Back in the bar, Fluttershy found herself standing some feet away from where Rainbow Dash was sitting. Much to her relief, or perhaps dismay, she had not yet noticed her and was drinking something, although the pinkette could not tell what from where she was. Almost immediately, she found herself torn between walking right up to Rainbow and telling her everything or making a blind dash for the door.
Either way, her feet refused to move in either direction. That is, until a familiar grip rested on Fluttershy’s shoulder again. She turned to look back to once more see Alucard grinning at her in the same, playful way he always did… right before something bad happened.
“Best not keep her waiting,” he teased before walking over the bar and, again, sliding over the counter and taking a glass out.
Gulping, Fluttershy felt herself practically pushed forward by an unseen force. Before she could reconsider, she soon found herself within sight of Rainbow. It was too late to run away or become unseen from her at this point.
There was an odd silence for a moment, Rainbow Dash obviously looking her over with bit of confusion before her eyes went wide with a mixture of emotions. She nearly bolted out of her seat rushing over to her.
“Fluttershy?! Is that you?” Dash half shouted, but managed to keep it quiet for the sake of the atmosphere. Yet, rather than mad, she sounded simply surprised. “What are you doing here? And what’s with the vampire bartender getup?”
Biting her lip, she quickly retracted to avoid showing her fangs, “Actually, Rainbow… I work here.”
It was like a lightning bolt crashed through Rainbow’s system. She had chills, and not the pleasant kind. Fluttershy, her friend, the girl she had known since she was five years old, was working in a bar; a dark, nightmarish themed bar, and worked wearing that outfit. Why would she not have told them she picked up a second job, or at least her? And why did that bother her? Slowly, a few pieces started to fall into place, but the largest hit her once Alucard’s voice called over to them.
“I see our little black butterfly has finally come out to play,” he chuckled, setting a glass of apple cider down for Fluttershy, one with her name on it no less. “Best have a seat, drink a bit and calm the nerves.”
It was then the final connection was made for Dash, “Oooh… So, that’s how he- and why you haven’t been wanting to hang out with us at… Fluttershy, why didn’t you tell me, er, us you were working a second job?”
Fluttershy blushed, taking a seat next to her, “It’s…. It’s kind of hard to say, Rainbow… I… I don’t know where to start.”
“If you needed some extra cash, I would have spotted you,” Rainbow said very quickly. “Seriously, you didn’t need to get a job at night like this. I mean, I was starting to think you just didn’t want to hang out anymore… So this is kind of a load off my shoulders.”
“Thank you, Rainbow…. That’s really sweet, but I couldn’t have burdened you like that. The thing is, I’m taking this job because…. because I have to. I have… certain side effects…” Fluttershy murmured, looking away.
“Side effects? To what?” Rainbow asked with utmost urgency in her voice.
All the while, Alucard chuckled, mixing a drink for himself. “Now, now, Fangs… What have we talked about? It’s not a side effect, it’s simply a part of who you are now. Nothing wrong with that.”
Dash shot him an odd look before locking eyes with Fluttershy, “Fangs?”
“It’s my nickname…” Fluttershy murmured, “Rainbow… there’s no easy way to say this, but… I’m still part vampire fruit bat… I’m not as… feral as I originally had been, though. I just have the wings, the eyes, fangs, and… taste for apples.”
Rainbow Dash stared at Fluttershy with her mouth agape, looking a mixture between stunned and almost fearful.
“You can see why I hired her,” Alucard chimed in, extending a finger over and closing her mouth. “She fits in here so well, it’s almost a crime, really. And she’s such a good worker.”
Looking down in shame, Fluttershy fidgeted, “I-I’m sorry I didn’t tell you…”
There was still more silence from Rainbow, who was trying to piece everything together. Finally, she slumped back into her seat with wide eyes. “...You’re serious? You’re still a vamp?”
“More or less… I just… I didn’t know how to tell you guys… I didn’t want you to worry, either…” Fluttershy murmured.
“...Show me,” Rainbow said, keeping her gaze on Fluttershy, “Show me your fangs.”
Looking up at her, Fluttershy opened her mouth, slowly. Sure enough, there they were. Two large, vampiric fangs that were the clearest indication of the truth.
Dash found herself without words to say this time. Fluttershy was, in fact, still a type of vampire. It left so many more questions open about how and why all the secrecy. But not a word seemed to form at the moment, her mind working itself in overtime trying to understand everything. After minute of nothing, she finally spoke.
“Oh… dang… Are you really okay?! I mean, the last time, you all- and the- you’re not gonna… flip out?”
“No… No…” Fluttershy shook her head, “Like I said, I’m not feral. It’s just that I still have some….elements of it. I work here because I need to be out at night, and they pay me in apples and fruits.”
“That contract with Sweet Apple Acres was the best idea I ever had,” Alucard added in just for his own amusement.
Rainbow was still taking this all in as best she could, but was having just a bit of trouble speaking still. “So, let me get this straight… you’re still a vamp, but you got it under control now. You work here ‘cause they pay you in fruit. And you didn’t tell us, because...?”
“Like I said, I didn’t want you guys to worry. I also didn’t know how to… I was just scared…” Fluttershy whimpered.
“But why?” Rainbow asked much more caringly. “You know we’d worry either way about you. I sure did since you haven’t wanted to come to any of our night outings or any sleepovers. If it was serious, kinda like now, we’d try to help you, just like last time.”
Fluttershy whimpered, then threw her arms around her. “Oh, Rainbow, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! You’re right, I shouldn’t have just kept it from you guys! Especially you! Oh, my Dashie, please forgive me….”
Blinking with surprise, Rainbow was becoming even more confused than before with her friend’s outburst. Still, she cautiously embraced Fluttershy with a minor blush. “Uh… sure thing, pal. Just tell us if something like this happens again, okay? Calm down a bit, ‘Shy.”
