//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Let the Rumors Fly // by Baron Von Clop //------------------------------// “...Absolutely nothing.” Rainbow Dash cocked her head to the side, eyeing up the white unicorn across the table from her. “Wait, what? That sounds like an awful plan, Rarity.” “You’re an awful plan.” Rarity stuck her nose up, confident in her quip having been a solid burn. “I’ll simply speak to her the next time we are at the spa... which, as a matter of fact, is later today anyway. I’ve an extra ticket to the Gala, and I’ll offer it to her.” “That would work... The Gala does sound like something you two would get into. I just hope it goes better this year.” Dash chuckled, giving a small shrug. “Wasn’t all that great the last time we all went.” “No, of course it wasn’t. I was with Blueblood that night.” Rarity stuck her tongue out, cringing as the memories of that night returned to her. She’d almost forgotten them for good. “Ugh. What a horrible little monster of a ‘prince.’ Never again. Not ever.” “Here’s hoping he doesn’t show up, then, yeah?” Rainbow Dash gives a small smile, standing up on the seat and splaying her wings out to the side. “Anyway... I guess I should probably get goin’, huh? I don’t want to keep you held up for too long.” Rarity nods, swiping a strand of purple mane out of her eyes. “Yes, of course. Really, though, Rainbow Dash... I do appreciate you coming out here to talk about this. It means a lot.” Dash chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, anytime. See you around,” she said, wings flapping as she took off into the air, leaving Rarity to her own devices. )()()()( Rarity allowed herself to sink into the mud bath hooves first. She shuddered as she felt the cold, sticky substance slowly overtake her entire body, covering her hoof to neck in cool, therapeutic dirt. The entire spa trip had always been one of her favorite things in all of Equestria. Between the hooficures and the shampooing and the sauna, she loved every bit of it. But today, her absolute favorite part was the mud bath. No other time would the high and mighty Rarity be seen covered in mud - but today, it had its uses. If any blush appeared, it was hidden away. No emotions could get through a mud mask, giving her the appearance of being confident in her questions. Even if she was terrified of rejection at this moment. Once the pair were settled in their respective mud baths, the spa employees coated the unicorn’s face with the softer facial cream, topping it all off with the cucumber slices over her eyes. Fluttershy’s face, as usual, remained uncovered. “So, Fluttershy, dear,” Rarity spoke, careful to keep from knocking the vegetables off of her face. “I did have something I wished to discuss with you. Plans, if you will.” “Oh! Um, okay, Rarity.” The yellow pegasus nodded, the ends of her pink mane dipping into the mud. “What was it you wanted to talk about?” “Well, Fluttershy, it’s almost time for the Grand Galloping Gala, you know. And... well, I have a spare ticket, is all, so I was sort of wondering...” Rarity swallowed hard as she felt a lump rise up in her throat. She felt her heart beat harder and harder in her chest. Too late to back out now, Rarity. “Would you like to go with me?” “Oh... me?” Fluttershy wriggled a hoof underneath the mud, tilting her head side to side as she thought it over. “I... well. Don’t you normally take a date with you?” Rarity silently berated herself the moment after the question, though her frustration was hidden behind the vegetable slices and mud - the exact reason she’d chosen now to ask. You fool, she thought to herself, of course she’d take it that way. She’s far too innocent to read into that. She thinks you’re asking her as a friend - not a date! She opened her mouth to respond, only to find her voice was not going to cooperate anymore. Nothing came out. “...Rarity?” “Ah...” “Are you okay?” “Um, yes!” Rarity found her voice, responding a little too fast. “Perfectly fine, darling!” She let out a nervous giggle, stirring a hoof beneath the mud. “Just got caught up with my thoughts for a moment, that’s all. I, ah... well, normally I take a date, yes...” “Well, that’s okay... I’d love to go!” Fluttershy gave a wide smile and nodded. “Oh! Well, that is great news, then!” Rarity forced a smile, though deep down she was fuming with herself. That was your best shot, and you just let it slip through your hooves. Good job. “I suppose we should get you set up with some sort of gown, yes? We can’t have you attending the Gala without something fancy to wear!” Fluttershy giggled to herself, nodding again. “Oh, of course not, Rarity. If you want, I could come over tomorrow.” “Oh, but of course! I’m free all of tomorrow! I was actually going to work on my own ensemble for the Gala, but we