Prologue: The Spa, of Course
Envy: it was hardly the most generous emotion. Rarity seethed with it whenever she looked at Fluttershy. Her good friend never had to try to be graceful. It just came naturally to her. Even her sneezes were dainty, for goodness’ sake! She would never admit it, of course, but she envied her friend for that natural grace. Rarity had sought beauty and poise her whole life. Now that she thought about it, she supposed it was her way of rebelling against her parents. Yet every move her pegasus friend made was beautiful without conscious effort. Rarity heaved a huge sigh.
She had arrived at the spa early, of course; a lady never kept her company waiting. Fashionably late is for parties, dear, not social arrangements with friends. She smiled warmly at her friend as she approached the spa's entrance. "Darling, I am so very glad you could make it! When you said Angel had a cold earlier this week, I was afraid the poor dear might be too ill for you to break away."
Fluttershy smiled back, and it was as if the sun shone only on her for a moment. Rarity froze, enraptured by the beautiful sight.
"Oh, he's fine now."
Sweet Celestia, that smile is just not fair.
"Splendid! No sense in waiting any longer, let's go in. Since you have time, to celebrate, we’re going with the full treatment today." She shook her head as her friend started to protest. “No arguments. You’re not imposing, I am insisting.”
Fluttershy opened her mouth again, then allowed it to close. She nodded in acquiescence. “Thank you,” she said finally.
Rarity glanced around the foyer as they entered. Interesting, they've been redecorating a bit. New bench in the waiting area, new carpet. Oh, I do like that carpet, the shades would go well with Twilight’s colors. I wonder where I can get one for her? She nodded to Aloe and Lotus. "The usual, please, darlings." They quickly adorned their two clients in their respective monogrammed robes and led them inside.
The trip began with a nice sit in the steam room. She luxuriated in the heat, reveling in the feeling of stress leaving her as she always did. Lotus had left them alone, promising them she would be using a new soap she had ordered from Canterlot. Rarity gazed at her friend, who smiled back shyly. Neither felt the need to speak at that moment, so Rarity let her mind wander.
"How are the new designs for the spring line coming, Rarity?" Fluttershy asked in her quiet, sweet way.
Rarity shook herself. She had apparently drifted off a bit, enough to be noticed, so she laughed (a bit of a manic laugh, if she was frank with herself) to cover. "Oh, you know, well enough, I suppose. I just need that little bit of inspiration to hit."
They were finished with the steam room now and were being led to receive mud masks and the “specials”. To think, they resisted the idea of learning how to handle preening! Their clientele went up by thirty percent the day they added it to their list of services offered. The two sat in relative silence, listening to the occasional note of appreciation coming from the other’s lips. Fluttershy always seemed so embarrassed to have her wings done, but in the privacy of the baths she had admitted it was nice to have them done by somepony else.
“And how are we today, Miss Rarity?”
“Just fine, Aloe. Thank you.” She lifted one of the cucumber slices for a moment. “Incidentally, did that scented massage oil arrive?”
“Yes, miss. I have it ready for you.”
“Splendid! Oh, let’s go with a jasmine tea today, please.”
“Of course.”
Rarity hadn’t been certain what to do when she realized that her feelings were more than just envy. Maybe it was the way Fluttershy constantly hid behind her hair, as if it were a shield she could put between herself and the world. Perhaps it was the hesitant way she always spoke. It might have even been the way Fluttershy could be devastatingly observant, yet simultaneously so very unwilling to express what she saw. Whatever it was, Rarity found that jealousy was not quite the emotion she was feeling about this mare. She didn’t feel jealous, nor was it quite envy. No, she wanted more than anything to possess her. Or to be possessed. The difference was a thin one, in her mind.
“Miss? If you could follow me to the massage table please?”
“Oh, that time already? I seem to be out of sorts today. My deepest apologies.”
“Not at all, miss!”
Oh, yes! Right there! Now more to the left... YES! Oh Celestia! Thank the sun, the moon and the stars!
She let Aloe work her magic, drifting off again. Admiration was hardly a new emotion to her. She felt it whenever she looked at any of her friends in their own personal niche, or witnessed a piece of glorious inspiration, or saw a fine uncut gem. Aloe, you are a goddess! Now, more on the right... Her feelings for Fluttershy, however, went beyond admiration. She wanted to mold her, shape her. If she could shine so brightly in her natural state, what brilliance would result with polish? She dismissed the thought irritably. This was selfish of her as well. Fluttershy did not need shaping, certainly not her shaping. She was a wonderful and amazing pony just the way she was.
