The Next in Line.

by gmoneywalker

First published 11th of February, 2012

After a night of drunken debauchery you find yourself in the service of Ponyville's premiere fashionista, and you can't help but fall for her. But is she your bride to be? Or just the next in line?

Let's just say your luck with the mares isn't all that great, two months in Ponyville and you've had your heart stomped on more times than you can count. That coupled with the fact you've lost your job, your house, and have barely enough bits to feed yourself means your life isn't exactly going so great. And after another botched attempt at a relationship you're ready to swear off of the whole dating game for good.
But after a night of drunken debauchery you awaken to find yourself in the service of Ponyville's premiere fashionista, you're willing to forget your previous pledge to the single life after she proves herself to be the kindest and most generous pony you've ever met, but only time will tell if she'll be your future lover or the next in line of a long list of mare's who you'd rather forget.

Introduction

The gentle sounds of birds chirping and the faint rustling of leaves slowly begins to draw your groggy mind out of the comforting blackness of sleep and into the warming light of consciousness. You slowly drag a hoof out from underneath the covers and hold it over your mouth as you allow a heavy yawn to escape your lips. You quickly pull off the smooth velvet covers of your bed and stand tall as you feel your tiredness almost immediately fall away. A broad smile breaks across your face as you merrily trot over towards your open window, brushing aside the curtains and taking a deep refreshing breath of that wonderful morning air.

You keep on with the happy smile as you look over the little town you’ve come to know and love. Stall owners busily went about promoting and selling their goods, Ditzy Doo and her daughter seemed to be enjoying a quiet little picnic together in the park, and if you squinted hard enough you could see Rainbow Dash tearing her way through the sky leaving a trail of sparkling colors behind her as she spun and twirled in a true show of athletic prowess.

Yep today was a beautiful day, and you couldn’t help but feel rejuvenated at the sheer display of all that life playing out right before your eyes. Of course, the full night’s sleep may have helped with that. One of the very few perks that comes with being currently unemployed, but no need to dwell on that, today was a brand new day filled with new opportunities and new chances to make your way in the world.

You merrily make your way to the bathroom of the small home you’d been staying in for the night, tiptoeing across the hardwood floor in order to keep from disturbing your roommates, they’d already been kind enough to let you crash at their place until you got back on your hoofs, you sure didn’t want to seem like a burden to them, you didn’t even need to check in order to know they were still sleeping. The noises you heard last night were plenty enough of a hint to let you know they didn’t exactly rest easily the night before.

Once you get inside the blue tile bathroom you waste no time hopping inside the welcoming shower. As the hot water and soap begins to wash away all the grime and dirt you can’t help but whistle a merry tune to yourself as you bathe. As you do so however you allow yourself a few moments to reflect on recent events.

Why exactly are you so happy? Well…that was actually a really good question now that you think about it. You certainly weren’t having the best of luck these days that was obvious. Actually, maybe we should just say you were having the worst luck. Over the past two weeks your life had been steadily going downhill, you’d managed to get yourself fired for a few rumors about one of your late night drunken adventures, all of which were totally not true by the way, had to deal with some of the princess’ royal guards after a bad case of mistaken identity with another colt that had stolen the wheels of Celestia’s favorite chariot, lost more than your fair share of bits paying for some medical bills for an accident you’d rather not talk about, and to top it all off your house had burned down a few days ago. As it turns out you had left the oven on.

One would think that any colt that had gone through all that in such a short amount of time would practically be crippled with depression. But nope, you weren’t.

Why?

Because you had a date, it was what you were getting all cleaned up for right now. After all, you wouldn’t make a very good date if you stank. So after a few more moments of showering you brush aside the curtain, quickly dry yourself off, then proceed to comb your mane and brush your teeth.

Lookin’ good. You think flatteringly to yourself as you give your reflection an approving glance in the mirror. You certainly weren’t the best looking stallion by any means, but for a guy so down on his luck you didn’t look half bad. You reach over to the white countertop with a hoof and scoop up your silver pendant, the neckpiece wrapping around your neck in a comforting manner. You decide to waste no more time, heading out of the bathroom and rounding the corner as you push open the door leading outside.

It certainly was a beautiful day, as you wander towards Ponyville’s town square the sound of…now what was the orange cowpony’s name? Applejack? You could hear her distinct southern drawl rising over the crowd noises of the other numerous bustling ponies moving about.

“Now ah’ done told ya Rarity, ah’ can’t jus give away my stock cus yall are my friend.” The exasperated apple farmer was saying.

“Applejack dear please be reasonable.” Another more civilized tone of voice seemed to answer back. “I’m in a terrible rush and I’m absolutely famished, couldn’t you just make an exception this one time?”

The sound of that voice seemed to peek your attention. You decide to take a curious glance over to the source of the exchange, hoping to catch a glance of that beautiful mare. Well it seems as if your luck decides to hold true for once, and the heavy crowd of ponies is split just enough for you to get an eyeful of the object of your affection.

Rarity, the white gem Ponyville, and without a doubt the single most beautiful mare you’d ever laid eyes on. She had her back turned to you now, so you couldn’t take a look at those wonderful deep blue eyes of hers. Or that lush purple mane she hung so elegantly around her head, something you considered very unfortunate. That’s not to say she didn’t look positively ravishing from this angle either, but you’d exercised a great deal of restraint and kept yourself from staring directly at her…well it was rude to use the ‘P’ word in such a manner...it would certainly not make you much of a gentlecolt.

“Well consarnit Rarity I’d might let it slide if yall weren’t asking for the most expensive thang in the whole dang cart!” The cowpony shot back, drawing your gaze away from Rarity and towards the well-furnished wooden stall she’d set up to sell her produce. “Can’t yall just settle for a Red Delicious and get out of my mane!?”

“But my dear Applejack! I’ve never seen such a lavish and unique apple in all my days.” Rarity continued, even when pleading her words were like honey…. “It’s calling to me I swear! Oh hark there sweet Rarity, with coat as soft as silk, can’t thou rescue me from being kept here? Held against my will and forced to bask in the lowness and filth of other such common produce! Oh woe is me, for my kind, sweet, Rarity shall be forced to abandon me!” You can’t help but chuckle lightly as Rarity puts on quite the show, standing on her hind legs as she struck a dramatic pose and gently placed her right forehoof against her forehead. Really if the whole fashion design thing didn’t work out she should definitely take up a career onstage.

Your unintentional little laugh at Rarity’s display managed to catch the attention of both mares. And you feel your face flash red as their pair of eyes bore into you.

“Hey!” Applejack shouts through the crowd, making you gulp as you notice the scowl on her face. After all, hell hath no fury like that of a mare scorned, or so your father used to say. “Yall want some apples? Don’t let Rarity here deter ya from getting some food.” You let out a noticeable sigh of relief at her offer. Glad that neither of them seemed to upset from your slightly immature giggle fit from earlier.

Rarity seemed to scoff at the idea that she could possibly be deterring any form of business from Applejack’s stall. “Applejack darling if I’m affecting your business in any way shape or form it could only be for the better. After all, this fine young stallion here no doubt took notice of your stall thanks to my wondrous presence.” Rarity gives you a coy smile that practically makes your heart melt, though you do the smart thing and keep your head down and ignore the comment. You were a little ashamed to admit that Rarity’s accusation wasn’t too far off from the truth.

As soon as you get a look at the large clumps of apples one in particular seems to catch your eye. There is a single golden apple shining brightly in the sunlight on the very top of a stack of other apple types you were incapable of naming. You were no doubt intrigued by this strange piece of fruit; at first glance you’d assume that it was made of solid gold, though that of course couldn’t be true. Applejack sold food not decorations. And it was big, about the size of both your hooves smashed together.

“Can you tell me a little about this one?” You ask, motioning to the odd fruit with a tip of your head.

Applejack grins proudly as she scoops the apple up out of the cart, holding it up with both hooves like it was a prize trophy. “This here is one of mah favorites! It’s a specialty of the apple family! You see as the stories go great grandpappy Autumn Gold planted a single tree to start his farm way back during the very first settlement of Ponyville. And for the first five years he waited and waited for it to sprout some fruit, but no matter how much sun it got or how long he watered it the tree gave him nothing…”

Applejack’s tone becomes more serious as she moves on to the darker side of her tale, her once jubilant smile morphing into that of a shadowy scowl.

“Now grandpappy Autumn waited and waited, by now he had managed to plant a few other trees on his land. And though they bore his family some much needed product he jus’ never seemed to have enough, he worked day and night to try and support his family and farm. Not to mention he had to prepare for the upcoming winter, which was supposed to be the biggest Equestria had seen in a long long time. He gathered what he could while he could but when the snow fell it didn’t take long for what he had stored to run drah. With a starvin’ family and no way to feed them grandpappy Autumn ventured out onto his farm in search of whatever he could. When he finally came to the tree he had planted so many years ago to his surprise he found that there was a single apple.”

Applejack smiles and nods her head at the golden piece of produce in her hooves. “Just like this one right here. He bucked it down and took it home, great grandpappy’s family survived off this for a whole week until it was all gone. But when he went back out, there it was again. It was thanks to that tree and its golden apples that mah farm survived that rough year and became the Sweet Apple Acres ah own today!”

Applejack set the shining fruit back in its rightful place on the cart. “And even to this day that old tree still manages to sprout out one of these babies every few years. But every kind of apple needs a name, so we started calling ‘em Golden Autumn’s. I’ve had one mahself and ah can tell yah they are the single most delicious apple ah have ever tasted!” Applejack licks her lips in a way that Rarity must have found completely uncouth; judging by the way the fussy unicorn curled her lip in disgust and took a defensive step back.

“That’s quite the story miss Applejack.” You say with a smile. “So how much is it worth?”

“Why thank yah sugarcube.” Applejack replies to your comment, before she frowns a little. “But ah’m afraid since these apples right here are so rare I gotta sell ‘em pretty high. If yall want it yall will have ta hand over seventy bits.”

You do a slight double take, seventy bits was a lot of money to spend on just one apple…not to mention you were already pretty strapped on cash due to your current lack of a job. But Applejack had said it was the most delicious apple she had ever eaten. And being an apple farmer must have meant that she ate a lot of apples. So after a few moments of complex debate you made your decision.

Your coins clank loudly on the polished wood of the cart as you empty your wallet for the cowpony.

“Why thank yah kindly partner.” Applejack smiles at you while scooping up your hard earned bits with a hoof, once you see them all disappear and notice how much lighter your wallet seems to feel you can’t help but feel a tingle of regret begin to worm its way into your chest.

Too late to back out now… you think to yourself while watching Applejack slam the drawer where she keeps her bits closed.

But you feel these doubts get pushed to the back of your mind as Applejack hands you your prize. You grin sheepishly as you examine the fruit, your mouth salivating at the thought of its deliciousness; it was also noticeably heavier than any other apple you had held before, no doubt due to its illustrious size. Oh yeah this will certainly be worth every bit you spent! You open your mouth, ready to take one big, delicious, juicy chunk out of this wonderful piece of fruit…then you stop yourself.

Out of the corner of your eye you spot Rarity, hanging her head low and looking completely dejected. You frown slightly; looking at her now you’d think that watching somepony eat this apple was the worst possible thing that could happen.

“Um…I’m sorry miss Rarity, was this the apple you wanted?” You begin to speak without even really thinking.

Rarity looks up, her shining blue eyes meeting with yours. Almost as if she had forgotten you were there before she lets out a quick laugh and waves it off with a hoof.

“Oh don’t worry about me dear!” She laughs again, though it sounds fake and forced. “I’ll just find something else to eat. Go on enjoy your apple you spent quite a few bits on it!”

Rarity’s words of encouragement should have been enough for you, if it wasn’t so obvious that she really wanted this fruit. And the gentlecolt in you demanded that you put the smile back on Rarity’s face.

“Are you sure?”

“Oh yes! Don’t worry about me; to be honest I’m not even all that hungry.” A loud rumble from her stomach apparently begs to differ. She daintily places a hoof to her face, attempting to hide the blush stinging her cheeks. “Oh my, I-I do apologize sir! That was terribly unladylike of me!” Her eyes shoot up, as if studying you for a reaction, before quickly shifting back towards the ground in a flash.

Wait…was she apologizing to you? How odd, you’d bumped into Rarity around town enough times to piece together her personality and it did seem like she would think a rumbling stomach was unladylike. But that wouldn’t explain why she seemed so worried about what you would think.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. You can’t help what your body does.” You try and get the mare to relax, giving her a laid back smile.

This however only seemed to increase Rarity’s anxiety. “But still such a noise is so, uncouth, so dirty!” She leaves her mouth open to continue only to snap it closed as another rebellious rumble escapes her stomach. She now hangs her head, a flood of red overtaking her usual pale face. “Oh…oh dear,”

You look at her, and then at the apple you had just spent a small fortune on. Just do it! The gentlecolt in your head makes his presence known again. Don’t forget how much this cost you foal! While the more sensible side of your brain seems to scream at you for the opposite course of action. You wait just a moment, contemplating your course of action before the kinder side of you wins the inner debate. And with a small unnoticeable sigh you hold out the Autumn Gold for the unicorn to take.

Rarity tears her gaze from the ground, only for it to be met by the golden apple. Her Azure eyes dart up to your face, wordlessly asking you for permission.

You smile at her. “Well go on. I’m giving it to you.”

“Are you certain? You spent so much money on it…” Rarity’s words register surprise, but your resolve doesn’t waver.

“Oh don’t worry about it Miss Rarity. Seeing you full and happy is worth every bit.” Too bad happiness doesn’t pay the bills! The sensible part of your brain speaks up again, only for you to squash it back down.

Rarity’s magic envelops the apple, whisking it away. Her gaze falls on it like a predator that had just caught its prey. You imagine that if Rarity was any less persnickety she would have torn the golden apple apart, but instead she manages to salvage her ladylike persona at the last minute and take a single, petite, chunk out of it. She chews once, then twice, before her mind seems to go blank, the taste overloading her senses.

She swallows. “That…is the single most delicious thing I have ever eaten in my entire life.” Rarity spoke in a breathy whisper. A single sliver of you manages to feel jealous, considering that was practically your life’s savings she was eating. But still the rest of you feels all warm and fuzzy for making her so happy.

Rarity’s eyes land on you, an expression of pure gratitude and…something else you couldn’t quite place. “I…can’t thank you enough for this.”

You smile and wave off her gratitude with a hoof. “Think nothing of it Miss Rarity; a true gentlecolt would never leave a mare to starve.”

“That’s just Rarity to you darling.” Suddenly, and much to your surprise, Rarity gives a dainty peck of her lips to your cheek, causing you to blush noticeably as electric tingles run up and down your spine at the gesture. “Do come by my Carousel if you need anything my dear gentlecolt.” She pulls away and takes another bite of the golden apple, chewing thoroughly before swallowing. “I’m afraid I’ll be taking my leave now, I have much business to attend to. Goodbye dear Applejack.”

The cowpony nods. “Yep, you too Rare,”

Her gaze flutters back to you. “I…” There’s something there in Rarity’s voice you can’t quite place, you would almost be willing to say she was acting bashful, if that didn’t seem so unlike the Rarity you had become acquainted with. “…hope to see you again.”

“I’m sure you will Miss Rarity.”

She giggles. Though you’re not really sure why before she turns around and heads towards her boutique, chewing happily on her golden apple all the way.

“Ah gotta admit that there was pretty generous o’ yah.” Applejack’s southern accent brings you out of your thoughts.

You smile at the comment, you always were known for being rather generous to your fellow pony. “Well, she seemed like she needed it more than me.”

Applejack ‘mhm’s in that typical sarcastic way that mare’s seemed able to pull off in a particularly pride stabbing way. “Yall sure ya ain’t just trying to get into her bed?”

You reel back at the accusation, looking at Applejack for some sign indicating it was a joke. Instead all you find is a deadpan expression, the cowpony’s honest eyes digging into your very soul.

“Of course not!” You shout at Applejack, finding yourself incredibly offended by the insinuation. Your parent’s had raised you to treat mares with respect. Not like some kind of fancy saddle to ride once or twice then toss in the garbage as soon as the newer more impressive one appears. “I’d never do something like that!”

Applejack holds up her hooves defensively in an attempt to calm you down. “Easy there partner, ah didn’t mean nothin’ by it!” You take a deep breath, though you refuse to remove your scowl. “It’s just, well mah brothers Big Macintosh and…he’s told me some about you.”

You pause slightly at this. Of course you should have guessed this was your drinking buddy’s sister. There was only one Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville and on the off chance when the red stallion actually spoke it was always about one of four things. Apples, work, more apples, or his family, the fact that these two were related didn’t really come as a surprise at all considering you’d heard him mention the orange mare once or twice. No what you found off was that Big Mac had told her about your numerous attempts at relationships...you were pretty sure he didn’t spill the beans on anything particularly embarrassing…or…you hoped he didn’t anyway.

“It’s jus’, he’s seen you with many a mare, or so ahm told anyway!” Applejack is quick to add after another disgruntled squint of your eyes in her general direction. “And well…Rarity’s a close friend o’ mine, an’ I don’t want her to get involved with somepony who’d hurt her is all.”

So that was the reason Applejack had even bothered to initiate a conversation, and no doubt the offensive words were just the byproduct of her rather blunt personality. You could understand that you suppose, but that didn’t mean her words hadn’t struck a nerve.

“Yeah well apparently you don’t know me very well Miss Applejack.” You tell her, a slight edge to your voice. You weren’t exactly upset at her any longer, after all she was just looking out for her friend, but you still felt like your pride had taken a hit.

“Your right and ah apologize.” You look over; she does seem genuinely upset about her accusation.

“Hey, it’s okay…I shouldn’t have snapped.” You apologize yourself.

“Well shoot, ah’m glad we worked it out partner. Say…yall might actually want to ya know, do something with Rare sometime.” Applejack sort of slides in the last part, somewhat surprising you, a few minutes ago she was accusing you of being a stallion who lusted after every mare in sight, and now she’s trying to get you to date her friend? Or maybe you’d misheard her?

“I don’t really know about that Miss Applejack…” You shift on your hooves nervously. “Rarity doesn’t really seem like the type that would be…I don’t know…interested in somepony like me.”

“Well ah don’t really know about that…” Applejack mumbles out, though you can’t hear her over the sound of chattering ponies around you.

“Besides I’m kind of already seeing someone.” The thought of your date is quickly brought back to the forefront of your mind.

“Oh, uh, really?” Applejack’s face tightens up and the words she uttered come out sounding kind of like their hiding something. But with your date drawing nearer as time ticks by you don’t stop to examine this.

“Yeah, speaking of which I should really go!” You rear back on your hooves and start trotting away, turning your head back as you see Applejack slowly begin to fade into the crowd of ponies behind you. “Say hi to Big Mac for me!”

You’re fairly confident you hear her shout something back, but you can’t quite make out the words. That’s okay; you don’t have time to worry about it.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

You stop for a breather as you find yourself only a couple blocks away from your date’s abode. You quickly take a gander at yourself in the reflection from a shop’s window, the pendant hanging around your neck gleaming brightly in the sun’s rays; you flip it around with a flick of your head so it doesn’t glare in your reflection. You smooth down your wild mane with a few dabs of a hoof and give a big toothy smile to your reflection. Ensuring nothing embarrassing was left on them from an earlier meal. This earned you a perplexed stare from the store owner, before she gives a shrug and returns to reading the book laid out in-front of her. In a town as crazy as Ponyville a stallion making stupid faces at his own reflection was no doubt one of the lesser interesting things she’d seen.

Deciding since you were almost there you’d walk the next block or two, ensuring you didn’t mess up your mane any further and giving you a moment to think. You don’t particularly want to reflect on your past, or think about today, so you allow your mind to drift. Your thoughts bounce around between thinking of nothing to something trivial or unimportant then back to nothing. But eventually that gets boring and your thoughts grow more complex. As you near the house of your date you start to feel a twinge of anxiety begin to form.

In order to reassure yourself and ease the doubt fogging up your mind you began to think about the best way to approach the start of this date.

You’ll walk up, keep your head clear so you don’t say anything stupid, check over yourself one last time, making sure your rebellious mane hasn’t stuck itself up once again, clear your throat so it comes out deep and strong, then once satisfied with everything else you’ll knock.

“Why hello there gorgeous, are you ready to be treated like the princess you are?” You’ll answer suavely, in your mind this makes you the most eloquent and handsome stallion on Equestria. Though in reality it would probably get a door slammed in your face, but no reason to ruin your little fantasy with realism.

“Oh my dear gentlecolt, you do know how to make a lady blush.” Wait…that wasn’t right.

You snap back into reality, shaking your head back and forth to clear the most recent image from your mind. Standing at the door in your fantasy, wasn’t the mare you had been so eager to have a date with earlier today…but instead the one you had met only mere minutes ago.

“Rarity…” You mumble.

Why was she there in place of Lily? The flower shop sister you had recently grown attached to and the mare you were currently about to pay a visit to. Your fantasy suddenly makes a surprising…if not terribly unwanted...return. Except this time there were some key differences,

In place of the small green and yellow house you’d been frequenting for the past week was Rarity’s illustrious Carousel Boutique. And you weren’t putting on a false air of confidence in order to impress the mare inside, there was no cocky grin, no cliché words ripped straight out of an awful romance novel, and no need to build yourself up to something you weren’t, everything about it just felt…right.

As a matter of fact you exchange no words, you smile at her and she smiles back, her radiant face sending your heart aflutter. Suddenly she reaches up, her face mere inches from yours when-

“Stop it!” You order yourself, the fantasy dissipating as you push it away.

You had a great thing going with Lily at the moment and you absolutely refused to let this relationship get ruined like all the others because your thoughts kept drifting back to a mare that you hadn’t even talked to up until today.

Speaking of ruined relationships you can’t help but reflect on your checkered past with numerous mares around Ponyville, when you moved here from Manehattan you had expected your city colt charm and educated wit would be able to win you a stable marefriend. You were wrong…

Over the course of the last few months as the newcomer in town you had waded through numerous attempts at romance. Only for each and every one of them to end in total and complete failure. The first breakup was the only time you had ever put a stop to a relationship yourself; there was a young cellist that had been visiting her sister in town for a few weeks. It didn’t take long to introduce yourself and get things going, what you found strange though was how she constantly wanted to push you towards the bedroom part of the relationship, as if she didn’t really care for any of the other stuff.

You would be lying if you said that bothered you; living in Manehattan had refined you to the point where you didn’t just give it up to anypony who wanted it. But you were definitely willing to skip the dinner date and get right to the fun if she wanted…you weren’t that refined. But there were certain things you simply would not do, every stallion has his limit and it turns out that yours was when whips, chains, and hot candlewax got involved.

Needless to say you weren’t too eager to keep seeing her after that whole…debacle. But it seemed like that might have been as good as you were going to get. Every mare after that, if they didn’t shoot you down right away, would drag things out just long enough for you to get attached and then stomp on your heart like it was their own personal doormat. You’d had your feelings hurt in every way possible, one had said you were too ugly for her taste, another said she preferred mares, another had been cheating on you, one had stolen a good portion of your furniture, pawned it, then run off to Hollyhoof, and those were some of the less painful memories.

Yeah it was experiences like these that had tainted your opinion of romance. You had almost been willing to give up, and then along came Lily. Lily didn’t seem like the rest, she was kind, smart, funny, and gorgeous; she was pretty much your ideal mare. You couldn’t wait to take her out tonight and treat her the way she deserved.

You round the corner of the busy Ponyville street, once again positively radiant with joy. Your previous worries about today forgotten as you picture the perfect evening out with Lily. Though…it’s now you decide to notice the strangest of things, it wasn’t very important per say, but something you had failed to notice previously about every single one of your botched relationships.

On the day when they went sour, every single one of your marefriends had said the same exact thing before they shattered your heart.

“We need to talk.” Four simple words that seemed to spell doom for you.

How odd, you recount the final moments before every termination of your romantic pursuits, all of them began with that very same fraise. You had even said it yourself once, before you broke it off with that cello player. Even stranger still, it didn’t seem like those words were spoken solely for the reason of destroying your relationships…but you could also recall hearing them every time something catastrophically awful was about to happen to you as well.

When you’d hurt yourself thanks to that accident and lost most of your bits you remembered Mrs. Cake saying…those words...to you earlier in the day. She had only wanted your opinion on a new flavor of frosting she had come up with. But that didn’t change the fact that she had said…those words…your boss had used…those words…right before he had kicked your can to the curb. The royal guards had used…those words…when they hauled you away. And you vaguely recalled listening to a song titled with…those words…right before you left your house the other day, followed by it burning down.

You can’t suppress a shiver that runs throughout your body as you think about it. It was honestly scary…almost eerie in a way. You make a quick mental note to avoid that particular string of words at all costs in the near future. You weren’t superstitious by any means, but there wasn’t any reason for you not to be careful.

You look up, finding yourself on the cobblestone steps leading to Lily’s door, and though it warms your heart to see the familiar bright painted wood of her home and the row of flowers she has set up along the stone patio you still can’t quite clear your head about the whole strangeness of the thing. Though after a few moments of concentration you manage to push those gloomy thoughts away.

So long as I don’t hear those words everything’ll be fine! You reinforce your confidence, raising your hoof to knock on the door.

*Bang*

*Bang*

There’s a loud creak that fills the air as the rusty hinges on the door bend backwards. You smile brightly at the sight of your current marefriend.

“Hi Lily!” You greet her merrily, the smile on your face stretching as she opens the door the rest of the way.

Though it feels as if a dark cloud falls over you when you see the pink mare’s expression, she’s frowns as soon as her eyes fall on you. Before she shrinks back slightly, almost as if she’s either afraid or repulsed by your appearance at her door.

“Oh…uh…hey…’you’” She says after a moment of hesitation, it didn’t even seem like she remembered your name. Lily’s brown eyes dart around sporadically, like she’s looking for some kind of exit.

You swallow hard, feeling your mouth go dry and your throat contract. There’s no way this can end well...

“Is…something wrong?” You offer the tiniest sliver of hope still remains in your voice; maybe she’s just worried about something else?

“NO! Of course not it’s just…” She looks down at the ground shifting from one hoof to another. The movement betraying how obviously nervous she is. “…we need to talk.”

You feel the color drain from your face….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A/N, so I’ve never actually written anything like this before, due to the fact I more or less thought second person shipping fics were barely a step up from terrible self inserts, but after perusing a couple I thought it would be interesting to try my hand at one. Be sure to let me know what you think, based on reception I may or may not continue this considering it wasn’t something I was really focusing on all that much when I wrote it. So if you did enjoy it let me know you turkeys!

My Little Pony is copyright Lauren Faust yada yada yada you get the gist.

The Little Things

*Click*
*Clack*
*Click*
*Clack*
*Click*
*Clack*

You continue to open and shut your silver pendant, the metallic click clacking noise it makes bringing you a small amount of comfort as the rhythmic noise starts to lull you into a sort of trance. Your head starting to fill with nothing but that repeated noise, pushing everything else into the darkness, your fine with that. You believe that if you let your mind wander even for a moment it’ll slip back into the depression that had been plaguing you off and on for the past few hours.

You sigh heavily, shutting your pendant one last time and placing it securely around your neck yet again, the familiar weight of the silver neckpiece bringing you a small sliver of comfort. You reach out with a hoof to secure the glass of Hardened Horseshoe Whiskey you’d ordered moments ago, opting to drink your pain away instead. You pound back the drink, grimacing as the liquid pours down your throat and settles in your stomach. Hardened Horseshoe Whiskey tastes like leather and makes your throat feel like you’d just swallowed a box of lit matches, it’s certainly not a drink for everypony, but if you’re looking to get yourself really drunk really fast you’d be hard pressed to find a better way.

After clearing away the tears from your eyes (a byproduct of your drink), you take a solemn look around the bar you’d become rather familiar with over the past couple months. It was a rather busy little establishment, though still significantly less so than the cramped Manehattan bars you were used to. The lighting was low and the music rather tame, creating a dark and moody atmosphere that matched the mood you were in almost a little too well. Though the cheerful chattering between the patrons around you was constant it was muffled and quieter in the back where you sat, having made this section of the bar your own little pity corner.

All in all it was a nice little place, you appreciated the calm atmosphere. But really you didn’t know all that much about it, you couldn’t even recall its name. All you could really be certain of concerning the establishment was that it had strong drinks, a quiet tone, and was owned, at least in part, by the Apple family. Something you were known to take advantage of whenever you went out with Big Macintosh, he wouldn’t let you drink for free but he was kind enough to let you open up a tab.

You take another swig of your drink, feeling your head start to buzz ever so slightly as the alcohol begins to take effect. However, even the comforts of the strongest whiskey in Ponyville isn’t enough to keep your mind from drifting back to the events from earlier today. You had been so happy only a few short hours ago, despite everything that had happened, despite everything that had gone wrong, you still had that one little thing you were looking forward to…that one little light in the darkness keeping you from getting swallowed up in the shadows. But that light was snuffed out…all thanks to four little words.

“We need to talk.” You hear Lily’s voice ring in your head, the thought of the mare causing you to frown and take another mouthful of your drink, emptying the cup. You didn’t feel like dwelling on the details of your separation, she didn’t like you and didn’t want to be with you and that’s all you really needed to hear, all you could really handle hearing.

You wave the waitress over for another drink as you rack your brain over why your life has taken such a downward spiral. Did you do something wrong? Had you lived such a horrible and vicious life that you deserved to be slapped down whenever things started looking up? Having trouble with mares was one thing, but the way things had been happening to you was just cruel. It was like you had invoked the wrath of Celestia herself, or some other unknown god. You drag a hoof across your face, as if attempting to wipe away your foul mood. Whining about your problems certainly wasn’t going to do you any good, of course that still wasn’t going to stop you from using them as an excuse to get drunk off your flank either.

Speaking of getting drunk, when on Equestria was that waitress going to get back with your drink?

“Here’s your drink partner.” You look up, the thick southern accent drawing your attention. You expect to see the wiry mare from before, your slightly clouded mind failing to register the strictly masculine tone of voice, but instead you see the giant red stallion known as Big Mac. Really you shouldn’t have been surprised; there was only one pony in Equestria that spoke like Mac did, kind of slow, but deep and powerful at the same time.

You smile up at your friend, his presence cheering you up somewhat, though admittedly not by much. Big Mac had been one of the first ponies you became acquainted with when you first moved to Ponyville, he’d noticed you were new in town, decided to hang out with you for a while and your friendship had been growing ever since.

“Hi Big Mac.” You greet him with a fake smile and a forced tone of cheeriness. “How’s the farm doing?”

“s’fine.” He answers simply, before swishing around the wheat stalk in his mouth. You wonder where he keeps getting those, you’re fairly certain there aren’t even any wheat fields around Ponyville, let alone close enough for him to always have one on hoof. “Ah’m more worried ‘bout you right now.” His voice is monotone, but you can tell there’s genuine concern behind these words.

Your façade falters somewhat, a sliver of a frown cracking your carefully crafted mask of false joy, but you manage to keep your true emotions hidden. You didn’t really need to bug Big Mac with your stupid relationship problems right now.

“Oh there’s nothing wrong with me Mac.” You motion to take the drink from the red stallion’s hooves, only for him to pull it away. You give him an annoyed expression, which he returns with a disarming stare. After a moment you give a long exasperated sigh in defeat, leaning back in your chair and pinching the bridge of your snout with a hoof. “Lily broke up with me…” You can’t help but feel like that sounds stupid when you say it. Here you are, a full grown stallion, moping over getting dumped like some school colt that had just gotten shot down by his first crush…but dammit, was it too much to ask for a little companionship in your life? You look up and meet Mac’s eyes with your own, his expression warm and understanding.

He slides the glass back over to you. “But that’s not all that’s wrong. Is it?” The stallion questions, pulling up a chair and sitting next to you,

You down a third of your glass before answering back. “Well it’s just…with all that’s happened, I can’t help but feel like I don’t deserve it you know? I mean what have I done that’s called for getting put in a full body cast, getting thrown in a dungeon, and getting my house burned down?” Big Mac doesn’t respond, but he gives you a nod of his head to show he’s listening. But you stop yourself from going any further, you don’t want to take up the little amount of free time your friend has with pointless complaining. “But you know whatever I guess. You must have better stuff to do than listen to me whine.”

Big Mac’s deadpan expression doesn’t change. “I got time.”

“No seriously it’s okay, I’ll just have a couple more drinks and head to Caramel’s for the night.”

Big Mac doesn’t say anything in response, still staring off into the distance, focusing in on nothing in particular.

“You’re not going to go away until I talk about it. Are you?”

Big Mac’s still silent, the only movement being the constant chewing on the wheat stalk in his mouth.

You sigh. “Just remember you asked for this.” You finish off your drink, your head now growing incredibly light.

Big Mac’s still silent, but the faintest of smiles cracks his lips.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“….I mean I just don’t get it I do everything right I’m sure of it!” You heatedly explain to Big Mac. “I try to be the greatest gentlecolt they’ve ever seen, I get them gifts, I hold open doors, I actually listen to what they have to say! Which is a lot harder than you might think by the way, and all they do is throw it in my face! I tell you Big Mac I’m done! Finished! I’m never asking another mare out again! ” You more or less inhale your next drink, downing the stinging liquid in three big gulps before slamming the now empty cup on the wooden table with a thump.

You’d been fuming to Big Mac for how long now? An hour? Maybe two? You weren’t really sure considering how topsy turvey everything was at the moment. All you were really certain of was that getting all this stuff off your chest was really lightening you up…or maybe that was just the booze. Either way as the hours had increased so had the number of drinks you’d had. You were working on your fifth glass now, and you didn’t really plan on stopping anytime soon.

Big Mac had more or less been sitting next to you in stone silence, the only noise he’d make was a token ‘eyup’ every once and a while to show that he was still listening. You were glad he was there though, it was nice having somepony to talk to. Even if talking to Big Mac was pretty much the equivalent of speaking with a brick wall, it had been a long time since you’d just let everything out. You’d even cried for a few minutes, but you had managed to pull yourself together fast enough to avoid any extreme embarrassment. But for the first time in what seemed like ages you finally felt a little better.

Or again, that could just be the almost unhealthy amounts of alcohol you’ve ingested. Either way, you don’t care. You look down, surprised to see your cup empty yet again. You don’t even remember drinking this one…short term memory loss is usually a good sign to start slowing down on the booze but…you still had one last glass to spare. You think over the decision a bit, or well, think over it as much as your cloudy mind will allow. You were pretty drunk already… but one more wouldn’t kill you right? With a shaky hoof you reach out for the cup, dragging it across the wooden table rather than picking it up. What’s the worst that could happen?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Pain…that’s it….pain, that’s the only thing that registers with you at the moment. It feels like nothing but sheer agony is vibrating throughout your poor abused body. Your tongue feels like cardboard and tastes like dirt, your brain feels like it’s been worked on with a five iron, and your face feels like it’s been beat on with a rusty shovel. What on Equestria happened to you last night? This series of sensations, however unpleasant they may be, wasn’t exactly unfamiliar to you, and even though your mind feels like it wants nothing more than to shut itself down right now you're able to deduce that you got really, really, drunk last night.

You can’t fight a loud groan of discomfort as you force your body to roll over on its side, the bed beneath you squeaking loudly as you shift your weight, feeling slightly more comfortable you give your mind a few moments to attempt and piece together what happened last night.

Okay, so I went to the bar aaaand, got really drunk. Well, that much is obvious. But I remember talking to somepony…BIG MAC! That’s who it was, Big Mac was there. We talked…or correction, I talked, about what though? Oh yeah, he wouldn’t go away until I told him why I was feeling so down…but what did I say? Something about how I was angry with the way things were going for me, and I remember somepony crying…was that me? Oh Celestia I cried!? You make a sound that’s something between a growl and a groan, feeling the shame of letting your masculinity be compromised finally catch up with you. You move to drag a hoof across your face, only to stop and hiss in pain as soon as your appendage comes in contact with your right eye, a couple more gentle prods and you can tell its swollen nearly shut. And I have a black eye. Just fantastic…that’s what I needed right now, now I’m jobless, homeless, mareless, and ugly to boot. You sigh wistfully and continue to search the depths of your own foggy mind for any more details; unfortunately you can’t seem to dig up anything important. With a groan you eventually give up trying to recall the prior night’s events. Maybe I’ll be able to think better if I can clear up this headache? You think hopefully, recalling that Caramel had put a pack or two of pain pills in your nightstand, he’d said with the way you drink you’d probably need them…turns out he was right.

You reach out with your hoof, feeling around and trying to find the small table by your bedside. When you feel nothing but air however you frown, you could have sworn the nightstand was on this side of the bed. You don’t want to open your eyes, because you're confident the moment you do you’ll regret it. With hangovers this strong it’s better to just stay in the dark, move as little as possible, and try to sleep them off. So, moving by memory and with a great deal of effort you manage to flop over to the other end of the spacious bed beneath you. Now come to think of it…this bed’s a lot more comfortable than the small guest bed you’d been occupying the last couple nights, and the covers…oh Celestia these covers felt really good. Like your entire body had been wrapped in some kind of fine velvety silk. You're half tempted to just curl up and fade back to sleep, but you know you’ll feel worlds better if you can choke down a couple of Caramel’s pain pills.

You wave your hoof out over the edge of the bed, yet once again fail to come into contact with anything remotely resembling a nightstand. With a sigh of resignation you crack open your one good eye, grimacing in discomfort as your bloodshot and aggravated retina screams in protest of this action. Needless to say, the sight you’re greeted with isn’t what you expected.

This is definitely not the guest room you had been occupying at Caramel’s home. The room around you is lavishly decorated, elaborate paintings hang from the walls and the scent of fresh flowers floats buoyantly throughout the room, the window directly in front of you is covered by a pair of dark red curtains, allowing no more than a sliver of the sun’s rays to filter into the room.

You’re slightly taken aback by the sudden change in scenery, though you’re far from panicked or concerned. You’d be lying if you said this was the first time you had gotten extremely drunk and woken up in an unfamiliar environment, though admittedly you’d feel a lot more comfortable knowing where exactly you were. You scan around with blurry vision, your swollen eye doing you no good and your other still agitated. But after a few moments you're able to make out what appears to be a glass of orange juice and a piece of paper lying idle on the dresser across the room.

You can see the distinct markings of ink on the paper across the way, and you’re curious to see what they read. But you feel so cozy here in the blankets, and your body is practically begging for more rest, that you're half tempted to just say buck it and go back to sleep. But in the end your curiosity wins out and you slowly fumble out of the neatly placed covers laying over you, leaving them in a slight heap on the bed. You hope whoever your mysterious host is won’t mind, but if they do you suppose you can fix it later.

The moment your hooves touch the soft pink carpet beneath you your head starts to sway, threatening to propel you face first into the floor. You catch yourself just in time, placing a stabilizing hoof to your head in order to keep the world from spinning; this is when you notice something worrying. When you take a closer look at your hoof you notice a few layers of thick cotton bandages have been wrapped tightly around your hoof, flecks of red staining the white material.

How did this happen? You think idly, less concerned than you probably should have been. A bruise or black eye after a night on the town was one thing, but waking up wrapped in blood and bandages? That was a tad concerning, you can’t help but find it strange you hadn’t noticed this earlier. A true testament to how out of it you feel at the moment. Wanting to take no chances you perform a quick pat down to see if you find any more not so pleasant surprises, but luckily discover nothing you should be overly concerned about.

You take one more moment to study your bandaged hoof, hesitantly placing it on the floor below you and testing your weight on it. It stings a little, but this pain is minimal compared to the sheer agony pulsating throughout your skull right now. Whatever happened last night got you hurt, and judging from the blood it got you hurt pretty bad. However the cause of your injuries isn’t what you’re immediately concerned about. Oh no what you want to know most of all is who fixed you up, your unknown host perhaps? You make a mental note to thank whoever they may be when you get the chance. After you ask them what happened last night of course.

Slowly you saunter over towards the orange juice sitting on the dresser, picking up the glass and gulping down its contents with a thirst like no other. The liquid had long since grown thick and warm but that doesn’t matter to you. Compared to the filthy taste in your mouth this was like nectar from the heavens.

With a satisfied sigh and an ungenlecoltly belch you place the now empty cup back on the dresser. You look down, your eye landing on the piece of paper from before. You reach down and retrieve the parchment to bring it closer to your face. The combination of your injured vision and the fancy script the writer had used making the words difficult to understand at first. But after only a few moments of forcing your pounding head to piece it together you begin to read.

My dear sweet gentlecolt, if you are reading this than it means I am not there to greet you upon your awakening personally. And for that I am truly sorry, after what you did I can assure you I am still sincerely in your debt and wish to repay you in full. I also wish to inform you that my lack of appearance is not due to ungratefulness, but rather the tight constraints of a very busy schedule.

While I write this the current time is half past eleven and I should no doubt be back within the hour. I have prepared brunch downstairs; do feel free to help yourself for it is the least I can offer you after you endured such suffering on my part.

Sincerely ---

You frown upon hitting the end of the note; the name of the author smudged just enough to keep you from making it out. Maybe if you had the full use of your blackened eye, and your head didn’t feel like nails were being pounded into it you would be able to make out the crude grey smudge and form a name. But alas it doesn’t seem like your luck has made any significant improvements over the night and you fail to piece together the signature.

You look around the room, searching for a way to figure out what time it is. Fortunately there appears to be an old grandfather clock placed in the corner, the dark varnished wood a stark contrast to the light rosy color of the walls. Thankfully the numbers are large enough for you to read, even from this distance across the room, the time is eleven fifty. Assuming that the letter left for you was telling the truth whoever lived here should be returning shortly, if they hadn’t already that is.

You remember how the letter had mentioned food waiting for you downstairs, and your stomach seems like it would be pleased with that course of action. While your aching cranium on the other hoof would prefer it if you went back to sleep, you take a moment to debate it in your head. Come to think of it you hadn’t eaten at all yesterday, and your stomach is loudly commanding you to fill it with sustenance. That and you kind of want to take a look around the home you spent the night in. In the end the combination between your starvation and burning curiosity win out over the desire to sleep off your hangover.

You hobble your way over to the door leading out of the bedroom, pushing it open with a creak and stepping out. You look around; apparently you’re on the second floor. A large stairway to your right breaks off from the balcony you’re standing on and leads downstairs. To your left is a hallway leading to two different rooms, both of which are hidden behind shut doors. The balcony overlooks the entrance of the surprisingly spacious building; you're surprised to see the walls gently begin to curve upwards, giving the entire building a dome like shape. Two large pools of light shine through the beautifully ordained window panes above you, lighting up the residence in a very effective manner, it really was quite a beautiful place, and it must have cost quite a few bits, no doubt the pony who lived here was far from short on money.

Looking at it now you can’t help but notice a slight feeling of déjà vu creeping up on you. This feeling no doubt stems from the fact you had been brought here the night before, but any specific details you might have been able to recall are muddled and difficult to make out.

“Hello, is anypony here?” Your scratchy voice echoes throughout the house, receiving no answer.

Well, apparently whoever left you the note hadn’t come back yet. You consider going back to the bedroom and waiting, as you think it somewhat rude to wander around somepony’s home when they aren’t there, but the promise of food still hangs heavy on your mind. And you had been instructed to help yourself to whatever was prepared in the kitchen. Seeing no reason to not take advantage of such generous hospitality you wobble your way over to the staircase.

You begin to walk over to the stairs, stopping at the top to brace yourself for the descent. Your aforementioned damaged vision and throbbing head making the staircase look much steeper and much more dangerous than it actually is. This was something you always hated about hangovers, how simple tasks that normally nopony would even think twice about accomplishing were made ten times as difficult thanks to a throbbing skull. You had learned the hard way a few years ago not to take going down the stairs so lightly after a late night bar crawl, as you had ended up taking a very ungraceful tumble the day afterwards.

Back when you lived in Manehattan you had gone out with a couple of friends to visit the hot new club that opened up in town the previous night, Club DJ Pon-3 if you remember correctly, it was fun…or at least you think it was. In truth the only thing you can really recall is how you and your friends had nearly been arrested by the local police after being caught performing some…questionable acts with the statue of Celestia in Manetral Park. You aren’t aware of any specifics…thankfully, but you do remember chipping your tooth on the tip of Her Majesty’s horn. You aren’t really sure if you and your friends managed to get away thanks to being faster than the police…or if they had just been too shocked with what they saw to take action. Either way you were glad nopony was informed, explaining such a deed to your battle axe of a father would not have made the next morning any easier, that’s for sure.

But apparently you were still in need of punishment, because the following day you had fallen down the stairs thanks to your hungover state and had fractured your ribs in six different places. Needless to say you were far from eager to repeat such an event.

You breathe in deeply, and then take your first step. You steady yourself, and prepare to take another, your head already spinning and threatening to keel you over. After a few brief moments of collecting yourself you begin to proceed at a decent, if extremely cautious, pace. As a matter of fact, you’re so enraptured in ensuring you don’t misstep that you fail to notice the faint sound of hoofsteps against the floorboards behind you.

“HI MISTER!” The shrill feminine voice from behind causes you to practically leap out of your skin, the startle causing you to miss the next step, which sends you careening forward, fear crushes you in an overwhelming embrace as you realize it’s much too late to stop your body’s sickening movement forward. Unable to do much else you open your mouth to scream as you begin to tumble down the stairs.

The yelp dies in your throat once your chest and stomach comes into full on frontal contact with the wooden stair beneath you, rushing the air out of your throat and turning your scream of terror into an agonized wheeze as pain rockets throughout your body. You clench your eyes shut and pray to Celestia that you’ll come out of this without any major injuries, or you try anyway. It feels as if all your thoughts are flung out the window when your head collides with the railing of the stairwell. You only fall for about five seconds, but it feels like five years, one shock of pain after another stings your body as you slam against the hard polished wood of the stairs.

When you finally hit the carpeted ground of the bottom floor you feel strangely relieved, taking solace in the fact that your torment has finally come to an end.

This sense of relief doesn’t last long however, for as soon as the adrenaline begins to wear off all those previous sensations of agony get renewed tenfold. You clench your eyes shut and grind your teeth as the pain threatens to swallow you up. It feels like every muscle, every bone, and every tendon in your entire body has been damaged in one way or another. Your bandaged hoof feels like it’s on fire and the cotton wrapped around it is getting noticeably redder with every passing moment.

You teeter on the edge of consciousness for a while, threatening to black out any moment when you hear the sound of the door opening.

“Oh no!” A voice that was sweet and familiar rang in your ears. “Sweetie Belle what happened!?”

“I just said hello honest then he-he fell!” The shrill voice from before answers back with a slight quiver of fear,

You hear the hastened clopping of hooves as somepony rushes to your side; a gentle tingle running through your face as you feel a pair of tender hooves cradle your neck and aching skull. Those same hooves turn your head just slightly, encouraging you to roll over to face the pony before you.

“Oh please be okay…please be okay.” The angelic voice pleads in a breathy whisper. “Can you hear me?” You can’t suppress a groan of discomfort as you force open your one good eye.

“Ra-Rarity?” You ask with a scratchy voice after a moment of hesitation, your mind taking a moment to focus in on the distinct features of the mare holding you in her hooves.

Pure relief washes over the white unicorn’s previously frightened expression, she sighs heavily when you speak. Her fears of you being mortally injured now finally put at ease. Before you can even react Rarity pulls you into a tight hug, mashing your bodies together in an intimate show of concern. You blush slightly and feel your heart rate quicken, unsure how exactly to return the gesture.

“Thank Celestia.” Rarity says with her voice barely above a whisper as she pulls you a little tighter. Allowing her emotions to bleed through the stoic ladylike persona she typically upheld. Slowly you return the embrace, savoring the touch between your bodies. All of your aches and pains seem to die away, replaced by a series of newer, sweeter, sensations. Rarity's soft white coat feels fantastic rubbing against yours, and you’re reminded of the smooth silk like sheets you had been occupying only moments ago, Rarity’s warm breath against your neck sends tingles coursing up and down your spine, and her sweetly scented cherry blossom perfume seems to give you a slight euphoric high as you inhale it.

You’re not really sure what you’re feeling right now. There’s butterflies in your stomach and a strange warmth in your chest...you don’t know what to do or say, so you settle for reveling in these alien like sensation.

Rarity pulls away, and you immediately feel yourself saddened at the loss of her presence. But you don’t let it show, not like you had to put much effort into that. The bruises spotting your face no doubt covered up any hint of your emotions.

“I-I apologize.” Rarity starts, her voice wavering slightly yet slowly sliding back into that professional lady tone that was her norm. “I was just so concerned and is that…is that blood?” Rarity’s face grows pale as her eyes lock on to your bandaged hoof, stealing a glance downward you notice that the entire bandage is slowly turning a dark shade of crimson. You must have opened the wound back up when you fell.

“I hit it when I fell Miss Rarity.” You explain, trying to lift your hoof to get a better look at it, but you stop when your injured limb screams in protest.

“Oh my, come on let’s get you back upstairs!” Rarity gently begins to pull you to your hooves. Your body protests but your mouth does not, as you find Rarity’s concern…oddly touching. Maybe you had hit your head harder during your fall than you thought …“Okay, just lean here. That’s it, now you just use me for support and I’ll lead the way.”

“Sure thing Miss Rarity.” You mumble, your mind hazy and unfocused. For a moment you feel a twinge of trepidation when Rarity begins to drag you closer to the stairs, but that feeling is immediately buried when you realize that you and Rarity are touching again.

It doesn’t take Rarity long to get you back into the bedroom you have just left. Before you can even get out a noise she practically forces you back into the bed, magically fluffing out your pillows and placing those wonderful covers back over your freshly beaten body. You’re brought back to your days as a colt when your mom used to take care of you when you got sick. The only thing that was missing was a hot bowl of soup and a nice reading from your favorite story book, but you think twice about asking Rarity for something like that…odds are it wouldn’t be received very well.

You watch curiously as Rarity mumbles to herself and rummages through the dressers and cabinets of the quiet bedroom.

“Um, sorry mister…” Your ear gives a faint twitch at the sound of a voice to your right. Looking over you see a white unicorn filly with a pink and purple mane, her eyes glued to the floor and her expression dejected.

This must have been the filly that freaked you out and made you fall down the stairs. You figure that she must be related to Rarity in some way, considering their physical similarities.

“Aw it wasn’t your fault dear.” You say kindly, smiling at the little filly. She seems to perk up slightly at your show of kindness. “I’m just clumsy is all.”

“Still, I’m really sorry. It’s just my sister was talking about you all night last night and-“

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity’s terse tone snaps both of you into attention, her voice coming out with a hint of nervousness, something which you notice but don’t think much of at the time. “Why don’t you go out and play with the other crusaders?” Rarity’s words come out as more of an order than a suggestion. Something Sweetie Belle doesn’t quite seem to take note of, as she opens her mouth to protest. “As a matter of fact you should do that right now.” This time Rarity’s intentions aren’t left open for interpretation, and her younger sibling quickly trots out the door.

Rarity breaths a sigh of relief when Sweetie finally leaves you two alone, before her gaze turns on you, her magnificent blue eyes sparkling and her smile filling you with warmth.

“Sisters,” She says simply with a dismissive wave of her hoof and roll of her eyes.

“Sisters,” You agree with a light chuckle. You yourself had a younger sister back in Manehattan, and you were fully aware of how much trouble they could be.

Rarity begins to approach you. Her horn glowing faintly as she levitates a series of small objects around her, a pair of scissors, a needle, a spool of thread, and a set of fresh bandages.

“Can you hold out your hoof for me dear?” Rarity asks, her use of the term ‘dear’ making your face grow hot, but you quickly try to ignore it, holding out your injured hoof for her to do with as she pleased.

You feel a soft tingling sensation as Rarity envelops your hoof with her magic, it felt like when you laid on your hoof for too long and it fell asleep, not wholly unpleasant but still somewhat disconcerting.

“Now I hope you don’t mind if I do this with my magic dear, no offense but I’d rather not get…dirty.” Rarity shudders visibly as she utters the word, her compulsive neatness letting itself show. Slowly she begins cutting the bandages enveloping your hoof with the pair of scissors, and then thread her needle.

“It’s no concern Miss Rarity.” You tell her with a warm smile, or as much of a smile as your beaten face will allow you to have. “Thank you for all this by the way. I don’t mean to be such a hooful, I must have been quite some trouble last night…I was…very drunk.” You mumble out the last part of your sentence, your shame visibly showing.

Rarity looks up at you with a surprised expression. “Trouble my dear gentlecolt? Surely you’re joking. Why if it wasn’t for you I might very well not have made it back home last night at all.”

You look at Rarity questioningly, your face asking all your questions for you.

“Ah, you can’t remember. I figured you might not be able to, you see I was out late last night with my friends. We have these little get togethers every few weeks and its not uncommon for them to last until the late hours of the night. Well on my way home I was beset upon by a rather rude stallion, whose name I fail to remember. He was very pushy, and kept making very bold suggestions about how I should be spending the rest of my evening, he was so persistent in fact that I was beginning to wonder if he would ever take no for an answer.” You frown, a stallion was never meant to force himself on a mare…ever. Maybe you didn’t have the charm to win over all the ladies, but you still had enough dignity and self-respect to avoid resorting to such…pathetic methods. Just the thought of what he might have done to Rarity made your blood boil.

Rarity’s eyes fall on yours, her gaze twinkling with appreciation. “But then you came, my knight in shining armor. You tried telling him to leave peacefully, but he didn’t seem interested in that…things got violent and he bucked you into a window.” Rarity motions towards your bloodied hoof. “That’s how this happened.”

You frown, it didn’t sound like you were much of the ‘knight in shining armor’ in this little story. Maybe the knight in rusty armor that got his flank kicked was more appropriate.

“I see, I guess I’m not much of a fighter Miss Rarity.” You being the kind of stallion you were had been in a scrap or two over the years, and from the way those ended you aren’t exactly surprised to hear that this one went down basically the same way. With you flat on your back in front of a pretty mare.

Rarity chuckles, a reaction that makes you raise an eyebrow. “That’s just Rarity darling, but you didn’t let me finish my little tale.”

You blink a couple times. “So the window didn’t put me down for the count?”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide; like she’s surprised you would even assume such a thing. “Why I don’t even think you felt it! Of course, that could have been because of how drunk you were, but best not to look a gift horse in the mouth. If you’ll pardon the term, why as a matter of fact you got right back up and bucked that uncouth ruffian right back.”

“I did?”

Rarity nods, smiling fondly at you. “And you even escorted me back to my boutique after such a traumatic experience.” Rarity blushes for a moment. Recalling some of the rather flattering things you said on the walk back, before quickly regaining her composure. “But I still felt awful that you had gotten hurt for my sake, so I allowed you to stay here.”

You grin, it was good to finally have those gaps in your memory filled, and you were pleasantly surprised to find that these memories were actually flattering ones. “Thanks Miss Rarity, I appreciate you letting me stay here, and for looking after me.”

Rarity smiles at your comment. “Didn’t I say to just call me Rarity?” She asks playfully. “And there’s no need to thank me, I’d say since you rescued me from a rather undesirable fate a day or two of rest at my expense is the least I can do. This might sting a bit dear.”

Your face twitches slightly as you feel Rarity’s needle bite into your skin, but you don’t show any other signs of discomfort as she slowly stitches your wound closed, her needle diving in and out of your flesh with the finesse and accuracy of a master. The pain doesn’t last long and quickly begins to fade away as a series of fresh bandages are magically wrapped around your hoof. You admire your freshly bandaged appendage as Rarity disposes of the now dirty needle.

“Well, with medical treatment like this I should be back on my hooves in no time.”

Rarity raises her hoof to her face in a very pious way to hide her soft giggle. “Oh please, you flatter me.”

“No really, you stitched me up fabulously.”

“Oh please, you're making me blush my dear gentlecolt.” You feel…oddly proud when she utters that statement. “You’re just lucky that you have a cut rather than a cold. As I’ve found stitching a wound isn’t too much different from sewing up a seam in a dress.”

“I suppose it isn’t. So is that what you do Miss Rarity? Make dresses?” You ask the mare, genuinely curious. You had heard ponies around town mention her profession once or twice, but you were eager to keep conversing with the fashionista.

Rarity looks at you proudly. “Why of course it is! I’ve worked all my life as a fashion designer, practically everypony in town has at least one piece of clothing fashioned by moi, whether it’s for cutie mark sinearas or fancy dinner parties Rarity’s Carousel Boutique is the only true option.” Rarity now gives you a somewhat curious expression. “But enough about me my dear gentlecolt, why don’t you tell me about yourself?”

You're slightly taken aback by this, rarely were mares ever interested in your life, typically you were the one forced to listen as they dribbled on about their brand new horseshoes or how their boss, was, like, totally not cool. Still, though you’re glad that somepony is interested…you don’t really have anything incredibly intriguing to talk about. Or, well, nothing you’d like to mention in Rarity’s presence anyhow.

You shift uncomfortably beneath the covers. “I’m afraid that there’s not all that much to tell Miss Rarity.”

Rarity looks at you encouragingly. “Oh come now, I’m not here for fairy tales, I’d just like to get to know you a little better is all.”

You blush faintly as you feel Rarity’s eyes on you, finding yourself unable to refuse her request. “Well, my father is a wealthy banker in Manehattan. I lived there all my life up until about a few months ago, never really had a cause to go anywhere else.”

“Manehattan, why I had no idea you used to live there, I’ve never been myself but I hear it is a very high class and magnificent city.” Rarity chimes in, her eyes shining as she imagines the illustrious skyscrapers and fancy dinner parties that typically encompassed everyday Manehattan life.

You smile fondly as memories from your home town resurface. “Yeah, it’s a pretty amazing city. I’d love to take you there sometime.” You nearly slam your hoof into your mouth when those words spill out. Maybe old habits die hard but you’ve technically only known Rarity for two days and you’re already suggesting a vacation together. Why if there was a way you could somehow split yourself in two and slap yourself in the face you probably would have right then and there.

Much to your relief however Rarity seems to pay your comment no more attention than a faint giggle and a smile. “So you seem rather fond of your hometown. Why did you come here? I imagine Ponyville is quite the drastic change from what you’re used to.”

You mull over how to answer this, there were several reasons you’d left your home in search of a new start. Some peace and quiet, hope for romance, a chance to branch off from the family a little bit. But the real reason? Well let’s just say it wasn’t something you really liked to talk about.

“I guess I just wanted a change in scenery.” You answer simply, not lying yet not telling all of the truth. “Besides, I wanted to see if I could make my own way in the world. I can’t rightly piggyback off my father’s wealth for the rest of my life.”

“Oh, I see. Why that’s a very noble cause you have there.” Rarity compliments. “So what exactly is it you do for work?” Rarity asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. You gulp and shift your eyes nervously, attempting to find a way to dodge the question, or at the very least find a way to bend the truth a little. Rarity however seems to pick up on your trepidation. “If it’s something you’re not exactly proud of that’s okay. I’ll understand.”

After a few tense moments of failing to find a way around this terribly awkward situation you relent. “It’s not that Miss Rarity.” Your voice suddenly grows softer as you look away in shame. “I…was fired recently.”

Rarity’s face is filled with sympathy. “Oh I see, well I won’t press any farther. I’m sure moving to a new town can make it difficult to keep a steady job.”

“I suppose so Miss Rarity…” You mumble, you didn’t have pride enough to admit this was actually the third job you’d lost since moving to Ponyville.

“Speaking of moving, I can’t help but wonder where it is you live. Last night you seemed a tad, shall we say…lost?” Rarity asks, you can tell she’s kindly trying to change the subject while still satisfying her own curiosity, and you appreciate the attempt. But unfortunately she’s unaware that she’s stepping into even more painful territory.

You don’t spend any time beating around the bush this time, opting to just come out with the truth and be done with it. “You remember that little two story home just on the outskirts of town?”

Rarity’s eyes light up with recognition. “Oh yes, that charming little place, I remember hearing something about it the other day, but I can’t quite seem to put my hoof on it.” Rarity draws up a hoof and begins to gently tap her chin in thought.

“Yeah, well…it kind of…burnt down.”

Rarity looks at you in shock. “Surely you’re jesting?”

You somberly shake your head no. “I lost everything in that fire. All my furniture, my clothes, my valuables, the only thing I still have is this.” You lovingly wrap your hoof around the silver pendant that never seemed to leave your neck. “None of it was ensured, so there’s no way of getting any of it back.”

“Oh you poor thing,” Rarity coos, her voice soft and motherly. “Where on Equestria have you been staying?”

“My friend Caramel is letting me use a guest room.” You explain, a touch of a smile forming as you remember his generous offer, but you immediately feel it fade. “But…I can’t help but feel like I’m imposing. He just moved in with his filly friend you see, and, well…I can’t imagine she was all that happy to find me tagging along with him.”

Rarity doesn’t answer immediately, and you can feel an almost oppressive cloud of silence form in the room. It’s so terribly quiet, that you actually start in fear when Rarity suddenly unleashes a loud and excited gasp from where she stood at the side of your bed.

Looking over you can see a look of pure revelation has formed on her face, her eyes wide and shining, her mouth open in a wide smile, and her right hoof extended high into the air.

“Ideaaa!” The ecstatic mare quips in a singsong voice before her eyes fall onto yours. “My dear gentlecolt I think I may have found a way to solve both of our problems!”

You blink, your expression of cluelessness asking all the questions.

Rarity seems to calm down a little when she realizes just how confused you are, the faintest hint of a blush stinging her cheek as she daintily places a hoof to her mouth and clears her throat. Her bashfulness almost involuntarily makes you chuckle, finding the embarrassed display oddly cute.

“Perhaps a bit of explaining is in order.” She says with a nervous chuckle, before flattening out her voice. “You see, my career is a very time consuming one. It can take hours, days, sometimes even weeks to get all of my orders filled by their respective due dates. That coupled with my need to constantly come up with new ideas in order to keep myself afloat in the fashion industry means I rarely have time to keep up with the little things.”

“The little things?” You ask with a curious tilt of your head.

“Why yes. Things like stocking up on necessary supplies, keeping my boutique tidy, running errands, you know, the little things. That’s where you come in my dear sweet gentlecolt.” You fail to fight down a smirk as Rarity calls you sweet again, and when her soft honeyed tone makes its way to your ears you can feel all those strange sensations from before make an unexpected, if not entirely unwanted, return.

You can feel your mouth go dry as Rarity’s brilliant blue eyes flash onto you, your mind blanks, and you find yourself at a loss for words as you lose yourself in the inescapable labyrinth of her gaze. You can’t help but notice how beautiful she is, and you feel a strange lightness in your chest. What on Equestria was this feeling? And why wouldn’t it just go away?

“M-me?” You manage to force out after a few moments of fighting your way through your mouth’s uncooperative mannerisms.

Rarity presses on with the smile. “Indeed you, like I said, I’m a very busy mare and I could use a little aid when it comes to getting things that don’t involve making dresses done. I could use somepony willing to do these things for me, an assistant if you will.”

Understanding dawns on you as you finally see the point of what Rarity’s been getting at. “Wow, I’m flattered Miss Rarity.” You answer truthfully, you were excited at the prospect of finally getting another job, even if it wasn’t the most conventional of things, but if it allowed you to spend a little more time with Rarity then you couldn’t really see any downsides to accepting. Yet, one doubt still clogs your mind, and you can’t help but voice it. “But surely you know somepony more suited to the task than me.”

Rarity looks away and ‘hmms’ for a moment. “Well, I have been known to borrow my friend Twilight’s assistant from time to time, and I would be lying if I said he wasn’t magnificent at what he does.” You lay your ears back in disappointment; you should have just kept your fat mouth shut and accepted the opportunity when it presented itself. But nooo with another mind blowing show of stupidity you managed to mess this whole chance up to. “But,” Rarity’s voice snaps you back into attention, immediately perking back up you listen intently to what she has to say. “I wouldn’t exactly be a very good friend if I kept stealing her assistant away whenever I’m in need of performing some kind of trivial task now would I? And since you're unemployed, and I’m in need of a worker, it would work marvelously!”

“Oh, well in that case Miss Rarity I would love to work for you.” You say with a relatively calm tone, though on the inside you’re practically beaming.

“Marvelous darling, simply marvelous, however I do feel like I should make a couple of things clear before we make this official.” Rarity’s sudden shift to a more serious tone catches your attention, and though you would never admit it you really hope she isn’t about to lay some kind of, no dating the employee, stipulation upon you. “I’m afraid I can’t pay you, not in a traditional sense anyway. You see, this time of the year I don’t make many bits, the holidays having passed on by and the new summer fashions not quite getting into swing until a few more weeks down the line. So pretty much all of my leftover bits are spent making sure all of my latest designs are in tip top shape for the big summer boom.”

You continue listening, giving Rarity a brief nod of your head to show that you're paying attention.

“Well in any case, I still think we can work a deal out of this. You mentioned how your house was destroyed earlier correct?” another nod. “Okay then, well rather than pay you annually I would prefer to compensate your hard work by allowing you to stay here, with me, at my illustrious Carousel Boutique.”

You're slightly taken aback by this, if it was anypony else, and if you were any more financially sound, you might consider turning them down. But the fact that you were hurting on bits, not to mention currently homeless, made this seem like a pretty good offer, you wouldn’t be invading your friend’s privacy, and you’d be pulling your own weight for once. And the fact that accepting such terms meant you got to spend even more time with Rarity? Well, now that was just a bonus.

“Miss Rarity,” The mare gives a playful roll of her eyes when you continue to formally pronounce her name, despite her insistence you not. “How could I say anything other than yes?”

Rarity’s smile grows even wider when she hears your agreement. “Fabulous darling, just fabulous, we’ll work out the rest of your schedule tomorrow, but for right now you should get some rest.”

“Oh that’s not necessary Miss Rarity.” You quickly move to get out of the bed. Having no desire to take over Rarity’s bedroom for the night, that wasn’t exactly a very gentlecolt like thing to do. “I’ll sleep somewhere el-“ Your voice cuts short as you feel Rarity place a gentle hoof against your rising chest, you blush intensely at the touch, her soft hoof against your fur sending tingles coursing throughout your body in tiny ripples.

“Shh…” She whispers quietly, her horn lighting up with a brief blue glow, the light from the lamp above you suddenly extinguishing itself, casting the entire room into darkness

It feels like all power is drained from your body as Rarity gently begins to guide you downwards, laying you flat on your back as she magically drapes the blanket over you, in the darkness you can only make out the general shape of Rarity’s body, but it seems as if she’s…closer now. You don’t move, you don’t make a sound, you don’t even breathe, afraid that if you make even the slightest show of discomfort Rarity will stop…whatever it is she’s doing.

You give an involuntary twitch of your ear as you feel the fashionista’s hot breath cascade across it in light puffy wisps.

For a moment all is quiet, you can still feel Rarity’s hoof on your chest and sense her face so close to yours. You don’t know what this is and you don’t care, all you know is that whatever is happening right now is fantastic and you’re scared yet fascinated with what could possibly happen next.

You’re not sure how much time passes while you lay there, seconds? Minutes? It feels as if you’ve been spirited away to some alternate dimension where time has no meaning. Yet you do start to become painfully aware of how fatigued you feel, and despite how much you wish to fight it, only for a few more precious minutes with Rarity, your eyelids slowly begin to drift downwards. And your mind slips into the comforting blackness of sleep.

Rarity waits for a moment, basking in the closeness of your bodies as her eyes trace over your peaceful sleeping frame. Something she had wanted for oh so long but had been unable to attain until now, she wanted to crawl into bed alongside you, to finally keep you all to herself, to tell you how much she wanted…no…needed this. But she couldn’t make her feelings for you known just yet. No, she had something very special planned for that. For now she would have to be content with little things like this. Slowly and reluctantly she pulls away, frowning sadly at the loss of your contact.

Somberly she makes her way to the door, opening it up just enough for her to step out of the room. A large shaft of light filtering in and illuminating your features just enough for the fashionista’s keen blue eyes to see, the faintest of smiles still present on your lips as you sleep.

“Goodnight la mia amata."

................................................................................................................................................................................................

A/N So sorry this took so long everyone, and I'm sorry if there are any errors here, plot based or otherwise. I'm very sick right now and proofreading is a lot harder when it feels like your head is being smashed. Please let me know if there is anything amiss within this. I'll be sure to fix it as soon as I feel up to it.

Making the flowers bloom.

The soft touch of a snow white hoof on your chest…

Warm breath on your neck and ears…

The angelic whispers of a voice so kind…

Fur as soft as silk…

The pungent aroma of expensive perfume…

These are the feelings and thoughts dancing on the fringe of your subconscious mind as you slowly begin to rouse from your peaceful slumber; gradually your eyes begin to open, pulling you out of your shadowy world of dreams and into the light of reality. Your pleased to find that your black eye from the night before has regained its usability, or at least to an extent. You can see out of it at least, but it seems like it’s still too swollen to allow you full use, still, an improvement is an improvement.

With a groan you force your body into a sitting position, bracing yourself on the backboard of the lush and cozy bed you’d been occupying for the night. You cast your gaze around absentmindedly, more or less just allowing your tired and bloodshot eyes a few moments to adjust. You were still in Rarity’s bedroom, something you can’t help but feel somewhat guilty over, maybe you could blame it on your sense of chivalry, but it didn’t seem right to just take over your new employer’s sleeping quarters for your own personal use, especially after she had already done so much for you. But Rarity had insisted that it was no trouble, so that at least helped put your guilt somewhat at ease.

You gently place a hoof to your mouth as you let out an extensive yawn, feeling the life begin to return to your previously stone like limbs and body. You shift your hind legs underneath the soft silk like covers lying over them. You can’t help but compare it to the sensation of Rarity’s fur, softer than any silk you’ve ever touched before, warm, and it felt fantastic rubbing against your coarser, rougher, style of fur. You quickly feel a blush sting your cheeks as your mind wanders into places you’d really rather it not. Quickly you give a shake of your head, as if to knock those unclean thoughts away.

You let your gaze wander over towards the grandfather clock; curious as to what time it is. Craning your neck to get a better angle you can see that the time reads five thirty, you’re surprised to find you’ve awoken this early. Typically you didn’t force yourself out of bed until around six or seven, seven thirty if you were willing to skip breakfast before work. But your recent unemployment had provided you ample opportunities to sleep in, sending your internal clock askew and making you awaken at almost embarrassingly late times of the day.