can fit yours in there as well! Mine won’t take all day. ...Well, just most of it.” Rarity had recomposed herself, able to at least suppress her feelings for the time being and get through a conversation. “Anytime, dear.” “I appreciate it, Rarity. This is going to be a lot of fun!” “Haha, oh, it sure will be,” Rarity said, the laugh containing just a hint of disdain for herself. )()()()( “Rainbow DASH! Get down here right this instant!” Rarity slammed a hoof against her boutique’s balcony, stamping it in order to get the flying pegasus’ attention. She had just happened to catch the cyan pony flying through the air at a speed less than the sound barrier, and tried to grab her attention. Spinning around, Rainbow Dash flew backwards for a few moments as she tried to spot who was calling out for her. Seeing Rarity, she swooped down and hoovered just in front of the balcony, grinning wide. “Rarity! Hey! How’d it go with you and Fluttershy!” “Oh! Well, let me tell you about that.” She narrowed her eyes, stamping a hoof again. “We have an emergency.” “...Huh? What do you mean?” “Oh, I asked her out to the Gala. That part went fine. You know, she loved the idea. I’m even making a dress for her to wear to it.” “...So, what’s the problem?” Rarity huffed. She hung her head, purple mane falling forward as she grumbled to herself. “She thinks I asked her as a friend. Fluttershy doesn’t realize I was asking for a date.” Rainbow Dash floated in place for a beat before she cackled, waving her front hooves around. “Wait, what? Oh, that is amazing! Ahaha! I should have seen that coming, oh man!” Rarity furrowed her brow and gripped the pegasus in a levitation spell, jerking her towards the balcony closer to the door. “This isn’t funny, Dash! Get in here, we need to formulate a plan. It’s going to be awkward enough showing up at the Gala with another mare, but showing up with no date would be even worse!” Rainbow Dash flapped her wings hard as she was grabbed by a magical glow, but it was no use. She may have not been the best magician, but Rarity was a decent enough spellcaster to keep her from getting away. Hanging limply in the air, Dash allowed herself to be pulled into the boutique through the balcony door, which slammed shut behind her. Floating upside down in the magical glow, Rainbow Dash glared at the unicorn. “Formulate a plan? Have you ever considered just, I don’t know, telling her how you feel?” “No, I haven’t.” Rarity let the levitation spell end, dropping the pegasus onto the ground with a thump. Dash let out an annoyed grunt as she smacked into the floor. “Because that is petty and won’t win anypony over.” “I don’t really think you need to ‘win’ Fluttershy over, Rarity.” The pegasus remained on the floor, laying across the wooden planks on her back. Her multicolored mane spread across the floor as she lazed, legs tucking in. “You two are like best friends. If you just tell her you’re looking for a date, I think she’d be pretty open to it.” “Maybe. Maybe.” Rarity shrugged as she trotted over towards her bed while she spoke. “But you know how the darling can be. She’s so... quiet. So shy and delicate. I dare say if I asked her for an actual date, the poor girl would seize up and have a stroke. She’s so innocent.” “Yeah, well... I don’t know. I mean, when I ask mares out on a date, they are usually pretty open about how they feel. Either yes or no.” Dash squirmed a little bit on the floor as if trying to get comfortable. The wooden planks weren’t the softest thing in the world, but after a full day of flying she didn’t really feel like moving somewhere more comfortable. “...How many mares have you asked out on a date, anyway?” Rarity shot a curious glance at the pony wiggling around on her bedroom floor, eyebrow up. “That isn’t important!” Rainbow Dash squirmed more at the awkward question, before giving up on getting into a comfy position. With a twist, she flipped herself back onto her hooves and shook out her mane, leaving it ruffled. It took every fiber in Rarity’s being to not take a comb to it right that instant. “This is about you and Fluttershy.” “Well, excuse me!” Rarity tossed her head backwards, flipping a thick lock of purple mane out of her eyes. Nose pointed up, she pulled herself onto her bed where she bent her knees and laid down, sprawling out on the cushions placed on top. “I was simply asking - you’re the expert on fillyfooling here.” “Oh. Because you have room to talk.” Dash swatted at her mane with a hoof, trying to straighten it out at least a little. “At least talk to her. Seriously, Rarity.” Rainbow Dash wiped the smirk off of her face and cast a look over to the unicorn on the bed, giving her a warm, sincere smile. “If you want my advice? That’s it. Tell her. It works for me...” Rainbow Dash gave a big, exaggerated wink. “But