“Miss Rarity has been letting herself get all tied in knots again...”
Rarity groaned as another little spot of tension was relieved. “I’m terribly s-sorry, darling.”
“That’s what you say every week.” Aloe clucked her tongue in annoyance. “Well, I have unknotted you once again. Come, Miss Fluttershy will be waiting in the mud bath.”
Rarity was led to yet another room, and indeed, Fluttershy was already in the mud bath au naturale. The fashionista shed her robe to avoid stains. She patiently stood while Aloe and Lotus wrapped her in seaweed. At last she was floating in the herbal mud, breathing a sigh of relief as it encased her.
"We will come for you when it is time for your hoofbath," Aloe said as she was closing the door.
"That will be fine, dear, thank you," Rarity replied gratefully. She really appreciated how Aloe and Lotus let them just be alone together for a time. The spa date they kept every week had become her favorite day. With the exception of the intrusions by the sisters who ran the spa, Fluttershy was all hers. Although the intrusions were really more of a kindness, given how often they broke Rarity out of a dazed stupor, caught staring at the pegasus mare. None of the others particularly cared to pamper themselves on a regular basis. She encouraged Fluttershy to accept any and all of the services, paying for it all out of her own purse. Anything to spend more time with her.
Even so, she knew these emotions were hardly fitting for the very spirit of Generosity. It was so very selfish to want to keep that lovely mare for herself, even for a little while. She was daydreaming of what could be, like she sometimes did the same when looking over a new bolt of fabric, thinking of all the potential in one piece of cloth.
"Rarity, is everything all right? You have a faraway look in your eyes," Fluttershy inquired, her voice soft and quiet.
And on this particular day it seemed she had forgotten herself and had spent too long gazing at Fluttershy. Again. Rarity smiled apologetically, trying to think of an excuse for her rude behavior; she really had been looking at her friend longer than was socially acceptable. "Terribly sorry, dear, just remembering a joke Pinkie told the other day."
Fluttershy gave her that smile, that accursed smile. Somehow it managed to convey shyness while also seeming proud in some little way, as if to say ‘I know I’m cute and I am very sorry about that’. "Oh, I see. Do you remember how it went?"
Rarity's laughter turned slightly nervous. "Ahahaha! Um, no, I just recall being amused." She thought quickly, scrambling for a lifeline. "I believe the punchline was something about... oatmeal?" She gave a nervous grin, hoping Fluttershy would not pursue the matter.
Fluttershy went back to relaxing in the mud. "That's nice."
Rarity winced again; such personal desires were hardly generous, or even ladylike. Do stop staring, dear. How will you explain it if she notices again? She lifted a couple of cucumber slices with her magic and laid them over her eyes, if only to prevent further faux pas.
With nothing else to occupy her, she found her mind wandering. Given the vision of glory she had experienced earlier when Fluttershy came in, her hair aglow in soft sunlight, it was only natural that she thought back to that day. Ah, the fashion show! She was so beautiful...
"Guess it's time to see what all the fuss is about." The agitation in her voice was clear as Rarity moved her way into the crowd. She had been going out of her way not to watch other ponies fawning over Fluttershy. Lately, she had been growing more and more angry with her ‘dear’ friend; after all, she had managed to miss their spa appointment! For a photo shoot! Rarity never let herself become so busy. Oh come now, really? You know she would have understood if you had missed one. Surely you can afford her the same courtesy. Do try not to be so blatantly jealous.
The audience grew quiet as the musical introduction began, but Rarity didn’t pay much attention yet; it always started a bit early. Instead, she looked around at the stage itself. Oh my, this is marvelous, isn't it? I have to give Photo Finish credit. She may not know true fashion when she sees it, but she does know how to run a fashion show, or at the least how to hire the right ponies. I just wish she'd seen fit to use my designs. How can she not see how wonderful everypony would look in them?
She chided herself mentally, shaking herself out of the jealous funk. Now now, that’s hardly fair, dear. She did see something in Fluttershy. Let's be brutally honest, there is a lot to admire about the mare. Still, why does it have to be her? Why not me? I work hard, I deserve this kind of attention! The lights focused on the stage. Jealous or not, her heart fairly leaped at how wonderful her friend looked on stage. Oh, it's starting! The lights, the cameras! Oh my, she looks... Why, she looks utterly gorgeous!