“I-I’m sorry….” Fluttershy whimpered, sniffling as she looked up at her, “I-I will…. I should’ve been more trusting… Especially with you…”
“Better late than never, right?” Rainbow offered with a shaky smile. She had decided to try and play this off as calmly as she could at this point, but was clearly still shaken up by the reveal of Fluttershy’s vampirism. She certainly looked to be in control... Still there was a lingering concern of ‘for how long’ in the back of her mind. “So… I guess that means he’s a vampire too?”
“...It’s best not to ask,” Fluttershy mumbled, shaking her head.
“Why? Does he break out into song and dance?” Rainbow asked trying to lighten the mood.
Giggling, Fluttershy smiled, appreciating her friend’s attempt to cheer her up, “No. He’s just…. different.”
“And by different, she means I actually see the so called curse as rather interesting,” Alucard chuckled darkly at this. “But enough about me, this is about you two. Fangs, you’ll have a table on the right side reserved for you two at midnight. Until then, show her around, tell your other friends, and have fun.”
Blushing quite a bit, Fluttershy faced Rainbow, managing a smile. “Rainbow I… I… wanted to know if you’d… like to spend the evening with me.”
Blinking a few times, Rainbow simply gave a half smile, “Sure, why not? Way I see it, you owe me for letting you off the hook so easy anyway. So, yeah.”
“Really?” Fluttershy beamed, her wings rising beneath her coat. She giggled, “Sure, I owe you, anyway… I’ll do... anything to make it up to you!”
‘Be flirty… remember their advice… flirt!’
She smiled more, batting her eyelashes and trying to look appealing.
“Great! So, you can start off by telling me how in the heck you got this job,” Dash snickered behind her hand.
“Well… I’ll show you around and tell you the details,” Fluttershy demurely offered her hand to her friend. “Oh, and keep your drink with you, please.”
“What is with everyone and these drinks?” Rainbow chuckled a bit, taking her hand and standing up before gripping her bottle once more. “I mean, yeah, it’s pretty good, but what’s the deal?”
Fluttershy squeezed her hand and led her around. “Aside from traditional alcoholic drinks… Alucard puts together these special kinds of drinks. They’re based on potions from tales of mystic folklore, created to have the same effects. A lot of people who come to this bar actually come specifically for those kinds of drinks.”
“... Really? I thought that was just a gimmick to sell drinks,” Rainbow replied with mild surprise.
“It sounds like it, but no,” Fluttershy smiled.
With a bit of a shrug, Dash followed after her, “This place just gets crazier the longer I’m here.” Almost absentmindedly, she took another sip of her drink.
“Anyway… I was out one night about four months ago, and I came around here, to the outskirts of Ponyville. I had to find a way to get a nighttime job, but I knew that I had to control my... cravings. When I came upon this bar, I was found by Sam, our bouncer. You know, the Griffon outside? She took me in when she saw me and introduced me to Alucard. He quickly figured me out, so he offered me a job. I asked him to pay me in fruit, especially apples. Now I work here as a bartender and waitress,” Fluttershy explained.
“Sam?” Rainbow repeated aloud, yet again the strange sting of something, maybe jealousy, hit her gut. While she knew she had no business asking, the question simple came out, “You and her are friends, huh?”
“Yes, we are,” Fluttershy said, not noticing her strange tone, “She’s a really nice woman, actually. As tough and strong as she is… she’s a lot more timid and nervous than me! But she’s sweet once you get to know her. I go out to dinner sometimes with her and her boyfriend on our nights off.”
“Oh,” Dash’s bitter tone dropped almost completely after hearing that. Still, there was that feeling again. “That’s cool, I guess if you’re into hanging out with a couple. You oughta… make sure you have someone with you next time. You know, just in case they ever get all weird.”
“True…. Being a third wheel isn’t fun. Ooh! I know! You could join us next time!” Fluttershy smiled excitedly, “Oh, you’d like her boyfriend! He’s an adventurous athlete, kind of like you! Real rambunctious, adventurous, fun-loving. But he’s still very nice, such a sweetie.”
Rolling her eyes, Rainbow just agreed. “Sure he is, I don’t doubt it… But yeah, I should come with you next time.”
“Really? Oh, yay!” Fluttershy hugged her again, thrilled. “Thank you, Rainbow… That would mean a lot to me.”
“No problem, Flutters,” Rainbow casually dismissed it, giving her a tight embrace, “You know I’d do anything for you.”
Oh, what Fluttershy would do if her wings were free! There would be nothing holding her back from wrapping them around Rainbow’s form, bringing them closer than ever. She let out a coo and nuzzled into her neck, savouring their closeness.
“Just as I’d do anything for you,” Fluttershy pulled back a bit and gazed lovingly into her eyes. “Always…”
“I know you would,” Rainbow replied with a playful smirk on her face. “But luckily for you, since you’ve got me around, you don’t gotta do anything other than look cute and be you. So, let’s do that for a bit.”
Fluttershy’s smile nearly faltered. Did Rainbow really not see that she was flirting with her? Was she really wasting her time?
“Well, yes… And at midnight… we’ll have dinner together… just you and me, at our own table…” Fluttershy said sweetly, a flirty cadence in her tone.
Nodding a bit, Rainbow kept an arm over Fluttershy’s shoulder even as she pulled away. “That we do, Flutters. Sounds kinda romantic, huh?” She winked, flashing a toothy grin at her.
This made Fluttershy’s smile grow tenfold, her eyes lighting up. Any and all doubts melted away, “Oh, absolutely… Very romantic…”
“I’m almost willing to bet there’ll be candles,” Dash added causally, but the look on her face and tone of her voice gave away her real opinion of this. “But, I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
“Yes, there will be candles…” Fluttershy sidled up closer to her, batting her eyelashes. “Mmm… Also, employees have a private room on the upstairs floor. Where they can rest, clean up, and…. bring a guest… if they wanted…”
With a chuckle, Dash gave her a coy look, “Private rooms, free drinks, dark tone? This place is starting to sound like a home away from home. So, are you trying to seduce me or what?” In all honesty, even she wasn’t completely sure where that last sentence came from, but it was far too late to take it back. And to be fair, she was kinda having fun with this now. It was very odd, and the condition of her friend was worrisome, but it was all starting to seem less frightening and more… appealing.
