Love Potion No. 6

by Flint Sparks

Chapter Three: Flashbacks, oh my

The two suspicious pegasi watched the two mares as their dinner was served. Other staff had supplied them with sandwiches, a perk of posing as a musician. The tables weren’t as comfortable as the two mares’ appeared to be, but it had to do. The smaller, tan stallion finally broke the silence as he scratched his rugged brown mane.

“You sure about this? The boss is going to be mighty mad if he finds out we’ve been messing with his best client.” The stallion’s voice was laced with caution and a hint of fear. The boss was a nice pony, but incredibly fearsome when angered. The last pony that pissed him off by shorting him on a bargain ended up in the Everfree Forest. It took several weeks for the weather team to find him, and by then he had reverted to a feral state and required months of therapy to recover. Ponyville learned its lesson that day: You do not buck with Alfalfa Capone.

The larger, dark grey stallion laughed. “Stop worrying so much, ya filly! Once we get our hooves on the prize, we’ll be rolling in so many bits the boss will be kissing the clouds we walk on!”

“I-I guess…” the stallions’ attention turned back the the dining mares.

“Oh, well, of course!” Twilight flinched at the sudden question, breaking their silence. Her anxiety turned into guilt as she mulled over Rarity’s question. She barely reacted as the waitress arrived with their dinner, deep in thought. The last couple months worth of memories were muddled with her anxiety over her secret, making it hard to recall what exactly Rarity was inquiring about. Twilight’s hoof played with the hem of her azure dress under the table, independent of her thoughts.

Twilight’s silence stuck a wedge into Rarity’s composure, wearing down her confidence. Rarity poked at floating daisy petals in her soup with her spoon as she stared at the expensive dish. Does Twilight… not care at all anymore? To Rarity’s knowledge, Twilight had a very acute memory because of her studious lifestyle. However, Twilight’s memory only seemed to come into play when it involved magic or when the situation called for it. Not remembering something as simple as this when directly asked only worsened Rarity’s worries.

“Darling…” Rarity called softly, coaxing Twilight back to reality. The pondering alicorn had been poking at her dish, a purple noodle dish with special spices that sparkled in the candlelight. Twilight blinked rapidly, pulling out of her thoughts, and slowly brought her gaze back to Rarity’s. Without a word she smiled, her eyes affected by a nervous twitch. Rarity noticed her left ear was bent at an awkward angle, twitching. Rarity eyes widened, but she saved face and returned the sheepish smile with her own.

Her ear… that means she’s hiding something. In the two months they’ve been dating, Rarity had picked up on physical cues that Twilight subconsciously gave off. It irritated Twilight to no end, having been forced to hire Pinkie Pie just to surprise her with a romantic gift in her stead. Though, being able to read your partner like a book had its perks. Rarity smiled at a memory that bubbled at the surface...

”Oh no, oh no, oh no!” Twilight paced around the library, frantically reshelving books with her magic. Spike was currently on vacation, having decided to sleep over at Sweet Apple Acres with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, unable and unwilling to help her. Her stress overtook her rationality, forcing her to decide time was of the essence and began shelving books at random. She could sort through them later. Her wings fluttered from their sides as her horn glowed brightly with stress. Through her endeavor, Twilight failed to notice the oak door imbue with a sapphire glow and open as a white mare pranced inside.

“Darlingggg! I made dinnerrr- Oh my! What in Equestria happened here?” Rarity stopped her dreamy trot and held a pale hoof in front of her muzzle as her eyes took in the sight in front of her. Twilight’s appearance was absolutely horrid; her mane was disheveled to the point her pink highlight was incomprehensible, her wings were frayed and unkempt, and there was scorched wood and books spread throughout the room. “Did Spikey-wikey..?”

Twilight turned around, meeting Rarity’s concerned gaze. Her magenta eyes were damp with tears, the same tears running down her face. She tried to take flight, but the ungroomed wings refused to give lift. “H-he found out.”

Rarity’s face fell. Her concern melted to sympathy and shame. She walked over to Twilight and wrapped her forelegs around her neck. “I’m sorry it turned out this way. You didn’t tell him?”

Twilight sniffed. “I was going to, but he… he saw the picture of us. The one from the photobooth.” Rarity let go, her mind going back to the day of the carnival. Their first real date. The small photoshoot had started innocently enough with friendly poses, but devolved into a make-out session between two heated mares. In their defense, it WAS summer. But now poor Spikey-wikey had been exposed to such… uncouth behavior.

“Poor Spike… he’s just a baby. He shouldn’t have been exposed like that.” Rarity dropped her head. “Darling, I have no regrets, but I must apologize.” Rarity stood up and moved to turn around.

