Whiskey Lullaby

by Smitty91


Chapter 8

Fluttershy trotted happily throughout the Ponyville square, humming a merry tune to herself as she made her way towards Carousel Boutique. It had occurred to her that the only way to make Rarity feel better and, hopefully, get her out of her funk was to spend time together. The two of them hadn't been to the spa in weeks and, despite the fact that she didn't mcuh care for pampering, she was craving some alone time with her friend.

The front door to the Boutique was unlocked, but as she peeked in, Fluttershy saw no sign of Rarity. She checked at all of the typical places her friend would be, such as the room where Rarity worked and her bedroom, but didn't find her in either. It was when she was exiting Rarity's bedroom that she stopped and listened carefully to the noise that was coming from the room to her right. Was that . . . singing she heard?

The hinges on the door creaked when she gently pushed open what she supposed was the door to the bathroom. It had to be, given the steam and foggy atmosphere of the room when she entered. She squinted, attempting to see through the steam. It was difficult, but she eventually made her way to the source of the steam. Pulling back the curtain, she spotted Rarity happily singing to herself while she bathed in the shower. Tentatively, she began singing along with her friend.

Hearing a second voice singing along with her, Rarity suddenly stopped in the middle of bathing herself and turned to see Fluttershy standing there, smiling at her. She cried out and fell backwards on her rump. “Fluttershy, what in heaven's name do you think you're doing?”

Fluttershy shrunk back a bit. “I-I thought I'd come early so that you and me could get a head-start on our date together.” She smiled.

“Could you please be courteous enough to wait until I'm ready?”

“Oh, right.” Fluttershy blushed. “Sorry. I'll just wait outside.”

“Thank you, dear.”


Slowly, the seconds ticked by. Fluttershy seemed to be mesmerized by the ticking clock on the wall, her eyes never leaving it. It wasn't until Sweetie Belle was wandering towards the front door that she diverted her eyes. She beamed at the little filly as she cooed, “Oh, hello, Sweetie Belle,” thus causing said filly to turn. “What are you up to today?”

“Just off crusading with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Ooh, that sounds like fun. What are you going to do to earn your cutie marks today?”

“Parachuting.” She beamed with pride and puffed out her chest. “My idea.”

“Oh. Okay. Just be careful.”

Sweetie Belle smiled. “Always.”

“Good luck.”

“Thanks, Fluttershy.”

A few minutes after Sweetie Belle had left, Rarity walked in the living room with a towel folded on her head and dressed in her silk robe. “Ooh, I swear that sister of mine is going to be the death of me.” She looked over at Fluttershy and frowned upon seeing her friend so bored. “I'll just be a minute, darling, I promise.”

“Oh, you're fine, Rarity,” Fluttershy reassured her. “Take your time. There's no rush.”

Without another word to the cream-colored Pegasus, Rarity turned and made her way back upstairs to work on her mane and tail. She descended the stairs yet again fifteen minutes later looking her beautiful gorgeous self. Fluttershy was already by the door ready to go when she came downstairs. Without waiting another moment, the unicorn trotted over and said, “Well, then, shall we get going?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Certainly.”

The duo made their way out the door and began walking about Ponyville, making polite conversation.

“So, Fluttershy,” Rarity said, “what do you have planned for today?”

“Well, I was thinking we could go to the spa for a couple of hours, followed by lunch at Hay Burger, i-if that's okay with you, of course.”

Rarity sputtered her lips, blowing her mane upwards. “Of course, darling. That sounds simply fabulous! Let's get going!”



Rarity and Fluttershy had been to the spa so many times that both Lotus Blossom and Aloe knew them by name, knew what kind of treatment they wanted, and knew how each of them wanted to be treated during said treatment. As usual, they first started with a trip to the sauna, followed by facials, massages, and finally, a mud bath. Their conversations were mostly spent on what the other had been up to as of late, Fluttershy being adamant about completely avoiding the topic of Spike for fear that it would cause upset Rarity and cause stress for Rarity. Like always, Rarity was pampered and spoiled, whereas Fluttershy declined a full facial, wanting only two pecks of mud on each of her cheeks.

The girls left the Ponyville Day Spa feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. They practically bounced out of the spa ala Pinkie Pie when they left.

“What about after lunch?” Rarity inquired. “What then?”

“Well, I was thinking that maybe we could go to Sugarcube Corner and get some dessert. Maybe? If-if that's okay with you?”

“Fluttershy, you know I don't much care for sweets.” She looked behind her nad beamed at her robust rump. “I have to maintain my figure, after all.” Seeing her friend frown and slouch in disappointment, she quickly added, “But, I do have a sudden craving for something sweet. I suppose that stopping by Sugarcube Corner wouldn't hurt.”

