- - -
(4) The Rare
- - -
"Really? Nopony else wants to come?" Rarity asked, her gathered friends finding various excuses to stare or pick at their breakfast. The weather had been faintly overcast for a few days, which was just as well, since the ship was between stops and cruising slowly over the ocean. It had taken more than a little effort just to get everpony up and down to the rear commissary for a late breakfast/early brunch.
"Oh. Oh, um. Sorry..." Fluttershy speared her grapefruit with a teeny tiny fork. Teal eyes meekly glanced up at the fashionista and then back down at her plate. "I'm not... much of a dancer..." And down went her ears, producing a look far too sweet and meek to argue with. “And those crowds...!"
Rainbow Dash bit into her croissant, chewing even as she said, "I don't mind dancing at a night club or something, but... yeah. Ballroom stuff? I'll pass."
"What about you, Twilight?" Rarity asked, eyes brightening. "You could wear that lovely violet dress!"
"I don't know," the other unicorn dithered, hiding behind her glass of orange juice. "I kind of had plans for tonight."
"Skygazing again?" Pinkie Pie asked, eyes narrowing as her neck stretched, inching her closer and closer to Twilight until they were almost nose-to-nose.
"Yes, again. And other things!" Twilight Sparkle pushed Pinkie back, hoof to forehead.
Rarity sighed at the lack of turnout. "What about you, Pinkie? Applejack?"
"Sorry! I've got a date!" Pinkie declared with an over-large grin.
"What!!" A chorus of mares cried, all at once.
"Same here, actually," Applejack admitted, to the less gobstruck stares of her friends. "But Rarity, ah totally know somepony who'd love to come with ya ta this ballroom tango thing!"
- -
Unbelievable.
Pinkie Pie and Applejack had dates? To top it off, even Fluttershy and Twilight seemed to be acting strangely the last few nights. If she, Rarity, didn't know any better, it was almost suspect. It very nearly called for an elaborate plan to unmask who her friends were sneaking off to be with. Even Twilight. There was no way anypony, even a fanatic bookworm, would want to spend every night at the observatory. The mystery definitely called for a little snoo-ping.
Later tonight, perhaps!
Easing open the door to the ballroom with a gentle push of magic, Rarity tried to put the potential dalliances of her friends out of her mind. Hard as that was. She had a glorious and devastatingly sexy red dress that she had brought along just for such a night and she intended to use it on the dance floor. Cascading ruffles ran along the skirt, split at the left leg, ending in an embellished chainette fringe, while bell sleeves opened just below her shoulders. The black satin heels were a bit indulgent, but she felt confident about dancing in them.
Now, she just had to see if the supposed date Applejack had set her up with panned out. Eyes scanning the couples already waiting in and around the ballroom, Rarity sighed inwardly. So many beautiful ponies were out there, the ladies in fine dresses (a few she even took note of for later) and the stallions in suits and tuxedoes.
Slowly making her way over to the sign up table to wait, she was surprised as a pony she didn't recognize approached her. He was a trim young stallion, maize yellow in color under a black tuxedo and white shirt. A bright green narrow string-tie around his collar matched eyes of the same color, but it was the cut and slightly curled mane, tangerine orange, that touched her memory.
"Miss Rarity!" he said, waving a hoof and ruining his dignified image with a goofy grin. "Howdy!"
"Braeburn?" Rarity could hardly believe how, well, how well he cleaned up. Somepony must've tied him down and worked him over like her life depended on it. "My word, I hardly recognized you!"
"Ah don't get'ta dress up like this very often, but ah'm here representin' Appleoosa-" And thankfully, he said the town name without too much aplomb. "-so I gotta look the part, ya know? Big city folks don't invest much if ya show up lookin' like ya just plowed a field."
"Of course, one must keep up appearances."
"Sure 'nuff," Braeburn agreed, and gestured with his head over to the sign up table. "Shall we?"
"Let's."
