street.
“Thanks Rarity, she’s been getting pretty hard to control recently.” Cheerielee gave a grateful look to her friend and Rarity took up position the other side of the inebriated woman. “Come on Berry, let’s get you home.” It was a short walk to the neat house of Berry Punch and the pair soon had her laid down in her bed, Cheerielee checking in on her niece before they left.
“That ex of hers really messed her up.” Cheerielee said, not that Rarity didn’t well know that. It was more to benefit the nosey neighbours who were known to loudly complain to each other withing earshot. The walk home often took her past Rarity’s. “So one drink becomes two and two turn to four. Ugh, men are so not worth it!” She threw her arms into the air, “I’m glad that there is no attraction for me there!” She chuckled at that and realised with disappointment that they had reached Rarity’s home, she was enjoying talking. “Thanks for the help Rarity, it sometimes gets a little depressing to have to drag your older sister home every night.” She shifted a little on her feet as they stood at the door to Rarity’s home as she began to search her keys out of her handbag.
“Uh, Cheerielee, would you like to come in for some tea or something? You look like you need to unwind a little.” Rarity gestured to the now open door. Cheerielee hesitated a moment, their last get together had ended in an argument over Rarity’s plan to grab hold of Blueblood at the Grand Gala. For the life of her Cheerielee didn’t know why she’d turned it into a fight, but this was the first time they’d spoken since.
“That sounds like a fantastic idea Rare.” Cheerielee followed her into the home. They had a nice cup of tea and a friendly chat. She suppressed an unexpected sigh of relief as Rarity related what a boor Blueblood ended up being. When the night drew later she said her goodbyes and left with a kiss and a grin.
Valentines Again
Sat in Rarity’s apartment Cheeriele let out an almighty sigh. “Worst Valentine’s Day ever!” she proclaimed as her friend giggled. “I mean it. That sister of yours is a menace with her friends! Though the card was nice.” She took it from her handbag. “Not that I had anything off you.” She said with a mock growl.
“Darling, I thought I’d give you something better than a card.” Rarity said huskily, fixing a come- hither look on Cheerielee. “Just let me slip into something a little less comfortable...” While Cheerielee puzzled over what she’d just said Rarity left the room and rapidly shed the sensible clothes she was wearing. She had prepared a little number for today that would set up her plans perfectly.
Cheerielee browsed the small pile of cards on the table, several were from clients and one was quite plainly from young Spike. Nothing for her to be worried about came the unbidden thought. “Why am I concerning myself with this. We’re just friends with benefits, nothing more.” She muttered to herself. A cough came from the door and Cheerielee looked.
Rarity stood wearing very little, some silk and lace garments that, while certainly her own design, were not something to go showing off. “Care to help me out of these terribly uncomfortable clothes darling?” It was her most sultry voice, not that she needed to use it. Cheerielee was by her side in seconds.
“I’d happily assist Rare...”
*
They lay breathless in a tangle of sheets. Rarity was face down on the pillow, grasping an arm of her lover to herself. Cheerielee stared at the ceiling doing her very best to figure out all the feelings and thoughts in her head. “’Lee... I know we promised each other that this wouldn’t be complicated.” Rarity had turned to face the opposite wall. “I’m going to have to break that promise.”
Cheerielee froze, after all that she was going to put a stop to it? Was this some kind of cruel joke? She was about to take umbrage when Rarity shushed her. “Darling, I can’t run away from it any longer. Would you mind it if we were a couple? Not just friends who can have a little fun?”
“Rare...” She choked for a second. “There’s nothing I could want more.” Rarity pounced with a squee and a deep kiss.
All in all, both parties counted it as the Best Valentine’s Day ever.