Fluttershy's face lit up. “Wonderful! Are you hungry now, or do you want to take a stroll through the park first?”

Rarity tapped her chin with her hoof in thought. “I haven't eaten anything since breakfast this morning. I am quite hungry.” She looked around. “Where is Hay Burger again? You know me. I would never eat at such an,” she thought of a pleasant word to use, “uncouth place, let alone let Sweetie Belle. That poor filly has enough problems, what, with that Diamond Tiara constantly picking on her. She surely doesn't need another reason for fillies to make fun of.”

Fluttershy nodded as they started walking. “I understand, but there's nothing wrong with eating out every once and a while. It's only unhealthy when you eat out constantly.”

“Quite right, darling. I suppose I'll just get a salad or something.” She glanced over at the Pegasus. “And you?”

Fluttershy merely shrugged. “I don't know yet. Twilight says their food is very good.”

Rarity scoffed. “I can't imagine Twilight eating at Hay Burger. She's far too good for that. Now, I can see Spike eating there.”

Fluttershy nodded, but said nothing. She was surprised that the mention of the purple dragon didn't upset her friend, as it had done so in the past.

The rest of the journey to Hay Burger was silent, aside from a cough or a sneeze from Fluttershy. When she did this for the fifth time in a row, it caused Rarity to question whether or not her friend was getting sick. Fluttershy remarked that she was feeling fine, that it must have been her allergies acting up.

It came as no surprise to Fluttershy that Hay Burger was packed with ponies. It was a very popular fast-food chain. It took the two friends quite a long time to finally get inside. Standing outside in the heat in a crowd full of ponies was undoubtedly going to cause Rarity to complain, which she did.

“Maybe we should pick somewhere else to eat,” Fluttershy said.

Rarity frowned. “Sorry, darling. The heat must be getting to me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course, dear.”

“O-okay.”

Eventually, they made it inside and to the register. An earth pony greeted them with a warm smile. “Welcome to Hay Burger,” he said brightly. “What can I get for you?”

The two scanned the menu above them before answering.

“I'll have just a salad, please, with a glass of water,” Rarity replied.

The earth pony turned to Fluttershy. “And you, miss?”

“Oh. I'll have, uh,” she scanned the menu once again, “a double Hay Burger combo, please, with a diet soda.”

“And is that for here or to go?” the earth pony inquired.

Fluttershy and Rarity looked at each other before turning their heads to look back at the massive crowd behind them. They both turned back to the earth pony and replied in unison, “To go.”

“Very well. Is that together or are both meals separate?”

Rarity gave a loud groan and rolled her eyes. “Separate.”

“Right, then. Total is five bits for your meal, miss,” he said to Fluttershy. “And two bits is the total of your meal,” he added to Rarity.

They found a quiet spot in the park in which to eat their lunch. Thankfully, their food was still hot by the time they reached the park. They sat opposite of each other and began eating, only talking in between swallows and gulps of their beverages. Like Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy was thrilled that Rarity was getting back on her hooves and working again. The work would do her some good. For one, it would get her mind off things and giver her something else to concentrate on besides her depression. For another thing, the money that was pouring in from her filling her orders was helping her maintain a stable household for Sweetie Belle. Her income was so great that she hadn't required any of her friends to help her get the kitchen repaired, in spite of the fact that they had insisted that they help her.

It took them over an hour to completely consume their meals. Once their waste was thrown in the trash, the two of them found themselves headed towards Sugarcube Corner. As they neared the entrance, Fluttershy spotted Twilight heading inside as well.

“Twilight,” Rarity called.

Said unicorn turned to the two of them and beamed. “Hello, girls,” she greeted warmly. “What brings you to Sugarcube Corner today?”

“Oh, just out spending the day with Fluttershy,” Rarity replied, smiling at her friend. “What about you, dear?” She stopped and observed Twilight up and down. She noticed that the unicorn seemed to be a bit plumper than usual. She walked around the unicorn, observing her carefully. She felt Twilight wince when she lifted up her friend's tail to observe her buttocks before finally standing beside Fluttershy once again. “Are you feeling all right, dear?”

Twilight nodded, giving her friend a puzzled look. “Of course. I feel fine. Why do you ask?”

“Well, it's just . . . you seem . . . chunkier than you usually do.”

Twilight glared. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“You look like you've put on a few pounds,” Fluttershy silently replied. “Are you sure you're feeling all right?”

“Girls, I feel fine,” Twilight shot back angrily. “Just because I put on a little extra weight doesn't mean there's something wrong! Okay?!”

Rarity was so taken aback by this response that even she took a few steps back. She looked genuinely hurt by Twilight's sudden outburst. “We're sorry, dear. We're just a little concerned, is all.”