For a moment you contemplate going back to sleep, as you doubt that Rarity would be up yet and you don’t want to accidentally awaken her by stumbling around her home. But you quickly find that you’re much too well rested for that course of action to be worthwhile, and you don’t want to abuse the use of Rarity’s bedroom for any longer than you already have. So, seeing nothing else to do, you decide to try and get a little freshened up. You hadn’t showered or cleaned up at all recently, and you insecurely wonder if Rarity had been putting up with your foul stench all day yesterday, just for the sake of being kind.

You do take a quick sniff to check and see if any undesirable scents are hanging around, and you’re relieved to find that there’s nothing particularly unpleasant. You certainly didn’t smell like the stallion from those Apple Spice ads, but you didn’t have to worry about knocking Rarity out with merely your stench if she hugged you again. Oh wait…that did happen didn’t it?

Suddenly you feel yourself smiling giddily and blushing profusely as you recall particular events from yesterday. Rarity had hugged you…Rarity…possibly the most beautiful and generous mare you’ve ever met …had hugged you. You shift awkwardly on the bed as those strange sensations from yesterday begin to return, those strange yet completely wonderful sensations. A soft tingling starts to dance over your skin as you recall Rarity’s fur against your own, and you can feel a strange pressure and warmth on your chest where she had placed her hoof the night before. You absently begin to run your hoof tenderly over the same spot, your grin growing wider with each passive stroke of your tuft of chest fur.

You wonder what that touch had signified, what all of last night had signified. Rarity was generous, that much was well known by even the least experienced Ponyville resident, which was probably you actually, but still. Would she go so far to ensure the comfort of a pony who she didn’t even really know? Or did she…perhaps…just maybe? You give a quick shake of your head and let out a sigh, labeling your current thoughts for what you knew they were. Wishful thinking.

You weren’t a dumb pony, and you were quite willing to assume that you were just over thinking Rarity’s intentions, heck maybe your wishful thinking wasn’t exactly wishful thinking, maybe Rarity did care about you in a more than friend’s kind of way. But in actuality, there was no way of telling, at least not until you got to know her a little better, so you give up on thinking about it, there would be plenty of time to sort out your feelings and thoughts later. But as for right now they could wait.

You take a moment to stretch your legs and pop your neck, your limbs stiff and resistant to your commands. When you feel limbered up you pull off the covers and get out of the bed, you wince slightly in pain as a few of your still injured and sore joints protest against the movement, your right hoof being the most prominent of them. You look down at your bandaged limb, giving it a quick once over to make sure you hadn’t done anything to worsen the wound while you slept. There are still a few light red flecks on the thick cotton material of your bandages, but they were hardly noticeable and you were confident that so long as you didn’t end up tumbling down the stairs again this morning you could get Rarity to remove her stitches within a couple days’ time.

You shudder visibly as you recall your fall down the stairs from yesterday. And you dislike the knowledge that you’ll probably be forced to traverse that very same stairwell numerous times during your employment. But you manage to comfort yourself by deciding that you’d be extra careful to make sure that a certain little foal didn’t sneak up on you anymore.

After another yawn you turn around and quickly make Rarity’s bed, you figure it’s the least you can do to repay her for all she’s done. Not to mention since you were technically now the mare’s assistant you would more than likely be performing menial tasks such as this more often than you’d like, might as well get into the swing of things early on you figure. When everything seems satisfactory you turn and trot out of the room.

You once again find yourself on the upper floors of Rarity’s Carousel Boutique, the large windows above you bathing the interior of the building with a soft orange glow as the early morning sunlight filters in. The sight is pleasing to the eye and fills you with a sense of comfort, it’s now you realize that this place is more or less where you’ll be living and that is a thought that you are far from opposed to. And for the first time in what seems like ages you feel like you have found a place you could truly learn to call your home.

After a few moments of sucking in the vista you decide to delay your inevitable perilous descent down that dreaded stairwell and take a look around the upper portion of Rarity’s boutique. Being cautious to avoid making any unnecessary noises to keep from awakening Rarity or her sister, you trot down the hall to your left, it doesn’t take you long to reach the first door.

With a twist of the golden nob and a gentle push with the brunt of your forehead the door opens with a barely audible squeak, a single quick glance around and you’re relieved to find that you have stumbled into a bathroom, or well, what you assume would be called a bathroom. From the looks of things calling it a personal spa wouldn’t be that much of a stretch.

Cautiously you step inside, looking around the room with your mouth agape as you marvel over the sheer amount of pampering tools Rarity has at her disposal. There are brushes for coats and manes, incense candles hanging from the walls, there are body butters, perfumes, and all manner of items you couldn’t even discern the use for placed around the room in a painstakingly crafted picture of organization. Your scared to so much as touch a bar of soap for fear that you’ll upset Rarity, organizing all of these materials must have taken her an agonizingly long time, and you knew from experience that it was never a good idea to mess with a mare’s hygiene products.

Staring at it now you’re a little overwhelmed, with all the tools at Rarity’s disposal it was no wonder she was so drop dead gorgeous. You wonder just how long she spends in this room every day…and then realize how creepy that thought is and immediately shut it down, your hooves clack loudly against the polished tile floor of the bathroom as you make your way towards the sink.

You take a look at your reflection in the mirror. Pleasantly surprised to find that you’re not quite as beat up looking as you thought. Admittedly your black eye was a little jarring, though it was probably worse yesterday, and your disheveled mane and matted fur left a little to be desired, but you couldn’t honestly say you hadn’t looked worse before.

You close off the drain to the sink beneath you, give the handle on the faucet a turn you watch as the sink slowly begins to fill with warm water. You reach a hoof around your neck and unclasp your silver pendant; you give it a quick dab or two in the water and scrub off some of the dirt that had covered it from your drunken wandering around town the other night. A giddy smile splays across your face as the beloved neckpiece regains its shine, and you gently place it on the counter next to the sink.

Once the water reaches a satisfactory level you turn the faucet off, the handle giving a loud screech as you do so. You figure this’ll be a lot quicker and a lot less intrusive than starting up Rarity’s bath, yet will allow you to wash off at least a little of the muck from the past couple days.

Being cautious to avoid getting your bandaged hoof wet you use the filled sink to get yourself clean. Then you use the hand towel sitting on the counter to dry yourself off. You let the sink drain as you search around for something to clean your mouth out with, not brushing your teeth yesterday left a rather foul taste in your mouth that you were eager to be rid of. Unfortunately there weren’t any extra tooth brushes in the bathroom, but you were lucky enough to find a bottle of mouth wash in one of the wooden cabinets beneath the sink. You figure Rarity wouldn’t mind if you had just a sip or two.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Ah, much better,” You mumble to yourself as you make your way out of the bathroom.

You stop at the top of that dreaded staircase, your limbs trembling slightly in fear as your mind relives your tumble from yesterday. Eventually, after mustering up your bravery, you start down the stairs, shrugging off the chills once you reach the soft carpeted ground below.

You stop for a moment to collect yourself, sighing heavily in relief at the knowledge that you made it down okay. You wonder if you’ve now got a phobia for staircases, or if this fear will eventually die down, Celestia knows that routine trips to the therapist are the last thing you need right now.

“…mnh for the last time, I do not look like a marshmallow Pinkie…” Your ear twitches in recognition as a voice from behind gives you a slight start, causing you to quickly whip around to find the source of the sound.

The sight you are greeted with is quite possibly the single most adorable thing you have ever seen in your entire life. Rarity was the source of the voice, and you were far from surprised to see her sleeping soundly on a red satin couch that was pushed up against the wall. No what caught you off guard, and almost made your heart explode in a shower of rainbows and hearts, was that Rarity held her little sister, Sweetie Belle, up against her chest in a tender motherly embrace. The pair smiling happily and breathing easily as they rested their heads upon an open story book, Sweetie’s head buried against her older siblings snow white coat, using the soft fur as a pillow of sorts.

You force a ‘daaw’ back down your throat before it can escape and awaken the pair. Looking down you can see a crayon drawing of what you assume are Rarity and her sister playing at the park. The sight of the sisters brings warmth to your heart, and makes you wish that you had a closer relationship with your sibling.

Unfortunately the extent of the interaction between you and your sister was very limited, even before you had moved away. You still loved her dearly and enjoyed her company, but there was no changing the fact that you just didn’t have all that much in common. She, for instance, was a very bright young filly who had taken an interest in your father’s work with an admirable gusto. She was all too happy to learn about money management and the intricacies of running a bank. While you on the other hoof just never really saw the point, that and mathematics always did bore you to tears. Yes she was indeed daddy’s little filly, her whole world revolved around him, while you were more or less just the pony who wandered around the house and slept in late.

Seeing Rarity with her sister now…it made you wish you’d spent a little more time with her than you did, maybe if you ever got around to paying your family a visit in Manehattan one of these days you could take her to that waterpark she loved, yeah that’d definitely be something she’d enjoy. You chuckle softly as a few memories are brought back to the forefront of your mind. That girl always did have the strangest fascination with water; you recall actually having to force her out of the bath when she was really young.

As a matter of fact she loved swimming so much that your father ended up installing an indoor pool just for her a few months before you left. You can recall her practically spending every spare moment of her time in its light blue waters; you imagine it’s only a matter of time before she earns a cutie mark for something of the sort.

You snap out of your thoughts when you notice Sweetie Belle give a slight shiver in response to a chilly draft coming in from the open window nearby. You feel that tightening of your chest return as Rarity pulls her sister a little tighter in response to the disturbed movement; the foal’s once slightly perturbed expression fading back into a smile as she buries her head into her sister’s chest.

Being cautious to avoid disturbing the two you step over to the open window, shut it and lock it before heading towards the closet at the far end of the boutique. After a few moments of digging you find a fairly standard quilt and bring it back towards the couch. With a quick whip of your head you lightly drape the blanket over them, smiling in satisfaction as the siblings respond rather positively to the newfound source of warmth and protection. Rarity gives a soft sigh of satisfaction as she settles into the quilt, causing the corners of your lips to extend even further into a wide arch of happiness.

“…mnuh what no bedtime kiss?” Your smile immediately fades as you hear those words. You quickly snap your eyes onto Rarity, double checking to make sure she’s really asleep.

You see nothing more than the steady rise and fall of her chest as the fashionista continues to slumber. Seeing that she’s obviously not conscious and likely just spouting nonsense in her dreams, you relax.

You give a shake of your head and a slight chuckle. “I never took you for a pony who talks in their sleep Miss Rarity.” You whisper with a smile.

Leaving Rarity and her sister on the couch you proceed to look around the building. There really wasn’t much else on the bottom floor. A few racks of fancy dresses and suits were put on display near the entrance, no doubt placed there to entice any new customers into purchasing. You eventually stumble into what you guess is Sweetie Belle’s room, judging from the crayon drawing taped to the front of the door, the colorful marks coming out to something along these lines. Sweetie Belle’s room, for secret CMC meetings and stuff, but don’t tell anypony. You can’t help but laugh at the makeshift sign, the irony no doubt sailing right past the little foal’s head.

It’s in the midst of this home exploration that your stomach begins to make its emptiness known. The deep growling and grumbling of your empty gut letting you know that you had gone on much too long without a bite to eat. You recall that you hadn’t even touched a plate of food for two whole days, and right now it felt like you could devour an entire refrigerator. The emptiness in your stomach is actually so overwhelming that it almost hurts, and though you wish not to intrude, you know if you don’t get something to eat soon you’re likely to collapse.

Groaning in discomfort as your stomach calls out for sustenance once more you make your way over to the kitchen at the opposite end of the boutique. Once you enter the room you begin to scrounge around the cabinets and drawers for something quick and easy to shove down your gullet, though you doubt anything short of an actual meal will really fill this seemingly empty void in your stomach.

Thankfully you find a half-eaten bag of hay fries in one of the cabinets, you waste no time stuffing your face with what remains in the scrunched up bag. Sighing contentedly as your stomach’s incessant growling finally comes to a stop. You may be held over for now but you know that such a measly little snack isn’t going to keep you satisfied for long.

You wonder if Rarity would be opposed to you making some breakfast. That was something assistants did wasn’t it? You can remember your dad used to have his assistant run out and get lunch almost every day; the only difference here was that you’d be cooking it up yourself rather than stopping at a fast food joint. Then again, it was still pretty early and Rarity was still asleep, you didn’t want to wake her by slamming pans and cooking utensils around.

You figure that it won’t hurt to at least take a look and see if there’s something simple you could cook up. Another few minutes spent digging around through the polished wooden cupboards scattered around the kitchen and you eventually stumble onto some pancake mix.

“Well, that could work.” You speak absentmindedly as you reach into the cabinet and secure the small box of mix with your teeth.

You set the box near the stove and begin to read through the directions. You weren’t exactly the worst cook on Equestria, but there was no escaping the fact that your skills were lacking. Your family had a chef that always prepared meals for you, so you had never bothered to learn yourself. Thankfully the kind old mare was willing to show you a few basic things before you left your family’s estate. Still, you weren’t willing to take any unnecessary risks. After all, it was a kitchen fire that ended up burning your house down.

After glossing over the directions a few more times you figure you’re capable enough to make a batch or two. Before you start cooking you decide to set the dining table, figuring that Rarity and Sweetie Belle would probably want a bite to eat once they woke up. You actually spend a little more time on this then you probably should, ensuring everything is perfect, from the folding of the napkins to the organization of the silverware, you wanted to wow Rarity when she laid her eyes on this masterpiece.

“There we are!” You exclaim happily, placing a bright red rose in the glass vase resting in the center of the table, grinning broadly as you admire your handiwork. “Pretty as a painting,”

When you finish gushing over your lavishly decorated table, a table so beautiful it could make Nightmare Moon weep, you steal a glance up at the clock hanging from the far wall. Your eyes widening in surprise as you realize that you had spent more time preparing the table than you had the actual meal it was set up for, the numbers on the clock reading seven fifteen. Whipping around you feverishly begin to make your pancakes, the sound of sizzling batter filling your ears as the tan goop strikes the scorching pan.

About half an hour (and two delicious looking stacks of pancakes later) the sound of a surprised gasp suddenly gains your attention. Turning towards the entrance to the kitchen you’re pleased to see a rather flabbergasted Rarity standing before you, her hoof placed over her mouth as she marvels over the nearly picturesque setting you had created.

“Oh hi Miss Rarity!” You acknowledge her presence with a warm grin and a wave of your hoof. The fashionista meeting your eyes with her own, smiling at you in a way that made your heart skip a beat.

“And hello to you my dear gentlecolt.” Rarity speaks somewhat drowsily, lazily bringing a hoof up to wipe the sleep from her eyes. “I must say, I’m quite impressed with all this.” She motions towards the table you had set with a wide sweep of her hoof.

“Oh it’s nothing special Miss Rarity.” You shrug off the compliment with a slight blush and twinge of bashfulness to your voice. “I just figured that you might enjoy a pancake or two before you started work today.”

“Well, I am truly grateful. And might I say, they smell positively delicious.” Rarity leans over and takes a few petit sniffs, sighing in satisfaction as the pleasant aroma fills her nostrils. “Mmm quite exquisite indee- OoOh…” Rarity’s sentence is cut off by an earth shattering yawn escaping her lips. “My, I do apologize. I must have stayed up a little later than I thought. Sweetie Belle really takes it out of me when she’s here.” The unicorn explains when suddenly her expression morphs into one of fear as she realizes something positively terrifying.

“Oh no!” The worry in Rarity’s voice catches you off guard.

“Miss Rarity, is something wrong?” You ask with concern, the mare’s sudden shift in tone and demeanor startling you.

Rarity slightly shrinks back at the sound of your voice, as if trying to hide herself from you. “Oh um…” The unicorn begins with a quiver. “It’s nothing I just…” She seems to choke slightly on her words.

“Miss Rarity if something’s wrong please tell me.” You encourage her. “I promise I’ll help in any way I can.”

The flustered unicorn shifts awkwardly on her hoofs, her gaze darting around the room as if she’s looking for an exit. Your heart tightens up in worry, as you suspect that something is seriously wrong.

“It’s just…” Rarity clears her throat before she answers, her eyes glued to the floor. “I just woke up and…you must think I look like a mess.”

You feel a wave of relief wash over you when she utters those words, a smile forming as you let out a chuckle. Rarity returns your laugh with a perplexed stare. “Is that all?” You ask playfully. “You look fine Miss Rarity, come on have a seat.”

Rarity however, seems far from put at ease by your words. “Oh no you’re just being kind. My mane’s a wreck, my fur is all matted, my makeup’s smeared, I haven’t even bathed yet, and you must thi-” Rarity’s voice suddenly cuts off as she feels a familiar bandaged leg wrap itself around her hoof.

You don’t know what exactly compelled you to do it, but you do know it was probably a terrible idea. You look down, your hoof wrapped gently around Rarity’s, you can feel the constant thumping of your heart as it picks up momentum, you can sense the warmth of Rarity’s soft white hoof with your own, you’re frightened with how she might react to such forward behavior, but you don’t let it show.

“I think…” Your eye’s meet Rarity’s, losing yourself in a sea of blue as you give her hoof a light squeeze. “I think Miss Rarity, that you are the single most beautiful mare I have ever met.”

A slight shade of red begins to sting Rarity’s cheeks as she hears your words, yet her eyes never leave yours. “Oh…my, you flatter me.” She once again makes an awkward shift, but her hoof doesn’t leave its comforting grasp around yours, something which you are immensely grateful for.

“It’s not flattery if it’s true Miss Rarity.” You tell her with a smile.

Rarity offers a slight chuckle in response, her hoof tightens around yours ever so slightly as she does so, leaving you to wonder if she had done it intentionally or if it was just a reflex, either way you don’t really care. You decide to savor the moment.

“I really should probably go get straightened up though.” Rarity adds with another hint of nervousness.

“If you want, but that can wait until after breakfast can’t it Miss Rarity?” You inquire, motioning towards the stack of pancakes with a quick flick of your head.

Rarity lets out a playful sigh, acting exasperated as she gives a hard roll of her eyes. “Oh I suppose!” The mare let’s go of her grasp around your hoof, you miss the contact already, your hoof feeling cold and lonely without it, but you manage to keep your desire for her contact hidden, opting for a rather blank expression to cover up your wants as you watch the unicorn approach the table. “But only because your so convincing my, étalon têtu.“

You blink in confusion at the last part of Rarity’s sentence, her use of the foreign language throwing you off. But your thoughts as to what she might have said are immediately thrown out the window once you feel a slight tickle underneath your chin. Looking down you can’t fight a blush as you realize Rarity had used her tail to flirtatiously stroke the underside of your muzzle. Fighting off the burning of your cheeks you look up to see Rarity smiling coyly at you over her shoulder, her tail falling back into place as she proceeds towards her open seat.

Before you can even utter a response the sound of tiny hoofsteps and an excited yell cuts you off.

“Pancakes!” Is the only thing you hear before you’re nearly thrown off balance by a tiny white blur shooting past your legs. “Oh boy I love pancakes!” You’re far from surprised to see Sweetie Belle practically bouncing off the walls in excitement as she marvels in delight over the flapjacks on the table.

“Calm down Sweetie Belle!” Rarity urges the little bouncing ball of energy. Sweetie seems to stop her incessant hopping, but continues to gush over the food you had prepared. “Can I have some Rarity, pretty please?” Well, at least the filly still had her manners.

“Well I don’t know.” Rarity goads playfully, setting herself down in an open chair and smiling at her sister. “I’m not the one who made them, maybe you should ask him.” Rarity’s blue eyes flash onto you, you can’t help but feel your heart rate quicken slightly as they do.

Sweetie Belle does a complete one eighty, looking up to you with pleading puppy dog eyes. “I can have some of your pancakes, right mister?” Well with a look like that how on Equestria were you expected to say no?

“Well of course you can Sweetie Belle.” The foal’s eyes light up with joy as you give her your answer.

“Thank you thank you!” She quips excitedly, wrapping her tiny forelegs around you in the strongest hug her little limbs can muster; you smile bashfully at the sudden show of affection, a hint of red tinting the coloration of your cheeks as you hear Rarity stifle a giggle.

Sweetie Belle excitedly hops up in the chair you had strategically placed next to her sister, which did annoy you somewhat; as it was of course the seat you had planned on using. But you feel your aggravation fade almost immediately once you see the glowing smile on the foal’s face. So you relax and settle for a place directly across from the pair.

“Well, there we are.” You say after readjusting yourself into the most comfortable position the wooden chair beneath you would allow. “Dig in everypony.”

Sweetie Belle acknowledges your statement with a rather distasteful, almost cartoonishly overdone, licking of her lips. An action that causes Rarity to visibly shudder in disgust, which in turn nearly makes you burst out in fits of chuckles, thankfully you manage to suppress them before the fashionista notices.

You wait for Rarity to serve herself and her sibling before grabbing a pair of pancakes yourself. Both you and Rarity more or less eat in silence, exchanging secret smiles as you both listen intently to Sweetie Belle as she goes on and on about her and her friends’ recent escapades as the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders’ how the foal manages to keep talking and shovel down two whole pancakes at the same time is completely unbeknownst to you, but you figure some things are best left unanswered.

About a half an hour passes as you all finish off the pancakes, feeling satisfied and content with the first real meal you’ve had in days. And ready to assume you could go a couple more without one judging by how positively stuffed you felt right now, but it was the good kind of stuffed. Not the, ‘wow I just ate four pounds of chocolates and am a total fat flank’ kind of stuffed, but rather the ‘I just had one of the single most delicious things in my entire life and couldn’t get enough of it’ kind of stuffed.

“Oh wow, that was great!” Sweetie says happily, popping the last chunk of pancake in her mouth after she does so. “Thanks for the pancakes mister.” She declares cheerily before hopping down from her seat and skirting out of the room, you can hear her trotting up the stairs, probably going to the bathroom you figure.

You notice Rarity levitate a tablecloth up to her mouth, gently dabbing away any of the mess that remained from her meal. Removing a few stray crumbs and a tiny dab of syrup from her chin and mouth with a few gentle wipes.

“I concur; you did a splendid job with this meal.” Rarity compliments you, smiling in a way that made you feel like the most proud stallion in all of Equestria.

“Oh, well thank you very much Miss Rarity.” You add with a slight twinge of timidity, feeling a slight heat in your chest, signaling the return of those feelings from yesterday. You quickly shift in your chair and shake them off, trying, and more or less failing, to keep those sensations at bay.

“You’re very welcome.” She adds, when suddenly she furrows her brow and gives you a somewhat displeased expression. “And for the last time stop calling me ‘Miss Rarity’.”

You look away in embarrassment, realizing you had been attaching miss to the front of Rarity’s name despite her constant insistence you not.

“Um, sorry mi-” Rarity raises an eyebrow. “I mean, Rarity…sorry Rarity.” You smile nervously, hoping that your change in words did the trick.

A few long painful seconds go by as Rarity keeps up with the unamused glare, you feel heat rise to your face and panic settle in your stomach as she does so, worried that your relationship with her may have already been put in jeopardy.

You suddenly feel all your anxiety dissipate when Rarity holds a hoof up to her mouth and giggles quietly. “Oh I was only kidding dear; you mustn’t take everything so seriously.”

You smile and chuckle once yourself. “Well, I’ll admit you had me going there for a minute mi-” You stop yourself before you utter the word you knew was coming, clearing your throat before you proceed in an attempt to cover up your slip. “…Rarity.”

Rarity once again contains a petite giggle. “Well, to be honest you can call me whatever you wish. It’s just ‘Miss Rarity’ strikes me as a little too, oh how should I put this, impersonal.”

This strikes you as a bit odd; you always figured Rarity would be the kind of mare who would enjoy being called ‘miss’. What with the whole ladylike persona she had apparently invested so much time and effort into crafting for herself.

“Impersonal?” You ask, seeing no reason not to question the fashionista about it.

Rarity gives you a shake of her head, her purple mane giving a slight bounce in response to the sudden movement. “Well, you see normally I would be fine with you calling me Miss, I would perhaps even insist on it if our relationship were more business oriented.” Your ear gives an involuntary twitch in response to her voice, stray thoughts about how beautiful it is slowly filter their way into your mind but you quickly block them out. Focusing on what the unicorn is actually saying rather than how great it sounds. “But…” You notice Rarity’s deep blue eye’s leave yours for just a moment, darting towards the ground as her voice hitches just slightly, as if she’s contemplating what to say next. You find this strange, and though you hate to admit it kinda cute, but aren’t given much time to think about it as Rarity quickly regains her composure.

“But, it just doesn’t seem like the kind of thing you should do. You see, only people I don’t have that close of an attachment to call me Miss…and I…like to think we’re…closer than that.”

You can’t fight a smile as Rarity utters those words, you were happy to know she thought of you that way.

“I mean, you saved my life, how could I not be...attached.” Rarity meets her eyes with yours, gratitude written plain on her expression. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, that I want to be closer to you; I want to think of our relationship as more than employer and employee. I want to be your friend.”

You feel warmth overcome you as Rarity gazes into your eyes, it wasn’t exactly the romantic attachment you so strongly desire, but it was still a step in the right direction. You smile thankfully at her. “I would like that Rarity.”

She seems pleased with your response. “Good, I’m glad to hear it. Now, with that out of the way, might I ask how your wounds are healing?” You pick up on a tone of concern in Rarity’s voice, something you find very touching.

“No not at all, I think I’m doing pretty well actually. My eye seems less swollen and I can see out of it now, my hoof still stings a little from time to time but that’s nothing a few painkillers can’t fix.”

“I see.” Rarity gets out of her chair and approaches where you sit, motioning for you to come down and meet her on the floor, you promptly comply. “Would you mind if I take a look?”

“Sure, go ahead.” You hold up your bandaged hoof for her to examine.

You feel tingles shoot up and down your hoof as Rarity envelops it in her magic, your leg glowing a light blue as her magic takes hold, her keen eyes studying it for any sign of damage. You watch with intrigue as your bandages quickly undo themselves, Rarity scrutinizes your now uncovered leg, turning it left and right as she checks over the long jagged gash that remained prominent on your skin.

“Well, I must say I do splendid work.” Rarity compliments herself, her lips curving upwards as she begins to magically rewrap your wound.

“That you do, and I’m willing to bet being treated by the most beautiful mare in town is probably helping to speed my recovery along.” You speak playfully, though not untruthfully, smiling innocently as Rarity gives you an amused expression.

“Flatterer,” She chides lightly. “But you may want to stop by Nurse Redheart’s clinic later today, just in case.”

You nod, opening your mouth for another bout of playful banter, only for a loud bang sounding from upstairs to cut you off.

Rarity makes a noise halfway between a groan and a tired sigh, her head drooping as she casts a resentful glance upwards towards the ceiling.

“Celestia help me if that foal…” Rarity’s voice fades off, turning into a low grumble as you stare at her, perplexed. Rarity takes note of your confusion, taking a few deep breaths and straightening herself up before you, as if trying to calm herself. “It seems that my darling little sister has been poking around my designing room again…and I take it from the bang we heard just a few brief moments ago that she has likely destroyed something of great value.” You’re not certain, but your fairly confident Rarity has started grinding her teeth behind her pursed lips and resolute expression.

Rarity takes one more deep breath, shutting her eyes while quietly mumbling underneath her breath. “Remember what Fluttershy taught you Rarity…picture rose fields…flowing blue streams…nice fluffy animals…yes I’m in my happy place…my calm, peaceful, and sisterless happy place.” One last deep breath before she opens her eyes, staring off into nothingness as she allows herself a moment to cool down.

“If you want Rarity…I could um go check for you.” You offer, less concerned for Rarity’s appreciation than you were for Sweetie’s safety…probably the only time you’ll ever catch yourself thinking that.

Rarity’s eyes snap onto you when you speak, widening just slightly in recognition for a moment, like she’d forgotten your presence. “Oh no, that’s quite alright. Don’t worry yourself over it; she’s my sister and therefore my responsibility.” Rarity begins to walk off, your expression showing concern as she does so, as you find yourself worried for her, and not to mention Sweetie’s, wellbeing, considering it seemed like she was about to blow a gasket just a few moments ago. You feel your thoughts eased slightly when she looks back at you, her eyes shining and her radiant smile filling you with warmth. “But thank you for the offer.”

A few moments after Rarity leaves you make your way back into the living room. You sit down on the floor and wait patiently for her to return, that’s when you hear what sounds like repressed sobbing coming from upstairs. You guess that it’s Sweetie, and you feel your heart twist in a knot every time you hear one of the little foals pained moans, you hope Rarity will be soft on her, though from what you saw just a few moments ago you wouldn’t be surprised to hear those cries get just a few decibels louder in due time.

Though to your surprise you don’t hear what you expect, rather than the harsh assault of shouting you hear gentle cooing, Rarity must have decided to comfort her sister rather than yell at her. This brought a smile to your face, any other pony you knew would probably have just yelled at their sibling…you wouldn’t put it past yourself either, Celestia knows you’d been less than kind to your sister more than once.

This continues for well past a minute, and slowly but steadily Sweetie’s sobbing begins to fade, there seems to be a brief silence between the two before you hear Rarity’s muffled voice and what you guess is a giggle from Sweetie.

That was a pleasant turn of events. You muse with a smile, pleased to see that the situation was handled in a much better way than you thought it might be.

*Bang*

*Bang*

You cock your head to the left, your eyes falling on the door leading into Rarity’s boutique. Your ears twitching at the powerful sound of a hoof striking the hard wood, you cast a glance up the stairway, waiting to see if Rarity was going to respond to the knock at all. After another series of bangs, met only with silence, you take it upon yourself to see who’s at the door.

*Bang*

*Bang*

“Coming!” You shout, showing a sign that the house was occupied so whoever was there didn’t leave.

You clasp the knob with your teeth and give it a quick twist, this sudden movement causing your neck to crack in a rather unpleasant way. You swear underneath your breath and give your neck a quick rub, cursing yourself for being born an Earth pony as several slight twinges of pain shoot up and down your spine.

“Oh well look at that why don’t cha!” You stop the soothing rub of your neck and open your eyes to see a smiling pink mare standing in the open doorway before you. “Looks like my little Rarity had herself a grand time last night.”

You blink and cock your head in confusion, your eyes studying this strange mare before you. She wore a rosy red shirt with a frayed white collar at the top, her bulbous mane a deep purple, though spotted here and there by faint streaks of grey, and it was held in place by a large blue headband, she was rather plump though still far from unattractive, and she had light blue eyes, not unlike that of Rarity’s you notice. Balled golden earrings hung from her ears, shining dully in the sunlight as Celestia’s golden rays strike the earpiece with precision.

“I’m sorry?” You ask, raising an eyebrow.

The mare laughs, causing your confusion to only increase. “Oh there’s no need to play coy with me dear.” She steps past you and into the boutique, setting herself down on the red satin couch near the far wall and shooting you an amused expression. “The evidence is all there, the smell of perfume on ya.” You give yourself a quick sniff and pick up on the faintest hint of Rarity’s cherry blossom perfume. “The messed up mane…” You shoot a hoof up to your mane; realizing that without your constant management it had fallen back to its usual unkempt state. “And a bandage!?” The strange mare asks, followed by possibly the most grating laugh you’ve ever heard. “I always thought she might be pony who likes to play rough.”

Your mouth hangs slack and your mind draws a blank, finding yourself at a loss for words as you stare at this completely bewildering mare. You’re guessing one of two things, either A, she’s acquainted with Rarity somehow, or B, she’s completely and totally off her rocker. From what you’ve seen so far, you wouldn’t exactly be surprised if it was the later.

“Um, I’m sorry but I have no idea what your-”

“Mommy!” Once again that all too familiar high pitched voice cuts you off.

Looking up you see Sweetie Belle standing at the top of the stairs, a wide grin displayed on her face as the pink mare sitting in front of you hops off the couch and opens her forelegs welcomingly. Sweetie cascades down the stairs with a speed that a Wonderbolt would have a hard time matching, flinging herself into the pink mare’s open embrace with a squeal of glee.

Mommy? You think to yourself. Well, I guess that makes sense.

“Oh Sweetie, have you been crying?” The pink mare reaches down with a hoof and wipes a salty tear from the corner of the little foal’s eye.

Sweetie shook her head yes. “Yeah, but it’s okay, Rarity cheered me up.”

“Aw, well isn’t she just the best?” The pink mare says in a motherly voice. “And where is your sister?”

“I’m up here mother!” Your ear twitches in recognition at the call of that wonderful voice.

Thoughts of happiness quickly knock aside those of any other kind as your object of affection approaches. A smile present on your face as you watch her descend the wooden steps, she returns this with a somewhat nervous glance of her own, before she turns that same look onto her parent. Rarity quickly picks up the pace at the last few steps, stopping next to you as she smiles, somewhat tensely, at her mother.

“Well, mother I wasn’t expecting you.” Rarity says, apprehension tainting her otherwise angelical voice. “Oh, blessed me I must have forgotten the time.” You notice a bead of sweat cascade down her forehead as she says this, before it’s wiped off with a precise flick of her hoof.

Rarity’s mother shoots you a knowing smile, a smile that makes your heart skip a beat. “Yes…I bet you did.” She looks down at Sweetie Belle, tapping the foal on the shoulder to garner her attention. “Sweetie why don’t you go and pack up your things? I’d like to talk to your sister for a minute.”

Sweetie nods her head in agreement before she darts off towards her room, happily humming to herself as she does so. You watch attentively as Rarity’s mother approaches, stopping and looking over the pair of you. You feel yourself grow restless underneath the older mare’s gaze, though you’re not exactly sure why.

“So, is this the one you’ve been talking about Rarity?” The mare asks with a smirk. You can practically feel Rarity’s body grow tense when these words are said. “Or is this just a one time thing?”

One time thing? You think to yourself, those words…they make you feel, you’re not exactly sure what. Hurt maybe? Disgust? Surely Rarity isn’t a mare like that. Your mind races with possibilities and implications, maybe Rarity didn’t actually care about you…maybe this was all just some elaborate plan she cooked up to get you to stick around and be her personal stress reliever. You debate over this for what feels like a long time, though is in actuality only a few brief seconds, before you knock these thoughts out of the way, refusing to believe them. If Rarity had any plans to use you she hadn’t shown them, hell she had even told you just this morning that she wanted to be your friend. Still, even after reaching this conclusion you can still feel a niggling of doubt at the back of your mind, you’d been hurt by many a mare…so why exactly were you expecting this to be any different?

Rarity seems to choke on air, startled that her mother would say something like that. “Mother! How could you even assume such a thing!?” Rarity turns to you, her face apologetic, her sorry gaze enough to cast any doubts of her intentions out the window. She wordlessly tells you she’s sorry with her blue eyes and you tell her its okay with your own. She then turns that gaze onto her parent.

“Mother, I think it would be best if we continue our discussion in private.” There’s a faint edge to her voice, an edge that seems sharp enough to cut glass.

Rarity’s mother rolls her eyes, making an annoyed ‘tsk’ sound before she speaks. “Oh if you insist, but only if you tell me if your big hunk of stallion over there can make the flowers bloom…” The pink mare gives you a suggestive wink, a wink that makes you feel dirty. “…if ya know what I mean.”

Rarity growls like a rabid dog and you assume she may very well tackle her mother and bludgeon her to death in a few moments. “Mom!”

The older mare lets out another one of those horrid cackles, causing you to nearly grimace in pain. “Oh, I’m just teasing dear you know that.” Rarity seems eased by this, though you can still see her grinding her teeth in order to keep her anger in check. Suddenly the pink mare’s voice grows incredibly grave. “But no seriously honey…enjoy it while you can. When stallion’s get to your father’s age you’ll find they just cannot keep up.”

Rarity suddenly turns beet red, not from anger, but from sheer unmitigated mortification. “Oh Celestia if there is any mercy in your soul strike me down where I stand.” She prays quietly, folding her hooves over her face to hide her embarrassment.

Rarity’s mother shoots you a devilish smile and giggles into her hoof at her eldest daughter’s display. “Oh, I haven’t had that much fun in a long time; I’ll be in the kitchen when you want to talk dear.” With one last repressed giggle the mare turns and swaggers off, making a beeline towards the kitchen, leaving both you and Rarity alone in the living room.

Rarity looks at you with sad and embarrassed eyes. “I must apologize for my mother she…is an interesting sort.”

You nod your head in agreement. “That she is.”

Rarity shifts nervously where she stands, her eyes glued to the floor as she speaks. “I’m sorry about what she said, and I hope you haven’t got the wrong idea, she’s always been one for jokes but it seems that no matter how many times I tell her that she takes things too far she just doesn’t get it and I hope that her rude behavior hasn’t soured your opinion of me and I can honestly say that she didn’t mean any of what she said and-“

“Rarity!” Your stern voice ceases the unicorn’s constant chattering, her mouth snapping closed as she looks off to the side, too embarrassed to meet your eyes. You gently place a calming hoof on her shoulder, the touch warm and comforting to both of you. “Just relax okay, trust me if anypony knows how embarrassing parents can be its me.” You say, letting your hoof slide off her shoulder as she turns to look at you.

Her gaze meets yours, and your smile seems to calm the mare down a little, she takes a deep breath and grins ever so slightly. “I do apologize, I was rambling.” Rarity admits with a twinge of remorse. “I should have known you’d understand.” Something about the way she said that…it made you feel, oddly happy…“But I must admit, I doubt that your parents could be quite as humiliating as mine.”

Your expression goes deadpan, several memories you’d rather forget run through your head. “Rarity…my father used to wear a monocle and top hat.”

The snow white unicorn seems slightly taken aback by this confession, something you can’t quite blame her for. “Are you serious?” She asks incredulously. You nod your head in the affirmative. This is followed by a noticeable ‘pff’ sound as Rarity tries to hold in her laughter. “Oh, so your father is basically the monopoly pony?” She manages to question, holding up a hoof to hide the smile forming on her lips.

You sigh, memories from the schoolyard filtering into your head as you recall even your closest friends failed to resist making a few cracks about your father’s appearance…it seemed Rarity would be no exception.

“Oh my…I apologize but that is absolutely hilarious.” Rarity says, sighing contentedly as a few more faint giggles slide past her lips. “Well I suppose I shouldn’t keep my mother waiting. Celestia knows the last thing I want her to do is come back in here.”

“I’ll just…” You stop as your voice trails off, really what were you going to do? “…sit in here I guess. Unless there’s something you need done?” You offer, you wouldn’t exactly be much of an assistant if the majority of your time was spent just sitting on your flank.

Rarity puts a hoof up to her face, rubbing it underneath her chin in thought. “Well, I suppose if you want something to do you could go and help Sweetie pack, if it’s anything like the last time she stayed here she’ll need a little help getting everything all squared away.”

You nod. “Okay, anything else?”

“No, well not right now at least, I have some errands that need doing but we can talk about that after I deal with my mother.” Rarity says, turning and trotting off towards the kitchen, you watch her get about halfway across the room before you turn and head towards Sweetie’s bedroom. “Oh, and one last thing!”

You turn your head at the sound of Rarity’s voice, eager to do whatever she may need, when suddenly you feel her her lips against your cheek. The kiss didn’t last long, it was more like the peck you’d received the day you’d first met…but that didn’t stop it from feeling just as sweet.

Rarity steps back, a warm smile present on her shining face. “And thank you for cheering me up.”

Your mouth hangs open as you search for an answer, finding nothing but surprise and delight on the tip of your tongue. Rarity flutters her eyelashes happily and turns, trotting away towards the kitchen. You reach up with a hoof and touch your cheek, a smudge of the fashionista’s cherry red lipstick still present…you were never going to wash that cheek again.

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A/N GAWD!! 9,000 words and I’m still not satisfied with this. Sorry if it seems like nothing happens in this chapter, but I felt like it needed to be cut somewhere so here we are. Things will actually happen in the next time round I promise.

Lipstick

“Ow!” You hiss through clenched teeth, your mouth currently wrapped around the handle of a heavy suitcase. You feel several small twinges of aggravation shoot through your neck and down across your spine as you fling the bag onto the small unkempt bed in front of you.

You reach around with a hoof and gently massage the back of your neck, making a slight grimace as you do so.

“Everything okay mister?” You hear a curious little voice ask you from behind.

“Yeah Sweetie, everything’s okay, my neck stings a little is all.” You explain to the filly as she walks up beside you.

With a flick of her head she tosses another, much smaller, suitcase onto the giant mountain of leather bags that you two had spent the last fifteen minutes or so constructing. Why on Equestria the filly had so much luggage was a question you couldn’t get an answer to, as her only response was, ‘I need to bring all my essentials.’ You didn’t bother asking what these ‘essentials’ were as you were confident that the answer would be just as nonsensical as the last.

“That should be the last of it!” Sweetie exclaims happily, plopping herself down on the carpeted floor of her bedroom, grinning and humming cheerily as you begin the trying task of moving all the bags off the bed and towards the door.

You find yourself smiling as you watch the filly out of the corner of your eye. You were willing to admit that you hadn’t exactly been looking forward to helping the foal pack, especially when you learned just how many bags needed filling. But Sweetie’s bubbly attitude and positive outlook had proven itself infectious, and you found yourself enjoying the time you two had been spending together. No matter how boring the work itself was.

“Could you give me a little help Sweetie Belle? My hoof still hurts and I don’t think I can carry all of these on my own.” You ask, shifting a little bit of your weight as the heavy suitcases teetering on your back begin to take their toll, putting a little too much pressure on your injured limb, causing it to jolt in pain.

With an energetic bounce and a youthful “Yep!” the filly runs over and takes a few of the smaller bags herself. It doesn’t help a whole lot but you weren’t really expecting much, either way you still offer her a grateful smile in return to her aid.

When you make your way out of Sweetie’s bedroom and into the main room of her older sister’s boutique your ear twitches in recognition of two voices coming from the kitchen. You immediately place them as the voices of both Rarity and her mother. You know it’s rude to eavesdrop on them so you don’t, not that you could anyway. Both are talking in hushed whispers, though you can tell from the intensity with which the words are being spoken that Rarity is in the middle of giving her mother quite the verbal thrashing. No doubt for the older mare’s embarrassing display earlier today.

It doesn’t take long for the pair of you to make it outside, where a pink and blue chariot is waiting out front of Rarity’s Carousel boutique. You frown and blink several times as Celestia’s sun stings at your eyes. Having not actually been outdoors for the past few days you find that your eyes weren’t exactly welcoming to the shining light.

With a heave you fling the suitcases on your back into the chariot. Sighing in relief as the weight on your back is replaced by nothing. Your neck once again screams out in discomfort as you give it a twist too far in the wrong direction and you can already tell it’s going to be causing you problems for the rest of the day. You hear the sound of Sweetie Belle throwing her suitcases into the back of the chariot as well, the filly letting out a sigh of relief not unlike your own afterwards.

“Well, that takes care of that I suppose.” You mumble quietly, counting over the number of bags in the chariot as the old wood of the vehicle squeaks and creeks loudly in response to the added weight. You find yourself wondering how exactly Rarity’s mother plans on getting the chariot back, that is until you spy two rather boxy looking stallions trussed up to the opposite end of the vehicle, talking quietly to themselves as they wait. Rarity’s mother must have hired the pair to pull the chariot around town for her.

“Um, mister, you have something on your face.” You raise an eyebrow at Sweetie Belle, her statement catching you a little off guard.

“What?”

“Yeah, on the right side…it’s all red.” Sweetie reaches up with a tiny hoof and points at your left cheek, her right being your left from where you were standing.

You feel your face take on a hot shade of crimson; you knew exactly what it was. Reaching up with your bandaged hoof you give your cheek a wipe, the thick cotton material gaining a faint red streak in response to its contact with the lipstick.

“Did I get it?” You ask the filly.

She purses her lips and looks up at your face, cocking her head one way then the other as she scans the area where the lipstick had been, before she shakes her head left and right, her poofy mane bobbing in response to the movement.

“Nope still there.” To your surprise she giggles, looking up at you with a devilish grin before she continues speaking. “~I know what that is.~” The foal sings mockingly. “That’s my sister’s lipstick.”

You find yourself surprised that the foal’s guess had been so spot on, and the truth is shown without question by the crimson overtaking your cheeks. “How…how can you tell?” You question incredulously.

“Weeell, for starters the mark on your face is shaped like her lips.” The foal begins, smirking while she does so. You couldn’t believe that the lipstick had maintained its shape, you were confident that after how you had wiped it earlier it should at least have been smeared. You reach up to start rubbing at it again. “Um, that won’t work.” The foal says, before you even start. “That’s her special lipstick; it doesn’t come off no matter how hard you try. I would know.”

“You would know?” You question, curious.

Sweetie lets out a puff of air in possibly the most adorable way you’ve ever seen, a little strand of her mane bouncing in response as she does so. “Me and Applebloom once tried to get our makeup artists cutie marks by using all of my sister’s stuff; we couldn’t get that lipstick off for like two whole weeks.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Did you try soap and water?”

Sweetie Belle gives you a look that says ‘I’m not an idiot’.

“So I’m stuck with it?” You ask nervously. The thought of walking around town with a giant print of lipstick on your cheek made you feel a little uneasy. Though, then again…it was Rarity’s lipstick…maybe keeping it on for a couple weeks wouldn’t be so bad.

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah, don’t worry though it should come off in a week or two.” Suddenly Sweetie’s eyes light up and her smile beams, you follow her gaze and see that it’s pointing off somewhere behind you. “Ooh ooh Scootaloo! Applebloom!” Sweetie begins swinging her hooves in the air, signaling for her friends to come over.

Before you can even utter a single word a pair of fillies pop out of nowhere and dogpile Sweetie Belle, giggling and laughing while they tussle on the ground. You look on with a faint smile as the trio play around, it reminded you of your days as a foal back home. Your little group of friends would often greet each other much the same way…still did actually.

“Hey guys, what’s up?” Sweetie asks when the three finally come to a stop, a faint pant to her voice as she speaks, the less than relaxed greeting having tuckered her out.

“Howdy Sweetie Belle!” The yellow filly with red hair and a matching bow chirps with a deep southern twang. “We was jus’ coming ta get ya!”

“Yeah!” An orange pegasus filly shoots up, her tomboyish voice excited while she eyes her friend. “We have this AWESOME new idea that’ll get us our cutie marks for sure!” The orange filly smiles, before her eyes fall on you, an expression of distrust etching its way into her features, “What’s this guy’s problem? He’s kinda creepin’ me out.”

You’re caught off guard by the filly’s attitude; half tempted to say something rude in response. But you manage to bite back those sharp words before they spill out.

“Oh, don’t worry about him Scootaloo, he’s some stallion that’s been staying at my sister’s for the past couple nights.” Sweetie explains, which seems to calm Scootaloo a little, but she’s still eyeing you with a sliver of distrust from where she stands.

“Wait…ah know you.” The yellow filly says, her voice filled with recognition as she looks you over. “Yer that stallion who helped Big Mac paint the barn a few months back ‘cus mah sis was outta town!”

You smile at her and nod your head. You don’t remember seeing this filly back when you went down to Sweet Apple Acres to help out your pal Big Mac, but apparently she had seen you. “You're Applebloom right?” You ask the filly with a smile, she responds with an enthusiastic nod. “Big Mac’s told me a lot about you.”

“Yall did a good job mister! Ah’d never seen the barn so cleaned up before!” Applebloom compliments.

You smile at her. “Aw, thanks Applebloom I appreciate it.” You turn your gaze onto Sweetie Belle. “Go ahead and talk with your friends Sweetie, I’ll go let your mom know everything’s all packed up.”

Sweetie smiles at you. “Thanks mister!” She chirps before turning back to her friends, their voices starting to blend together as they all start talking at once.

Once you’re back inside you can tell that Rarity has managed to calm herself somewhat, as there’s a noticeable change in pitch and speed now, her voice coming out more flat and relaxed rather than harsh and sharp.

“Um…is it okay if I interrupt?” You ask unsurely before stepping into the kitchen, being cautious to avoid stumbling in on the middle of the conversation and upsetting Rarity.

You hear Rarity’s mother mumble something, followed by a muffled cackle, which Rarity is quick to end with a terse word or two. You wait patiently as Rarity and her mother have another brief back and forth, ending with a deep throat clear from Rarity, as if she’s trying to cover up the conversation.

“Yes, it’s okay, do come in.” You hear Rarity call, the anger still present in her voice though buried underneath a friendlier and more welcoming tone.

You walk into the kitchen, Rarity’s mother looking at you with a playful gaze. “Sweetie is all packed up now; she’s outside talking with her friends at the moment.”

“Well how about that!” The pink unicorn shouts. “Looks like your assistant over here got your sister packed up in half the time it usually takes.” The older mare hops out of the wooden chair she’s been sitting in, the chair you had used this morning…that makes you feel weird for some reason. “Well Rarity honey I’ll be heading out, love you.”

“I love you as well mother.” Rarity returns, though it sounds a little forced. “Would you be so kind as to show her to the door?” You aren’t expecting it when she says that, and you wonder why exactly she needed you to do something so unnecessary, but from the look on Rarity’s face you can tell that she just wants a few quiet moments to herself while she can get them.

“Uh, yeah sure, after you ma'am.” You manage to say, standing aside to let the older mare pass by.

“Oh my, you are such a gentlecolt young stallion.” She replies with a tone that’s mocking though not directed at you, you notice Rarity tense up and start grinding her teeth in frustration out the corner of your eye. You figure it would be wise to hurry the older mare out of the house as soon as possible.

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“Here you are ma'am.” You say, holding open the door for the pink unicorn.

“Thank you!” She replies, starting to make her way outside, when suddenly she stops. “And one last thing my dear.” With a flash her eyes are on you, wide, relentless and unforgiving. You can feel her irises drilling into you, as if trying to study your very soul. “I want you to know one very important thing young stallion…if you even so much as look at another mare while your with my daughter…so much as hurt a tiny hair on her head…you’ll regret ever even being BORN!”

She didn’t shout those words; they came out as more of a seething venom filled whisper. And for that reason alone they were all the more frightening. Still the insinuation that you would intentionally harm Rarity in any way caused your anger to flare.

“I would never hurt Rarity!” You bite back, keeping your voice down so the mare you spoke of didn’t hear you in the room over.

Rarity’s mother doesn’t answer right away; she’s still looking at you with that penetrating stare, you meet it with your own though you’re sure it’s not having much effect. Then much to your surprise she lets out a chuckle.

“I know you wouldn’t honey…” The mare’s gaze becomes much softer, and she gives you a gentle pat on the top of your head. Needless to say, you are very confused. “I just needed to make sure…you just…look after my daughter okay?” The mare looks back, her expression almost sad. “She’s a very emotional mare and you…” Now her eyes meet yours, and a moment of silence follows. You wonder what it is she’s looking for, as you see a studious glint in her eye as your gazes meet. Whatever it is, she must have found it, as her smile returns and she giggles again. “Never mind, I’m sure she’s in great hooves.”

Neither you or the pink mare say anything as she leaves, you are still very confused but…you feel like now is not the proper time for asking questions. When you had looked into her eyes just a few brief seconds ago you had seen something…a deep caring, a caring for her child that you’re sure only a mother could possibly have. You didn’t really know why she had spoken to you the way she did, maybe word of your many relationships around town had spread…maybe Big Mac had a bigger mouth than he let on…and perhaps she had been testing you in order to find out if you cared about her daughter or if you just planned on riding her.

The thought that other ponies may know about your romantic efforts upset you, but it didn’t surprise you. How many mares had you been trying to hook up with since you moved here? Now that you think of the number you’re a little ashamed. Ponyville was a lot smaller than Manehattan, you didn’t have to worry about somepony knowing about who you’d done what with out there…there was just too many ponies. But here things were different, in a town like this everypony knew everypony and it was no wonder word had gotten round, it had too, practically every other mare in town had shot you down at one point or another.

Now a more frightening thought enters your head…what did Rarity know? Worse yet…what did she think? She had to at least know about a few of your marefriends right? What if she thought all you were trying to do was get her in bed? You didn’t want her thinking something like that, mainly because it couldn’t be farther from the truth. You liked Rarity…practically adored her, she’d been a constant presence in your thoughts since you’d met; she was like a flower whose roots had grown and spread in your head. Wrapping themselves around your thoughts with a deadly grip and refusing to let go.

“Dear, are you feeling ill?” You perk up at the familiar voice.

“Uh yeah Rarity, I mean no! I’m fine.” You turn to the snow white mare, smiling at her in a comforting way.

She however seems unconvinced, concern written plain on her face as she steps forward, looking you over with worry. “Are you positive, you seem…distracted. Are you sick?” You feel her reach up with a hoof and gently caress your forehead; the touch is light and dainty, almost as if it’s not there at all. Still, you fail to fight off the blush. “Hm, you’re not running a fever.”

“Really Rarity I’m fine, I was just thinking that’s all.”

“Oh I see, you had me worried for a moment.” Rarity lets out a sigh, and it’s now you realize just how tired she looks, having to deal with both Sweetie Belle and her mother had no doubt taken its toll on the fashionista’s fatigue.

“Are you okay Rarity? You look a little down.”

Rarity smiles at your show of concern, but it’s a weak and tired smile. “Oh yes, it’s nothing, I’m just finding myself a little weary.” Rarity places a dainty hoof to her mouth and yawns, her body teetering slightly as she does so. “Make that quite weary.”

“Maybe you should sit down for a minute Rarity.” You offer, stepping forward to catch her should she fall.

Rarity shakes her head and blinks her eyes numerous times, trying to force the exhaustion away. “No…I couldn’t…I have things to do.”

You however will not take no for an answer, you gently wrap your hoof around hers and begin to lead her towards the red satin couch you’d found her sleeping on earlier this morning. Rarity squeaks lightly when you grab her, not expecting such a forward approach, but she makes no move to pull away. You help her onto the couch, and you notice a grin splay across her face as she lowers herself onto the piece of furniture.

“Why don’t you just rest for a while?” You ask her, reaching over and grabbing a neatly folded blanket that lay idle on the opposite end of the couch.

“Oh I couldn’t, I have so many errands to run…” Her voice begins to fade out, and you can tell it’s only a matter of time before she falls asleep.

“Don’t worry about it.” You tell her, draping the soft quilted blanket over her, she smiles and snuggles herself into the soft red fabric. “Just tell me what you need and I’ll take care of it for you.”

Rarity’s blue eyes are barely visible through the tiny slits of their lids, and it seems as if at any moment she’ll have drifted off to sleep. She fights her way through another yawn as she speaks.

“O-on the kitchen table…there’s a list of errands I need to do, Applejack’s package is in my room, and make-make sure you get it to her.” Rarity pulls a hoof up to cover her mouth as another drawn out yawn is released.

You smile down at her. “Okay Rarity, you just leave it to your assistant, I’ll get it all taken care of for you, I promise.” You turn towards the kitchen, heading off to receive Rarity’s list.

“Oh and gentlecolt…one last thing,” Rarity whispers, her tired voice drawing your attention. You lean closer, so it’ll be easier to hear her. But you’re only met with the feeling of cherry red lips against your cheek. You’re startled at the sudden touch, for more than obvious reasons. For instance, Rarity’s first few pecks had been just that pecks…but this one felt…different…more, affectionate. She keeps her lips there for a solid minute, pulling away with a very unladylike smack, but that was fine.

“Your lipstick was smeared…”

You don’t know what to do, or say, this kiss didn’t feel like the others. It felt…special, Rarity is looking at you with an amused expression out of the corner of her eye. Her look saying what her words did not, ‘you’re mine now’. And it was true, you were like a mouse trapped by a manticore…only problem with that analogy is that the mouse isn’t supposed to want to be captured.

You don’t get a chance to say anything on the matter before Rarity settles her head on the couch, you notice that the way she’s laying is scrunching up her mane, but it doesn’t seem to bother her for some reason.

Eventually, Rarity’s breathing goes steady and you can tell she’s fallen asleep. You sleep tight Miss Rarity…Luna knows I won’t be able to for the next few weeks. You think inwardly, smiling at her. Rarity was going to be occupying your dreams for many a night to come, that you knew for sure.

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The air outside is warm, bordering on hot, a sure sign that Summer was on its way though not quite here yet. Your eyes had adjusted to the light by now, though it still kind of stung the one you’d been punched in. But, you figured it would stop bugging you here pretty soon. All around you ponies were bustling about, enjoying their weekend in whatever way they saw fit, you saw that most of them were hurrying off towards Sugarcube Corner. You figured that either A, Pinkie Pie was throwing another party, or B, that many of them were heading over in order to get their hooves on a nice cold snack to help them cool off a little in the heat.

Either way it meant that running your errands around town should be a little easier, less waiting in lines. You reach around and stick your snout into the light burlap saddlebag resting at your side, retrieving a torn piece of paper from one of its pockets. You’d borrowed the saddlebags before leaving Rarity’s, figuring that she wouldn’t mind and that it would make your errands slightly easier to do.

You place the piece of paper in your hoof and begin to read it over, the fancy print and deep blue ink a little hard to read at first, especially since the light was in your eyes, but after a few moments of squinting you begin to make out the words.

Pick up package at mail station.

Delivery to Applejack’s

Inform Fluttershy of spa date one week from now

Pick up order at Sugarcube corner

It certainly seemed like Rarity had her work cut out for her, these errands were going to take you all over town. And you couldn’t forget to stop by Caramel’s later and let him know of your current change in living space…maybe you could snatch a couple of his pills while you were there. You didn’t have a hangover anymore but this ache in your neck was murder.

Seeing that none of these tasks required any real urgency you decided to start with what was easiest, picking up the package at the mail station. Even if Sugarcube Corner was a little closer, it seemed far too busy at the moment and you weren’t really in the mood to sit around for Celestia knows how long in the heat.

It still doesn’t take you incredibly long to get to the mail station, only about ten or so minutes. The square like building was easy to spot with its bright blue roof and red brick walls, not to mention the giant white sign that read MAIL in big bold letters. The place looked pretty dead at the moment, only a few lonely pegasi hung around outside, waiting to be called out for delivery. You notice Ditzy, also called Derpy, on account of her wobbly eyes, sitting and chatting next to a fellow mail pony. She waves enthusiastically as you approach; you return her greeting with a small wave and a smile.

The glass door leading into the building swung open with a loud squeak, in the distance you could hear what sounded like shuffling papers and the gentle hum of some kind of machine, probably a mail sorter, you guess. The air smells like fresh paper and feels much cooler than outside. It seemed about as occupied as you expected, you were alone in the room except for a stallion working the front desk, tugging at his tie with one hoof and flipping through letters with another, and a purple unicorn sitting in the corner, organizing an impossibly large number of books while checking off some kind of list at the same time.

Your hooves clack loudly against the hardwood floor of the mail station, catching the attention of the stallion at the front desk, who immediately stops tugging at his tie as you get close, you notice that his eyes flash onto your cheek, the look was subtle and discrete but still noticeable. You didn’t think much of it, figuring you were going to be getting a lot more looks like that as the day went on.

“Hello sir how may I help you?” The front desk stallion asks his voice deep and professional.

“Um, yes hello I’m here to pick up a package.” You tell him.

“Sure thing, can I ask who for?”

“Oh, well I’m picking it up for a friend of mine. Miss Rarity? I’m sure you know her.” You notice the purple mare off in the corner stop writing for a second and look up, but you pay it no real mind.

The stallion’s eyes widen in recognition. “Oh Rarity, yeah she made a beautiful dress for my foal the other day, excellent work.” Then he frowns a little. “But I’m afraid I don’t know who you are.”

You frown back, you hadn’t been expecting this to be a problem, but you weren’t really surprised. Ponyville was welcoming enough for sure but there was still a certain amount of mistrust that came with being an outsider.

“I moved here a couple months back, just recently got hired as Miss Rarity’s assistant, she was a little busy so I decided to run her errands for her.”

The faintest of grins touches the stallion’s expression as his eyes flick over to the lipstick on your cheek once again, you didn’t need him to say anything, the implication he thrust upon you were clear from the amused expression he held.

“Yeah, well I’d love to give the package to you pal but somepony already beat you to it.”

You blink, your expression becoming one of surprise. “Really? Who?”

The stallion opens his mouth to answer, before he’s cut off.

“I did.” You turn, seeing the purple unicorn from earlier standing before you, her hoof held up for a shake. “Hi there, I’m Twilight Sparkle.”

You reach over and shake the mare’s hoof, giving her your name in turn.

“Nice to meet you.” She says with her voice cheerful. “I’m a friend of Rarity’s, I knew she was going to be picking up that book she ordered today so I figured I’d save her the hassle and deliver it myself. So you’re Rarity’s…assistant?” Twilight raises an eyebrow, grinning and eyeing your lipstick out of the corner of her purple eye.

Your expression becomes somewhat displeased, of course every pony in existence was going to see the lipstick on your cheek and automatically assume that you were Rarity’s assistant in more ways than one, this was going to get very old very fast.

“Yes I am.” You answer the mare, a well hidden edge to your voice. “So, could you please give me her book?”

Twilight smiles. “Yes of course, but I hope you don’t mind stopping off at my library first. I was expecting Rarity to swing by later today for some tea and I was going to give it to her then. Since she won’t be doing that I’ll just have it with you! It’ll be fun having some new company over for a change.”

You sigh inwardly, you would much rather just get the book and be done with it, after all you did have more errands to get done and Celestia’s sun wasn’t going to be up forever. But what the hay, the mare seemed nice enough and she was one of Rarity’s friends, might as well spend some time with her, maybe she could tell you a little more about your object of affection.

“Sure, I’ll tag along.” You look behind the mare, the huge stack of books catching your eye. “Um, are you going to leave those here?”

Twilight follows your gaze. “Oh, no I’ll be taking those with us.”

You look incredulously at her. “Are you sure? That’s a lot of books to carry.”

Twilight waves a dismissive hoof. “Don’t worry about it; weight is no big deal when you have magic.” Twilight’s horn glows a deep purple, an aura of magic surrounding the pile of books. You watch, impressed, as Twilight magically levitates the books one by one through the door, stacking them in a neat little pile outside. Really, you just had to be born an earth pony.

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“Make yourself at home; I’ll get the tea started.” Twilight welcomes you into her abode.

You look around with interest as you make your way inside. Since you’d moved here you hadn’t really had time to peruse the local library, you simply didn’t have time to read any good books in-between trying to find a job and dealing with one marefriend after another. All in all it seemed like a nice establishment. The room was cleaned and stacked with books of all kinds, from high fantasy fiction to your typical history tome. The air smelt of old paper and wood, the library being made from what remained of a hollowed out tree was no doubt the reason behind that. And the room was open and immense; a front desk with a checkout list lying open on top sat to your right, and you could hear Twilight preparing the tea for you both in the kitchen off to the side.

“This is a nice place you have here Miss Sparkle.” You say loud enough for her to hear in the next room over, while simultaneously perusing the endless supply of books for something interesting to read as you waited for your tea.

“Oh thanks, I had Spike tidy it up a little today, it was an absolute train wreck a few hours ago. I'd love to introduce you but he's out helping the Crusaders with something.” She answers back.

Spike huh? That’s an interesting name. You seem to recall Rarity mentioning something about her friend Twilight’s assistant, that must have been him since you find it unlikely that Rarity has two friends with the same name. Well, now this could come in handy. Your thoughts shift in a completely different direction when a book catches your eye.

“Would you like any sugar in your tea?” Twilight asks, followed by a faint clattering of kitchenware.

“Um, no thank you.” You answer back, not really thinking about your decision, too busy flipping through a book titled Courtship: How to flirt like a Gentlecolt.

“So you’re new in town right? What do you think of Ponyville?” Twilight asks, still in the kitchen, putting a few finishing touches on the tea.

You stick out your tongue in disgust, not in answer to Twilight’s question, but due to the contents of the book you were reading. There wasn’t a single thing in it that could be considered even remotely useful.

“It’s a nice little place, it’s a bit smaller and quieter than I’m used to but that’s actually a refreshing change of pace.” You answer, tossing the hardback on the nearest shelf, despite the fact that a garbage can might be more appropriate.

“You know I thought more or less the same thing when I first moved here.” Twilight says, finally emerging from the kitchen, a pair of teacups floating around her head, levitated by unicorn magic.

She sets the cup down on the table next to you and pulls up a chair. “Well I guess that’s not totally true, when I first moved here I was a little preoccupied with that whole Nightmare Moon thing.”

Ah, Nightmare Moon, AKA Princess Luna, it was hard to imagine that one of the royal princesses used to be an ancient evil being threatening the whole land with eternal darkness. You can see Twilight’s gaze running over you, as if she was studying you. You’re a little weirded out by this, but you don’t draw any attention to it.

“So, mind if I ask where you come from?” My she was a curious one wasn’t she? You wonder if coming here had been a mistake, you didn’t really have the time, not to mention the patience, to spend all day playing twenty questions with a unicorn. But still, maybe if you just answer her questions she’ll let you be on your way.

“I uh, used to live in Manehattan with my family.” You tell her, before bending down and taking a sip of your tea, it tasted a little funny, a tad too bitter…

“I see, and what’s your family like?”

You lick around the inside of your mouth before responding, the strange taste of the tea still tainting your tongue. Maybe asking for a little sugar wouldn’t have been a bad idea. “My dad is a wealthy banker, ran a lot of big businesses and stuff you know, and my sister is a little filly, about five or six, loves to work with my dad.”

Twilight leans forward a little. “Uh-uh and what about your mother?”

“She um, well she’s a mom you know.” You try to dodge the question, to no avail apparently.

“Yeah, and…” Twilight presses, her voice thick with curiosity.

“And that’s about it.” You answer, trying to make your reply sound nonchalant, yet at the same time letting Twilight know you wouldn’t be saying anything else on the matter.

Twilight seemed a little put off by your response, obviously not expecting to be stonewalled quite so fast.

“Well, how do you feel about working for Rarity?” She asks, her smile returning.

“It’s great so far, not that I’ve been doing it for long or anything, I uh just started yesterday.” You answer, feeling yourself more at ease with the purple unicorn, really she wasn’t so bad just a little too curious for your liking.

“Oh, well I guess that would explain why I haven’t seen you doing things for her until today.” Twilight smiles a tad mischievously at you. “But how do you feel about Rarity herself?”

You shift a little in your chair; you could already tell where this was heading. “What do you mean?”

Twilight laughs a little. “Oh come on don’t play dumb.”

You feign ignorance, knowing full well it wouldn’t get you anywhere but feeling as if you might as well try to avoid the painfully awkward situation that was lying in wait on the horizon. “I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about.”

The unicorn deadpans. “I’ve read exactly twelve different books about how to tell when a pony is lying and right now you are exhibiting twenty five out of the thirty signs that show when a pony is keeping something hidden.”

You blink, surprised. Really, this mare had read twelve different books about how to tell when a pony was lying? Clearly she had entirely too much time on her hooves. You drag a hoof across your face, unsure of how to answer; you certainly didn’t want Rarity to catch wind of your affections, well, not yet anyway. And you figure that telling one of her closest friends how you felt was probably not the best way to go about achieving that.

“I, um…” You twitch around tensely, eager to get out of this incredibly awkward situation you found yourself in. “Truly enjoy her company.”

Twilight raises a mocking eyebrow, motioning towards the lipstick on your cheek. “Seriously, ‘enjoy her company’?”

You let out a noise halfway between a groan and a sigh. “That’s not what you think it is.”

“Oh come on! I’m a shut in not an idiot!”

This was pointless, obviously lying to Twilight wasn’t going to work, this mare could read you like an open book.

“Listen I…” Your voice trails off a little as the words falter on the tip of your tongue. You reach up and pinch the bridge of your snout with a hoof. “…I really like her okay. Does that answer your question?”

Twilight does a quick hoof pump. “Yes I knew it!” She brings her hoof back down and an aloof air overtakes her. “And Rainbow said I couldn’t read ponies like I do books!”

You shake your head solemnly. You knew full well that no matter what Twilight wanted that knowledge for it couldn’t possibly turn out good for you in the end. “Miss Sparkle could I please get that book now?”

“Huh?” Twilight looks at you, a wide grin still splayed proudly across her face. “Oh right Rarity’s book!” She brings up a hoof and lightly taps on her head. “Silly me, I almost forgot.”

Once again Twilight’s horn takes on a deep purple glow, that same ethereal aura surrounding a book lying on her desk across the room and pulling it over towards where you both sat. The thick hardback landed on the soft wood of the table with a muffled thump and a light puff of dust. The book looked like it was in excellent shape, no bent corners or torn pages here, Rarity must have ordered it brand new, you’d do your best to ensure it stayed in that condition throughout the day. There was a picture of a spool of thread and a needle on the cover, fancy gold lettering across the top telling you the title. ‘Threads and Fabrics: One hundred easy techniques for the aspiring fashion designer.’

You find this choice of book a little odd, Rarity wasn’t exactly an aspiring fashion designer, you could only wonder which of these one hundred easy techniques she didn’t know, you’d seen her work and how lavish it was, and you doubted that she didn’t know a few simple stitches. Of course this was all explained once your eyes finally caught sight of who the author was.

“No way…” You mumble, leaning a little closer, making sure you had read the name correctly.

“Yes way!” Twilight says, nodding her head and grinning proudly. “I’m friends with an author! Isn’t that neat?”

You nod at the purple unicorn. And it looks like I’m infatuated with one. You think. Imprinted on the book, right underneath a picture of Fancy Pants, that foppish Canterlot pony you’d heard about, who had apparently given the book his stamp of approval, were the words, Written By: Rarity.

“It’s actually pretty good.” Twilight chirps. “I managed to give it a good read through earlier today.”

“I’ll bet, do you plan on getting any more copies?” You ask, confident you’d be picking up one yourself when given the chance. Not that you were all that interested in becoming a fashion designer mind, but mostly just because you wanted to support Rarity in practically any way you possibly could.

Twilight nods enthusiastically. “Yeah, I have about three coming in next week.” She smiles knowingly at you. “I’ll be sure to hold onto one for you.”

You laugh a little at that. Gently picking up the book and securing it within your saddlebag. “Thanks Miss Sparkle, I appreciate it.” You hop out of your chair, heading for the door. “I hope you don’t mind if I take my leave, I have more errands to run.”

“Yeah, sure thing, stop by again sometime.” Twilight says, showing you to the door.

“Sure thing Miss Sparkle, have a nice day.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Twilight watches you leave, before shutting the door and turning back into the library. You had thought that the unicorn’s rather invasive questions had just been the byproduct of an over curious nature, while in reality her purpose had been much different. Twilight Sparkle had been testing you.

She hums a quiet tune as she trots up the stairs. That’s right; nopony was going to end up dating one of her best friends without a little background check, not since that whole changeling business with her older brother. Would some consider it invasive? Probably. Was this abuse of her power and privileges as Princess Celestia’s personal protégé? Well yes but what was the fun in having those things if you couldn’t use them to your advantage once and a while?