He led her over and, smartly wiping the pen with a napkin from his shirt pocket, signed his name onto the roster. He then dropped it from his mouth, cleaned it off, and handed it over. Though more than capable of signing her name with magic alone, Rarity thought to do so with an earth pony partner was a little impolite. Like a true gentlepony, he had cleaned the pen, so she delicately nipped it from his hoof and signed her name next to his.
"Miss Rarity," he said, as they walked together over to where the couples were assembling. "You'll pardon me fer bein' so forward, but boy-howdy, do you look pretty in that dress. It wouldn't be one'a yer designs, now would it?"
She couldn't help but blush at the compliment, batting her eyes. "As a matter of fact it is. You like it?"
"Ah sure do."
"Alright, everypony!" The dance coordinator, a pretty young mare in a black dance dress called out. "We've got eight out of ten signups! Let's start up."
A guitar and bandoneón piece began playing from the room's gramophone, with the upbeat tempo of the tango. It had a strong two-four rhythm, and as the eight couples took to the ballroom dancefloor, Rarity inhaled, swallowing some well veiled anxiety. Standing in place for a moment as Braeburn walked past her, to get some distance, she met his eyes. He seemed comfortable, but... well, the last time she had seen him dance had been Appleoosa's hoedown with the Buffalos.
"Ready?" he asked, holding up left hoof.
She nodded, and held up hers as well as she trotted up to him. As the music played, their hooves met and touched. He began to lead, right away, lifting her up so they could both stand. His free leg wrapped around her waist, and he wrapped hers over and then across, her elbow over his and her hoof to the back of his shoulder. A close embrace.
One, two steps and then a quarter turn, he led them back and then around in a quick spin. It wasn't anything too difficult, not to start with, as they moved around the room, getting their pacing and rhythm. Occasionally they broke routine from pausing or twirling at the four beat and stepping at the two, to moving across the dance floor on the four beat, right after a two, and then into another energetic two step. Near the end of the first dance, Rarity playfully lifted one leg, letting him hold her up as she leaned back, her slippered hoof stretching out before gracefully returning to the floor.
"You're quite good!" Rarity exclaimed, but then blushed a bit at how surprised she sounded. "Not that... well..."
"Aw, shucks. Don't worry none." Braeburn didn't seem to be offended by the implication. "Ah didn't think anypony knew this kinda dancin' up in Ponyville. I thought ya'll would be into Canterlot's brand'a stuff."
"The tango is quite the rage, even in Canterlot."
"Well, ah'll be!"
Smiling, he winked, giving her a little forewarning before spinning her around, holding her out hoof-to-hoof and letting her hang back on one leg. Then he reeled her back in, held her close and resumed the tempo of the dance.
"I simply have to ask: wherever did you learn to dance like this?"
"Back before ah settled down ta help found Appleoosa, ah worked as a cowpony on a estancia down south." He grinned and leaned closer to whisper, "The ladies wouldn't dance ta much else."
Around they went again, by now comfortable with their partner.
"Ah can see you've done this before, too."
"My own instruction was much more mundane than yours, I'm afraid," Rarity replied, their hooves stepping in time to the music. "I simply hired an instructor."
"Still, I reckon this is a lot easier fer me than it is you; hard 'nuff balancin' on two legs all the time without havin' ta do it in them heels."
"I'm sure by the end of the night, my ankles will feel like putty."
"Maybe Ah'll have ta carry ya around then?"
- -
"Ahhh. Miss Rarity? Remind me again, why we're doing this?"
"To satisfy our curiosity, of course!" Rarity tip-hoofed up the flight of carpeted stairs with all the stealthy prowess of her pet cat. Then again, Opalescence being Opalescence, maybe she was better compared to an actually stealthy pet... like Gummy.
"Besides," she whispered, peeking around the corner of the hall from behind a potted snake plant. "Twilight's up to something. Something she doesn't want us knowing about."
"Yes. But..." Braeburn peeked out right above her. "That still doesn't explain..."