that might just be because I’m a stud.” Rarity gave a harsh glare at Rainbow Dash, but then dropped it and let out a small chuckle. A smile crept across her face as well. “You are a horrible little pony, Rainbow Dash, but I do appreciate your advice. I’ll consider it. Now, off you go, I’ve got to get my beauty sleep.” Without using a muscle, Rarity flicked open the door to her balcony with magic. “Now, get going. I’ve got to plan how I’m going to break this to her.” “Rarity, you’re worrying too much!” Rainbow Dash stumbled a bit as she felt a magical force pushing against her rump, nudging her towards the door. She took the hint and walked towards the balcony, propelled in part by the magic. “I’m telling you, if you just be honest with her, she’ll be okay with it!” “Yes, yes. But that’s... so hard! Hmph!” Rarity pushed Rainbow Dash with another magical force, bumping her out the door and onto the balcony. “I’ll see you tomorrow... Dashie.” Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at the teasing name, but just as she attempted to re-enter the boutique the door clicked shut in front of her, the faint glow of unicorn magic dissipating from the handle. “You know I hate being called that!” Dash shouted, spreading her wings as she prepared for takeoff. “But I guess I deserved it for the stud comment. Bye!” ) ( ) ( ) ( “I was just wondering, Fluttershy,” Rarity said, a perfect level of smoothness coming out in her sultry, deepened voice. Batting her eyelashes, she leaned in closer to the pegasus and let a hot breath out, blowing across the yellow coat on her neck. “If you would perhaps like to take this a step farther. Attend the gala as... my date.” Rarity widened her eyes at the pegasus, ducking her head. It was an adorable look - one that Rarity had practiced many, many times in her life - puppy dog eyes as wide as the sun, glistening the slightest bit in the candlelight of the boutique. Irresistible! And yet, the only response was silence. She hadn’t actually worked up the courage to ask the pegasus - all she’d been able to do in the hours since the spa and her first failed attempt were to practice how she would say it in a mirror. Her eyes glanced back up. There was no pegasus here, just Rarity staring (and flirting) at herself in the now foggy mirror. “I can get it so... perfect. I can... why can’t I just tell her?” The unicorn pouted, lower lip sticking out as she trotted around the boutique in a circle before ending up in front of the mirror again. Rarity took a deep breath, and tried again. She watched her every movement in the mirror - she wanted to be perfect. She needed to be perfect. She already let a date with the pony of her dreams slip out of her hooves the day before; she was not going to go zero for two. She tried over a dozen times - each trot around the boutique resetting the mood as she rehearsed her lines to herself over and over again. Every few moments she would spot a small strand of mane getting out of line, which she brushed aside. A dab of makeup here and there. She must have made at least twenty attempts at herself in the mirror before she finally took a deep breath and forced the widest smile she’s ever made, a small squee rising up from inside of her. She was ready. ) ( ) ( ) ( Rarity paced back and forth between the walls of her boutique, waiting for the pegasus’ arrival. The mere thought of the soon to happen conversation was a rollercoaster of emotions for the pale unicorn. A little bit of fear with a dash of terror and rejection, topped off with a heaping spoonful of nervous. And vomiting. But she tried to suppress that emotion. She was sure getting so worked up she hurled everywhere was not going to win her any points with Fluttershy, and it was not part of her rehearsed lines. Each time she passed the window, she couldn’t help but steal a glance outside to see if she could catch the pegasus approaching. She knew it wasn’t doing her any favors - it sure didn’t calm her down, and in fact it only made the fear that was gripping her heart turn into disappointment each time she glanced and saw nothing. Rarity was on the verge of hyperventilating when she peeked out the window, doing a double take when she spotted Fluttershy approaching the boutique. She bit down on her lip, trying to regulate her breathing so as to not appear stressed out. A quick gallop to her mirror to make sure every last strand of mane was in place and she rushed to the door. Rarity flung the door open the moment Fluttershy was at her step. The yellow pegasus yelped at the surprise, lowering the hoof she was just about to use to knock and taking a step back. “Oh! You... startled me.” “Oh! ...Sorry!” Rarity beamed a wide smile and stepped backwards out of the doorway, making room for the pegasus to enter. She held a hoof out, waving her