Twilight steps into her bedroom, her horn glowing as she retrieves a thick black book from underneath her bed. Now this was a very special book, it was The Book of Memories, an ancient tome created by Starswirl the Bearded many years ago. In the wrong hooves it could be extremely dangerous, but in the capable hands of a unicorn as gifted as Twilight it had become a very useful tool.

The Book of Memories was made in such a way that when a name was written onto a blank page within that the written pony’s memories would be laid open for view, she had refrained from using it on any of her friends or acquaintances, no matter how much she had wanted to, the unicorn’s studious personality and desire to know everything about everything often made her consider peeking once or twice into the book, but she knew better.

This would actually be her first time putting the book to any real use, and she couldn’t help but feel a little excited at the prospect. She levitates over a quill and ink, but before she begins she makes a solemn promise not to peer into any of your more personal memories, things like past lovers and personal moments would be left untouched, even a mare as closed in as Twilight knew that looking at something like that would be a step too far. But this didn’t really bother her; she only thought that one aspect of your life was in need of a little more…study.

So, with that out of the way she quickly scribbles your name onto the empty piece of paper before her, then waits, and watches.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

That had certainly been interesting, you had no idea that Rarity had written a book, and you regret being unable to give it a good look while you were at Twilight’s, but you had been eager to leave and get on with your tasks. You spy that the sun was still high in the sky, so it couldn’t have been all that late, still you didn’t know how long the rest of your errands were going to take, and you didn’t want to run the chance of upsetting Rarity.

You retrieve Rarity’s list and a quill you’d brought along, quickly scribbling out your accomplished task. You spy Sugarcube Corner off in the distance, the line outside still pretty large but not quite as unbearable as it was before. You figure now was as good a time as any to get yourself in line and pick up whatever Rarity had ordered.

............................................................................................................................................................................................

A/N So, this is a little shorter than the last few chapters as I'm sure many of you have noted, and if you read my journal post you would know that is because this is only half of the entire fourth part of The Next in Line, sadly, I doubt that the second part will be completed by Sunday, but I'm not sure it could happen. Anyway, be sure to comment and let me know what you all think, it's stuff like your guys' expert criticism that will help me improve.

Pretty damn close

You had been waiting outside for about twenty minutes.

“By Celestia’s nonexistent beard it’s hot!” You hiss quietly to yourself, reaching up with a hoof to wipe away a few beads of sweat.

As the day had gone on it seemed as if the air got warmer, you wonder if the weather ponies had gone and messed something up, or if this was a planned turn in the weather due to that unscheduled rainstorm last week. Well, at least you could take solace in the fact that you weren’t the only one who was absolutely miserable. All around you ponies were moaning and groaning about how hot it was, and the line outside of Sugarcube Corner had grown exponentially, filled with busy ponies who all just wanted something a little cold to help them cool off, you were glad that you had decided to get in line when you did.

Every once and a while you could see either Mister or Misses Cake pop out and scout around, offering ponies free bottles of water as a thank you for waiting so patiently, it was nice of them to do but you couldn’t shake the feeling that it was more or less just a ploy to keep everypony calm long enough for them to get their order and leave. And in that regard it had seemed to be working, a few minutes before the Cakes had started handing out water the ponies around you had been getting rather restless, shoving, kicking, and shouting at each other in their frustration. But now that they all had something to help them cool off things had quieted down.

But of course, that wasn’t going to last forever.

“Um, excuse me, you butted in line.” You hear a meek voice from a few feet behind, so quiet you could barely hear it. You look back to see if the comment was directed at you, fortunately it was not.

“I think your mistaken Fluttershy; I was here the whole time.” You grimace when you hear that voice, of course, it had to be her.

“Lily…” You whisper sharply, stealing another glance backwards.

You can see what appears to be a meek yellow pegasus standing a few ponies behind where you were in line, she’s hiding one eye behind a lock of long pink hair, and standing eye level with the mare you’d once sought the affections of, Lily, the pink flower shop sister.

“No…I’m quite confident you weren’t.” The yellow pegasus more or less mumbles through a mouthful of mane.

Lily steps back and puts on a look of disgust. “Like, maybe you couldn’t see because you need a manecut like, really bad, but that’s not my problem okay Fluttershy?” Wow, what did you ever see in this stuck up mare? Had it been pure blind stupidity or crushing loneliness that made her seem like an ideal marefriend?

Fluttershy shrinks back a little at the insult, you could already tell how fragile the poor thing was, and it was obvious that an insult no matter how minor was going to strike a sore spot with her.

“But…I’ve been waiting for a long time an-”

“But nothing!” Lily snaps back, causing Fluttershy to literally secede into the shelter that was her mane. “I don’t care how long you’ve been here just shut up! I’m shriveling up out here in the heat and I’m wasting my energy talking to you!”

Oh that was it! Poor Fluttershy was on the verge of tears, you could see her lip quivering and everything! If there was one thing you absolutely, positively, could not stand it was the sight of a mare crying! Something had to be done.

“Excuse me boys.” You whisper to the pair of young colts sitting in front of you, one of them had a thick English accent and appeared to be a blank flank, and the other had a brown coat and a couple of ice cream Sundays for his cutie marks.

“Yes sir!” Said the English one.

“Would you two be willing to hold my place for me? I have to help out a friend.”

“Sure thing mate!”

With that taken care of you hop out of line and immediately head towards Fluttershy and Lily.

“Fluttershy dearest of all my friends!” You shout, making overzealous gestures and gaining odd looks from more than a couple ponies in the line.

“Um, what?” Fluttershy starts, barely moving, your sudden outburst having scared the poor mare half to death.

“Now I told you I’d save your spot in line while you went to the bathroom! Get up here you silly filly!” Before the mare can protest, like you know she will, you snatch up her hooves and begin dragging her towards your previous spot in line, a good several feet in front of where Lily was standing.

You can’t fight the urge to flash Lily an impish grin as you begin dragging Fluttershy away; unfortunately this means she catches wind of your plan.

“Hey you can’t do that!” She shouts, her voice fading away as you move farther up the line.

“Watch me!” You shoot back, keeping that same façade of cheeriness.

“Why you just wait until I tell my coltfriend about this!”

“I’m looking forward to hearing from him!”

Lily’s face looks so red you’d wager it was about to burst, before she lets out a huff and stomps off, swearing and cursing until she faded off deeper into town. Probably off to go tell her coltfriend about this whole thing, you aren’t all that worried, you’ll probably be gone by the time she comes back with trouble.

You couldn’t help but feel giddy right now. Doing this had felt like getting back at her for dumping you a couple days ago, and even though that was indeed a shallow victory you had trouble feeling bad about it. After all, the mare had already gotten a new coltfriend, hell, she was probably seeing him while she was with you.

“Thanks boys.” You say to the pair of colts that had been watching your place.

The little English one gives you a salute. “Sure thing mate! Glad we could ‘elp.”

You look down, your smile fading to a frown when you see what Fluttershy is doing. She was currently in the process of burying her head between her hooves, shaking in fear.

“Miss Fluttershy, are you okay?” You ask softly, so as not to startle her, worried that you may very well be the cause for her fear.

Fluttershy is sniffling and crying, and the sight is nearly enough to make your heart explode, this had not been what you intended.

“P…please don’t hurt me mister!” She squeaks, refusing to look up at you.

You reel at the accusation, hurt her? Where had she gotten an idea like that?

“Miss Fluttershy I’m not going to hurt you, I’m helping you.” You do your best to put on a caring and fatherly voice, by now a few ponies in line had started to notice Fluttershy’s display, casting you odd and distrusting looks.

“Helping me? The- then why did you drag me out of line?” Fluttershy asks, with a voice as powerful and damning as it could be, which, was not very.

“Miss Fluttershy please, I brought you forward in line, I would never hurt you, I promise. So will you please stand up?” An edge of worry was creeping into your voice, the ponies around you now mumbling quietly, you were confident you’d seen a couple of stallions already sizing you up. Oh by Celestia this mare was going to get you lynched.

You’re not really sure if it’s the tone of desperation or your kind words that brought Fluttershy out of her shaking stupor, but right now you don’t really care, so long as you don’t end up inciting an angry mob.

Fluttershy reaches up and wipes away her tears, looking back to see that she did in fact move ahead in line.

“Oh…I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you.” Fluttershy’s tone is so quiet and cute you nearly feel your heart burst; you doubted she was even capable of yelling.

You smile comfortingly at the shy Pegasus. “Oh hey, don’t worry about that. I just saw the way Lily was treating you and decided she needed a taste of her own medicine.”

Fluttershy looks back, one of her eyes shielded by her pink hair. “Oh…yes she was being kind of…rude.”

She doesn’t make eye contact with you, instead opting to keep her gaze solidly glued to the ground. Obviously being with a stranger made her nervous, so you decided to do your best to relax her.

“Say, are you one of Rarity’s friends?” Fluttershy perks up a little at the mention of the name.

“Um…yes, how did you know?”

“I’m Rarity’s new personal assistant; I’m running errands for her today.” You offer Fluttershy another soft smile. “She actually wanted me to tell you something.”

“Really, what is it?” That’s better; at least she’s looking at you now.

“She wanted to let you know that she was going to move your spa date to next week. Is that okay Miss Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy looks a little disappointed; obviously she didn’t really want the spa date moved. “I suppose, I’ll just have to move Winona’s checkup to a couple days earlier.”

“Okay thank you.” You reach back and retrieve your quill and paper, scratching out your recently accomplished task before placing them back where they belong. Out of the corner of your eye you notice Fluttershy looking at you pensively, as if thinking of something to say. “Is there…something you wanted to ask me Miss Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy shrinks back at your voice, as if you’d caught her committing some kind of crime. For a moment you think she may shrivel back up into a little ball and start crying again, and that’s the last thing you want.

“Hey, it’s okay. I don’t bite, go ahead and ask me whatever you want.” You encourage the shy mare, smiling at her in a vain attempt to get her to relax a little.

You notice Flutteshy’s ruby colored eyes darting around, and you think at any minute she may very well run off. But it seems that after a few moments she finds her voice, and you’re forced to strain your hearing in order to understand her hushed words.

“You…um…have something on your face.” You fight off a tired sigh. Of course, what else would it be?

“Yeah, that.” You decide to just come right out with it this time; no beating around the bush like you did with Twilight. “It’s uh…Rarity’s lipstick.”

At first Fluttershy seems perplexed, cocking her head slightly to the right as she puzzles what that could possibly entail. Then her eyes go wide, and she makes a tiny gasping sound.

“Oh, you’re him!” Fluttershy’s tiny voice surprises you. Him? What could that possibly mean?

You give Fluttershy a curious look, curving your eyebrow upwards as she jams a hoof into her open maw with a faint panicked squeak. Her eyes darting away in a flash, obviously she was not supposed to let that one slip.

You’re half tempted to let the comment slide by, odds are you wouldn’t be getting anything out of her anyway. But you can feel the curiosity eating away at you, and you’re dying to know if Rarity had been talking about you.

“Miss Fluttershy…what do you mean, ‘him’?” You do your best to dress up your question with a fine veil of nonchalance, to no great success.

Fluttershy is literally shaking, feverishly turning and twisting as if searching for a way to escape your inquisitive gaze. You are actually about to tell her it’s no big deal, if your question was going to stress her out so bad it wasn’t really worth the answer, but you never got the chance.

“Listen Miss Fluttershy if you don’t want to tell me that’s fi-”

“Ohlookwe’renextcomeonletsgo!” The words fire out of her mouth faster than you can comprehend them, and you are caught completely by surprise when she grabs onto you and yanks you into Sugarcube Corner.

The interior of the building passes by in a blur, and you find that your head is still spinning by the time you come to a stop, a loud screech resounding from the tile floor beneath your rump as you come to a spinning halt in front of the main desk inside of the spacious building. Before you can stop it your head swings forward with a sickening lurch, the momentum propelling your skull into the hard wood of the table with a loud and agonizing smack.

“OW! Oh buck my life!” The swear comes out as more of a hoarse cry rather than a rage filled scream as you fight your way through the tears and pain rocketing through both your sore skull and screaming neck.

The pain shooting through your skull wasn’t unbearable, but that didn’t exactly mean it was pleasant. You shoot a condemning look at Fluttershy through a squinted eye, gently rubbing the now fresh bruise marking your forehead.

“I’m sorry I’m sorry I didn’t mean to do it!” Fluttershy pleads, judging from the agonized look on her face and the tears running down her cheeks you’d think she was the one who’d slammed her head on the desk.

When you notice the distraught Pegasus, any previous thoughts of anger are immediately erased. “Hey, it’s okay. Gah ow! Don’t cry Fluttershy please, you didn’t mean it I know!”

It doesn’t seem as if your words manage to get through to the moaning Pegasus, she’s still sobbing, her tears falling down and forming a small pool of sadness down below her.

“I spy with my Pink little eye, what seems like a crying Fluttershy!” The singsong voice appears from nowhere, and for a minute you think that perhaps it had been your imagination. When you pick up on the strange scent of…was that cupcakes?

Suddenly you hear a loud *Boing* noise and a pink mare with a fuzzy mane and balloons on her flank lands on the tile floor in front of you, after a few moments you realize that you recognize her, she’s the mare that threw you a part on your first day in town, the one and only Pinkie Pie.

“Aw Shy, why are you so sad?” Pinkie asks with deep concern.

Fluttershy doesn’t look up, keeping her eyes screwed shut as tears run down her cheek in thick blue rivulets. The pink mare notices that her words aren’t working, so she takes a more direct approach, hopping towards the crying Pegasus with joyful bounds.

“Shh, come to auntie Pinkie Pie.” The pink mare whispers quietly, slowly pulling Fluttershy in for a hug.

Fluttershy gently eases into the embrace, wrapping her hooves around her friend and gently sobbing into her large frizzy mane. The tears fall and begin to sink into her fur, but Pinkie doesn’t seem to mind.

After a few more minutes of gentle crying, and a few more soft coos from ‘auntie’ Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy seems to find her voice once more.

“I…didn’t mean to…hurt him!” She chokes out through another round of racking sobs; you actually start to feel guilty, despite the fact that you were the one who had his head slammed into the table.

“Who, that guy?” Pinkie motions towards where you sit with a flick of her head, and despite the fact that Fluttershy couldn’t have seen where she pointed with her head buried all the way into Pinkie’s neck she nods. “He’s fine! Aren’t ya!?”

It takes you a second to realize that Pinkie is talking to you. “Oh! Uh yeah, I’m perfectly fine Miss Fluttershy really.” You start to lift your head up, your neck screaming in protest to the movement. Yeah, perfectly fine, totally not going to have neck problems throughout the rest of the day! Nope not at all! You fume bitterly, venting quietly in the dark recesses of your mind.

“Yeah see!” Pinkie Pie gently pushes Fluttershy away, angling the Pegasus so she can see you; you do your best to smile reassuringly at her through the pain. “He’s A-Okay!”

Fluttershy’s eyes look you over, puffy and bloodshot from all the crying she just did, before she somberly looks away, wiping the tears from her cheeks with the back of a hoof.

“S-sorry everypony…” It’s now you realize that the three of you had actually made quite the scene, and you fidget slightly underneath the gaze of all the unfamiliar ponies gawking at you in the crowded establishment.

“C’mon Fluttershy, I’ve got that special order you wanted all wrapped up and ready to go! It’s in my room let’s go!” And with a flash the two are gone, Pinkie moving impossibly fast for your eye to catch.

“Oh that Pinkie, she’s certainly a lively one.” You hear a deep chuckle to your right, and you look to see a wiry yellow stallion standing there, looking down at you. “Is there something you need son?”

You mumble another curse beneath your breath and give your head a gentle caress. “Um yes, hello Mister Cake, I’m here to pick up an order for Rarity. I’m her new assistant.” Another rock of pain and another swear. “And uh, do you guys sell ice packs?”

Mister Cake chuckles at your question. “You don’t need to buy an ice pack son. Just hang on a second. Honeybun! Is Miss Rarity’s order finished yet!?” Mister Cake lifts a hoof up to his mouth and calls towards the back, followed by his wife, Misses Cake, sticking her head outside of the door leading into the kitchen.

“Not quite yet, I still have to get it packaged up for travel.” She says, brushing off a light patch of flower that was staining her cheek before disappearing behind the door once more.

“Okay then, why don’t you come with me son? I’ll get you an ice pack. Pinkie, can you help with the customers please!”

In another flash Pinkie has reappeared. Really, how on Equestria does she do that!?

Pinkie dons a blue beret and salutes Mister Cake. “A, wi wi capiton!” She declares with a fake Franech accent, before giggling and bouncing behind the counter. Ringing the bell on the desk and shouting. “NEXT! NEXT!”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“There you go son, that should help you out.” Mister cake mouths, gently placing an icepack on the table next to you, “And something to help cool you off a little.” He places a bottle of water within your reach.

“Thank you Mister Cake.” You mumble, gently picking up the freezing ice pack in your hooves and laying it flat on the bruise marking where your head had come in contact with the hard wood of the desk, sighing in satisfaction as the cold steals away some of the pain.

“Sure thing, it uh, looks like you’ve gotten yourself pretty beaten up recently.” The older stallion says, and you can tell he’s referring to your black eye and bandaged hoof.

You chuckle a little; you really were getting the hell beat out of you recently that was for sure. “Yeah, I’ve had a rough couple days.”

Mister Cake smiles at you. “Yeah I can tell, well if you need anything just give me a holler, your order should be done in just a few minutes.”

“Sure thing Mister Cake.”

You sigh heavily and take a long drink from your water bottle. Your order, or rather, Rarity’s order, wasn’t quite ready yet. And that meant you had to wait for it, but unfortunately with how crowded Sugarcube Corner was they didn’t really have enough space for you inside, so instead they asked if you were willing to wait outside. Well of course you didn’t want to, the air outside was hot, stuffy, and making you sweat like a pig but you couldn’t find it in yourself to argue.

The line outside of Sugarcube Corner had made little improvement over the course of the past few minutes, a tad shorter perhaps but it looked like all the ponies in it were just as hot and miserable as they were a few moments ago. And boy was it hot and miserable out here, you were seriously considering marching over to the weather office and burning it down, natural weather had to be better than this.

At least the ice pack was helping both keep you cool and easing the pain of your bruised forehead, though you imagine that in this heat that wasn’t going to hold true for much longer. You reach down to take another drink from your water bottle, when you spot Dinky, accompanied by her mother, eyeing the drink with lust in her eyes.

You can tell what she wants, but you decide to make sure. So you hold up the water bottle with a smile and give it a shake, pointing at it with your head. Dinky looks at you, then back at the water bottle and nods.

“Here you go, don’t drink it all at once, you’ll be too full to eat anything when you get inside.” You tell the foal with a grin as she snatches up the water bottle like it’s made of gold.

She takes a few quick drinks, heeding your advice and making sure not to down too much, before she looks at you, pure gratitude in her gaze. “Thanks mister.”

“Sure thing,” You reply, smiling as both Dinky and her mother disappear inside of Sugarcube.

You felt good, helping out Dinky felt like a sort of karmic boost. You really did enjoy giving your fellow pony a hoof; so long as they deserved it of course, you’d been that way since you were a foal. Your mother had once told you that generosity was its own reward, and you were pleased to find that she was more or less right. Of course now you didn’t have anything to drink, and the heat outside would have been made at least slightly bearable if you could wet your whistle with something cold, but seeing that smile on Dinky’s face had been worth it as far as you were concerned.

But, as you were about to find out, not everypony seemed to share that same mentality.

Your attention was drawn to the back of the line, where you had heard shouts and groans of protest. You couldn’t really see what the disturbance was all the way up here but you had enough sense to know that it wasn’t good. You are about to head inside and tell Mister Cake about what’s going on, but right when you hop out of your chair you feel a pair of powerful hooves wrap themselves around your neck.

“YOU!” Is the only thing you hear before you get flung a good dozen feet or so in the opposite direction, landing in the dirt with a thump and a shock of pain from both your neck and your skull.

All around you there is silence, save for a few quiet murmurs from the group of ponies now forming a large circle around you, watching the events unfolding in front of them with fear. You crack open your eyes in just enough time to see a pair of hind hooves hanging dangerously above you, poised to strike.

You quickly roll to your right, avoiding the pair of stomping hooves in the nick of time. A light puff of dust floating up from the ground where they had struck, you waste no more time on the ground, knowing from experience it’s one of the worst places to be in a fight. You scramble to your feet, swearing loudly as a sting of pain erupts from your bandaged hoof, you brave a look down, and you see a dark red crimson circle gently bleeding through the soft white fabric of your bandage. Just great, one of Rarity’s impromptu stitches had popped.

“Alright punk, I’ve been waiting for this.” The stallion in front of you growls. Despite the situation you feel an odd sense of déjà vu creep over you when you see him.

The stallion before you was large, bulky, and big enough to give even Big Mac a slight pause. His muscles were large and rippled underneath his dark blue fur; you feel your heart drop, a stallion about your size? Yeah you could hold your own, even with a wound, but somepony this big…you knew your chances ranged everywhere from slim to none. The stallion held a look of pure hatred in his gaze, and he held your stare challengingly with his own. Though he’s only looking at you through one eye, his other appears to be blackened and bruised.

“Hey, listen; I don’t want any trouble alright.” You try to reason, keeping your voice as level as it could be.

The blue stallion starts pacing back and forth, kicking up dirt and snorting loudly, obviously he was not one for negotiation.

“Okay, if this is about Lily I’m sorry; I’ll apologize right now if you want.”

The stallion snorts again, though this time accompanied by a chuckle. “Oh this is about a lot more than Lily, messing with my mare is one thing, but sucker punching me is another!”

Sucker punching him? You’d never seen this stallion in your life, why on Equestria did he think that….oh dear, suddenly the realization hit you like a freight train, this was the stallion you had apparently knocked out in the middle of a drunken stupor.

You gulp down your fear, readying yourself, obviously appealing to this stallion’s good and merciful side wasn’t going to work, you’d just have to act a little harder than you felt. So you kick up some dirt of your own and get low to the ground, ready to charge when the time came.

“You want to fight huh big guy? I knocked you on your flank drunk; I’ll do it again sober!” Wow, your voice came out a lot braver than you thought it would.

“Oh yeah, real tough talk coming from a pony who can barely stand, hey how about you get a couple of your friends to help you out?”

“Well since you offered…” You smile with relief when you hear the familiar voice.

“Caramel!” You exclaim, looking over with gratefulness in your gaze as your friend approaches, forcing his way through the crowd. “What are you doing here?”

Caramel smiles at you. “Making sure my friend doesn’t get his flank kicked. Now watch me work.” Caramel holds himself up proudly, an air of overconfidence and machismo taking him over, this was a side of Caramel you had never seen before. “Hey blue boy! The department of clichés called, they want their overcompensating, idiotic, hot headed archetype back!”

The comment had obviously struck a nerve with the blue stallion. “Why you little…” He grumbles deeply, eyeing Caramel angrily as he lets the curse sitting on his tongue fade away, then his eyes flick back to you, obviously you were still the prime target for his assault. “Is this all you got for backup!?”

Before you can answer Caramel decides it’s time for another witty remark. “Yeah, I’m this guy’s backup.” He points a nonchalant hoof at you, before a sly grin overtakes his calm and unimposing features. “And this guy is mine.”

You can hear the familiar jingle of a collar and the thumping of powerful hooves signal the arrival of another one of your newest friends. The crowd forming around you parts on its own as a certain large, red, and rather upset looking Apple Family member makes his way towards where you and Caramel stand.

“Big Mac, by Celestia am I glad to see you.” You say thankfully and truthfully, odds were that even with Caramel fighting alongside you the fight wouldn’t exactly end in your favor, but with Big Mac here that was a different story.

“Eeyup…” Never before had that one simple word ever sounded more reassuring, Big Mac doesn’t look at you when he says it, chewing idly on his wheat stalk and eyeing the blue stallion in front of the three of you with the faintest of frowns.

The blue stallion scowls, obviously even this dumb as a brick pony could see that the odds were no longer in his favor. But to your surprise he doesn’t immediately back down, and you’re afraid that the situation may still very well end in a good ol’ fashioned punch up.

The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife, the ring of ponies that had formed around you were deathly quiet, waiting to see how this will turn out, oblivious to the heat and sun, as this was far more interesting. A brief gust of wind flows by, ruffling your unkempt mane and sending a chill throughout you as the sweat rolling off your body is cooled in the breeze.

“Eh, screw this…I got better stuff to do.” You barely manage to cover up a heavy sigh of relief when the blue stallion says this, marching off deeper into town and disappearing into a house only a few blocks away.

The ring of ponies around you suddenly seem to regain their senses, a good portion of them suddenly realizing that they had given up their place in line at Sugarcube Corner and running off with shouts and swears in order to retrieve them, an even greater number just seem to say buck it and head off somewhere else, tired of waiting in the sun.

You turn towards Big Mac and Caramel, gratitude written plain on your expression. “Thanks guys, I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t shown up.”

Caramel meets your gratitude with a nod, Big Mac with his usual response to everything.

“So what are you guys doing out here, I don’t take it your both out for a Sunday stroll.”

“We were lookin’ for you.” Big Mac answers, this being one of those rare times the big red stallion actually bothered to speak a full sentence.

“Me?” You ask incredulously.

Caramel nods. “Yeah you, Wind Whistler and I were worried sick when you didn’t come home the other night.”

“Really, Wind Whistler was worried sick about me?” You ask, the doubt thick in your voice, last time you checked the mare had wanted you out of her house like you were a bad rat infestation.

Caramel rolls his eyes. “Okay maybe she wasn’t sick but she likes you more than I think either of you realized. After all, you’re the only one who watches that little filly’s cartoon with her.”

“Hey, My Tiny Humans is a great show.” You say with a touch of anger, letting him know that there would be no discussion on the quality of your favorite cartoon.

Caramel grunts in aggravation. “Whatever, you see my point is that we want you to come home. So I enlisted the help of Big Mac here to find you.”

“Eeyup,”

“Well uh, Caramel I won’t be staying at your place any longer.”

Caramel deflates slightly. “What, why not?”

You scuff the ground and look away. “I’ve…got a new business arrangement.” You look up to see that Caramel didn’t really understand what you meant; obviously he was going to need a little more persuading. “Listen, I’ll explain everything in a little bit, but right now I have to finish running an errand. Wait here will you?”

You don’t wait for a reply, limping off towards Sugarcube Corner, your bleeding hoof making it agonizing every step of the way.

They better have my order ready.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Caramel runs a hoof down his face. “So let me get this straight…this mare offered you a job,”

“That’s right.”

“But she’s not going to pay you for the work.”

You nod.

“But instead she’s going to let you live with her.”

“Yep.”

Caramel sighs. “You’re hopeless…”

Your ears lay back and you give him an indignant look. “And what do you mean by that?”

Caramel shakes his head. “I mean that you just got dumped by a mare and you’re already vying for the attention of another one.”

You know he’s right, in a sense, but you still feel yourself aggravated at having the truth shoved in your face. “No I’m not.”

Caramel persists. “Yes you are, you’ve been here for two months and you’ve been trying to hook up with every other mare you’ve seen, it’s not good for you.”

You’re willing to give him that one. “Yeah, I have okay, but so what? All I want is somepony to be with that’s all, like you and Wind Whistler.”

Caramel groans in pure aggravation. “But that’s not my point, it’s just every mare you pick hasn’t exactly been the cream of the crop. They take advantage of you, and then leave you, and I can’t just sit by and watch that happen to my friend.”

You shake your head defiantly. “No, Rarity wouldn’t do something like that.”

“Oh yeah and how do you know, how long have you two actually known one another, three days?”

“It feels like I’ve known her longer than that! It’s like we’re already friends, I can’t explain it but I’d swear we’ve known each other for more than a few days!”

“Yeah well you can swear all you want but that doesn’t make it true, maybe she’s just using your feelings for some free labor, have you ever thought about that?”

You can feel your anger rising to the surface, Caramel was your friend but that didn’t change the fact that he was insulting Rarity…your Rarity.

“That’s not true.” You manage to get out through gnashing teeth.

“Oh you don’t think so, why is that?” Caramel bites, his own temper flaring just slightly.

“Because I just know!”

“And how is that, why are you so confident that this mare is different?”

“BECAUSE I’M IN LOVE WITH HER!” You snap your mouth closed…had you really just said that?

Neither you nor Caramel say anything for a while, a suffocating cloud of uncomfortable silence growing between you. The only noise is the faint chiming of a grandfather clock sitting idly in the corner of his living room, and the squeaking of the springs of the couch you were sitting on as you move to shift the weight off of your freshly bandaged leg.

“Do you…really mean that?” Caramel asks quietly, searching your face for truth.

You don’t know how to answer at first, absentmindedly biting at the inner part of your cheek as you contemplate your response. Did you…love Rarity? Was this strange feeling love? You didn’t really know, you’d been with many a mare but never had any of them had such an effect on your emotions, your thoughts, it’s like she was always there, always waiting...and Celestia knows you never felt better than when you were with her.

“I…” You choke slightly on the words. “…think I do, yeah.” You suddenly feel a need to talk, to explain, thinking that maybe if you just let it all out you’ll be able to make sense of it. “It’s like…whenever I see her I’m filled with, something, I don’t really know…there’s a warmth in my heart, is that love? Is love something you can feel? And she’s always in my thoughts, I can’t get rid of her, don’t want to get rid of her.” You pinch the bridge of your snout with a hoof and let out a pitiful groan. “Listen, all I know is that I’ve never felt this way before.”

Caramel is quiet for a minute, like he’s contemplating what you just said. He loved Wind Whistler didn’t he? Surely he understood, he had to understand…

“I see, well if you really are in love with her then I know I can’t stop you, no matter what I say, you just…remember that if you ever need somepony to talk to, or if things don’t work out that I’m here okay.” Obviously he still didn’t approve, but you were glad to see that he at least wasn’t going to push it anymore.

“Thanks Caramel, I appreciate it, really I do, you’ve done more for me than I could ever repay.” You tell him, and it was the truth, you hadn’t actually known Caramel for long but he had proven himself to be one of your closest and most trusted of friends.

Caramel waves off your gratitude with a hoof. “Hey don’t mention it. What else are friends for right?”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

About ten minutes later you had said your goodbyes to both Caramel and Wind Whistler, the latter of which had made you promise to stop by next Saturday to catch the new episode of your favorite cartoon together, you had said you would. Now you were on your way to Sweet Apple Acres, accompanied by Big Mac, who had been waiting outside while you and Caramel had your little heart to heart in his living room.

Caramel may have gotten on your nerves but at least he had made up for it by the end of your departure, both with his promise of allowing you to return whenever necessary, and by allowing you to bum a couple of his pain pills, which were proving themselves to be helpful with more than just hangovers. Your cut hoof and bruised skull no longer hurt anymore, but your neck was still proving itself a tad annoying.

The walk to Sweet Apple Acres was mostly a quiet one, both due to the fact that Big Mac wasn’t much of a talker, and that you had quite a bit to think about. You had hoped that getting your feelings for Rarity out there would help you feel better, but in truth all it had served to do was make you ponder them even more. Caramel hadn’t been able to tell you if what you were experiencing was love, you figure maybe it’s a little different for everypony, or maybe you didn’t actually love Rarity, maybe you just had some kind of wicked indigestion. Really who knew?

You’d considered talking to Big Mac about it, and then quickly shoved that notion out the nearest window. Big Mac had proven himself a good listener true, but you figure he’s probably not the best in the way of advice.

As the pair of you continue along the lonely dirt road leading to Sweet Apple Acres you wonder what Rarity would do if you confessed. Would she be happy? She had proven herself at the very least flirtatious, so perhaps she was just waiting for you to take the initiative. Or worse, would she be the exact opposite? Caramel was right when he said you two didn’t know each other very well, no matter how long it felt like you two had been acquainted, and you fear that pouring your heart out so soon may very well push her away, before you can even really get to know one another.

You sigh heavily, coming to terms with the fact that you just didn’t know, for now you’d keep your feelings as secret as you could and just work on getting to know Rarity better. And in time…well…just maybe you two could become something more than friends.

“BIG MAAAC!” The shout drags you out of your thoughts, the deep southern twang giving you a yank back into reality. You finally become aware of your surroundings, the giant apple trees hanging over head and blocking out most of the sun was a true enough sign that you had arrived at your destination.

You spy Applejack off in the distance, her golden coat of fur casting a dull shine as she passed through the sun’s rays, rushing towards both you and Big Mac with a fire in her eyes, you can tell that she is far from happy at the moment. You can hear her hooves pounding against the ground with force as she runs towards you, her voice faded off during her initial call for her older brother, becoming nothing but gibberish you couldn’t make out, that was until she got closer and you realized they were actually very colorful swears and curses.

“Why Big Mac ya yella bellied sof’ hooved field snake! Wheredya git off runnin out in tha middle of a harvest!? D’ ya realize yall left me to finish buckin’ all those apples bah mahself!?” Applejack huffs, both her rant and her run having expended all of her breath, sweat is pouring off of her in thick rivulets, a testament to how hard she had been working. She straightens her crooked hat and takes a deep breath, continuing from where she left off. “An’ not ta mention ahm suppose’ ta be lookin’ after our guest! Yall know what he’s like an’ yall know there ain’t no way no how he stayed in bed like he supposta!” You find yourself curious as to whom ‘he’ might be, but you aren’t given a chance to ask. “So, let me ask ya what was so gondarn important that yall bailed on me?”

Big Mac doesn’t answer right away; he takes the time to swish the wheat stalk in his mouth over so it didn’t fall out when he spoke, unable to refuse a few quick chomps before he does so. It’s visibly obvious this does nothing but antagonize his younger sibling, as she lets out a puff of air through her nostrils and squints her eyes, you take a few steps to the side, moving out of the way should she decide to give her brother a kick, you doubt she will…but still, you’d gotten beaten up enough recently.

“Caramel came bah, wanted some help.” He answers, failing to elaborate enough for his sister’s liking.

“Oh yeah, help with what?”

“Lookin’ for somepony.”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Fer lansakes Macintosh! Jus’ tell me the whole thang!”

Big Mac shows his distress, not in the way typical ponies do, naturally, he doesn’t groan, moan, or so much as break eye contact with his sister, all you can see is a brief exhale of air from his lungs, the tiniest of sighs.

“This feller right here went missin’ and I went with Caramel to go find him.” Big Mac gives a faint tilt of his head in your direction.

Applejack’s squinted gaze falls on you, you look around somewhat nervously, before giving the orange cowpony one of those extremely awkward halfway raised hoof waves. With a flash it’s like an entirely different pony has taken over, Applejacks demeanor and tone doing a complete one-eighty, her face taking on a somewhat sheepish look, like a foal that had been caught with her hoof in the cookie jar, she grins nervously and dodges her green eyes around.

“O-oh, uh, ahm real sorry partner, ah uh, didn’t mean ta scare ya away if yall was lookin’ ta buy.” She laughs forcibly, trying to cover up the quiver in her voice.

You raise an eyebrow. “Uh, actually Miss Applejack I’m not here to shop.”

Applejack looks at you inquisitively. “Ya aint, then what’re yall here for?”

“Well, Miss Applejack you might remember me, I was at your stall a-” Suddenly a series of loud bangs off in the distance gives you a fright, like several loud claps of thunder one after another, the noise is so loud and so out of the blue that both you and Big Mac actually get startled, Big Mac’s idea of ‘startled’ being a faint raising of his eyebrows. But still, you think that’s what it did to the big red stallion. As a matter of fact, the only pony that doesn’t seem to be bothered by the blasts is Applejack, she responds with a sigh and a solemn shake of her head.

“Big Mac, go an’ tell that good fer nothin’ stallion that if he aint well enough to buck apples the right way then he needs to get back in bed…” Applejack orders her brother. Big Mac’s face tightens up and the chewing of his wheat stalk ceases. “Hey, now don’t give me that look, Granny Smith said it herself, he’s part o’ the family now, that means you have ta deal with him jus’ as much as me.” Applejack finishes with a sly grin. You figure this is some kind of payback for Big Mac’s supposed ditching earlier.

You give a shake, you could have sworn Big Mac actually changed expressions there for a minute, he almost looked annoyed! You don’t get to double check his face though, another series of those blasts is heard, your body shrinking away reflexively at the sound.

Applejack shakes her head. “An’ fer lansakes do it fast, preferably before he destroys our entire crop.”

It doesn’t take Big Mac any more persuading than that, he starts off down the dusty road, a slight haste to his step. Your curious as to what all that was about, but your mind is already so clogged up you don’t feel like dwelling on it.

Applejack turns back to you with a smile. “So, what is it yall was sayin’?”

“I was saying that we have actually met before Miss Applejack, I’m that stallion that purchased that golden apple from your stall a few days ago.”

Applejack purses her lips and rubs a hoof underneath her chin, deep in thought. “Now ah don’t think…Oh yeah! You’re that one feller!” Applejack bonks herself in the head. “You’ll know him when ya see him she said…suppose that’s the deal with the lipstick.” The orange mare mumbles to herself, just loud enough for you to hear. This piques your interest; just who was she talking about?

You look over Applejack, eyeing her curiously. “Miss Applejack…just what do you mean by ‘you’ll know him when you see him’?”

Applejack’s eyes go wide and she stands up stiff as a board, scrunching her snout up and dodging her eyes every which way. “Wha-what!? Ah didn’t say nothin’!” You frown, the mare was no good at lying, but you had no intention of dragging this out, whatever was going on with Rarity’s little circle of friends was obviously centered around you, and there isn’t the foggiest doubt in your mind that you’ll be made aware of just what their deal is at some other time. But right now all you want to do is get this last task done, go home, and take a nice warm bath...

You sigh deeply. “Don’t worry about it Miss Applejack…”

Applejack lets out a sigh of her own, though this one seems to be in relief. “Well, uh, sorry ah didn’t recognize you partner…” You notice Applejack run her eyes over you in a somewhat bewildered fashion. “Yall…look a little different than I remember.”

You let out a halfhearted laugh. “Yeah a few days ago I didn’t have a black eye, or a bleeding bandage covered hoof.” You look yourself over, grimacing in disgust when you realize that a thick layer of dirt and grime is also spotting your coat from head to hoof, it must have happened when you got tossed in the dirt by blue boy. “Oh, and I also wasn’t absolutely filthy.”

“Yeah, that’s…probably why ah didn’t recognize ya.”

“Anyway, I have a package for you from Rarity.” You reach into your saddlebag and pull out a rather large square box, pink wrapping paper and a neat little bow covered it, with a card that read For Applejack in Rarity’s unmistakable fancy handwriting.

Applejack lights up when she sees the box. “Wow, that was quick!” The orange apple farmer reaches over and secures the box between her teeth, placing it on her back so she could talk and carry it at the same time. “Be sure ta tell Rare thanks for me. Hey why don’t ya come with me, ah got some nice cold cider waiting for me insahde.”

“Oh, no thanks Applejack, I should probably be getting back to Rarity.” You politely refuse, eager to retire into Rarity’s comfortable, and not to mention air conditioned, Boutique.

“Aw come on, yall look like ya been through hell, trust me this is the least ah can do ta repay ya.” Applejack eggs on, smiling kindly at you,

You look up at the sun; its giant golden rays practically baking you alive…maybe a nice cool drink wouldn’t be so bad. “Oh, why not? Lead the way Miss Applejack.”

Applejack smiles and starts down the dirt road, heading towards the small brown farmhouse resting quietly at the top of the hill farther away. You quickly trot after her.

“So partner, why does Rarity got you running postal for her?” Applejack asks, her green eyes kind yet curious.

“I’m her new assistant.”

“Really? Ah had no idea Rare was hirin’. Ah reckon she could use the help though.” She chuckles.

“Yeah well, it looks like she’s a hard worker, I’m glad to help lift the load a little.”

Applejack nods in agreement. “So, what’s it like workin’ for Rare?”

You smile. “It’s pretty great so far, despite what appearances might lead you to believe.” You reply with a light laugh, referring to your rather bedraggled look.

Applejack looks you over. “Boy ah hope so, ah always thought Rarity would be bossy an’ all but, ah like to think she’d be a little kinder to her worker than that. Well come on insahde, ah’ll go get the cider.” Applejack welcomes you in, the screen door to the quaint farmhouse opening with a squeak.

You step into what appears to be a living room, a couch and a rocking chair sitting idly on top of a finely knit crochet rug, the wallpaper was green and covered in tiny pictures of little red apples, your hooves clacking loudly against the polished floorboards. There appeared to be an old worn out fillies toy resting on the corner of the couch, one of those Smarty Pants dolls that were all the rage way back in the day. The rag doll’s colors had long since faded into a deep dull grey and one of its eyes were missing, the toy was clearly showing its age. The air smells of fresh apple pie and the scent is enough to make you salivate, looking over at the clock you see that lunchtime had long since passed and you find yourself eager for another meal. The air inside was thick and warm, though still less insufferable than the heat outside. There was an old ceiling fan hanging above that was letting out quiet creeks as it spun. Hanging on the far wall are numerous pictures, like a time line custom made for the apple family. They start from what you guess is the very first founding of Sweet Apple Acres, to now, with a picture of Applejack, Applebloom, and Big Mac all huddled together in front of the house you were in now.

“Welcome to the Apple family home, ah no it aint much but we get by.” Applejack declares a touch of bashfulness to her deep southern accent.

“Nonsense, it’s a beautiful home.” You compliment, kicking off some of the dirt from your hooves on the welcome mat near the door, having no desire to ruin the freshly cleaned floor.

Applejack laughs. “Ah can see why Rarity likes you! Yall got good manners for a colt.”

“Thanks Applejack…I think.”

“Yep, now go ahead and have a seat, ah’ll be back with the cider.” You watch as Applejack leans her package up against the wall, before marching off towards the room branching off to your right, there’s the distinct sound of an opening door followed by hooves clopping against stairs as she heads into what you guess is a cellar of sorts.

You do as she says and sit on the green couch that was pushed up against the far wall, moving the Smarty Pants doll over to the wooden rocking chair next to you in order to give yourself more room. You retrieve your locket from around your neck and fall into your old habit of opening and shutting it over and over again.

*Click*

*Clack*

*Click*

*Clack*

You sigh comfortably as your pendant continues to make its hypnotic noise; one loud snapping sound after another, the sound pushes away all other thoughts and helps you to clear out your head for the first time in what feels like forever. No thoughts, no worries, just a never ending stream of.

*Click*

*Clack*

*Click*

*Clack*

“Here ya are partner! Drink up!” Applejack suddenly snaps you out of your trance, your thoughts rushing back to you as you eye the frothy mug she had balanced on her head. You quickly return the pendant to its rightful place around your neck and retrieve the cup, mumbling your thanks to Applejack.

Applejack places her own mug of cider on the coffee table near the couch and hops up next to you. “Now I don’t remember yall bein’ around last cider season, this your firs’ time havin’ our Apple Family cider?”

“Yeah actually, it looks great.” You praise, taking a few sniffs of the drink in order to discern if it had any alcohol in it, you didn’t want to be rude and decline but you think going back to Rarity’s boutique totally plowed would probably not be the most suitable course of action. Luckily you don’t pick up on anything, or at least nothing prominent enough to get you tipsy.

Applejack smiles. “Well don’t keep me hangin’ drink up partner!” Applejack cheers, before putting the cider to her lips and taking several long drinks, you can hear her gulping loudly from where you sit but that doesn’t bug you, if the farmer had been working as hard as it seemed she deserved a few moments of uncouth behavior as far as you were concerned.

You put the chilly glass of the cup to your lips, the sweet icy liquid pouring down your throat and coating your taste buds in sweet apple goodness. Suddenly you realize how thirsty you are and can’t fight off taking a few more delicious chugs of the yellowish liquid, whatever the Apple Family did to their cider was something they should never change. After you’ve had your fill you pull the cup away, sighing contentedly and running a hoof over your mouth to wipe away any excess juice, suppressing a belch at the same time. To your side you can hear Applejack laugh heartily.

“Well, ah’ll be, I don’t reckon ah’ve ever met a pony that can outdrink me!” You raise an eyebrow when she says that, before you look down and realize you had drained the entire glass…you must have been more thirsty than you thought.

You feel a blush come on as you gently place the cup on the hard wood of the coffee table. You give your sore neck a nervous rub. “I…guess that I was really thirsty, and your cider is…well…it’s quite possibly one of the greatest things I have ever tasted.”

Applejack gives you a toothy grin and finishes off her own drink before she responds. “Well thank ya partner, for both the compliment and the deliverah.”

“Yeah, anytime.”

Suddenly Applejack takes on a more serious look. “But, ah’m afraid there’s one last thang I gotta ask ya.”

You suppress an inward sigh. Here we go again.

“Now ah ain’t gonna beat round the bush here, ah figure the best way to ask this is straight up.” Applejack’s honest grass green eyes are looking you over, searching for any sign or indication of your ill will. “Now don’t lie ta me, ah’ll know if ya are.” It didn’t really sound like a threat, at least not in the level way she said it, but you feel as if it may very well be. “How do yall feel about Rarity?”

You resist the urge to facehoof. Were you ever going to escape that question? You sigh, you no longer had the patience or the willpower to lie anymore, not that you thought it’d work anyway, something in the orange mare’s eyes tell you that lying wouldn’t get you anywhere.

“Rarity…” You mumble, more to yourself than anyone else. “How do I feel about Rarity?…Well she’s wonderful, she’s kind, well mannered, generous, she’s done more for me than I could ever repay.” Your eyes light up as your mind starts to fill with images and thoughts of the white unicorn. “And not to mention beautiful, I don’t think I’ve ever met a more perfect and breathtaking mare in all my days.” You look up at the cowpony, your expression tight and resolute. “So, in short Applejack…I’m absolutely crazy about her.”

You notice Applejack purse her lips and look away, her face pensive, like she was thinking over what you just said. “Yall will treat her right? Ya won’t hurt her or nothin’?” You would have been offended at the insinuation, if it wasn’t so obvious from the caring look on Applejack’s face that all she wanted to do was make sure Rarity was safe and cared for, a desire you could sympathize with.

“Applejack I couldn’t live with myself if I ever hurt her.”

Applejack takes another pensive moment to think that over before she responds. “Well in that case…ah don’t think there’s anythin’ ta worry about.” Applejack then hops off the couch, heading to the door. “Well come on then, ah’m sure yall are eager to get back ta yer mare and all, ah’ll walk ya to the edge of the farm.”

You hop down after her, your neck popping from the sudden movement and sending a large wave of pain shooting throughout your body. You grind your teeth through the aggravation and walk on.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Well here we are partner, yall have a good day now.” Applejack quips as soon as you reach the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. “And hey, sorry ‘bout divin’ into yer personal feelins an all…” Applejack starts sheepishly. “Yall gotta understand I was jus’-”

You hold up a hoof to stop her. “Looking out for your friend,” You give the mare an understanding half grin. “I know.”

“Well okay then mister psychic.” Applejack jokes with feigned offense. “Yall come back sometahme, yer always welcome here.”

“Sure thing Applejack, tell Big Mac I owe him one for helping me out earlier.”

Applejack nods, tips her hat to you, and then trots off back down the dusty road you two had just traversed. You once again rub at your sore neck, despite the pain pills it still ached, even worse than before.

“Maybe I hurt something.” You groan out loud, half contemplating a quick trip to nurse Redheart’s clinic to make sure you hadn’t done any permanent damage, but you decide against it, remembering that Rarity’s order from Sugarcube Corner was still in you saddlebag, it didn’t feel or smell like some kind of sweet, but you figure it’s best to not take the chance, baked goods sitting inside of a sweaty leather pack all day seldom tasted good later.

You push the pain of your neck to the back of your mind and start towards town.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The door to Carousel Boutique swings open with a chime, the bell tied to the top of the door letting out a jingle as you step inside and shut it again. You sigh in relief as you feel the cold air from inside wash over you like a wonderful blanket of ice; you could already feel your body temperature dropping.

“Coming!” Ah, there she was, the simple sound of Rarity’s voice was enough to perk you up; you lift up your head and cast your gaze towards the top of the staircase, where the fashionista’s voice originated. Your neck immediately gives another shock of pain in protest but you manage to ignore it.

You smile at her as she appears, radiant and gorgeous. Your surprised to find that she had yet to spruce herself up, as she still carried that, ‘just crawled out of bed’ look she wore earlier this morning. Not that you were complaining, Rarity could probably be standing knee deep in garbage right now and you’d still consider her beautiful. It just seemed strange, since she had seemed so upset with her appearance earlier. Actually, speaking of appearances…

“Oh my dear gentlecolt! What on Equestria happened to you!?” The tone of concern in Rarity’s voice is surprising, if not entirely unwelcome, you were pleased to see that she cared, but you’d be lying if you said you wouldn’t have preferred a ‘hello’ instead.

You look away nervously as Rarity rushes towards you with a worry to her eyes; you forgot that you were still covered in dirt from your little tumble with the big guy.

“It’s nothing Rarity I just…I had a run in with that stallion you told me about, it seemed he wasn’t pleased to see me.” You answer, stepping away, afraid that the dirt and grime coating you would upset her.

“Him!” The mare growls fiercely. “I swear if I ever get my hooves on that…that…ruffian!” You are surprised by this new side of the mare you’ve come to know, yet at the same time your oddly touched, it was the harm that he caused you which seemed to upset the usually composed mare after all. “Are you hurt dear?” Rarity lets her tone slide back into one of concern.

You shake your head. “No, nothing but a few scrapes and bruises, he just tossed me in the dirt, that’s all. And um…sorry about bringing it all in here, I’ll clean it up I promise.”

Rarity scoffs at the idea. “Nonsense, don’t worry about the mess, I may be a little OCD but I ensure you that your wellbeing is much more important than a few specks of dirt on my carpet.”

“Thank you Rarity, at least I wasn’t wearing these saddlebags when he threw me, otherwise your book may have been damaged.” You undo the leather strap holding the saddlebag closed, reaching in with your mouth and retrieving the thick hardback.

“Oh, my, you are just the best darling.” The compliment makes you smile. “Here let me take those for you.” The snow white unicorn’s horn glows a light blue as magic envelops both the book and the saddlebags, you feel the weight of the thick burlap removed as she pulls them away, setting them in the corner of the room with care. She turns to you with remorse in her deep blue eyes. “Oh I’m so sorry I put you through that dear, you were still hurt and it was wrong of me to have you running errands so soon.”

“No, don’t be sorry Rarity, it wasn’t your fault. You looked like you needed your rest, and besides after all you’ve done for me running around town for a few hours was the least I could do.” You smile comfortingly at the mare, hoping to alleviate her guilt.

Rarity’s lips curve into a light smile at your words. But a twinkle of regret is still etched into her expression. “Oh why won’t you just let me be miserable for once?”

You grin. “Because you’re all the more beautiful when you smile,”

Rarity giggles and a visible color of red overtake her cheeks; this furthers your happy mood. “Adulatore…” The unicorn mumbles, you don’t know what it means but you guess it was a playful jab of some sort.

“You know, I’m going to start learning foreign languages here pretty soon if you keep that up.”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Perhaps you should, I find that Istallion and Franech are just wondrously more eloquent than modern Equestrian.” Rarity takes a step closer to you and runs her shining blue eyes over your…head…for some reason. “You know, speaking of Franech, I think you would look great in a beret.”

You repress a laugh; it seemed that Rarity’s calling in life was indeed one of fashion. You’re not sure what to feel about the beret idea though…you’d wear it if Rarity told you to of course, but, it didn’t exactly seem like something you’d want to tell your friends about.

You're brought out of your thoughts of smelly perfume, cheap baguettes, and silly hats when Rarity makes a ‘tisk tisk’ sound and brushes her hoof against your cheek. Her touch feels like silk and your mind blanks as you lose yourself in the contact.

“Aw, you poor thing.” She coos, pouting her lips in a sexy manner and looking over your bruised face. “You’ve had such a rough day. Why don’t you head upstairs and take a bath hmm?”

You almost forget to respond, Rarity’s sweet and honeyed tone throwing all cognitive thoughts out the window. After a few moments of very unflattering sputters you manage to force your lips to cooperate with your desired words.

“Oh yes…I mean yeah that’s uh great, I’d love a shower! Uh bath, I mean.” Way to kill the mood Casanova. You mentally chastise yourself.

Rarity smiles, somewhat devilishly. “Oh exquisite, come with me, I’ll show you how it works. I think you’ll find that my bath is a tad, shall we say, advanced?”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Wow Rarity, this is, I don’t even think I have words for it.” You marvel at Rarity’s lavish bathing device. You hadn’t gotten a good look at the bathtub when you’d been in here this morning, and looking at it now you can’t help but feel impressed.

The bath itself was carved from a fine white marble, so slick and smooth that you could see your own reflection in the surface. The handles and faucet at the far end were painted a bright gold, shining in the light cast from the lamp above; there was also what appeared to be a panel with several colorful buttons listed with different options, they listed everything from heating and cooling to mood bubbles. Connected to a long black hose and sitting on the side was a shower head, a good way to get clean if you were in a rush. Yet without a doubt the single most impressive thing about this piece of plumbing equipment was its sheer size; you guessed that you could fit at least five or six ponies inside with a little room to spare.

Rarity laughs at the marveled look on your face. “Well, yes I admit it is a bit lavish, but it was a gift from Celestia herself, how was I expected to say no?”

You turn to the unicorn, astonished. “A gift from Celestia?”

Rarity nods. “Well I am an element of harmony you know, I’ve helped save Equestria on more than one occasion. The girls and I all got to pick out our special rewards, I just happened to be in the market for a royal Jacuzzi, that’s all.”

You shake your head, a wide smile spilling across your face. Seriously, rising fashionista, friend of the royal family, element of harmony…no wonder you were smitten with this mare, she was absolutely incredible.

“Well, I’ll allow you some alone time, I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to sit here and gawk as you wash.” The thought makes you blush.

“Well, I wouldn’t really mind…” You slam a hoof into your mouth as soon as those words spill out. You seriously needed to start watching your mouth. You look over to Rarity, trying to cover up what you said with a forced chuckle.

Rarity squints her eyes, smiling coyly as she speaks. “Well, in that case, I might consider joining you.” The honeyed tone to her voice makes your face turn red, and the thought of sharing a bath with the mare of your dreams makes your mouth go dry and your chest grow warm. “Do enjoy yourself…” She makes her way out of the bathroom, the door leading out swinging closed with the faintest of squeaks.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Oh, that feels sooo good.” You moan, sinking deeper into the hot bathwater that was now steadily rising towards your chest.

You gently pull up your injured hoof, looking over your wound with a noticeable display of concern. You’d removed your bandages and stitches before you began taking your shower, having decided to scrub off the majority of the dirt before filling up the bath. Lest you be floating in your own filth. But sitting alone now provided you the first real opportunity since you’d gotten the cut to really examine it, unfortunately it looked far from healthy. The wound appeared to have been on the fast track to healing, having been properly cleaned and stitched by Rarity, but earlier today when you felt the stitch pop you hadn’t been provided an opportunity to sit down and get it fixed with the same precision and care that she had provided. Your expert medical experimentation hadn’t gotten past wrapping a new bandage around the freshly opened gash to staunch the bleeding.

You’re not so much concerned that it may become infected, after all, you planned on cleaning it up tonight and stopping by Nurse Redheart’s tomorrow so she could take a look. But you can tell just from the sight of the deep cut that the odds of your fur growing back over it are unlikely, and you will probably be left with a nasty looking scar.

You sigh, dunking your hoof back underneath the water with a *blunk* sound, small ripples spreading through the liquid in response. You feel a smile come on as you lean back against the soft tile of the bath, propping your sore neck up and giving it a little support. You can feel your muscles slowly loosen and relax as the warm water does its thing, and you feel so at ease you could practically fall asleep. Unfortunately, with your bruised body finally being given an opportunity to rest, you regret to find that your mind decides it’s time to kick into overdrive. The main topic of discussion for tonight? What it had been for the last three days of course! Rarity! Hooray for predictability!

You allow your mind a moment to drift back to what you said, or well, yelled, at Caramel. You admitted that you were in love with Rarity. Or at least you think you are. Truth be told you still didn’t really know what you felt, and you find yourself met with all those same questions you’d been asking yourself on the road to Sweet Apple Acres. Was this really love? Was love something you could feel? Etcetera etcetera,

You dunk half of your face underneath the water, closing your eyes and exhaling, feeling the vibrations in the water as bubbles rose and popped near your face. This was of course a vain attempt to entertain yourself so you’d stop dwelling on your desire and want for Rarity. Even this foalish act of bubble fun didn’t seem to help. So you give up and let your mind do what it wants, then regret that decision because naturally the darker side of your desires start to peek out of the hidey holes you’d been keeping them in since you’d first realized your other kind of attraction for the fashionista. You groan and lean back again, clonking a hoof against your head to clear away those dirty thoughts. Did she have to get you thinking about sharing a bath?

“Oh my, you certainly enjoy them steamy!” You shoot up, your eyes snapping open at the sound of the voice. Through the white fog created from your hot bath you can make out the unmistakable silhouette of a unicorn.

“Ra-Rarity, what are you doing in here!?” The words flop out of your mouth, you snap your eyes where the fashionista was standing, you feel heat rise to your face as she looks at you with a smile, the sound of her hooves clacking loudly on the tile floor of the bathroom as she makes her way towards the tub.

“Well, as it turns out the girls and I have decided to have another little get together tonight, in two hours to be exact, and I can’t rightly go looking like I’ve just crawled out of bed now can I?” The mare steps closer to the bath, looking you directly in the eye as you make an awkward shift to cover your exposed areas, your position in the water leaving your lap open for view, leaving you feeling oddly vulnerable and self-conscious. “And since you apparently don’t have a problem with it…” She gently dips a hoof into the water, testing the heat. “I figured I might as well join you.”

Your mind barely registers what your hearing, and you figure you must be dreaming, any moment now you’d wake up in cold bathwater and realize you’d passed out and had been in the middle of playing out an adolescent fantasy that was lurking in the darkest parts of your mind. Yep this was all just a dream. Except it wasn’t…the quick pinch to your lower thigh had proven that this was indeed reality.

“You don’t have a problem with me jumping in for a dip…do you my dear gentlecolt?”

“Uh, n-no not at all!”

“Splendid darling.” You feel your mouth go dry and your heart start to thump against your chest as the sleek unicorn slips off the pink robe that had been hanging loosely around her body, magically folding it and placing it on the counter at the other end of the room.

Now you had seen Rarity naked of course, after all, ponies don’t normally wear clothes. But something about seeing her take off an article of clothing, especially in the slow and seductive manner she moved, made something within you stir. You fight away your desire to shrink away as Rarity slowly sinks into the bathwater, a blissful smile on her face as the water slowly rises towards her neck. You do your best to appear as relaxed and calm as possible, but you imagine that your slacked jaw and constant awkward shifting was doing the opposite of what you intended.

“Ah, that is splendid…” Rarity moans as the water rises to her neck, she leans up against the side of the tub to your left, a tad closer than you would have liked. “I say, I doubt there is a single thing in life more pleasant than slipping into a hot bath after a long day. Wouldn’t you agree?”

It takes you a moment to respond, your mind still in the middle of processing this whole situation. “Uh yeah, it’s nice.” You finally manage, your voice coming out weak and forced.

For a moment there’s silence, nothing but the occasional slop of water and the sound of your own beating heart drumming in your ears. You almost don’t realize it when Rarity speaks again.

“Oh, I almost forgot to ask. What did my friend Fluttershy say about my changing of our spa date?” You look over, notice how relaxed and composed Rarity seemed and feel ashamed of yourself for being so on edge. If she was okay with this, why couldn’t you be?

You swallow hard and try to sit up, doing your best to keep that shaky nervous tone out of your voice. “She said it was okay, didn’t seem to like it much though.”

Rarity frowns. “I can understand why, I’ve been moving our spa date around all over the place as of late, I must be making a mess of the poor dear’s schedule.” There’s a touch of guilt in her expression, before it lights back up and she smiles at you. “But hopefully with you around I’ll have a little more free time on my hooves.”

“I’m pleased to help in any way you need me.”

You notice a mischievous smile spread across the mare’s face. “Oh are you now? Well, if you’re so eager to please perhaps you would be a dear and help me get clean?”

You feel a knot tighten in your stomach when she says that and your previous attempt at being nonchalant is thrown out the window.

“Wh-what do you have in mind?”

Rarity slowly slides towards where you sit in the tub, the water sloshing in response to her movement, part of you wants to move away, another seems curious as to where this could possibly be going, you decide to give in to the latter. Rarity stops a few inches in front of you, before spinning around so her back was facing you, she reaches around with a hoof and pulls her wet hair to the side, your almost certain that the only reason she does this is so she can look you square in the eye.

You try your hardest to keep from looking over her curvaceous frame, though find it difficult, Rarity was without a doubt the single most gorgeous mare you had ever laid eyes on. Eventually this temptation fades as your eyes meet, trapping you in a prison of blue as you feel that warmth in your chest make a return.

“I figured that since you’re here, you wouldn’t mind helping me wash my back…” Out of the corner of your eye you can spy a bottle of expensive shampoo dangling suspended in the air by the fashionista’s unicorn magic.

Finding yourself unable to reply with words you hold out a hoof, trembling and unsteady due to the mere thought of what was about to take place. You notice Rarity’s lips curve into an expression of satisfaction as she gives the bottle a light squeeze with her magic, the sparkling blue shampoo forming a neat blob in your open hoof.

“Whenever you’re ready,” She says, placing the bottle nearby, lest you be in need of more shampoo.

You swallow hard and take a moment to calm your trembling legs, if you were going to do this, you wanted to make sure it was one of the best damn things Rarity had ever experienced. One final deep breath and you begin mashing your hooves together, effectively spreading the sparkling blue suds over both of your limbs. Unfortunately you had neglected to think of the open gash on your opposite hoof, which now had a less than bearable amount of shampoo sinking into it, the pain caused is excruciating and forces you to grit your teeth to keep from calling out, but you absolutely refused to let your injury get in the way of this moment.

Slowly you begin to apply the shampoo, gently kneading and spreading the sparkling substance into her smooth white fur. You were being as gentle as your nervous legs were allowing you to be, and you make sure that there isn’t a single spot of this absolutely breathtaking mare’s back left unsoaped before you move on. You meticulously begin to trace your hooves over the mare’s shoulders, upper, and lower back. Rarity seems to pick up on this unnecessary exploration of her body and raises an eyebrow at you over her shoulder; she isn’t displeased it seems, just curious as to your intentions. You don’t pay her glance much mind, focusing instead on seeking out what you were searching for; you had a very special treat in mind for your favorite unicorn. Here’s hoping you hadn’t gotten rusty over the past few months…

The way you saw it, if what Rarity had said was true she hadn’t had much time to pay the spa a visit. And what was the best part about visiting the spa? Why the messages naturally, Rarity was obviously a very stressed out pony, and you guessed that this no doubt also on her physique. It appeared you were right, as you could feel the sheer tension and strain in her muscles as you felt around, several long nights of standing in front of a mannequin no doubt put large amount of strain on the mare’s back and legs.

“Well now that that’s out of the way…” You mumble, your voice coming out much more suave than you had thought it would be, which was fine.

“Um, my dear gentlecolt, do you mind telling me wha-OoOoH!” Rarity’s voice is cut off by a pleasantly surprised groan as you gently begin to rub at her taught shoulders, just rough enough to work out the kinks found wherein. Yep, you still had it. Rarity seems to find herself at a loss for words as you continue to work at her shoulders, smiling wildly as all the pent up tension is slowly and wonderfully being pulled out by your expert hoofwork. You can’t repress a satisfied grin once you see her reaction.

After you feel that the mare’s shoulders have been sufficiently treated you pull your hooves away, dipping them in the water to wash away the excess shampoo covering them, Rarity seems somewhat disappointed by your sudden abrupt stop, and you can see her start to open her mouth to ask for more. But her voice is once again cut off as you start on her upper back, kneading your hooves in large circles just under her shoulder blades, this triggers more groans of satisfaction from the fashionista, you blush at them, realizing that if anypony else were to be listening right now they would probably be thinking that you were in the process of performing another much more erotic act.

You continue your masterful massage for a good twenty minutes, by now the bathwater had started to turn cold, fighting through her hazy mind you notice Rarity’s horn light up as she turns the heat switch to ‘on’. It doesn’t take long for the bathtub to get steamy again, and you find the water almost too warm. You start to wonder if Rarity will switch it back off again, but when you spy the look of pure unadulterated bliss marking her features you realize that the water could be set to boil and she wouldn’t care. So you regretfully pull a hoof away from her magnificent body and flip off the switch.

“Oh, a little lower dear…” Rarity commands, you are quick to comply. “Oh by Celestia that’s fantastic…” You smile when you realize that this is going so wonderfully well, Rarity seems like she’s in another world right now.

It’s now, in the midst of your treatment, that you realize this had been exactly what you wanted. All those dates, all those marefriends, none of them had been able to give you this feeling. Rarity was it; she was the one, a mare that you were just plain happy to please. You give another prod to a particularly stressful spot, eliciting another groan and a whispered ‘yess’ from the unicorn, and you can tell she’s practically on the verge of collapse.

You slowly begin to taper off your work, having fully loosened the tight muscles and overstressed knots along her back. You gently pull away your hooves, cupping a little water in between them and rinsing Rarity off, as she seems too lost within her own rapture to do it herself. It’s during this final wash that you notice the mare begin to teeter, you reach out just in time to catch her as she falls. Blushing intensely as your forced to wrap your hooves around her in order to keep her momentum from propelling you backwards. You look down, noticing her closed eyes and wide smile.

You gulp hard. I think I broke her.

You give the sopping wet fashionista a gentle shake to coerce her out of her slumber. “Rarity, are you okay?” Rarity’s blue eyes open just a sliver, her gaze meeting yours before she lets them close again. Your heart rate quickens exponentially as she leans back, resting her head on your chest and letting out a contented sigh.

You hold her there for a moment, too scared to so much as breathe; this is what you had wanted. And right now everything seems so right…so…perfect. You weren’t sure if this was love, but you were sure of one thing.

If it wasn’t love…it was pretty damn close.

.............................................................................................................................................................................

A/N- Second part of Chapter 4, let me know what you guys think. And sorry I didn't get it out any sooner than this. Now you know why I don't really assign dates to when I plan on updating, as I can rarely ever meet them. A little heads up, I'm thinking the next chapter will be kind of an interlude thing from Rarity's point of view as she goes and sees her friends. It won't be anywhere near as long as the actual chapters but I decided to let you all know. Hope you enjoyed!

Dirty little secret

“Oh, my, that was...splendid.” Your ear gives a twitch in response to the groggy and out of breath voice, looking down to see Rarity still leaning back on you, her hooves laying over yours as she snuggles into your chest, you feel your throat tighten and your heart rate quicken as she does so.

“Thanks Rarity.” You force out of your uncooperative mouth. “Do you…need help getting out of the bath?”

You can see Rarity’s lips curve into a smile as she presses back farther into you. “I would rather stay here for a moment. Wouldn’t you?”

For a moment? You wouldn’t mind staying like this for an eternity. You can feel the warmth between your bodies as you hold the unicorn close in a delicate show of intimacy. You half consider telling Rarity how you feel, right then and there, but can’t seem to force the words out of your throat. You can’t seem to tell her how much you care about her, but you can show her. So, as a way to respond to her question, you pull her just a little tighter, ever so gently nestling your muzzle into her neck, your heart thumping wildly against your chest as you feel her wet fur caress your face and you breathe in the scent of her sweet shampoo. She gives a quiet yelp in response to the touches, but makes no move to pull away.

This…was the best day…of your life.

Or well that was what you would have been thinking, if this wasn’t about to happen…

“YO Rarity! What’s goin’ oOHGOSH!” The cracking voice immediately snaps you to your senses, your eyes flinging open as you yank your muzzle away from its new favorite spot, locking them onto the source of the sound.

“R-RAINBOW! HAVEN’T YOU EVER HEARD OF KNOCKING!?” Rarity squeaks, quickly attempting to pull away from your tender embrace, she struggles a little at first as you find your limbs locked in place out of shame and fright, but after another brief second you force them down like they had been magnetized to your thighs.

You hear a brief snickering, looking over you see a cyan Pegasus standing in the open doorway leading into the bathroom, her hair and mane lined in rainbow streaks, no doubt why her name was Rainbow Dash. You’d seen her once or twice flying over town, kicking clouds and all around showing off. She had been entertaining to watch for the first couple of days, but after a while her aerial act had grown rather routine and you’d stopped paying her much mind.

Rainbow’s muffled snickering turns into an all-out ‘BWAHAHA!’ as Rarity attempts to get out of the bathtub and slips due to her shaky and unstable hooves. You blush when you realize her inability to stand was no doubt the byproduct of your massage, it wasn’t exactly uncommon for the sudden lack of tension and stress to throw off a ponies’ balance when you had finished, you mentally chastise yourself for not being cautious and letting her scramble out on her own.

You quickly make your own way out of the bathtub, gingerly wrapping your hooves around the dripping wet fashionista and helping her up. She casts a wary gaze to Rainbow, and silently pleads for you to stop to save her the embarrassment of having to deal with more of Dash’s chastising later on. You ignore her however, knowing full well that she’ll be unable to keep her balance without your help. Your insistence only increases the color of crimson tainting her cheeks.

You allow Rarity to use you as a sort of counterweight to keep herself balanced, you notice a distinct shaking of her hind legs and begin to wonder if the unicorn had gotten a little more out of your massage than you had intended, the dirty thought causes you to feel both a sense of shame and of pride…

You look over to see Rainbow now rolling on the floor, pounding a light blue hoof against the ground and cackling at the same time, struggling for breath. “Ohohoho, a he he, ah I can’t-I can’t breathe, ah ha ha!”

You and Rarity both bear Rainbow’s laughter in silence. Your gaze solidly glued to the floor as you feel upset with yourself for having put Rarity into this unbearably awkward situation. After a few moments Rainbow begins to slow down, huffing and puffing as she gets to her hooves, wiping stray tears out of her eyes and still snickering at the sight of both of the sopping wet ponies standing in front of her.

You can feel Rarity bristle in anger, looking over to see a fire in her eyes as she grinds her teeth, biting back a curse.

“Rainbow…” The venom and rage behind the unicorn’s deceptively calm voice was frightening. “Why, on Equestria, are you here here forty minutes early?”