"Oh, Braeburn, darling, you'll simply have to trust me on this. A juicy secret is like a perfect apple hanging from a tree... yes, you can admire it from afar, but sooner or later you have to pick it before it splits open or gets old."
The apple farmer, still in his tuxedo, raised an eyebrow.
"That... actually made sense, somehow."
"This way!"
Rarity zipped across the hall to the opposite side with surprising speed - it wasn't exactly easy for a pony to run around in high heels. Braeburn followed at a more relaxed pace, putting only a token effort into trying to keep out of sight. Rarity speared him with an upset moue for not playing along, but her attention was quickly distracted by the sight of Twilight Sparkle heading up another flight of steps.
One thing was clear: she wasn't headed for the observatory or the library.
"I knew something was up!" Rarity declared. ...Quietly.
On the next floor, the pair soon found a Twilight's destination: a small casual restaurant on the upper decks. It was one of the self-serve establishments lining both port and starboard sides of the ship's central castle. The smell of sautéed and barbequed food elicited a grumble from one of the dance partners turned spies.
"Oh. Terribly sorry." Rarity momentarily forgot her quarry and blushed at the rumbling of her stomach. "I do believe all that dancing has worked up an appetite."
Her blue eyes drifted back to the lobby of the restaurant.
"And since I'm quite certain Twilight had a coltfriend waiting for her in there, why not jump two steeples in one bound?" She was about to head over when Braeburn coughed.
"Miss Rarity," he said, and she paused to look back at him. "Ah don't think we should."
"Whatever do you mean?" the fashionable unicorn put on her best, most doe-eyed look. "All I want is a little peek...!"
Braeburn shook his head. "Ah'm not keen on spyin' on one of mah friends. Well... she's more yer friend than mine, but the principle's the same. If she's here ta meet some feller, she'll tell ya about him when she feels comfortable 'nuff about it. Till then, ya'll should respect her privacy."
"But...!" Rarity protested, her shoulders slumping. "Oh, you're right, of course. I'm just so frustratingly curious what she's up to and who she's meeting! I forgot myself."
"Why don't you and me find another restaurant, Miss Rarity?" Braeburn finally walked back up to her side and offered his front leg. "Since we're all dressed up already, ah reckon we should find the fanciest place on the ship and just enjoy ourselves."
Rarity was already in agreement, and was about to say as much, when Braeburn added, "My treat, of course."
"I do suppose I will have to let this mystery lie; how can I resist such an offer from such a gentlecolt?" Rarity held up her hoof and let him lead her back to the stairs. "Lead away."
They were halfway back to the stairs, when -
"You... do know where this restaurant is, yes?"
"Actually, ah'm not sure," Braeburn admitted with a sheepish grin. "Deck four maybe?"
Rarity sighed but rested her head on his shoulder. "I can wait."
- - -
NEXT:
(5) The Jack
- - -
Ok, this really is an original story. I was kind of skeptic when you said that it would contain different shipping that had ever been done before, but I was really surprised by a lot of the pairings, great job. I almost thought that Blue-blood was Dr. Whooves, it would've been just as surprising. Rare spelling/grammar mistakes, nothing of real note. Great story, keep up the chapter flow and I can easily see this being one of my favorite stories.
Rariburn? Braeity? Yet another new (to me at least) and interesting matchup.
Not bad.
562103
I just sort of typed that without thinking about it much. RL horses, like most animals, don't tend to live as long as us humans, plus my own view of canon is that pony technology is 19th century, wherein a generous life expectancy would be around 60. Of course, to most of us first world types here and now, 60 is way too short; we expect to at least eek out 100 if we mind our health.
558853
RD and Fancy met briefly at the end of Sweet and Elite, and I think he figured out she wasn't the Wonderbolts trainer at that time or afterwards.
557289
He did seem a little worried by the white-tip that swam over in ch2, but with Fluttershy around, I don't think any animal would dare take a bite.