Unable to believe where this was coming from, Fluttershy was wide-eyed for a few moments. She couldn’t believe her own confidence, then Rainbow’s response! It was going way too well. Better than expected.
Nonetheless, Fluttershy smiled and brought her arms around her. “If I say yes… will you pull away from me?”
As if this was a challenge, Rainbow Dash pulled her closer. “Can you give me one good reason I should?”
Beaming, showing her fangs, Fluttershy leaned closer. “No… I won’t bite… unless you want me to…” She purred, her eyelids lowering.
“Well, maybe I’ll let you later,” Rainbow found it hard to believe what she was saying herself, but she was not about to stop. Fluttershy had always been a dear friend to her and she had watched her grow into a stunning version of beauty over the years. Now, in this place, under such strange circumstances, she looked more like a dark seductress than her old friend. If she wanted to flirt, then Dash would do so right back. If it lead somewhere, however… she’d follow all too happily right now.
“Wonderful…” Fluttershy cooed, brushing her lips along her cheek. “I’ll show you around some more…. introduce you to my coworkers…”
With a nearly wolfish grin, Dash let herself go for a moment to eye Fluttershy’s outfit and even let out a low whistle. “At this point, I’m thinking I might wanna see more of something else… but yeah, I’m interested to see just who you work with.”
Fluttershy grinned, taking her hand and leading her around the bar, seeing sight of Vino, who had come out to have a drink for a bit, likely taking a break.
“Oh, this man right here is Vino. He’s our DJ and also the accountant,” Fluttershy said. “Vino, this is my dear friend Rainbow Dash.”
Looking up from his drink, Vino greeted them with a friendly smile. “Well I’ll be, so you’re the gal that’s got our little Fangs’ heart! You got any idea how lucky you are?”
Wide-eyed, Fluttershy blushed and looked away with a sheepish smile. “Um….”
It took Dash a moment or so to understand what was going on, but quickly adjusted to this in style. “I’d say I’m the luckiest woman in the bar tonight. Maybe the continent.”
“Damn straight!” Vino chuckled, finishing another shot of whatever he was drinking. “So don’t go messing things up by pussyfooting around, got it? She deserves betta than that! Be smooth.”
By now, Fluttershy’s entire face was as pink as her hair as she shifted from one foot to the other. While thrilled that everything was on the table, it was still a bit embarrassing. “Um…”
“No worries, dude,” Rainbow Dash smirked as she circled her arm around Fluttershy’s waist. “I know what Flutters wants… I think I know how to deliver.”
With a smug grin, Vino lifted glass and gave it a slight tip, “Then make sure you do!”
Chuckling, Rainbow used her own drink bottle to tip back at him, “It’s gonna be a long night… Who knows what I’ll do to her…”
Fluttershy blushed even harder, squeaking. She couldn’t believe what they were saying! Doing! It was expected of her co-worker, but boy it was getting to her.
“Um…. we should go…” She said, shaking a bit.
“Sure, you two have fun ta-night!” Vino laughed a bit before pouring himself another shot, clearly amused by his own antics.
Fluttershy squeezed Rainbow’s hand and pulled her along a little too quickly. “Come on… I think I see Lila and Alia!”
Rainbow chuckled, being lead on, “Yeah, sure. I’m liking your coworkers so far!”
“I figured you would….” Fluttershy bit her lip a bit.
They came upon the twins, Alia and Lila, who were clearing one of the empty tables after the patrons had left.
“Alia, Lila? This is Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy said upon reaching them. “Rainbow, this is Alia, and that’s Lila. They’re waitresses and bus girls here.”
Chuckling, Alia gave a smile. “Ah, so you’re the famous Rainbow Dash. Never thought I’d see someone like you come in here. Welcome.”
Lila had a similar reaction, but considerably more frantic. “Oh. My. Gosh! You’re actually here! Fluttershy has told us soooo much about you!”
‘And I’m beginning to regret ever having done that…’ Fluttershy thought, forcing a smile. “Yes…”
“She really has,” Alia added in, “You must really know how to make an impression on others, Rainbow Dash.”
“What can I say? I just have an effect on people,” Rainbow joked a bit, pulling Fluttershy closer to herself with hand on her waist. “So, what all has she told you about me?”
The twins exchanged big smiles, while Fluttershy grimaced. This was not going to end well.
“She told us about your accomplishments with the Wonderbolts,” Alia said. “How you won the Best Young Flyer’s competition, with a Sonic Rainboom no less, and how you made it through the Wonderbolt Academy. I can tell she’s very proud of you.”
Fluttershy smiled in relief, glad to see that this was not about the crush itself. “Yes, I am. Very much so.”
“She’s also told us about how sexy you look in your training outfit,” Lila added with a giggle. “She’s always going on about how good you look in something or whatever. She even said you look like you should have been modeling just for lingerie~”
Wide-eyed, Fluttershy blushed heavily and looked away, ‘I am never telling them anything again!’
“Oh, really now?” Dash replied with grin, her hand slightly running down Fluttershy’s back. “Anything else she’s said about me?”
Fluttershy stiffened, wide-eyed and suppressing the urge to shiver.
“Now really Lila, let’s not embarrass the poor dear,” Alia chided. “She’s said many great things about you.”
“And that she thinks you look great with long hair!” Lila chimed in.
Fluttershy blushed still, even more so when she felt Rainbow’s hand continue to run up her back.
“I think I’ll keep that in mind,” Dash replied with a smug looking smile, trailing her finger down Fluttershy’s spine.