Rainbow seems unfazed. “Because I’m Rainbow Dash duh, I’m always the first to arrive.”

Rarity shakes her head. “But Rainbow, we’re not getting together at my boutique tonight. Remember? Twilight clearly stated that the next party would be at her place.”

Rainbow waves a dismissive hoof. “Pff, details details, I’m sure you understand that when Twilight starts talking I kinda just, zone out.” You flinch as the pegasus’ sharp purple eyes land on you with an amused glint, fully expecting a harsh quip or joke at your expense. “Hmm, I guess you aint bad looking, always figured that Rarity would go for a pretty boy though.”

Was, that an insult? You aren’t given a chance to ask, as Rarity quickly moves to give her Pegasus friend another verbal thrashing.

“Rainbow do yourself a favor and get out of this bathroom before I make you.”

Rainbow feigns fear, shrinking away and holding up her hooves, pleading comically for Rarity to show mercy. “Oh Rarity please don’t! Oh miss prissy pants is so strong! What have I gotten myself intACK!” You flinch as Rarity’s hind leg connects with the pegasus’ lower jaw with a smack, throwing Rainbow out of the bathroom and into the hallway, you can see her eyes still wobbling from the impact.

“And stay out!” She orders the Pegasus, before slamming the door shut. You can see Rarity huff and visibly shake with rage, her special moment with you having been forever ruined by her brash ‘friend’. “Imbecile…” She mumbles. Before starting to stumble, she was still too light headed to go around kicking ponies like that.

You trot over and help hold her up, using your left side to prop up the unicorn. She smiles at you gratefully, before looking away in shame. “I’m…sorry about Rainbow, she’s always been…less than subtle.” You think she’s apologizing for Rainbow’s comment about your looks.

“Aw, I’m not pretty?” You ask with a childish voice, making a silly upset face in an attempt to lighten the unicorn’s mood. Rainbow may have spoiled your little bathtub foray, but she wasn’t going to upset your Rarity, not if you had anything to say about it.

Rarity laughs and smiles, lightly running a hoof over your face affectionately. “No, you’re not pretty.” She moves in a little closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “You’re handsome.”

You smile at the compliment, gently reaching up and caressing the hoof she held on your face, a wordless thank you.

“Oh come on! Are you two done in there yet? Sheesh!”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Okay, I’ll be home late tonight so feel free to treat yourself to anything in the refrigerator, there’s a few books in my room if you get bored, and if you leave remember that the key is underneath the potted plant outside.” You roll your eyes as Rarity’s lecture finally comes to a brief halt, it seemed like she hadn’t so much as paused for breath since you’d both left the bathroom. “Oh and-”

“Rarity…” You cut her off gently. “I’m a big colt; I can take care of myself.”

Rarity looks away, blushing, finally realizing how fussy she was being. “Oh, yes, so you are. I’m just worried you know, you’re still hurt and if something happens…”

You gently place a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “I’ll be fine Rarity, now go and have fun with your friends.” You encourage her.

Rarity looks behind her, frowning slightly in disgust as she sees Rainbow Dash absentmindedly spinning circles in the air in order to keep herself entertained. “I’m honestly not really looking forward to it…”

“Well, I don’t think you have to worry about Miss Dash, if she acts up you can just give her another karate kick.”

Rarity chuckles lightly. “Yes, I suppose I can.” She reaches up and plants an affectionate kiss on your cheek, refreshing the mark of her lipstick. You blush as tingles course through your face. “Remember, I owe you for that wonderful massage, and I never leave my debts unpaid.” You swallow hard at the thought that you may very well be getting your own massage by the time the day ends. “Goodbye, see you soon.”

You watch for a moment as Rarity leaves, brushing a hoof against the cheek she’d kissed and sighing happily.

Not soon enough Rarity…not soon enough.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“I cannot believe you Rainbow!” Rarity huffed, stomping towards Twilight’s library in a clear show of anger, keeping her blue eyes fixated on the path ahead, refusing to give the fluttering Pegasus so much as a passing glance.

“What? You never set up a little meeting for me and him like you did with Shy, Applejack, and Twi, heck even Pinkie got to see your little colt toy. So, I decided I’d swing by and see what all the fuss was about.” The Pegasus explained casually, ignoring the edge to her unicorn friend’s voice. “Looks like I missed all the fun though.”

Rarity feels a twinge of bashfulness as she walks on, the massage had…not been expected, not that she was complaining, your masterful work on her body had been leagues above what she had come to enjoy at the spa. It had even motivated her to do some…rather unladylike things while you weren’t looking. But that hadn’t changed the fact that it nearly caused her to ruin the plan she had spent weeks crafting.

“But seriously Rarity, ya gotta tell me, how good is he?” Rainbow unleashes another snicker, and Rarity found the urge to give the Pegasus a kick growing ever stronger. “I mean, from the look on your face I’d say he’s at least above average.”

Rarity growls. “It’s not like that, we didn’t do anything.”

Rainbow scoffs. “Oh come on! I might not be an egghead but I aint stupid, that dopey smile on your face…well…let’s just say it looked orgasmic.”

Rarity feels a blush sting at her face and her pace increases, eager to get to Twilight’s so somepony else could deal with the loud mouthed Pegasus. Dash however easily catches up, continuing to goad the white unicorn into, ‘spilling the beans’ as she called it. Rarity however decides that the beans would remain secured in whatever container they happened to be put in.

A moment of silence follows before Rainbow lets out a sigh. “Fine, I’ll just tell everypony that I caught you two bumping uglies in the bathtub.” This stops the unicorn dead in her tracks.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

Dash gives the flustered unicorn a look that says, ‘I’d dare.’ “Well, I could be persuaded to keep it to myself…so long as you tell me what I want to know.”

If looks could kill, Rainbow would have lit on fire, gotten hit by a carriage, and struck by lightning all at once when Rarity turned her gaze onto the cyan Pegasus. “What kind of a friend are you?”

Rainbow gives a sly grin. “A very curious one, so ya gonna tell me or what?”

Rarity chews on her lip for a brief moment, exhaling gruffly and contemplating what to do. “Fine…I’ll…tell you what I did. But you have to promise to keep it between us. Deal?”

The Pegasus lands on the dirt ground next to Rarity, kicking up a light puff of dust with a flap of her wings, a puff of dust Rarity quickly moves to avoid. “Yeah, deal.”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, you have to promise.”

Rainbow groans in frustration. “Fine I promise.”

“No, you have to pinkie promise.”

The pegasi’s wings go flat and her head droops. “Are you serious?” The look on Rarity’s face said that she was indeed. “Fine.” The Pegasus huffs. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Rainbow was sure to do the motions as well, poking her eye with a hoof and eliciting a faint ‘ow’ in response to the slip. “So, are you satisfied?”

Rarity rubs a hoof underneath her chin, contemplating her current level of satisfaction. “Well…I suppose. But let’s keep moving yes? We mustn’t be late.”

Rarity continues down the path, Dash quickly taking to the air yet again and following. “Well we wouldn’t have to worry about running late if you hadn’t spent twenty minutes in the bathroom doing your hair.”

“Well, we can’t all look like we just rolled out of bed Rainbow.” The unicorn shoots a condemning glare at the cyan pony. “Unlike you I actually enjoy looking spruced up.”

Dash purses her lips and bites back a retort. “I’m still waiting for you to tell me what happened between you two.”

Rarity holds her head up, a crinkle of distaste etching its way into her features. “If you must know, he had just finished giving me quite the lavish massage.”

“What? So neither of you had any fun?”

“Well…I didn’t say that, I’m sure the experience was quite enjoyable for the both of us.” Rarity stops for a moment, thinking of the proper words to use to make this confession sound less…dirty. “It was just…I got a different kind of pleasure out of it than I think he intended.”

Rainbow raises an eyebrow, scratching her head as she tries to put it together, when suddenly the realization hits her like a freight train. She stops beating her wings and lands in the dirt right in front of the unicorn. A look of utter amused shock on her face. If the Pegasus was paying any real kind of attention to anything other than the unicorn’s confession she would have noticed how her blue eyes were fixed on a spot near her hooves, and how a red tint was slowly spreading over her face.

“No way Rarity! You clopped!? Like, while he was there!?” The look of utter mortification on the fashionista’s face was enough to answer Rainbow’s question. Suddenly the speedster is unable to hold back another wave of laughter. “Holy hay! I can barely believe it! Rarity I thought you were supposed to be all clean and proper.”

The personal jab hits home for the unicorn, and she finds an ever growing sense of shame forming a pit deep in her stomach. “I-I didn’t mean to do it! It just felt so nice, wh-when I looked down I was…” Rarity felt the need to explain, to try and excuse her actions, though she should have known full well that it wouldn’t do much to fix the guilt gnawing away at her. Rainbow isn’t listening, she’s still marveling over the implications. “You won’t tell anypony right!? You Pinkie Promised!”

The Pegasus takes a deep breath to try and calm herself, biting back another cheap snicker or two before she responds. “Totally Rarity, it’ll be our dirty little secret.”

For some reason Rarity wasn’t put to ease by that statement.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The heavy wooden door to Twilight’s library swings open with a creek. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack all look up from their little circle of gossip, each smiling and greeting their two friends in turn.

“Rarity, Rainbow, it’s about time you two showed up.” Twilight said, standing up and walking over to say hello, Rainbow nods and makes a dash towards the snack bowl with a hungry look in her eyes, Rarity creeps in with her eyes glued to the floor. “Is something wrong Rarity? You look a little down.” The purple unicorn asks with concern.

“Yeah Rarity, something wrong?” Rainbow adds through a mouth full of cupcake, courtesy of a certain pink party pony.

Rarity scuffs her hoof against the wooden floorboards of the library, casting a nervous glance over towards Dash and Twilight in turn. “Oh, no, I’m quite fine dear. Would you mind if I slipped into your bathroom for just a moment? I…need to…clean…”

Twilight gives her snow white friend a curious look. “Uh sure, go right ahead. It’s upstairs.”

Rarity mumbles a thank you and starts towards the spiraling staircase at the opposite end of the library, casting one last look at Rainbow. The Pegasus grins and keeps chewing on her cupcake. Rarity’s pace quickens.

Dash waits until the sound of a shutting door is heard. Quickly swallowing what remained of her chocolate cupcake and turning to the rest of her friends with a devilish smile.

“You guys will never guess what Rarity did.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Twilight’s bathroom was rather plain for the fashionista’s taste. There was only a single brush, no perfumes, and a distinct lack of makeup kits, it was no wonder the bookworm never looked as beautiful as she could; she just didn’t have the supplies necessary. Rarity made a mental note to take the poor dear shopping for some real heavy duty equipment as soon as the opportunity arose. But for now it would do. She desperately felt like cleaning something, anything, preferably herself. She quickly trotted over to the sink, flipping the handle with a quick spurt of magic and letting the hot water build up as she scrounged around for something to wash with. Cleaning was a sort of relaxing task for the unicorn, however strange that might sound to some. For now she would just scrub her hooves for a while, clearing her mind of worry and letting her think, she was half tempted to check and see if Rainbow was ‘spilling her beans’ as she so ineloquently put it, but contented herself in the fact that the Pegasus would never break a Pinkie Promise.

As soon as the sink filled to a satisfactory level she picks up a smooth sponge and quickly begins to dab the top half in, soaping up the sponge and beginning to wash her hooves. The warm water was relaxing and soothing. Though unfortunately the liquid and soap brought back thoughts of her bath with you, and she felt a heat spreading throughout her body as she started to recall your loving care and tender embrace. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind…that massage was possibly the best thing she had ever felt, not to mention she really needed it. There was a reason she went to the spa so often, working on new designs continuously meant that she would often get stressed out more than was probably healthy; a weekly massage would quell that stress and help mellow her out.

“Well, I suppose I won’t have to go all the way to the spa for that anymore…” She mumbles to herself. If you were willing to provide more of those wonderful treatments she would be more than willing to accept.

Rarity sighs and smiles, realizing that she had just spent what must have been a good hour or so sharing a very intimate moment with you, something she had wanted since you’d first come to town months ago. She was happy with the thought that, so long as everything went according to her plan, you and she would be able to spend many more moments like that together. Free of a certain Pegasus’ interruptions.

“I suppose I should probably dial back the flirting a little though.” She mumbles yet again, staring at her reflection in the mirror, a slight touch of disappointment to her voice and expression. “If I can help it...”

There was an undeniable truth to the fact that she may have been pushing you a little too far. Originally she was just going to work on keeping you interested, but with the massage and the bath…she wonders if you were going to take the initiative. Naturally if you asked for an actual relationship she would say yes, but she didn’t want one of those typical ‘hey I like you, let’s go out,’ kind of situations. With who you were, and how much she cared about you…she wanted to make your official getting together a moment to cherish and remember forever.

Out of the corner of her eye Rarity notices a light blue gem resting atop the marble counter of the sink. Ah yes, Spike; now here was something she had hoped to avoid thinking about. She can’t suppress a slight twinge of sadness as she thinks of how heartbroken the little dragon will be when he learns about this whole thing. After all, the poor dear absolutely adored her, something she found flattering, but wasn’t able to acknowledge. Though there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that Spike would have made an excellent romantic partner, he was after all a gentlecolt in his own right, and she had nothing against cross species relationships. After all, though the practice of a pony loving another intelligent race, be it griffon, dragon, or even diamond dog in a few rare instances, wasn’t exactly uncommon per say, that didn’t change the fact that Spike was entirely too young.

Rarity had encouraged Twilight to try and keep the young dragon in the dark about her current romantic pursuits, and so far she seemed to be doing just that. Spike had yet to make an appearance at one of these gatherings, typically since the main topic of discussion was more often than not centered around you. It was still only a matter of time until he found out. And the fashionista figured it would be a lot easier for him to bear if she were to sit him down at one point and lay it all out for him to digest. She’d promised herself to quit putting it off, but found it difficult to do anything else.

The unicorn sighs, forcing thoughts of the young dragon away. Levitating over a small towel and wiping off the excess water from her hooves. Deciding it was time to head back downstairs.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

There is a noticeable change in the mood of the lower level of the library as Rarity reaches the bottom of the steps; it’s something she can feel as soon as her foot connects with the floor. Everything around her is deathly quiet, and she can sense five different pairs of eyes all glued to her as she approaches.

“What are you all looking at?” She asks curiously, everypony in the room is quick to move their eyes into different directions. The repressed giggling near the snack bowl is enough for Rarity to piece together the reason for the sudden change in atmosphere. “RAINBOW YOU FILTHY LITTLE LIAR!”

Everypony gives a start at the unicorn’s raised voice, save for a certain Rainbow maned Pegasus who bursts into uncontrollable fits of laughter.

“Oh come on Rarity, how on Equestria did you expect me to keep something like that to myself!?” Rainbow forces out in between a few more raucous laughs.

The unicorn loses what little composure she has left, levitating over the nearest blunt object, in this case a table lamp, with full intent on smashing it over Dash’s head. Applejack is quick to intervene.

“Whoa there sugarcube!” The farm pony quickly snatches away the lamp, the blue aura of magic quickly fizzing away. “T’aint no reason to go resortin’ ta violence!”

Rarity glares daggers at her intervening friend, and then sends that same stare towards Rainbow, who is currently wiping stray tears from her eyes and picking herself up off the floor, grinning wildly.

“How could you Rainbow?! You Pinkie Promised”

The Pegasus rolls her eyes, opening her mouth for another sharp remark, before Pinkie tackles her to the ground.

“You broke a Pinkie Promise?” The question is devoid of the usual giggly tone typically found within Pinkie’s cheery voice, and the sudden serious shift throws the cyan Pegasus for a slight loop, causing her excuses to falter and be replaced by a single unsteady shaking of her head. “Oooh Dashie, you know what that means…” There’s the faintest trace of a threat in the party pony’s words, and it causes Dash to grow steadily more uncomfortable as she stares into Pinkie’s unforgiving eyes.

“Uh, Pinkie, you’re kind of creeping me out.” Dash says, squirming around in an attempt to free herself from her friend’s iron like grip.

The earth pony seems to ignore her however, leaning forward and meeting the terrified gaze of the Pegasus with an emotionless one of her own. “Cross my heart and hope to fly…” The sing song voice is usually one that brings smiles, but for Dash it only brought chills. “…Or stick a cupcake…in…my...EYE!”

There’s a wet smacking sound as chocolate cupcake comes into contact with Rainbow’s left eye, Pinkie giggles as she jumps off of her friend. “All better!”

Rainbow slowly gets to her hooves, groaning in discomfort as she feels the icing sinking into her fur. “Oh yuck! Pinkie!” The Pegasus quickly lifts up a hoof to start wiping away the mess.

Pinkie Pie laughs again. “Sorry Dashie! Its part of the promise, you broke it, so now you get a cupcake to the eye!”

There’s a noticeable blush to Rainbow’s chocolate splattered face as her friends begin to chuckle. Rarity even finds herself repressing a giggle or two, her previous thoughts of embarrassment pushed to the side at the sight of the chocolate covered Pegasus.

“You…um, shouldn’t feel ashamed you know.” Rarity is almost startled at the sound of the tiny voice beside her, looking over to see Fluttershy’s cyan colored eyes staring back at her, half of her face hidden behind a long lock of pink hair. “I um…do it sometimes to…” Rarity cocks her head to the side, the shy Pegasus’ point sailing right over her head. “…recently actually, my coltfriend wasn’t around the other night and I was kind of in the mood so I…took care of it…myself.”

The fashionista’s eyes go wide as saucers when the truth finally clicks in her head. Swallowing hard and chuckling nervously as she casts an edgy look around at her fellow friends. All of which were thankfully too busy poking fun at Rainbow to have caught wind of Fluttershy’s confession.

“Oh, dearie, I know you’re trying to make me feel better.” The unicorn attempts to make her voice as soft and uninsulting as possible, fully aware of how fragile Fluttershy was. “But, I would suggest that you try and keep that to yourself.”

Fluttershy’s eyes shift to the hardwood floor of the library, sinking more of her face into the safety of her flowing mane. Rarity is quick to ensure her words didn’t hurt her feelings.

“But thank you very much for trying sweetheart.” The Pegasus finally unglues her eyes from the floor, scuffing a hoof along the ground and giving a tiny shake of her head.

“All right all right!” Twilight’s authoritative voice snaps everypony back into attention, all eyes turning to the purple mare. “We’ve all had our fun, here Rainbow.” Twilight’s horn glows purple as she levitates a stack of napkins over towards her chocolate speckled friend. Dash mumbles a thank you and gets to work wiping off the cupcake. “So, we all know why we’re here, Rarity has found herself a coltfriend.”

Rainbow deadpans, pulling away her fifth used napkin and turning an unamused glare towards her purple friend. “Yeah egghead, we know, this is like the fourth dumb meeting we’ve had about it.”

Twilight grins and chuckles. “Oh right, so Applejack, you were a little worried about it right? Well, Rarity sent him to meet you today, what did you think about him?”

Before the farm pony can respond Rarity interjects. “Which I still can’t fathom! Why on Equestria can she have a coltfriend of her own and nopony says a word, but I say that I’m interested in one and both of you throw a fit?”

“Because yer pick ain’t exactly got the best o’ reputations sugarcube.” She states plainly. Rarity feels a slight twinge of anger, she’d heard all the gossip already and the last thing she wanted was more of it from her closest friends.

“She’s right you know.” Rainbow chirps up. “Talk on the weather team is that your guy has been all over town, you might want to get yourself checked.” Rarity shoots the cyan pegasus an icy stair, reaching a hoof towards the discarded table lamp threateningly, Rainbow is quick to shut up.

Applejack rolls her eyes. “But, ah met him today an’ well…he seems like a real good feller.” Rarity looks at the apple farmer, surprised at this change in tune, she was confident that Applejack’s opinion of you would never change. “Ah honestly don’t think ya coulda picked a better stallion.”

Rarity gives a shake of her head, as if double checking what she just heard. “Well, thank you Applejack, I’m glad you can see him like I do.” The unicorn’s blue eyes turn towards Twilight. “And what about you dear, you had some issues as well if I recall.”

Twilight sighs. “Yeah I did, but come on you have to understand why.” Everypony in the room nods their heads, having your closest sibling come this close to marrying a changeling seemed a cause enough to check up on who your friends are dating. “But well…like Applejack said I met him, he seems pretty nice, and I even…did a little research of my own and well, I think he’s a great pick.”

Rarity once again finds herself pleasantly surprised.

“Uh…yeah, I met him too.” Fluttershy’s meek voice speaks up once again; she shrinks away slightly when all her friends look at her at once. “He seems…nice.” The faintest curve of Fluttershy’s lips is enough to show that she meant it. “He even stood up for me while I was at Sugarcube Corner.”

“Well, then everypony thinks he’s okay?” Rarity asks, looking around for dissenting opinions. She’s startled to find that there is one.

“I don’t think he’s okay.” Pinkie says, holding her head up and stamping her hoof on the ground for emphasis, a deep frown on her face.

“But Pinkie-”

“I think he’s FANTASTIC!” The smile returns to Pinkie’s jubilant face. “Not only is he super nice! I know for a fact that he’s a lean mean dancing machine!” The party pony starts, ‘busting a move’ for emphasis.

Rainbow starts to snicker. “Really, he break dances? Wow Rarity, you really know how to pick ‘em.”

Before Rarity can retort Pinkie shoots back up. “Well he doesn’t really dance like that, he called it the tango. But really all dancing is the same when you get down to it!”

Rarity’s face lights up like Hearth Warming lights. “Oh, the tango! You’re right Dash; I do know how to pick them.”

“Anyway Rare, ya like tha guy an all. When are ya gonna make it official?” Applejack speaks up again.

“Soon Applejack, very soon, speaking of, Twilight dear have you secured those nighttime passes into Canterlot gardens?” Rarity asks the purple unicorn.

“Huh? Oh right, the passes.” Twilight shakes her head. “Yeah, Princess Luna said she’d be willing to provide them, though they’ll take a couple days to get here.”

“Splendid, that will leave me plenty of time to get everything squared away, thank you very much Twilight, I owe you a great debt.”

Twilight shrugs. “Well it wasn’t a big deal.”

“Nonsense!” Rarity exclaims, stepping closer and pulling the unreceptive Twilight into a hug, the purple unicorn squirms a little in her friend’s hooves. “This means a lot to me and I promise to repay you.” Rarity lets go, much to Twilight’s relief. “How about you and I go shopping next week hmm? My treat,”

Twilight opens her mouth to politely decline, before snapping it shut, she knew better than to even try turning down the fashionista when shopping was concerned. “Sure Rarity.”

Rainbow groans. “Okay enough with all this boring stuff. Let’s have some fun already!”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You absently reach up and pull the blanket covering your body a little closer, feeling a slight chill creep through the empty boutique, you were sitting on the red satin couch Rarity had been occupying this morning, curled up in the matching blanket as you rested your aching neck on a small crochet pillow, skimming through a Daring Do book you’d found on Rarity’s bookshelf. The idle tick tock of the clock near your head slowly luring you into a sort of trance, similar to when you played with your pendant, the sound is relaxing and familiar.

You flick your eyes up to the clock, quickly spying the time. The hands read somewhere between eleven fifteen and eleven twenty, it was somewhat difficult to judge the exact positioning of the big hand. You roll your neck and it gives a couple painful pops in response, you’d probably be asleep right now if not for this damn ache.

This had more or less been how you’d spent the majority of your night. You’d tidied up the boutique a tad, not that there was much that needed cleaning, Rarity was indeed a very hygienic mare, and you had to struggle to find so much as a speck of dirt in the entire building. You’d put together a simple daisy sandwich moments after, not exactly gourmet but certainly enough to get the job done. But after that you had pretty much run out of things to do, so in order to cope with your boredom you snooped around what Rarity kept in her bookcase upstairs, you’d seen some generic romance novels and a few books about fashion but the only thing that caught your attention was the most recent Daring Do novel. You’d never read one before, despite the critical acclaim surrounding the series, and you figured that you might as well give it a look. So far you were about twenty chapters in and totally engrossed.

You’d just finished a rather intense passage in which Daring had managed to outsmart the villain with nothing more than a banana and a small Celestia figurine when you pick up on the sound of a key entering a lock. You put down your book and peer through the darkness of the main room of the boutique, the sun having set a few hours ago, the only source of illumination in the entirety of the room currently being the table lamp near the couch. The main door swings open with a creek followed by the sharp chime of the bell above.

You can make out Rarity’s sleek figure through the gloomy darkness of the boutique and you smile at the sight. You hear a petite yawn escape her lips as she slips inside, gently closing the door behind her.

“Welcome home Rarity.” You greet her, you can spy the mare’s shining blue eyes through the gloom as they lock onto you, and you can make out the faintest of smiles spreading across her face.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed my dear assistant?” The playful tone is clear, if a little muffled due to the unicorn’s obvious fatigue.

You feign offense. “Me? Go to bed? Well how could I knowing you were out wandering the dark dangerous streets of Ponyville, all by your lonesome. I was worried sick about you.”

You hear her giggle, followed by the sound of her hooves sliding over the soft carpet. She slowly moves into the dim light cast by your table lamp. The sight of her smile and the happy glint in her eye is enough to shake away all feelings of exhaustion.

“You waited up all night for little old me?” The cutesy tone of voice and pouty expression she gives is nearly enough to make your heart explode.

“Well of course I did Rarity; I’m nothing if not loyal to my employer.” You grin at the mare.

Rarity rolls her eyes before yawning again, placing a dainty white hoof to her lips as her mouth widens. Afterwards she stops and gently shakes her head, trying to knock the exhaustion away. “Oh, I’m too exhausted for banter. Let us go to bed hmm?” The word ‘us’ makes your ear twitch, there was nothing inherently odd about it, but the implications that she would rather sleep with you rather than alone was enough for butterflies to start stirring in your stomach.

You follow the mare with your eyes as she fades back into the shadows, you can make out her soft silhouette in the darkness as she moves up the stairs, stopping halfway and beckoning for you to follow with her eyes. You flick of the lamp and hop off the couch, quick to comply.

Neither of you say anything as she leads you down the hallway of her boutique, stopping just in front of her bedroom door. She opens it up with her magic, slinking inside with nary a word spoken. You wonder what she’s playing at. Didn’t she have a guest bed for you or something? Your still on the opposite end of the door when a flash of light appears, cutting a faint swath through the darkness of the hallway via the crack still left in the door.

“Well don’t be shy dear, do come in.” Rarity’s words are enough to get you moving again, and you push open the door with the brunt of your forehead.

The room was pretty much the same as it was this morning; save for the faint smell of expensive perfume that wafted throughout the room, Rarity must have just recently applied some. But why?

“I hope you don’t mind the smell dear.” Rarity says, as if reading your mind. You spy her near the dresser, putting down an expensive looking purple glass container. “Pinkie brought over so many sweets that I was sure I’d brought the scent home with me.”

You shake your head. “No, I don’t mind. It smells pretty, er I mean good!” You’re quick to correct yourself.

Rarity only acknowledges your slip with a small smile and a faint laugh, her horn lighting up as a drawer near her hooves comes open. She reaches in and retrieves a dark blue sleeping mask, strapping it to her head and leaving it just above her eyes. You watch, thoroughly confused, as Rarity walks towards her bed and slips underneath the covers, her blue eyes looking at you expectantly.

“Well…” She says after a moment of silence.

“W-what?” There’s a twinge of apprehension to your voice. Rarity couldn’t be insinuating what you think she is…right?

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Oh come now, don’t play coy. I won’t have my assistant sleeping on the couch all on his own tonight.” You swallow hard, so she had been insinuating what you thought she was.

Now normally you would have jumped at the chance, but for some reason your foolish mind decides this is a prime time to argue. “B-but surely you’d rather have the bed all to yourself tonight. I mean, I’ve stolen it from you for two days, I don’t want to get in the way of your rest.”

Rarity laughs. “Oh come now, you’re working for me without pay darling. Scooting over a tad so you have a nice soft bed to sleep on isn’t going to keep me awake.” She gives you a guilty puppy dog stare. “Besides, I would feel just awful knowing you have to sleep all night on that terribly uncomfortable couch downstairs with that ache in your neck.” Her puppy dog eyes grow just a tad wider. “So won’t you share my bed with me? Pretty please?”

Well, with a look like that was there even a chance you could say no? Your whole body is practically shaking with trepidation as you approach the bed. You nod in thanks as Rarity lifts the covers with magic, after another deep breath or two to try and calm your pounding chest you slip underneath. The silky smooth covers gently falling over your body as you ease into the plush bed, the light above you flicking off as soon as they do. The bed was as comfortable as it was this morning, and you would have been able to truly enjoy it if not for your nervousness. You do your best to try and relax, going so far as to pretend Rarity isn’t there at all, gently resting your head on the plush pillow below as you close your eyes.

Your attempts at ignoring the fashionista’s presence seem to be getting the job done, as you slowly feel your body relaxing and your consciousness fading. That is, until she makes her presence wholly known once again. You don’t pick up on it at first, there’s a gentle shift in the weight of the bed that would suggest Rarity had started moving, you’re too busy trying to sleep yourself to look over and figure out what she’s up to, before she lets out an aggravated sigh and you see her sit up.

“Something wrong Rarity?” You ask, unable to ignore the distraught movement.

Rarity sighs again and groans. “Sorry, I know your trying to sleep it’s just…” You can see her darkened silhouette fidget with the pillow she was using, before groaning again. “This pillow is awfully uncomfortable.”

You frown slightly; you knew that you would interfere with her sleep in some way. “If you’d like you can have mine as well, two pillows should be more comfortable.”

“No, no, that wouldn’t do.” The unicorn quickly shoots down your offer. “It’s not that I don’t have enough pillows. It’s that the one I do have just isn’t providing enough support.” She sighs again, and you can see her horn light up in the darkness as the sleeping mask she wore is pulled up, her light blue eyes piercing through the darkness as she looks down at you.

You fidget somewhat in the shadows, an odd feeling worming its way into your chest as memories of when Rarity had stroked your chest filter their way into your mind.

“Hang on a moment…” She mumbles, and you can see her move to put a hoof underneath her chin as she thinks. “I have a splendid idea.” You’re curious as to what this splendid idea was, but as it so happens you wouldn’t have to wait long to find out.

You nearly cry out in surprise when Rarity lays her head upon your chest, gently snuggling into your upper body as she magically lifts your hoof and wraps it around her shoulder, forcing you to embrace her. Your breath shortens and your throat goes dry as the full realization of Rarity’s actions hits you. You were spooning.

Rarity sighs contentedly and snuggles a little closer, you can very nearly make out the outline of her lips as they slide upwards, and the smell of her expensive perfume becomes much stronger, filling your nose and overpowering your other senses, giving you this strange feeling of euphoria. You can feel Rarity’s warm breath caresses your chest and neck.

Your body seems to be moving on autopilot, and you don’t even remember giving your leg the command to start stroking her shoulders. Either way, you fail to fight back the smile as this helps ease her into your embrace, her grin growing wider with each passive stroke. Every fiber of your being yearns for you to tell her how much you care about her, to tell her how much you love her, but the words die in your throat every time you wish to utter them.

I love you Rarity, I just wish I could tell you

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A/N Well, I'm sorry if this seems a little rougher than usual, I ran into a few problems with this little interlude. So if you guys really hate it let me know and I'll see if I can fix it. Also, I can't seem to get italics working properly, let me know if it's still messed up after I try fixing it.

Raw Fiery Desire

Your groggy eyes slowly pry themselves apart as you wake up, lifting a hoof to your face as you yawn, suppressing the sound so as not to disturb the slumbering unicorn snuggled into you. You look down, blinking once or twice to clear the blur from your sight, smiling as you see her, a shaft of light from the nearby window cuts through the heavy gloom of the early morning, piercing through the dark blue of the curtains and illuminating her beautiful face.

“Good morning Rarity.” You whisper to the mare, you get no answer aside from the slight curving of her lips. “Any requests for breakfast?”

Rarity gives a tiny negative shake of her head. “I trust you.” She mumbles, sinking her head a little farther into your chest, sighing contentedly.

You chuckle lightly, gently trying to pull away from her embrace, she groans in aggravation and tries to hold you back. “Oh come on Rare, you know I can’t make breakfast for you like this!” You chide playfully, giving another pull to try and escape.

Rarity grumbles. “Oh, you could try.”

You chuckle at the unicorn and finally succeed in pulling yourself free from her grip. Sliding out of the cozy bed you’d been sharing with her. She cracks open one blue eye and glares at you, visibly displaying her discontent as you flash her an impish grin.

“Fine,” She huffs, levitating over your pillow and placing atop her own. “If you aren’t going to stay I’m going to steal your pillow.”

You laugh. “Go ahead I’m not using it anyway.”

“Oh be quiet and go make me some breakfast.” The fashionista does her best to sound annoyed, though the smile clearly shows she isn’t.

You take a deep bow. “As your majesty wishes,” Rarity gives another scoff and tries to hide her amusement, to no great avail. You knew for a fact that she loved every second of the way you treated her. Like the princess you knew she was.

You slink out of the room quietly, holding a hoof over your mouth to cover another yawn. Lifting up that same hoof and looking it over, checking over your new scar. Your eyes trace along the jagged line marring your skin, your cut had finally healed it seemed, but like you feared it left you with a rather unflattering looking scar. The first couple of days after nurse Redheart removed the bandages you’d felt slightly self-conscious over the mark, feeling that Rarity would disapprove due to her, ‘everything must be pretty’ kind of attitude. Much to your pleasant surprise she had put your worry to ease, saying that it made you look more, ‘ruggedly handsome’, to quote her directly. It was obviously just a compliment to make you feel better, but at least she wasn’t appalled.

You teeter slightly in the hallway as you head towards the bathroom, feeling a new wave of morning exhaustion washing over you, your body yearning for you to return to the cozy bed you’d been occupying for the last two weeks, and not to mention, the gorgeous mare sleeping in it. You sigh wistfully, mentally chastising yourself as you approach the bathroom door. You could hardly believe that two whole weeks had gone by and you still weren’t any closer to revealing your true feeling to her.

You didn’t really know why you were finding it so difficult. You had never been shy about this kind of thing before. Being outgoing was the only possible way you could have had as many marefriends as you did. Well, then again, this whole, admitting your love to the mare of your dreams, thing…was a tad different from buying a cute filly a drink or two. It was like…every time you wanted to say those three little words your brain just blanked. You didn’t know for sure whether or not it was because you feared rejection, sure enough there was that niggling little doubt in your mind of ‘but what if she says no?’ There was no escaping that dirty little black cloud, it was a problem for everypony, but again you’d learned to ignore that piece of doubt over the years, otherwise you’d have only gone out with a fraction of the mare’s you had at this point.

Fact is you didn’t know what the problem was. Maybe part of you was just waiting for the right time, holding that desire to be with her back until that perfect moment.

“Oh buck it…” You swear under your breath, bumping your head against the bathroom door, trying to forcibly knock those thoughts away. There was no point worrying about it; it was just a matter of you building up the guts necessary to do it.

The fresh scent of bathwater and soap hangs in the air, growing ever stronger as you make your way deeper into the spacious bathroom. You breathe the smell in, the combination of cleaning materials a refreshing change of pace from the soft flowery perfume Rarity typically wore. Not that you didn’t like her perfume, but two weeks of smelling it up close and personal made you kind of immune to it.

You approach the gigantic marble tub at the far end of the bathroom, quickly hopping inside and turning on the water. You allow the liquid a moment to get hot, before flicking the switch that rerouted the output to the shower nozzle built in. Filling up the entire bath would have taken much too long.

You quickly remove the nozzle as it begins to sputter out warm water, moving it around to thoroughly clean areas that would otherwise be unreachable. The smell of shampoo and steam brings back fond memories of your shared bath with Rarity, you can feel small tingles running up and down your spine as you recall burying your muzzle into her neck, and you can feel a welcome warmth from deep within your chest as you recall cradling her in your hooves.

It’s in the midst of this fond recollection that you realize something, the relationship between you and Rarity had changed. Changed for the better, as far as you were concerned, there was no denying the fact that you two were getting closer to one another by the day. From the small things like the smiles and the banter, to the large things like…well…sleeping in the same bed and the annual massages, really the more you thought about it, the more it seemed like you two were pretty much already in a relationship…

You squirt a dollop of shampoo into your hooves, working it through your mane and into your scalp, sighing contentedly as the warm water from the shower head runs down your body in thick rivulets.

What am I going to do? You think idly to yourself. You couldn’t keep these feelings bottled up, not for much longer anyway. By the end of this week…I’m going to tell her. You promise yourself, though only time would tell whether or not you’d hold true to that pledge.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

About fifteen minutes later you had finished your shower, and you were currently scrounging around for something to cook, after knocking about in the cabinets for a bit you pull free some bread and some eggs, figuring you’d make something simple this morning, eggs and toast. You plug in the toaster and retrieve a pan, the yellowish goop of the egg starting to sizzle as the metal heats atop the stove. In the middle of your cooking you can hear the bathroom door open and shut, signaling Rarity’s true awakening. You don’t rush your cooking, knowing full well she’ll be locked inside for the better part of an hour.

By the time you’ve finished the food and prepared the table Rarity has finally shown herself. She was the same as she was every morning, that is, positively radiant, her fur so clean it practically shined in the early morning light, the fresh smell of her expensive shampoo and her imported rose blossom perfume intermingled in order to create a scent so wonderful it was practically intoxicating, her shining blue eyes are warm and happy, filling you with comfort as they meet with yours.

“Good morning.” You say, smiling around the plate in your mouth, gently placing it down on the table.

Rarity returns your smile with one of her own. “And good morning to you as well,” She steps forward, you pull out the chair to make it easier for her to sit. She wordlessly thanks you with a nod of her head and takes a seat, you push the chair back in.

“I figured I’d make something simple this morning. I hope you don’t mind.” You say, simultaneously serving out equal portions for both you and her.

“Oh of course I don’t dear, simple is good.” She compliments, magically folding a napkin over her lap.

“Yeah, I would make something a tad more elaborate but…well; I’m not much of a cook.” You bashfully admit, seating yourself next to the snow white mare.

Rarity cuts a small piece from her egg and pops it in her mouth, thoroughly chewing before swallowing. Her face lights up with satisfaction as her taste buds explode with flavor. “Nonsense, you don’t give yourself enough credit. To be honest I’m glad you’ve started making meals for me, I hadn’t been eating correctly. Oh, all that junk food must have been terrible for my figure.”

You allow a rebellious eye to run over Rarity’s sleek and curvaceous frame. Well, if she hadn’t been watching her figure, it sure didn’t show.

There’s a brief period of silence as you two focus on eating for a bit, stuffing your stomach taking precedence over the need for idle chit chat.

“Oh, I need your help with a piece after breakfast if you wouldn’t mind.” Rarity breaks the silence.

You lift your head up from your plate, swallowing before you respond. “Are you sure about that Rare? You remember what happened last time you wanted me to help out with a piece.”

Rarity giggles in her cute little way at the mention of your last attempt helping her with a suit. She’d been attempting to help you learn how to sew and stitch, so you could take a more active role as her assistant, unfortunately it seemed fashion was a task meant solely for a unicorn, or at least an earth pony that was more coordinated than you were. You’d ended up with some, truly disastrous, if not hilarious, results.

“I don’t need you to help me stitch or sew dear. I need you to put something on.” She says, popping another chunk of toast into her mouth.

“Oh, I see, so who is it for?” You ask, Rarity had used you to test out a few pieces of clothing before, the occasional suit or saddle, nothing major.

Rarity smiles coyly and her eyes flash onto you. “Well, that would be spoiling the surprise.”

You fight away a grin, leaning back in your chair as it lets loose a gentle creak, you know exactly who it’s for.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

After the pair of you had finished breakfast you’d followed Rarity upstairs, you’d wanted to clean up the kitchen but she had insisted you try on the clothing first. You were surprised to find that she seemed, if nothing else, rather excited about this. Smiling giddily and shuffling about with an apprehensive air as she led you up the stairs with the excitement of a foal who had just realized it was Hearth Warming day.

“Again I must apologize for the mess; I haven’t had the time to tidy up my work room for several days.” Rarity says, swinging open the door leading to her workspace with a gentle push of her hoof, flicking on the lights with a spark of her magic.

“It’s okay Rare.” You reassure her, stepping into the cluttered workspace.

“Give me a moment would you? I have to get everything set up. Oh I’m so excited!” You smile as Rarity practically jumps across the room with joy. Whatever she had planned you were glad that it was something she was looking forward to.

As soon as the fashionista disappears into the back of the room you cast a studious gaze around the room, it was pretty much the same as the last few times you saw it, though now it appeared even a little more wrecked than usual. Discarded drawings of designs and fashions were lying about on the floor in crumpled heaps, some near completion, others only half finished, what you find extremely odd however is that nearly every piece of the ruined paper seems to be occupied by the same pair of designs, what appeared to be a dress and a suit of some lavish make. There were some minor alterations here and there on each piece of paper, but all seemed to be deemed unsatisfactory in one way or another.

You kick one of the scrap drawings out of the way as you move farther into the room, still looking around with a curious gaze. It was indeed rather messy, though you wouldn’t be caught dead telling that to Rarity. You’d offered to help straighten it up once or twice over the past two weeks, but Rarity had shooed you away. Claiming that this was her room of ‘organized chaos’, you find it odd that Rarity would be so focused on keeping every room in her boutique as clean and pristine as possible save for the one she spent the majority of her time in, but you never questioned it. Then again you probably wouldn’t question Rarity if she told you to go blow up a school.

Your eyes flick over to the back closet as Rarity calls your name, the excitement practically tingling in her melodic voice. This feeling of enthusiasm worms its way into your emotions and you find yourself eagerly trotting over to see what Rarity has in store for you.

“Do be quick about it dear! I can’t wait to see what you think!” You chuckle as Rarity pokes her head outside of the closet and beckons to you with a wave of her hoof.

You pull open the closet door, surprised to find that it is practically another room in and of itself. A room lined with racks and racks of clothing, everything from posh dance wear to beach bathing suits, the room was practically filled to bursting with designs that never quite made it or that Rarity had decided to keep for herself. At the very back of the closet was mounted a giant mirror, angled and split in multiple places so one could view themselves from every side. Sitting in front of it is Rarity, her bright face practically beaming and her hooves nearly shaking from the excitement.

As you step closer you see that next to Rarity is what you assume are two mannequins covered in a thick black curtain, whatever Rarity had placed on those mannequins was obviously something she wanted to surprise you with.

Rarity doesn’t say anything as her horn lights up with magic, the tarp covering the mannequins is pulled away. Your jaw goes slack when you feast your eyes on Rarity’s surprise. You run your eyes over it, again and again, incapable of believing what you see. Standing before you is quite possibly the single most amazing suit you’ve ever seen, accompanied by a matching dress. The suit was a dark black, almost as dark as the night sky itself, the collar a crimson red, matching the tie wrapped around the mannequin, hanging out from the suit for display purposes, what you find most impressive is that the material the suit is made from appears to be crafted from a silk so smooth and expensive that it shines.

Now, you didn’t really know a whole lot about fashion. You never really had the patience or the time to make sure you were always wearing the best and most popular outfits. But if there was one thing you did know, it was how to tell the quality of a suit, being the oldest son to the wealthiest banker in Manehattan meant you spent more time than you really wanted sitting in on boring business meetings and fancy dinner parties, this often meant that you had to look your best. And you typically looked your best when wearing a nice suit. And after a few years you’d gotten rather good at discerning the quality and make of many a piece of attire. And this one, was quite possibly the best you’d ever seen.

“Wow…” Is all you can say, stepping closer to get a better look, reaching out with a tentative hoof to stroke the tie, you were right, that silk is magnificent, it feels so light you could swear your hoof was going to pass right through.

Rarity’s grin is so wide that you think her face might tear in half. “Oh I knew you were going to positively adore it! Now why don’t you try it on for me?”

You stop fondling the tie, looking towards Rarity with a touch of curiosity. “Are you sure? I don’t want to mess it up.” Though you’d love to try it on, you didn’t want to run the risk of diminishing its value in any way.

Rarity nods her head. “Oh don’t worry about it dear, I need to make sure it fits.”

Ten minutes later and you have donned the exquisite clothing, and you were now in the process of looking yourself over in the mirror, failing to fight off a grin as you Run a hoof over the soft silk covering your body, by Celestia, not only did it look great it felt great too. Like it had been designed to match your body and size exactly, you wonder if Rarity had been taking your measurements when she had you try on those other suits, she’d told you they were requests made by a few business ponies up in Canterlot, but you think she might have been using that as an opportunity, or maybe an excuse, to see what she’d need to do to make an outfit for you from scratch. Not that you would be upset if she did, you just don’t understand why she didn’t just ask for your help.

“So, how does it feel?” Rarity inquires, just the faintest trace of worry in her voice.

You look at her over your shoulder. “It’s great! It’s the most comfortable suit I’ve ever worn.” You give yourself another approving glance in the mirror. “And not to mention it looks fantastic.”

Rarity’s happiness returns, smiling so wide you could swear you heard her face make a slight squeaking noise. “Oh and look I made a matching dress as well!” She quickly hops over to the dress sitting nearby, you’d been so marveled by your outfit that you failed to notice the other.

You watch as Rarity uses her magic to strip the mannequin and put the dress on herself. Once again you find yourself impressed by Rarity’s craftsmanship as you look her over in the brand new dress. It was clearly made to match your suit as the color scheme was more or less the same, the majority of the dress a dark black, with the fringe a deep crimson, a fine necklace was wrapped around the snow white unicorn’s neck, a gold chain accompanied by a bright red gem, a fire ruby it looked like.

You find yourself at a loss for words as you stare at the breathtaking mare, Rarity was certainly a prize on her own, but this was the first time you’d actually seen her wearing something so lavish and fancy. And, well, she looked down right sexy.

You can feel your lips curving into a gleeful grin as Rarity walks up and gently presses herself against you. Tingles shoot up and down your spine as she reaches out and clasps her hoof around your own. You can see her sigh happily as she looks deeply into the mirror, her blue eyes shining.

“Don’t we look fantastic?” She asks, pressing into you just a little more.

You smile, looking down at her. “Yes, we do.”

She sighs and squeezes your hoof just a little tighter. “Like we’re meant to be together?”

“Yeah…” You can feel your heartbeat drumming against your chest, and you can feel the words you’ve been longing to say forming in your throat.

“Rarity I-”

“Dear I-”

You both share a laugh at that, realizing you’d both spoken at the same time. “You first,”

“Well if you insist…” You see Rarity look away for a moment, like she’s contemplating what to say. “I’ve been…well, I’ve really been enjoying your company these past two weeks.” You look down at her curiously, your heart practically pounding against your chest. She wasn’t about to...was she? “And well, I think you’re handsome, and kind, and you have been a magnificent assistant.” You can barely believe what you’re hearing, if Rarity was doing what you think she’s doing… “And well, you’ve been a great friend as well…you know how to make me smile, you can cheer me up when I’m feeling down, you always know what to say.” Rarity’s blue eyes meet with yours; you lose yourself in her gaze, eagerly waiting for what else she has to say. “And, though I enjoy being your friend…I’d be lying if I said...I didn’t want to be more.”

You can feel the fashionista shift just slightly, though she doesn’t let go of your hoof. “So, I’d like to ask you. To accompany me to Canterlot for a…” Her voice hitches just slightly and you can see the red hue overtaking her cheeks. “That is I would like it if we…” She swallows, obviously terribly shy about asking this. “…If you and I were to partake in…”

Your body seems to work on autopilot, you feel fit to exploding with joy and you want nothing more than to scoop Rarity up, hug her close, and tell her just how happy she’s made you. But you can’t do that, not with how tightly she’s clutching your hoof, so you settle for a gentle kiss to her cheek.

She lets out a slight squeak at the feeling of your lips against her face but she makes no move to pull away. You stop the kiss and gently start to nuzzle her neck.

“Rarity, I would love nothing more than to go on a date with you.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Wow Rare, just how much did this cost?” You ask, looking around the wide boxed in chariot currently flying you to Canterlot. Everything about it screamed expensive, from the box of wine on ice that was provided to the soft velvet cushions of the seats.

You can feel a slight shake as Rarity giggles, her head lying affectionately on your shoulder. “Well, you might have a hard time believing that it didn’t cost me a single bit.”

You raise an eyebrow, incredulous. “Really? You’re right; I do have a hard time believing that.”

Rarity lifts up her head, giving you a coy expression as her horn lights up; the wine bottle floats over towards both of you. “Element of Harmony remember? I simply told Princess Celestia that I would need transportation to Canterlot and she sent over one of her best chariots.” There’s a pop as the cork capping the top of the wine bottle is pulled free. “Would you like some wine?”

You contemplate that for a moment, you’d been trying to dry out a little these past two weeks, you hadn’t so much as touched a beer for the entirety of that time. Because, even though alcohol was the reason you were sitting here now, on a date with the love of your life, you’d finally realized it had often caused you more trouble than it was worth. But, seeing as this was a special occasion and since you could take six glasses of Hardened Horseshoe whiskey before getting drunk, you figure one little glass of wine couldn’t hurt.

“Yeah I’ll have a glass.” There’s a trickling sound as the dark red liquid is poured into both glasses. “So, what exactly do you have planned for our, date?” You falter slightly at the word, still unable to truly believe that’s what you two were on right now, a date, well hopefully if you played your cards right tonight you’d be saying it a lot more often.

Rarity levitates your glass in front of you; you thank her and take it, awkwardly twisting your hoof around the bottom in order to keep a firm grip.

“Well, I was thinking we could go and see a show.” You lift up your wine glass and start to drink. “I hear Octavia Heartstrings is playing at the Royal Palace, visitors welcome.” You sputter and spit as you start to choke on your wine at the mention of Octavia, images of leather and whips flashing through your head like the flashbacks of an old war veteran. “Oh are you okay dear?” Rarity asks with concern as you pull away your glass in order to avoid staining her beautiful suit.

You give your throat a good clearing before you speak, the thickness of the wine clogging up your throat. “Uh, ahem, yeah just, went down the wrong hole is all.” You force out, putting a hoof to your face to cover the coughing. Here’s hoping that Octavia didn’t notice you in the crowd, lest she approach and suggest something along the lines of a threesome…yeah, she was that kinky.

“Here, let me get rid of that so you don’t spill any on your suit.” You can feel a slight pull as Rarity’s magic starts lifting away your still half full wine glass, refilling her own with what remained before returning the now empty cup to its place near the bucket of ice.

You clear your throat again. “Ahem, thanks Rare, I’d love to go see a show with you. Anything else you’d like to do?”

“Yes a few things.” She drinks down a portion of her now refilled wine glass, before pursing her lips and deciding she’d had enough, placing the glass near the other, apparently she wasn’t much of a drinker. “Do correct me if I’m wrong darling, but I heard you know how to tango.”

You blush lightly and rub the back of your neck. “Yeah, I’ve dabbled.” You learned over the years that ladies loved to tango; it appeared Rarity was no exception.

“Dabbled hm? From what I heard you are a ‘lean mean dancing machine’.” You smile at that, those last four words sounding odd coming from Rarity.

“Okay so you want to go dancing, I can deliver on that.”

Rarity holds her head up, satisfied with your answer. “Good, and I figure by then we’ll be ready for dinner.” You nod, dinner sounded like a good way to end your date. “But after that,” This catches your attention, what else could she possibly have planned? “There’s something very…special I want to show you.”

You cock your head to the side, clearly curious as to what this ‘special’ thing could be.

“And before you ask, no, I won’t tell you what it is.” She flashes you another one of those coy little grins. “That would spoil the fun darling.”

You nod. “Okay then.” If Rarity planned on doing something special to end your day out together you saw no real reason to spoil it, sure you were curious, but you figure whatever it is she has planned will be all the more amazing if you don’t know what it is beforehoof.

“Oh look at that, we’re almost there!” Rarity chirps, sitting up and craning her neck to get a good look out the far window.

You do the same, lifting your head up to peer out of the window, your eyes widen slightly at the sight you are greeted with. Now you’d never been to Canterlot yourself, your father would make a trip there on occasion when there was a big event he needed to attend or when he needed to visit with a fellow businesspony. But you’d never accompanied him on any of those trips, the closest you’d ever gotten to actually seeing what the royal city looked like was when he brought home some pictures for your younger sister. She always did love looking at the pictures he’d bring back after a business trip. That and the time you’d been arrested, but you hadn’t really had the time to go sightseeing then, you’d ended up spending the majority of the day in a cell.

The buildings were the first thing that caught your eye, naturally, far different from the gigantic skyscrapers of steel and glass that you were used to seeing, yet not in any way less impressive. For what they lacked in size and scope they made up for in appearance, they seemed to be finer, more deliberate, the laden stonework and spiraling towers made them appear more regal and fanciful in nature. Another variance you noticed was that the color palate was vastly different; everything back home was more of a black and grey during the day, giving everything a rather dreary and washed out look. While the building’s and streets of Canterlot appeared to be more mixed, awash with many different colors, giving the city below a more vibrant and lively feel. You wonder if the design and construction of the town had been the result of the direct involvement of the princesses, after all, this was their home, no doubt neither of them wanted to spend eternity looking over a town that was drab and boring.

“Quite beautiful isn’t it?” Rarity’s voice snaps you back into reality, your eyes falling back onto her. “I’ve been here multiple times and I still think it’s beautiful when seen from this height.”

“When seen from this height?” You query playfully. “So it’s not all that great when you get down there is what you’re saying.”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Oh shush you.”

You can feel yourself rocked in your seat as the chariot finally hits the ground, jostling and rocking for a moment until it finally comes to a stop. There’s the distinct jingling sound of armor as one of the royal guards pulling the chariot removes himself from the harness wrapped around his body, you can hear his powerful hooves stomping across the ground as he walks towards the back of the regal chariot. The door opens with a creak and a large shaft of light filters in.

“Sir, Madam,” The white stallion says, his voice deep, authoritative, and powerful. “You have arrived at Canterlot Palace.” Canterlot Palace already? You didn’t think you’d be stopping right at the front gates, even if the first thing Rarity wanted to do was see the show.

“Splendid, thank you sir, we greatly appreciate your service today.” Rarity says to the stallion, who keeps a stoic face. “Well shall we proceed?” She gets up from the seat, waiting for you to do the same.

You quickly get up and hop out of the chariot, nodding a thank you to the royal guard for holding the door; again he doesn’t so much as blink. You hold up a hoof to help Rarity down, knowing full well it’s the treatment she expected, after all, she was a lady. You can feel those familiar tingles dance across your body as her snow white hoof touches yours, the contact warm and comforting, even if it only lasted a few brief seconds.

There’s a brief clacking sound as Rarity’s hooves come into contact with the smooth cobblestone of the street. She smiles at you and you smile back, it was clear that both of you were eager for this date to officially begin.

“And my sister says chivalry is dead.” The distinct voice from behind gives you a slight start, so engrossed in the thoughts of how joyous your date was going to be that you had failed to notice the approach of a pony from behind…or perhaps alicorn was the proper term.

“Princess Celestia, why, I didn’t expect you to greet us!” Rarity speaks, the startled edge to her voice showing that she was about as prepared for running into the Princess as you were. Both of you move to bow, before Celestia holds out one of her large and illustrious white wings, signaling that you shouldn’t.

You feel like an ant while standing before Celestia’s gaze, the very power and wisdom behind her eyes filling you with a strange sense of insignificance, thankfully this feeling is eased, at least in part, by the alicorn’s welcoming and caring smile. That same smile showing you that as a goddess she valued the life and existence of every one of her subjects, even if their purpose paled in comparison to her own. There’s also what feels to be an aura of strength and resolve surrounding her, perhaps it’s just in your head, or perhaps it’s a feeling garnered due to the immense and seemingly endless amount of magical power she contained, either way, you didn’t know.

You’d certainly met with nobility before, even a few distant members of the royal family, but that was only on a few rare occasions with your father. And you typically didn’t have to do much other than shake hooves with them and shovel out some brain-dead compliment that more than likely wasn’t true, this however…it was like staring into the face of a god…probably because you more or less were.

“Rarity, I am pleased to see you have found your way back to Canterlot after all this time.” You notice Rarity stand up straighter and hold her head a little higher as Celestia speaks, clearly trying to make herself look as good as possible in front of the princess, you didn’t blame her for that, you were pretty much doing the same thing. “May I ask what brings you here?”

“Of course Princess, well…” Rarity’s eyes flick over to you for a moment, a glint of nervousness showing, you do your best to return this look with a comforting smile, hoping to help put the unicorn at ease. It appears to work, Rarity seems to take a breath and her voice levels out as she speaks. “I am actually on a date your highness.”

Celestia’s face lights up a little. “Ah, a date, how grand!” The alicorn’s purple eyes flash onto you. “I take it this is the lucky stallion?”

You let out a nervous chuckle and scuff at the ground lightly with a hoof, though you don’t look away from Celestia’s gaze, feeling that it would be disrespectful. “Yeah, and lucky is right.” You steal a glance over at Rarity, a noticeable crimson hue overtaking the unicorn’s usually pale features. “Who would have thought that a unicorn as kind and generous as Rarity would see something in a guy like me?”

Rarity places a hoof up to her cheeks, trying to stop the flood of red overtaking her face. She’s obviously embarrassed, but you can tell that at the same time she’s flattered. You don’t expect her to reply with a compliment of her own, so you’re pleasantly surprised when she does.

“Well…you’re not exactly selfish yourself dear.” Her voice comes out tiny and, somewhat timid, but still you appreciate the compliment.

Celestia releases a tiny chuckle. And believe it or not that chuckle helps put you at ease, though you can’t really put your hoof on why.

“Ah young love, it is truly a sight to behold.” That makes both you and Rarity blush, like two teenagers who got caught passing notes in class by a teacher. “I take it you both have come to watch the performance?”

“Yes your highness.” Rarity speaks, shaking off her bashfulness. “I hear Octavia Heartstrings is playing today.”

“Yes she is, I’m pleased you heard. The mare is very talented.”

She sure is. If one is willing to consider torture a talent. You think to yourself, then your eyes flash open in worry. Celestia couldn’t read minds or something right? A brief scan of the alicorn’s face shows that, if she had read your thoughts, she wasn’t paying them any mind. Still, you figure it’s best to avoid thinking about the cellist at all, just in case.

“Oh that she is, I have many of her records. Her music can be very soothing.” Rarity nods her head, you faintly recall hearing music coming from her design room every once and a while, but it had been so faint that you never managed to place it as Octavia’s. “I presume you’ll be attending as well your highness?”

Celestia nods happily. “Yes, I shall be. It will be a pleasant break from my royal duties.” The princess lets out a barely audible sigh, a momentary show of disappointment. “It’s a shame my sister will be unable to attend, I was hoping to rekindle her passion for classical music, if only so she will stop blasting that, oh what’s it called? Techno? While I’m trying to sleep.”

Both you and Rarity exchange a sideways glance of disbelief. Luna, goddess of the moon, listened to techno? That sounded positively ludicrous.

“Techno?” Rarity asks, vocalizing the confusion written upon both of your expressions. “Why, that seems a little too…modern, for her tastes."

Celestia nods. “Precisely what I thought, don’t get me wrong of course, I’m glad to see she’s acclimatizing to the new time period, I would just have preferred she do it in a less noisy fashion.” Rarity seems to agree, you don’t really seem to side one way or the other. Techno or dubstep, whatever you felt like calling it, never really bothered you, it wasn’t your favorite form of music by any means, but years of frequenting dance clubs and the like meant that the electronic beeps and boops had eventually just become easy to tune out.

“Well the show is about to start. Would you both like to accompany me to the concert hall? If my sister won’t be attending you both can have her booth.” Your eyes widen slightly in surprise, that was quite the generous offer. You knew nobles who would kill for a chance to sit in a royal show booth.

“Why, we would be honored your highness, but, are you certain Princess Luna wouldn’t mind?” Rarity questions humbly.

Celestia laughs again. “Why of course she wouldn’t Rarity, my sweet sister Luna hasn’t even been inside it since she’s been back. She has very little patience for entertainment; I see no reason to let it go to waste.” Celestia turns, motioning for you both to follow as she starts towards the two towering doors that served as the main entrance to the castle.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

As both you and Rarity walk through the great annals and hallways of the royal palace you find yourself, surprisingly enough, growing increasingly at ease around Celestia. Despite being an immortal being that held more power in her hooves than any other living creature currently occupying the planet she had proved herself to be, well, remarkably normal. She would talk, laugh, and listen just like anypony else would. And you truly believed that beneath the calm and powerful position as the leader of Equestria, was a simple pony just like yourself. It was a strangely comforting realization, to know that such a warm and kind ruler watched over you as a subject.

“I take it you haven’t been to the royal castle before?” It takes you a moment to realize Celestia was speaking to you.

“Hm? Oh sorry your highness!” You quickly apologize, though your initial unease was gone, Celestia was still one of the supreme rulers of Equestria, and you certainly didn’t want to appear unmannered. “Actually…you could say I’ve visited once.” You mumble, recalling your unfortunate arrest by two royal guards, the case of mistaken identity between you and a different stallion, the stallion that had stolen the wheels of Celestia’s favorite chariot.

“Really?” It’s Rarity who speaks this time. “I had no idea you’d visited Canterlot. Was it on a business trip with your father?”

You contemplate your choice of answer for a moment. On one hoof, you could tell her the truth and have to explain your arrest to both the fashionista and Celestia, which was something you didn’t really feel up to, and on the other you could just agree and get on with your date. Naturally the latter was the one you decided to go with.

“Yeah, something like that.” You feel a twinge of worry travel up and down your spine, keeping your eyes roaming around the castle as if you were studying the surroundings, hoping that Rarity wouldn’t think much of your comment and would just let the whole thing drop. Thankfully she did.

“Just up these stairs.” Celestia motions towards a set of steps, leading up to the show booths for both her and her sister.

It doesn’t take you long to reach the top and by the time you get there you can hear that preparations for the show have already begun. You can make out the distinct velvety sound of Octavia’s voice as she tells a story from her foalhood about how she got her first instrument, she sounded significantly less intimidating when she didn’t have a whip in her mouth.

The three of you are greeted by a pair of doors, separated by a wall down the middle, one bore the symbol of a burning sun, the other a crescent moon surrounded by stars, it was rather obvious which booth was intended for whom. Celestia’s horn lights up with a golden glow as both of the doors swing open, before she turns back to both you and Rarity.

“Well here we are. I would offer you to accompany me so we could watch the show together, but I’m sure you both would like some time alone.” You and Rarity share brief glance that says, ‘yes we would’. “But if either of you need anything do feel free to ask.”

Celestia turns to enter her booth, before Rarity quickly stops her. “Your highness, there is actually something I would like to ask of you, if you wouldn’t mind.”

The royal alicorn turns towards Rarity with a smile. “Certainly, what is it?”

Rarity bites her lip and turns a pleading gaze to you, trying to send the hint that she’d rather ask this of the princess by herself.

“I’ll uh, just go get the seats ready.” You say, before heading into your own booth, slowly starting to shut the door behind you.

Just before the final sliver of the door is closed you can hear Celestia’s playful laugh one last time.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Rarity’s blue eyes follow you through the door, her ear giving a faint twitch as Celestia giggles and the door you’d just closed shuts with a click.

“You’ve picked a fine young stallion Rarity.” Celestia says, drawing the unicorn’s gaze into her own. “He seems like quite the catch if I do say so myself.”

Rarity sheepishly grins. “Why thank you Princess, I’m glad you approve. He is…very special to me.”

“I can see that. So, what is it I can do for you?”

Rarity shifts awkwardly on her hooves, it was a lot easier asking the Princess for favors through the mail rather than face to face. “Well, your highness, I know you’ve already done quite a lot for me, what with the chariot and everything and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Celestia playfully rolls her eyes, this being the fourth time the unicorn had thanked her for such a simple thing. Granted the other three were via letters, but still, she found the words unnecessary.

“And, I hate to ask this of you but, do you remember that room I used the last time I visited?” Celestia gently nods her head. “I was wondering, is it…available…for um, my use?” Rarity’s eyes shift towards the floor, a blush overtaking her face as Celestia giggles, already having figured out what Rarity wanted the room for.

“Why certainly Rarity, I’ll have it prepared for you by nightfall.”

Rarity’s gaze finally comes unglued from the floor, meeting the alicorn’s eyes with her own. “Th-thank you your highness,”

Celestia waves of the gratitude with a small regal motion of her hoof. “No need to thank me dear, you and your friends are deserving of everything I can give. Now go and spend some time with your stallion, I’m sure he’s eagerly waiting for you.”

Rarity bows her head. “Yes your highness, I’m sure he is.” The unicorn begins to leave.

“Oh and Rarity,” Celestia calls, stopping the fashionista mid turn, “Tonight, don’t be afraid to make as much noise as you want.” The regal alicorn lifts a hoof up to cover one side of her mouth, leaning low and dropping her voice to a whisper. “The bedroom is soundproof.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Your ear twitches and your lips turn into a smile as you hear the door open and shut, spinning around in your seat to find a red faced Rarity staring back at you.

“Are you okay Rare?” You question with concern.

Rarity’s blue eyes lock onto yours, and her white face grows into a deeper shade of red. “Uh, y-yes I’m quite alright, there’s nothing to worry about.” She slowly begins walking towards you, her hooves sliding over the thick black carpet below.

“Are you sure?”

Rarity climbs into the seat next to you, her face fading back to its original color. “Yes I’m fine.” The worried expression on your face shows that you don’t quite believe her. “But thank you for being so concerned.” She says, before leaning in to give you an affectionate nuzzle, causing soft tingles to shoot throughout your body. “I see the show is about to begin.”

You follow the fashionista’s gaze to the center of the large stage sitting in the middle of the atrium, the booth you had been so generously provided with giving you an excellent view of the performance. You’d seen the occasional noble in a booth of their own look up to the pair of you with a touch of scorn or jealousy in their eyes, upset that they hadn’t been provided one of the best seats in the entire house. Though you’re ashamed to admit it, seeing the upset looks on their stuck up faces brought you a twisted sense of satisfaction, you’d spent enough time around nobles to know that every once and a while they needed to be shown that they wouldn’t be provided special treatment just due to their good fortune.

This also puts your worries of Octavia noticing you to ease, figuring that she’d likely be too engrossed in her playing to take enough time to look all the way up here.

“And without further ado my dear fillies and gentlecolts, may the show begin.” Octavia’s voice rings throughout the room, aided by a microphone standing just a few inches away. She then steps back farther towards the center of the stage, picking up her cello and signaling to her fellow band members to do the same.

The room fades to black, and your barely able to make out the faint silhouettes of the many ponies on the stage below, you can feel Rarity snuggle up next to you in the darkness, twirling her hoof around yours and resting her head on your shoulder, the intimate contact makes you blush and your glad that she can’t see you through the blackness permeating the booth, then the sharp sound of Octavia’s cello cuts through the perpetuating silence that had grown, and with it signaling the spotlight above, a large shaft of bright white light cutting through the gloom and illuminating the group of ponies on stage.

The show starts out with a rendition of some classics, Beethooven and Bach being the most prominent of them, and then the band eases into their original pieces, all of which were of great quality, though somewhat difficult to hear all the way up in your booth. All the while the spotlights above flash and move in order to accompany the mood of the songs being played, dimming when the tune was low or dark, brightening up whenever it was happier or faster paced. The expert lighting was almost as impressive as the show itself, helping create the perfect atmosphere that really allowed you to get lost within the music.

You’d never been much of a fan of classical, your impression of it tainted somewhat due to it always being played in the background of numerous fancy dinner parties or other such events you were loath to attend. But sitting here now you realize that it was quite enjoyable, or perhaps you were just happy right now because Rarity was with you, that was always a possibility.

Speaking of Rarity you can’t help but steal the occasional glance down to look her over, finding her just as pleasing to the eye, if not more so, than the show itself. Her shining blue eyes were practically glued to the stage below, following every move made with a sharp gaze, smiling contentedly as she lets go of your hoof, leaning into you a little farther and resting her head on your shoulder. You understand her desire, and quickly move to wrap your hoof around her shoulder, you can see her smile widening as you do so.

You take a moment to savor the feeling of holding her so close. Something you had been looking forward to since you first realized how much you cared for her. You can smell her expensive shampoo as you gently rest the top of your head against her own, her silky smooth mane rubbing against your face. You can feel the heat coming off of her body and can sense the thumping of her heart. Oh by Celestia…everything felt so perfect, like you two were meant to be like this. One glance down at the unicorn’s beautiful expression of bliss and you can see that she feels much the same way.

You hold her like this for…you don’t really know how long, and quite frankly you don’t really care. Sitting here, like this, you wouldn’t mind doing it for eternity. As the show goes on you become increasingly aware of several unkind eyes from down below looking upon the pair of you with contempt and distaste. Clearly, such a display of affection in the most prized booth of the castle was not tasteful, if this had been any other time you might have been motivated to stop, but right now you just flat out didn’t give a damn.

The seconds morph into minutes and then the minutes into hours, and before you know it the show is officially coming to an end. The lights flash back on, illuminating the entirety of the theatre, the sudden brightness makes your eyes sting a little at first but after a few blinks everything starts to slide into focus. On the stage you can see Octavia gently place her cello upon its stand, walking forward and taking a deep regal bow, her fellow band members doing the same. A round of applause echoes throughout the room, a display of delight with the performance.

“My, that was a splendid show.” Rarity speaks, freeing herself from your embrace and lightly tapping her hooves together, quietly clapping.

“Yeah, it was great.” You agree, clapping yourself. You hadn’t really enjoyed the music that much to be honest, again classical wasn’t something you enjoyed listening to all that much. But seeing Rarity happy was all that really mattered, and besides, this was only the first part of your entire day together. That thought alone was enough to keep you practically overflowing with joy.

“Come on!” She says, grabbing your hoof and pulling you out of the chair, practically bouncing with excitement. “I can’t wait to tango!”

You repress the urge to roll your eyes, allowing your expression to morph into a playful grin. You were right, ladies loved to tango.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Velcome to Tanz-Salon, do you have a rezervation?” The mare standing out front of the dance parlor Rarity had eagerly brought you to asked, making a wide motion to swipe her wavy blue mane out of her face.

“Yes!” Rarity nods enthusiastically. “I should have a reservation for Rarity plus one.”

The mare looks down and flips through a pamphlet, humming quietly to herself as she checks for names. “Ah yez, mizz Rarity, ve at Tanz-Salon are pleased to tell you zat your private danze togezer vill be in ten minutes. Vould you like to request any drinks or perhaps a zalad as you vait?” The mare questions, smiling in a professional and charming manner.

