//------------------------------//
// Stress 
// Story: Unfashionable Closet 
// by wingedalpha 
//------------------------------//

It had been a week since Rarity had gone on a date with Fluttershy. Rarity could tell the secret was already taking a toll on Fluttershy. If she was honest, it was hard for her, too. She wished they could be like Sunset and Twilight, but she was too scared.

She made her way to the usual lunch table. She was surprised to see Fluttershy wasn’t there yet. Rarity sat down with the other girls. She didn’t even get a chance to greet them.

“Okay, what’s going on between you and Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash snapped. “She’s seemed upset since you two got together.”

Rarity scowled. “I hardly think that is any of your business,” Rarity said curtly.

“Like hell it isn’t!” Rainbow exclaimed. “Fluttershy’s like a sister to me, and if you’re hurting her, that’s my business.”

Applejack put a hand on Rainbow’s shoulder. “Calm down, Rainbow Dash,” she said. She turned to Rarity. “Honestly, both ya’ll have seemed off lately. We’re all just worried ’bout ya, Sugarcube.”

Pinkie, Sunset, and Twilight nodded. Rarity softened at their concern. “Very well. The truth is that keeping our relationship a secret is hard on both of us,” Rarity explained.

“Then why don’t you just tell everyone?” Pinkie asked.

“It’s not the simple,” Rarity defended. “I mean… it’s… Sunset, you know what it’s like trying to maintain a reputation.”

“I do,” Sunset agreed. “But I also know that your reputation isn’t worth sacrificing your happiness.”

“Are you kidding me?” Rainbow demanded. “You’re choosing your reputation over Fluttershy?”

“Rainbow Dash!” a voice admonished. They all turned to see Fluttershy. “How could you say something like that? Rarity’s not like that!”

“But, that’s like, exactly what she just said!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“I highly doubt that,” Fluttershy replied. “Besides, you’ve only ever liked boys. You don’t know what it’s like to come out.”

“But it’s hurting both of you!” Rainbow responded.

“Yes, but rushing the process can hurt, too,” Fluttershy shot back.

Rarity could hardly believe Fluttershy was defending her on this. She didn’t deserve such an amazing girlfriend.

The table was silent as Fluttershy sat down. No one seemed to know what to say. Rarity looked around to make sure no one was watching. She grabbed Fluttershy’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze. Fluttershy squeezed back and smiled at her. Just like that, she knew Fluttershy understood all the affection and gratitude she’d been trying to convey. 

Rarity resolved to get over her fear. After all, Fluttershy deserved the best.