“Don’t.” Twilight shook her head, using her magic to lightly pull on Rarity’s hoof. “He’s cooling off with Applejack and the Crusaders right now. He’ll only get angrier if you seek him out.” Twilight turned her head to peer out the window.

Rarity nodded. If she couldn’t help poor Spike, she could at least ease Twilight’s suffering. While she was distracted, Rarity crept forward and placed her lips on Twilight’s neck. A shiver ran through the mare’s skin, but she made no move to stop Rarity as the soft pair of lips crept up. Rarity pulled back once she was high enough to stare into pools of magenta. Twilight’s drooping ears slowly rose as her wings followed. Rarity took that as a sign to continue, placing her hoof under Twilight’s chin and leaning forward. Their lips met, heat radiating through Rarity’s body as she…

“Um, Rarity? Are you alright?” a voice called beyond the abyss, snapping Rarity out of the memory. Rarity leaned back and shook her head, dispelling arousing thoughts as she felt the heat leave her body. She couldn’t believe she had lost herself in a daydream in the middle of a date! And an important one as well. Twilight had made little progress with her magic noodles, merely poking them with a levitating fork. Instead of eating, she was staring at Rarity.

Rarity waved a nonchalant hoof. “Of course, darling. I was just thinking about…” Rarity looked away in shame. Spike had eventually forgiven them, but the scars of betrayal will forever remain on him. Spike didn’t blame her, like a true gentledrake, but the rift between Spike and Twilight remained.

“Spike?” Twilight whispered, staring down at her plate. Her ears twitched and she snapped her attention to Rarity, now nodding. Twilight sighed, her spirits low. The mood had been great until after the carriage ride, and now it was depressing. She was never going to be able to tell Rarity at this point. Perhaps a change of subject was in order. “You said something about ‘us’ earlier?”

Rarity snapped her eyes to Twilight’s in surprise. She remembers? “Why, yes. I asked if you remembered how ‘we’ came to be.” Rarity couldn’t help but smile at her partner, who returned the favor. Her heart, previously sullen, began to beat excitedly. Rarity held her breath as Twilight opened her mouth to speak.

“I remember reading a book on Starswirl’s life. I believe it was called Starswirl: A History. You were doing that fashion show, right?” Twilight’s mind racked for details, her anxiety muddling the specifics. Rarity couldn’t help but giggle. “Yes, Rarity?”

“Oh darling, you’re merely stating facts,” Rarity teased. “Just relax, Twilight. Slow down and reminiscence.” Rarity held up a hoof and inhaled deeply, demonstrating the calming technique. Her life as a fashion designer had proven that technique incalculably valuable. Twilight followed suit and took in a calming breath, and then let it out before continuing.

Twilight was reading her hero’s historical biography as Rarity flit from one end of the Boutique to the other. Twilight’s horn glowed occasionally to turn the page, completely oblivious to her surroundings. Rarity had invited her to keep the fashionita company in preparation for an upcoming show. Apparently it was important as the spinster hadn’t spoken a word since their greeting, instead running to and fro with a flushed and scrunched expression. A musky smell filled the room, probably a new candle scent Rarity was fond of.

A bell rung. Twilight’s eyes shifted to peer over her book. The lavender door swung open, revealing a hazel-coat unicorn stallion levitating folded clothing.

“Hello Miss Rarity. I was hoping you could repair my-”

“Get out get out GET OUT!!” Rarity screamed, turning around from her stitching machine. Her bloodshot eyes, unkempt mane, flushed complexion, and snarling expression gave her the appearance of a she-demon. Her horn glowed with energy as she lifted various forgotten objects off the floor and prepared to throw them at the stallion. The unicorn, sensing impending danger, took the hint and dashed out of the Boutique and shut the door behind him. Rarity sighed and set down the objects, moaning. She placed her forelegs beside her sewing machine and rested on the table, lightly panting.

“Rarity, what’s the matter?” Twilight sensed her friend’s distress. This was beyond normal stress, something else was bothering Rarity. She would never chase out a customer in such a rage. Rarity sighed and let her ears droop to the side before facing Twilight.

“I’m sorry you had to see that Twilight. It’s just… “

“It’s okay, Rarity. You can tell me.”

“I know Twilight, it’s just… just…”

“Rarity…”

“I’m in estrus.” The room went silent for a moment as Twilight processed this information. Rarity usually kept her business private; being so straightforward was unusual for the refined mare. Chasing out a stallion made sense now, at the very least. Pheromones could wear down even the most resilient of ponies.