To most everyone else:
Thanks for the comments, I'll just say again that the purpose of this was odd, unexpected pairings! My own personal take on the serials?
Sparklin' Blueshy Fancydash Braeity
Only Applejack and Pinkie Pie left now...
562909 "My own view of canon is that pony technology is 19th century."
Though I have seen a modern dam, an arcade machine, and an EKG cutie mark. I'd say 1970's at the high end but 1870's at the low. Media seems to be in the middle, ponies have sound systems but the only visual media I've seen was a black & white film.
Pony-tech is fascinating, really.
I kind of saw this one coming, also, I've seen it done before.
But still good none the less, loving the story so far
EDIT: I guess I shouldn't say it's been done before as so much that I read a fic where Rarity has a crush on Braeburn, I just sayin' it had been thought of before still saw it coming and still can't wait for the epiloge
I was wrong, there are actually two strait Braeburns the the multiverse.
Ponytech follows the Rule of Funny in the TV show. Lauren Faust actually had a more medieval setting in mind and apparently tends to assume things like fridges and Tank's little propeller thing are run by magic - there's a unicorn sorcerer around who gives them a buzz now and then.
Oh god, Braeburn! And he's (le gasp) straight?! I...I think I need a bit of time to recompose myself...
*takes a deep breath in and out*
Okay! Rariburn is a go! Love it! Absolutely splendid! To be sure, there were a few spelling errors I caught, but other than that, another fantastic chapter!
Like a lot of other commenters, I've been fascinated with Equestria's state of technological advancement. In certain aspects, they're fairly old timey, but in others, they're quite modern (Scootaloo's scooter, Vinyl Scratch's sound system at the Royal Reception, anyone?) I hope we never see a television, though. Film projectors are fine, but an actual television might throw off the charm completely as far as I'm concerned.
ankles?dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/sillyfilly_Rarity.png ponies don't have ankles!
I'm liking these media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyn8c72yWC1r1x7sq.gif
562837 I know, huh?
576763 Actually they, and most if not all land vertibrets do. they mearly walk on their toes only, so their ankles are farther up.
Expected Rarity to be paired with some kind of farmer pony, other than that Braebern was rather unexpected I'm loving this, it's interesting, funny and really well written
... DAMMIT! I wanted to link the picture you were describing, but Deviantart REFUSES to work with me! I wanted to share with everypony else what she looks like!
FOUND IT!
fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/276/2/0/suited_for_success_by_taliesin_the_dragoon-d4brcge.jpg
Ooooo, that is a sweet Rarity picture.
576763 dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Fluttershy_umad.png
I thought for sure it would be the Doctor this time. I mean seriously! He loves dancing and big fancy events like that! Oh well, on to the next chapter!
Hah! This one was not nearly as surprising as some of the previous pairings, but it was very nice nevertheless. Braeburn's a charismatic fellow, and if Rarity can get along with AJ (who seems like she's much more opposed to frills and fanciness on principle), I'm sure they would hit it off well.
I'm also liking how you're increasingly tying the chapters together. I can't wait to see who Applejack and Pinkie are dating!
I dislike it when people dub Braeburn and Caramel gay...how did that even happen??
Good story...like i said...the pairings....stranger all the time. but I LOVE IT
Braeburn and Rarity seem like the perfect pair.
Now, for the name...
Braeity?
Rariburn?
Burnity?
Raribrae?
Chapter 4: The Rare
Now This is a believable pairing, actually. Suddenly, I am imagining Breaburn as a southern gentilstallion, and I like it ;) Bit short, though... which is a shame. I believe you could have done a lot with this. Likes first, like always.
Again, you managed to portray a mane-six character without falling into the cliche pit. No over-the-top gushing or obsessive fasion nonesence... just Rarity. Like usual, I appreciate that.
The dance was very well done! You were able to be both very descriptive and also vague. I like this, because I don't have to be a ballroom-dancing aficionado to understand what was happening.