Twilight's face fell. “I'm sorry, too.” She shook her head. “I haven't been myself lately. I haven't been getting much sleep lately and I seem hungry all the time.”

“Maybe you should write the Princess,” Rarity suggested. “It's not healthy to put yourself through this sort of torture.”

Twilight nodded. “You're right. I'll write the Princess as soon as I can,” she looked behind her at Sugarcube Corner, “but after I get something to snack on.” She turned back to her friends. “Join me? My treat.”

“Of course,” Fluttershy agreed happily. Alongside Twilight and Rarity, she walked in Sugarcube Corner.

“Well, if it isn't our best customer,” Mrs. Cake cried happily as the three walked in.

“Oh, stop,” Twilight said, blushing.

“You've been in here practically every day for the past two weeks,” Mrs. Cake continued.

“Okay, seriously, stop,” Twilight said in a more serious tone. She smiled nervously, darting her eyes left and right, trying to avoid the concerned looks she was getting from Fluttershy and Rarity.

“What can I get for you, Twilight?” Mrs. Cake asked. “The usual? A dozen chocolate cream-filled donuts?”

Fluttershy and Rarity's mouths dropped and their eyes grew wide.

Twilight's face was beet red. “N-No. I'll, uh, just have, uh, a cupcake.”

“Coming right up,” Mrs. Cake said. She smiled at Fluttershy and Rarity. “And what can I get for you two?”

Once they'd collected themselves and gotten over their shock, both Fluttershy and Rarity turned to Mrs. Cake. Fluttershy ordered a slice of cheesecake and Rarity ordered a slice of key lime pie. While Mrs. Cake was busy filling their orders, an awkward silence fell between the three friends.

“I had no idea it was that bad,” Rarity said.

Twilight sighed and looked down. “Just say it, all right. I'm a pig.” She fell to the floor, covering her face with her hooves.

“No, you're not,” Fluttershy said, tenderly petting Twilight's mane. “Just because you binge a little every now and then doesn't make you a pig. Just ask Rarity.”

“Fluttershy,” Rarity bellowed.

Said Pegasus winced. “Sorry, Rarity.”

Twilight sighed yet again. “I'm sorry. I just don't know what to do. Ever since Spike left, I feel like there's a void in my life, and the only way to fill it is to stuff myself.”

“You know, you really should see a doctor about that sort of thing,” Rarity said. “It's not healthy, Twilight.”

Twilight nodded. “I know. I just can't find the energy or the strength to get out of bed. I'm in a rut. Nothing thrills me anymore. I can't even find a reason to get out of the bed in the morning.”

“Believe me, darling, I know how you feel,” Rarity said. “But you have to fight through it and get out of bed and go about your day, even if you don't feel like it.”

“And here you are, girls,” Mr. Cake crowed, levitating three small white boxes to the register.

“Thank you, Mr. Cake,” Twilight said, handing him several bits. “You can keep the change. Let's go, girls.” She levitated all three boxes and led the way out the door.

Their conversation was a lot more lively than when it was just Fluttershy and Rarity, probably because it was so hard for Fluttershy to carry on a conversation. Fluttershy and Rarity did their best to avoid the topic of Twilight's weight gain, now anting to embarrass the poor dear any further than she already was. They didn't so much as bat an eye when she offered to finish off their desserts for them. They watched (Rarity in disgust and Fluttershy in awe) as Twilight wolfed down the remains of their desserts in ten seconds flat.

“That was impressive,” Fluttershy commented.

“Darling, I feel you really must go see your doctor regarding your eating habits,” Rarity remarked. “I don't want to see you become some crazy mare who's cooped up in her house all day living on sweets and junk food.”

Twilight chuckled. “Rarity, that's not going to happen. I'll go see my doctor when I have the time. Right now I'm too busy studying and catching up on my reading to go see the doctor.”

“Well, make the time,” Rarity insisted. “Your health is far more important than how far along you are in your studies!”

Twilight sighed. “All right, all right,” she agreed. “I see your point. I'll schedule to see my doctor tomorrow.”

Rarity sighed in relief. “Thank you, darling. It's just that I care about you very much.” She rested a hoof against Twilight's. “You do realize that, don't you?”

Twilight nodded. “Of course I do, Rarity.” She suddenly reached over and enveloped Rarity in a hug “You've been such a good friend throughout this whole experience.” She released Rarity and beamed. “And not just you. I mean, all of you.” She smiled at Fluttershy. “Thank you.”

“No trouble, Twilight,” Rarity replied. “It's our pleasure. We're a family, rmemeber, and families help each other when there's trouble.”

Fluttershy nodded enthusiastically. “That's right.”

Twilight's smile widened to the point where it looked like it was hurting the muscles in her face. “I think, thanks to you guys, I'll be able to sleep more soundly tonight.”