“Anyway,” Alia spoke up, “I take my break in two minutes. We can go and chat in the back if you want.”
“What!? You’re really gonna just leave me to this by myself?” Lila pouted.
“You’ve worked on your own before, Lila,” Alia pointed out.
“Yeah, but…” Lila started to pout, but gave up. “Okay, fine… I guess I can do this myself for a bit. Just come back before eleven-thirty.”
“Relax, I will,” Alia rolled her eyes. “Come on then, girls.”
“A-All right…” Fluttershy shifted a bit.
Dash, of course, was too busy trying to feel up Fluttershy at this point to mind where she was being lead. “Come on, Shy, it’ll at least kill some time before we get to eat.”
Fluttershy suppressed a moan, managing a nod, “Yes, of course…”
“Hey, remember what Al says about flirting,” Alia smirked, beckoning the two to follow. “Only off the clock and behind closed doors.”
Nodding weakly, Fluttershy leaned up against Dash, her legs having long since given out. “H-Help me…. I can’t walk…”
Doing just that, Rainbow gave her a playful grin as she held her upright, “You sure you don’t need me to carry you to your room instead?”
Fluttershy swallowed, “Yes…” She murmured honestly.
“Considering I doubt you two would leave before midnight, I’m gonna insist you wait until later for that,” Alia cut in, with a friendly smile. “Afterwards, though, you can do whatever you want.”
To this, Rainbow, shot her an odd look, “How do you know about our table?”
Alia just laughed at her, “Al’s got ways of getting the word out fast. You know, they say he used to be an information broker before he opened this place.”
“So he was a spy…” Rainbow said to herself before adjusting her grip on Fluttershy once more. “So, what do ya say? We hang for a bit, come down, eat, then you can show me your room.”
“Sure…. That’d be nice….” Fluttershy gave a nod and a smile, a blush on her cheeks.
“All right then,” Rainbow smirked at the two, “lead on, Alia.”
“Right this way,” Alia snickered, leading the two to back of the bar where the stairs were, muttering to herself, “Fangs and Wolfy.”
“Ooohh… Rarishee….” Applejack giggled, nuzzling the other woman affectionately, “Rarishee… you’re so purty… Soooooooo purty… Like a… like a snowball… or somethin’....”
Surprisingly, Applejack had made it farther than any other challenger in the house bet, actually managing two full shots of the Thunder Brew and still being conscious. But there was a clear difference between being conscious and being beyond the point of drunk. Rarity, however, did not seem to mind so much. In fact, a certain part of her seemed to actually enjoy the attention from her friend.
Whether or not this was do her own slight buzz was unknown though, as she did not feel drunk in the least.
“Darling, you should cut back a bit. You’re starting to slur,” Rarity replied, surprised by her own voice. It sounded, somehow, different. There was a faint accent in her voice that was not normally there. Or was it? It certainly felt natural, so what was it? Either way, she dismissed it and tried to get Applejack to sit up right once more.
“Noooo…. Ah’m fine….” Applejack planted kisses on her cheek, “Ya don’t taste like marshmallows… Them dreams lied ta meh….”
“Wh-What do you mean by that?” Rarity blushed, reeling back from this. Where had this come from exactly?
“Ah dream about ya… so much….” Applejack slurred, sounding wistful, “Ah dream ya taste like somethin’ sweet… Oh, Rarishee...ya haunt me ta the end o’ time… Ah didn’t even know Ah liked women… But ya came inta my life…”
Well, that had not been the answer Rarity had expected, much less even fathomed. Was Applejack actually telling her the truth or was this all part of her drunkenness? Either way, a part of her was still highly flattered. But it felt like something was odd about all of this.
“Darling, you can’t be serious,” she finally replied, a bit on edge to know if there was some truth to these words.
“Ah’m totally serious…” Applejack was now holding her close, kissing her neck, “Rarishee, yer a stunnin’ beauty an’ Ah want you… But Ah’d never admit it… Why would Ah, I don’t even know how Ah feel sometimes… Ah’m so stubborn, it ain’t easy. Mmmm, ya smell so good….real good…”
This was almost too much to take in, leaving Rarity in a daze. Was this a true drunken confession of love? Did Applejack, a close friend and her near complete opposite, actually feel like this about her? This was so out of place, so scandalous, and here she was, in the middle of it no less!
‘And why should that bother you,’ a small voice in back of her head chimed out through her thoughts. ‘Tis a night for such things. Why not indulge yourself in a few pleasures?’
Where had that come from? After a few seconds locked in this heated debate, Rarity finally pulled away from Applejack with a faint gleam in her eyes. “So… you’ve been dreaming about me, have you? That is news to me.” There it was again, that accent, creating a ‘z’ sound over the ‘th.’ As odd as it was, it was almost completely ignored. Rarity was starting to enjoy this attention a lot more then she should have.
“Oh yeah… howdy do….” Applejack reached for her, pouting at the loss of contact. “Ah dream about ya a lot. Nice dreams, purty dreams, scary dreams, funny dreams…”
Rarity seemed to giggle at this, placing a finger on the cowgirl’s chest to keep her at a certain distance as she took another sip of her delightful drink. “Oh my, it sounds like you may have an obsession. Why don’t you tell me about some of these dreams?”
Taking her hand, Applejack kissed along it and rubbed it against her cheek, “Ohh Rarishee… Ah’d bore ya ta death…”
“Darling, you underestimate my will and curiosity on the subject,” Rarity drew out her usual term of endearment to a certain extreme, causing it to sound far more flirtatious than it should have been.
“Oooh, awright…” Applejack purred. “One time, Ah dreamt you were workin’ on tha farm… wearin’ very little... usin’ a hoe like ya were born to….”
With another giggle, Rarity seemed to be playing hard to get while she playfully moved back yet again, but never enough to seem discouraging. “Oh, I see… Did anything happen in this dream of yours?”