I actually felt like there was a real connection there between Rarity and Breaburn! In fact, I would go so far as to say that this is the most likely pair to succeed so far! Breaburn is just sophisticated enough to understand the necessity of proper etiquette, which Rarity would pick up on in an instant... and yet, he's more down to earth then Rarity, which I imagine she would find charming. Proper, when the situation calls for it, but not overbearing.
Have I mentioned that I really like this Pairing, by the way? Gah... why do I suddenly like Breaburn? More importantly... why is he suddenly my favorite Rarity ship?
I also like the inclusion of the other ponies' relationships as a sort of background for this chapter, and I like even more that you manage to avoide talking about the other's relationships other then to hint that they have relationships.
Unfortunately, this chapter was, once again, very short. You left much to be desired! Although, I admit, you did accomplish your goal, so I suppose I should be happy! Also, once again, you left off in a real cliffhanger... but at least by now, I expect you to do this as a theme.
All in all, a very strong chapter. Really... I have little to complain about! This and The Shy are my two favorite chapters... The Shy for the adventure, and this for the ship. By the way... I expect some kind of follow-up once all this is said and done.
560103 lol i kinda did too at first but hes not entirely canon with hasbro ...yet.
i was able to guess this pairing. once it mention a dance, braeburn popped into my head as a good dancer, then applejack being the one to recomend him confirmed it. this is really an awesome pair,i like it alot. it might be due to my love of rarityxapplejack and this is to the same feeling.
pinkie and apple already have dates huh? its funny that rarity is the last to find a date.
my god this story is epic!
560344 Sounds like noises a donkey would make...
Braeburn...
CALLED
IT
572385 They also lack phones for some reason. Even telegraphs! Not everyone has a pet dragon, y'know.
578986 I swear, every fic I read, you are somewhere in the comments. How am I unintentionally following you around?
584842 dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_unsuresweetie_flip.png
well done sir, hats of 2 ya
Good, but not good like Fancy Pants good. Braeburn is another really good guy.
this isn't as random as rainbow dash and fancypants, but still pretty damn random. Another great chapter, of course. Looking forward to see what's in store for applejack.
Perfection once again. If only there was MOAR
Oh, and the way you interweave each character's story is genius!
Somehow I called it as soon an Applejack said her line about knowing somepony to be Rarity's dance partner. Surprising, since I am incredibly dense when it comes to hints like that.
In any case, I enjoyed this chapter a lot.
When I saw the word braeburn, my hand flew to my mouth at the same time I said NO, really loud. This was my initial reaction, sorry. You have done a wonderful job Rarity, kudos to you sir
Thanks Magical Trevor for the pic
Okay, I think THIS is kind of stretching it....kind of
Really? Couldn't you just say "accordion" instead of making me use Google to find out what it was??
That's the second time I had to Google a word in this fic. Then again, I've read one where I almost had
to Google something every paragraph. Almost.
So Rarity and Braeburn huh?? I've seen stranger pairings, and some that make even less sense.
Who the hell have you got for AJ and Pinkie??
578581 She lost her shoes after all!!! Still, makes me wish I was a pony. (I know, that's not normal,
and I could probably do with "professional" help!)
1101585
You say that, but I've actually come across this ship somewhere else before (can't remember where though)
And I didn't recognize you at all. I got that you were Apple Family, but with the apple convention that's probably a significant fraction of the airship.
After a teensy bit of research, I must conclude that while you are no longer alone in this ship, you were the first. I fear I must score this as your greatest victory yet.
Rarity/Braeburn?
Didn't see that coming. Still fabulous. Are there more of its kind out there, waiting to be read?
Did anyone see what I did with Trixie/Rarity there? No? Damn...
Let's see, Twilight and Soarin'
Dash and Fancy Pants
Fluttershy and Blueblood
and now Rarity and Braeburn, I'm impressed, very unique pairings and you make them work.
Oh, this is still great fun and marvelously written.
And you are without a doubt the first I've seen who had a proper explanation for sophisticated hidden depths like this in an Apple. Well done.