“If you'd like,” Rarity suggested, “we could have a sleepover. It won't be like last time since me and Fluttershy,” she grabbed said pony and held her close, “get along just like sisters.”

Twilight chuckled. “That actually wouldn't be such a bad idea. I'd love to have some company over for the night. It's been so lonely lately, so . . . quiet.”

“Well,” Rarity patted Twilight's hoof, “you won't be lonesome tonight.”

“Mm-hmm,” Fluttershy hummed, nodding her head.


“You're sure this is enough food?” Twilight asked. She stared down at the large quantity of food sitting before them.

Rarity nodded. “Most certainly.”

“But isn't this a bit . . . much?” Twilight continued. “I would expect this kind of spread from Pinkie Pie, but not from you two.” She finally glanced up at her friends, making eye contact.

“Don't worry, Twilight,” Fluttershy said. “Between the three of us, we'll have this all eaten in no time.”
“I'm not looking forward to stomach cramps keeping me up at night,” Twilight protested.

“Then don't eat,” Rarity suggested. “Me and Fluttershy, on the other hoof, are quite starved, having not eaten anything since breakfast this morning. I skipped lunch to work on an order.”

“And I skipped lunch to feed Angel,” Fluttershy stated.

“Okay, then. Eat up.” She finally settled onto her pillow, smiling while her friends munched on the snacks that they'd prepared. She suddenly frowned and sighed dejectedly. “It's been so hard living without him.”

Rarity smiled encouragingly. “Believe me, darling, we know how you feel. We've been having a hard time coping as well, myself especially seeing as how I was the one who found him dead.”

Twilight looked up at her. “I can't imagine how traumatizing that must've been for you.”

“I'm still having nightmares, but,” she leaned forward and patted Twilight's hoof, “talking with you is helping a lot, darling.”

“I'm sure it is,” Twilight replied.

“Have you talked to Rainbow Dash recently?” Fluttershy asked. “She's been rather distant recently, and any time I see her she's in a foul mood.” She shook her head. “I don't know what's wrong with her.”

“I'm sure she's just upset about Spike's passing,” Twilight replied. “She's probably just bottling up her emotions. You know how tough she thinks she is. She needs to learn that it's okay to let go, to show your emotions sometimes, even if it means showing other ponies your vulnerable side.”

“Good luck with that, dear,” Rarity said. “It's a real shame the others aren't here, then we could have really had a party.”

“I asked, but they're all busy,” Twilight stated. “I'm just glad you two didn't have plans.”

“I can finish that order tomorrow,” Rarity decided.

“And Angel will be fine until morning,” Fluttershy added, “even though I will miss him.”

“He'll be okay,” Twilight reassured the cream-colored Pegasus.

Fluttershy smiled. “Thank you, Twilight.”

“And what about you, Fluttershy?” Twilight inquired. “How have you been doing since the party?”

“Fine,” Fluttershy replied, “just fine. Spending time with my animal friends and taking care of them is helping me a lot. It helps my mind off . . . other things.”

“If you ever want to talk,” Twilight said, “I'm here. Anytime you want to talk. You don't even need to schedule an appointment. Just walk in and we'll talk.”

“I'll be sure to let Rainbow Dash know,” Fluttershy remarked.

“Thank you. I'm sure she'll be in a better mood once she's done talking to me.”

“Okay, that's enough gloom,” Rarity decided. “What say we talk about something more . . . pleasant?”

“Like what?” Fluttershy asked.

“Like,” she thought for a moment, “the cider season coming up. If anything, that's sure to put Rainbow Dash in a good mood.”

“Provided she gets some,” Fluttershy added with a chuckle.

“Yes, I remember her being in a foul mood all day for the past few years because she didn't get any cider,” Twilight said, smiling.

“That's going to change this year,” Rarity said. “One, Rainbow Dash has that machine that gives her cider any time she wants it. And two, Applejack has promised her to save a few mugs of cider for her.”

“That's sweet of her,” Twilight remarked. “What about the rest of you?”

“Me and Fluttershy particularly don't much care for the taste of cider,” Rarity said. “Besides, we'll be at the spa all day. Some pamepring is just what I need to make me feel better about this whole thing.”

“Most of us would like nothing more than to move on, Rarity,” Twilight said, “but, unfortunately, it's not that easy.”

Fluttershy nodded. “That's right. It can take months or even years to get over a loved one's death. I should know. I've lost a lot of animal friends throughout the years, and it's taken me a long time to move on.”

“Really?” Rarity asked.

Fluttershy nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

“Don't worry, Rarity,” Twilight reassured. “Together, we can move on with time. It shouldn't take as long as a couple of years or, heck, even months, if we all work together. That's what we're here for, right?”

“Right,” Rarity and Fluttershy said in unison.