inside. “Come, come! We have a lot of work to do!” Fluttershy smiled and stepped inside, turning around and grabbing the doorknob by her teeth to pull it closed behind her. She settled her saddlebags on the ground near the door and trotted over to where Rarity was standing, fussing with some small swath of fabric. “Alright, so!” Rarity announced, turning around to face Fluttershy. Her mane lagged behind, bouncing with the sudden movements. “Did you have anything in mind? I was thinking something... green. Or not. I’m... not sure.” Fluttershy giggled to herself, shaking her head as her eyes danced over the large number of colorful fabrics lining the room. Every so often, she would step up to one of the fabrics and take a closer look before backing off. “Oh, I don’t know, Rarity. You’re the designer.” “Fair enough, but your opinion still matters!” The unicorn nodded, levitating a square of cloth and placing it against Fluttershy’s flank, seeing how the colors matched up. “Hm... perhaps something pink, to match your cutie mark? Let’s see...” Rarity floated a piece of lacy, pink fabric towards the pegasus. Spotting the nearly see-through, suggestive cloth caused Fluttershy to let out a small eep, shaking her head. “That’s... a bit... well. I don’t think that... is appropriate.” Rarity pouted a bit, floating the lacy piece up towards her side anyway. “Oh, are you sure? I mean, you’ve got a wonderful figure, Fluttershy... I don’t see what’s wrong with wearing something that gives ponies a look, hm?” Fluttershy blushed at the compliments, ducking her head as if to hide behind her face behind her name. It didn’t work, the mare’s yellow coat becoming stained with the light pink. “Oh... T-thank you, Rarity, but I’m sure.” Rarity pouted deeper, sticking her bottom lip out farther. Seeing that it wasn’t changing Fluttershy’s opinion, she broke it off and chuckled. “Alright, alright. Something more appropriate, then. I don’t want you to be hiding behind a bush all night because you’re embarrassed about your ensemble. Oh! I know just the thing!” Rarity trotted over towards a large chest, flinging open the golden latch on the front and throwing the lid off, levitating it to the side. She jumped at the chance to dig through the rectangular box, shoving her nose into the trunk to rummage around in it. “Um... Rarity?” “Yes, darling?” Rarity’s voice was muffled by the contents of the box she was shuffling through, but was still loud enough to be heard clearly. Her rear danced in the air as she nosed around inside the box, lifting a hoof up to push the bundles of wrapped fabric out of the way as she searched for the one she wanted. “Can... can I ask you something?” “Of course! Anything, dear.” Rarity huffed as she shuffled fabrics around, going as far as beginning to toss bolts of cloth out of the box to give her a better view at what was buried below. “Now, where is that glorious golden silk I have lying around? That would match your coat just so well...” “Uh, I was just wondering...” Rarity flung another bolt of cloth out of the chest. “Um, if it’s okay with you...” Rarity just about climbed into the container, ready to dig even farther down. She remained with her back legs still planted on the wooden floor. “...Why did you want me to go instead of, um, a date?” Rarity froze in her place. None of the lines she had prepared and practiced had prepared her for that question. She was supposed to be the one bringing that up. She was supposed to be speaking about that at her own pace, not one she wasn’t ready for. The fear that had been gripping her heart in the time leading up to Fluttershy’s visit returned, multiplied by the fact she wasn’t ready for this. Rarity swallowed hard, pulling herself up and out of the chest. Her eyes were locked on the ground, suddenly finding a patterned knot in the planks very fascinating. “I... was meaning to talk to you about that, Fluttershy.” Rarity flicked her gaze up to glance at the pegasus, only to turn it back to the floor just as fast. “I... as pathetic as it sounds, I had been practicing lines... to explain that.” Fluttershy ducked her head down as low as the unicorn, tips of her pink mane brushing against the floor boards. “Practicing lines...?” Rarity nodded, embarrassed by the admission. Her alabaster cheeks burned with the blood rushing through her thumping heart, turning her a light shade of red. “To... you know. Explain. I’m not even sure why. It’s not like I’m ashamed... or that I should be.” She shrugs, pulling her head up. Regaining her usual, confident composure, she stood with her head high and locked gazes with Fluttershy. “I actually went to Rainbow Dash for advice, if you can believe that. And... I think she’s right. I shouldn’t be trying to win you over, Fluttershy, we’re far too close for that.” “Win me