Hood Rat

by Twinkletail


Epinklogue

"Next hoof please, Miss Fleur."

Fleur couldn't help but smile as she obeyed Pinkie's request, delicately placing her right hoof on the ground in front of her. Despite telling her that it was not necessary, especially not in an informal setting such as this, Pinkie still insisted on occasionally calling her "Miss Fleur." Perhaps it was because Pinkie saw it as a sign of respect and dignity, and wished to show Fleur that she could easily fit in amongst Canterlot ponies in that respect. It was far more likely, however, that she did it simply for the tiny smile and light blush that it tended to elicit.

"Like this, dear?" Fleur asked. In truth, she would never have expected to be taking dancing lessons from Pinkie Pie. But then again, many of the things she had done since that fateful day of their meeting three months ago were things that she would never have expected to happen. When Pinkie was involved—and Fleur was quite happy with having Pinkie involved—it was often best to abolish all expectations and let life happen as it would.

"Just like that!" Pinkie responded, bouncing in place as she was wont to do. "You're a natural!"

"And you are certain this is one of the most premier dances in all of Ponyville?" Fleur asked. It wasn't that she didn't believe her, or even that Pinkie hadn't been clear enough. Asking questions simply to hear Pinkie's voice more often had become a common practice for the supermodel.

"Certainly!" Pinkie answered. "Break this baby out at one of my parties and you'll be the talk of the town! Though your pretty face is bound to make that happen anyway!" The compliment would have brought a smile to Fleur's face if one was not already present.

"Very well," Fleur said. "Now, must I take my hoof out and put it back in again before shaking it all about, or is that step optional?"

Things had been good for Fleur on all fronts since the party that finally brought she and Pinkie together. Her old friendship with Mint had become better than ever. Her new friendships with Minuette and company were wonderful and rewarding in their own ways. Her professional life had improved, with acting jobs opening up for her following her "brilliant performance" at the banquet hall. And of course, every moment of dating Pinkie Pie was another adventure, and she welcomed each new twist and turn with open forelegs. No matter what the two did on one of their dates, Pinkie always found a way to make it fun and unique. This came as no surprise to Fleur; she couldn't possibly have expected any less from the wonderful, whimsical Pinkie Pie.

"You're doing great!" Pinkie exclaimed as Fleur moved through the steps she'd been shown. "You're a Pony Pokey natural!"

"Why thank you, dear," Fleur responded. Pre-Pinkie Fleur would have found it odd to be bursting with pride in response to praise over such a silly little dance, but that was just one of the many ways in which she had changed.

"Put your whole self in!" Pinkie said, holding her forelegs out for a hug. Fleur was more than happy to move forward and let Pinkie engulf her in one of her amazing hugs. The two let out a tandem sigh of happiness before sharing a kiss. Fleur went for it gently, but Pinkie's eagerness to kiss overwhelmed her slightly. She could find no desire to argue, however. Another thing Fleur had learned recently about Pinkie Pie was how good she was with her tongue.

"Mm," Pinkie said as their lips parted. "That was a doozy."

"Indeed," Fleur agreed, a slight dreamy look in her eyes.

"Oh!" Pinkie suddenly exclaimed. "By the way, could you do me a liiiiiittle favor?"

"Anything, dear," Fleur said. Making such a statement might have been risky, but in Fleur's mind, she truly meant it.

"Do you think you could mayyyybe introduce Dashie to your friend Mint?" Pinkie asked. "Dashie's been going on about how totally hot she is." Fleur giggled lightly, giving Pinkie a smirk.

"Mint is a bit of a hoof-ful sometimes," Fleur said. "Do you think Rainbow Dash could handle her?"

"Sure!" Pinkie replied. "Dashie's pretty great!"

"Then consider it done," Fleur said with a smile. "And I wish her the best of luck."

"Great!" Pinkie said. "She'll be sooooo happy! Thanks, Flower!" Fleur blushed lightly at the cute pet name Pinkie had given her. It was so simple, yet felt so right.

A few moments of silence passed before Pinkie looked at the clock.

"Our room time is up," Pinkie said. "We should proooobably let go of each other and let the next group use the room."

Fleur looked at the clock as well, then looked back to Pinkie, still happily wrapped in her hug. She gave her lovely pink delight a playful smile.

"Let them wait. There is nowhere I would rather be right now than precisely where I am."