She smiled just a bit. Fluttershy looked so incredibly cute as she hesitantly walked down the runway. However, her smile quickly turned to a frown. Wait, something is horribly wrong! Is she having some kind of episode? Why is she moving like that? Murmurs of confusion were coming from the audience, as they all seemed to be thinking the same thing. Why is she on her head? Now she's sliding forward on her face by flapping her wings? Oh, Sweet Celestia. Did she just bray like a mule? She could not quite stop a small chuckle as she watched her normally graceful friend, of all ponies, picking her nose! Oh, this is priceless!
The murmurs were turning to outraged cries. The crowd was clamoring and complaining. About her. About Fluttershy. Poor, defenseless Fluttershy. "Oh no..." The crowd is turning on her! She looks so scared and alone up there! She began clopping her hooves on the floor in furious applause. "Bravo! I say, bravo!" Everypony stared at her like she was mad, but she cheered and cheered. Nopony is going to make my Fluttershy feel this way!
"Bravo! Bravo!" The crowd joined her, after a time and she smiled grimly. Crisis averted! But why did her friend look so sad?
Envy: it wasn't a very kind emotion. Fluttershy gazed at Rarity as she lay back in the mud bath, unafraid to do so since the unicorn’s eyes were covered with cucumber slices. Not a care in the world, not now. Every time we come in, she manages to relax so much. I wish I was like her. At times she wondered if Rarity had any idea how lucky she was. She was so confident, so sure of what she wanted to do with her life.
Fluttershy had such trouble with confidence. When she tried to assert herself, it always seemed to backfire on her.
She gazed down disdainfully at her friends. They just couldn’t see why she had to stand up for herself! That pony had made her drop her mail!
"I can't believe that the two most frivolous ponies in Ponyville are trying to tell New Fluttershy how to live her life, when they are throwing their own lives away on pointless pursuits that nopony else gives a flying feather about!"
Fluttershy felt a tearing sensation in her heart as Rarity began to cry, but she continued to glare. She couldn’t let anypony stand in her way, not anymore.
The Gala had shown her she did not do well with rejection.
She glared around her, trying to find the crazy animals who would not come to her. Why couldn’t they see she meant no harm? It didn’t make any sense. This was her special talent! If animals couldn’t love her, how could she—
“YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE ME!”
The whole room looked at her like she was insane, but it wasn’t her that was insane. She was the only sane one here!
She winced at the memory. When she tried confidence—or anything really—she could never find a balance. It was all or nothing.
Fluttershy was certain Rarity would never spend a moment mooning over another pony she admired. Well, her prince, maybe, but who doesn't have their idealistic ‘perfect somepony’? I know I do. She just knew that Rarity would immediately ask the pony of her affections out, without a second thought. Fluttershy would probably squeak and run away. She dearly wished she could ask her friend for advice, but how to explain who the object of her affection was?
She sighed, shifting into a more comfortable position in the mud.
Rarity lifted one of the cucumber slices with her magic and peered at her. "Something the matter, dear?"
Fluttershy squeaked. "Oh no, just settling into the bath."
"It is lovely, is it not?" Rarity chuckled as she allowed the slice to cover her eye once more.
Fluttershy sighed again, looking at her friend in admiration. "It really is..." She looked away then, worried that Rarity could feel her admiring gaze. It was hard not to look at her sometimes. Instead, she lay back, and remembered when that same mare had shrugged off disapproving gazes for her sake. It wasn't a very happy memory, but she treasured it all the same.
"Do you really think it will work?" Fluttershy was so nervous their plan would fail, but she would do anything to end all this attention. Twilight went over the plan again, patiently explaining why making her look silly would do that. Fluttershy was skeptical, but she trusted her friend. Finally, it was time. She walked up to the curtain and waited for it to part.
She stepped out into the blinding light. There were so many ponies and every single one was watching her. Watching her every move. She hated it, but she couldn't bear to disappoint Rarity by telling her so. She walked hesitantly onto the stage. That was when she felt the magic wrap around her.
Twilight’s magic made her flail wildly. She had no control over her own actions. She was having second thoughts at this point, but if this was what it took to end her modeling career, she would do it.
Oh... my... They are really angry, aren't they? Oh, I’ve disappointed everypony.
She tried to say something, but it came out as a bark instead. She felt perhaps she would just die of embarrassment right there on stage.
This was a mistake, Twilight, stop! Just stop. Oh, I'm so sorry, everypony.
From the back of the room a sound rang out, louder than the cries of shock and anger. A single pony, clopping and shouting.