Rarity breathed deeply and continued. “I’m in estrus and can’t find any release, Twilight. A lady must keep herself occupied in turmoiling times, but lately I’ve felt rather… unfulfilled. I hate to thrust this upon you, but my uncouth behavior toward that poor stallion was uncalled for, was it not?”

“Unfulfilled?” Twilight parroted, her curiosity clouding her judgement. It was no secret to everypony she had been ogling the refined mare during her own estrus cycle, but Twilight had too much studying to do than to flirt with a mare out of her league.

“Yes, unfulfilled. No decent stallion stands in Ponyville, and my bed has been cold every night. Since the incident at the Gala, no mare will consider me. Not even for a quick lay.” Rarity rested her head on the table, her horn barely touching the cold sewing machine. It felt soothing to the heated horn with estrus raising her body temperature. Rarity wasn’t the type of mare to ‘put out,’ but this year’s cycle was pushing her limits.

“I’ll do it.”

“Thank you darling, I appreciate the sentiment. I’m sure I’ll find my special somepony someday…”

“Rarity.”

The fashionita paused and picked herself off the table. She turned her head toward Twilight, the alicorn setting down the book and adjusting her laying position on the soft couch. “Yes, darling?”

“I said I would do it.” Twilight’s cheeks flushed with blood, her confidence never so high. Rarity’s eyes flickered over Twilight’s body for a moment, seemingly forever, before abruptly leaping from her chair and pouncing on the admiring mare.

“...and then that happened,” Twilight finished with a blush. Rarity did not have the benefit of a darkly colored coat, her blush shining clear through her white fur. Their first night together had been rather heated; and at the end, satisfying. Rarity had been alone since the fateful Gala, and the release had been much appreciated. It wasn’t uncommon for mares, particularly friends, to ease each other’s stress during their cycles with the skewed gender ratio in some parts of the country. It was certainly less awkward than actively searching for a stallion every season. Afterwards, when they were cuddling in Rarity’s bed under the covers, Twilight confessed her feelings for the generous artist. Rarity almost attributed it to pillow talk, but confessed similar feelings herself. Having harbored genuine feelings for each other, they decided to go to the carnival together. It would be their first date in a week’s time.

“Two months,” Rarity broke the silence. “Two months we’ve been together. Two months I would never take back, not as long as I have you.” Rarity raised her red wine. Twilight clinked her glass of salted appletini. Together, they drank. Rarity downed her glass and set it down, smiling at Twilight. “Not a single regret.”

Twilight froze. Her mind shifted to the harbored secret. That was definitely a regret, and now she regretted holding it to herself. Twilight shook her head as Rarity reached a hoof toward her. “I’m sorry, excuse me for a moment.” Twilight adjusted her strapless azure dress and hopped out of her seat, and headed for the washroom. Rarity tried to say something, but forced her jaws shut as she watched her lover walk away without another word.

“Oh Rarity, there goes the mare of your dreams…” Rarity sighed as she leaned on her right hoof. Her woes overwrote her manners as she placed her elbows on the table, sighing as she watched Twilight walk across the large restaurant. Between the crowded tables and staff running around, Rarity finally realized she didn’t even know what color the carpet was. It was a nice sage color. A dress appeared in her mind, something she could sew for Applejack at some point.

Rarity raised a hoof, calling a waitress to the white-clothed table. A cream unicorn with a pink mane approached.

“Yes, my lady? How may I serve you?” The unicorn gave a small bow. Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle. Nearly two years ago she would’ve dreamed of moments like this, but now she couldn’t care less.

“I would like you to refill our drinks, if possible,” Rarity requested as she gave the mare a warm smile. The unicorn inhaled nervously, preparing for the long run to the only bar serving salted appletinis. The waitress assured her that the drinks would be on their way shortly before leaving. As she watched the waitress leave for the kitchens with her order, Rarity reached into her purse. As her hoof brushed against the love potion, a memory surfaced.

”Are you sure about this?” Twilight whimpered as Rarity towered over her. Twilight squirmed on the bed as her love smiled. It was their first time out of their cycles, making the deed much more intimate.

“Of course,” Rarity breathed. Her tongue hissed the last syllable seductively. She stared into the eyes of Twilight and whispered as she leaned down. “I love you”

Rarity winced at the memory. That must be the reason why Twilight was going to leave her. Rarity, the most refined and noble lady of all of Ponyville, had put out too early. Now she was a used-up mare that Twilight had tired of. A one-trick pony. Twilight, being a princess, had a near limitless number of prospects to choose from. Given the choice, she would never have to sleep alone.