“Ah came to ya and pinned ya to tha tree,” Applejack giggled, scooting closer to her. “Ah took ya into mah arms and kissed ya fer all ya were worth…”
“Ooooh, you were forsaking work for me?” Rarity teased, giving her a very seductive looks, her eyes seeming to have much more bright, icy blue tint to them. “I must have been wearing something that must have really torn away your attention. Maybe you should tell what that was so I might be able to... surprise you later with it?”
“Ah’d do anythin’ fer you… Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every…. uh… path or somethin’....” Applejack chuckled.
“You’d be very charming if you weren’t so drunk at this time, but even then, you’re very sweet to say such things, darling,” Rarity giggled, adjusting her posture ever so much to look more provocative. A part of her was absolutely stricken that she was actually flirting with Applejack like this, and surprised she was having so much fun doing so. The other part was too busy trying to think of how to seduce her friend at this point.
“Oh, Rarishee… if Ah were sober, Ah wouldn’t have tha guts ta say these things…” Applejack said somberly. She pulled Rarity into an embrace, proceeding to kiss her neck again, “Ah’d never be able ta give ya all tha love you deserve….”
With a bit of a sigh, Rarity shook her head with a smile, “How could you possibly know that if you never try? You seem to be doing a wonderful job at it now.”
“Only ‘cause Ah’m not holdin’ back….” Applejack sighed, “Ah love you so much…. Ah’d give anythin’ ta be yours… Ah cain’t give ya much… nothin’ that Prince Charmin’ can… All Ah can give you is mah love…”
“If you act like that, of course not,” Rarity replied coyly. “A Prince Charming doesn’t offer money, fair jewels, or worldly things like that. They are, as the name implies, charming. Noble blood means nothing… as it’s the heart that tells how sweet it is. And you, Applejack, can be very charming indeed.”
Applejack blinked, then giggled girlishly, “Awww… ya really think so?”
With a laugh of her own, Rarity gently reached up to run a hand down her friend’s cheek, “Why would I say so otherwise? My darling little apple.”
Blushing immensely, Applejack held her closer, “Oh, Rarishee… Ah feel like a million bits… thank ya….”
“I could make you feel much better if you ever wanted,” Rarity replied, giving her a set of bedroom eyes. There was no way of denying what she meant by this.
“Ooohh….” Applejack trembled, giving her bedroom eyes as well. “Rarishee, Ah’d be happy to…”
“Then how about after we leave here… you come home with me tonight?” Rarity smiled in way that showed a tell-tale sign of what was going on and what would happen.
“Really? Aw, Sugarcube, that’d be mighty lovely…” Applejack kissed her cheek, “Ah’ll love ya all night long…” She took another sip of her drink. Now she hiccuped, giggling, “That’s better. So, tell me Rarity, when do ya feel ready ta go?”
“Hmmm…” Twilight sipped her drink again, then leaned back in her seat, “This is just heaven!” While that might have been an exaggeration, she certainly found this place much more welcoming than she had thought at first. Even the owner, Alucard, seemed to be a very upstanding person. After all, how bad could a person be that collects rare books? Either way, she found both the books and the tea astonishing. “These are such awesome books! I never would’ve found such tomes at home! I hope I can find other copies! Or I might just have to come here again! Yeah! I think I will!”
“Helloooooooo, Twi-Twi!” Pinkie chirped as she came into view. “Having funsies?”
“Oh, hi, Pinkie,” Twilight greeted her friend with a warm smile, taking note of the apron she was wearing and the small plate of toasted egg sandwiches.
“Hope you’re hungry! Burmeister suggested I bring you something to eat!” Pinkie placed the plate down on the table.
Twilight looked over the food oddly, not sure what to make of it. It at least smelt good, but certainly did not look like Pinkie Pie had made it. Still, she took a sandwich with a smile. “Thank you, Pinkie. So, what’s the kitchen like back there?”
“It is so COOL! Brutus is such a talented cook! I tried some of his food he’s making, YUMMERLY! I thought I was going to ascend to Food Heaven!” Pinkie crooned, sparkly-eyed, “So delicious! The kitchen itself is such a nice place to work in! I luffles it! I was officially recruited to help bake a very special dessert!”
“Yes, I know. I was there when Alucard asked you to help with that,” Twilight reminded her, but simply moved on to the next subject. “This place really is something else, though. A pool, lounge, and rooms for rent would make this place a vacation spot in no time… Anyway, what are you cooking back there?”
“A couple’s cake!” Pinkie winked, “It’s a special kind of cake that you can’t eat alone! You have to share it!”
Blinking a few times, Twilight just looked her over, “That… doesn’t really answer my question. What kind of cake is it, exactly? As in, type, favor, and so on?”
“That varies! But in this case… It’ll be a vanilla cake, with rainbow candy bits inside the batter! Two-tier, with yellow and blue frosting! I was going to go for mousse, but I figure a nice basic one will do just fine! On the top will be some candy pieces in the shape of hearts, some candy rainbow sprinkles, and a strawberry on top! Why? Because strawberries are passionate!” Pinkie explained.
For just a moment, Twilight considered looking over to see if there were any books on cooking so she could better follow what was just said, decided against it, “I… see. Can I just assume you’re having fun?”
“Yeppers! This was a much better idea than ever! Oh, did you see Dashie and Flutters? They were getting all cuddly! It’s working!” Pinkie clapped her hands excitedly.
“Wait, Fluttershy is here?” Twilight asked in the utmost confusion.
Pinkie laughed, grinning as she sat down across from her. “Oop! You didn’t know? Well, I did! Brutus was telling me all about it! Flutters has been working here for the past four months! Oh oh oh oh! But get this! She’s still a vampire fruit bat hybrid! But she’s not some wild creature anymore! No wonder though, this is a perfect place for her to work! They pay her in fruits, especially apples! So that’s why she’s here! You know she has a crushie on Dashie, right? Well, it’s finally happening! That’s why I’m helping with dessert! Because they’re going to have a nice little dinner together! They’re playing matchmaker! And earlier, oh gosh, Dashie and Flutters were all cuddly and looking into each other’s eyes! By the time the night’s over, they’re going to be doing it! I could tell!”