"Bravo! I say, Bravo!"
Rarity? What are you doing? You're applauding me?
"Such attitude, such pizazz! She's invented an entirely new kind of modeling! Bravo!"
The realization struck her hard. Oh, I am a horrible friend. I get the chance of a lifetime and try to throw it away. I must go on, for her! I must...
The audience's attitude quickly changed when they saw who was cheering her on. Soon the whole crowd was cheering along with Rarity.
I wish I had your confidence, Rarity. It should have been you. You would have loved this. Oh dear...
The crowd had only loved her more. They called her an innovator! Fluttershy's eyes had teared up in that moment. Her friend was there, supporting her, as she did all she could to throw her career away like so much trash. At that moment she was truly jealous of Rarity. Had it been her, she would not have shunned the attention, she would have reveled in it.
She had been so relieved to hear Rarity didn't want her to stay in fashion, but she still felt so guilty at times. If only she wasn't so uncomfortable in the spotlight. If only she had half the confidence her friend had. She looked at her friend with... affection? Yes, it was definitely affection. If only she had the courage to speak up.
Before she could resolve to finally speak her mind this time, Lotus came back to lead them to the hoof baths. She let out a resigned sigh and followed the spa mare. She never blamed Lotus for her interruptions. Given more time, she would have chickened out again anyway.
Rarity smiled at her as she eased in. She smiled back.
Oh, sweet Celestia, what was she going to do? She was in love with somepony and couldn’t even ask her best friend what to do. Because it was her best friend she was in love with! Life really was unkind at times...
Rarity felt like a new mare as they left the spa, which is not to say she felt entirely pleased. After all, she had just spent another hour, alone, in the baths with Fluttershy. And even with all that time, even with utter privacy, she could not spit it out. She sighed and continued to trot back to Carousel Boutique. Too nervous to confess to the shyest pony Equestria had ever known. Life certainly was not being generous with her today.
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T-T-T-Tracking! Definitely worth continuing, Steel.
Yay, it's posted now! Whoo! Still digging on the characterizations of Rarity and Fluttershy. Very much look forward to future chapters.
Really well written.
465580
I had some excellent advice from one of my favorite authors of this type of story. Donny, thank you again!
Since I can only give it one thumbs up, have a few mustaches.
Great story so far tracking and thumbs up.
465585
*bro hoof!*
No prob, Bob.
I love this, mainly because I can relate to Fluttershy (in a way). Keep it going!
Green with envy? Good show, jolly good show!
img.anongallery.org/img/3/8/spiderman-i-like-where-this-is-going.jpg
Another shipping fic. . . userpedia.adriels.com/wiki/images/2/28/GodDamnIt.jpg
466715
I'm guessing you're reffering to being entangled in it, in such a way where getting out of it would harm you a lot?
466865 Nope. As you can see, this soldier (good for him btw) does not like barbed wire.
Base: Fim Fiction
Bad things in base that you don't like but you can't really get rid of it or avoid: barbed wire
Barbed wire: Ship fics
Me: profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/41569_110861078951773_9896_n.jpg
but that's okay if you like it. I don't hate, after all imma brony.
467284
I have to admit, looking back on it now my comment looked a lot like a cheesy 14 year old girl proverb.
You have a point, shipping does have it's flaws, but you have to give credit to the author's writting :)
467471 467284 Nothing wrong with romance, but yes an awful lot of it is badly written and poorly justified. I am trying to avoid the common problems. Shipping is definitely not for everyone, just like not everyone enjoys the latest crossover fic of a popular video game. That does not make the genre bad, it just means that type is not your cup of tea. I am trying to branch out here, see if I am capable of writing other types of stories. My main story ended up being wildly popular, beyond all my expectations, but it was my first attempt at fiction of any real length. I do thank you panda, for not hating the story just on the basis that its not your favorite type.
467644 Your welcome. And your right, shipping is not my style; but again if you like it, then that's cool too. Also, I am pretty sure that your fics are good. I also like branching out in all genres, you see. I could be dark and adventurous, or light and funny as well as deep feelings. I DO have problems writing shipp fics though. '
'
470024 The only problem I would have is putting out something of low quality. I have read more than a few where the characters do not in the least resemble themselves, the story arch was contrived, and badly paced. My last fic was entirely unplanned, this one I plotted out the course of weeks ago, the prologue sat written for a solid week, going through rewrites until I was satisfied. I am not saying I am a wonderful writer now, but I am trying to learn how to be a better one. Part of that is attempting to write a different type of story.