“None for me thank you.” Rarity gives you a quick glance. “Would you like something dear?”

“Same, I don’t want to spoil dinner.” You answer.

The door mare nods, pointing a dainty hoof towards the door. “Very vell, head inzide, a vaiter vill show you to your table.”

Both of you thank the mare and step inside the parlor, as soon as you get inside the doors you can hear the clear sound of a violin, cutting through what would otherwise be nothing but the sounds of hushed whispers and clinking wine glasses, you can feel a cool breeze brush across your coat, sending tiny chills scrambling across your body, you can feel your eyes slowly adjust to the sudden darkness of the room, the low lighting and shadowy corners giving the entire parlor a sort of relaxed and smooth atmosphere.

“Hello sir and madam,” The voice of a waiter catches your attention, you look over to see a wiry young unicorn standing beside you. He smelled faintly of cologne and wore a frayed white shirt, his horn lighting up as he magically adjusted his blue bowtie. “Welcome to our fine establishment, I am Kellner, allow me to show you to your seat.”

“Thank you sir, that would be most appreciated.” Rarity says, stepping forward to follow the stallion, you quickly trot after her.

It doesn’t take Kellner long to find an empty booth, leading you towards the right side of the parlor and to a booth that gave you an excellent view of the dance floor, it was set up in a crescent moon shape, so you and Rarity could sit near the middle and be next to one another.

Kellner turns back towards the pair of you, bowing low and gesturing to the booth with a hoof. “Is this satisfactory?”

“Yes Kellner, thank you very much for your service.” Rarity says, approaching the booth and taking a seat.

Kellner nods once again and scurries off, you spy him heading towards the entrance once again, more customers must have arrived. You quickly enter the booth yourself, slipping up close to Rarity, following her gaze towards the dance floor, it appeared that a couple was currently in the process of performing the waltz while the band on stage near the back played music to suite the dance. You notice that the pair are dancing alone, despite the parlor being filled with plenty of ponies, all here with significant others, you figure this is what that private dance thing the door mare was talking about, apparently if you paid enough you could ‘rent’ out the dance floor for a bit.

After watching the couple dance for a while you decide to check on Rarity, she had been surprisingly quiet for how obviously excited she was, she practically hadn’t stopped smiling during the whole walk here. You repress a chuckle as you spy the completely entranced look on her face, her eyes glued to the dance floor as the couple continue to perform an eloquent duet, clearly she was eager to perform.

You also take a moment to admire her beauty, seeing as she was too distracted to catch sight of your roaming eyes. She absently reaches up and pulls a stray strand of her shining purple mane back behind her ear, the light cast from the candle resting idly on the table reflecting in her magnificent shining blue eyes, her crimson red lips a stark and beautiful contrast to her white face and pale features, the only other source of color being the pink splash of blush on both of her cheeks.

By Celestia…how could you not have fallen in love with her?

“So, we’ll be dancing in front of everypony?” You query casually, still admiring Rarity’s fine features, her makeup and dress exemplified in its beauty thanks to the lighting the parlor provided.

Rarity tears her eyes away from the couple at the center of the parlor, her blue eyes meeting with yours, you can see them practically sparkling with excitement.

“Why yes, I decided to pay a little extra so you and I could dance on our own. Naturally I couldn’t buy out the whole establishment so ponies will still be watching but, well, at least we’ll have our moment together.” Her cherry red lips form a smile as she giggles. “I suppose I should try and calm down a little…” You can see her tighten up and take a few deep breaths, trying to quell the reckless beating of her heart, before she starts to squirm and shiver in anticipation, her silence broken as she lets out a happy squeal and wraps her forelegs around your neck, pulling you into an unexpected, but not wholly unpleasant hug. “Oh but I can’t help it! I’m just so excited!”

You tenderly wrap your hooves around her hips and pull her away, chuckling while you do so. “Easy there Rare, I can’t dance if you strangle me to death.”

Though the unicorn relents she doesn’t let go, easing up just enough so you can look her in the eye. You can feel her hot breath on your muzzle, disturbing the fur with each warm puff, you feel that warmth in your chest return, as well as a faint urge to sneeze, and thankfully you manage to repress it.

Rarity giggles. “I do apologize, I’m being terribly unladylike.” She admits, though her spirits don’t seem hampered.

“Well…if you being unladylike means I get to hold you like this more often…” You grin slyly and give her hips a faint squeeze; she represses another giggle, though that one was no doubt involuntary. You’d learned that her hips were ticklish a couple days ago, giving her one of your special massages. “…I think I can put up with it.”

Rarity lets her laugh die down, shifting her gaze away bashfully and giving a slight tug to get away, you however hold firm, your eyes telling her wordlessly that she was fine exactly where she was. You can feel her let out a silent sigh of satisfaction as she starts to ease into your cuddle, her natural blush burning through the fake one as she allows herself a moment to adjust to the rather, public, display of affection.

“Even if you do, I am sorry if I appear overeager.” She says, her blue eyes flashing over towards the stage, the pair from earlier nearly finishing up their dance.

“Why are you so excited about this anyway?” You ask innocently, careful to make sure your voice didn’t give any false impressions, Rarity wanted to do this, and you wanted to do whatever made her happy. And letting her think that you secretly didn’t want to dance with her was not the way to do so.

“Well…” There’s a touch of bashfulness to her voice as she speaks. “It may sound a little, well, silly…but it’s something I’ve wanted since I was a little filly.” You give her an encouraging and calming look, trying to coerce her into continuing. It seems to work. “When I was little my mother used to read me a bedtime story every night, my favorite one was a fantasy about a gallant prince charming who wooed a beautiful maiden.” Rarity chuckles just lightly before she continues. “Of course he has to do many heroic things to win her favor but that’s not the part I always wanted to recreate. At the end of the story, he marries her, and they dance together under the stars.”

“So I’m your prince charming?”

Rarity looks into your eyes with a smile, reaching up with her hoof and running it affectionately across your face.

“Yes, you are.”

You smile at that, the compliment warming your heart.

“Would miss Rarity and her partner please meet upon the floor?” The voice sounds throughout the parlor, catching both of your attentions and effectively shattering the romantic atmosphere that had formed.

Rarity pulls her hoof away from your face, and secures it around your hoof, her face lighting up with pure excitement as she eagerly drags you out of the booth and towards the dance floor, shaking giddily the entire way. You can feel the amused grins and cheeky laughter of the ponies around you, but you don’t let that bother you. Rarity was happy right now, and that was all that really mattered.

Rarity stops when the pair of you hit the middle of the dance floor, spinning around to face you, a wide grin adorning her gorgeous face. Above you the lights grow dim, the chattering of the ponies surrounding you dies down, and you can feel several pairs of curious eyes fall upon you. For a moment the white of Rarity’s grinning teeth and the deep blue of her eyes are all you can see, the dance floor shrouded in deep blackness, then there’s a tiny *click*, followed by a beam of bright white light illuminating the spot where you both stood.

The shrill hum of a violin cuts through the fine silence of the parlor, the gorgeous sound of the instrument filling your ears, with one final nod you begin pulling yourself up, balancing on your two hind hooves. This causes quite a stir amongst the ponies in the crowd, a murmur of surprise making itself heard over the sweet sound of the music. You place your right hoof forward, then your left hoof backwards, steadying yourself, this new perspective and position just a tad awkward; ponies were not meant to spend large amounts of time on their hind hooves, or at least not like this, that made learning a dance like the tango, a dance based solely around standing on your hind legs, all the more impressive, and all the more difficult, to perform. Thankfully you had been doing this for years, so if your luck held true nothing terribly embarrassing would happen.

You can see an edge of trepidation creep into Rarity’s features as she slowly starts to do the same, teetering slightly as she rises to her full height, standing on her hind legs only a few short inches away from you. You smile comfortingly at her, holding out your hooves for her to take, she does so, sending tingles running up and down your legs as she grabs onto you tightly, her gentle swaying coming to a halt as she steadies herself.

You look her in the eye, her blue gaze sparkling with joy, her wide smile filling you with happiness. You feel a glowing sense of satisfaction growing from within, taking pride in the fact that you were making one of Rarity’s most cherished childhood dreams come true. You gently squeeze her hoof with your own, taking a deep breath as you relish in the moment, then, the dance begins.

You drop your left hoof down to Rarity’s waste, she quickly wraps her right around your shoulder, and the two of you begin to twirl and twist in tune with the music. The pair of you practically glide across the dance floor, moving with such grace that both of you shocked even the most skilled of dancers in the parlor that night, you were surprised with Rarity’s skill, it practically matched your own. You wonder just where she learned, or who taught her, the tango was a dance that was difficult to teach, and took many years to master. However you quickly realize that these thoughts are distracting and shoo them away, how Rarity had learned wasn’t your concern, what was your concern was making sure she had the best night of her life.

You hear Rarity laugh as you give her a quick spin, the sweet melody of her voice bringing a smile to your face, she quickly finds her way back into your embrace, and you can feel a tiny vibration run through your legs as she represses another giggle. You blush slightly as she reaches up and gives a tiny peck to your nose, a tiny gesture which causes a slight ripple of laughter to spread throughout the crowd of the parlor. Rarity flashes a grin before the dance continues, the pair of you picking up the pace to match the momentum of the music.

After another couple elaborate maneuvers you tug Rarity close, so she can hear you over the sound of the music.

“Everything you imagined it would be?”

Rarity grins. “As a matter of fact it isn’t.” She leans up and gives you another peck, this one aimed at your lips. The contact makes your mind go blank, a peck it was indeed, but it was still on the lips, a step up from your occasional kiss to the cheek. “It’s better.”

The dance continues, and you slowly start to maneuver your way towards the nearest table. Currently occupied by an older looking mare and stallion, deeply engrossed in a discussion, you quickly turn to ensure your back is to them, braving a glance backwards to make sure you were lined up with the glass vase in the middle of the table.

You grin devilishly as you thrust Rarity outward, the unicorn letting out a startled gasp as you crane backwards, stretching your neck out towards the rose inside of the glass vase sitting idle on the table.

“Excuse me!” You shoot out towards the older couple at the table, snatching the rose up with your teeth. The older mare lets out a startled gasp, your sudden appearance scaring her half to death.

You quickly stand back up, using Rarity’s momentum to spin her back around. Wrapping her tightly in another embrace, grinning widely and showing her your brand new prize, the fashionista’s eyes go wide in surprise before she returns your smile with a grin of her own, leaning in and snatching the rose from your mouth. The ponies in the parlor get a crack out of that one, letting loose several muffled snickers.

Rarity holds the rose in her mouth as the pair of you continue to dance, looking over you can see the violinist and his fellow band members slowing down, clearly about to end the song. You pull Rarity in one last time smiling as a devious thought overcomes you. As soon as the final stretch of the song begins you drop your hooves down to her slender waste and lift, the unicorn’s mouth widening in surprise as you propel her into the air.

You hold her above your head, grinning as you hear her startled cry morph into a happy laugh. You can see her spread her hooves out, like a bird trying to fly, your legs shake and your muscles strain under the effort, Rarity wasn’t heavy by any means, but the dancing had already tired you out, leaving you weaker than usual. You hold Rarity aloft until the final note of the song dies, fading away and leaving the parlor in silence, then you gently let her down, the pair of you once again standing on all four hooves.

To your pleasant surprise Rarity wraps her hooves around your neck, practically crushing you in a deep hug. “Oh that was simply marvelous dear!” She squeals, her grip tightening slightly.

Your only reply is a tired sigh and a muffled ‘yeah’. You can hear the quiet applause of the ponies inside of the parlor, all of which equally impressed. Though you were happy to provide them with a show, Rarity’s appreciation is the only thing on your mind right now.

“You’re choking me Rarity.” You say, suppressing a laugh, gently trying to pull out of the unicorn’s ever tightening grip.

“Oh, I do apologize.” She says, quickly removing herself from you. “That was, incredible!”

Normally you would have replied with something suave, something along the lines of ‘no, you’re incredible’, or something equally as cheesy. But right now all that registers in your mind is the gentle ache in your back hooves and the warm glow of satisfaction burning through your chest right now.

“Very good, very good!” You look towards the stage, the violinist now holding a microphone in his hoof. “I say, that was quite the dance you two. Could we get another round of applause!?”

You allow a grin to creep across your face as you hear an enthusiastic round of applause from the ponies in the parlor, waving a hoof around to acknowledge their appreciation.

“Excellent, now that was our last private dance of the night, so feel free to come on down and have some fun everypony.” The violinist speaks into his microphone; you can hear the clinking of glasses and the sliding of chairs as all the ponies in the parlor begin to make their way to the dance floor.

You feel a gentle prod at your side, looking over to see Rarity smiling back at you. “Come now dear, the night is still young, and I still have plenty in store for the both of us.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You feel a slight chill dance across your skin as a cool breeze blows by, drying the sweat on your body and ruffling your unkempt mane. You cast your gaze upward, admiring the setting sun off to the East, sinking ever lower and bathing the entire town in a haze of orange and red. It would only be a few moments now before the sun would go down and the moon would rise to take its place.

You look over at Rarity, who was walking beside you, the pair of you sharing a sweet smile as she leans ever so lightly into your shoulder. Neither of you had spoken since leaving the parlor, enjoying the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the nigh on empty Canterlot street. You found this odd, the walk to the parlor had been quite the opposite, the streets had been bustling, ponies of every kind and shape running about, in many ways it had reminded you of home, the crowded walkways and roads of Canterlot incredibly similar to that of Manehattan, the sight had brought back a wave of home sickness, and made you long for a trip back home. Thankfully Rarity had been there to take your mind off of those thoughts; after all, she was the most important thing in your entire life right now.

“Awful quiet tonight…” You say, breaking the silence.

Rarity doesn’t reply, she just squeezes your hoof a little tighter and resettles her head upon your shoulder, which you took as a very romantic gesture telling you to shut up and enjoy it.

You stop for a moment at a crossroad, waiting for Rarity to tell you which way to go. A gentle tug on your hoof tells you to go left, so you do. In all honesty you had no idea where you were going, Rarity was still leading the way, after all, she was the one who had everything all planned out. Farther down the street you can see the royal palace, its large spiraling towers and golden gates unmistakable, even in the rapidly descending darkness. Rarity wasn’t taking you back to the palace was she? You had already seen Octavia’s performance, and you hadn’t heard about anything else happening there. You shoot Rarity a curious look, your raised eyebrow and questioning stare asking all the questions for you. She only smiles back; clearly she wouldn’t be answering any questions.

Eventually you reach the front gates of the Royal Palace, slipping by the open golden gates. To your surprise Rarity doesn’t bring you to the front door, instead she has you take a right and you start making your way towards another fenced off area of the royal palace. The closer you get to this fenced off area the stronger the scent of freshly cut grass and fallen leaves gets. And you can hear the sounds of chirping birds and buzzing bugs, this is when you realize you are on your way to the esteemed Canterlot Gardens. What on Equestria did Rarity have planned?

“Halt, by order of the Royal Guard.” A strict voice rings out, effectively shattering the peaceful atmosphere and stopping both you and Rarity in your tracks. You see a unicorn quickly emerge from the shadows cast by the hanging trees above, the dark sheen of his armor and charcoal color of his fur painting him as one of the night watch. “Access to the Royal Gardens is restricted.”

“Allow me to handle this dear.” Rarity tells you, the confidence clear in her voice, obviously the unicorn had been prepared for this. You flinch in surprise as she reaches a hoof into your suit pocket, the touch, though not unwelcome, was still unexpected. She retrieves what appears to be a slip of paper, as soon as she gives it a good look she hands it to the guard with a smile. “There you are sir, I’m sure you’ll see that everything is in order.”

The guard’s horn lights up with a pale grey aura as he levitates the slip of paper in front of his face, running a pair of scrutinizing eyes over it from top to bottom. A few moments pass by as he continues to do this, and you start to wonder if maybe the guard just couldn’t read. But this doubt is finally put to rest as he finally returns the slip to Rarity, who takes it and puts it back in your pocket.

“Very well, your pass seems genuine.” The guard grumbles, spinning around and opening the large gate barring access to the gardens with a flare of his horn.

“Thank you sir,” Rarity replies. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”

The guard’s eyes flick over to you, then back to Rarity, the tiniest of smiles creeps across his face. “You to,”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“This place is beautiful.” You mumble, more to yourself than to anyone else, casting an awed gaze around as you marvel at the beauty surrounding you.

The Royal Gardens, were, without a doubt, one of the single most amazing sights you’d ever seen. All around you the world was awash with color, from the brightest of greens to the darkest of blues, you’d never quite seen anything like it. The air was cold, though not uncomfortably so, a chilly breeze wafting through the air and sweetly caressing you, the gardens were deathly quiet, so still and calm, save for the occasional chirping of a bird or splash of water from one of the numerous ponds therein. This created an air of peace and tranquility the likes of which you had never experienced.

You hear Rarity laugh, grinning at your marveled expression. “Come on, there will be plenty of time to admire the scenery later.” She chides playfully, grabbing you by the hoof and eagerly pulling you along.

“Whoa what’s the rush Rare?” You question, trotting in order to keep up with the exuberant unicorn.

You see Rarity give a hard roll of her eyes. “Questions, questions, it’s always questions with you!” She goads, though you can hear the amusement in her voice. “I promised to show you something special didn’t I?”

“Yeah well you also promised me dinner.” You smugly point out, grinning as the unicorn lets out an aggravated groan.

“Well, pardon me for wanting to show you something breathtaking to finish off the night, rather than taking you out for a daisy sandwich and hay fries.” The playful tone is slowly dissipating, instead being replaced by actual annoyance. You immediately stop all pretenses of continuing the argument, you didn’t want to ruin Rarity’s special plan because you were in the mood for banter.

When Rarity finally slows down a little you approach her from the side, gently nuzzling her neck to show your remorse for upsetting her. “I’m sorry Rare, I was only joking.”

You can see a blush cross her beautiful features as she gives into the touch, sighing wistfully as you continue to rub your head against her. “It’s okay.” You see her eyes trail upwards, casting a worried glance towards the nearly set sun. “We’re just running out of time.”

You place a comforting hoof on the unicorn’s shoulder, offering her a comforting smile to help put her at ease. “Well, if we’re running out of time, then I guess we’d better hurry.”

Rarity giggles. “I suppose we should.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Just up this hill dear.” Rarity says, slowly making her way towards the top of a large grassy knoll.

You quickly follow, taking cautious steps to ensure you didn’t fall or slip in the darkness, the sun had set about fifteen minutes ago, and Luna’s moon had arisen to take its place, and your eyes had yet to adjust to the change in light.

You look up to see Rarity eagerly motioning for you to join her where she sat at the apex of the hill. You redouble your climbing efforts, throwing caution to the wind and trotting the rest of the way.

“Whew, I’m out of shape.” You mumble to yourself once reaching the top of the hill, feeling a slight jump in your pulse and a bead of sweat run down your forehead, spending these past two weeks cooped up inside had really done a number on your stamina.

You quickly get a handle on your haggard breathing and join Rarity where she stood, her magnificent blue eyes glued to the sky, as if she was waiting for something. You follow her gaze, staring up into the deep blackness of the sky, the first few stars of the night beginning to appear, dotting the night sky with splotches of shining white. You admire the view, from atop this hill you could see the glory of the sky in its entirety, the etheareal blanket of blackness stretching on for miles, completely uncovered.

You don’t say anything as you take your place next to your beloved Rarity, you could tell from the air around her that she wanted absolute silence. She was calm and collected, though at the same time she seemed eager, awaiting whatever the night sky had in store. This silence stretches on for a few more minutes, when you see her smile and she leans against you, wrapping her hoof around your own as she lets out a contented sigh.

“It’s about to begin.” She whispers, barely loud enough for you to hear. You wonder just what she has in store, as it turns out, you wouldn’t have to wait much longer.

Out of the corner of your eye you see a flash, by the time your eyes fix on the spot it’s gone, and your left wondering if you had perhaps missed whatever Rarity’s special surprise was, then you see another, and another, dancing on the fringes of your vision. Your eyebrow raises reflexively, just what were these strange flashes of light?

Then you see it, meteors, everywhere, tearing across the dark night sky in a vibrant display of color and light. Your mouth drops and your mind blanks, stunned, your mind barely capable of registering the sight before you. The wave of meteors was so beautiful, so amazing, this was what Rarity had planned…you couldn’t thank her enough. Not once in your entire life had you seen something so amazing…so breathtaking, you fully expected to wake up at any moment now and realize that this was all some kind of brilliant dream, for something as amazing as this couldn’t possibly be taking place in reality.

But it was real; the stinging pain from a quick slap to your face had confirmed that. For a moment you simply marvel at the sight, incapable of thinking of anything other than the explosion of color before your eyes. Truly there was nothing more beautiful than this…or, well, you were thinking that, until you looked slightly to your right.

If the meteor shower was beautiful, then the mare sitting next to you was astonishing. Rarity’s bright blue eyes are as wide as saucers, drinking in the sight of the meteor shower; you could see the splashes of color and streams of light reflected in her gaze, making her eyes sparkle like diamonds. Her dress practically glows thanks to the brilliantly lit sky; you can feel her heartbeat thumping against her chest as she holds you close, basking in the glory of the meteor shower with you by her side. She is like a goddess sitting next to you, the goddess of beauty, the goddess of generosity…and she was yours.

You don’t know why you start kissing her cheek, or why you start caressing her mane, or why you’re desperately trying to pull her closer. It’s like there’s a burning need inside of you, a need to be close to her, a need to be with her…you can hear her moan hotly as you start trailing kisses along her neck, her grip around your hoof tightening to an almost painful degree, but right now that’s the furthest thing from your mind. Your heart starts to accelerate and you can feel adrenaline pumping through your veins, your so close to telling her how much you care for her, you can feel the words on your lips, desperate to escape the confines of your mind.

Rarity pulls away, wrapping her hooves around your neck and holding you close, you can feel her hot breath against your face as you stare deeply into her eyes, and you can see the longing behind them, the raw fiery desire. She wanted this…you wanted this…you both needed this. You can sense that the proverbial pot is about to boil over, all that built up tension and desire was about to explode, and that was going to happen as soon as you said those three little words…

“I love yo-” And with that Rarity rams her lips against yours, both of you moaning with delight as that tension is finally released.

You can feel her tongue wrestling with yours, you can taste the faintest traces of wine on her lips, and your nostrils are wonderfully assaulted with the sweet smell of her expensive perfume. The pair of you kiss and moan in a display of true uncaged emotion, it was anything other than clean, anything other than ladylike, but for some reason you got the impression that Rarity didn’t care.

You both break off the kiss for a moment, panting desperately for breath as you place your foreheads together, basking in the feeling of being so close to one another, you aren’t expecting it when the unicorn unhooks her hooves from around your neck and gives you a hard shove, you hit the grass with a thump, laying on your back, it probably hurt but right now you couldn’t register pain. Your mind was too busy trying to process everything that was happening right about now; you feel a weight on your chest as Rarity climbs atop of you, once again initiating a deep kiss.

You can feel the heat rushing to your face as her attack on your mouth increases in ferocity, her tongue wrestling yours down as she hungrily explored your depths. You slowly relent, submitting your struggles and allowing her to take the dominant position, sensually running her hooves over your chest as she clawed and tore at your undershirt, you can hear the snap of your buttons and feel the cool breeze caress your sweaty fur and skin as she finally succeeds in ripping away the thin fabric, her roaming hooves finally finding their marks. Rubbing against your bare fur and flesh feverishly, as if trying to desperately feel as much of you as possible.

Slowly Rarity’s attack loses steam, her lips breaking away from yours for the briefest of moments in order to catch her breath. This is when you launch an assault of your own, with a careful shove and twist you end up on top of her, failing to fight off a devilish grin as you relish in the delight of your newfound position of power. Rarity offers no protest outside of a tiny squeak, followed by another lusty moan as you start to nuzzle and kiss her beautiful neck. Just barely grazing your teeth against her tender fur and flesh as your hoof begins to roam up her lower leg…

“S..St…” She forces the tiny squeaks out in between her groans and moans. You fail to pay them any mind, gently massaging her lower thigh as you continue to kiss and stroke her neck.

“Sto…don…” You can feel a desire deep within, a need, a hunger that could only be sated by one thing…

Your hoof roams ever higher, your kiss grows ever more ferocious, you were so close to your want…to the ultimate prize.

“…stop…” The word is hoarse and whispery, barely audible over the sound of heavy panting and the thick drumming of your own heartbeat. Yet it’s still enough to shake you to the very core, causing an ice cold chill to run through your veins.

You quickly yank your offending hoof away, quickly rolling off of the unicorn below you and sliding away. Your face registers remorse, and you feel disgusted with yourself for what you almost did…

You look over the unicorn lying below you, her chest rising and falling in rapid succession as she attempted to regain her breath, her dress was clinging to her like a second skin, the fin fabric drenched in sweat, both yours and hers, and her eyes stared absently into space, like she wasn’t really all there.

Slowly she begins to sit up, trying to stabilize her upper body by placing a wobbly hoof on the grass below, you can see her look towards you, and you shift your eyes away.

“I-I’m so sorry!” You choke out, as short on breath as she was. “I-I didn’t know you didn’t want it I swear I th-thought that you…” You feel any and all possible explanations fade away, for there were none.

You see Rarity slowly crawl towards you, and you flinch as she wraps a hoof around your neck, gently placing her forehead against your own, holding you close. You can hear her giggle and see the smile forming on her lips, the cherry red lipstick now smeared and splotched.

“Oh, my perfect gentlecolt…” She whispers wistfully, and immediately you know everything's okay. “You’ve done nothing wrong…” She sighs, though it sounded more like a purr of sorts. “…you’ve done everything right as a matter of fact. You have no idea how much I want this.” Her lips get a little closer to yours, and you can feel her breath dance across your face.

“Then why did you?” You begin, before you feel a gentle hoof against your lips.

“Because I don’t want any interruptions, and out here, where anypony could find us…” There’s a playful tone there, and for some reason you think that she might not be totally opposed to the idea. “…so why don’t you and I, go find a nice quiet room, where nopony can cut our fun short?”

You smile, your eyes meeting as you give the mare of your dreams one last kiss. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Celestia held a hoof up to her mouth as she let loose a yawn, normally she wouldn’t stay up so late, but recently she had discovered a fun new game she could play with her brand new telescope. The same telescope that had been given to her a few short months ago during Cadence’s royal wedding. It’s original purpose was to provide a means of constant vigilance should any threat be made against the royal kingdom. But as she had discovered during the…consummation of said royal wedding, that the telescope had its…other uses.

“Ceecee, should you not be in bed dear sister?” The sun goddesses' sister asked, Celestia had been so engrossed in her private show that she had failed to hear her sister come in.

“Oh I’m just admiring your show Lulu, I’ll go to bed in a few minutes…or hours…we’ll see.”

Luna shook her head. “If thou insists, do try and give them at least a little privacy dear sister.”

Celestia felt her mouth curve into a grin. “Oh, they’ll have a little I assure you.”

The night goddess gave a hard roll of her eyes, turning to make her exit.

“Oh and Lulu, do be a dear and send up my beloved. I’m feeling a little…lonely tonight.” Celestia said, tearing her gaze away from the telescope, smiling sweetly at her younger sister.

Luna sighed. “Fine,”

There was a gentle slam as Luna shut the door behind her, Celestia quickly turned her gaze back to her telescope, her wings slowly starting to lift of their own accord as an ecstatic howl of ecstasy rang out, shattering the stillness of the night.

Celestia giggled. sound proof, yeah right.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A/N Now I know what your thinking, Gmoney, why is this updated so soon, I thought you weren’t going to update for another week or two you two timing lying punk!

Well, a loyal reader of mine is shipping out for training in a couple week, and I guess this is sort of a going away present. So everypony give a wish of good luck to AntiquisDefensorADeo. Best of luck buddy.

What could go wrong?

Your eyes slowly start to open, agitated and bloodshot, thanks in part to both your lack of sleep, and the early morning sun. You start to roll over, eager to shield your gaze from the harsh light of the sun, only to find yourself held in place by a lithe pair of hooves wrapped affectionately around your neck and shoulders. You look over to see Rarity lying next to you, an expression of bliss on her face as she holds you close. You roll over to face her, the sun fading from your sight and allowing all of her features to slowly slide into focus. And, well to put it bluntly, she looked like a mess. Her makeup was smeared, her hair frizzed out and unkempt, her fur matted and sweaty, etcetera etcetera. But still, it’s not like that was a surprising sight, not after the night you’d both had.

You slowly brush a stray strand of her silky purple mane out of her face, a noticeable smile spreading across her lips at the touch, you then lean in and give her an affectionate kiss between the eyes, savoring the touch between your lips and her skin. You can feel her hooves tighten around your body and she pulls you in just a little closer, placing her head on your chest and using it as a sort of makeshift pillow, letting out a delighted sigh as she does so.

You grin and allow your eyes to close once more, absently running a hoof up and down her back, sweetly caressing her body as you both bask in the warmth of the morning sun, it’s orange glow slowly starting to filter into the room little by little as the minutes ticked by. You don’t fall back asleep however, partly because you want to enjoy this moment, basking in the afterglow of the perfect night with the mare you loved, but also because you were afraid that if you did you might awaken to find that this had all just been some kind of cruel dream.

Rarity elicits a soft giggle as you give the softest of pinches to her lower hip, grinning at the cute little sound your marefriend had made. Hm, that was odd, it still kind of felt strange to call her that. But it was true now; Rarity was your marefriend, your beautiful, kind, lovely, marefriend. Maybe it only felt strange because the knowledge that you and Rarity were together now hadn’t really managed to sink in yet. That seemed all the more feasible the more you thought about it. After all, if a day ago somepony told you that you would be sharing a bed with the mare you adore after a night of making love you’d have called them crazy.

You feel Rarity shift just slightly in your embrace. “Darling, what time is it?” Her voice comes out weak and exhausted, though at the same time satisfied and content.

You open your eyes and scan the room, waving your blurry vision around to try and find a clock of some kind. Thankfully, perched on the far end of the room is a tiny timepiece made of wood and stone, sitting alone atop a glass coffee table. You strain your already exhausted eyes in order to read the numbers on the clock. It appeared to be around six or six thirty, give or take a few minutes.

“Six thirty Rare,” You mumble, eagerly returning your heavy head back to its welcoming and supportive pillow.

You hear Rarity groan in aggravation, her hooves tightening around you and resettling her head upon your chest, like a foal whose parents were trying to take away a favorite toy.

“Something wrong Rare?” You ask with concern, eager to help put her at ease.

“Yes…” The mare groans, her tone pouty. “Now we have to get up.”

Those words fill you with disdain, get up? That’s the last thing you want to do right now.

“Aw, do we have to?” You query, with a voice of disappointment that matched her own.

You can feel her deflate slightly as she lets out a sigh of defeat. “Yes, unfortunately our chariot is scheduled to leave in about an hour or so.”

“Oh, that’s a tad early don’t you think?”

You hear Rarity chuckle ever so softly, releasing you from her embrace and looking up, smiling playfully as she runs a hoof up and down your chest, spreading a warmth throughout your entire body as she stares longingly into your eyes.

“Well, I didn’t expect to be kept up all night by such an expert.” You blush slightly at the compliment and what it entailed. You knew it couldn’t have been that great, you were sure you knew how to please a mare, but ‘expert’ seemed like a bit of a stretch.

You lean in and give her a kiss on the lips, one she eagerly receives, before pulling back and shooting her a grin. “Now who’s the adulatore?”

Rarity doesn’t reply to that, she only smiles and starts to slide out of the bed, turning back to you with a heated and hungry gaze. “Come now darling, we should have a shower.”

You raise an eyebrow. “We?”

The fashionista nods, her unkempt mane giving a slight bounce in response to the movement. “Why of course, who said that there was a one pony limit on such things?”

That was all the encouragement you needed…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You’re abruptly yanked out of your gentle snoozing as the chariot gives a violent shake, giving you a startle and nearly causing both you and Rarity to tumble out of the seat you’d both been sharing. You mumble a sorry to the exhausted mare as you start sitting up, giving your tight neck a pop or two and taking a peak out of the window. Outside you could see the tiny buildings and shallow dirt roads of Ponyville, a few colorful mares and stallions walking about outside, casting a curious gaze or two towards the regal chariot that had just landed in the center of town, before quickly trotting on by.

You look down to see that Rarity had once again fallen asleep, the poor thing looked so exhausted, she’d managed to spruce herself up some before you had left, but the sloppy makeup and deep bags underneath her eyes were still clear indicators that she hadn’t gotten enough rest. You didn’t look much better, probably worse to be honest, you’d managed to get a shower in and that was about it, you’d quickly left the bathroom as soon as it was over so Rarity could spend what little time was left before the pair of you set out to clean herself up, knowing that was more or less what she wanted to do.

You ever so gently prod at the slumbering mare, she opens a tiny slit in each worn out blue eye, you could tell by that look alone that she wasn’t going anywhere without a little help. You hop out of the red velvet of the chariot’s seat, then you gingerly start to slide your head underneath her body, whispering quietly for her to hold on so she didn’t fall. She doesn’t reply with words, but you can feel her dainty hooves slide around your neck and hook together, solidly locking her in place. You repress a grin as the rest of her body slowly follows suite, feeling a gentle weight added to your back and a deep warmth as her body presses against yours.

You take a moment to adjust to the newfound weight as Rarity settles atop your back. Not that she was heavy mind, Rarity was a pony that watched what she ate, so she was effectively as light as a feather, and you were an earth pony, so you were naturally stronger than the average unicorn or Pegasus anyway.

You check one last time to make sure that Rarity is secured, before slowly taking your first few steps out of the chariot; you blink a few times at the site you’re greeted with, five curious pairs of eyes staring back at you. Your mind blanks for a moment, then you recall that these were Rarity’s friends, come to greet their friend during her homecoming no doubt. You smile sheepishly as each of them continue to stare, apparently not expecting the sight they were greeted with.

After a few more moments of uncomfortable silence you mumble an ‘excuse me’ and start slinking past them, the group of friends parting as you make your way towards Rarity’s boutique. The whole while you can feel ten eyes burrowing into the back of your skull, trying to pay them no mind you quickly reach down and pull the spare key to the front door out from underneath the potted plant nearby. The cool metal of the key catching the sunlight and giving a faint sparkle as you hold it tightly in between your clenched teeth.

As you insert the key into the lock you can hear a loud *click*, quickly returning the key to its rightful place and pushing the door open with your forehead. Before you can step inside however you feel Rarity shift on your back, gently snuggling your neck with her snout as she lets out a contented sigh.

“You know, I might have to start doing this more often.” She says, and you flinch in surprise as she ever so gently starts to nibble on your ear. “I kind of like being the one on top…” You feel your cheeks start to burn as a few poorly repressed snickers are heard from behind.

You waste no more time getting into the boutique. Quietly letting out a sigh of relief as the door swings shut behind you. The air inside was nice and cool, the air conditioning and shut blinds helping keep the entire establishment comfortable while you and Rarity were gone. It was also incredibly dark inside, save for a stray ray of light or two that peeked in through the blinds, that wouldn’t be a problem, the boutique had been your home for the past couple of weeks, and you were rather familiar with its layout by now.

You can hear Rarity let out another little sigh. “It’s good to be home…” She mumbles into your neck.

“Yeah, it is.” You agree, a sense of realization coursing through you…now that you and Rarity were together, this truly was your home now. And that knowledge felt…nice, it was nice to know you had a place here, with Rarity. Even when you had a house it didn’t feel like home, not really, maybe that was because you didn’t have anypony else to share it with, that was no longer the case, wherever Rarity was, that was your home now.

You give Rarity’s hoof the tenderest of caresses, grinning as you feel her hug you a little tighter. “Why don’t we go back to bed?”

“Mm, that sounds lovely.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“You know, I might have to start doing this more often.” Twilight’s ear gives an involuntary twitch at the sound of her friend’s voice, feeling a slight blush come to her face as she watched the fellow unicorn reach up and take the stallion’s ear in her teeth. “I kind of like being the one on top…” Nearby she could hear Rainbow snicker, stealing a glance to her right to see the pegasus holding a light blue wing against her mouth, repressing the laugh that was bound to come.

She can see the stallion below twitch just slightly and she feels the faintest hint of sympathy as his face turns a bright red. Rarity was so out of it she couldn’t even tell that her friends were standing less than five feet away. Or maybe she did know…Twilight ponders that. What if her friend made that comment intentionally? It was certainly a less than subtle way to let them know that the date had gone well, though something so brazen seemed incredibly out of character for the fashionista.

The bookworm is brought out of her thoughts as the door the stallion was trying to open slams itself shut, clearly he would not be paying them any more mind.

“Well…” The unicorn stated with a forced chuckle. “I guess that means Rarity’s date went well.”

Rainbow finally lets her repressed giggle free, sniggering loudly. “I’d say it went better than ‘well’, I mean did you hear that!? ‘I kind of like being the one on top.’!” Rainbow did her best impression of Rarity’s posh accent, before letting loose a few more cackles, wiping a stray tear out of her eye and sighing contentedly. “Oh, that’s friggin classic.”

“Ooh, are they gonna come back out soon!?” Twilight’s gaze was drawn towards the sound of her Pinkie Pie’s bubbly voice, the bouncing ball of sugar hopping around excitedly. “I want to throw them a ‘happy get together you’re the bestest new couple ever’ party!”

“Ah don’t think so Pinkie Pah.” Applejack spoke, the orange farm pony adjusting her hat so it cast a slightly larger shadow over her freckled face. “From tha look o’ thangs, ah don’t think we’ll be seein’ Rare anytahme today.”

Twilight nodded her head. “Agreed, well I guess we should be on our way then. Anypony care to join me for tea?”

The bookworm was hoping to have Rarity come over, more or less so she could get the fashionista to speak with Spike, it was getting increasingly difficult to keep him in the dark, two weeks had gone by and the dragon hadn’t seen hide or hare of his affection. And he was starting to wonder why, unfortunately for Twilight Spike wasn’t as young or dumb as he may have seemed. Sooner or later he was going to find out Rarity wasn’t exactly single anymore, and she was hoping that having the unicorn be the one to tell him would help cushion the blow. Apparently that wouldn’t be happening anytime soon, or at least not today, still she had an open spot in her plans for the day, might as well have somepony else fill it.

However, it seemed that this open spot would remain so, as one by one her fellow friends declined the offer. It appeared each were busy with their own things today, Fluttershy had to feed the chickens, Rainbow was going to pay Scootaloo a visit, Applejack had apples to buck, and Pinkie was going to do…whatever it was Pinkie does. So Twilight bids her goodbyes and heads towards home, thinking of things she could possibly do with her newfound free time.

Well, Spike did forget to put those new books away this morning, I guess I could do that. With a plan in mind Twilight heads towards the library, already categorizing books in her head.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

You awaken to the smell of cooking food, the delicious scent wafting about the bedroom like an appetizing cloud. And you can hear the clinking and clanking of pots and pans as somepony moves about the kitchen downstairs, you allow your eyes to slowly lift upwards, craning your neck to the right, unsurprised to see an empty place in the bed. Of course, if Rarity wasn’t the one cooking who could it be? You look up and squint, it was surprisingly dark in the room, you hadn’t been asleep that long had you? You look over towards the grandfather clock at the far end of the room, barely able to make out the time.

“Two…fourtyish?” You mumble, not quite sure if you had guessed correctly though unable to double check. Well then it certainly shouldn’t have been so dark, you look around until you see the red velvet of the curtains. “Oh, well that explains it.”

It appeared that the blinds had been shut; Rarity must have done that so the sun didn’t interfere with your sleep. You smile at that, it was nice of her. You quickly get out of the bed, stretching your stiff limbs and surpressing a yawn. You still felt kind of tired, the extra hours of sleep had been refreshing, though not incredibly restful, and you figured nothing less than a whole night’s rest was going to kick you back in gear, but for now it would suffice.

Rarity’s bedroom door swings open with a creek, and you feel your mouth start to salivate as you sniff at more of that delicious scent, you didn’t know what was being made but you did know that it smelled positively divine. You quickly turn towards the stairs, swiftly, yet cautiously, trotting down them. You can feel your stomach grumble in anticipation of an actual meal, after all you hadn’t eaten anything last night…or well…nothing considered food anyway.

As you near the bottom of the steps the sweet sound of Rarity’s voice filters into your ears, she was humming a beautiful tune, the tone upbeat, light, and filled with glee. The sound brings a smile to your face and you find yourself heading towards the kitchen with a lightness in your heart and a faint bounce to your step. Your silver locket swinging around your neck in response to the movement, jingling with every rapid prance, when you reach the kitchen however you’re surprised to find that it’s not alone in its occupants. Sitting at the dining table, occupied by a coloring book and a juice box is Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s younger sister.

You were surprised to see her, though it wasn’t an unpleasant surprise. After all, despite the filly’s rather destructive personality she was still cute and funny in her own childlike way. That and you hadn’t seen her for about a week and a half, not since Rarity had you babysit while she worked on designs, you two had spent the better part of the afternoon playing with coloring books and stickers. Something you’d enjoyed to an almost shameful degree, but what was the point of being an adult if you couldn’t be childish from time to time?

“Oops…” Sweetie’s high pitched voice drags you out of your thoughts, your eyes falling to the spilled juice box now lying sideways upon the floor, a purple pool of liquid slowly spilling out upon the tile. The filly flinches slightly as her older sister turns around, clearly expecting some kind of reprimand. However to both your and her surprise Rarity just continues to hum, levitating over a washcloth and approaching the spot, the smile never leaving her gorgeous face as she wipes up the spill.

“There we are, totally spotless.” Rarity sings, giving her sister a small pat on the head. You spy Sweetie Belle out of the corner of your eye, the filly’s eyebrow raised as she gives her sister a bewildered look, surprised by this odd display of affection. Clearly the younger sibling wasn’t used to seeing her sister in such a cheery mood. “Oh, splendid, you’re awake!” You see a sparkle in Rarity’s blue eyes as she approaches, smacking her lips against yours, causing you to moan your surprise into her mouth. You hadn’t been expecting such a…warm welcome.

You blink once or twice as Rarity pulls her cherry red lips away, any and all words you may have had stolen away by her kiss. You hear Sweetie Belle giggle at her spot near the table, but neither you nor Rarity pay the filly any mind.

“I decided to cook today darling.” The unicorn says, smiling affectionately at you.

“Oh did you? I thought that was my job.” You playfully reply.

Rarity giggles and rubs her nose against your own. “Not today it isn’t, consider this your first official day off.” The unicorn gives you another kiss, though this was only a peck. “Consider it a thank you for taking me on such a splendid date.”

You give her a cocksure grin. “Well, I think a day off would do me some good. So, what’s on the menu today princess?”

Rarity leans in and pecks you one last time. “I love it when you call me that.” She flashes you one last grin and turns around, heading back towards the stove. “I went down to Applejacks a few days ago and picked up a box of apples, and I was in the mood for something sweet so I threw together an apple pie.” You can see her horn light up with a faint blue aura as the stove opens up, that delicious smell growing ever stronger as she retrieves the freshly cooked pie, you can hear your stomach growl in response. Rarity giggles at the sound. “I see somepony’s hungry.”

You blush and scuff a hoof against the floor. “Yeah, I uh, could use a bite to eat.”

You can see Rarity grin as she levitates the pie with her unicorn magic, signaling with a point of her head for you to take a seat at the table. You quickly do, hopping up in the seat next to Sweetie Belle; she’d already taken your usual spot, that being the place next to her sister, but you didn’t mind. All you wanted right now was to get your hooves on a piece of that pie.

“Hi mister!” The little foal greets you, still scribbling away in her coloring book.

You smile down at her. “Hi Sweetie, what’s up?”

The filly puts down her crayon and smiles up at you. “Not much, mom and dad are going to a party or something tonight so they dropped me off here.”

“I see, so, are you glad that school’s out?” You ask, fully aware of what her answer was going to be.

Sweetie gives you an enthusiastic nod. “I sure am, now the crusaders can spend twice as much time searching for their special talents!”

You and Rarity exchange grins at Sweetie’s display. “Yes, well, let’s hold off on the crusading until we finish dinner.” The unicorn says her horn lighting up as she cuts several slices out of the pie, serving each of you a piece before retrieving one herself.

You lick your lips in anticipation as you eye the steaming pie, bending down and taking a mouthful of the delicious food, your taste buds exploding with flavor. By Celestia, that had to be the most delicious thing you ever tasted, and you couldn’t wait for more.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

You let out a contented sigh as you lean back on the couch, feeling your full stomach settle as you shift and move; that had been delicious. You fail to fight back a smile as you hear Rarity’s angelic laugh in the kitchen across the way, her sister’s voice quickly following, it was good to hear them getting along. Once dinner was over Rarity and Sweetie decided to work together to help clean up the kitchen, you’d offered to help but it seemed like the fashionista wasn’t going to hear it, insisting that you actually enjoy your day off. You hadn’t even tried to argue further, knowing full well it would get you absolutely nowhere.

So, you opted to finally finish off that Daring Do novel you’d been reading, you were currently halfway through the last chapter and you couldn’t wait to see how the final showdown between Daring and her lifelong enemy Ahtouzoul came to a close, it appeared that Ahtouzoul had the upper hand, he’d beaten Daring down and was now holding her at arm’s length over a pit of lava, when Daring reached into her back pocket and!

*Bang*

*Bang*

You look up from your book, turning your gaze towards the front door.

*Bang*

*Bang*

“Would you be a dear and get that?” You hear Rarity ask, her voice sounding distant and distracted, clearly she had her hooves full.

You shut the novel with a snap, blowing a puff of air out your nostrils to show your frustration. Quickly hopping off the couch and trotting towards the door. “Always has to happen right when things are getting good.” You mumble underneath your breath, reaching out and securing the golden doorknob between your teeth, giving it a twist and pulling it open. “Welcome to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique how may I help you?”

“Well, good to see you too I guess.” Your eyes go wide and you feel your mouth widen into a grin as your brain kicks into gear and you actually recognize the pair of ponies standing before you.

“Caramel, Wind Whistler! It’s good to see you guys!” You greet both the earth pony and Pegasus in turn, quickly ushering them inside.

“Mm, smells like apple pie in here!” Wind Whistler remarks as she steps inside, her nose pointing upwards as she gives the air a few petite sniffs. “I don’t suppose you have any leftovers?”

You raise an eyebrow; Wind Whistler wasn’t usually one to ask for scrap. “Sorry, we just finished it off.”

The turquoise Pegasus lets loose an exasperated sigh. “Dang, Caramel we’re stopping by Sugarcube Corner on the way home so I can get some pie.” The Pegasus then brings a hoof up to her chin, as if in thought. “I wonder if they’ll put peanuts in the crust if I ask…”

You shoot Caramel a questioning look that asks everything for you, he nervously chuckles and swipes a stray strand of his carefully combed mane out of his eye. “I’ll uh, explain in a bit.” He quickly murmurs, just loud enough for you to hear, before stepping inside and casting a curious gaze about the boutique. “So, this is where you’re staying huh?” He nods. “It’s nice.”

You open your mouth to respond, but are cut off as Rarity enters the room.

“Oh dear, customers!” The fashionista’s lovely voice draws your attention, and you look over just in time to see her emerging from the kitchen. “I’m terribly sorry to keep you waiting; I was busy in the kitchen.”

“Oh, it’s no problem ma’am.” Wind Whistler replies, walking over to meet Rarity half way. “I’m Wind Whistler, this is my coltfriend Caramel.” The Pegasus points towards the tan earth pony, who was standing next to you by the door. “We’re friends of your…assistant right?”

Rarity’s face lights up with a smile. “Oh, I see!” She turns an inquisitive blue eye upon you. “Well, I didn’t know you had so many friends dear.”

You scoff lightly at Rarity’s comment, her chiding tone of voice obviously meant to tease, not upset. “Well it’s true I’m not very social, but I owe these two a lot.” You look over and smile fondly at Caramel. “These guys are the two that let me stay with them after my house burned down.”

The earth pony shrugs. “Hey, it was the least we could do.”

“Ah, I see, well friends of yours are friends of mine darling.” Rarity replies, smiling at the two in turn.

Caramel leans in. “Darling huh?” He queries, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Not now!” You hiss, feeling an edge creep into your tone, Caramel had made it very clear two weeks ago that he wasn’t exactly fond of your attachment to Rarity, you hope meeting Rarity today will help prove that she is as lovely and kind as you like to make her sound, but you knew Caramel pretty well…he wasn’t a pony that could be easily swayed.

“So, is there anything I can help you with today?” Your beloved asks, her voice gentle yet professional, clearly she was ready to do business if that’s what your friends had come here for.

You notice Caramel’s mouth forming a ‘no’ shape, before his significant other cuts him off.

“As a matter of fact there is.” The blue mare says, and you can hear Caramel’s mouth close shut with a clack, the reaction brings a tiny grin to your face, if what Caramel said at the bar was true he absolutely hated it when Windy, that’s what he liked to call her when nopony else was around apparently, cut him off. It was supposedly something she did often and it ‘drove him friggin crazy!’ to quote him directly. “You’re a fashion designer correct?” Rarity nods politely. “Well, I’m in need of a wedding dress.”

Both yours and Rarity’s eyes go wide, though yours from surprise and hers from excitement.

“Oh a wedding dress!” Rarity exclaims, practically trembling with enthusiasm. “Why, this is so marvelously splendid!” The fashionista trots over towards Wind Whistler, grabbing the Pegasus’ hoof and dragging her towards the stairs. “Come dear, we must get your measurements right away!” The unicorn shouts before the startled mare can get out a word. “This will be so magnificent!”

You can still hear Rarity enthusiastically chattering away as she heads upstairs, her voice slowly fading away into gentle murmurs as she gets farther and farther away, before it’s entirely snuffed out after the slamming of her work room door.

Slowly you crane your neck back towards Caramel, who was sitting on his haunches with an embarrassed look on his face.

“Wedding dress?” You inquire, your teasing grin rising and your eyebrow following suite.

Caramel averts his eyes and he slowly scratches his left leg with his right, a nervous tick he had. “Well, cat’s out of the bag now isn’t it?” He says, followed by a tiny nervous chuckle.

You nod. “Yeah, it is. So when were you going to tell me this?”

You notice the earth pony swallow hard, his eyes persistently glued to the floor. “Well, today actually…I just hadn’t gotten around to it.”

You chuckle lightly and take a few steps closer to where your friend sat, sitting down next to him and giving him a pat on the shoulder with your hoof, he flinches slightly at the contact. “Why are you so embarrassed? I’m happy for you; Wind Whistler is a great mare.”

The earth pony shifts uncomfortably and takes a couple deep breaths, clearly trying to relax himself. “It’s not the fact I’m getting married that’s got me all worked up, though I’m sure it isn’t helping…there’s another thing, I should probably tell you.”

Your ear gives a tiny reflexive twitch to show your interest, eager to hear whatever it was he had to say.

“Wind Whistler is uh…” You see the stallion swallow a lump in his throat, and he fidgets slightly underneath your stare, clearly whatever he had on his mind was pretty important. “…She’s pregnant…”

You blink once, then twice, had you really just heard that? Wind Whistler…pregnant? But that wasn’t supposed to even work, not with her condition.

“Are you sure?” You ask, as gently as you can, you didn’t want to run the risk of upsetting Caramel even further; he had every right to be as confused as he was. “I thought she was-”

“Yeah so did I…” He shakes his head, like he was in disbelief. “But, then she started getting sick, throwing up and stuff, so we took her down to the hospital and…” Another shake, “According to them she’s got a little filly or colt growing in there and I just…” Caramel’s head hangs low and he lets out a depressed sigh. “I just don’t know what to do.”

You put a comforting hoof on the stallion’s shoulder. “Hey, don’t get too worked up, what’s the problem, doesn’t she want a baby?”

Caramel lets out a brief chuckle. “Want a baby? Hell, she was practically bouncing off the walls when we got back home.” You’re pleased to see a tiny smile etching its way onto his face as he fondly recalls the memory, depression was not a mask that fit him well. “But, I’m not worried about her…I’m worried about me. I mean, a week ago the thought of being a father never even crossed my mind, I’d gotten so used to the idea that it just wasn’t going to happen that I never expected something like this. But now that I have a foal on the way…I’m worried.” His dark blue eyes look into yours, and you can see him silently pleading for your help. “Do you think I’ll be an alright dad?”

Tightening that comforting grip on his shoulder you feel your face go tight as you give him the sternest look you can muster. “Caramel, we may not have been friends for a very long time, but I can tell you this, you will not be an alright dad.” The earth pony recoils slightly at this, clearly not expecting such a statement. But you had expected that, your lips curving into a grin as you pull him into a tight hug. “You will be the best damn dad Equestria has ever seen.”

At first the earth pony bristles against the unexpected embrace, clearly not expecting such a gesture, but after a few moments he slowly reciprocates, patting you on the back and letting out a tiny chuckle.

“Alright, let’s not drag this out, I am getting married soon you know.” You both share a laugh and separate from the hug, scooting apart from one another.

There’s a moment of silence that follows as Caramel allows your comforting words to sink in, that jovial light hearted air returning to him as he sits next to you, patiently waiting for his fiancé to return.

“So, I don’t suppose I get to be best stallion by any chance?” You query, giving your friend a playful bump with your hoof.

Caramel’s smile widens. “Heh, sorry, Big Mac’s beat you to it.” You feign a look of disappointment, though you weren’t really upset at all, you had expected that answer. “But you can still be one of my stallions of honor.”

You chuckle. “Thanks, I appreciate it. How far along is Wind Whistler?” You were curious to know, after all, there didn’t appear to be any real signs.

You can see Caramel’s face screw up in thought, like he’s contemplating what to say. “Well, two weeks, that’s the last time we…you know.”

You nod; a brief moment of silence follows before a light of realization flick on inside your head. Two weeks ago…the day you’d left the house, you had heard the noises from the night before, distinctly recalling the squeaking of the bed and hushed moans from the room over. The noises had been enough to keep you up the majority of the night. That’s when it actually hits you…you had essentially been there the night those two had…inseminated. It was a strange feeling, like you were a kid that had been witness to something he wasn’t quite prepared to see. It was a piece of knowledge you could have gone your entire life without, and you find yourself regretting the question you’d just asked.

You give a rapid shake of your head, like you were trying to force that information away. “Well, I suppose that explains the cravings.” You mumble absently, more to yourself than to anyone else.

You hear Caramel blow a little air out of his nostrils, snorting as he recalls some of the mare’s most bizarre of desires. “You don’t even know the half of it. I think I’ve spent more time at Sugarcube Corner these past two weeks than I have at home.”

“She’s got quite the sweet tooth huh?”

“No, it’s not the only reason we go. Mr. and Mrs. Cake have been really helpful over the past couple weeks.”

“Ah, I see, well it’s nice of them to help out.”

“Yeah, they’re good folks.” Caramel’s head turns toward you, wearing a curious expression upon his face. “But enough about me…” You repress a building groan; you knew exactly where this was going. “So you and this Rarity gal, you’re a thing now?”

You shake your head positively. “Yeah, I suppose that’s one way of putting it.”

“When?” You look over at him questioningly. “You know, when did it happen?”

You fidget slightly where you sit, suddenly eager to be up and off the floor. “Yesterday,” The word comes out slightly strained, having said them while in the process of stretching your now stiff legs and back, slowly you start to meander about the room, eager to be off your flank for a while. “We went on a date in Canterlot.”

Caramel’s eyes follow you as you move back and forth around the room, more or less pacing to help release some of that built up tension in your legs, sitting on the floor wasn’t exactly what you’d call comfortable.

“So you confessed then?” Caramel’s voice is filled with a sort of concerned curiosity, like he wanted to know yet was afraid of the answer at the same time. “Told her that you love her?”

You stop for a moment, a warm grin splaying across your features as fond memories from yesterday filter into your mind, the show, the tango, the night sky, making love with the mare of your dreams…it all seemed so unreal when you thought about it, like something out of a cheesy romance novel.

“Greetings Princess Luna, would you kindly rejoin us back on Equestria?” Caramel reproaches his voice thick with an irritated tenor.

You look back at him, your mind yanked out of its pleasant haze. “Hm? Oh right, uh yeah, I told her.”

The earth pony raises an eyebrow. “And what did she say?”

You feel another grin come on, stealthily dragging your tongue across your lips, recalling the sweet taste of Rarity’s mouth pressed against yours. “Well, she didn’t really say anything, but I’m pretty sure she feels the same way.”

The earth pony’s eyes roll hard, clearly he didn’t really grasp what you meant by that, but he didn’t really need to as far as you were concerned. “Yeah well, I suppose she seems nice enough.” You shake your head, it wasn’t exactly the response you would have liked, but you’d take what you could get with Caramel.

“Very good, shall I be expecting you tomorrow?” The sound of Rarity’s distant voice catches your attention, and you hear several muffled thumps as both she and Wind Whistler make their way down the stairs.

“Oh absolutely, are you free around noonish?” You hear the Pegasus ask curiously. “That’s when I get off of work.”

The two finally make it to the bottom step, and you see Rarity nod her head. “Of course, and if your ever in need of baby clothes do stop by, I haven’t had a chance to make anything like that since the Cakes had their children.”

Caramel gets up off the floor, stepping aside as his fiancé took her place beside him.

“We’ll keep that in mind Miss Rarity.” The turquoise Pegasus’ eyes flash upon you. “Oh, one last thing, you wouldn’t mind being our house sitter in a few weeks would you? We’ve got to go tell our families that there’s a little one on the way.” Wind Whistler reaches down, affectionately stroking her belly as a warm smile spreads across her face.

“Of course, you guys can count on me, just stop by before you go to let me know.”

The mare nods. “We will. Come on hun, let’s go to Sugarcube Corner.” The pair of them turn, making their way towards the door. “Oh, I wonder if we pay a little extra they’ll be willing to put chocolate syrup on top…”

You can see Caramel’s shoulders sag as he sighs in frustration knowing full well he’ll be spending even more bits than usual on this apparently routine trip to the sugary shop. His significant other, having caught attention of his sudden change in demeanor, rears up and gives the earth pony a stern look.

“What!? You’re not willing to pay a little extra to fill the tummy of the mare carrying your child?” The mare’s words drip with venomous indignation.

Caramel scoffs at the accusation. “Wha- of course not! It’s just we’ve been going there an awful lot you know and none of the stuff they sell is healthy…”

“Are you saying that it’s making me fat!?”

“No no! You’re pregnant Windy; of course you’re going to gain weight! A few pies isn’t going to change that.”

“I cannot believe you! If you and I weren’t in public right now I swear I’d-”

You roll your eyes as the mare’s voice cuts off into a muffled bunch of swears and threats, the pair’s shouting continuing beyond the door you’d just shut.

“Great, now their arguing…” You mumble absently, recalling many a sleepless night in Caramel’s home. Once those two got at each other’s throats, nothing short of a miracle would get them to stop.

“Ah yes, it’s a typical stage in any relationship darling.” You perk up at the sound of Rarity’s voice. “One day you and I might be screaming at each other in the town square.”

You chuckle at the unicorn’s cheeky tone. “I’m looking forward to it.” You reply, sarcasm coloring your voice.

There’s a mischievous glint in Rarity’s eye as she steps forward, gently draping a dainty hoof around your neck. “So am I…” You feel your heart rate quicken as she leans in, bringing her cherry red lips up to your ear, it gives a slight twitch and a series of cold tingles runs up and down your spine as her hot breath blows against it. “Especially if it results in hot, angry, make up sex…”

Your cheeks start to burn and your heart starts to thump against your chest, you could barely believe what you’d just heard. Something like that seemed so, callous, so brash, so open, so…was she nibbling on your ear?

“Or…we could skip the angry and make up part.” She gives another little bite to your ear, sending another chill down your spine. “Just a thought…”

To say you like where this is going…would be the understatement of the century.

“Um, sis, am I interrupting something?” The tiny voice snaps both you and Rarity to your senses; the mare quickly releases her teeth, hastily whipping around and giving her wide eyed sibling a guilty look.

“Oh, of course not Sweetie Belle!” This sentence is accompanied by a halfhearted laugh. “I was just um…” You see the unicorn bite her lip as she searches her mind for an excuse, her dark blue eyes wandering back over to you, running you over as if you’d somehow provide the key to getting out of this predicament. “Fixing his mane!”

“Fixing his mane?” The foal asks incredulously.

“Why yes of course! I mean look at it.” The unicorn begins to poshly fuss with your haphazard mane, attempting to lay it flat. “It’s all so wild and crazy! Why it makes me wonder how he even takes care of it.”

You feel a sudden pang of self-consciousness, you tried to get it to behave, you really did. But you swore that this rebellious mop you called a mane had a mind of its own. Normally it wasn’t an issue, ponies didn’t seem to mind one way or another how your mane looked most of the time, but having Rarity fuss with it now made you rather aware of how unkempt it must seem to a pony as refined and delicate as her.

“Well, um okay then.” Sweetie says. Both you and Rarity share a hidden sigh of relief thanks to the knowledge that the filly would not be pressing the matter. “I was just gonna ask if you’d want to help me color…” Sweetie lightly scuffs a hoof along the carpet floor, looking slightly dejected. “But if you want to hang out with your coltfriend that’s fine.”

“Oh Sweetie Belle of course I’ll color with you.” Rarity replies, her voice sweet and caring. “I’m sure you don’t mind?” She asks, turning her head to look back at you.

“Oh no don’t let me stop you two from having girl time.” You reply. “I have a book to finish reading anyway.”

Sweetie’s face lights up as her sister starts towards the kitchen. “Oh great! I saved the best pictures for you sis!”

“Oh why thank you Sweetie Belle that’s very kind.”

You smile as the sister’s disappear into the kitchen, chattering and giggling as they enjoy one another’s company. Seeing this brought back memories of your sister, and made you long to see her again…you give a shake of your head, trying to clear away those thoughts, you weren’t in the mood for feeling homesick. You spin around and trot towards the couch you’d been lounging on earlier, eagerly picking up the open novel and clambering back atop the soft cushions.

“Okay Daring…let’s see how you get out of this one.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Unacceptable, intolerable, impossible, just…just no! This couldn’t be, it couldn’t end this way! Not like that! There had to be more, it couldn’t just cut off, there was so much left unexplained, so many threads that needed tying up! This just couldn’t be true, you must have missed something, maybe you skipped a page or something.

….

….

….

No, that was it, you couldn’t believe it.

It was a cliffhanger…the book ended…on a bucking cliffhanger.

You let loose a puff of air from your nostrils, snapping the book closed in a violent manner, you couldn’t believe that this was how it ended. How on Equestria could the author have thought that leaving Daring dangling over a pit of lava would make a good final paragraph? There were so many plotlines that didn’t go anywhere, so many things left unresolved; it just seemed like a huge blemish on an otherwise amazing book.

With a disheartened sigh you skim over the front cover one last time. Daring Do and the Curse of the Crimson Crystal, below was an artist’s rendition of Daring and her nemesis Ahuitzotl, glaring at one another as they both reach for a large red gemstone.

“It should read, Daring Do and the curse of the crappy cliffhanger.” You fume bitterly. “At least then I would have been expecting it.” You flip the book over, skimming through the plot synopsis and…wait a moment. You bring the book a little closer to your face, that way you could read the abnormally small text imprinted along the spine of the book.

Daring Do and the Curse of the Crimson Crystal, the rerelease of the first book in the most popular series of this generation, this copy includes a special author’s note and a brand new piece of cover art to match the style of later releases.

So this was only the first book, maybe that was why it had such an awful ending, perhaps the author hadn’t expected it to become so popular, or maybe this was her first book and she didn’t think twice about providing any closure, you imagine that the ending was a sharp point of critical ire for quite some time, you hoped that the author wouldn’t pull something like this with any of her later installments.

“I wonder if the library has the next book…” You wonder aloud, you knew Rarity didn’t have it; you’d been in there earlier today to retrieve this book and hadn’t spotted any other Daring Do novels. Apparently they weren’t really her thing.

Your eye wanders towards the clock ticking away idly above where you sit, the time reading four twenty. Well, it should still be open, I could check at least. You think, hopping off the couch and heading towards the kitchen, you wanted to let Rarity know you were taking off for a few minutes.

“Do we really want to make her mane green darling?” You repress a chuckle at Rarity’s question, practically able to hear the cringe her face was making, the fashionista had told you about that little event, when the traveling showmare had come to town and magicked her hair a turgid green. Luckily the magic didn’t last more than a day, wearing off by the next morning, that didn’t mean she was over the fact though, one day of being not fabulous was one day too many for her to handle. Ever since then she had an extreme distaste for green manes, more than she already did anyway.

“I like green though.” Sweetie Belle’s chipper voice states and you round the corner just in time to see her stare up at her sister with big round eyes. “Do you really want me to change it?”

You notice Rarity’s shoulders sag as she lets out a tiny sigh, the wooden kitchen chair beneath her creaking lightly as she readjusts her weight upon it. “Green is fine Sweetie.” The unicorn’s blue eyes light up as she spots you in the archway leading to the kitchen. “Hello dear. Do you need something?”

You smile and shake your head. “No thank you; I just wanted to let you know I’m popping out for a few minutes. Try and walk off some of that pie.” You grin playfully at the fashionista. “Which was positively delicious if I do say so myself.”

Rarity giggles at that, the angelic tone brings a lightness to your heart. “Well if you must, I’ll be here when you return, so long as nothing comes up.”

You smile at her, nodding your head and turning around, heading towards the boutique’s main door. You couldn’t wait to get to the library.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A deep growl emanates from the pits of Twilight Sparkles’ empty stomach, the purple unicorn groaning aloud as she was reminded yet again of her growing hunger. She’d gotten so caught up in her organizing that she’d missed lunch, again. She sighs, her eyes wandering over towards the pile of books nearby, the numerous tomes stacked into a literal mountain of paper and ink. It would take at least another hour to get the rest of them put away.

The lavender unicorn sighs as her stomach growls again; she didn’t want to wait an hour for food. And she didn’t want to bother with making any herself either, she’d read multiple cookbooks over the years, but never really managed to put any of that knowledge to good use, she’d tried once or twice, usually with rather disastrous results. There was a reason Spike did most of the cooking. And she didn’t feel like it was right to steal what little free time he was allotted today to make her a daisy sandwich.

“I heard Pinkie and Applejack were making muffins today.” The unicorn mumbles to herself, a habit she’d developed over the years to keep herself company, years of being cooped up in a tower with nothing but books and a purple dragon for companions will do that to you. “I bet they’d be willing to slip me a couple freebies if I stopped by…”

With a plan in mind Twilight gets up from her spot on the floor, her horn lighting up as she levitates over a pair of colorful saddlebags. “SPIKE! Come down here please!” The unicorn could hear the purple dragon groan, mumbling something rude underneath his breath and stomping down the stairs, it wasn’t a reaction she was surprised to see. He’d been in a rather foul mood for the past couple weeks, no doubt due to lack of visits from a certain fashionista.

The purple dragon pokes his head out from around the bend near the bottom of the stairs, the green spike atop his head jiggling slightly as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He must have been in the middle of a nap. Twilight thinks.

“Yeah Twi?” He asks his voice thick with fatigue.

“I’m going down to Sugarcube Corner for a bit. Want anything?” The unicorn asks with a cheery smile, maybe a nice sweet would help unsour her friend’s bitter mood.

Spike fights off a yawn and moves down the last couple steps. “You know, one of Pinkie’s rainbow cupcakes would be awesome right about now.”

Twilight grins and nods. “One rainbow cupcake coming right up.” She turns towards the door, trotting about halfway across the room before she hears Spike call for her to wait.

“Hey if you want I could finish up organizing those new books you bought.” The baby dragon offers, motioning towards the mountain of hardbacks the unicorn had organized. “I still kind of feel bad for forgetting to do it this morning.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No that’s alright Spike, that new shelf hasn’t been nailed in yet.” Twilight had recently ordered a brand new bookshelf from Canterlot a few weeks ago, the longer Twilight stayed in Ponyville the more books she was going to need, and though the library had been fairly well stocked upon her arrival it was still pretty bare compared to what the unicorn was used to. She’d slowly set about expanding the library, this new shelf of ancient tomes would be the first in many additions she was planning. “And if you go climbing all over it who knows what might happen. And I don’t want to come home to find a dragon pancake waiting for me.”

Spike huffed playfully. “Fine, but I’m helping when you get back, whether you like it or not.”

Twilight chuckled. “If you insist, I’ll be back soon Spike.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The door behind you shuts with a gentle slam as you make your way out of the boutique. You look about with strained vision, the glaring sunlight stinging your eyes and forcing you to squint, slowly the familiar sights of Ponyville begin sliding into focus, smiling fondly at the picture before you. You were growing more and more used to stepping out of a building to find the shallow and quiet dirt roads of Ponyville, rather than the busy and bustling streets of your home town.

It was hot out today, though not unbearably so, not like the day you’d been running errands for Rarity. Summer was still in full swing it seemed but thankfully the weather team managed to get a hold of the heat and make it at least somewhat tolerable, baking the residents of the town you worked for probably wasn’t good business practice. You notice Ponies bustling about, each heading somewhere with a different goal in mind. Across the way you could just barely make out the deep southern drawl of a certain farm pony, and a curious glance in her direction shows that Applejack’s standing outside of Sugarcube Corner, advertising muffins it looked like. You look over towards the growing crowd of ponies for a moment, tempted to go and investigate, but decide against it. After all, the most important thing on your mind right now was getting your hooves on that second Daring Do novel.

You turn towards the left and start walking, exchanging polite greetings with the occasional passing pony as you make your way towards the library, not really thinking too hard about it, back home the city was so large that it had taken years to learn all the various streets and alleyways, but Ponyville was barely a fraction of Manehattan, and you’d had the layout down pat by the third day.

You feel a smile come on as you jovially trot down the street, humming a quiet tune to yourself as you enjoy your day. It felt good to be outside, you’d been cooped up indoors for so long, working with Rarity in the boutique as your wounds healed, that you didn’t really have much time to just, go and be by yourself. You loved spending time with Rarity, that much was undeniable, even more so now that you two were romantically involved, but everypony needed a little alone time every now and then.

“MAIL CALL!!!” The dopey voiced shout catches your attention, and you look up just in time to spy a rapidly approaching grey figure from above. You quickly step to the right as the speeding grey shape rockets towards the ground, slamming into the dirt below and knocking up a huge cloud of dust, you wave a hoof around to try and get rid of the cloud.