Twilight stared at her for quite some time, just trying to understand what was just said from the bombardment of information. She forced herself to drink down another gulp of her tea and, oddly, it seemed to have helped make the dots connect. “So, the reason why Fluttershy has been avoiding hanging out with us was because she had not recovered from being a hybrid and began working here to help with her nocturnal behavior. They agreed due to the style of the bar, and even allowed her to be paid in fruit to help her, thus her employment here would help her control her cravings and allow her to keep her sanity… She told Alucard about us so he knew exactly what to say to all of us to get us to do what we’ve done when we came, and now they are all trying to help Fluttershy with her crush.” Amazed she was able to understand all that, she added, “Please remind me to ask Alucard for the recipe for this tea… It works wonders.”
“Will do, Twi-Twi!” Pinkie giggled, clapping, “It’s amazing, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is,” Twilight smiled a bit, but a small amount of concern was evident in her voice. “Still, don’t you think it might be a bit dangerous to sell drinks with effects like this? And furthermore, what other items in this place could be enchanted?”
“You’d have to ask Alucard! Alls I know is that they specialize in strange drinks like that!” Pinkie said with a wide grin, “That’s why a lot of people come to this bar, to try out the effects of them! They’re based off potions of lore!”
That concerned Twilight a bit more, “Potions of lore? That sounds dangerous enough… Speaking of which, has he made you drink anything?”
“Nope! He just gave me this apron!” Pinkie giggled, “And I was recruited to help! So nope! Nothing for me! But that’s okay, I’m totally coming back here again!”
“Just an apron?” Twilight asked with raised brow, “Let me examine it. Considering he called himself the Trickster Prince, I can’t imagine this is a normal apron.”
Pinkie shrugged and came around to Twilight’s side, sitting next to her, “Go ahead!”
Taking another sip of her drink, Twilight reached for the apron. The moment she touched the fabric, there was a minor shock that ran up her finger to her spine. “Ow!”
“Twi-Twi?” Pinkie’s normally sunny disposition melted into worry, “Twilight, are you okay?” She placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Y-Yeah, I’m fine,” Twilight replied, holding her finger, “I guess it was just a static shock.”
“But…. the floor isn’t carpet…” Pinkie frowned.
Twilight nodded in agreement, “Yes, I suppose you’re right. Still, I can’t imagine what else that might have been.”
“Do you feel all right?” Pinkie asked, biting her lip.
“I’ll be fine,” Twilight sighed, managing a smile. “Anyway, these books are fascinating! I’m so amazed that I’d be able to find such books in a place like this. And you know what? It’s been such a nice place to read. The lighting on this spot is actually bright enough, but not enough to make the dimness too light. It’s great!”
Smiling back, Pinkie tried to follow along. “That’s really great, Twilight. But, your finger… do you want me get something for it?”
“It’s all right, I’m fine now,” Twilight assured, “I don’t even feel it anymore.”
“Well, okay then,” Pinkie nodded slowly, “At least let me get you some more tea, okay?”
Realizing she’d finished drinking her tea, Twilight nodded and gave her the mug, “Sure, that’d be great. It’s delicious!”
With a smile, Pinkie took her cup. “All right then. You just wait here and I’ll be right back.” With that, she was gone, heading back to get more tea for Twilight.
Blinking, Twilight stared after her, “...What was that about?”
After a few moments, which felt much longer than it actually was, Pinkie returned with the tea. And something else. Her normally curly hair was completely flat, laying down in an orderly fashion, covering over one eye. Stranger still, was a singular white highlight as well and Pinkie did not seem upset about anything.
“Here you are, Twilight,” Pinkie said with a smile, her voice just slightly deeper than normal. “Alucard just made a batch moments ago, so it’s fresh. I also took the liberty to add a tablespoon of honey to it as well, as Alucard was out of natural sugar.”
Gaping, Twilight blinked, slowly. What had just happened? She couldn’t even come close to pinpointing it if she tried. Something was not right about Pinkie, not at all. Her hair was as flat as it had been when she’d had that internal crisis. Her voice was completely unlike her usual sunny demeanour. Everything about her was… calculated.
“Pinkie? Pinkie, are you feeling all right? Did Alucard give you something to drink after all?” Twilight managed, trying to make sense of this.
Giving her an odd look, Pinkie smiled warmly before giving a slight chuckle. “As I said, Twilight, he did not give me anything in the least. Besides, I’ve been too busy assisting with cooking to drink anything. Baking requires a clear mind after all.”
“You? A clear mind? No offense, Pinkie, but… you’re not usually like that…” Twilight mumbled, “Are you sure? You don’t normally act like this.”
“Certainly,” Pinkie nodded, “I don’t feel any different, so there shouldn’t be anything wrong. Relax, Twilight, I assure you that nothing’s amiss at the moment.”
‘Yes it is. You’re beginning to sound like a Trottingham scholar or something!’ Twilight thought. “Well, okay… if you say so…”
With another friendly smile, Pinkie took a seat beside Twilight, “Brutus informed me that despite my employment here only being temporary, I’m allowed to take a break... Would you mind sharing it with me?”
“No… I wouldn’t mind at all…” Twilight shook her head. “It’d be nice to have a little company.”
“Capital,” Pinkie reached over and looked over the selection of books beside the table.
“You…. um, want to read…?” Twilight blinked at her word usage.
Once more giving her friend a very confused look, Pinkie reared back. “Is there something amiss with that? While I may not be a heavy reader such as yourself, I do enjoy a good book at times.”
“Oh, no! I didn’t mean it like that! I know you like to read sometimes… I just hadn’t thought that you wanted to spend this evening reading,” Twilight said sheepishly.