471328 You know, I am also get stuck with my fics. It's like "what? that makes no sense! time to add more" or something along those lines.
Intriguing . . . I withhold any rating for now, but I'll track this and see where it goes.
478089 That is wise. I will attempt to make my writing worthy of your like.
478626 You flatter me!
"She began clop-"
"-ping her hooves on the floor in furious applause. "Bravo! I say, Bravo!" "
Oh God what did I just imagined for a second there...
Rarity had sought beauty and poise her whole life, she supposed it was rebelling against her parents in a way
At the 5th sentence, I already know this will be a good fic; Instead of provoking the reaction 'oh, that's nice', it already manages to get me wondering what her parents are like and if we'll find that out. It's looking pretty tightly plotted (I'll refrain from the obvious joke there)
Fav'd and tracked.
GAH!!! More Flarity. This pairing has easily become my favorite shipping pair.
Maybe because it is so rare, or is it because their personalities match up so well. Oh well. I shall continue reading.
This is some really solid scene setting: We know who the main characters are and where they ought to be.
I think your dialogue- external or internal- is a little better written than the rest, but it's all extremely competent.
Your characterisation is really solid, too! On to ze next chapter!
At this rate, you may convert me to a RariShy shipper.
I very much like this pairing as they're my favourite of the mane six.
This was very well written and the characterisation was brilliant.
It's good to see such quality and I look forward to reading the rest of the story.
This story makes me smile a ridiculously large amount.
Alrighty.... Prologue read. I'm hooked lol
Very nice work! time to continue on! 
Read the first chapter and I must say that this story is good, really good.
"Aww, not another shipping fi—"
*16 chapters and running*
".... Fine, but I only have time right now to read 1 chapter"
*Reads first chapter*
"...You win this round story, but I'll be back."
Seriously though, I'm usually not a major fan of fics with any level of shipping, but I'll give this the benefit of the doubt for lack of having something better to do at work.
you rock. woohoo
Hmm, wait a second. I think I started reading this story before. I'm pretty sure I liked it. Why didn't I finish...
Incomplete/76,869 words total
Ah. Yes. I think I remember now.
Well, since this site has all those spiffy functions once you actually bother to make an account, I suppose I won't be losing track of it any more. So time to man up and give this one another try.
Usually hate these kind of fics, this seems pretty good though, I'll finish it later.
Alright, finally got to this one on my list, time for some RariShy.
Said by Fluttershy
Said by Rarity
Using the opposite word of the element they represent. Smart
So I got bored and decided to re-read this story for funsies, and I noticed something odd
I'm probably wrong with this since I'm not the best with my grammar, but shouldn't that be "leapt"? I don't know why really, but the word "leaped" feels wrong to me here. Maybe I'm just crazy.
I origionally thought I was a Flutterdash, but this story has made me realize; I love all Fluttershy shipping! I thank you quitem Steel Resolve-sempai
wow, this one was way better than what i would expect from a flarity/rarishy. I lika dis one!
1644991
I think it can be either one
likelove those 2 together until i read this!— Second paragraph during flashback
The emphasis on "show" seems to be misplaced.
— Fourth paragraph during flashback
Needs a space between "Oh." and "Sweet Celestia".
This line seems to be a tad awkward, perhaps "all paid for out of her own purse" would fit better.
I don't think "bolt" is the right word to use in this context.
Double space needs to be removed.
I hope this help, even slightly.
Very nice indeed! Splendid!
I will enjoy every word of this story, I'm sure. 
You captured Rarity's very well, showing the conflict within. It felt very real.
It takes alot of skill to do a flashback to a moment in an episode. Only really good writers can pull that off.
It's funny. I started out as a Rarishy shipper, but eventually went over to Twishy, which I still very much support. But this fic has made me remember why I liked Rarishy in the first place.
Great stuff, eager to keep reading!
Simply excellent work thus far! Looking forward to reading the rest when its not 5 in the morning.
This is the third time am reading this story it just that good i hope for people to write more rarishy/flarity
I was never really certain, but how far into Season 2 / 3 is this fic? I know that it happens after Putting Your Hoof Down, putting it at least 6-7 Episodes before Canterlot Wedding at the earliest. So I was just wondering where in the timeline this fic lands.
First time rereading this I know most of what will happen. Why can't I stop thinking Rarity is going to say something, about her feelings, to Fluttershy?
It's also a deadly sin.
Just felt like pointing that out.