Derpy...You think with a tiny chuckle and shake of your head, say what you would about the cross eyed Pegasus, but at least she knew how to make an entrance.

The mail mare scrambles to her hooves, wobbling slightly as she tried to find her balance upon quivering legs. She stares at you with a scrunched up smile, one golden eye meeting with yours, and another branching off to stare at something else.

“Hi!” Derpy chirps, her smile growing wider as she waves a hoof at you.

“Hello Mrs. Doo.” You greet her, as formally as you would any other mare, this wasn’t the first time you two had bumped into one another, on your first day here she had ended up crashing into the roof of your freshly purchased house. You were rightfully upset at the time for sure, but once you’d learned of Derpy’s condition you’d been quick to change your tune. Not like it mattered anyway, after all that poor house was nothing more than a pile of scorched earth now.

The Pegasus reaches into the brown bag hanging limply from her side, retrieving an envelope.

“You’ve got mail.” Derpy says, holding out the letters for you to take.

You reach out and gently grip the envelope between your teeth. “Thlank ju.” You mouth around the paper, careful not to slobber over it.

“You’re welcome.” She says, flapping her wings to start propelling herself into the air. “Bye Mister.”

You quickly spit the letter into a free hoof, smiling up at her and waving. “By Mrs. Doo, tell the family I said hi.”

She replies with another dopey smile and a wave before flying off, no doubt the mare still had some deliveries to make. You look down at the letter in your hoof, scanning it to see if there’s anything special to make note of. As it turns out, there is, the return address is one you are rather familiar with, it’s the address of your family estate back in Manehattan.

You feel yourself filled with a sort of homesick feeling as you stare at the envelope, as well as a deep sensation of guilt, the last time you had exchanged letters with your family had been over a month ago, the month when you had promised to write a letter to them once a week…you hadn’t. If your mother was here right now she’d probably be giving you an earful about how important it was to keep your promises, and if your father was here he’d probably be giving you an earful about how wrong it was to upset your mother.

You picture them sitting at home for the past month, waiting impatiently for their son to send them just one letter to confirm his safety, only to be met with an empty mailbox every week, that pit of guilt in your stomach grows ever wider. You realize there’s no time to waste, Daring Do could wait for a few more minutes, the least you could do right now was to read whatever was inside.

You look around, hoping to find a shady spot to sit while you read your letter, off in the distance you spot an unoccupied bench, resting in the shadow of a nearby tree. Quickly you trot over and take aseat, shifting your body into a slightly more comfortable position.

You carefully grip the top of the envelope between your teeth, securing the paper tightly and giving it a terse tug, tearing open the envelope with an obnoxious ripping noise, you spit out a few flecks of paper stuck to your tongue, grimacing in disgust at the taste. You take one last deep breath and prepare for the ink based verbal thrashing you knew was to come, you knew from experience that when you promised your mother something it better damn well be done, lest you be spending the next couple weeks nursing a wounded pride.

Eventually you gather up enough courage to retrieve the letter, placing it down next to where you sit on the bench so you could read it. And the very first line is enough to make your blood run cold…

MISTER, you and I need to talk! You gulp hard…by Celestia…there they were...those terrible, awful, evil words! Brief flashes of all the awful things that have happened to you as of late flash through your mind, all of those events…had been preceded by…those words…You can feel an icy chill run through your veins, and your hooves lock in place out of sheer terror. It seemed that sometimes…those words…would be the cause of physical harm, and sometimes they would be the cause of emotional harm, you had no way of knowing which it might be.

A thick and heavy drop of sweat spirals down your face, and you scan the area around the bench, twisting and turning your head every which way in search of anything that might be cause to harm. After a few more minutes you can feel the thumping of your heart begin to slow, and can feel the adrenaline coursing through your body begin to mellow, confident enough that you weren’t in any immediate danger.

You look down at the piece of soft white paper in lying on the bench next to you, and you gulp hard as you realize that you were still obligated to at least try and read your mother’s letter…minus the very beginning of course…as a matter of fact maybe you should rip it off, yeah, that sounds like a good idea. You meticulously nip and bite at the top corner of the letter, eventually succeeding in ripping off the chunk that had that vile phrase written upon it, growling like an agitated dog as you spit it out on the dirt road. Now, with that out of the way, you figure it’s time to actually read this letter.

Greetings from your mother, you know, that mare who raised you and loves you and cares for you more than anypony else in the world? No, not doing it for you? Well how about this? I’m that mare you promised to write to once every week! The mare who TRIED teaching you that a good stallion keeps his promises. But I guess that lesson didn’t really get through that thick skull of yours did it? Ugh, figures, you are a lot like your father after all.

You stop for a moment and shift uncomfortably upon the hard wooden bench beneath you. Feeling that deep sense of guilt still gnawing away hungrily at your gut. Your mother sure was good at hitting you where it hurt, you are almost tempted to stop reading, after all you’d been in extremely high spirits as of late and the last thing you want right now is for your mother’s berating to truly sower your mood. Then realize that’s possibly the most plotholeish thing you could do, and continue reading.

But, I digress, you are a grown stallion after all and I’m sure you are very busy with whatever it is you’re doing in that tiny town you mentioned in your last letter. Ponyville was it? Well, whoever thought of that wasn’t exactly a creative one but I’m sure it’s a very fine place. I’m sorry I was so cross during the opening of this letter, but you must understand, it’s scary to think of my child out all on his own in the big scary world. I keep waking up in the morning and expect to see you downstairs eating breakfast with your sister, or to hear a mare creeping out of your window when she hears me coming down the hall, and yes I do know about that girl, quite the mouth on her. You feel a blush sting at your cheeks, you thought that nopony knew about that whole thing…you’d been so careful.

Good thing it didn’t work out with her, why don’t you actually try and find a good mare while you’re away? You smile; you couldn’t wait to tell her about Rarity. And it’s so strange how quiet the house is during the day, I don’t think I’ll ever grow used to the idea of you not being around…but I understand why you left, and I don’t blame you, after what happened you needing a little away time is perfectly understandable. But still dear, if you need anything, bits, clothes, or anything of the sort don’t be afraid to ask. I know you want to prove to yourself that you don’t need our family’s wealth but it’s not like we’re in short supply around here.

But enough of that, I wanted to tell you that your sister finally got her cutie mark yesterday. She got it while trying out for the summer swim team, it was so cute to see her running around the house, showing it to anypony she could find, she even stopped and told that old butler Witherspoon about it, you know, your father’s friend? She even went up to your room, she didn’t admit it but I think she wanted you to know as well, she knows you’re gone of course, but I think she was just caught up in the moment. That last comment brings a sort of sad smile to your face; you were happy for your sister but sad that you hadn’t got a chance to be there for such a pivotal moment in her life. Your father misses you as well, he spent the first couple weeks of your absence locked in his study, and you know he’s upset when he cancels his business meetings. He’s slowly started to get on I think, but he still misses you dearly.

So please honey, write to us once and a while, it doesn’t need to be once a week or even once a month, just be a dear and let us know you’re alive and well.

I love you; we love you, and remember, you’ll always have a home to come back to.

You sigh heavily as you finish the letter, feeling a tightening in your chest and a stinging in your eyes as your mother’s final comforting line really hits home. And you stifle a rising sob, you felt like crying, though you didn’t really know why. Maybe it was just nice to know that they cared so much, or maybe you were just being emotional, you didn’t know which it was and you didn’t really care all that much. However, you did know that it would be incredibly embarrassing to break down in the middle of town; you were already known as the new city stallion that had no bits, no home, and liked to hit on every mare he saw, you didn’t want to be known for random emotional breakdowns as well.

You made a mental note to pick up some paper and ink on the way home from the library, you had about a month worth of letters to write.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

*Bang*

*Bang*

*Bang*

Your hoof strikes the heavy oak door leading into the library, you didn’t really know if Twilight would appreciate you just barging in. The unicorn did run a public building after all, but it also doubled as her home, you figured it was a better idea just to knock. Your ear twitches as you hear the distinct sound of movement on the other side of the door, what you guessed was someone coming down the steps.

That must be Twilight now. You think, it would only be a matter of moments before she unlocked the door and stuck out her…small… scaly…head…wait what? Your jaw hangs slack and you feel your head tilt to the right as you examine the tiny creature standing before you, you’d never quite seen anything like it. It’s tiny body was supported by two stubby legs, the green spikes on its head wobble back and forth as it moves around, its lips are pulled back to reveal two rows of shiny white teeth, it’s big round eyes staring back at you from inside the doorway, giving you a rather dirty look.

“Hey, if you take a picture it’ll last longer pal.” The creature says dryly, snapping you out of your trance.

“Oh um, I’m very sorry.” You reply sheepishly. “Is Twilight Sparkle home?”

The purple creature shakes its head. “You just missed her, she ran down to Sugarcube Corner to grab a bite to eat.”

Damn, seemed like it’d be just a little longer before you could get your hooves on that book. “Oh, any idea when she’ll be back?”

The scaly creature gives you a strange and insinuating look. “No, why, are you gonna ask her out or something?”

You repress a laugh, it was a cute little implication, but you only had eyes for one mare in Ponyville. “No, no, I’m taken. I was just hoping to check out a book that’s all, but I guess I can come back later.”

“That’s all? Well I can do that for you if you want.” He says, opening the door a little wider and ushering you inside. “Come on in.”

“Oh alright then.” You say, quickly stepping into the spacious library, shutting the door behind you with a quick flick of your hind leg.

“What book is it you want?” He asks, heading over towards the desk to your right, hopping onto a stool opening a thick logbook of some kind, you figure it’s probably a list of what books the library has in stock.

“Well it’s the second Daring Do novel, the first was Curse of the Crimson Crystal, so I’d imagine it would just be that with a part two at the end or something.”

The creature’s claws start flipping through the book, and you can hear some of the old pages crinkle and crackle at the disturbance, a few moments go by as he searches before he speaks again. “You lucked out pal; Rainbow Dash just returned it a couple days ago.” The logbook closes with a snap and he hops out of the chair, heading towards one of the many filled bookshelves at the far end of the library. He returns with a thick hardback in his clawed hand, holding it up for you to take.

You bend down and secure the book between your teeth, smiling with satisfaction at the knowledge that you’d finally know what the actual conclusion to Daring’s first adventure would be. You set the book aside, smiling down at the scaly guy in front of you.

“Hey, thanks a lot er-”

“Spike, my name’s Spike.” You feel as if a light is turned on inside of your head as he says that name, and you recall Rarity telling you about Twilight Sparkles personal assistant, you feel like kicking yourself for not realizing this sooner.

“Oh, so you’re Twilight’s personal assistant right?” You ask.

“Yup,” Spike responds with a shake of his head. “Twilight hatched me from my dragon egg years ago, we’ve been together ever since.”

Oh, so he was a dragon? You suppose that makes sense, though you would never of guessed, you’d never seen a dragon in real life, you’d read about them in books and seen a picture or two but they’d always struck you as giant hulking beasts, Spike must have been rather young, at least in dragon years.

“I can see that she’s stocking up.” You say, motioning towards the gigantic stack of tomes you’d spotted upon entry.

Spike’s eyes follow your gaze and he lets out a wistful sigh. “Yeah, Twilight always wants more books.” The dragon raises a claw and holds it over his mouth, repressing a yawn. “To be honest I’d rather just put them all away right now and be done with it, I haven’t managed to get a wink of sleep for two whole weeks.”

Your eye wanders over towards the empty bookshelf, and a smile spreads across your face as an idea comes to mind, Spike seemed like a nice kid, maybe you could give him a hoof?

“Well, how about you and I do it?” You suggest. “Twilight wouldn’t mind would she?”

Spike seems slightly surprised by your suggestion, his clawed hand wandering up to rub at his chin as he ponders the idea. “No, so long as we organized them correctly I’m sure it’d be fine, we’ll have to nail that shelf in first though. That’s the whole reason she won’t let me do it by myself, it’d be too dangerous for me to go crawling all over it without somepony there to make sure everything’s alright.”

You nod. “Well if you’ve got the tools I’ll do it.”

Spike smiles, happy with the idea that Twilight would be pleased to see the new shelf stocked and organized by the time she returned. “Sure thing just give me a sec.”

You grin as the dragon scurries upstairs, and you hear gentle scraping noises as his tiny clawed feet slide across the hard wooden floor, maybe it would be good idea for Twilight to put in some carpet, Spike’s claws must be murder on the sheen. A few quiet moments pass by as Spike digs around for the necessary materials upstairs, during this time alone you find yourself wandering over towards the bookshelf, eyeing it over curiously. It was tall, huge even, big enough to hold dozens more books than the ones Twilight had set aside. You also realize that the purple unicorn was right to keep Spike away from it, had he gotten a little too curious the shelf would have been large enough to squish him flat.

He’d wind up as a dragon pancake. You think, repressing an inward chuckle as you picture what a dragon pancake might look like, then the strangeness of the situation finally hits you, you were about to help a dragon, organize a bookshelf. You had to assume that not many ponies could make a claim like that, even if it was a rather dull claim in and of itself.

Yep, just organizing a bookshelf with a dragon…what could possibly go wrong?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

“Hlokay, thlat thould do ith.” You speak around the hammer lodged in your mouth, cautiously making your way down the ladder you and Spike had propped up against the bookshelf. You’d just finished pounding in the last nail, and it was time to start organizing.

You spit the hammer out onto the floor, feeling around your mouth with your tongue as the dirty taste of the wooden handle is left behind, that was one problem with being an earth pony, in order to complete pretty much any task you had to wrap your mouth around something unpleasant.

“Gee, tasted that bad?” Spike asks from where he stood near the stack of books, he was currently busy lining books up in the correct order, so he could hand them up to you without long waits in between each book.

You stick out your tongue and run it along your right leg, trying to rub the taste away. “Well, it wasn’t tasty that’s for sure.” You reply after finishing.

“Yeah I bet, how does your kind even function anyway?” Your eyebrow raises as you give the young dragon a questioning look, it wasn’t like racism was a big deal in Equestria, but the insinuation that you couldn’t get on with day to day tasks due to being an earth pony wasn’t exactly pleasant. Spike seems to pick up on some of your negative vibes and is quick to change his tone. “I didn’t mean it like that! I was just curious like, how do you earth ponies and Pegasi even, ya know, comb your mane and stuff?”

Your half tempted to say something rude in response, but you know that Spike didn’t really mean anything offensive. And you’re about to tell him that all it takes is a little extra hoofwork, before he looks up from the stack of books and frowns.

“Eh, maybe I’m asking the wrong guy.” You feel a touch of embarrassment crop up as your haphazard mane is once again brought to the forefront of your attention.

“Alright kid enough with the comments.” You tell him playfully, having no intention of upsetting him but still letting him know you’d had enough of his insinuations. “Are we ready to start stocking this thing or what?”

Spike gives the stack a quick once over, checking to see if anything was out of place. “Looks good, okay let’s start with the bottom rows here, then one of us can climb up while the other hands them books.”

You nod, sounded like a good enough plan to you. A few minutes of silence go by as you and Spike focus solely on the task at hoof, but eventually the cloud of silence growing around the pair of you becomes a little too oppressive, so you take it upon yourself to help break the ice a little, Spike seemed as good as any other kid, despite being a dragon, and you didn’t see any harm in getting to know him.

“So Spike, been in Ponyville long?”

You can see him nod out of the corner of your eye. “Yep, been a couple years since Twilight and I came here from Canterlot, what about you? Twilight and I go out quite a bit and I don’t recall ever seeing you anywhere.”

You pick up another book and put it on the shelf before responding. “I’m pretty new in town, moved here from Manehattan a couple months ago.”

Spike looks over at you with a somewhat surprised expression on his face. “Manehattan? Really? My friend Applejack’s been to Manehattan before, is it true what she says?”

You chuckle. “Well I suppose that depends, what does she say?” You couldn’t imagine a country pony like Applejack had anything all that flattering to say about a big city like Manehattan, you’d seen it a couple times before, a country colt or filly would show up on vacation and be completely out of their element, it just wasn’t what they were used to.

“Well she says that everypony there is a stuck up high class brownnoser, whatever that’s supposed to mean.”

You repress a laugh. “Yeah well, she’s not necessarily wrong; it all just depends on who you’re hanging out with.” You couldn’t think of any old friends that fit that, colorful, description but you’d been to enough high class parties to know that Applejack wasn’t totally off.

“I suppose.” Spike responds, stepping back to admire the now filled bottom shelves. “So, you wanna climb the ladder? Or should I?”

You contemplate it for a moment, it was pretty high up, and you’d feel pretty bad if Spike hurt himself by falling from it, you had no idea how hardy dragons were but he was still a kid. “No, I’ll do it, just make sure you don’t bump the ladder or anything, it’s pretty high up and I don’t know if those nails will hold if we tug on the shelf too much.”

It doesn’t take long for you to make your way up the ladder, and you find yourself thinking that it would be most unfortunate if you were to fall, and the opening line of your mother’s letter filters back into your mind, buzzing around in your thoughts like an unwanted fly, you tried shaking it away, after all it was probably just you being a superstitious idiot…but then again, that is what you thought the last time.

A couple more minutes of silence go by as you and Spike stock the rest of the bookshelf, after you fill in the next couple rows your forced to climb even higher to reach the ones above, and you feel a somewhat unsettling pit in your stomach as you get higher, you don’t seem to recall ever having a fear of heights, but…something about this just makes you uneasy. And you’re grateful for the distraction when Spike decides to pipe up again.

“So, tell me something.” He starts, holding up another book for you to take, as you were forced to go higher up the ladder so was he, and he was now using both his stubby tail and a claw to hang down from the lower rungs so he could reach the stack of books below. It didn’t necessarily strike you as the safest thing, but you couldn’t think of any other feasible way for him to reach. At least there weren’t many books left.

“How exactly do you know Twilight?” The dragon asks curiously as you take the book from his claw. “You knew that I was her assistant before I told you, and you know that she runs the library, but I don’t recall ever seeing you visit before.”

You place the book in your hoof on the shelf before responding. “Well, we aren’t really all that close or anything.” You explain, reaching down and taking another book from his claw, and putting it away shortly after. “We’ve only spoken once, and you must not have been here.”

“Hm, must have been when she sent me on some errands or something.” The dragon puts a claw up to his chin in thought. “She’s been having me do that quite a bit recently come to think of it…”

“Must have been, we spoke when I was running around town for my marefriend.” That last word brought a smile to your face, it still felt great being able to call Rarity that.

“Really? Who’s your marefriend?”

You feel a smile come on as sweet thoughts of Rarity filter into your mind. “Oh, you probably know her actually; she and Twilight are good friends.”

“You don’t say…” Was that suspicion in Spike’s voice? You couldn’t really tell. “Who is it? I know Applejack got a new coltfriend recently, but you don’t exactly seem like her type.”

“No it’s not Applejack.” You answer with a chuckle. “She said you help her out every once and while, down at Carousel Boutique, ring any bells?”

“R-Rarity?” Spike’s voice doesn’t sound quite right, but you fail to notice the shake in his voice, too busy daydreaming about Rarity and how great it was with her.

“Yep, lucky me huh? Who’d of thought that a mare as magnificent as her would be willing to date a stallion like me, right Spike?”

There’s no answer. “Spike?”

Still no answer, you find yourself wondering if something is wrong. You crane your neck backwards to see what Spike’s doing. “Spike are you all ri-OH BUCK!” You suddenly feel the wooden ladder yanked out from beneath you! Your hind legs meet with nothing but air as your front legs slam onto the top of the bookcase, desperately clinging to the hard polished wood in an attempt to keep from falling.

You search around frantically to try and locate Spike; right now he was the only one that could help you! “Spike, Spike! I need help!” You look over just in time to see the front door slam shut, and you can hear the padding of tiny feet as your only hope dashes away. Had Spike really just left you on your own?

*creeeeek* The noise causes your ear to twitch and a shock of ice cold worry to shoot through your spine. You don’t think that those nails can hold a full grown earth pony…Your hind legs frail about frantically as you try to gain a hoof hold on one of the shelves, maybe if you were careful enough you could climb down. There’s several loud smacks from the floor below as you kick books off of the shelves, Twilight probably wouldn’t be happy when she sees this, but you imagine Rarity will be even more so if your killed by a toppling bookshelf.

“Agh! Foal of a bitch!” You swear aloud, proper Equestrian etiquette the farthest thing from your mind at the moment, your aggravation brought on from your lack of an ability to get a decent hoof hold, and the constant creeks and groans of the straining wood do nothing to alleviate your sense of panic.

Finding no other viable solution, and knowing full well you didn’t have much time, you cast a despairing look down below. If you were gonna make it out of this one…you’d have to take a chance.

One…

Two…

Three…

“AAAAAH OOF!” Your frightened scream morphs into a wheeze of pain as your back comes into contact with the hard wooden floor of the library, white hot pain shooting up and down your entire body as a resounding smack is heard throughout the desolate room.

Your eyes screw shut and hot salty tears run down your face in rivulets as your foggy mind tries to register through the pain, desperately fighting to remain conscious. In the distance there’s a sound you can’t quite make out, but it seems to be growing ever louder…you can’t move your legs and everything hurts…why did that damn bookshelf have to be so bucking big? And where was Spike? Did he run off on purpose? Was he the one that pulled the ladder out from under you?

These are the thoughts running through your mind as you lie upon the floor. Scared and in extreme pain as the fog in your mind starts to ebb away, your mind becoming clearer by the minute as you slowly grow used to the pain. As the sheer agony coursing through your legs and back become slightly more tolerable you find yourself able to open your eyes just a sliver.

And you immediately wish you couldn’t…you can see the bookshelf beginning to teeter, books falling from its shelves as it starts to careen through towards the ground. And you realize…that you might not make it through this.

Your eyes close, and you let the tears flow freely. You manage to say one last thing. “Rarity…I love you.”

Then the bookshelf falls…and your world fades to black.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A/N sorry this took so long everyone, but I was really struggling with finding free time to write, anyway I hope you enjoy this, and I’m sorry about the slightly screwed up ending, but I can guarantee that ‘you’ are not dead. As always comment, like, dislike, critique all that good stuff, I really appreciate every bit of feedback I get.

Unexpected Visitor

`“Well…that was certainly a…experience.” Twilight Sparkle mumbles underneath her breath, reaching up with a lavender hoof and trying vainly to wipe away a few of the stray crumbs still stuck in her coat. What had originally just been a quick stop by Sugarcube Corner had somehow escalated to the point of an all-out food fight between Applejack and Pinkie Pie, she didn’t really know how it happened, but she was fairly certain Pinkie was to blame.

She’d ended up walking in to find the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner covered in pastry, crust, and candy. Apparently the two hadn’t been getting along during their partnership for the big muffin sale today, they’d been arguing and insulting each other the entire time and everything had come to a head when Applejack had ended up getting a hoof full of raw dough to the face. Thankfully the pair had managed to work it out after one of Twilight’s signature lectures, and she was pleased with the thought that Celestia would soon be getting two brand new friendship reports by the end of the day.

That’s when the lavender unicorn notices something rather peculiar, the thick wooden door to the library was open, just a crack. For a moment she feels a seed of worry worm its way into her chest, what if it was a thief, or villain? After all, Twilight and her friends had encountered more than a couple antagonistic types in their days as the Elements of Harmony, and the thought that one of them may come back seeking revenge hadn’t escaped her. Then she puts her thoughts to ease by rationalizing that it had probably just been Spike, maybe he’d popped outside for a few moments and forgotten to shut the door all the way when he’d gone back in.

“Spike, I’m home!” The unicorn shouts, peeking her head in around the door, startled to find that the room had been submerged in darkness. Had Spike turned off the lights? What on Equestria would he do that for? “HEY SPIKE!” She shouts again, her horn lighting up as the door swings open, she quickly slips inside, she feels her chest tighten and her stomach start to turn as her call is met only with eerie silence.

Her horn lights up as she reaches out with her magic to turn on the lamp nearby, the main room of the library is awash with a white light, the sudden brightness forces Twilight to blink her eyes multiple times as her pupils adjust to the glow. When she finally does regain the use of her vision, the sight she’s greeted with is enough to make her stomach tie into knots. The new bookshelf was lying toppled upon the floor, splintered wood and crumpled books lay scattered about the room.

“Oh Celestia Spike are you under there!?” The unicorn screeches, fear breaking her usually calm and disciplined voice. She feared the worst, had Spike gotten too brave and decided that he could put in the bookshelf on his own? She certainly hopes not, but right now that seemed to be the only logical conclusion she could draw.

Twilight takes a deep breath and fights down her panic, her horn glowing brightly as she envelops the entire bookshelf in magic, grunting with effort as she forces the heavy wooden piece of shelving into the air, she screws her eyes shut as she forces it back against the wall, loud thumps resounding throughout the room as more books tumble from the shelf, striking the hard wooden floor of the library, any other time and such a mistreatment of literature would have driven Twilight insane, but right now the only thing on her mind was the safety and wellbeing of her closest friend.

The unicorn lets loose a relieved sigh as her magic surrounding the bookshelf dissipates, fizzing away as the old wood of the shelf creaks and groans as it’s pressed up against the wall.

“Oh no…” She groans in despair, Spike hadn’t been crushed by the bookshelf, thank Celestia, but somepony had, Twilight sprints across the room, screeching to a halt as soon as she reaches the mangled and bloody body laying twisted and broken upon the floor, a purple aura enveloping her horn as she performs a quick spell, after a moment of silence her face lights up in relief. He was still alive, but wouldn’t stay that way for long unless she got some help.

Twilight rears up on her hooves, running as fast as her hooves would take her out of the library. “HELP SOMEPONY FETCH NURSE REDHEART!”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The world around you passes by in a blur; the jumbled shapes and spinning lights running through your vision were cluttered and impossible to make out. There’s an ever present group of shadows passing by overhead, stark silhouettes against the bright white flashes from above. Your body is numb, that deep achy kind of numb that means you’re hurt real bad but too out of it to know where. Your brain throbs and stings as the sudden influx of information overwhelms your senses, your heart starts to beat rapidly as a strange sort of panic sets in, and you try to move your legs in a desperate attempt to escape the strange whirlpool of lights and color, only for them to be forcefully shoved back down by a firm yet gentle hoof.

“Don’t move…” The voice seems alien and far away, but you obey it, if only because your attempt at flailing your legs had caused a deeper, more noticeable pain, to run through your body.

You become aware of several sounds now, but all of it is too mixed together to make any sense. There’s a constant squeaking noise nearby, like that of a shopping cart, and several loud and authoritative voices shouting back at one another as those dark shapes from before continue to hover over you. You hear a loud bang and a slam as your body suddenly comes to a stop, you hadn’t realized you were moving earlier, but now that your mind is slowly piecing itself back together you feel yourself becoming steadily more aware of your surroundings.

“-atient is suffering from multiple lacerations along sides, back, and belly.” The voice slides into the realm of audibility, you’re still far too out of it to know exactly what it means, but the words are at least comprehensible. “Multiple fractures and breaks along legs, bruised jaw and chin but most of bone seems intact, deep laceration along the side of the head, could we get some pressure on that cut? We need to stop the bleeding.” You can feel something dry and warm press against the side of your head. And then there’s a bright flash of light in your left eye, but not the right. “Pupils in left eye dilated correctly, no point in even checking the right one...”

There’s a sudden shock of pain in your chest and you can feel the rest of your body start to lock up! You start to twitch and squirm in panic, unable to comprehend what’s going on.

“Patient’s going into shock! Somepony get me that anesthetic now! If we don’t operate right now we’re going to lose this one!”

There’s a prick in your arm and the pain stops, you slowly ease into the comforting numbness that’s clouding your mind, and once again fall into the peaceful land of oblivion…

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Rarity bursts through the hospital entrance, a loud bang sounding throughout the room as the heavy metal door slams against the wall. The unicorn looks around in exasperation, as soon as Rainbow had given her the news she’d sprinted across town to get to the hospital, but now that she was actually here she came to the stark realization that she didn’t actually know where she was supposed to go.

“Twilight!” The unicorn’s face lights up as she spots her lavender friend across the room, trotting over as fast as her tired legs would carry her. “Twilight what happened to him!?” The fashionista asks, before the startled mare can even get out a word. “Dash wouldn’t tell me a thing!”

Twilight shifts her eyes away from Rarity’s, refusing to look her despaired friend in the face. “It’s…my fault.”

Rarity shakes her head, stunned by Twilight’s words. “Your fault, how so!?”

The purple unicorn swallows the lump that had been building in her throat, taking a minute to collect herself as she prepares to share the details. “I just bought a new bookshelf today, and I hadn’t managed to put it in by the time I left. When I got back I found him…lying underneath it. I-it fell on him Rare…”

“Oh Celestia…” Is all Rarity manages to utter, she’d seen how big the bookshelves in Twilight’s library were, and she was willing to assume that getting crushed by one was going to cause far more than a few minor injuries.

“I should have been more careful! If I’d taken the time to put a ward around it or something, this whole mess would never have happened!” Rarity snaps out of her worry at the sound of her friend’s voice, looking over to see the fellow unicorn berating herself.

“No Twilight please…it isn’t your fault.” Rarity places a comforting hoof on the unicorn’s shoulder. “There’s no possible way you could have known something like this would happen.”

“Yeah bu-”

“No buts, if it wasn’t for you he might not have even made it to the hospital.”

Twilight doesn’t argue, that was true after all, after Nurse Redheart had been called it was Twilight who had teleported you to the hospital, Redheart had insisted that the chariot was fast enough, but the unicorn was confident in her own abilities, and knew that it was without a doubt the fastest and safest way to get you there.

“Will he be okay Twilight?” Rarity asks, her voice quivering, she didn’t really know if she wanted the honest truth.

Twilight shakes her head a little and once again turns her eyes towards the floor. “I…I don’t know, I didn’t really get a good look.”

“Twilight please…” The fashionista pleads, her beautiful blue eyes round and quivering, any minute now and she was sure to start crying. “Just tell me.”

The unicorn chews on her lip, contemplating the best way to say what needed to be said. “I honestly don’t know Rarity, I’m not a doctor and I haven’t read through any medical books in a couple weeks...but.” The unicorn’s purple eyes meet with the fashionista’s. “…it didn’t look good.”

Rarity feels her throat swell and her chest tighten up, the tears in her eyes threatening to overflow. Oh Celestia please let him be okay. She prayed, hoping that the sun goddess could hear, she didn’t even really know if Celestia was omnipresent in that kind of way, but she figured it was better than nothing. Rarity stiffens as she feels a comforting hoof rest against her shoulder, looking up to see Twilight giving her a comforting expression.

“Are you okay Rare?” The bookworm asks, tightening the grip on Rarity’s shoulder.

Rarity, despite her deflated mood, lets out a tiny chuckle, reaching up with a dainty white hoof to wipe the tears out of her eyes before they could cause her mascara to run. “I don’t know Twilight, I really don’t know. How long has he been in there?”

Twilight frowns. “A couple hours at least, I don’t know what they’re doing in there, but I’ve picked up on some magic in the air. I’m assuming that they’ve taken the drastic approach and are using magic to heal his wounds directly.”

“I see.” Rarity nods. “And how successful is that typically?”

Twilight’s demeanor becomes somewhat pensive as she attempts to recall some of the information she’d attained over the years concerning healing magic. “Well, I know that, if used correctly, magic can be used to heal some extremely severe injuries. There’s a bit of a problem though, it’s a very advanced form of magic it takes a lot of energy to sustain healing spells over any extended period of time and it’s not unlikely that a unicorn may get too tired to finish off what they’ve started, but typically you can counter this by having multiple unicorns work together at once, now this causes a chain reaction us in the magic community call a….”

Rarity nods in understanding, or at least she thinks she understands, to be honest she hadn’t really been paying all that close attention to what Twilight was saying, she was more or less just using it as a sort of distraction to keep her mind from wondering just how badly hurt you were. Such an attempt was in vain however, as she found herself tuning out Twilight’s voice about halfway through her impromptu lesson.

Twilight realizes that her words are being ignored, and, though usually such an action would upset the studious unicorn, she understood why exactly Rarity was finding it hard to pay attention. The mare feels her heart swell up as she spies the deflated look on the unicorn’s face, and she can tell that right now Rarity needs her support, not a lecture. Twilight really wasn’t one for emotional stuff, typically Fluttershy had that department covered, and right now she wished the shy Pegasus was here to try and ease some of Rarity’s worry, but she wasn’t and Twilight was going to have to make do.

“Hey, come here.” Twilight cooed, pulling her fellow unicorn into a warm embrace, she was surprised at how receptive Rarity was, the fashionista eagerly burying her head into Twilight’s chest and repressing a few quiet sobs, apparently this was hitting her harder than she was willing to admit. “He’ll be okay, I promise.”

Minutes tick by as the pair of friends hold one another, and despite the display, Twilight’s surprised to see that nopony passing by really pays them any mind. A distraught pony inside of a hospital apparently wasn’t all that uncommon. Twilight continues to comfort the fashionista as best she can, she had read a few books over how to do such a thing, but that information was hard to recall since she’d never had a need for it before this moment.

Eventually Rarity seems to regain her composure, gently pushing the lavender unicorn away and quickly reaching up with a hoof to wipe away any stained makeup; after all, being incredibly upset was no excuse for looking unladylike.

“Th-thank you Twilight dear.” She says, sniffling lightly. “I don’t suppose you have a handkerchief on you?”

As luck would have it the unicorn did, she always kept a few on hoof in her saddlebag whenever she went out. Her horn lights up with a soft purple glow as her saddlebag, which was lying nearby, she’d discarded it after teleporting to the hospital, opens up. And a faint smile touches upon Rarity’s face as she reaches out with her own magic to take the handkerchief, mumbling a thank you before quietly blowing her nose.

“You must think I’m acting ridiculously.” The fashionista says, shaking her head and frowning. Twilight opens her mouth to speak but is cut off before she can. “After all, I’m sure he’s okay. It’s just, everything was going so magnificently and now something like this has to happen.”

Twilight frowns. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being upset about this Rarity, you have every right to be.” Rarity doesn’t respond. “And if you need anything I promise to do whatever I can.”

“Well, now that you mention it.” Rarity says, recalling something rather important. “I left Sweetie Belle back at the boutique, Rainbow promised to watch her but I don’t really think she’s…cut out for the task, to put it gently.”

Twilight chews on her lower lip, out of all the things Rare could’ve asked it had to be the one thing she couldn’t do. “Um, would you mind if I ask Fluttershy to do it?” Twilight inquires, trying to sound like as little of a jerk as possible.

Rarity cocks her head to the side, giving her friend a curious look. “Why, I suppose that would be fine. But, is there a reason why you aren’t willing to do it? I know the little dear can be a bit of a hooful, but I’m sure you’d be just fine.”

Twilight represses a building groan, she hadn’t wanted to tell Rarity about Spike’s recent disappearance, after all, the unicorn was already distraught enough and Celestia knows she didn’t need more bad news. Especially since evidence pointed to the purple dragon being the cause of her beloved’s injuries. But Twilight had to tell her eventually…now seemed like as bad a time as any.

“Spike has um…” She scuffs a hoof against the cold tile floor of the hospital. “He’s gone missing.”

For a moment Rarity’s face is blank, like she hadn’t quite heard correctly, then her cherry red lips morph into a disheartened frown, her head drooping and a hoof coming up to hold her face. “Oh Celestia, first my coltfriend is nearly killed and now my poor Spikey Wikey disappears…” The unicorn gives a distressed shake of her head, before she cranes her neck upwards, a saddened expression upon her pale white face. “Twilight you don’t think that he’s responsible, do you?”

The purple unicorn’s silence is enough to answer that question. Rarity’s head droops once again.

“Oh…this is the worst possible thing…”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The world around you is spinning…twisting…changing, everything’s a bit of a blur; you seem to recall the sensations of being pushed down a hallway of some sort. And you can smell the faint scent of disinfectant and medicine somewhere off in the distance. It’s a strange otherworldly feeling, like your floating in-between reality and, well, not reality. For a minute or two you’re confused, scared, and even a little panicked, but after a while you start to relax. After all, what was there to be worried about?

You were just sitting at home, waking up in your bed after a long night out with friends. You sit up, the silky red covers of your bed falling from your body, and you look around the familiar spacious layout of your room with fondness in your eyes, everything was there, your desk, your smooth leather chair, your expensive bookshelf, and even the giant cheese wheel that rested at the foot of your bed.

Wait what!? Giant cheese wheel? Why that was preposterous! You didn’t have a giant cheese wheel in your room; it was supposed to be a carrot! There was only one possible conclusion to make…this cheese wheel was an imposter! Well you couldn’t stand for something like this!

“Charge!” You bellow, bravely tackling the cheesewheel to the ground.

You’re sitting in your dad’s office, a glass of fancy scotch in your hoof as you read the label, only to find yourself surprised that it actually had none. Well, it was your father’s; surely it was safe enough to drink. You pour the alcohol into a tiny cup, smiling in satisfaction as you bring the cup to your lips; you’d wanted to drink some of your father’s fancy scotch for years! And now was finally your chance!

*Ring*

*Ring*

You frown as your father’s phone begins to ring, what on Equestria could somepony want at this time of day? No matter, you couldn’t just leave it there, it could be something important after all. You reach out with a hoof, securing your limb around the shiny piece of metal and bringing it to your ear.

“Hello?”

“They’re lying you know…” You pull the phone away…that voice…it sounded so, familiar.

“What?”

“Your parents knucklehead, they haven’t been honest with you since day one.” You feel your muscles tighten and you start grinding your teeth, you didn’t know who was on the other line, but you did know that you weren’t a fan of their tone.

“You’d better shut your mouth…” The words came out as more of a growl than anything else, but that was fine, you felt as if it got your point across.

“Ha, see you around pal.” Wait, what did he mean by that?

You begin to fall, your legs flailing helplessly as you tumble through the blackness, you open your mouth to cry out but no voice can escape.

You fall…and fall…and fall…

You can hear the gentle sounds of lapping water nearby, followed by the occasional splash, as if someone or something was diving in and out of the water. You can smell the chlorine and feel the moisture in the air, these familiar feelings are what clue you in to the fact that you are resting besides the pool your father had recently put in, the same pool your sister loved so much.

“Oh hi, welcome back.” A tiny feminine voice causes your ear to twitch, and you look over to see a light blue filly approaching where you lay, throwing her sopping wet green mane back with a brush of her hoof, walking over and plopping herself down on the spread out towel you were sitting on, grabbing a corner of the fabric and wiping off some of the moisture clinging to her young body, her emerald eyes looking up at you as her lips curved into a smile. “I was wondering when you and I would get a chance to talk.”

“Aquaria, is that you?” This filly looked exactly like your little sister, but the way she was talking made it seem as if the pair of you had never met.

The filly smiles coyly at you. “Well, kind of, I certainly look like her don’t I? But I think that’s only because you’re thinking about her right now.”

You blink, shooting the filly a confused expression. “I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

The blue filly sighs, rolling her big round eyes in a show of annoyance. “Of course you don’t, I suppose that’s to be expected, after all it’s not every day you get crushed by a bookcase and then put into a coma.”

Bookcase? Coma? You have no idea what this pony is going on about, and then you feel it, a slight tingling sensation at the back of your mind. Like you were trying to remember something...but can’t quite figure out what.

“Ah, there it is, you feel it don’t you? You know what I’m talking about, Twilight’s bookstore, organizing a new bookcase with a certain backstabbing little dragon, ringing any bells?”

“What…no I don-” You begin, before the realization hits you like a freight train. Now you remembered! Twilight’s library, you’d knocked the shelf over and ended up crushing yourself after a certain dragon knocked the ladder out from under you. You can still recall the sheer feeling of overpowering terror and fear as you saw that bookshelf looming over you, steadily beginning to fall as you lay upon the ground, helpless.

“Oh yeah…” You can see the filly smile from where she sits as an expression of understanding dawns over your face. “But, shouldn’t I be at a hospital? Or wait, am I dead!? Because if this is what being dead is like being dead sucks!?” Panic worms its way into your voice as you start to think that maybe that little accident had been more fatal than you thought. You couldn’t be dead! Rarity would be absolutely devastated if you died!

“Relax lover boy.” The filly says, patting a tiny hoof against your back in an attempt to calm you down. “You’re not dead, though you are about as a dead as a pony can be without actually being…well…dead.” For some reason that didn’t exactly help ease your troubled thoughts, “I’m pretty sure you’re just in a coma or something.”

“Oh great, really that is way better!” The sarcasm is thick in your voice, and the filly doesn’t really seem all that amused by your choice of words, giving another hard roll of her eyes. Speaking of this filly just what exactly was she.

“I’m just a figment of your imagination.” She says, as if reading your mind. “And yes I did just read your mind.”

“Oh, but why do you look like my sister?”

“Dunno, but if I had to hazard a guess, I’d say it’s because right now you’re working through some deep emotional issues regarding your family, and about what they kept from you.”

You bite your lip and look away, a grimace forming on your face as some…unpleasant memories worm their way into your mind.

“I’d really rather not talk about that…”

The filly gives a dismissive shrug of her shoulders. “Fine, this is your head, we can do whatever you want in it.” Then the filly fixes her big blue eyes on you. “But I can’t help but wonder…what do you think Rarity is going to do when she finds out about your, shall we say, unique position?”

You grimace, feeling lines of worry worm their way into your expression as you think. Rarity loved you…she wouldn’t care. Would she?

“She might, after all, she does put a lot of stock in her reputation. Being in a relationship with a pony tha-”

“Shut up.” You grumble, you weren’t in the mood for this, not right now.

You didn’t need to look at the filly to know she was grinning again. This filly looked like your sister, but she certainly didn’t act like her, it was like somepony was punishing you by taking all of your sister’s most obnoxious of traits and turning them up to eleven.

“You know you can’t run from your problems forever. Eventually she’s going to find out…and I’d suggest you be the one she hears it from.”

You don’t respond, there was truth to the filly’s words, but did Rarity really need to know about that?

“Well anyway, it’s been a fun talk.” You snap out of your thoughts in time to see the filly stand, popping her neck and stretching her legs. “But I think it’s time you woke up. After all, there’s a certain white unicorn back in reality that I’m sure would be absolutely ecstatic to see you.”

The filly doesn’t wait for a response, and you hear a splash as she dives back in to the pool. Your brain goes fuzzy, and you roll over onto your back as a blinding white light burns into your vision…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

You blink once or twice as you slowly regain consciousness, there’s a heavy ringing in your ears and it feels like your whole body is running on slow. Your vision comes out blurry and strained, everything around you looks like one big splotch of color and fuzz, like your brain is struggling to give your surroundings the proper shape. Your mouth feels like it’s filled with a mixture of cotton and sand, and nothing but a strange gurgling sound is heard as you try to speak. You can feel something soft and warm wrapped around you, and in an attempt to find out what it is you reach down and give it a couple curious pats, whatever it is begins to stir, and in a matter of moments it shoot up and starts to look you over. From where you were sitting all it looked like was a mesh of color, but there was still something oddly familiar about it.

You can hear faint mumbling noises as the figure speaks, the ringing in your ears dying down as the words slowly become comprehensible.

“Darling! Darling can you hear me!?” That voice…oh you were afraid you’d never hear it again.

You are unable to vocalize the sheer joy you feel by Rarity’s mere presence, due to your floppy mouth, so to show Rarity how much you missed her you reach up with your left hoof and affectionately start to stroke her face, you can see her cherry red lips morph into a smile at your sensitive touch, grabbing your wandering hoof in her own and holding it close, as if scared to let go.

“I’m going to go get a doctor okay?” She says, slowly and softly so it’d be easier for you to understand. You’re only able to let her know you did by frowning and giving her a tiny nod.

You hear a squeak and feel a heavy displacement in the bed as Rarity hops off, you feel cold and lonely as soon as she does and you absently wonder if Rarity had been sharing the bed with you. That was nice of her. You think, your thoughts still a little mixed up. It sure is awfully cold in here. As if to amplify that remark you can feel a shiver race up and down your spine, wherever you were they could certainly stand to turn up the heat.

“Doctor Stable! Doctor Stable! He’s awake!” You can hear Rarity calling off in the distance, and you force your achy head to spin around as you look for where she might be, why on Equestria was it so hard to see out of your right eye? This was worse than when you’d been punched in the face. Eventually you manage to spot your beloved across the room, sticking her head out the open door as she called for a doctor.

You can hear her sweet voice say something else as the door opens the rest of the way and an oddly familiar looking pony steps inside. You can’t make out what exactly she said but you can hear the relief in her voice, she must have been terrified throughout this whole ordeal. You can see that familiar pony approaching, and you feel a sense of recognition as you finally manage to place his appearance. Why, he looked just like Caramel, his yellowish coat and well combed brown mane resembled that of your friend to an almost exacting degree. There were a few key differences though, you knew that Caramel wasn’t a doctor for one, and his cutie mark was that of a heart monitor, unlike Caramel’s three silver horseshoes. Therefore he couldn’t be your friend, maybe they were related? You make a mental note to ask when given the opportunity.

“Hi there, how are you doing?” The doctor’s voice is soft; he reaches up with a hoof and adjusts his glasses. The only response you can offer is a slow blink and a groan.

“I don’t think he can talk Mr. Stable.” Rarity says, and you smile as she pops up next to the left side of your bed, nodding to show that she had said correctly.

“Ah, I see, well that’s not all that uncommon. Just give me a moment.” You can see the doctor’s horn light up as he levitates a couple of bits in the air. “Here, there’s a pop machine around the corner, I think a bottle of water might help.”

Rarity nods and her own horn lights up as she takes the bits. “I’ll be back in a minute dear.” She says reassuringly to you, before trotting out of the room.

“Alrighty then, let’s have a look here.” Dr. Stable mumbles, more to himself than anyone else, out of the corner of your eye you can see him levitating over a clipboard. “This should do…now where did I put my pen? Ah, here it is.” The stallion places the clipboard on your chest, and then proceeds to very rudely shove the pen in your mouth, you groan in distaste and the doctor quickly apologizes.

“Sorry about that, but I need to make sure that everything’s okay as soon as possible. Now, do you feel any pain when I do this?” You can feel a gentle prodding along your right side, and, aside from a touch of discomfort, you don’t feel anything inherently painful.

You quickly scribble the word no onto the clipboard, though it didn’t exactly look all that great, your mouth didn’t seem like it was willing to do much other than lay slack right now, but from what you can see it’s at least slightly legible, with enough squinting you’re sure he’d be able to make it out.

Dr. Stable leans over and takes a quick peak at what you’d written, smiling in satisfaction, apparently he was pleased with your answer.

“Good, very good, now I’m sure you’re a little confused right now. Do you know where you are?”

You scribble the word Hosptial onto the paper, fully aware that you’d spelled it incorrectly but in no mood to fix it.

“Yes very good. What about that mare who was in here? Do you know her name?”

You fight the desire to roll your eyes. Of course you remembered Rarity’s name, she was the mare you were in love with, and it’d take a hell of a lot more than being smashed by a bookshelf for you to forget her.

You quickly scribble out your response, one good look and the doctor smiles again. “Very good, it seems as if our fears of permanent brain damage were for naught, let me just take that for you.” You blink as the unicorn’s horn lights up and he retrieves the clipboard and pen. Permanent brain damage!? Just how badly hurt had you been?

Before the doctor can say anything else you can hear the door swing open and Rarity quickly makes her way inside, an extremely appetizing looking bottle of water floating only a few inches away from her face.

“Here darling, drink this.” You can feel Rarity wrap a dainty hoof around the back of your head and slowly prop it forward, before placing the lidless bottle of water to your lips and beginning to pour. You eagerly gulp down the cool liquid; a bottle of water had never tasted so good.

“Why Miss Rarity, I have to say your bedside manner is superb.” The doctor chirps up, grinning while he does so. “Have you ever considered being a nurse?”

Rarity giggles lightly and slowly removes the now empty bottle from your lips. “No I haven’t, but ever since I’ve started a relationship with this fellow.” She lightly prods the side of your head in a cheeky manner. “I’ve found myself spending more and more time at the side of his bed, taking care of him. Maybe I should make myself a nurse’s outfit anyway, if I’m going to be spending the majority of my free time looking after you I might as well look the part hm?” The fashionista continues to chide, flashing you another smile.

“…ugh, be as sassy as you’d like Rare, I know you love me.” You finally seem to find your voice, and it causes your favorite unicorn to perk up a little. She leans in and gives your dried lips a tiny peck, you try and move your left leg to wrap it around her own, eager to feel her close to you again, but you stop as soon as another, more masculine hoof, comes into contact with it.

“Ah ah, try and keep the movement to a minimum.” Dr. Stable interjects, gently laying your hoof back down on the bed. “You’ve undergone exstensive magical operations, the likes of which we’ve never had to perform before. Now I don’t want to worry you, but I think it’d be best if you just keep still for a while, at least until we can get another doctor or two in here and check everything over.”

You swallow hard, trying to muster up enough strength to speak again. “Extensive magical surgery?” You ask in dismay. “Doc, just how badly hurt was I?”

Out of the corner of your eye you can see Rarity’s face grow pale, that was about all you needed for an answer.

“Well, healing magic is something we only use in extreme cases.” The stallion explains. “And you were a pretty extreme case.”

“I could barely recognize you when they finally let me look…I don’t even want to know how bad it was before they started.” You look over to see Rarity’s dark blue eyes moisten with tears. “I thought that you might…” Her voice trails off, finding herself unable to finish that sentence.

You give her a comforting look, silently telling her that everything was going to be alright.

“Well, now I’m sure that you two would like to spend some time with one another.” Stable speaks up yet again, you were pleased to see he could take a hint. “But, if you have any questions for me before I go I’d be glad to answer them as best I can.”

“Well I can’t really see out of my right eye.” You say, giving the right side of your head a quick poke to emphasize your point.

Rarity’s face takes on a concerned expression, and the unicorn turns towards the doctor, asking silently for an explanation.

“Hm, I was afraid that something like that might have happened. You see sir, when we brought you in your right eye had been…well…it was pretty much gone.”

Your face morphs into an expression of surprise, you hadn’t expected to hear something like that.

“We had to sort of, put it back together during the surgery.” The doctor reaches up with a hoof and quickly adjusts his glasses. “I’m sorry but I doubt your eye will ever really work correctly again. Maybe with enough time, and with some magical therapy you can regain some of its use, but I don’t honestly think that there’s anything else we could have done.”

You sort of sink backwards into the plush pillow that’s holding your head up. Feeling slightly depressed, there were worse things that could have happened you suppose, but the knowledge that you were now technically half blind was still quite a bit to swallow.

“It’s okay dear…” Rarity says lovingly, and you smile at her attempt to cheer you up.

You see the doctor making his way towards the door, trying to leave, apparently he figured that you were out of questions, but he couldn’t be more wrong, there was still one very important thing you had to ask.

“Mr. Stable! I have one last question.” You say, forcing your voice a little louder than it could handle, and you grimace in pain as the back of your throat starts to scratch.

The doctor turns around, a soft smile resting on his face. “Of course, whatever you need.”

“Do you know Caramel?”

Stable’s face takes on a slightly surprised expression, apparently he hadn’t expected a question like that. “Why yes actually, he’s my cousin.”

You smile, you knew they had to be related at the very least. “I thought so, anypony ever tell you two that you guys look alike?”

Stable chuckles lightly before responding. “Oh yes, once or twice, our mothers used to get us mixed up when we were colts. Are you a friend of his?”

“Yeah, you could say that. He was letting me stay with him a couple weeks back.” You reply.

“Ah, he always was a generous one. Well I’ll leave you two alone, but try and keep the physical contact to a minimum. Like I said, we won’t know if we managed to heal everything until we get a couple more doctors to look you over.” Stable gently warns, apparently expecting you two to get a little more ‘intimate’ than was probably safe. Not that he actually had to worry about that, you can’t believe your honestly thinking this but, sex honestly didn’t sound all that appealing right now.

There’s a squeak and a gentle click as the door leading into your hospital room shuts, and with Stable’s absence the room falls into silence once more, Rarity sits on a chair pulled up next to your bed, and you smile over affectionately at her as she represses a yawn, you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that she had spent the last few days of your coma sitting right there, by your side. The evidence was right there on her face, it was true Rarity still looked pretty great, despite the circumstances, but signs of her fatigue were pretty evident. You could see that her luscious purple mane was slightly smashed and rough, like she’d only spent about half an hour combing and spraying it rather than the usual sixty minutes or so, her makeup seemed a tad sloppy as well, she’d coated her lipstick on a little too thick it and her eyeliner was a tad squiggly, her blush looked a little too light as well.

The poor mare probably didn’t get a wink of sleep through the whole ordeal, or at least not much. And you know for a fact that she’s in dire need of it, and though you’d like nothing more than to keep her here with you for the rest of the day, you weren’t about to sacrifice her health for your own personal pleasure.

“Rarity princess…” You do your best to make your voice soft and loving, lightly wrapping a hoof around her own as she gives you an affectionate smile.

“Yes dear?”

“You should go home.” The fatigued unicorn’s bloodshot blue eyes widen in suprise.

“Excuse me?”

“I said, you should go home Rare…I can tell you’ve been with me this whole time, and believe me I think that’s the most romantic thing in Equestria.” You squeeze her hoof a little tighter to show that you were sincere. “But you look absolutely exhausted my dear, so you should go home.”

Rarity reaches up and quickly tries to wipe the bags out from under her eyes, denying her fatigue. “No no no, I’m perfectly fine I assure you. All I need is a cappuccino and I’ll be fit as a fiddle.”

“Rare please, you need to sleep.” You give her a puppy dog stare. “I don’t want you to fall dead from exhaustion because of little old me.”

Rare opens her mouth to protest, but when her gaze meets with your pleading eyes she lets out a heavy sigh of defeat. “Very well, my amant tetu, in a few moments I’ll head back to the boutique. But I’ll be back first thing tomorrow morning to pay you a visit.”

You give her a warm smile, knowing full well that there was no way she’d be showing up any earlier than late afternoon, but still you appreciated the thought.

“Good, and be sure to eat something to.” You advise, exhaustion typically went hoof in hoof with hunger. “You look half starved.”

“Yes, daddy I’ll be sure to eat my breakfast in the morning.” The unicorn chides, leaning in and affectionately nuzzling your cheek. “Now you need to give me a goodbye kiss, and it had better be a good one.”

Not one to disappoint you gently push Rarity away, closing your eyes and leaning in, gently pressing your lips against her own, slowly you fork your tongue out, and you can hear the unicorn squeal in delight and surprise as it starts to play with her own. It was far from the heated, passionate, Franech kissing you two performed the other night, but it was about the best you could do at the moment. But it didn’t seem like Rarity was going to complain.

“Oh my…” The fashionista moans as your mouths part, her cheeks flushed and her eyes wide. You fail to fight off the confident smirk spreading across your face.

“How was that?” You ask confidently.

“Most delightful,” She leans in and you can feel her hot breath on your face, the sensation sending tingles up and down your spine. “I’d say it almost makes up for making me sit in here for the past three days…almost.”

“Well, what will I have to do to make up for the rest of it?”

Rarity flashes you a coy little smile. “Well, I’ll come up with something I’m sure. But rest assured the experience should be most pleasurable for the both of us.”

“Oh, well I’m looking forward to it then.”

She presses her cherry red lips to your cheek, giving you an affectionate goodbye gift in the form of a crimson stain on your face, this conjures up fond memories of the first time she’d ever kissed you, and this recollection brings a tiny smile to your face.

“There, that should keep those nurses away from you while I’m gone.” Your sweetheart jokes, rubbing a hoof against the stain her lipstick left behind. “Well, now that you’re awake, and now that I’m leaving the hospital for the first time in days, I imagine a few ponies are going to know you’re awake and well. So don’t be surprised if you get a few unexpected visitors, your poor friend Caramel and his fiancé will probably be the first, those two were about as worried about you as I was when they first got the news. But I figured you’d like a little heads up.”

“Thanks for the warning Rare, I’ll be sure to make myself look presentable.” You say, smiling at her as she hops off the bed, starting for the door.

She turns to look at you over her shoulder as she magics the door open. “Yes, very funny dear. Now you try and get some rest, I may be in need of sleep, but so are you. Goodbye, I’ll see you in the morning.”

You give the mare one last wave goodbye as she exits your hospital room. And you find yourself all alone with nothing but the ambient sounds of the hospital and your own thoughts for company. Despite being in a literal coma for the past three days you find yourself still rather tired, and you find yourself dozing in and out of restless sleep for two hours or so. You are disturbed twice during this gentle snoozing, once by a nurse who’s name you fail to recall, she had come in, giggled once or twice at the lipstick stain on your lips and cheek, then dropped off some dinner for you to eat, dinner which oyu had promptly set aside, hospital food was always the most disgusting stuff you could ever eat and you’d rather starve to death before eat that slop. And about fourty minutes or so after that Doctor Stables had come in to tell you that they had scheduled a magical scan for you two days from now, you would be forced to remain in the hospital until then.

You had requested a piece of paper in order to respond to your mother’s letter, you had after all vowed to get it sent the day of your accident, but you had fallen asleep about halfway through the first sentence. You spend another hour or so in a deeper more restful sleep, before finding yourself awoken yet again by that very same nurse who had delivered your food. You sit up in your bed and pop your neck, ready to listen to what she has to say.

“You have a visitor.” The nurse says gently. “Would you like me to tell them to come back another time?”

You wipe away the sleep from your one good eye, after all, no amount of rubbing would ever get you to see out of your damaged one. You shake your head no and smile at the nurse.

“No go ahead and let them in.” You repress a building yawn with the back of your leg. “They’ll just be back to bug me tomorrow after all.”

The nurse nods and walks away, you lean back in your bed and await your expected unexpected visitor. Apparently word had already gotten around, any minute now and you expected Caramel to pop his head in through the door, get well cards and flowers in hoof. You smile at the mental image, Caramel probably hadn’t actually gotten you a thing, he wasn’t exactly the most thoughtful of ponies, but maybe you’d get lucky.

You can hear the door knob jiggle and the hinges of the hospital door creak as the door leading into your room slowly slides open. You immediately feel that jovial smile fall from your face,that was not Caramel…

You feel your expression morph into a scowl as you sit up taller in your hospital bed, trying to make yourself look more intimidating.

“Hello, Spike…”

.......................................................................................................................................................................................
A/N I am real sorry this took so long guys, I've been so busy lately that this barely got the attention it deserved, and if you're wondering why this is only half the length of my usual chapter that's because this is just the next chapter split in half, this is also why nothing incredibly important happens in it. But I figured I needed to get something out there, so I hope you enjoy what I was able to get done, I promise to really really try and get these done faster, but I'm sorry if it takes so long. Again, thank you all for being so patient.

I'm Going To Ponyville

You shift underneath the blankets as the tiny purple dragon standing in the doorway nervously plays with his tail. His big green eyes remaining solidly glued to the floor as he does so, the guilty expression on his face is almost enough to make you drop the glare you’d been giving him since he’d stepped into the room, almost.

“So uh…I take it you aren’t exactly happy to see me.” He says, his words followed by a nervous chuckle.

“That’s an understatement.” You respond, distaste coloring your voice. After all, this was the dragon that had tried to murder you only a few short days ago.

Spike swallows a lump in his throat and takes a few steps forward, his eyes rising upwards to meet with yours. The incessant fiddling with the lower portion of his tail doesn’t cease.

“I know I’m probably the last guy you wanted to see today….but there’s something I need to tell you.” The dragon finally lets his tail fall from his scaly claws as he straightens up, taking a deep breath to prepare himself for what he intends to say. “I’m sorry for what happened, but I promise you in all honesty that I didn’t mean for you to be…ya know, crushed.”

You shoot the dragon another scowl, you certainly found that hard to believe.

“And, before you call me a liar and have me thrown out of the hospital, would you let me tell my side of the story?” The dragon steps a little closer to the bed, and you briefly consider his proposal, you feel as if there would be some small amount of satisfaction in having him thrown out of the building, but you admit that it would be a very shallow and petty kind of revenge. What harm was there in listening to what he had to say?

“Alright Spike, I’m listening.” You grumble, leaning back and letting your head sink into your plush pillow once again, there was no real need to make yourself look intimidating anymore. Spike obviously didn’t mean to do you any harm, and you might as well get comfortable while he explained his position.

The little dragon’s face lights up at those words, as if he hadn’t expected you to actually agree.

“Okay but, um, before I start, I have something of yours that I think you might want back.” Spike opens up one of his purple little claws and holds it out, you squint your eye and try to get a good look, and as soon as you do you shoot a hoof up to your chest in astonishment. Your pendant! How on Equestria could you have forgotten about your most treasured of possessions!? “I found it in the library after Twilight took you to the hospital…I didn’t know who it belonged to at the time so I held on to it. Then Rarity told me it was yours, so I decided to give it back as soon as you woke up.”

You look at the dragon’s face, his expression registering remorse. “I’m sorry if it’s a little banged up.”

You let the anger in your gaze fade as you reach out and grab your precious piece of neckwear from the dragon’s outstretched claw. Feeling a deep sense of comfort as you wrap it around your neck, the weight of the piece and the feeling of the shiny silver brushing against your skin one of the most comforting feelings you ever felt.

“Thank you Spike, for taking care of it, this locket…it means a lot to me.” You affectionately wrap your hoof around the silver neckpiece, and give the dragon a grateful smile, maybe he wasn’t as bad as you thought he was.

“Yeah, don’t mention it. I mean it’s the least I can do after what happened.” Spike walks across the room and pulls up a stool, giving him a place to sit near the foot of your bed.

“Well, you say you aren’t responsible for my injury. So why don’t you go ahead and explain what happened?” You encourage him.

The infant dragon takes another deep breath, crossing his stubby little legs and fiddling with his thumbs, he certainly was an antsy sort. “Well, okay….where should I start?”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3 days ago

Spike reaches up and wipes the tears from his face with the back of his claw. He slowly begins to meander about the lonely Ponyville street he’d found himself in. Sniffing and snorting as he let his emotions run rampant in his mind. How could this have happened? How could Rarity have chosen someone else to be with? He was the one who always helped her when she needed something, he was the one who was there when she wanted someone to talk to, and he was always there to take care of her if she needed it…so why did she pick someone else?

The dragon was so enraged by this revelation that he couldn’t stand to even be in the same room with you any longer. He had to get out of the library, it didn’t matter where he went or what he did, so long as he wasn’t there anymore.

“Stupid…you should have told her a long time ago.” He spits angrily to himself, kicking a nearby rock with all his might, sending the little stone spiraling off into the dirt. “Then maybe she would have known…and maybe she would have thought twice about dating some random colt who’d just moved into town.”

He slowly meanders off towards the direction of the rock, a quick glance around confirming that he’d wandered into Ponyville Park. Normally the soothing green trees and sweet blue waters of the fountain brought him joy, but not today. On a nearby branch two blue jays dance around one another, singing and chirping as the two literal love birds enjoyed each other’s company. The scene fills him with a dark little feeling of anger.

“Get a room you two!” He screeches, picking up the stone near his leg and flinging it at them. The birds quickly fly out of the way, soaring away in fear. “Stupid birds…” He mumbles again.

In the distance the sun begins to set, the orange red of the sky fills his young body with a sense of trepidation and unease. He’d have to go back to the library soon, he’d promised to help Twilight organize those new books. And you had only managed to help him organize half when the truth had come out. It was true that she hadn’t wanted him to do it in the first place, but he still felt bad for breaking said promise. But it couldn’t be helped; he could feel weariness tugging at him, his emotional workup coupled with his lack of sleep over the course of the past few weeks was adding up.

So he made his way back to the library, his pace slow due to the sadness in his heart and the weariness in his legs. When the familiar hollow tree of his home finally came into view Celestia’s sun had long since sunken behind the hills, and Luna’s moon was rising to take its place. Despite the darkness outside he was surprised to find the library eerily quiet.

“Maybe she’s in bed.” Spike whispers to himself, before shaking his head and dismissing the idea. Twilight never slept, not when books needed reading.

The dragon stretches out his left arm and twists the handle; the library door swings open with a tiny creak. The room inside is pitch black, despite how strange it was to see Twilight not in a library he couldn’t help but feel somewhat eased. After all, he wasn’t exactly in the mood for the company of his inquisitive friend, however good her intentions would be.

The youngster took a step inside, slowly fondling his way along the wall, looking for the switch to the chandelier above.

“There you are.” He quickly flicks the switch, the bright light from above snapping on and bathing the room in light. “Whoa! What happened in here?”

Spike’s eyes widen as he finally takes notice of the mess he’d left the library in. All the books and tomes Twilight had just purchased were tossed about the room, the bookshelf lay propped up against the wall in its proper place, but it was deformed and warped. And the bottom end lay propped out from the wall, like someone had just flung it there.

The purple dragon takes a few hesitant steps farther into the room, his foot brushes up against one of the books lying upon the floor. He bends down and grabs it in his claw, turning it around to read the cover.

“Threads and Fabrics, One Hundred Easy Techniques for the Aspiring Fashion Designer, ugh of course…” The dragon gently places the book back upon the floor, and then he sniffles and represses another building sob. “…Oh Rarity…”

“Spike!” The ecstatic voice snaps the dragon out of his emotional stupor, he looks over his shoulder to see a rather run down looking Twilight staring back at him. The unicorn’s horn lights up with a purple aura as Spike is lifted from the ground; the distraught unicorn brings him forwards and crushes him in a tight hug.

Spike squirms and scrambles, trying to pull himself away from his friend’s affectionate gesture. Finally, after an incredibly long amount of time of affectionate hugging, Twilight lets him drop to the floor.

Before the dragon can even get out a word the unicorn is staring at him again, her expression morphing from one of relief and excitement to one of anger and sadness.

“Spike what were you thinking!” The studious unicorn practically shrieks “Did you even stop to think about the implications!? Oh no, what if Celestia wants to take you away!?”

Twilight was on the verge of tears, and Spike could feel a dark pit of guilt well up in his stomach. He didn’t exactly know what she was going on about, but seeing her in such a state, and knowing that he was the cause, was enough to upset his already emotionally fragile state.

“Tw-Twilight I don’t understand what you mean.”

Twilight shakes her head and flings a hoof past his shoulder, pointing towards the tattered books and the crimson stain on the floor.

“That Spike that’s what I’m talking about! For Celestia’s sake you nearly killed somepony tonight Spike!” The dragon feels an ice cold chill run up and down his spine, killed somepony? B-but who!?

“Wh-what!? I don’t know what you mean!”

For a moment Twilight looks him in the eyes. Her purple gaze reaching into his own, he felt as if she was probing his mind for the truth. A few long painful moments go by as the pair stare at one another in silence, before the bookish unicorn lets out a relieved sigh.

“You’re telling the truth aren’t you?” She asks her voice somewhat less emotionally tarnished than before. “You honestly don’t know what happened…”

Spike, unable to make his constricting throat form a coherent sentence, settles for a simple nod.

“In that case Spike…I have some very very bad news.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“So she took me upstairs and told me what happened.” Spike says, his eyes remaining glued to the floor as a guilty look overcomes his features.

“So you didn’t know?” You ask, the first set of words you’d spoken since Spike had started talking. “But then how did the ladder get knocked out from under me?”

The little dragon shifts in his seat, he reaches back with a claw and retrieves his tail, holding it out and pointing at it.

“When we were putting books away, I’d wrapped my tail around the middle wrung of the ladder so I could reach the floor without falling on my butt. When I jumped down my tail was still there, I’m guessing that it fell over after I went for the door.” He lets his purple tail fall back on the seat, his claws now nervously wrestling with one another.

His shiny green eyes wander up to stare you in the face for the first time since he’d walked into the room.

“I seriously didn’t know what I’d done…and I was so messed up in the head after hearing about…you know, to turn around and check if everything was okay.” He sighs heavy heartedly. “So, do you believe me?”

You let out a heavy sigh of your own. So the truth comes to light. You think idly to yourself. It appeared that this incident was less a malicious attack and more the byproduct of your horrible luck, or perhaps it was that mysterious phrase. Ugh, you didn’t want to think about that right now. Spike didn’t seem like he was a bad kid, and you couldn’t exactly blame him for being upset about the loss of his affection. You probably would have done worse things if you found out she was seeing another stallion. Well, in actuality you’d probably just roll up into a ball and cry for several hours…

Spike lets out a tiny ‘ahem’, snapping you out of your thoughts. You turn to him, the expression on your face purposefully neutral.

“Okay Spike, I’ll…give you the benefit of the doubt.” The young dragon sure seemed sincere about this, but you still feel a little sore about the whole ordeal. “I believe you”

His face lights up and his lips curve upwards into a slight smile. “S-seriously?”

You give him a tiny nod of your head.

“Thanks, I mean…I didn’t really expect you to, not without good reason of course.”

You let your head sink into the soft pillow, shooting the young dragon a tiny smirk.

“You’re a good kid Spike. And I know that such a close friend of Rarity’s wouldn’t want to kill somepony over petty jealousy.” You chuckle lightly. “But you’ll have to forgive me if I hesitate to climb any ladders while you’re around.”

Spike smiles a little and lets the nervous movement of his claws cease. Well, at least he felt a little more at ease around you. Perhaps the pair of you could be friends after all.

“Rarity, I’m glad we’re still friends.” He says, more to himself than to anyone else.

“I’m assuming you two cleared everything up?”

Spike’s emerald green eyes shift up and meet with yours. “Yeah we…had a talk. And she, well she told me what I needed to hear.” His face takes on a sort of childlike glee that you hadn’t seen him wear before, you’d almost forgotten how young he actually was, for being a baby dragon he is quite mature. “And besides, if you’re going to be hanging around with her from now on it’ll give us some time to chill. It’ll be cool having another guy to talk to around here, know what I mean?”

Spikes little comment brings out a tiny chuckle, though you immediately regret the laugh after it causes your sides to sting with pain. You make a quick mental note to tell Doctor Stable about that the next time he checks in.

Spike notices the look of pain and exhaustion on your face and apparently takes it as a sign to make his leave.

“Hey, uh, you probably need to rest and junk. So I’ll get out of your mane, just let me know if you need anything.” The dragon hops out of his seat and starts for the door, you quickly move to stop him as you’re suddenly struck with an idea.

“Spike hold on a second.” The dragon stops and turns, his expression thoughtful and curious. “Actually there’s something you can do for me. If you aren’t too busy that is.”

“No I’ve got some time to kill. What do you need?” He marches back towards the side of the bed.