“Well, it’s not my first choice, mind you, but it is a nice location to do so, as you said. Why waste it?” Pinkie smirked slightly, giving Twilight a chance to notice the minor amount of black eye shadow on her eyes. “That is, unless, you had other ideas of what we could do together for the next twenty or so minutes?”
‘Now eye shadow?! ….Who is this woman and what did she do with Pinkie?’
“Well, we could read… and still talk…” Twilight said, giving a mild shrug.
“Jolly good then,” Pinkie smiled brightly at her before sitting up right. “So, tell me, would you mind answering a few questions for me? Nothing quite as entertaining as what Rainbow Dash might ask, but just a few things I wanted to know.”
Taking one of the books to keep reading, Twilight bit her lip. What was going on here? She just couldn’t figure it out! “Um…. sure. What did you want to ask?”
With a small blush, Pinkie interlocked her fingers and her chin against her thumbs. “It may sound a bit silly, but after you told us about your tutelage under the Princess, I had always wondered, how did this come to pass? How did you become her student?”
“W-What? You wanted to know…. what? How I became her student? Well, I told you before? ….Or I didn’t? Well, uh…” Twilight twiddled her fingers a bit, “I had to take an entrance exam to get into Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Spellcasters. I had worked hard, but felt that I failed. But then when Rainbow’s Sonic Rainboom erupted, I was overtaken by my magic a lot more than expected. I even turned my parents into potted plants! Princess Celestia came in, having seen all of it. She said I had strong, magical potential within me and wanted to take me on as her student.”
“Yes, this part you’ve told us all before at one point,” Pinkie nodded to this, “But what I was trying to ask was how did the Princess actually begin your training…?”
“There isn’t much to tell, but, how come you want to know?” Twilight asked.
Again, there was blush on Pinkie’s face as she tried to force a reply. “I suppose it’s because… I’ve always been interested in magic, but being born into a normal family, I had no aptitude for the arts. I couldn’t learn it, so I eventually decided to try other things. Still, magic in all its forms seems so… captivating to me. There are times I really do wish I could use it like you and Rarity, but that’s just an old sting of jealousy on my part. I apologize.”
“That’s okay! I mean, there’s nothing wrong with being fascinated by something outside of your own ability,” Twilight assured quickly. “But if you’d like to know how it all came to be, I’d be happy to tell you.”
“If you’d rather not, I’d understand,” Pinkie offered on the off handed chance she wanted to end the conversation. “We can always talk about something else.”
Twilight gave her a smile, “In case you didn’t hear me a second ago, I said that I’d be happy to tell you.”
Pinkie sighed, but did not dare protest, “Very well. If you’re willing to share, I’d be more than happy to listen.”
“Well, anyway, after Princes Celestia took me on as her student, she taught me some magic spells I’d never thought I would learn. They were advanced spells, more for expert spellcasters. She was sure I could master them… even though I still felt like too much of a novice,” Twilight recalled. “I spent a few days trying so hard to perform them! It never worked.”
“I see… What were some of the spells?” Pinkie asked with eager look in her eyes. “Maybe the Spirit Walk spell? Or perhaps the Dispel Illusions?”
“Spirit Walk? You know about that?” Twilight gaped with surprise.
Pinkie recoiled a bit, showing a bit of shyness, “Well, yes… It was always one of the most interesting spells I had ever heard of.”
“Wow! I’m impressed,” Twilight giggled, “Well, it wasn’t the Spirit Walk… that didn’t come until later. It was actually the second one you said, Dispel Illusions.”
“Practically speaking, the Dispel Illusions spell is very useful in a multitude of situations dealing with other spellcasters, considering that the illusion and alteration schools are so popular,” Pinkie said with chuckle. “I’m impressed with you as well. When did the Spirit Walk come into practice?”
“About six months or so since I started studying under her,” Twilight recalled. “I can’t remember exactly. But I remember that it actually took me only two weeks to master it! Most unicorns take at least three months! And that’s if their magical ability can handle it!”
Pinkie giggled at this, adjusting her seat, “That’s quite the feat! I take it after so much time, you’ve gotten used to exerting so much mystic energy. I’m willing to bet you could easily master most spells that you come across.”
“Most of the time, especially if they’re easy,” Twilight nodded.
“What about transmutation spells?” Pinkie asked with a playful smirk. “Like the old tales of turning lead into gold. Can you use those without a transmutation circle?”
“It kind of depends,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “Sometimes you can manipulate a spell to have its effect without the transmutation circle. Most of the time it’s not exactly easy, especially since they often require transmutation circles to work effectively.”
Nodding to this, Pinkie held a thoughtful look for a moment. “I see. I have heard of some that use transmutation spells with the need of a circle, but they were usually practitioners of in the school of alchemy. Do you think there’s a connection?”
“You know, I was wondering that theory myself!” Twilight grinned, “I’m pretty sure there must be. A lot of studies were conducted to proving it in the past few years.”
“I know, right? It seems more than just a simple coincidence as they all seem to be in same school of magic,” Pinkie smiled happily. “And not to mention both seem to rely on understand the components of both to use both effectively.”
Twilight grinned wider, amazed at how she seemed to know all of this, “You’re right! There was a big seminar last year with both schools, it seemed like they were drawing a lot of the same conclusions for the new formulas they were testing!”
Nodding once more at the information, Pinkie chuckled. “I had no idea they attended the same seminars. Still, it would stand reason to believe that there must be some type of connection in their studies.”
“I know! Have you read any of their books? I just got last year’s issue of Alchemy Guides, it’s fascinating!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly.
“Sadly, no,” Pinkie smiled sheepishly. “I haven’t actually read any books on the subject in years. Like I said, I kinda… just tried to focus on what I can do, rather than wishing for what I couldn’t. Although, it would be nice to read up on recent findings…”
“Well then, come down to the library sometime and I’ll lend them to you!” Twilight suggested. “Trust me, they’re amazing reads.”
