//------------------------------//
// Refusal 
// Story: Rarity vs. The Hat: RotE Episode 4 
// by Dream Volt 
//------------------------------//

	I was in a good mood when I reached Fluttershy's cottage, the rest of Twilight's lessons going very well.  I knocked on the door with a hoof and waited.  Rainbow mentioned having trouble finding her home, but I don't understand why.  Yes the ring of trees was a bit concealing, but from the air I'm sure it would still be obvious enough despite the sod roof.  The other plants might have obscured things a bit, but it seemed clear enough.  It now looked like a cottage in the middle of a lovely little forest glade.  I wasn't clear if the trees were the result of whatever was going on with her or something she merely obtained because of it, but that hardly mattered.

As time dragged on I knocked again.  I couldn't hear anything, but occasionally the animal noise could drown out a knock.  I continued to wait.  This really was an ideal space now.  Butterflies swarmed, safe from strong winds, but with a blanket of flowers everywhere but the path.  It was really utterly lovely.  Then Fluttershy opened the door, still wearing that out of season furred hat.

"Oh my.  I'm sorry I haven't talked to you lately Rarity, I've just been busy and…"

I waved a hoof.  "Oh pish posh.  No need to worry.  I've been most busy myself.  Barely had time for anything other than emergencies.  I think the longest conversation I've had all week was with Applejack over nothing of real consequence."

"What about Twilight's lessons?"

"Hmm, I suppose if you count those, but frankly, I do not.  She is quite instructive, but for the most part all business.  Now darling we real must discuss that hat."

"We must?"

I nodded.  "Yes, we must.  Now just let Rarity get that thing off your head and…"

"No.  You can't do that."

Then I found the door slammed in my face.  I blinked.  Slowly the door opened again, Fluttershy looking at the ground.

"Sorry.  I just can't let you take the hat.  I need it."

"Oh come now surely you can't…"

"I need it, and I won't take it off."

I blinked, or tried to.  I couldn't look away either.  I hadn't been sure she even could use the stare on a pony, but now I had no doubt.  It was strangely terrifying.  I felt like I had done something terribly wrong and wanted to do anything to make it up to her.  Then it was over, and she looked down again.  She took a step back.

"Sorry again, I just can't."

"But really can't I just…"

"No.  I'm so sorry Rarity.  I just can't."  Then she looked up smiling.  "Lets just forget all about the hat.  Do you want to come in for some tea?"

"Oh, yes, of course."

I walked inside.  The house looked much the same, the only additions being a few potted plants that weren't there before.  Just forget the hat.  Clearly the matter upset her and I should do just that.  Yes, I should just put it out of my mind.