“I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind taking down a note for me. That is something you do right?”

Spike’s lips curve upwards into a cocksure grin and an aloof air overtakes him. “Are you kidding?” He holds out his claws and pops his knuckles. “I’m Spike the dragon, kicking envelopes and taking notes is what I’m known for.”

The little display makes you, regrettably, chuckle again. Maybe that was Spike’s new plan; maybe he could make you die from the pain after too many horrible jokes.

“Alright then tough guy, show me what you’ve got. I’ve got some pen and paper around here.” You wave your gaze around absently, trying to find where you’d placed that piece of paper and the pen the nurse had generously provided you. “…somewhere.”

When you turn your head to the right you see that Spike already had some fresh paper and a quill in both claws, your raised eyebrow gets him to respond with a quick shrug of his shoulders.

“Hey, when you’re Twilight’s personal assistant you learn to keep some of this stuff on hoof at all times.”

“Okay, well, I need you to write a letter to my mother for me. You’ll just take down whatever I say?”

“Yep, that’s generally how it works. Try to keep the words under ten letters though, I’m uh, not all that great at spelling.” The dragon bashfully admits.

“Alright then, are you ready to start?”

The youngster nods his head, pressing the quill to the paper and looking at you expectantly.

“Dear mother.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

“Love your son.” You finish your little dictation, clearing your throat and grimacing in pain, you hadn’t been prepared to talk for so long, and you find yourself wishing that you hadn’t finished off that water Rarity had brought you a couple hours ago. There are few things in this life more unpleasant than a scratchy throat.

The scratching of pen and paper ceases as Spike finishes penning your final few words. He smiles at you with two rows of sharp little teeth and places the now filled scroll atop your chest.

“Look good to you?” He queries, searching your face for any signs of discontent.

“Yeah Spike, thanks a lot, I appreciate it. You can leave it here I’ll get it sent out tomorrow.”

The dragon’s brow furrows. “Are you sure? Twilight’s place is right next to the post office.”

You nod your head affirmative. “It’s Sunday anyway, no mail till tomorrow. Besides this letter’s going all the way to Manehattan, and I don’t suppose you have any bits on you for postage.”

Spike’s lips curve upwards into a smug grin. “You don’t have to worry about that. Twilight’s got my dragon breath wired directly to Princess Celestia. I’ll just attach a little note to it that’ll ask her to send it to Manehattan; she’ll get it there for you.”

You blink once or twice in surprise. Spike had a direct link to the Sun Princess herself? Why that certainly seemed like a useful thing to have,

“Well, point taken.” You conclude.

“Well I’m sure you have some stuff of your own to do. So, I’ll just be goi-“

Spike is cut off by the creaking of your hospital room door as one of the nurse’s pokes her head in.

“You seem like a popular one today. We’ve got another visitor for you. Would you like me to tell them to wait?” The nurse asks kindly.

Spike gets up out of his chair. “Well I was just going, so uh…”

“They can come on in. I think I can handle another visit.” You say, cutting the dragon off.

The nurse nods her head and pops out of the room, the tiny click clacking noise of her hooves against the cold white tile of the hospital floor signaling her departure down the hall. You turn to Spike.

“Well, see you around Spike. Hopefully the next time we hang out it can be under better circumstances.”

Spike grins. “Yeah hope so.” He starts backing up towards the door. “If you need anything just holler.”

And with that he’s gone. You let out a heavy sigh and shift underneath your soft silky covers, preparing for the arrival of your next guest.

It’s Caramel this time. You think with certainty, after all, who else would be willing to pay you a visit in the middle of the day? Well, apparently Caramel wasn’t, because he wasn’t the pony who’d come to visit.

“Oh hey, there you are, sheesh these hospitals have a crazy weird layout.”

You bring a hoof up to rub at your good eye, that couldn’t be who you think it is right?

“R-Rainbow Dash? You’re the pony visiting?”

The rainbow maned filly takes a few steps closer to your bed, a cocky grin splayed widely across her face. “The one and only! I heard that you’d gotten knocked up pretty bad and figured a little one on one with Ponyville’s local celebrity would cheer you up!”

You frown and shoot her an incredulous stare, you quite clearly doubted that. Rainbow reads the expression on your face and rolls her eyes, before reaching back and fiddling with the buckle on her saddlebag.

“Alright you got me; I didn’t come purely out of good intention.” Rainbow looks surprised for a moment, giving a tiny shake of her head and squinting her eyes. “Ugh, I’ve been chilling with Twi way too much lately…she’s starting to rub off on me.” The filly snaps back into attention. “Anyway, Rarity bumped into me during weather patrol today and asked if I could give you a little something.”

Rainbow Dash reaches into her now open saddlebag; she retrieves a couple of hardback books and tosses them, a little too roughly, into your open lap.

“I heard that a certain somepony likes Daring Do…” She chides playfully. “So, me being the super cool pony I am, I decided to loan you my personal copy of the second and third book.”

With excitement you reach down and wrap your hoof around the book. Your face taking on an expression of pure adolescent joy as you read the title. Daring Do and the Curse of the Crimson Crystal, Part Two, oh sweet Celestia! You’d finally get the closure you’d wanted since finishing the first one!

“W-wow! Thanks Rainbow!” Your voice trembles with enthusiasm as you shoot the cyan Pegasus a grateful look.

She waves off your gratitude with a shrug of her shoulders. “Hey, that’s what I’m here for. But wait, the awesomeness doesn’t stop there! I’ve got one more little treat for ya.” Rainbow once again reaches into her saddlebag, this time pulling out a thick stack of papers that had been crudely stapled together. This time she gently places the papers onto your lap, rather than flinging them dangerously close to your exposed crotch. A gesture you’re incredibly thankful for.

“What is it?” You ask curiously, setting the book in your hoof aside.

Rainbow smirks and points at the stack of papers. “That my friend is the first completed draft of Daring’s new adventure. It’s pretty awesome if I do say so myself, but it gets a bit fanservicy towards the end, you’ll see what I mean.”

You weren’t necessarily ecstatic, but it was pretty cool. But you can’t help but wonder. How on Equestria did Rainbow get her hooves on something like this?

“Let’s just say I have an inside source.” She says, as if reading your mind. “So, anything you’d like to say to me for bringing you all this incredible stuff?”

“Thank you very much.”

“Yeah, and?”

“You’re a really cool pony.”

“Mhm, keep going.”

“And you’re super awesome.”

“Ooh, that’s what I like to hear. One more time!”

“Okay now you’re pushing it.”

Rainbow deflates. “Ugh fine, well it’s been fun, but I’m gonna skidaddle.” Rainbow’s face grows serious. “Just remember that I want all that stuff back once you get out of here alright? Those are signed copies, and they weren’t cheap.”

You nod your head. “I promise to return them Miss Dash. And thank you again for letting me borrow them.”

The Pegasus’ wings flare and she puffs up her chest. “Yeah, I’m pretty generous like that. Well I’ve got a nap to take, see you around buddy.”

You flinch slightly as the door slams shut. She hadn’t even given you enough time to say goodbye. You reach down and stack the books and draft atop one another, pressing the back of your leg against your mouth to repress a yawn. You’d love to dig into one of these novels, or perhaps the draft, you were interested to see just what Rainbow meant by ‘fanservicy’, but you can’t deny that you’d probably be too tired to actually retain any of what you’d read. After a few moments of silent contemplation you end up setting the stack of literature aside.

Daring can wait a little longer. You think, letting a content sigh slip past your lips as you roll over and close your eyes, allowing your mind to slip away into the quiet black realm of slumber.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Spring Petal was not a happy mare, not a happy mare at all. Three days, three days ago she’d sent that good for nothing son of hers a letter, and there was still no response. She sighs haughtily and leans further back in the plush leather chair she’d pulled up to the window, she reaches out with a hoof to secure the glass of fine wine she’d pulled out of the cellar a few hours ago. Normally she didn’t partake in such beverages, a cold glass of water or iced tea was her usual choice, but in her current emotional state she felt as if a smooth drink might help ease her anxious nerves.

Two gulps later, she found that it did not.

“That boy will be the death of me…” She mumbles quietly to herself, her shiny auburn eyes gazing out the window, glazed over and lifeless as she lost herself in her own thoughts. “…All I wanted was one letter, one letter. Is that so much to ask for?” She frowns and pours herself another glass of wine. “Perhaps he’s simply forgotten about his dear old mother…” She downed this glass in a single gulp. “I suppose he couldn’t be blamed for wanting to perish the memory of this horrible place from his mind, the poor dear…if only we’d been more careful.”

Spring petal could feel her hoof reaching out to pour herself a third glass of wine; she looked down and quickly stopped herself. She isn’t her husband, that stallion could drink for days and still be sober, she on the other hoof, could barely stand up straight after three or four of pretty much anything alcoholic. And the mare could already feel her head growing fairly light. No, two glasses was quite enough for today.

She spends a few more hours sitting in her darkened room. An idle glance around revealing that she was once again sitting inside the tiny library of their family’s fine estate, she’d almost forgotten she was in here, her mind being as preoccupied as it is with idle thoughts of her son. The shelves around her were lined with books of all kinds and genres. Her glance lands upon a tiny blue book, a grin etches its way into her features as she reads the title. Doctor Whooves: A Collection of Adventures through Space and Time. Ah, her son loved that book as a young colt.

“Oh, where did yesterday go?” She whispered, warm and pleasant memories of reading that storybook to her eldest child filtered its way into her mind. “We used to be so close…now he won’t even write me an occasional letter.” Years ago, Spring Petal and her son were practically inseparable; she used to read that very storybook to him every night before bed. Oh how he loved those adventure stories.

The mother can’t help but admit that she felt some kind of small disappointment years ago when her daughter had failed to show the same attachment her son had, oh of course they still loved each other. But there wasn’t a single doubt in her mind that Aquaris preferred spending time with her father over anypony else. She was daddy’s little filly, and he was mommy’s little colt.

“Ahem, madam Petal, might I speak with you for a moment?” The mare jumps slightly in her chair, startled out of her deep thoughts by the profound and powerful voice of her favorite employee.

She lets out a heavy and relieved sigh, placing a dainty hoof against her thumping heart in a vain attempt to stop its rapid movement.

“For Celestia’s sake Witherspoon!” She forces out through haggard breath. “Do you scare my husband as badly as you do me every time you wish to speak with him!?”

If the mare was facing the opposite direction she would see the devilish smile creeping across the older unicorn’s face.

“Why my most sincere of apology’s madam, it was not my intention to frighten you. I simply wish to inform you of something important a scroll arrived in my office not more than five minutes ago, strangely enough it was bearing the royal seal.”

The mare scoffs and waves a dismissive hoof in the air. “Then bring it to my husband. I have no desire to meddle in royal affairs.”

She can hear several heavy and deliberate clops as Witherspoon steps closer, his horn alight with a faint grey glow as he levitates the letter above his head, he reaches up with a hoof and strokes his long, flowing, and shiny black mustache.

“Well, I think that would be unwise madam, after all, according to the letter that came along with it, this scroll is meant for you.” The stallion was smiling behind that puffy mustache of his. “And, if I read correctly, it’s from your son…”

Spring Petal’s eyes open wide in shock as she practically leaps from her chair, she bounds across the room and snatches the letter from Witherspoon’s magical grip, the grey aura around it fizzling away as she wraps her right leg around the floating piece of parchment.

“Why didn’t you say so?” She asked, tearing off the royal seal and flinging it to the ground. Witherspoon’s expression remains stoic and neutral as he magically lifts up the tattered seal and puts it in the waste bin nearby.

Petal feels all the worry and anxiousness from the past few hours fly away as she reads the first few lines written upon the parchment.

To my wonderful mother.

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry,sorry.

She grins and represses a giggle, well; apparently he hadn’t forgotten about his dear old mother.

I am so sorry about worrying you and dad. I really really am, I’d planned on writing to you a long time ago, but, I’ve been having a run of bad luck. When I’d written to you the first time I’d just bought a new home and settled into Ponyville, but, the day after it sort of, well it burnt down.

Spring Petal’s mouth opens wide in astonishment.

Everything I’d bought and brought along with me went out with that house, save for my pendant, and be sure to tell dad that. I promised him I’d take good care of it and by Celestia I have, save for a scratch or two but that’s nothing a little polish won’t fix. But, just because I lost pretty much everything in that fire doesn’t mean I’m in dire straits by any means. I’m currently employed by a unicorn named Rarity, she’s a fashion designer and I’m her personal assistant, she’s letting me live with her.

The mare feels her muscles loosen and her body relax, well, at least he had a roof over his head. Really, that boy always did have the absolute worst of luck.

And, you may want to sit down for this one mom. But I’m in love with her!

Spring Petal rolled her eyes, oh of course you were, a week from now she expected a letter from you detailing your recent affections for the local milkmare.

You don’t believe me do you? I’m serious about this, she’s kind, she’s beautiful, she’s amazing in every sense of the word. And we’re actually together believe it or not, we’re an official couple. And, if you think she might not feel the same way, listen to this. She spent the last three whole days right next to me in the hospital!

“What!?” She runs her eyes over that last sentence one more time. “What on Equestria did you do to get yourself put in the hospital!?” For a moment she panics, then rational thought takes over and she lets herself relax again, if you were capable of writing and sending a letter, then you probably weren’t too horribly hurt.

She rereads that last paragraph in its entirety, feeling a tiny flutter of happiness in her chest as you tell her about Rarity. Why, you certainly did seem attached to her…maybe you had finally found a mare worthy of your affections. It would certainly be a pleasant change of pace at the very least, she hopes that you’ll mention her again later on in your letter, after all if you truly loved her she’d like to know a little more about her.

Yeah, I should probably mention that I was in an accident recently. The doc told me I was in pretty bad shape when I got here; they actually had to use healing magic to keep me alive. I ended up in a coma for about three days, hence why I didn’t reply to your letter. But try not to get too worried okay? I’m alright now, and, so long as my next checkup goes okay I’ll be able to head back home in a day or so.

I’m glad to hear that Aquaris got her cutie mark. And, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to see it, make sure she knows that her big brother is really proud of her. And that he feels like a real jerk for not being there for her.

I love you guys, you’re always going to be my family, and I promise to try and write more often.

Spring Petal smiles. “Witherspoon, would you do me a favor?”

The butler nods his head. “Of course madam, what do you need?”

“I need you to secure a seat on the next train leaving Manehattan.” She folds the envelope and places it on a nearby coffee table. “And when you finish that I’d like you to fetch me some travelling money from the bank.” Spring Pedal starts towards the door, an air of purpose hovering around her.

“But Madam!?” Witherspoon calls out, this being one of the rare time the stoic stallion ever had need to raise his usually docile tone. “Where do you intend to go?”

Spring Petal shoots the bewildered stallion a cocksure grin.

“Why Witherspoon…I’m going to Ponyville.”

Author's Notes:

So here it is, I know it is kind of short but that's my plan from now on. Shorter chapters, more frequent updates. So anyway, let me know what you all think. You guys are the reason I'm writing this, if you have something to say about it feel free to say it. If you like it let me know, if you don't, let me know why. Anyhoo, I'll try and update quicker next time. Oh, and happy holidays to all you wonderful folks out there.

Hello Nurse

“Filthy filthy filthy…” You repress a chuckle as Rarity mumbles the words, the fashionista buzzes about the small hospital room, tidying up anything she deemed unclean, which was pretty much everything naturally.

You shake your head and continue to read the rough draft for the new Daring Do book. You’d burned through the other two novels during the past couple days in the hospital. You lift your eyes from the page you were reading as your beloved unicorn flings herself onto the bed, burying her face into your chest.

“AGH!” She huffs, her voice muffled. “You would think out of all the places in Ponyville the hospital would be the cleanest!”

You chuckle and tenderly stroke the unicorn’s back with your hoof. “Take it easy Rare. You’ll give yourself an aneurism if you keep this up.”

Rarity sighs and flips around, the room wasn’t actually dirty, it was just Rarity’s way of coming up with an excuse to keep you company in the hospital. You hold her in a loving embrace, burying your face into her neck as the pair of you lay in the hospital bed together. Rarity lets out another sigh, though this one seems like it’s more of relief, the simple act of being with you seemed to calm her shaky nerves.

“Daring crammed her mouth against the mare’s lips, electric shocks of pleasure running up and down her spine as the two continued to passionately make coitus?” You open your eyes wide in surprise and look down, only to see Rarity holding up your copy of the latest Daring Do novel rough draft. She turns her head up and cocks an eyebrow. “Is there something I’m missing here darling?”

You sheepishly look away, your cheeks turning red. “Uh…fanservice?”

The mare lets out several loud clucking noises as she flips through the next couple pages. She giggles and presses a hoof up to her mouth on the fourth page. “My my, this is certainly very detailed.” Her horn lights up with a light blue sparkle as she levitates the stack of stapled papers in front of your gaze, giving it a little questioning shake. “And when, pray tell, shall you and I have an opportunity to ‘passionately make coitus’ dear?”

The rather forward question brings a blush to your cheeks. “Well, I get discharged this afternoon so long as my next checkup goes well. Maybe you could put together a little welcome home surprise for me?”

“Hm, excellent, and how have those been going so far?” Rarity rolls back over and lies across you on her stomach, her beautiful blue eyes sparkling with a mixture of curiosity and concern. “You haven’t told me anything about your eye.”

You shift in discomfort and close your blind eye. Apparently it didn’t follow the one that worked, so you were often left with an expression that could give a certain mailmare a run for her money. You feel self-conscious about it and, according to Dr. Stable, the odds of it getting better anytime soon are rather low.

“Mr. Stable said that with continued therapy I may be able to get it working again, though not as good as it used to be.” You bite your lip nervously before continuing. “But…magical therapy costs a lot of bits.”

Rarity reaches up with a dainty white hoof and strokes your face, showing her affection with a simple touch. “Now don’t you worry about that dear. I’ll take care of the bill; you just focus on getting better.”

You smile and take her hoof in your own. “Thanks Rare…I don’t want to impose bu-”

“Now don’t you start.” She quickly cuts you off. “You may be my coltfriend, but you are also my employee. And I, as an employer, offer you both medical and dental insurance.”

“Thanks Rare, I promise to make it up to you.” The mare smiles and reaches up, rubbing her nose against yours, before she pulls back and gives you a devilish grin.

“Oh, there isn’t a single doubt in my mind darling.” The way she said that brought a blush to your face. Somepony was in the mood…

“Ooh, am I interrupting something?” Both you and Rarity turn your gaze towards the open hospital room door. A very familiar looking sky blue Pegasus pokes her head into the sterile hospital room, a friendly smile adorning her face. You immediately recognize her as Wind Whistler.

Rarity quickly moves to sit up on the bed, tidying up her mane and trying to look aloof. “Why of course not dear.”

The Pegasus giggles and marches in, lazily pushing the door behind her closed with a hind leg. “Oh you two don’t have to hide anything from me. I know how frustrated the both of you must be, all cooped up in this little hospital room, never given an opportunity for any alone time. Oh and by the way Rarity, how’s that special outfit coming along?”

You give Rarity a questioning glance, special outfit? Every time the unicorn visits she tells you about all her recent commissions and designs. Not once over the past two days had she made mention of anything truly noteworthy.

Her bright blue eyes dart to your face and then away, a blush adorning her pale white cheeks. “Oh yes, that, I finished it yesterday…”

You open your mouth to speak, only for Wind Whistler to cut you off halfway through the motion. “Oh and how are you doing? You must be bored out of your mind, stuck in here all day.”

You shift a little under the covers of your bed. It wasn’t all that bad, after all, you’d managed to read not one but three awesome Daring Do novels. Not to mention, Rarity had been by your side pretty much the entirety of the last two days, and spending extra time with her was always a plus as far as you’re concerned.

“It’s not too bad Wind Whistler…the food kinda sucks though.” You admit with a tiny grumble, it was less like food and more like…you didn’t even know what to call it, garbage seemed appropriate.

Wind Whistler’s face lights up with a relieved smile. “Oh good, then I know you’ll enjoy this.” The Pegasus reaches inside her pink saddlebag, yanking out a tiny white box, smiling around the fancy string in her mouth.

Rarity takes the initiative as her horn lights up and she wraps the box in a cloud of magic, levitating it over towards where the pair of you reside. Her eyes widen as she reads the label of the box.

“Chocolate delights? Why these need to be specially ordered from Canterlot’s royal bakery.” She gives Wind Whistler a questioning look. “Are you sure you just want to give this away? Not to sound ungrateful, but these are very expensive.”

Wind Whistler brushes off Rarity’s question with a shrug of her shoulders. “Ah it’s no big deal, Caramel ordered me a box the other night to make up for a fight we had. Though apparently he messed something up, when we checked the mail today there was five instead of one. He wanted me to give a box to you two, as an apology for not being able to visit.”

Rarity pops open the lid and inspects the chocolates, calmly lifting out a piece with her magic and taking a dainty bite. Her face lights up with delight in response to the chocolaty goodness.

“I was wondering why he hadn’t come to visit yet. Is something wrong?” You question worriedly.

Wind Whistler quickly shakes her head. “No, my little Caramel’s just been really busy lately, you know, he has to get everything ready for our trip out of town. He told me to tell you how sorry he is for not stopping by.”

You shake your head and Rarity sneaks a fifth chocolate into her mouth. “No, don’t worry about it. The pair of you have a lot going on right now, with the baby and all. Speaking of which, how’s the pregnancy coming along? There haven’t been any complications or anything?”

“No, not so far, Caramel’s been taking me on routine trips to the hospital so we can make sure everything’s going smoothly. That’s why I’m here actually.” She deflates a little. “Though it does suck not being able to use my wings as much as I’d like, the doctor said that it’d be in my best interest to avoid flying as much as possible. Apparently high speed collisions aren’t good for pregnant mares…especially ones with my condition.”

You open your mouth to continue talking, before Rarity rudely forces a half-eaten chocolate into your open maw, effectively shutting you up in probably the most delicious way possible.

“That reminds me.” She says, before choking up and realizing she still had some chocolate in her mouth. She quickly swallows it and clears her throat. “I uh, have a new idea for your wedding dress. With the baby on its way I figured it’d be best to make sure you can still fit into it when the little dear starts to grow.”

Rarity hops off the bed, magically flattening out the wrinkles in the blanket she’d made. “Why don’t I walk you to your appointment? We can talk about it on the way.”

“Don’t you want to stay with him?” Wind Whistler asks, pointing to you with an outstretched wing.

“Oh I’m sure he doesn’t mind me stretching my legs a little.” She smiles sweetly at you. “Besides, I have to get away from those chocolates. Any more of those and ponies will start thinking there are two pregnant mares in town.”

The two mares start for the door, Wind Whistler smiles and shoots Rarity a coy look. “I’m sure your big strapping stallion back there will help you work off any calories you may have gained.”

The unicorn’s mouth opens wide in playful astonishment. “Wind Whistler! Why such talk in public is absolutely uncouth. Besides, I’m sure Caramel wouldn’t appreciate you calling another stallion ‘big’ and ‘strapping’.”

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” The door slams shut and you can hear the two mares giggling and laughing like a couple of school fillies all the way down the hall.

You chuckle. “Mares, they can talk for hours and not actually say anything…” You reach down with a hoof and scoop up another chocolate, smiling in satisfaction upon throwing it in your mouth. Wow, these were really good…

You look up from the sweet filled box in your lap to the door leading into your hospital room as it swung open once more. Dr. Stable waltzes in, his eyes glued to the clipboard hovering in front of his face.

“Good afternoon, ready for your final checkup?” He asks, smiling behind the wooden board.

“You bet I am.” You pick up the box of chocolates and set them on the little table near your bed, while doing so you realize that Dr. Stable had entered alone this time, he was usually accompanied by another unicorn. “Where’s Dr. Careheart?”

Dr. Stable sighs and removes the clipboard from his face, pushing his glasses up with his right hoof. “Unfortunately he won’t be joining us. Careheart is in the middle of dealing with an emergency in the left wing. So, we’ll have to skip the eye therapy today. I imagine you don’t mind?”

“Well, I certainly won’t miss the headache.” You say with a smile, during eye therapy you had to spend the better part of an hour staring into all kind of magical lights. Naturally this led to you getting one hell of a migrane.

Stable chuckles lightly and approaches the side of your bed. “I do apologize about that. Now first things first, why don’t you try walking to the bathroom and back.”

This was always how your checkups started, the bookshelf had broken three of your legs when it’d first hit you…It was kind of frightening, thinking about how seriously you’d been hurt. You try to push the thoughts away, but every once and a while you sit and think about it. A cracked skull, broken legs, smashed eye, collapsed lung…all of it was enough to give you nightmares. You’d had one last night actually…

In your nightmare you’d been lying in a pool of your own blood, your body twisted and broken in ways too horrible to describe. Rarity was there, her back turned as she called out for you, though any attempt on your part to respond ended in nothing more than a gurgle, the blood in the back of your throat clogging up your windpipe and making it difficult to breath.

You shiver…the memory of that traumatic experience sending a chill racing up and down your spine.

“Ahem…” The doctor clears his throat, snapping you out of your thoughts. “Feel free to get up any day now.”

“R-right!” You shoot out of the bed as quickly as your body will allow. You didn’t want him to assume that you needed another night in the hospital; Rarity would practically go nuts if you got trapped here for another day.

You stand on your hooves, your legs shaking a little in response, though you figured that was less from your injury and more from your lack of walking over the past couple days. You quickly trot across the room and back, smiling at the doctor as he writes something on his clipboard. He always did that…you wonder if he actually puts anything worthwhile on that thing, or if he just spent all day doodling butterflies and cats.

“Okay looks good, go ahead and lay back down.” You do as he commands. Lifting up your two front legs in preparation for what came next. “Somepony is on the ball today hm? Well, don’t worry; we’ll have your checkup over and done with pretty soon.”

“How soon?”

“Oh only about an hour or so.”

You repress the urge to sigh. ‘Pretty soon’ huh? Apparently you and the good old doctor had different definitions of the term.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

*Click*

*Clack*

*Click*

*Clack*

“Really! Must you insist on making that horrible noise?” Spring Petal’s voice comes out dreary and irritable, sitting in a train car for five hours with nothing but that horrid noise for company will do that to you.

The stallion with the dark red coat sitting next to her grins sheepishly. His unicorn horn alight with a faint red glow, the pendant around his neck held within a magical grip.

*Click*

Spring Petal sucks in a deep breath, expelling the air through her flared nostrils. “…Garnet, I swear if you shut that pendant one more time I-”

*Clack*

“…That’s it, no sex for a month.” Garnet chuckles, his horn fizzing out as he lets the shiny silver pendant around his neck fall back into place. He reaches up with a hoof and runs it through his shiny black mane.

“That’s a bit harsh don’t you think?” The unicorn moves to wrap a hoof around his wife, only for her to ‘tsk’ and knock it away. He frowns. “I’m sorry honey.”

The mare sighs and shoots her husband a sad look. “No don’t apologize; I’m just in a bad mood.”

Garnet reaches out with a hoof once more, this time she relents and letting herself be pulled into a loving embrace. “You’re worried about him, aren’t you?”

She sighs again, gently rocking against her husband as the train bumps and rattles. “Of course I am, he’s in the hospital.”

“And he said he was fine in his letter. Besides, odds are he’s out of there by now.”

“Yes yes I know, but I’m a mother, it’s my job to be worried.” She looks up into her husband’s dark brown eyes. “I wish we could have left sooner though. Two whole days of waiting for this bloody train to show up.”

He shifts a little in his seat. “Sorry, it was the best I could do. Every other train had a scheduled stop in that place you hate so much…”

The mare sticks out her tongue in a childish manner. “Bleh, Detrot is a disgusting city…”

For a moment the two sit in silence, the only sounds made that of the rattling tracks and whipping wind. Finally, and much to Spring Petal’s surprise, her husband speaks.

“Do you think he’ll hug me?” Petal’s ear twitches in response to that question, it was a rather strange thing to ask.

“What?” She queries, shooting the unicorn a bewildered look.

“Do you think he’ll hug me?” The stallion’s face is stoic, yet his eyes register something akin to sadness.

Spring Petal reaches out with a hoof, wrapping it tightly around his own, trying to comfort him with her touch. “Of course he will, he’s your son.”

The stallion looks past her, his eyes glazed over; he sighs and leans back in the plush cushion of his seat. “The day he left he didn’t hug me…”

The train car is silent for a moment as Spring Petal studied her husband’s expression. She wasn’t used to seeing him like this, normally her husband was a rather cheery sort, his smooth nature and upbeat attitude were two of his most defining traits. Things rarely ever upset him, but when they did…he got borderline depressed. She knew this had to be about more than just a simple hug, something else was bothering him. And she was pretty sure she knew what it was.

She tightens her grip on his hoof. “Garnet Canter you look at me this instant.” Her husband did as he was told. “You are his father, and he loves you very much.”

Garnet’s eyes shift away for a moment. “I’m not sure I’m worthy of the title…”

“Stop it…” Her voice demanded immediate attention. “You are his father. And he loves you very much. Are we understood?”

The car grows silent once more.

“I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t…”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

“Oh by Celestia’s flowing rainbow mane it is good to be home!” You beam happily, pushing in the door to Rarity’s boutique and stepping inside. “Rarity’s going to be happy to see me back so early.” You mumble to yourself, apparently you’d done so well during your checkup that Dr. Stable had allowed you to head home a few hours earlier than you’d expected.

You open your mouth to call out to her, only for it to snap shut with a clack. Now what is that smell? You sniff the air. Is that…roses? You take a couple steps farther into the boutique, your face scrunching up into an expression of confusion as you feel something soft underneath your hoof. A quick look down and you’re surprised to find rose petals scattered about the floor.

“Huh?” You mumble, your eyes following the trail of flowers to the staircase. Was this Rarity’s doing? Sure Roses are pretty and all, but you doubted she would willingly scatter anything along her pristinely cleaned rug…unless.

You follow the trail, your heart rate increasing with every eager step. You’d read a romance novel or two, you knew what a trail of roses usually led to…now if only there was some soothing classical music.

You hear the gentle twinge of a violin float through the air as you make it halfway up the stairs…oh yeah, you were in for one hell of a good night. You trot up the stairs, unsurprised to find more rose petals, the likes of which led directly to Rarity’s bedroom door. You take a few more steps, before you stop dead in your tracks, your lips curve upwards into a devilish smile as a dirty little thought crosses your mind…maybe you could catch a little sneak peek of what Rarity had in store.

You tiptoe towards the door, stepping as lightly as your legs will allow. You crane your head downwards; popping open your good eye to peek through the bedroom door’s keyhole. Only to be greeted with blackness. Your ear gives a twitch as the soft violin music is abruptly cut off mid note.

“What?” You look down at your hooves, the sound of crinkling paper catching your attention. Had Rarity slid this under the door? You reach down and scoop up the paper, turning it around in search of writing.

Ah ah ah, no peeking! That fancy unicorn penmanship was unmistakable…Rarity was one step ahead of you it seemed.

Well, you saw no reason to delay. With a single deep breath you secure your mouth around the handle of the doorknob, and step inside the room. A quick glance around reveals that…well, nothing’s different. Aside from the lights being turned off, it doesn’t even look like Rarity’s anywhere to be found. Then, out of the corner of your eye you spot another slip of paper lying upon the bed.

“Rarity sure does like her notes.” You say aloud, purposely making your voice a little louder than it needs to be. Just to make sure that the fashionista hears your good natured jab.

You step towards the bed, climbing atop it and approaching the note. You reach down and pick it up, blinking your eye once or twice to get it used to the low lighting.

Behind you darling!

Your ear twitches as you hear a tiny creak, followed by several rapid thumps as somepony runs at you from behind. You whip around as fast as you can, but you aren’t quick enough to avoid the tackle that propels you backwards and onto the bed. You open your mouth in surprise, only for it to be assaulted by the delightful ministrations of a certain white unicorn.

You can hear and feel your assailant moan hotly into your open mouth as your hooves begin to wander up and down her lower back and waist. For a few moments the pony continues to hungrily assault your lips, hooking her hooves together behind your head and pulling hard, forcing you to cram your face against her own. There’s a wet smacking sound as the pony atop you pulls away. Her heated breath dances across your face like a warm summer’s breeze as she lifts her delicious cherry red lips up to your ear.

“…Gotcha…” Her sweet and sexy voice sends shivers dancing up and down your spine.

“Oh…yes you have.” Your voice comes out breathless and excited, eager for the events to come.

You can practically feel the grin on her face as her lower legs spread out and straddle your hips, a sweat drop forms on your brow as she brings her lips up to your ear again.

“Do you want to see my new outfit darling?” Her voice is sweet…succulent…tempting. The only thing you can do to respond is feverishly nod your head.

You feel her slowly lifting her chest off of your body, her silky smooth hooves running across your shoulders and over your body in a slow and sensual manner, it feels like there’s a hammer pounding away inside your chest. When you finally get to feast your eyes on the outfit in question, your jaw ends up slack.

“Ooh, impressed I see…”

Impressed was an understatement...

“W-wow…” The words snake out of your mouth as you gaze upon her, the blood rushing to your face and…another place. Rarity wore a tight pink button up shirt, which was tight enough to show off every curve and dip along her perfect body, and the very bottom was cut just short enough to leave very little of her flank up to the imagination. Along her hind legs she wore two long black socks, and upon her hind hooves were two shiny pink high heeled horseshoes. And finally, to top off the entire outfit, she wore a pink nurse’s cap, complete with a red cross along the brim.

“Well, I’m going to assume that means you like it.” Rarity traces her hooves up and down your exposed chest, her sensual touch making your heart run aflutter. “I figured…since I spend so much time taking care of you…I might as well look the part.” She leans back in, her shining blue eyes hungry and wanting. “So…anything to say before I start to, administer treatment?”

You swallow the lump in your throat, an eager smile spreading across your face as you place your hooves on her hips, preparing for what was to come.

“…Hello nurse...”

Deleted Scene - What am I going to do with you?

Rarity’s sweet blue eyes remain glued to your satisfied slumbering face. She lets out a content sigh, snuggling into your chest. Oh…she had needed that. After all, what was the point of starting a new relationship if you couldn’t enjoy the fruits of your labor? And there were fewer fruits sweeter than those born from passionate lovemaking.

Rarity feels you twitch in your sleep, and the hooves you had tenderly wrapped around her grow slightly tighter. She looks up at your face once more, your expression having morphed into one of apparent pain and confusion; it appeared her beloved was in the middle of a horrid nightmare.

“R…Rarity…” The words slide past your lips, they send a worried chill up and down the fashionista’s spine. Why did you sound so afraid?

“Shhh, I’m right here darling…don’t be frightened.” She reaches out with her lithe hooves and hugs you close, cooing to you softly in order to ease your restless slumber. “Shhh…”

Eventually your incessant twitching and mumbling slows to a halt, and you appear to have regained your peace of mind. Rarity places her head back upon your chest, a worried expression taking the place of her previously pleased features. She’d seen you act this way during your comatose time in the hospital, you’d often fidget and cry out in your sleep. Though never during that period had you actively called out for her. Before the accident you’d slept like a newborn foal, but now…she worried that the bookcase had traumatized you somehow.

She sighed, gazing out the window on the far side of the room, the starry night sky and glowing crescent moon filling her with a sense of inner tranquility. She absentmindedly pulls you closer; odds were she wouldn’t be able to sleep at all now, despite the rather taxing activity she’d performed with you only a few short hours ago. She’d probably be much too worried about falling asleep and being unable to comfort you should your nightmares start up again.

“Mmm…” She crosses and uncrosses her hind legs underneath the silk covers of the bed. Suddenly aware of how badly she needed to use the lavatory. She cautiously yet quickly slides out from under your tender embrace, careful to avoid causing you any unnecessary disturbances. You were likely having enough trouble sleeping as is.

Finally freed from your embrace she tiptoes across her bedroom floor, slowly pushing away her discarded ‘sexy’ nurse outfit. A blush crosses her cheeks when her eyes meet with the pink scrubs and matching hat. Roleplay was, well, very unladylike. But she would be lying to say she hadn’t enjoyed the risqué act.

It had provided her with two very unique things, the likes of which she rarely got to experience. The ability to let her more wild side as a fashionista run free, designing this personal outfit had been much more fun than she had originally anticipated. Rarity ran a rather tasteful establishment, or so she liked to think, naturally there was an air of lewdness to a few designs, and she never had any problems with showing a little bit of skin if it helped the outfit. But never before had she even considered making such a smutty piece of attire.

And to be totally honest…she wanted to do it again. There had been something so wonderfully liberating about letting that rampant sexual side of her run free. Normally the unicorn was so caught up in doing what was proper and ladylike that she repressed that side of herself. But now that she was able to let that part of her run free through her most prominent creative outlet she was likely to continue it.

“Oh dear me…” She whispers in the dark as her face comes into full frontal contact with the shut bathroom door, why she’d been so caught up in her own thoughts that she’d forgotten to open the door. “Aha! There we are.” She declares quietly yet proudly, her horn alight as she opened the door and stepped inside.

A few moments after relieving herself she stands before the bathroom mirror. Letting out a displeased sigh as she gazed at her disheveled reflection, why on Equestria had she forgotten to wash off her makeup beforehoof?

“By Luna’s moon I look absolutely horrid…” The unicorn grumbled, reaching up with a hoof to flatten down her unkempt mane, only to realize that she’d forgotten to take off the long black socks she’d worn with her outfit. “Oh, silly me…”

She reaches out and gently grasps the end of the sock with her teeth, struggling to pull off the article of clothing; it was damp with sweat and stuck to her body like a second layer of skin. After five or so minutes of struggling with the difficult cloth she made a mental note to avoid wearing such things the next time the pair of you made love.

“Goodness gracious!” She declares her mouth still wrapped around the now removed sock. She could taste the sweat and feel the dampness on her tongue; needless to say she was quick to remove the clothing from her most prized of orifices. “Oh how positively disgusting!” Her teeth would need a good brushing after this repulsive act.

She was about halfway through peeling off the second sock when a loud crash originating from her room brought her struggling to a halt. She peeks her head out of the door squinting her fatigued blue eyes through the shadowy darkness of the upper floor’s hallway. There was another bang, louder this time, followed by a muffled swear. Had you just…fallen out of bed?

“For Celestia’s sake…” She murmurs grumpily, making her way back towards the bedroom, figuring it’d be best to check on you. After all, you had just been through a serious accident. “Leave him alone for five minutes and he’ll wind up in the hospital again. And I absolutely refuse to spend another moment inside that horrid place.”

The bedraggled unicorn pushes open her bedroom door, unsurprised to find you lying face down in a crumpled heap of blankets on the floor. She represses the urge to giggle as you struggle and kick, trying in vain to free yourself from the velvet confines of her blanket. Eventually your eyes snap onto where she stands, and despite the poor lighting she can practically see the shame behind them.

Without so much as a word she steps forward, her horn lighting up and the blankets slowly untangling.

“What am I going to do with you dear?” She asks, her pearly white teeth cutting through the shadowy darkness of the room as she smiles.

The Same

“Face it kid, your entire life is a lie!”

Your hooves tighten around the stallion’s throat, the rage in your face plain to see.

“Shut your mouth!”

He chuckles.

“Or what? Are you afraid that I’ll ruin your precious reputation? Afraid that somepony’ll find out we’re the same!?”

You’re practically seething with venomous hatred, your teeth bared and your muscles clenched as you lean in, eager to wipe the smile off his face.

“You and I…are nothing alike.”

He grins, his face contorted into an expression of mocking satisfaction.

“Do you think she’ll feel that way?”

You don’t know what he means by that, your grip on his throat loosens a little. You don’t know why, but you feel as if you’re being watched, you turn to look over your shoulder, but don’t see anything of note.

“Darling…”

You look back down, horror overtaking your features.

“Darling…please wake up.”

Lying beneath you, sputtering and gagging as your leg crushes her throat, lays Rarity…

“See…just like good ol’ da-”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You awaken in a cold sweat, your heart thumping against your chest as you propel yourself upwards from the bed. The unicorn at your side leaps away in response, apparently not expecting such an energetic awakening.

“Good heavens!” Rarity exclaims, gingerly stepping forward. “Darling, are you okay?”

You look over towards where the unicorn stands at the side of the bed, sighing in relief once you do, she isn’t hurt…thank Celestia.

“Yeah I’m fine.” You lie; you most certainly are notfine. You’d just had a nightmare where you were on the verge of killing her. “I was just…having a nightmare that’s all.”

The unicorn’s shining blue eyes take on an expression of worry as she reaches out with a hoof, laying it tenderly on your shoulder.

“Oh, I see…would you like to talk about it?” Her shining blue eyes are remorseful and kind, the warmth from her hoof eases your shaky conscience. It was just a dream…you’d never hurt her, ever.

“I uh…” You start, before letting the words fade away in the back of your throat. “It’s nothing.” She pulls her hoof away, pouting her lip and cocking an eyebrow, you chuckle a little, apparently she wasn’t convinced. “Honest, I don’t remember it.”

Rarity keeps up with the stare for a few painstaking moments, and you fear that you may have upset her, before she scoffs and rolls her eyes. “You are a terrible liar.” She states matter of factly, well; you can’t really say she’s wrong…

“Well, if you don’t want to talk about it I won’t press the matter darling.”

She waves a dismissive hoof through her silky purple mane, walking towards the dresser at the far end of the room, magically retrieving her perfume bottle and spritzing herself with it. You can smell the sweetened scent of fresh cherry blossoms as the delicate and feminine smell wafts about the room.

“I’m sorry to wake you darling; I know you just got out of the hospital.” She puts the perfume bottle down and retrieves her makeup, adding some delicate pink blush to her cheeks. “And you need as much rest as you can get.”

You roll your eyes and hop out of the bed, stretching your sore back and legs before walking over towards where she stands, ogling herself in the mirror.

“I slept plenty Rare, don’t worry about it.”

You can see the fashionista smile in the shiny glass reflection of the mirror. “Well, forgive me for being crass darling but…I think it’s safe to assume that neither of us had a full night’s sleep…”

The comment brings a small blush to your cheeks, no…no you hadn’t.

“Well I certainly don’t regret my choice.” You state, smirking. Sex or sleep? What stallion wouldn’t pick the former?

Rarity laughs a little. “I certainly hope not. Our little session last night took a good deal of preparation. And I just now got finished cleaning everything up.” She shoots the disheveled bed a tiny unpleasant glance. “…Minus the sheets…they could probably use a good washing.”

You nod your head in agreement…they most certainly could. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Before you do, would you be a dear and cook up some breakfast?” Rarity asks, smiling at herself in the mirror before spinning around, satisfied with her new look. “I’m positively famished.”

You smile at her, as radiant and as gorgeous as ever. “Of course, I’ll have something whipped up in ten seconds flat.”

“Splendid, absolutely splendid, just come and get me when it’s prepared, I’m dreadfully far behind on my orders.” She sighs; her jovial smirk shrinks a little. “…maybe I should cancel a few, free up a little time.”

You feel a pit of guilt form in your stomach, she’d spent the better half of the week by your side in the hospital, and there wasn’t a single doubt in your mind that her insistence to stay with you was the cause of her orders backing up.

“I’m sorry Rarity…” You mumble, reaching up with a hoof and rubbing at your neck in shame. “I didn’t mean to interfere with yo-” The sentence dies in your throat as she places a silky white hoof against your lips.

“Now I’ll have none of that.” She says, her reassuring expression filling you with warmth, replacing that dark pit of guilt in your stomach with a tightly wound ball of joy. “You’re more important to me than any of those orders.”

That makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, your heart awash with the unicorn’s affection. You feel your lips crack upwards into a smile as she reaches up and gently kisses you, the tender gesture warms your heart, you sigh a little and lean into the kiss, she moans in delight when you do, but you refrain from going any farther. You both have work to do, and you know that if you do you’re both liable to spend the rest of the day…not working.

She pulls away, a strand of saliva still hanging from the bottom of both your lips, connecting you. She blushes a little and bats it away with a hoof, you fight the urge to chuckle as she does so, she’s just so darn cute when she’s embarrassed. With a sparkling grin and a bounce to her step she turns towards the door, her horn lighting up as she opens it with magic.

“I’ll see you in a bit dear.” She looks at you over her shoulder, batting her beautiful blue eye at you. “Just FYI…I’d absolutely love some fresh orange juice.”

The door shuts with a gentle slam; you grin and shake your head. You consider Rarity many wonderful things, subtle, though, is definitely not one of them.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

We’re the same you and I…

Afraid I’ll ruin your precious reputation?

You think she’ll feel that way?

You give your head a single violent shake, as if trying to knock that horrid taunting voice away. Trying to keep a clear head as you seize the nearby spatula, your mouth picking up the pale plain taste of plastic. You reach down and stir the hashbrowns in your pan, your nostrils filling with the delicious scent of frying potatoes, why was this happening now…now of all times!?

I put all that behind me. You think, your expression becoming one of gloom as unpleasant memories begin to resurface, clawing out of the little shadowy holes you’d buried them in months ago. The circumstances leading to your departure…the reason you couldn’t live in Manehattan any longer, the pony that caused it all…

*Snapop!*

“OW!” You cry out, more from shock than actual pain, you run a soothing hoof up and down the fresh sore spot on your nose. Grease from the pan, ugh, why oh why were you born an earth pony and not a unicorn? You can’t so much as cook without sticking your face right into whatever it is you intend to make. You dab at the little red spot a couple times, it didn’t really hurt, you might not be the toughest stallion in the world, but it’d take a lot more than a little burn on your nose to keep you from finishing your breakfast for Rarity.

But, still, you’d probably spent enough time fussing over the hashbrowns. You’d been lost in thought for a good five to ten minutes, and you’d been stirring them pretty much the entire time. Instead you decide to busy yourself with that orange juice Rarity apparently desired. You dig around in her drawers and refrigerator, discovering both a bag of oranges and a juicer respectively, you quickly set to work cutting and squishing the juicy fruits.

But it doesn’t take long for this to become monotonous work. And, despite how much you don’t want them to, those dark little thoughts make an entirely unwanted return.

What if it’s true? What if she does find out and decides…You can’t finish the thought, you love Rarity, and she loves you, and there isn’t a doubt in your mind about that but still…her reputation is very important to her. What if your heritage keeps her from achieving her dream? You know how petty and base upper class ponies can be. You’d spent the better part of your life around them after all…their kind look for any reason to stab each other in the back, and you didn’t want to ruin Rarity’s chances of becoming famous because of your…disposition.

The orange in your hoof lets out a little squelching noise as you give it a twist. The succulent juices within spilling out and into the container below, you sigh and toss it aside, retrieving another.

You doubt Rarity’s cold hearted enough to let something like that destroy her love for you. Especially considering it’s something completely and totally out of your control, you know what kind of a pony she is…she’s better than they are, but still…

“Maybe I should tell her…” You mumble, voicing your thoughts for the first time since you’d entered the kitchen. Originally you didn’t think she really needed to know why you’d left your home. She didn’t seem all that curious about it, and Celestia knows you’d rather just forget about it but…well…what if she found out on her own? Would she feel betrayed, or upset that you hadn’t trusted her with something so important? Hell, even if you tell her now, there’s still a good chance she’ll feel that way.

You refocus your attention on the orange, letting those paranoid thoughts fall away. You realize that this isn’t a decision you can make spur of the moment, right now your relationship with Rarity is doing just fine, minor hiccups like life threatening injuries aside, and you know from experience that it’s probably not a good idea to complicate things right now. You’d wait a while, try to avoid thinking about it, and…if the right time presents itself, you’ll tell her what she needs to know.

“That should be good enough.” You say, putting the juicer in the sink and pouring its contents into a glass.

“Mmm, what a splendid aroma…” You perk up at the sound of Rarity’s voice, snapping out of your contemplations.

You feel a grin crawl across your face as she marches into the kitchen, right as you finish serving up her plate. It feels good to be helping her out again, after all the trouble you caused, making breakfast is the least you can do. You place her plate at the table and nod, signaling for her to take a seat. You march back towards the sink, gathering up all the pots and pans you’d been using previous and stacking them up inside.

“Ah hashbrowns and toast, delightful!” The unicorn beams, you can hear her hooves clip clop against the white tile of the kitchen floor as she approaches from behind, a tingle creeps up and down your spine as she wraps her tail around your hind leg, pressing up against you while she reaches up with a hoof, sensually running it up and down your back.

“Something on your mind Rarity?” You question, turning your head to look at her. She bats a sparkling blue eye at you, before reaching up and affectionately nuzzling your neck. Her sudden touch brings a blush to your face.

“I’m just happy to have you back…” She sighs, leaning in and resting her head against your shoulder. You can feel the gentle thumping of her heart and that wonderful warmth in your chest returns as you bask in the delightful glow of her affection. “Mon etalon parfait…”

There she goes again…you know it’s more than likely a compliment of some kind, but you still don’t understand the words themselves.

“Don’t you have a breakfast to eat?” You chide somewhat playfully, your voice low as you press up against her, savoring the contact.

The fashionista grumbles a little, her shining blue eyes rolling backwards as she turns her head just a little to her right, taking a quick look at the meal you’d just prepared.

“Well, yes…yes I do but…” Her voice trails off, and you can feel her shift a little.

“But?” You query, raising a playful eyebrow.

You can see her nervously bite at her lip, her pearly white teeth shining in the dim light of the kitchen. “I’ve got the worst cramp…”

“You have a cramp?” You ask, your voice filled with concern. “Where?”

She moves again, her pale white cheeks burning crimson as she lets a cute diminutive groan slide past her lips, neat little lines of embarrassment worming their way into her expression as she does.

“Well…it’s my lower back so to speak.” She says, wiggling her hind end for emphasis.

“Like your spine?” Rarity sighs, pursing her lips and shaking her head.

“Epasseur dirige…” You do a slight double take as the bitter words leave the unicorn’s mouth, okay that had to be insulting. You shoot the unicorn a tiny glare, letting her know that just because you can’t understand the words, doesn’t mean you can’t figure out the meaning behind them. Her previously irritated expression morphs into that of an apologetic grin. “Uh I mean…no dear; it’s my lower, lower, back.”

It’s your turn to look embarrassed. “O-oh…” Several pleasant memories from last night filter their way into your mind, bringing a blush to your cheeks as you recall some of the…unique things you and she had been willing to try. “I guess that’s kind of my fault huh?”

“Now don’t feel bad…” She declares her tone uplifting. “It was most pleasurable at the time, don’t get me wrong, but…I think I’m starting to feel the after effects.” The fashionista ‘tsks’ and casts a pained look towards her hind quarters, reaching back with a soothing hoof to rub at her aching rump. “I was wondering, uh, would you be opposed to giving me one of your wonderful massages?” She bites her lip as a blush stings her cheeks. “If you don’t mind of course…”

You force down a chuckle, did she seriously expect you to say no to an opportunity to spend the next half hour touching her flank? You reach down, lightly pecking her on the cheek before responding.

“Of course I will Rare.” You grin as her face lights up in relief. “But you should eat your breakfast first, it’s getting cold.”

She huffs and gives you a wide eyed puppy dog stare. “Do I have to?”

You chuckle and lean down, rubbing your nose against hers in an intimate show of affection. “Yes you do, you haven’t eaten anything all day. And I’m not going to stand by and watch you starve yourself.”

The mare lets loose an exaggerated sigh before resigning herself to her fate. “Fine you big fat stick in the mud.”

She shoots you one last impish grin before separating herself from you. Her luscious purple tail unwrapping itself as she lets the hoof she’d been tenderly running up and down your back slide away, you immediately find yourself sorely missing the contact, but somepony has to wash these pots, and it isn’t like she can hang off of you all the time, despite how much you’d like it if she did.

“I love you too Rare.” You say turning your attention back to the sink, reaching out with your mouth and giving the cold steel handle of the faucet a yank, and you smile in satisfaction as water sputters free from the elongated head. Thick white plumes of steam spiral upwards as the hot water hits the dirty grease covered pan, you grab a nearby sponge and quickly get to work.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Oooh…” Rarity lets loose an ecstatic moan of relief as you rub your hooves over her sleek and curvaceous flank, her pale white cheeks, both pairs, flushing pink as she rests her head on her hooves. She shifts a little on the couch, stretching out her legs and giving you more of her body to work with.

You repress the urge to chuckle, but don’t bother hiding your grin, she always makes the cutest noises when you do this. “Does it feel good Rare?” You ask, your voice coming out as a quiet whisper, you didn’t want to spoil her Zen with a rhetorical question.

Her only response is another groan and a tiny ‘mhmm,’ as she closes her eyes, basking in the pleasure your skilled hoofwork is eagerly providing. You can tell she’s in desperate need of this, her muscles are strained and tight, specifically the spots near her legs, her upper shoulders are probably pretty bad too, and you make a mental note to take care of that once you finish with her lower half.

She lets another strained groan slide past her lips as you work on rubbing out another ball of stress. Her muzzle scrunches up a little as well, another sign that she’s enjoying herself. Her horn catches your eye as it springs to life with a pale blue glow. The unicorn using her magic to retrieve a crochet pillow that lay idle at the opposite end of the couch, pulling it close and resting her head upon it. A lock of her silky purple mane falls over her eye as a look of pure bliss overtakes her features, her final discomfort now entirely eliminated.

“Oh my sweet, sweet, gentlecolt…” She breathes, her voice filled with rapture. “Your massages are to die for.”

You smile at the compliment, deciding to show her your appreciation by slowly working your way up the rest of her back; you can feel her fur stand on end in response. You lean down, steadily working out the kinks in her shoulders while planting several soft kisses along the nape of her neck, she moans a little and you feel her body loosen up, letting you know both verbally and physically that she’s enjoying it.

“Mmm, dear…we don’t really have the tiiiime…” Her voice comes out strained as you give her right shoulder another pinch. You’d love to, you really would, and you doubt she’d actually put up any further protests…but you didn’t want to keep her from getting her work done.

You plant one final kiss on her cheek, before pulling your lips up to her ear; it twitches a little as your breath dances across it in light puffy wisps.

“Shh…” You hush her, your voice succulent and tempting. “I don’t want it…I just want you to feel good.”

“Oh I do…” You give a hard pinch to her shoulders, she yelps a little in response. “Oh I most certainly do.” She shifts again, the cushions of the couch squeaking and creaking in response to the energetic movement. She reaches up with a hoof to push her luscious purple mane aside, exposing more of her neck for your hungry eyes and desperate lips.

“Please…” She begs, you let out your own loving moan as you lean down and continue to kiss and suckle her silky smooth neck. She screws her eyes shut, her breath coming out in heated puffs…you’re going to pay her back for every single moment she spent with you in that hospital room…one massage at a time.

You continue to service Rarity like this for another half hour or so. Eventually you’re forced to stop after your own cramps begin to surface, oh, and your mouth now tastes like a permanent mix of expensive perfume and shampoo, certainly not the most appealing of combinations, but at least you’d made Rarity happy.

Rarity’s eyes slowly pry themselves open as you remove your hooves from her lower back and shoulders, and you grimace a little as your hooves snap and pop as you set them back on the soft carpeted ground below. You look down, letting a grin worm its way across your face as you look down upon the mare you love.

Her beautiful blue eyes are open only in slits, glazed over as she stares at nothing, that’s how you know when you’ve done a good job. She takes several long deep breaths, her sides rising and falling in tandem with the sounds of her breathing. You stand by the side of the couch for a few moments, letting your beloved bask in the afterglow of her massage, eventually she seems to regain her senses, her eyes widening just a tad as they meet with your own.

“Darling…” She mumbles, lifting her head from the pillow and shooting you a look of pure affection. “Can you do one more thing for me?”

You nod, taking a step closer towards the couch so you can hear her better. “Of course I can Rare, what do ya need?”

“You wouldn’t be opposed to…cuddling with me for a bit, would you?” She pouts her lips and widens her eyes, shooting you a puppy dog stare that practically makes your heart melt. You couldn’t say no even if you wanted to.

At her behest you lay back on the couch, sliding up against the opposite end as she moves out of the way, giving you more room to maneuver. She smiles at you and motions for you to lay back with a twirl of her hoof; you do so, setting your head up against the armrest at the opposite end of the couch, turning it into a makeshift pillow of sorts. After a few moments of fumbling about you manage to get into a fairly comfortable position, the armrest isn’t exactly doing your neck any favors but you’ll put up with it for Rarity’s sake.

You look up to see the unicorn staring at you expectantly, eager to begin your little cuddle session. You don’t really know why she’s being so touchy feely today, but it’s not like you’re about to complain.

“Ready?” She queries, her smooth feminine voice making your heart soar.

You respond to her question by reaching out with your hooves and gently laying them upon her shoulders. A beaming grin spreads across her face as you start to pull her downwards, tingles shoot out across your body as her silky smooth fur rubs up against your own, and you can feel the gentle thumping of her heartbeat as she lets out a heartfelt sigh. A look of contentment crawls across her face as she rests her head against your chest; you lean down, sucking in the delicious scent of her expensive shampoo and perfume.

Rarity’s chest rumbles a little as she lets out a petite giggle, her eyes cracking open and a grin spreading across her face as she looks up at you.

“Your breath tickles…” Her beautiful blue eyes practically melt your heart as you look down upon her; you smile and look away, not wishing to disturb her. Instead you reach out with your legs, pulling her into a warm embrace, she relents, settling herself into your chest and returning your heartfelt hug.

You lay like that for a few moments, you basking in the warmth and companionship she provided, and her, basking in the warmth and security your hooves provided. Rarity’s smile grows as you begin to gently stroke her back with your hoof.

“I missed doing this with you.” She whispers, her breath dancing across a tuft of fur on your chest, making it itch.

“You had lots of opportunities to cuddle with me in the hospital.” You point out, craning your neck to look down at her. “Why didn’t you just ask?”

She shifts a little in your embrace, adjusting her position. “Dr. Stable said that it might not be a good idea, they were worried that your bones might not have healed properly…” Her voice trailed off, dying in her throat as ill memories filtered back to the forefront of her.

You frown, she always gets like this whenever your recent injury comes up, you’d seen it a few times in the hospital. You worry that maybe the whole ordeal had affected her on some kind of psychological or emotional level.

“Hey Rare…” You reach out with a hoof, lightly cupping her chin and prompting her to look up at you, she does, her expression somewhat disheartened and her shining blue eyes sparkling with sadness. “If you ever want to talk about it, you know we can.”

The unicorn lets the tiniest of smiles spread across her lips as she reaches up and gently holds your hoof in her own, sighing as she slides it up to her cheek, the touch makes your whole leg tingle and brings a blush to her cheeks.

Suddenly that small smile is replaced by a devilish grin; she chuckles and pulls your hoof away. “Well you’re one to talk dear!” The fashionista starts, her tone and sudden shift in attitude positively destroying any semblance of the tranquil and romantic atmosphere that had just been built. “You won’t even tell me about one silly little nightmare!”

We’re alike you and I

“Oh and don’t even get me started on your life before you moved here!” The unicorn scoffs and shakes her head.

Your entire life is a lie!

“You won’t tell me about your parents!”

Afraid that I’ll ruin your precious reputation!?

“Or why you left Manehattan in the first place!”

Afraid that somebody’ll find out we’re the same!?

“Or even sign your last name on-ow!”

We’re the same!

“Darling please…your hoof…”

The same!

“Darling it hurts...”

SAME!

“Darling!”

You snap out of your daze, only to find yourself staring back at a bewildered Rarity, your hoof is clutched around her own, squeezing it hard enough to turn it red. You immediately regain your senses, quickly loosening your grip and yanking your offending limb away.

“O-oh Rarity!” You reach out with your leg again, but quickly yank it back, eager to console her but afraid that you’ll only serve to hurt her again. You look up, your expression registering both remorse and panic. “I-I’m so, so, sorry!”

The unicorn soothingly rubs at her aching hoof. She sits up, fully removing herself from where she lay across your chest. Ice cold panic runs through you as she does, is she angry? Upset? Did she mistrust you now that you’ve hurt her?

“I’m fine.” Rarity states, letting her soothing ministrations stop as she looks down at you with worry in her soft blue gaze. “Are you okay?”

You don’t really know what to say to that, you’re most definitely not okay…that much you know for a fact. That nightmare from your past…it’s been eating away at you since this morning, and now you’d hurt Rarity because of it. What are you going to do? Tell her? Spill it all out in some kind of heartfelt speech?

“I...” Your voice dies in your throat; Rarity’s gaze softens even further. “I don’t know.”

The unicorn reaches out with her hooves; you shudder as they slowly wrap themselves around your head, cradling it as she pulls herself closer. She offers you a tiny comforting smile, and you feel yourself getting lost in her gorgeous blue eyes as she stares down at you, quelling your worries and fears with a single look.

“It’s okay dear…” Rarity’s voice is deliberately soft and gentle, trying her best to calm you down; it seems to work, for the most part. “I…I don’t know what’s wrong with you. And I’ll never know if you don’t tell me what it is, but I can’t force you to, so I won’t, I’m sorry I said all those things just now. It was rude of me and I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

You swallow hard, your shame visibly showing. “I’m the one who should be sorry…I just hurt you an-”

She shakes her head, effectively cutting you off without saying anything. “Don’t worry about that, it’s nothing.” She giggles a little. “I’ve hurt myself worse with sewing needles dear.”

You sigh, some of your panic and general unease flittering away with her joke. You still felt horrible, but Rarity’s doing a great job of alleviating some of that guilt.

“Listen…” Her tone grows serious, but she keeps up with the smile. “I want you to know, that whatever’s bothering you, you can tell me about it.”

You nod; gently letting your eyes close as you let your head rest in her tender grasp, this tiny show of submission seems to please her, as she lets another soft giggle slide past her cherry red lips.

“I know Rare.” You start, opening your eyes to find her once again laying across your chest; you reach out with your hooves, tenderly wrapping them around her waist. “But…I’m going to need some time.”

Rarity nods in understanding; she leans in, surprising you with a heartfelt kiss. “I understand, I’ll be here whenever you need me dear.”

You smile, letting your head roll backwards. Your eyes wander off towards the clock on the wall, the time reading eleven thirty.

“Ah crud…” You mumble, Rarity follows your gaze, she frowns in response. “I should probably get those sheets washed.”

Rarity reluctantly unhooks her hooves from around your head, and you slide your own off of her waist. She sets herself up on the couch, now sitting on her haunches at the opposite end.

“And I should probably finish some of my orders.” She states, shooting you another playful smile. “Back to work for the both of us it seems.”

“So it seems.” You sit up as well, smiling back at her. “Anything else you’d like me to do after I take care of the laundry?”

She puts a dainty white hoof up to her chin in thought, gently pursing her lips outwards. “Hmm, I’ll have to think on it. Don’t you have to run those books back to Rainbow Dash at some point?”

Your eyes widen a little as the realization that you’d almost forgotten to return those Daring Do novels hits you full force. She’s right, you probably should get those back to her soon, Rainbow isn’t exactly the most threatening individual, but even you had enough sense to avoid ticking off one of Ponyville’s prankster duo, you had enough to worry about without having to double check every seat for whoopee cushions.

“Right, thanks for reminding me.”

Rarity nods her head, hopping off the couch. She winces as the hoof you’d been clutching touches the ground, you frown as she represses the pain…you’d hurt her worse than she’s willing to admit.

“I’ll be in my workroom if you need me darling.” She says, heading for the stairs

“Sure, talk to ya later Rare.” You wait for a moment on the couch, your ear twitching just slightly as you listen for the gentle slam of her workroom door. When it finally happens you let your head fall into your hooves. “Oh Celestia…what am I gonna do?”

You’d been hoping that these nightmares and pseudo flashbacks would stop at some point; this isn’t necessarily the first time you’d been hit with similar issues since leaving Manehattan, but never before had they been this bad.

You pull your hooves away from your face; they shake a little as adrenaline courses through your system.

“I was just so…” They twitch again; you sigh and shake your head. “I was just so angry…”

You don’t know why this is happening now, why these memories and feelings are making such a powerful resurgence. Maybe it was the accident? The trauma and the stress that came with it…maybe…maybe it’d done something to you. You don’t know, and you doubt you’ll ever actually figure out why this is happening unless you get a full on psychological evaluation. But you need to figure out a way to solve this…to get these flashes and these dreams to stop…or else.

You lean back in the cushions; you can hear the gentle twinge of a violin in the air, Rarity’s music, it helps her concentrate.

“I won’t let myself hurt you again…” You whisper, steel resolve coloring your voice. “I won’t let myself become that…I won’t let him be right.”

You shift your attention towards the clock again as it cries out with several loud dongs, signaling the turn of the hour. You shake your head, trying in vain to clear your mind of these dark thoughts. You still had chores to do and errands to run, those are immediate problems and infinitely easier to solve. Your past can wait…for now.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

*Bang*

*Bang*

Your hoof strikes the hard wood of Rarity’s workroom door, politely trying to garner her attention rather than just bursting inside. You’d made that mistake once, she’d been so engrossed in her designing that she’d failed to notice you enter, you decided to earn her attention by giving her a little shake.

As a result, you’d been thrown against the wall and blasted in the face with enough raw magic to light your eyebrows on fire. Turns out that sneaking up on a unicorn while she’s in the middle of using her magic is a horrible idea, you’d made sure to knock ever since.

“Coming!” You can hear the fashionista’s muffled voice through the door, the music drops in volume by a notch or two before the doorknob begins to turn.

Eventually the door swings open, Rarity’s standing there with a smile, ready to greet you, your eyes wander down towards her hoof, and the appendage is still red and swollen, already starting to bruise.

“Hello my dear.” She smiles at you; if her hoof’s causing her any problems she’s doing a good job of hiding it. “Is there something I can help you with?”

You shake your head, offering her a weak smile as you tear your eyes away from her injured leg. “Uh no, I just finished putting the sheets into the dryer, they should be ready in about an hour.”

She smiles, her pearly white teeth practically glowing. “Excellent work my dear. But I take it you haven’t just come up here to give me a progress report?”

You grin. “Maybe I just wanted to see that beautiful smile of yours.”

Rarity giggles a little. “Oh please, we both know that you’ll have plenty of time to see me smile once our work for the day is done. What do you really need?”

“Well, I’m thinking of running those books back to Ms. Dash.” Your expression becomes a little bashful as you rub at your neck. “And I uh…kind of need something to carry them in. You don’t happen to have any extra saddlebags I could borrow do you?”

The unicorn’s face lights up with excitement. “Actually I’ve got something better!” She reaches out with her leg, draping it across your shoulder and giving you a tug. “Come in, I’ve got just what you need!”

You see no reason to resist, instead opting to let the ecstatic unicorn tug you along. Despite your rather bitter mood you can’t help but smile, Rarity’s chipper attitude forcing away the dark thoughts you’d been entertaining previously.

She stops you in the middle of her dimly lit workroom, placing a hoof to your chest and planting a sweet kiss to your cheek. It’s always the smallest kisses that make you blush the most…

“Wait here; I’ll be just a moment!” You flinch as she gives your chest a single hard poke for emphasis, before she disappears into her nearby closet. You can hear her humming a jaunty tune to herself as she shuffles about the racks and stacks of dresses, shirts, socks, and other such articles of clothing. “Oh dear…this place is terribly messy, I simply must get in here at some point today and tidy it up.”

You, deciding to disobey her order, take a couple steps closer and peek into the closet. You’re rewarded with the opportunity to catch an eyeful of your beloved’s wonderful posterior, hiked high into the air as she rummages about a pile of boxes, the gentle mounds of supple flesh swaying back and forth in time with her movements. You know it isn’t proper…but you find it difficult to look away.

“So uh…find it yet Rarity?” You ask, averting your eyes and stepping away from the closet, doing your best to keep blood from rushing to somewhere other than your face.

“Hm…I know I put it in here somewhere.” The unicorn mumbles in response to your question, before she gasps. “Ah! There it is!”

You hear the ruffling of cloth and the thumping of boxes as she emerges from the seemingly bottomless depths of her closet. She reaches up with her bruised hoof to touch up the frizzes at the end of her luscious purple mane, her horn is alight with a pale blue glow and you can see the magical aura around something she’s keeping out of your view from behind.

“So, what’ve ya got for me?” You raise a playful eyebrow.

Rarity blushes a little and looks away. “Well, I’m willing to admit that it’s nothing particularly jaw dropping but…”

“Oh come on Rarity, you made it, it has to be jaw dropping.”

The unicorn shrugs her shoulders a bit, her expression filled with personal esteem. “Well I did make it, so naturally it’s still top of the line!” You’d say she’s being arrogant, if that wasn’t true, you’d been with Rarity for quite a while now, and you had yet to see her make something that you wouldn’t be proud to wear, except for the dresses of course, but that’s because you’re a stallion and didn’t really have the hips needed to carry something like that.

“But again, it’s more of a personal piece. And I figured that something simple would suffice.” You can see the happiness in her eyes as she reveals the piece in question. “Here darling, this is for you.”

You feel your lips curve upwards as you look upon the saddlebags the fashionista held in her magical grip. The burlap saddlebag is a brilliant shade of black, it reminded you of the suit she’d made for your date in Canterlot, and it was vaguely the same shade but didn’t look quite as smooth. The buckles and cinches are a pristine shade of bronze, polished and cleaned to mirror sheen.

“Wow Rarity.” You reach out with a hoof, looking up and asking her for permission with your eyes, she gives it to you with a nod. You grab the saddlebag, running an appreciative hoof over the soft faux leather. “This is great.”

Rarity waves a dismissive hoof in the air, brushing off your gratitude. “Think nothing of it dear, I just figured that my personal assistant couldn’t be seen bustling about town doing favors for me wearing any old pair of saddlebags.” She grinned. “Besides, now you’ll be able to do a little promotion for me.”

“Whenever somepony asks, ‘where did you get those magnificent saddlebags?’ I should respond with ‘At Rarity’s illustrious Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, sleek, and magnifique!’?”

“Naturally my dear.” You begin fumbling with the straps and buckles. “Ah, ah, just one moment!” You immediately stop your ministrations, looking up and raising a curious eyebrow. “Look inside the right pocket.”

You shrug, reaching out and clasping the edge of the pocket with your teeth. With a single flip of your head you pull it open, and you immediately feel your insides go all warm and fuzzy.

“Aw Rare…” You turn back to the unicorn, your expression soft and grateful.

The unicorn seems a tad embarrassed, reaching up with a hoof to play with a stray curl of her mane. “So, am I to assume you find it…cute?”