Pinkie considered it for a moment, “Well, I guess it couldn’t hurt... Very well then, I’ll come over sometime later tomorrow and pick up a few.”
“All right, then!” Twilight grinned, clapping excitedly. “Pinkie, this is great! I’d love to talk to you more on these subjects!”
“I guess I could try, if you wanted,” Pinkie fidgeted in her seat for a moment. “I’m a bit outdated on most of the info, though.”
“That’s okay, you can catch up! I’ll even be happy to answer any questions you might have,” Twilight offered.
Pinkie simply nodded. “If you’re sure you’d be fine with that, then I’ll take you up on that.”
Giving a nod, Twilight smiled and sipped her tea, “Absolutely, Pinkie! To be honest, I never felt like I could talk to you girls about this kind of thing… But it’s nice to know I can, now.”
“Well, you should have asked,” Pinkie replied casually. “After all, you’re always offering for us to come to you if we need to speak of anything, why should it not be the same for you?”
“Oh… thank you, Pinkie… that means a lot to me,” Twilight smiled appreciatively. “I’ll remember that.”
“Of course, Twilight,” Pinkie sat back upright, placing a hand over Twilight’s. “You know I always enjoyed our time together, so I’m glad you see me as someone you can talk to openly like this.”
“Well, I do now….” Twilight blushed a bit, “I always enjoyed your company, Pinkie. You’re such a delight, and you really make me laugh.”
With a giggle, Pinkie tilted her head cutely, “I guess you could say that’s my own, special type of Pinkie Pie magic. I love to see others happy… especially you.”
Blushing quite a bit, Twilight couldn’t help but admire her. ‘She’s so adorable… so sweet… so… smart… I can’t believe she’s calming down a bit… Wow… I think… I think I really...’
“Oh Pinkie…” Twilight cooed, leaning close to her, “you’re such a wonder…”
She couldn’t control herself. Impulse or not, all Twilight knew was that she leaned in and pecked Pinkie gently on the lips. Pulling away, she giggled a bit.
‘Wow… that was fun! I never knew being so impulsive could be… wonderful!’
Pinkie, though, seemed to be taking this very differently. Her entire face was red and her eyes wide. She seemed to be trying to process what had just happened and what she should do. Perhaps feel, but that seemed clearly written on her face. A few seconds pased before she finally spoke.
“Um… where did that come from?”
Now that was weird. If there was anyone who loved affectionate gestures, it was Pinkie. She would’ve been bouncing and giggling like crazy. But why wasn’t she? It didn’t make sense.
Nonetheless, Twilight smiled a bit, “I’m not sure, I just…. felt a sudden urge to kiss you. To be honest, I didn’t even realize I wanted to until now…”
As if the laws of logic were breaking, Pinkie actually blushed even more from hearing that. “I-I just hadn’t thought you’d ever… I mean, with all the time we’ve spent together and all the times I’ve hugged on you and so… you never seemed to like it.”
“...I didn’t? Oh…” Crestfallen, Twilight twiddled her fingers. “I’m sorry, Pinkie. I never meant to make it seem like I didn’t. Because I did… I always have.”
“It’s quite all right,” Pinkie said, regaining some of her new found calm. “I know I can be a bit wild with my displays of affections, but I only do so because I care so much for you and the others. I’ve tried to cut back some from what I used to, though. I’m simply an affectionate person, I suppose…”
Twilight smiled, holding her hands, “Pinkie… I don’t ever want you to change. You’re a bright, fun, sunshine-y, sweet, affectionate woman and I love that about you. If I ever seemed annoyed, I do apologize. I would never want you to change who you are. You really know how to just brighten anybody’s day, mine included.”
With all that said, Pinkie smiled warmly at her friend, rubbing her thumbs against Twilight palms. “I’ll try, Twilight… I certainly don’t want to change either. I’m happy with who I am and, if not for how I am, we might not have become friends. Believe me, I’ve been grateful for the sheer privilege to be near you most days.”
“Well, gosh….” Twilight giggled and blushed, “That’s so sweet, Pinkie. I feel the same way…”
Pinkie rested her eyes for a moment, letting herself savor the moment for just a little longer. “It appears we share the same opinion on that as well… I do find it odd, though. Normally, I don’t believe I’m this well with my words, and most of it gets lost in the heat of the moment. I’m… actually very grateful I got a chance to really speak my mind with you.”
“Well… I’m glad you did too, Pinkie,” Twilight smiled more. “It’s nice that we were able to sit and talk like this. It really was.”
“With any luck, this won’t be a one-time thing,” Pinkie chuckled, looking Twilight in the eyes. “It would be a shame if it was…”
“Oh no, this definitely won’t be a one-time thing…” Twilight looked into Pinkie’s expressive, beautiful blue eyes. She felt her heart pound yet again.
“So, I take it we’ll be coming back here in the future?” Pinkie replied with a coy smile.
“I don’t see why not…” Twilight purred, giving her bedroom eyes.
Looking at the wall clock, Pinkie sighed. “Where does the time go? It looks like my break is over… Twilight, would you mind staying until after midnight? I’ll be done then and we can pick this back up where we left off, if you so wish it.”
Without hesitation, Twilight nodded, “I’d be happy to. I was pretty sure I’d be here reading all night, anyway.”
“Then I shall return before the clock strikes twelve,” Pinkie replied with a smile, sliding up from her seat. Before departing, however, she gave Twilight a quick kiss to the top of her head, “And you can hold me to that as a Pinkie Promise.”
“Oooh, okay!” Twilight giggled with glee, feeling a thrill enter her heart. “Sounds wonderful…”
Pinkie giggled as well, waving to her as she walked back to the kitchen, mouthing a wordless “goodbye” with what might have been a kiss.
“Wow….” Twilight murmured, leaning back in the comfy seat and returning to her book, “This is going to be a wonderful evening…”