Rarity grinded her teeth at the thought. She grasped the potion and slipped it under the table, hiding it from any watching pony’s view. It was unlike the potion her sister had made before for Hearts and Hooves Day to bring Big Macintosh and her teacher together. It would only bring to the surface the love Twilight already had for her, not conjure up an illusionary obsession. At least she hoped.

A single drop should do it. Rarity uncorked the pink bottle and quickly brought it to Twilight’s empty glass. One tip of her hoof and a single pink drop fell into the glass, resting at the bottom. It was virtually unnoticeable. Rarity shoved the potion back in her bag and wiped her brow, now laden with sweat. I wonder how she’s doing…

---

Having watched the princess leave her date behind, the two suspicious stallions finished their gourmet sandwiches and picked up their cases. They had prepared, planned, and encouraged themselves for days leading to this night, and they were not going to mess it up. The dark grey stallion with a much lighter mane took point, hovering to the opposite side of the room as the tan pegasus trotted toward the table that Rarity was waiting at. The mare looked up as he sat down, distracting her from noticing his friend eyeing her hungrily.

“Hello there. How may I make your acquaintance?” Rarity asked, rolling her eyes at the stallion. Even though she was an item with a princess, stallions still wouldn’t leave her alone. The stallion sheepishly grinned and reached out a hoof.

“Hi, I’m Crescent. Crescent Moon.”

---

Twilight was not doing well. She was in a communal washroom, leaning on the marble counter and staring at her reflection. Her dress was still neat and snug, her mane was still styled, and her (minimal) make-up hadn’t run. Her overall appearance had not suffered in the night’s run, but her psyche had. Holding the secret inside her soul was having detrimental effects, and Twilight was about to burst with the pressure.

Twilight sighed and stared at the marble. “Applejack would never have this problem. Why can’t I just tell her?” She looked up and returned her reflection’s pouting expression. “She’s so happy, living life. Rarity wouldn’t want this. No, not one bit. She deserves better than a stupid mare like me! If I tell her, she’ll leave me. If I don’t, I’ll have to leave her! Oh, I wish Princess Celestia was here!” Twilight banged her head on the marble, causing her horn to ache. Rather than return to the mirror, Twilight rested her throbbing head.

”Nice spell, Rarity! You have to teach me it sometime!” Twilight complimented her lover as Rarity cut off power to her spell, dispelling the enchantment and dropping the previously living ribbons from before. The two mares were worn out after a rough night together. They had just finished their second date, three weeks after their first, and it had ended like most days they’ve spent together. The lover’s tango. The horizontal pony bash. Earth pony cloud-kicking. The list could go on and on, but Rarity was spent.

“Indeed Twilight, indeed. You’ve worn me out, a first I must say.” Rarity admitted her shortcoming, panting for breath. For a unicorn, Twilight had quite the stamina.

“My turn!” Twilight giggled as her horn glowed. “Mind if I give you a little ‘pick-me-up’?”

Rarity smiled at Twlight, remembering the spells they’ve been researching. “Of course, darling.” She closed her eyes and waited for the spell.

“I trust you.”

Twilight whipped her head up, staring at the mirror. Ever since that night, she’s forced a dry spell on her poor partner! Twilight was furious at herself for her petty actions; she gritted her teeth and punched her reflection, causing the mirror to crack. She was a princess now, she could pay for it. Breathe in, breathe out. The alicorn princess had made a decision. Rarity had placed trust in her, and now it was time to come clean. Buck the consequences, she had a mare to confess to!

---

The dark grey pegasus’ eye narrowed as he watched the princess leave the washroom. He was in position, and now it was time to give the signal. He lifted a grey wing and ‘accidentally’ smacked a waitress’ behind, earning him an angry growl and glare. Crescent saw the short spectacle and said his goodbye to Rarity, grabbing his violin case just as Twilight arrived to take his seat.

Twilight, now confident in herself, sat down and faced Rarity. The scarlet dress nearly distracted her, but she regained her train of thought. Courage bubbling up, she opened her mouth to speak. “Rarity, I-”

“Darling, why don’t we have a drink first before ordering desert?” Rarity suggested, holding up the menu with her magic as she lifted the wine with a hoof. Twilight nodded, deciding she was going to need sweets either way.

Crescent waited until his partner began to approach the table from the opposite direction. As soon as each was merely a pace away from the mares, they each sat at a vacant table and threw their violin cases on top. Before anypony could look their way and question their actions, they unlatched the cases and threw them open, revealing the contents within.

The metal casing shined in the dim candlelight, the dark gray metal shimmering in the darkness. The two pegasi lifted their weapons and opened fire on the crowd.