over...? What do you mean?” Fluttershy plopped herself down on the ground, back legs bending underneath her into a sitting position. Her head fell closer to the ground. Rarity stepped over to Fluttershy, her hooves making a soft clicking sound against the wood in the otherwise silent room. Sitting herself down in front of the pegasus, she reached a polished hoof across and rested it under Fluttershy’s chin, tapping as light as she could manage to coax her head back up. Fluttershy followed along, raising her head up and sitting with it held high, now eye level with Rarity. “Rainbow Dash told me I should just tell you my feelings. As much as the thought... scares me,” Rarity admitted, breaking her gaze to look to the side for just a moment before she locked eyes again. “I think she’s right. I... want you to be my date to the gala.” Fluttershy gaped at the unicorn before her. The pegasus’ eyes widened and her pupils shrank as she stared ahead, unsure how to answer. “You... want me... to...” “That’s right.” Rarity nodded, feeling another lump rising in her throat as her heart raced with the emotions surging through her. The twisting in her stomach that threatened to expel her breakfast rose up again, and Rarity fought to push it aside. “I’ve... been thinking about it for a while. And I think that the time has come... I’m sure you’ve read the papers about me.” Rarity chuckled and gave a small shrug, laughter pushing aside her more painful emotions of fear. “I... suppose I should have asked first. I mean, I don’t even know if you feel the same way as me... you know, about mares. Perhaps I’ve... what’s the term... ‘jumped the gun?’” “I... I don’t know, Rarity.” Fluttershy looked to the side, face tinted pink with a blush. It matched her mane - Rarity couldn’t help but notice how perfect it meshed with her hair and thought it was adorable, despite the possible rejection rising up from her words. “I... I don’t think I’d be a very good date. I don’t want you to... waste your ticket.” Rarity chuckled to herself again, shaking her head. She slid her hoof away from Fluttershy’s chin, stroking it against her cheek with slow swipes. “That’s just like you, Fluttershy.” “W-what do you mean?” “More concerned about my feelings than your own.” Rarity smiled, dropping her hoof back to the floor with a quiet clop. “I adore that about you, you know. You’re so... kind. To everypony. When I jump to conclusions about somepony, you’re there to reign me in.” Fluttershy remained quiet, and in an effort to avoid an awkward silence, Rarity continued. “What I’m meaning to say is, Fluttershy, there’s nothing you can do to make me feel I wasted my Gala ticket on you. But, I want your decision to go with me as my date be because you want to... not because I do. It’s as much your decision as it is mine.” Fluttershy bobbed her head up and down, mulling the idea over in her mind. “Yes,” she finally said, voice just above a whisper. “Okay. I do want to go, Rarity.” Fluttershy swallowed hard, blush burning hotter under her coat. “As... as your... eep... um... date.” Rarity felt like her heart was just about ready to burst. An entire world’s worth of weight was suddenly thrown from her back, all the emotions of fear and anxiety being thrown to the wind and right out the window. All of the stress was, in that moment, worth it. It took every fiber of Rarity’s being to not let out a squeal of delight. “That is just such fantastic news!” she said, biting her lower lip to prevent herself from screeching. “Oh... this is actually going to be the best night ever!” She leaned in and rubbed noses with the beautiful pegasus across from her, the mare repeating the motions to rub their snouts together in a nuzzle. Rarity made a mental note to go to Rainbow Dash for advice more often. This had ended perfect. Fluttershy smiled, the small, sheepish smirk spreading across her face as she registered just how happy she had made her closest friend. “I’m glad! You seem so excited!” “Oh, oh, that’s because I am!” On the verge of dancing with glee, Rarity stood up and pranced back towards the chest she had been digging through just moments ago. “Now, darling! We have a Gala dress to finish!” ) ( ) ( ) ( A/N - I am so, so sorry about how long it took to write this. I promise future chapters won’t take almost a month! Started a new job, studying for finals and just being captivated by the ideas of several stories at once kind of made this take a little longer than expected. Won’t happen again! (Hopefully.) Edit 7/2/12: Since people are still faving this, I can't help but think you're under the impression that this will continue. It won't. Let the Rumors Fly is dead and will not be completed - sorry. If you still want to fave it, be my guest! I just want to make sure nobody is sitting around waiting for an update.