You chuckle and look back at the little gift she’d sewn into the saddlebag. It was a picture of your cutie mark intertwined with hers, and the two marks were sewn onto the backdrop of a big red heart. It was obvious what that meant, and anypony that saw it would know what it represented, the lipstick was one thing, but this would be like walking around town wearing a sign with the words- ‘I’m dating Rarity’-on it in big bold letters.

“Very cute…” You set the saddlebags down and approach the unicorn; she stops playing with her mane and looks up at you appreciatively. “Almost as cute as you are.” You lean down and bump noses with her, she giggles a little in response, and the angelic sound of her laughter makes your heart soar.

“I’m glad you appreciate it darling.”

You lean in, gently pressing your forehead against her own, after what you’d done a few minutes ago…you wanted her to know just how much this meant to you.

“I don’t just appreciate it.” The pair of you grin as you stare into one another’s eyes. “I love it.”

“Good…” She lets her eyes close, instead basking in the sensation of having her face so close to your own. “I made it a few days before our date, I’d have given it to you then but I was so caught up in getting everything squared away that I must have spaced it.” You see her cheeks redden a little. “And I apologize for waiting so long…”

“Now there’s no need to be sorry.” You keep your voice low. “A great gift is a great gift; it doesn’t matter when you give it.”

She smiles and pulls her forehead away, pursing her lips and gently kissing the spot between your eyes. “Thank you.” She pulls away, stepping towards a nearby table and retrieving her work glasses, her horn alight as she adjusts the red face wear. “I was thinking why don’t you and I go out to eat today?”

She turns to look at you over her shoulder while magically draping a roll of measuring tape over her shoulders. “Nothing incredibly fancy, just a little date for you and me.”

That actually sounds kind of nice. You wouldn’t mind dining at one of Ponyville’s local eateries; you hadn’t really had an opportunity to go to one since you lost your job a while back. Though, you’d admittedly feel a little bad having your marefriend pay for your meal, there’s not really a whole hell of a lot you can do about that though.

“Sure Rare, I’d like that.” You give her your affirmative, reaching down and donning your new saddlebags at the same time. “Dining with my marefriend sounds like a wonderful way to spend the evening.”

She smiles at you over her shoulder, magically stitching and sewing a piece of fabric at the same time. “Excellent my dear, I think I need a little break from all this work anyhow. What time do you intend to return?”

You put a hoof up to your chin and give it a thoughtful tap, trying to calculate how long you’d be out running around town. “Well…I don’t think running those books back to Ms. Dash will take that long.” You put your hoof back down, nodding your head. “So an hour, maybe two, I don’t imagine it’ll take much longer than that.”

“Excellent!” She exclaims, happiness coloring her tone. “When you return we’ll get a little freshened up then head out for some brunch.”

“Good, I’ll be back in a bit Rare.” You turn and make for the door, only to stop mid-trot, you turn back towards her, your expression bashful. “Uh…Rare?”

She turns away from her stitching, a shiny metal needle in her mouth. She shoots you a ‘yes?’ kind of look.

You nervously rub at one leg with another, you didn’t really want to bring it up…but since you’d caused it you might as well see if there’s anything you can do to help alleviate it.

“Do you uh…well, is your hoof bothering you?” You keep your eyes averted, so you don’t see her expression immediately morph into a saddened frown.

She reaches up with said hoof, pulling away the needle in her mouth. “Yes darling, it’s a bit…achy.” Her voice is suspiciously quiet, and you feel a pit of guilt wad up in your stomach.

“Oh…” You feel your voice die in your throat…you can’t believe you’ve hurt her like that. “Do you…do you want me to get you some pain medication?”

Out of the corner of your eye you can see her smile weakly. “Yes dear, I would like that very much.” You hope she isn’t upset with you, though you can’t really blame her if she is.

“O-okay…” You look at her face for the first time since you’ve started this conversation, you can see the pity and sadness behind her beautiful blue eyes. “And I’m sorry that I hurt you…I won’t do it again, I swear I won’t.”

Rarity, besides herself, laughs a little. This display makes you raise an eyebrow in confusion. “Darling, please stop apologizing. I know you’re sorry, and I know you won’t do it again…just…” It’s her turn to avert her gaze. “Forgive me if I’m hesitant to hold your hoof for a little while.”

You don’t know why…but that hurts, it hurts a lot actually. You’d lost a part of her trust with what you’d done, and you know deep down that you probably deserve losing more than the privilege to hold her hoof, but the knowledge that she was scared of what you might do if she did still hit you pretty hard.

“Right…I’ll see you in a little bit Rare.”

She smiles a weakly and turns back to her work. You take this as your cue to leave, and you slink out of the workroom with nary a sound to be made. With only your dark little thoughts and a pair of new saddlebags as company.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Rarity lets out a depressed sigh as soon as her workroom door closes. She turns and looks at the spot where you’d been standing only a few moments prior. Her hoof throbs in agony and she represses the urge to rub at it in a soothing manner.

“I…I’m sorry…” The words finally stumble out of her mouth; she…hadn’t intended to be so callous about her response. And after seeing the hurt look in your eyes she could tell that she’d made a horrid mistake with her comment. You’re hurting right now, going through things she doesn’t quite understand, and you need her to be supportive…not frightened of what you might do.

“I just wish you’d tell me what’s wrong.” She mumbles to herself as she reaches across the table for a piece of sketching paper, getting to work putting together ideas for her next order, Fancy Pants wanted a new dress for his marefriend Fleur de Lis.

The fashionista had hoped that broaching the subject with humor would help you open up a little about your past, that maybe with a few laughs and a few jokes you’d be willing to let something slip. But instead…instead you’d shown her something that she hadn’t expected.

Obviously, there’s a reason you haven’t told her…and that reason might be a little darker than she expects.

“Ah! Merde!” The persnickety unicorn immediately presses a hoof up to her lips, her cheeks turning a little pink at the realization of what she’d just said. Swearing is so unladylike… “Ugh, first I upset my coltfriend…then I positively butcher this design!” The unicorn huffs and crumples up the paper, using her magic to toss it in the nearby trash bin.

*Bang*

*Bang*

*Bang*

The unicorn let loose an exasperated snort. She was already buried in work; she didn’t have the time, resources, or patience necessary to take new orders. Part of her wants to ignore whoever it is at the door, to shrug it off and pretend like she’s either too busy or not at home to answer, but she couldn’t really afford to be brushing off cliental, your hospital bills would be coming in soon, and every little bit she can get will help.

She tears herself away from her designs and marches towards the door, resigning herself to her fate. Maybe, if she’s lucky, they’ll be gone by the time she gets there. Then at least she won’t have to deal with it and she’ll have an excuse for herself when she wonders why exactly she’s short on bits this month.

*Bang*

*Bang*

Two more rough knocks adds a bit of speed to her trot, adding a newfound sense of urgency to each step. As she rounds the steps and heads down the stairs her trained ears pick up on a voice from behind the front door.

“Hun are you sure this is the right place?” It sounds like a mare, though Rarity can’t quite place who it might belong to. Certainly not anypony she’s met before.

“Of course, I’m ninety…sixty…fifty percent sure that this is the place.” The second voice, a stallion, deep and powerful though it carried a hint of joviality, again the fashionista finds herself unable to place who the voice could belong to.

“Ugh, I don’t get why you didn’t just ask that wonderful little yellow pegasus for directions one last time. It wouldn’t have been that hard.”

“Well I’m sorry dear but I don’t think it would have changed much. I could barely hear her the first time she spoke; I highly doubt she’d have gotten any louder come our second conversation.”

Oh dear, these two must be married, or at least engaged. Nopony argued quite like that save for married or soon to be married couples. Rarity figures it’s best to intervene while she still can, lest she be forced to put up with more incessant bickering.

The unicorn grips the door’s handle with her magic, giving it a twist and prying it open. She represses the urge to squint and frown as the sunlight filters in and hits her full force, spotting her vision and making it difficult to see the two ponies fighting on her doorstep.

“Hello, welcome to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique. How may I help you?” Rarity does her best to sound upbeat and welcoming, though she feels anything but, her mood having long since been soured.

“See, told you I didn’t need directions!” The stallion spoke up again, Rarity can hear his significant other scoff and feel the rolling of her eyes.

“You’re Rarity aren’t you dearie?” The haze in Rarity’s vision finally clears, and she finally gets a good look at the mare standing before her.

Her coat is a nice dark pink, fuchsia she thinks. Her mane is an almost sparkling blonde, it managed to catch the sunlight in such a way that it’s almost difficult to look at, it’s done up into a bun at the top of her head. She has a rather shapely figure, obviously a mare that takes care of herself. She had a beautiful pair of green eyes, they sparkled with life, yet something behind them told her that the mare had seen more than she’d ever say.

The mare is beautiful, practically perfect in every way, save for one thing…

That horrid scar…where on Equestria did she get that horrid scar? It’s gangly and long, stretching across her neck and up to her face, marring the beautiful skin and flesh. It lay poised there, curled up like a snake.

“Y-yes, yes I am!” Rarity quickly exclaims, shaking herself out of her haze. “This is my boutique.”

“Wonderful!” Said the stallion, a dark red unicorn with a brilliant hazel mane, he’s handsome, but doesn’t quite stand out as much as his companion. “I don’t suppose you know who we are?”

The unicorn quickly racks her brain in an attempt to conjure up any memories containing the pair of ponies on her doorstep. She fails to find anything of note.

“Uh, no I’m afraid I do not.” The two exchange an ‘I knew it’ kind of look.

“Well I’m Spring Petal.” The mare lays a dainty hoof to her chest and smiles. “And this is my husband Garnet Canter.” She motions with that same hoof to the stallion at her side, who offered a smile of his own. “We are about to become very well acquainted.”

The fashionista took a reflexive step back, the mare’s last sentence catching her off guard. “Pray tell, why exactly are we to become um, well acquainted?”

“Why my dear?” Asked Garnet Canter, his lips still curved upwards into a disarming smile. “Because you’re dating our son of course!”

Author's Notes:

Whew, well, this turned out longer than I expected. But at least I'm finally back on track and getting things done, thank you all for being so patient.

That Was My Day

“I’m sorry Rare…” You mumble your head hung low as the door to the boutique slams shut behind you. You cast the shut door one last weary glance, the mare’s words still hanging heavy on your mind.

Just… forgive me if I hesitate to hold your hoof for a little while.

You run a hoof across your face and repress the urge to groan. You’d messed up… bad. You shoot that same hoof a condemning look, a frown worming its way across your face as you give the offending limb a stern stare. You’d hurt her… your beloved Rarity… and you’ll never forgive yourself for it, and you can’t blame her if she never does either. Really, her little comment about not wanting to hold your hoof was only a fraction of the chastising you actually deserve.

You feel a pit of guilt well up in your stomach as you think about it. You would have preferred being kicked out, yelled at, struck in retaliation at the very least… but no, true to her namesake, she’d generously forgiven you for your transgression.

“Oh Celestia…” You whisper, clonking yourself on the head with a hoof, hard enough to make it twitch in pain, you deserve that much at least, and if Rarity won’t punish you for what you did… well, you will. “I’ve got to make it up to her…” You reach around and fiddle with a strap on your saddlebag, retrieving your bit pouch. You immediately feel the frown on your face deepen. You, don’t really have any money… so, buying her something is kind of, well, not going to happen.

You feel your ears flatten a little in shame as you place the wallet back in your brand new saddlebag; your guilty conscience alleviated somewhat when you see her special engraving. It’s a testament of her affection… and you know that, even if she is upset, you’ll work it out. Rarity’s the first good thing that’s come into your life in a long time, the only thing that’s gone perfect, you can’t… no, you won’t let her slip away.

“First thing’s first…” You mumble, talking to yourself out of habit. “Get Rainbow’s books back.” Your legs finally begin to move as you slowly plod forwards, Celestia’s sun beating down on your from above.

You need to get these errands done, and, maybe if you do it fast enough you can talk somepony into giving you some bits in exchange for some quick labor. You only have enough bits for… maybe a cheap box of chocolates, but chocolates have to come with roses, it’s like, a rule. You make a quick plan to stop by the town square while you’re out and about, maybe you could put in an hour or two for Applejack. She’ll probably be willing to throw you a bone.

You feel your step quicken a tad as your mood lightens somewhat, there’s still a niggling little feeling of guilt in the back of your mind, but you manage to push it aside for the time being. You’ll get these errands run, then come home and throw yourself at Rarity’s feet to beg forgiveness, chocolates and flowers in hoof. It’s a plan… of sorts, and hopefully the display will be both pathetic and cute enough to put a smile back on your beloved’s face.

You get about a block and a half away before a sudden realization hits you…

“Where the hell does Ms. Dash live anyway?”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Uh, excuse me, Ms. Can I ask you a question?” You query, nervously rubbing a hoof along the back of your head as you sheepishly smile at the pony in question, you never did like asking for directions…

The mint colored mare sitting at the fountain looks up from her lyre, flashing a smile at you as she ceases the magical plucking of her instrument. The harmonic tone of the music she’d been playing only moments ago fading away, leaving only the sound of whistling wind and sputtering fountain to resonate throughout the park.

You know who this mare is, though; you’re finding it difficult to recall her first name. Her last name is Heartstrings; you know this because, well, you’d been… seeing her sister Octavia a while ago. You push away the urge to shiver as more of those unpleasant memories concerning the cellist resurface, instead refocusing your attention on the unicorn sitting upon the fountain.

She offers you a gentle nod of her head, her lips curved into a curious, yet kind little smile.

“Well I don’t suppose you know where Ms. Dash lives do you?” She raises an eyebrow; you quickly move to correct yourself. “Rainbow Dash I mean.”

She smiles in understanding; apparently ponies aren’t used to hearing only one half of the mare’s name. She reaches out with a hoof and points behind you, and then tilts it up a tad. You shoot her a confused look before following her point. It takes you a moment to notice what she’s pointing at, the thick mass of clouds in the distance blending in a little too well with the delicate blue backdrop of the sky. You also have an excuse in the fact that you’re, for all intents and purposes, half blind.

“Ah, suppose I could have guessed that a pony as… subtle, as Rainbow Dash would choose to live in a massive cloud home.” You say, a small smile spreading across your lips as you hear the mint mare giggle in response. You turn back to her, a nervous smile on your face as you try to conjure up her name. “Thank you very much… uh… Lyre?”

She giggles once more and averts her eyes, reaching out with her lithe hooves and pulling the musical instrument she’d been holding a little closer. “Lyra…” She says her voice barely above a whisper. She gives one of the middle strings a pluck, eliciting a single harmonious note, as if for emphasis. “My name is Lyra.”

“Well, at least I was close right?” Lyra smiles at you as she reaches up and brushes a stray strand of her finely combed mane out of her face. You turn and start to walk down the notched cobblestone path of the park; you turn to look at her over your shoulder, but don’t cease your stride. “And you play magnificent music!”

You can see her mouth the words ‘thank you’, but you’re too far away to know if she actually said them or not.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

The walk to the cloud home was a rather uneventful one, you’d made it down the road in good time and the trees dotted along the path helped to shade you from the sweltering summer heat. This was also accompanied by a nice chilling breeze, which did wonders to help cool you off, you hadn’t realized how hot it’d been until you’d made it to the park, which is quite a ways away from Rarity’s boutique. Needless to say, you’d been happy for the reprieve.

But now, here you are, standing beneath Rainbow’s cloud home, scratching your head while pondering how exactly you’re going to get the blue mare’s attention without making yourself look like a loon. You can throw things, perhaps, but you don’t necessarily want to run the risk of damaging her home. You don’t really know how strong the infrastructure is, not very, you assume, considering the house is made of, well, clouds.

You scuff a hoof along the cobble ground below and huff, blowing a stray strand of your scraggy mane out of your face with a puff of air. It’s then then you realize that you’re in need of a manecut, you wonder if Rarity knows how to cut hair, then push that train of thought aside. You have an immediate problem you should be focusing on.

“You see, this wouldn’t even be a problem if I had wings…” You muse, somewhat bitterly, to yourself. “Seriously, nature isn’t fair… what can unicorns do? Magic. What can pegasi do? Fly. What can earth ponies do? Kick things.” You let out a noise halfway between a sigh and a growl. “And I’m no good at kicking things… I’m quite possibly the most useless pony on the face of Equestria.”

“Ah, good old fashioned self-deprecation!” A voice from behind makes the hair on the nape of your neck stand on end. “That’s something I do way too much, glad to see somepony else has the same problem.”

You whip around, only to see a small pegasus mare standing before you, she’s wearing a pair of blue saddlebags, stuffed to the brim with papers and books, quills are poking out of the some of the side pockets. She smiles at you, before reaching up with a hoof and readjusting her round spectacles, the glasses catch a stray ray of sunlight that reflects and dances across your face, you don’t flinch, but that’s only because it hits you in your blind eye.

“Oh, uh, hello there…” You stutter, somewhat bashfully, you feel... oddly out of sorts talking to this mare. For… some really strange reason she reminds you a lot of yourself, though you can’t quite put your hoof on why.

The mare grins and reaches out with a hoof for a shake; you shrug and meet her halfway. The pair of you shake hooves.

“Nice to meet you, is there something I can help you with?” You raise an eyebrow, why is she asking that? “Um, you’re standing outside my home.” She says, gesturing to the cloud house with a point of her snout, apparently your expression had been asking your questions for you. “I take it you want something?”

You shoot the mare a puzzled look, then cast a glance back towards the illustrious cloud home. Did Lyra point you to the wrong place?

“Oh, um, I’m sorry.” You say, your head drooping a little. “I was looking for Ms. Dash’s place. I must of uh, gotten turned around somewhere.”

The pegasus’ face lights up a little as she chuckles. “No, you’ve got the right place. This is Rainbow Dash’s home.” She places an introductory hoof up to her chest. “I’m her… roommate, of sorts.”

You blush a little at the way she strained the word ‘roommate’, well… you’d figured Rainbow may be a little more… inclined to enjoy the company of a pony of the same sex, but there hadn’t been any real way to be sure. Up until now, that is. You’re fine with that, you had friends back in Manehattan that had the same sort of inclination, and you don’t judge ponies based around who they do and don’t love.

“Ah, well, good thing I ran into you then.” The mare tilts her head a little, you grin. “Recently Ms. Dash was kind enough to loan me some books, I’ve come to return them.”

“Oh, you must be her friend’s new coltfriend!” The mare gently taps a hoof against her forehead, trying to recall something. “Oh what’s her name… Rarity! That’s who you’re dating, isn’t it?”

You happily nod your head, you’re proud to tell ponies that you’re dating a mare as lovely and wonderful as Rarity. “Yep, I’m her assistant in more ways than one.”

The mare chuckles lightly at your somewhat perverse joke. “I’ll bet! So, I’ll take those books off your hooves for you.”

“Oh, thank you.” You reach over and undo the straps on your saddlebag, reaching in and retrieving the books. The mare reaches out and takes them from you, cramming them into her already stuffed saddlebags.

“I was wondering where these were.” She mouths around one of the books, sitting on her haunches as she tries to force the thick hardback into the saddlebag. “Rainbow keeps all her Daring Do novels on a special shelf, and I noticed that it was missing a couple.” Once she succeeds in stuffing away one of the novels she pulls the second out of her mouth, pushing up her sliding glasses once again as she reads the title, a small chuckle slides past her lips as she does. “Curse of the Crimson Crystal part two huh?” She holds up the book for you to see, then smiles. “Didn’t like the cliffhanger?”

You chuckle. “Are you kidding? I was about to rip out my mane when I realized it was the end.” You run a hoof through the disheveled mop that sits atop your head. “Though, that might have been an improvement.”

She joins in on your laughter, her eyes wandering up to your mane then back to your face, glinting with joy. “Yeah, I’ve heard all the complaints; you’ll be pleased to hear that it won’t happen again.” Your ear twitches when you hear that, and you feel like you’re on the cusp of realizing something before she stands up and continues talking. “Welp, that takes care of that, anything else you need?”

“Oh, yes actually, she didn’t just give me her books.” You undo your second pouch and retrieve the stack of papers therein. The mare’s face turns a slight hue of pink as she takes them from you.

“R-Rainbow gave you this?” She utters, her voice tinted with nervousness. You nod. “I was uh… wondering where this went.” She sheepishly grins and puts the papers away as fast as she can.

“For a rough draft it’s pretty good.” You quip; the mare’s lips curve upwards into an embarrassed smile as she toys with her glasses again, shrinking away just slightly. “Though, RD was right when she said it gets a bit… ‘fanservicy’ towards the end.”

“Y-yeah…” She keeps her gaze averted, but doesn’t stop speaking. “But… as far as that scene goes… do you uh, did it work?”

You raise an eyebrow.

“I mean, did it get you… um, what’s the proper term for something like this… uh… worked up?”

You bite your lip a little, trying to come out with an honest answer that isn’t… dirty. “It… well, let’s just say that my hospital sheets could pass for a tent by the time I’d finished it.”

The mare’s face turns an even darker shade of crimson as she feverishly nods her head. “G-good… I guess.” She gives her body a bit of a shake, trying to force away her nervousness. “So, is there anything else you need?”

You tap a hoof against the ground and cock your head upwards as you search the recesses of your memory for anything else you might owe Rainbow Dash, when nothing comes up, you take it as your cue to call it even.

“No, I don’t think so.” You tell her. “Thank you very much Miss… uh…” Your voice dies as you wait for her to jump in.

“Ah, don’t worry about my name.” She says, pushing her glasses up again. “Nopony ever seems to use it.”

You feel your face screw up in thought as a strange realization passes over you. “Mine either… now that you mention it.”

The mare shrugs as her wings spread out, preparing to take flight. “Hm, that’s odd. Well, it was nice meeting you, bye.”

“Goodbye Miss, have a pleasant day.” You and she exchange waves as she flutters away, disappearing inside the cloud home.

“Well, that’s one errand down…” You mumble, turning back the way you came.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

When you return to the park, you can see Lyra still sitting near the fountain, plucking away at her lyre with simple and lithe movements of her hooves, her eyes are shut, and the notes being played only grow louder the closer you approach. Simple and beautiful, the mint unicorn really is quite good at playing her instrument; musical talent must be in the family blood.

You aren’t surprised whatsoever to actually see her, you hadn’t necessarily been gone that long after all. But what does surprise you, is the sight of a stallion sitting at her right. He’s of what you’d call fairly average size, no bigger than you are. At first glance he appears to be an earth pony, but closer inspection reveals two long and jagged scars along his back. A pegasus then? Probably lost his wings in some sort of accident, or so you assume. Which is a terribly sad thing to see, but not entirely uncommon.

His coat is a darkish blue, tainted by hints of steel; it does a good job offsetting his even darker mane, the likes of which he’s running a hoof through at the moment, excitedly mumbling to himself as he scribbles away at some sketch paper, his steel eyes fixed upon the penciled on design as he gnaws on the writing utensil in his mouth.

Eventually you get close enough to catch the end of his rambling, your ears twitching as you pick up on his voice.

“Okay then… so, the measurement of the curve would be… sixty six.” You hear the voice of the stallion say, followed by the sound of scribbling paper.

“Um, no, Icarus, it would be sixty nine.” The mint mare atop the fountain chirps, peering down at his paper.

“Heh, sixty nine… Oh, wait, you’re right…” He quickly spins the pencil around and erases a marking or two, adjusting his measurements. “Nice catch Lyra.”

You can see the mint mare blush a little and look away, the speed of her playing increasing somewhat. You decide to leave the two ponies be, you’d already thanked the mare for her help before you’d taken off, and you had no real desire to make friends with her pegasus companion.

“Um, Icarus, he’s here.” You stop mid trot as you hear Lyra speak up.

“Oh, so he is!” You hear the stallion speak, dropping his pencil and standing up. You turn around just in time to see him jam a hoof in your face, looking for a shake. “Hello, I’m Icarus, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

You raise an eyebrow and reach up, shaking the stallion’s hoof. “Hi, um, Icarus, it’s good to meet you too.” The stallion smiles and stands up straight, chuckling a little, his voice is accompanied by the sound of Lyra’s harmonious music.

“Yeah I know, you’re all kinds of confused I’m sure.” He waves up a calming hoof, taking note of your unsettled expression. “Just relax; I’m not here to cause any trouble or anything. I’m just here on behalf of a certain purple unicorn.”

Purple unicorn? Well, there are a few purple unicorns in Ponyville actually, but only one that’s especially noteworthy, you haven’t the slightest idea why she’d send somepony out to talk to you though, as far as you’re concerned, Twilight barely counts as an acquaintance. Sure she’d saved your life after you’d been crushed by a bookshelf, but she hadn’t really chatted you up since then.

“Twilight?” You query, Icarus nods his head. “Why? What does she want?”

The blue stallion frowns a tad. “Well, somepony’s in a bad mood.”

You repress the urge to sigh and shake your head. That had come out a little meaner than you’d meant it to be, you’re still in a somewhat bitter mood.

“Sorry, it’s just…” You sigh and avert your gaze, you didn’t feel like going into any sort of detail concerning your issues at the moment. “I’ve had a bit of a day.”

The stallion nods in understanding. “Ah, I can sympathize. Just one of those days huh?”

You shrug. “I suppose you could say that. So, Twilight, you’re a friend of hers I take it.”

Icarus stands up tall; his head held high as an air of pride overtakes him. “Friend may be putting it mildly; she and I have been going steady for three weeks now.” Three weeks? That’s it? somepony hasn’t had a whole lot of marefriends...

Realization dawns upon you, so, seems like you aren’t the only coltfriend that runs errands around here. "I see, well, that’s good to hear. She seems like she’d make a good marefriend.”

Icarus’ smile grows a little wider. “She’s the best marefriend I could ever have.”

There’s a loud *twong* near the fountain as Lyra misses a note, her lips scrunched up into a bit of a grimace… though, whether that’s the fault of her missing the note, or somepony else callously touting his affections, you don’t really know…

“You okay Lyra?” Icarus asks, genuine concern behind his voice.

You can see the mare mumble something beneath her breath, you can kind of read lips, but she’s got her face turned away so you can’t really make it out, it seems in bad taste though. The mint unicorn quickly regains her composure, her expression morphing back into nothing specific.

“I’m… fine.” She says, her horn lighting up as she continues playing her lyre, there’s a clear affection there, you can tell, but it isn’t really your place to interfere.

“Oh, uh, okay then…” Icarus turns back to you and shrugs his shoulders a little.

“So, what did Twilight want?” You ask, getting straight to the point, after all, you still have lots of errands to run. “Because I’m telling you right now I’m not moving any bookcases.”

Icarus sheepishly chuckles. “Yeah, I imagine you wouldn’t be too keen on that. As for what she wants, I don’t actually know, she wouldn’t tell me why, just that she wanted to see you.” He turns his head around and grins as Lyra’s music starts back up again, filling the serene air of the park with equally serene music.

A sudden thought crosses your mind. “But, how did she know to send you to the park?” You ask incredulously. “Only Rarity knows that I’ve left the boutique, and unless you went there, which is a possibility I suppose, there’s no real way for her or you to know.”

Icarus shrugs. “She’s the element of magic.” He waves a dismissive hoof in the air. “I’m sure she cooked up some spell or another to find out where you’re at.”

Well, that makes sense you suppose. “ I guess it couldn’t hurt to pop in and see what she wants.” You hold up a hoof as Icarus opens his mouth to speak, stopping him before he can utter a single word. “But I’m afraid I won’t be able to do anything that takes a lot of time, I have to get back to Rarity by this afternoon.”

The wingless pegasus nods. “A stallion with a schedule huh? I’m sure she doesn’t want you to do anything too extravagant.” He chuckles a little. “She’s got me and Spike for that kind of crazy stuff.”

“Okay then, lead the way Icarus.” You step aside, allowing the stallion to take the lead, before he does however, he looks back at Lyra.

“Coming Lyra?” The mint mare looks up from her lyre, her mouth morphs into an unsure scrunch.

“To Twilight’s…” She bites her lower lip as she considers the thought. “I-I don’t know Icarus, I’m kind of… well…” Her voice dies, and Icarus frowns for just a moment. It vanishes quickly, though, as he brings back the smile.

“It’s okay, Lyra. Maybe you can finish your song some other time, when I can keep listening. You know I always enjoy hearing you play. Especially while I’m working.”

The blue stallion turns to leave, he stops mid spin as Lyra pipes up again. “W-wait!” She calls, her voice unusually loud. “I... I guess I can come with you.” She shifts her gaze up to Icarus’ face, their eyes meet for a moment and she immediately casts them away. “F-for a little while anyway.”

He grins, you impatiently tap your hoof against the cobblestone of the park’s pathway, eager to be getting on with your errands. It only takes a moment for him to finally coerce her off of the fountain, the two of them standing rather close as they approach. Icarus looks at you expectantly as the pair reach where you stand.

“Well, go on then.” He says, pointing with his head down the path. “We don’t have all day you know.”

You bite your lip and smile, forcing a rather naughty word back into your mouth before it slips out. “Of course we don’t.”

.......................................................................................................................................

“Wow Icarus, that’s really funny.” Lyra chirps up, you can feel the blue wingless pegasus smile from where he stands a good five or six feet behind you, he and Lyra walking side by side while you lead the way to Twilight’s place.

You’d been forced to listen to those two giggle and chat the entire walk, really, you were about this close to bailing out on this trip to the library and finishing up you’re errands. But, well, you aren’t quite that rude. You don’t dislike either of them, by any means, but you would really appreciate it if they’d tone down the flirting.

You breathe a sigh of relief as you round a corner and see the tree house slide into view, Icarus and Lyra must notice it as well, because their excited chattering slows to a halt.

“Want to come inside for a bit Lyra?” Icarus queries, breaking the sudden silence. “Twilight was making some tea before I left, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind sharing.”

You look over your shoulder to see the mint mare shift anxiously where she stands, her shining golden eyes widening a little in fear as she eyes the building.

“I think I’m fine Icarus.” She turns to the stallion, who deflates a little. “I-I had fun on our walk, though. Could we... maybe do it again tomorrow?”

“Hm well... I have to help Twilight with some experiments tomorrow morning...” The stallion puts a hoof up to his chin in thought, you see Lyra’s face scrunch up in disappointment. “But I think my afternoon is free, why don’t you and I stop by your place?” She smiles up at him, her eyes shining. “We’ll go down to the park again. Sound like a plan?”

The mare excitedly nods. “Y-yeah, I’ll, um, see you then Icarus.”

The two ponies bid farewell and Lyra takes her leave.

“Sorry about that.” Icarus apologises. “Can’t just let her take off without saying goodbye you know?”

It would be rude, but that didn’t mean you were in the mood to sit around in the sweltering heat. You don’t let your annoyance show though, keeping your expression neutral as you nod your head.

“Don’t worry about it.” You step aside. “Why don’t you go in first?”

Icarus responds by striding up to the door and giving it a couple hard knocks. You can hear the clopping of hooves as somepony on the other side approaches the door. There’s the tell tale sound of a sliding tumbler and the *shing* of a horn lighting up as the door handle twists.

The door opens with a creak, and Twilight peeks her head out, her lips curving upwards into a smile as she sees the pair of you.

“Icarus!” She exclaims happily. “You found him, good job.”

“Yep, he was right where you said he’d be.” The pegasus motions towards where you stand beside him, you offer the mare a smile and wave of your hoof.

“Hello Ms. Sparkle. I heard you wanted to speak with me?”

The purple mare nods, opening the door the rest of the way. “Yes, actually, it’s very important. But we should probably talk about it inside. Come on in.”

Twilight quickly ushers the pair of you inside, and you repress the urge to moan in delight as the cool air of the library washes over you. By Celestia’s sun, it’s hotter than hell out there. You wonder if there’s any reason whatsoever for the local weather pegasi to make it so bloody miserable, and it better be a good one, because you’re liable to take your complaints right to their doorstep if it doesn’t cool off in the next couple days.

“Icarus, can I talk to you for a sec?” You see Twilight pull the blue stallion aside, talking in hushed tones to one another, obviously to keep you from picking up on anything they might be saying.

You don’t like that, things don’t feel right in the library, the purple unicorn seems unusually tense, you can feel an odd mixture of doubt and worry build up in your gut as you watch the two out of the corner of your vision. You don’t want to deal with any more problems right now, you have so many already, and you can already tell that whatever Twilight’s about to tell you, it’s going to do exactly that, cause more problems.

Your eyes wander about the library, scanning the shelves to see if there’s anything worthwhile in stock, trying to keep your mind off the impending bad news you’re sure that Twilight is about to dump on you. But, eventually, your gaze wanders to a spot on the floor, and you immediately feel the color drain from your face.

“That’s... my blood.” The words slide out of your mouth, no louder than a whisper, a chill shoots up your spine as you stare at the brown patch. An irremovable stain that remains forever glued upon the hard polished wood of the library floor.

A reminder of the horrid accident that had nearly killed you only a few short days ago. The dry pool of blood brings back hot flashes of the sight of your broken limbs and shredded body, makes your previously shattered bones and cracked skull ache in remembrance.

It’s horrible, the memories, but you can’t look away...

“Oh gosh!” You snap out of your horrid memories as Twilight speaks up. You tear your eyes away from the floor to look at her, her horn alight as she levitates over a thick wool blanket, tossing it over the spot on the floor. “I’m so, so, sorry. That must be really creeping you out.”

You look at the purple mare, managing a tiny smile. “You don’t have to be sorry, I’m the one who should be apologising.” You let out a weak chuckle. “I’m the one who bled everywhere.”

“That was you?” You hear Icarus pipe up again, rudely cutting Twilight off. “I had to clean that up you know.”

You don’t look back at him, you’re trying to avoid letting your gaze wander back towards the bloodstain.

Thankfully, Twilight has him covered. “Icarus!” She reprimands, the blue stallion holds up a hoof in defeat and rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” He turns around and starts for the kitchen. “Get lunch started, give you two some privacy, I’m going.”

You look over to the purple unicorn, she gently shakes her head as her coltfriend wanders into the kitchen, the telltale sounds of clattering pots and pans signaling the start of his cooking.

“Sorry about him.” Her neutral expression morphs into that of a sympathetic frown. “I saw your injuries first hoof, I know how bad it was, he doesn’t.”

You shrug. “It’s okay, to be honest, I don’t remember much about them.” You grin a little. “The injuries I mean.”

Twilight nods. “Well, you were unconscious when I found you.”

“Good thing too, I woke up while they were wheeling me into the hospital.” You repress the urge to shudder as you recall the unsettling memory. “I was in so much pain... good thing they had enough anesthetic.”

“Yeah, I hear that the local hospital has some pretty potent stuff.” The purple unicorn chuckles a little. “A few months ago Rainbow had another accident, broke her wing again. She said the anesthetic they used knocked her right out.”

You nod in agreement. “I was out pretty fast after they stuck the needle in my leg, but I imagine they used a bigger dose on me than they did Rainbow. But enough about that, you said you needed to talk to me Ms. Sparkle?”

The unicorn’s face lights up as realization finally dawns upon her. You don’t necessarily know her that well, but she strikes you as being easily sidetracked. Whatever she wanted to talk to about couldn’t be that urgent, at least, not urgent enough to keep the pair of you from rambling about anesthesia for the past five minutes.

“Right, gosh, sorry about that.” She motions for you to follow her with a flick of her head as she starts walking across the room, stopping at a little table near the bookshelves, you recognize it as the same table the pair of you had drank tea at the day you’d met.

“Here, let me get that for you.” You graciously reach out and pull the mare’s chair out for her, she blushes a little and sheepishly smiles.

“O-oh thanks, I, uh, appreciate that.” You smile at her demure reaction, apparently even a unicorn as introverted as Twilight liked being treated like a lady every once and awhile.

“Don’t mention it.” You say, pushing in her chair after she takes her seat. You walk over and do the same. “So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

Twilight’s demeanor suddenly grows extremely serious, her expression darkening and her shoulders sagging as she places her hooves on the table. You felt that pit in your stomach come back again, though, not with as much force. At least she feels bad about whatever it is she’s about to say.

“Wow, this is... harder than the books said it’d be.” She mumbles, you frown a little, yeah, definitely not good. “I...” She gives her head a single hard shake, as if trying to knock that unsure expression off her face, replacing it with a stern scowl. “I know what you did.”

Your eyes go wide and your mouth hangs slack. “W-what!?”

Twilight sucks in another deep breath before she continues. “What you did in Manehattan... the reason why you left.”

You don’t understand. “What are you talking about? I-”

Twilight holds up a single lavender hoof, signaling for your silence. “Please, don’t bother, I know the truth and nothing you can say will change that.” Her front legs bend upwards as she lightly taps her hooves together, eliciting tiny *clip* *clop* noises, well at least she’s not being threatening about it.

You deflate a little, your head drooping, she knows... she knows what you did... You shoot her a single pitiful look, defeated, your secret’s out, what you’ve done. Your life is now effectively in her hooves... she could get you thrown into a dungeon, destroy your relationship with Rarity, maybe even get you banished from Equestria altogether if you’re lucky, at least then you’d have as little an impact on Rarity’s life as possible, no chance that your past can affect her future.

“H-how?” You ask,

“I’m one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria.” Her purple eyes dart away for a moment, and you can see her shift uneasily in her seat, the chair beneath her squeaking a little in response to the anxious movement. “And Celestia’s personal protege, I have access to all kinds of magical artifacts.” She swallows hard and looks up. “And that’s all I’m going to say on the matter.”

Fair enough you suppose, not like you can really go strong arming her for answers, she’s got the upper hoof here.

“Now, I’ll be honest, what you did... and why you did it.” She sighs, shaking her head a little. “That... well, to be frank, I don’t care about any of it.”

You perk up a tad at this. Didn’t care? Then what’s the point to any of this?

Twilight, as if reading your mind, speaks again. “But what I do care about, is the well being of my friends.” The unicorn’s face hardens, and her sparkling purple eyes bore a hole straight through your head and right into your soul, melting away any possible concealment.

“I won’t let myself hurt Rarity!” You speak, forcing out the sentence before the unicorn can cut you off again. “I... I love her! I couldn’t live with myself if I-”

“Stop.” Twilight’s voice is gentle yet stern, like how a kind teacher would gently reprimand a student. It effectively silences you and relaxes you at the same time. “I know you care about her. Just.... I want you to tell her.”

“Tell her what?” You ask incredulously. “Tell her what I did?”

The unicorn nods. “Yes.”

You sigh and shake your head. “I... she and I talked about it a bit, earlier today.” Your mind flashes back to that moment on the couch, when you’d promised to come clean about your past. “I told her I would, but that I’d need a little time.” Your expression morphs into that of a saddened frown. “Something like this... it’s important yeah, but, I’m finding it difficult to talk about.”

Twilight nods in sympathy. “I understand.” She then crooks her mouth up into a sort of embarrassed smile. “Whew, huh, that’s was a little...”

You chuckle. “Heavy?”

The unicorn cocks her eyes up to the right and gently taps a hoof to her chin. “Well... that’s as good an adjective as any I suppose. I’m... uh, sorry about keeping you away from, whatever it is you’re doing.” She smiles. “I imagine Rarity has you out running errands, else you’d probably be at the boutique.”

Well, you aren’t really out running errands for Rarity, but you see no need to correct the lavender mare, after all, you still have quite a bit to get done.

“Yeah, and, speaking of which, I’d better get a move on.” You push your chair out from the table and hop down to the floor. You turn back to Twilight, a sudden thought crossing your mind, you bow your head low and avert your gaze, nervously scuffing a hoof along the floor in a show of nervousness. “Um, Miss Sparkle, can I ask you something?”

Twilight perks up a little. “Sure, what is it?”

“Well...” You stop and consider your words for a moment, Twilight’s already suspicious over how you treat Rarity, and you have no desire whatsoever to further those suspicions by telling her about your little incident with her earlier today. “Rarity’s been really great to me since we met, and even better since we’ve... well, become a thing.” You see the unicorn smile a little at the sight of your nervous display, unbeknownst to her, you respond to the smile, not because you have Rarity on the brain, but because you’re glad to see she isn’t suspecting anything sinister in your intentions. “And I want to do something nice for her, maybe buy her some chocolates or something.”

“Do you want the name of a chocolate shop?” Twilight happily suggests. “There’s Sugarcube Corner, of course, but their chocolates aren’t all that great. Oh, you could stop by Bon Bon’s Sweet Shop! She’ll make something and deliver it for you.” Her eyes go wide as an apparent idea crosses her mind. “OH! Maybe you want to make her something yourself!” Her horn lights up and you narily manage to duck under a hovering book as she levitates it over, throwing it down on the table in front of you. “I just got done reading all these new cookbooks I ordered the other day!”

You hold up a hoof and nervously chuckle. “Uh, nooo... I was just going to ask if you know anypony who’d be willing to let me... I don’t know, run an errand for them in exchange for a few bits.” You anxiously shift your eyes about and rub at the back of your neck with a hoof. “You know, since, well, running errands is, heh, kind of all I’m good at.”

The mare blows a puff of air out of the corner of her mouth, which disturbs her neatly combed mane just a tad. “Nopony likes the cook books...”

“HEY, I like the cookbooks!” You peer over your shoulder to see Icarus poking his head out from around the bend that led into the kitchen, the blue pegasus has donned a fancy chef’s hat and is clasping a spatula in his left hoof, waving it in the air, as if for emphasis.

Twilight then shoots the stallion an ‘oh really?’ sort of look. His eyes widen, as if in shock, before he clasps a hoof over his mouth and disappears back into the kitchen.

You turn back to the unicorn, a bewildered expression on your face.

“He likes to cook, but, doesn’t like to admit it.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s weird, don’t worry about it. As far as your problem goes... well... I...” She trails off for a moment, a tiny pink blush stinging her cheeks as she averts her eyes. “I don’t really get out a whole lot.”

“No, really? That’s totally surprising!” You pause for a moment. “I never would’ve guessed that you, of all ponies, would be reclusive.”

The mare shoots you a nonplussed look. “Funny...” It’s then you remember that she holds your deepest secret in her hooves, and you realize that it’s probably not all that great of an idea to upset her.

“Heh, I was, uh, just joking...”

“Mmhm... suure.” She shakes off that frown, some of her smile returns. “I don’t really know if anypony’ll be willing to pay you for that, it’s a pretty quiet day, the market isn’t all that busy.” The unicorn shrugs. “Sorry, but I don’t think your odds of running into anypony that needs work is all that likely.”

You sigh in defeat. “Figures, it’s not my day today.”

“Well...” Twilight’s face screws up a little, as if a question is lingering on the tip of her tongue, you offer her the tiniest nod of your head, giving her the go ahead. “Is any day your day?”

You open your mouth, about to come out with a bitter retort, before you realize something. “The day I met Rarity...” You smile, warmth spreading across your chest as your mind fills with lovely images of the white mare you adore.

“That was my day.”

Author's Notes:

So, here's the long awaited update, a bit short I know, and I'm sure you're all a little disappointed to see that not a whole lot happens. But I needed an update out, and I figured that was as good a stopping place as any. Hope you liked what I did have though.

Oh, and Icarus is Jet Howitzer's character, since I appeared in his fic, I figured it'd be best to repay the favor. He writes all kinds of awesome romance fics and stuff, so check him out when you have the time.

Be sure to comment and let me know what you think, I love feedback, positive, negative, it all helps me improve.

The Next in Line Interlude - Only a bit

"I... I'm okay!"

You slowly uncover your head, looking around as the dust settles. Somehow you are unscathed. "I... I'm okay?" You look at the shattered remains of the boxes around you. "I'm okay..." A short laugh bursts from you, covering up the groan from one of the ponies in the room with you. "I didn't get hurt. For once... I didn't get hurt!" You cast about for a moment, looking for Rarity. "Rarity, I managed to go a full six hours without getting hurt! That's ten bits you owe me!"

You perform a swift hoof pump, a massive smile coming to your face. "Looks like everything's turning out my way for once. Now, let's just take care of these boxes." Several minutes later and the mess has been put away, and the others have all been uncovered. Rarity has a few small bruises marring her otherwise perfect appearance, but otherwise she is unharmed.

"Dear, you really shouldn't brag about something like that. It WILL come back to haunt you." She says, frowning at you as you excitedly buzz about the now clean room.

You scoff, brushing off her warning. "Rarity, I just beat all the odds. I was standing in the only place in the room that wasn't covered in rubble. Lady Luck has finally taken my side."

Rarity sighs and rolls her eyes, an obvious display of disbelief on her part. You notice, but don’t pay it any mind, she can be as pessimistic as she wants, you know that the tables have finally turned. That was a literal avalanche of boxes, nearly everything in the workroom had been utterly buried, Rarity included, you were the only thing that didn’t get squashed.

“Yes dear, whatever you say.”

You scoff and turn to her, a jovial grin spread wide across your face. “You’re just jealous.”

The mare chuckles a little. “Oh yes, jealous of your sudden change in fortune because, as we all know, I’m just so unlucky.” She suddenly whips around, a large list in her hoof and her reading spectacles officially donned. “Now pay attention, I need you to get a few things from the market for me. Darling... darling are you listening to me!?”

You shake your head, attempting, and failing, to shake all the new thoughts of what your good luck may bring you away.

“Yeah Rare, of course.”

LATER THAT DAY

You whistle merrily as you head into the boutique, practically beaming with a sense of self satisfaction and glee, the day still going your way in all respects. You managed to get Pinkie Pie to slip you a free cupcake from when you went to Sugar Cube Corner. You avoided getting dragged into a verbal debate with Twilight, a victory in your book, considering that you’d probably never be able to actually win one of those debates, and then you successfully haggled, effectively, with ten different shopkeepers in the market. No doubt Rarity will be pleased to see a good portion of her loaned bits returned.

Soon the boutique pops into view, and you waste no time heading inside. Normally the cool breeze of the boutique’s air conditioning would have been a delightful change of pace from the sweltering heat outside. But a cloud, caught on a draft of wind, had actually kept you shaded for most of the day out. Why, if that isn’t a testament to your newfound good luck you don’t know what is.

Once you step inside and shut the door, soft call comes from up the stairs, your name echoing down the hall. Rarity's sweet tones urge you forward and you add a bit of spring to your step. "I'll be up in a moment, love!"

You eagerly trot across the room, making for the staircase that would lead you to a mare you were all too eager to see. A quick detour to the kitchen was made, and soon you were unencumbered with your purchases.

Without a pause you started heading up the stairs, your smile growing with each step. A tiny niggling doubt nudged you in the back of your mind, urging you to calm down some as you went up the dreaded stairs.

As you stepped onto the second to last step, you found your hoof sliding backwards quite rapidly. A glance down at your hoof revealed that you had stepped on one of Sweetie Belle's toys, casually tossed aside when the filly had finished playing with it. "Oh, Sweetie." You shake your head as you move the toy to the top of the steps, carefully putting it somewhere where nopony would step on it.

Soon enough you enter Rarity's room, smiling as you see her sprawled out on her bed.

"Dear, did you manage to get all the things I asked you to get?" You quickly nod, eager to get on to the main event for the evening. "Well, where are they?"

"What?"

"Dear, did you not pay the slightest bit of attention to WHAT you were getting?"

You hesitantly admit that you did NOT pay attention to what you bought. You were too busy celebrating your sudden change in luck.

She brings a hoof to the bridge of her nose, gently shaking her head. "That's wonderful, dear. I still think that you should tone down the celebration. That being said, go and fetch the cherries as well as the chocolate."

Eager to make the mare happy, you trot out of the room, heading back for the stairs.

"That silly sod Murphy can go and soak his head. I'm living proof that he--" Your speech is abruptly cut off as you find yourself beginning a planned, but critically inelegant, descent down the stairs, your head deciding that it would take the initiative to be the first part of you to touch the stairs.

A few pain filled moments saw you opening your eyes to the concerned gaze of Rarity. She fought to keep the grin off her face, and you couldn't help but grin back. "I was asking for it, wasn't I?"

"Only a bit, darling. Only a bit."

Author's Notes:

Keep in mind that the majority (pretty much all of it) of this isn't written by me. My good buddy, pal, compadre, partner in crime, whatever ya wanna call him Jet Howitzer wrote this up during one of our countless Skype chats. Hope you all enjoyed.

No Reason At All

“So, that’s how your son and I met.” Rarity finishes, gently lifting up the steaming cup of tea and pressing the fine porcelain against her lips, gently sipping at the warm liquid within.

“Aw, that was sweet of him.” The scarred mare across the table coos, the mother’s lips morphing into a pleased smile.

Rarity giggles at the fond memory, warm thoughts of your tenderness and caring personality flashing through her mind. “Indeed.”

Rarity had been entertaining her guests for the better part of an hour, brewing up some tea and serving some brunch. They seem like wonderful ponies, kind, generous, loving, they care about you more than anything else it seems. And the unicorn has been enjoying their company, even if she should probably be spending her time finishing up the literal mountain of orders she has.

But, she’s willing to put her work aside in order to share a few moments with your family. She was so curious, you rarely, if ever, spoke of them, and meeting them has been so wonderfully fascinating. Like a door had been opened, a door that let her see into a portion, if not a large portion, of your life.

Rarity bit her lip, a few moments of silence brewing between the three ponies as she considered her thoughts. It wasn’t like this had really been all thatprofitable though, not as far as your past has been concerned. For every answer provided, new questions had sprung up. They’d been willing to share with her a few small details, things she might have idly wondered about but not really put that much thought into. But any attempt to so much as bring up what exactly had prompted your moving away from Manehattan, or the events leading up to it, were danced around, if not totally ignored.

Why? Why!? What could have possibly happened to you? Could it really be so terrible that not even your parents wish to speak of it? The unicorn thinks she knows you well... but all this mystery... she’s starting to reconsider that.

“So, tell me Miss Rarity.” The red stallion, who had introduced himself as Garnet Canter, spoke up. His voice filled with mirth as he let loose a chuckle or two. “Was it love at first sight?”

Rarity felt her cheeks flush a little, she... well, really doesn’t know how to answer that. She’d been observing you during your first couple months in Ponyville, to this day she still isn’t really sure what caused her to become so interested in you. Perhaps it was your all around chivalrous personality. It was the small things she’d noticed from afar, holding open doors for passing mares, letting ponies go ahead of you in line at Sugarcube Corner. She giggles again. She’d even seen you help Granny Smith across the road once, though, that hadn’t ended very well, since your reward had been a swift smack over the head. Apparently Granny Smith wasn’t fond of being treated like an old saggy mare... despite being... an old saggy mare.

“Well... the apple had been, wonderfully romantic, don’t get me wrong.” The unicorn spoke, setting her tea back down upon the hard wood of the table below. “But, it was a significantly more chivalrous act that ended up winning my heart.”

“Ooh...” The two mumbled in unison, and the fashionista felt a smile dance across her cherry red lips as the married couple exchanged an interested look. “Do tell.”

“Um...” The unicorn uttered the sound, how much detail would really be appropriate? She didn’t really feel up to describing the whole thing, partially because the majority of the story is rather uneventful, and partially because it’s... a bit difficult to recall, since it all happened so fast.

“To get straight to the point Madame Petal...” The unicorn’s eyes met with the older mare’s, her shining blue eyes sparkling. “Your son saved my life.”

The two exchange a look that measures somewhere between shocked and intrigued. It’s the husband who speaks this time. “Saved your life?”

She nods. “My friends and I, we like to have get togethers on occasion, and it’s not uncommon for these little events to last quite a while.” The mare fidgets ever so slightly in her chair. “Normally I’d have just stayed at my friend’s and enjoyed an impromptu sleepover, but I had some work to do, so I decided to brave the night and walk home myself.”

Both Garnet Canter’s and Spring Petal’s faces grow taught with focus, listening intently to Rarity’s tale.

“During the trip I was...” Rarity bit her lip as she searched her mind for an appropriate word. “... Accosted, by an unruly stallion. I’m not altogether unfamiliar with the treatment, I’ve had to deal with a few... rude suggestions before but... he was getting a bit forceful.”

Rarity looks up to see Spring Petal’s eyes cast downwards, to the floor, a comforting leg wrapped around her shoulders.

“H-how forceful?” She asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rarity steels herself, the realization as to the blue stallion’s intentions had never escaped her. She’d been more or less aware as to what he may have done had you not arrived.

“Too forceful.” Rarity’s horn lit up as she secured a magical grip around her cup of tea, sipping at it to try and calm herself, out of the corner of her eye she could see the mare at the opposite end of the table weakly nod her head.

“But then he came to my rescue...” The fashionista smiles, putting the cup back down. Chuckling lightly in an attempt to alleviate the heavy atmosphere. “Let me tell you mister Canter, your son has a mean right hook.”

The stallion chuckled and nodded his head, absently reaching up with a hoof and massaging his jaw. “Yeah... don’t I know it.”

Though Garnet seemed somewhat cheery, Rarity’s joke seemed to have little effect on his wife, and the fashionista found herself idly wondering if she’d said something wrong.

“A stallion should never force himself on a mare.” She mumbles, her eyes still focused in on nothing in particular. “Ever...” She shook her head back and forth, as if regaining some of her composure. “Um, Rarity, dear, you’re a fashion designer?”

The unicorn’s eyes widen just a tad, somewhat stunned by the sudden change in topic. “Why, yes, I am.”

“Well, um, my husband and I have a big event coming up, and we’d like to look our best.” Spring Petal looks over to her husband, the unicorn nods.

“We’ve got a few ideas planned, but we’d love to go wearing something made by our son’s lovely marefriend.” He nervously reaches up with a hoof and toys with the silver pendant that hangs loosely around his neck. “Would you be opposed to making something for us?” He queries, smiling. “We’ll pay you full price, of course.”

Rarity forces a smile. More orders? She... she doesn’t know if she can handle any more. “I’m a bit... bogged down at the moment. How elaborate do your outfits need to be?”

Spring Petal grins and waves a dismissive hoof. “Not very, it’s a social event, but, nopony too important is going to be there. Some close friends, some distant relatives, nopony else really.”

Rarity sighs inwardly, she loathes the idea of an even heavier workload. But, it’d be most unladylike to turn away your parents of all ponies.

The unicorn offers them both a weak smile. “Very well.” She pushed against the table with her front hooves, scooching her chair out, giving her enough space to step down. “If you would both be willing to follow me upstairs, I’ll gladly get your measurements taken.”

….......................................................................................................................................................

“Why do you always do that!?”

“Do what?”

“Don’t pretend like you don’t know.”

“I seriously don’t know!”

“Whatever, I try to do something nice for you and you’re too busy doing that to even care.”

“Bu- bwu- I don’t even know what’s going on right now...”

“I know you don’t.”

“Am I alive right now? Or did my marefriend finally go so crazy that she butchered me with a kitchen knife?”

“I kind of want to butcher you with a kitchen knife.”

“I love you too honey.”

You tentatively take a step closer to the quarreling couple, your eyes darting back and forth between the light brown stallion at one end of the table and the sky blue pegasus at the other. Apparently you’d stumbled right into a rather... interesting conversation. This restaurant doesn’t include kitchen knives in the silverware napkins do they? You certainly hope not, you’re not really in the mood to get blood all over you, it’d be incredibly difficult to explain to Rarity.

“Hey uh, Caramel!” You announce your presence, approaching the table and shooting your friend a smile, the stallion sits up, both he and his soon to be wife looking over to you with happiness in their eyes.

“Hey!” Caramel chirps, sitting up a little straighter in his seat, their outdoor dining table shakes a little in response to the movement, the table isn’t level apparently. “How have ya been buddy!?”

“Well, despite being crushed by a bookshelf, then pining for days in the hospital hoping one of my best buddies in the whole wide world would pay me a visit.” You see the caramel coated stallion roll his eyes in response to your words. “I’m doing pretty good. May I?”

“Of course.” Caramel scoots aside, and you pull up a chair, taking a seat next to him. The shade cast down from the open umbrella above a welcome relief from the sweltering heat.

“I’m glad to see you’re up and about.” Wind Whistler chimes in, her voice noticeably cheerier than it had been only a few moments prior. “I take it you’re out running errand for Rarity today?”

You shift a little in your seat, that same niggling feeling of guilt you’d been grappling with all day returning full force. “Sort of, Rarity and I... well, w- I, sort of did something I shouldn’t have and I figured it’d be best for me to leave the boutique for a bit.” It was true enough, you figured that Rarity probably doesn’t really want to see you right now... not like you really deserve to be seen.

The couple share a look you can’t quite read, and you feel Caramel lay a comforting hoof on your shoulder. “First big fight?” He asks, his tone sympathetic.

“Not really, I... well...” You purse your lips and look away. What are you going to tell them? That you’d assaulted your marefriend? “Sure, something like that.”

“Don’t be too down on yourself.” Wind Whistler says, and you look up to see her scooting her chair over towards your own, stopping on your opposite side. You shiver a little as the mare begins running a tender and motherly hoof up and down your back. “Couples fight, you two will work it out.”

You manage a chuckle, despite yourself. “I know couples fight Wind Whistler.” You shoot the mare an impish grin. “You two are perfect examples of that, believe me.”

The mare retracts her hoof, and rewards your joke by playfully smacking you on the leg.

“But, I want to make it up to her.” You state, shifting your eyes away as you feel yourself become wracked with nervousness. “By, you know, getting her something nice.”

You feel your ear twitch as Caramel chuckles. “Oh boy, here it comes.”

“Do you guys have any of those chocolates left over?” You ask hopefully. “Rare really liked those chocolates, a-and I don’t suppose you know any place in town where I can get some cheap flowers?” You curl your lip a little. “Preferably from a flower shop that isn’t run by Lily.”

Caramel actually looks a little relieved. “Really? That’s it?” You look up at him, slightly bewildered, then proceed to dumbly nod your head. “Whew... I thought you were about to ask me for some bits or somethin’.”

His fiance ‘tsks’ at him. “Caramel!” She opens her mouth to continue scolding the stallion, before you quickly cut her off, trying to end another argument before it actually starts.

“No! It’s fine Wind Whistler, this wouldn’t be the first time I’d have asked him for some bits.” The pegasus’ wings droop a little, and she turns her snout up in the air.

“Stallions...” She mutters, intentionally loud enough for the two of you to hear.

“I could never ask you two for money right now.” You say, fiddling with your hooves. “Not with the wedding coming up.”

“Oh please, you wouldn’t be asking for much.” The pegasus chimes, her previously aggressive mood easing somewhat. “Our parents are paying for most of it.”

Your eyes widen, and you cock your head to the side, raising an eyebrow at the stallion. “Oh really? Well, in that case...”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Caramel waves his hooves in the air, as if physically trying to shake away your incoming request. “Key word there is most loverboy.” He shrugs his shoulders a little. “And ya got to keep in mind that I’m working off a farmhoof’s salary here, even the little bit I am paying for is pretty expensive. How about we just go with plan A and I get you those chocolates?”

You feign disappointment. “Ugh... I guess I can live with that.”

Caramel claps his hooves together, smiling like a fat businesspony who’d just successfully haggled his way out of donating to a charity. “Good! Say, Wind Whistler and I just finished our lunch, why don’t you come with us and we’ll hook you up with those chocolates.” He bumps you on the shoulder in a friendly manner. “Might even have some flowers for you to pick in the garden, right Windy?”

The mare shakes her head. “You’re not touching my flowers.”

“See, she’s all for it!”

You cast Wind Whistler a curious glance, the mare’s glare seems hot enough to burn a hole through her beloved’s skull.

“Caramel honey... did you leave any of the kitchen knives out?”

The stallion puts a hoof up to his chin, thinking. “I might have left one or two on the counter. Why?”

An unsettling smile creeps across her face. “No reason... no reason at all.”

….....................................................................................................................................

Author's Notes:

I know this is short, but I'm paranoid that you guys think I'm not going to update this any longer. Truth is, I've just been really busy working on a new fic I have planned. This is just a tiny snippet of the chapter I have in the works right now, and I uploaded it just so I can get everyone to see this and know that I'm not dead, and, or dying.

Thank you all for sticking with me and this fic, please comment and let me know what you think, and a like and stuff really helps me out and does wonder for my motivation.

Yeah I'm whoring myself out... w-what do you mean I should feel ashamed? I-I... yeah... I'm ashamed.

A Simple 'no'

….....................................................................................................................................

“Come on in, chocolates are in the kitchen, you know where.” Caramel ushers you inside, and you feel a tiny smile creep across your lips as you march into the living room of his humble abode. Despite the boutique being what you consider your true home, this place will always stick out in your head as a close second.

“Aw!” You flinch ever so slightly as Wind Whistler lets loose a saddened sigh, and you see her march over towards the television set in the living room, her ears laid back and her wings drooping as she watches the scrolling credits displayed on the 24” screen. “I missed My Tiny Human!” She sighs again, shaking her head. “And it was the season finale too...”

You can see Caramel roll his eyes as he leans over towards you. “Ever since she got pregnant all she’s done is eat and watch that stupid show.”

You recoil. “Stupid?” You point a hoof towards the TV. “That show is phenomenal.”

The stallion scoffs again. “Right, I forgot... you’re a fan too.”

You nod your head. “And damn proud of it.”

He chuckles a little. “Yeah, yeah, I’m gonna go get your flowers. Wait here a moment?”

You shrug. “Sure, I’ll nab those chocolates while you’re out.”

He nods, and you watch as he disappears out the backdoor of the house. The gentle clip clop of his hooves dies away as he runs out into the backyard, making a beeline for the garden. Which, you had to admit, was a pretty fancy looking thing. He and Wind Whistler were both rather fanatical when it came to gardening, Caramel was a farmer at heart, even if he only worked at one part time, and you’d always known him as having a bit of a green hoof to go along with that lifestyle.

Wind Whistler, though, always seemed to do it for fun. When you were rooming with them a few weeks ago, you’d caught her in the garden fairly frequently, toying with her flowers. It was probably just a hobby of hers, but she seemed to enjoy it.

While Wind Whistler is busy moping over in the living room, and Caramel is busy snipping at flowers in the yard, you slip into the kitchen. The room in question is rather plain, like everything else in the house, though you mean that in the most positive of ways. The far end of the room plays home to a refrigerator, a stove, a sink, and a countertop. Standard fare, but nice and comforting in its simplicity.

You reach out and clasp the handle to the refrigerator’s freezer, pulling it open and smiling in satisfaction as you spy three chocolate boxes. Chocolate Delights... this wouldn’t make up for what you’d done... she deserves a lot more than a silly box of chocolates and some fresh flowers for how badly you’d wronged her, but you can’t really afford to get her much else, so hopefully that and a heartfelt apology will be enough.

You reach in and pull the box of chocolates free, being cautious to avoid knocking over the other numerous food items within the freezer, and you gently place it inside of your saddlebag, a pang of guilt intertwined with happiness tugging at your heart as you spy Rarity’s special stitch.

You let the door swing closed. You turn around just in time to see Caramel returning from the garden, a group of roses in his mouth. You reach out and take the flowers from him, careful to avoid the thorns as you delicately set them in your opposite saddlebag. The box of chocolates, though far from heavy, was definitely weighty enough to squish the beautiful little buds should you move wrong, and the last thing you want to do right now is ruin Rarity’s ‘forgive me’ gift.

You open your mouth to offer your gratitude, but Caramel cuts you off. “Now don’t go thanking me. Consider it payment for the house sitting you’ll be doing for us here in a few weeks.”

You chuckle. “Alright...” You shift a little on your legs, choking on your words for a moment. “H-hey Caramel?”

The stallion’s smile disappears, caught off guard by your sudden shift in tone. “Yeah?”

Without missing a beat you lash out, clasping your legs around the stallion’s neck and pulling him into a heartfelt hug. After a moment or two of fidgeting, he eventually relents, and you feel him drape a comforting hoof over your shoulder.

“Thanks, for everything,” you say, smiling.

He gives you a gentle pat on the back. “Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for right?”

You let go of his neck, and take a couple steps back, a small smile adorning your lips. “I guess so.” You repress the urge to chuckle as Caramel nervously rubs at the back of his neck, still a little bashful over your less-than-manly show of affection. “Anyway, I should probably run these chocolates over to Rarity’s before they melt in the heat.”

He nods. “That’d probably be a good idea.” The stallion gives his throat a strong clearing. “But uh, the next time you’re gonna hug me... give me a little warning first. Alright?”

You shoot him a sly smile. “What would be the fun in that?” You query, a playful tone coloring your voice.

He answers that question by lightly punching you in the leg. “Get out of here you goof. I’ve got a pregnant mare to take care of.”

…......................................................................................................................................................

“I must say Miss Rarity, these designs are quite exquisite!” Rarity felt a flutter of pride in her chest, Garnet Canter’s compliment bringing a smile to her face. “Possibly the best suit I’ve worn in years.”

The unicorn gently reaches up with her bruised hoof and adjusts her red spectacles. “Thank you very much sir.”

“My pleasure.” He smiles. “Tell me, why is it that I haven’t seen any of your designs in Manehattan? All we have back there is that Madam Tam Tam.” The stallion sticks his tongue out in disgust. “And I’d rather do business with a blind Diamond Dog then buy from her.”

Rarity let out a bashful squeak, she liked to think she was up and coming in the fashion world. But it was true that she still had quite a ways to go, Fancypants’ endorsement didn’t travel much farther than Canterlot, and though that was a major win, there were still many cities in Equestria that had yet to catch even a hint of her work.

“Well...” she starts, a touch of nervousness tinting her voice. “I’ve yet to make much headway there. Fancypants is my endorsement in Canterlot, where you’ll find the majority of my designs, and Photo Finish showcases them rather often, but ponies are usually more interested in her models than what they wear.”

“Really?” The stallion hummed to himself for a moment, his unicorn horn lighting up with a pale crimson glow as he adjusts the tie on his new suit. “I doubt my endorsement would really mean much. I’m far from famous back home, but I might know someone who’d be interested.”

Rarity’s eyes widen. A chance to expand her business? “Indeed?”

He nods. “Yep, he’s a nice fellow.” He chuckles. “For a griffon anyway.” The stallion whipped around, done admiring himself in the mirror, a charming smirk on his face. “Tell ya what, I’ll put in a good word for you, see if he’s interested in meeting the pony that made this!” The stallion jabbed a hoof into his freshly purchased suit, the likes of which Rarity had made a long time ago, but after confessing that she was backed up with orders, Garnet insisted that, rather than have one made, he’d simply purchase one of her older designs.

Rarity smiles appreciatively. “Thank you very much sir.”

The stallion scoffs, marching over and laying a firm but comforting hoof on her shoulder. “And stop with the ‘sir’ alright?” He chuckles. “You’re dating my son, just Garnet is fine.”

Rarity feels a blush tint her cheeks as she averts her shining blue eyes, realization dawning in her head. She’d been making the same mistake she’d chastised you over a few weeks ago.

“I suppose I should send my wife in.” He sighs. “Don’t be upset if all she wants to talk about is our son.” His eyes were wide and apologetic. “She’s been worried sick about him since he left.”

Rarity giggles. “It’s fine, he’s been a popular topic of discussion lately. My friends and I talk about him at length.”

Garnet raised a suggestive eyebrow. “At length eh?”

The fashionista’s eyes widen as she clasps both hooves over her mouth. Her face burns a bright red crimson. “N-not that kind of length!”

He waves his hoof dismissively. “I’m just kidding.” He turns towards the door, looking at her over his shoulder. “I’ll send Petal up, if that’s alright.”

Rarity nods her head. “Absolutely.”

With a flare of his horn and a nod the unicorn exits the design room, his dark red tail gently swishing back and forth as he hums a happy tune. The song fades as he heads down the stairs. Rarity lets loose a sigh, sitting on her haunches and rubbing at her sore hoof.

“So much for getting any answers out of him...” she mumbles, disappointed.

Rarity had been hoping that, given some alone time with your parents, she might be able to glean a bit more information concerning your past from them. Oh, she got some trivial things; some baby stories, (which were absolutely adorable, but not what she’d wanted), some talks about the business practices of running a bank, simple things like that. Any attempt to pry out more specific information was deflected with humor, if not stonewalled directly.

She sighs. “I suppose there’s no pressing the issue then.” There was no point in poking and prodding if she wasn’t going to get any answers, and she didn’t want to run the risk of insulting your parents. She’ll live with this aching curiosity. At least... For now...

Rarity sits up as the door to her design room swings open, effectively dragging her back to reality as Spring Petal walks into the room, the older mare’s soft green eyes wandering about the spacious workspace, a tiny frown on her face as she does so. Rarity cocks her head to the side. Is something wrong? She’s been doing her best to keep the place clean... she hopes your mother hasn’t noticed something upsetting.

“Mrs. Petal?” she inquires, her voice intentionally soft. “Is something wrong?”

The earth pony shifts her gaze back towards the unicorn, her cheeks turning a slight shade of red, embarrassed. “I’m sorry dear. I’m just feeling a little guilty...”

Rarity’s expression took on a look of concern. “Guilty? Why, whatever for?”

The mare averts her eyes, nervously rubbing at the back of her neck with a hoof. Rarity had to repress the urge to giggle... You do the exact same thing whenever you’re embarrassed.

“Well, Garnet told me how busy you are,” she half-mumbles, “and I’m just feeling a little down about having our son’s marefriend take time out of her busy schedule to entertain us.” She bows her head low. “And for that, I suppose I should apologize.”

Rarity offers her a reassuring smile, quickly moving to alleviate Spring Petal’s guilt. “Oh, there’s no need for that!” she spoke, taking a few steps towards the older mare and giggling. “I’d be a terrible hostess otherwise; it’s really no trouble.”

Spring Petal’s gnawing guilt seems somewhat alleviated. “You’ve got such wonderful manners Rarity.” The fashionista felt a flutter of pride in her chest at the acknowledgement as she really does try her hardest to be as respectful and ladylike as possible, but it did oftentimes go woefully under-appreciated.

Rarity delicately reaches up with her bruised hoof, fluffing her mane out and opening her mouth to thank Spring Petal, only for a jolt of pain from the damaged appendage to make her voice die away in a yelp of pain.

The scarred mare recoils, startled by the agonized cry and Rarity’s grimace. “Are you okay?” she asks, taking a few cautious steps forward as Rarity rubs at her sore leg in a soothing manner. “Oh Celestia, what happened to your hoof dear?” Spring petal asks, her green eyes locking themselves onto Rarity’s damaged limb. She’s surprised that she hadn’t noticed it earlier.

Rarity flinches, choking on her words for a moment. What can she say? That you’d assaulted your marefriend after lapsing into a fit? It had been a long time since your parents had seen you, and she wants your reunion to be a happy one; she doesn’t want... this hanging over everypony’s head the whole time.

“I-it’s nothing.” she quickly speaks, conjuring up an excuse as fast as she can. “I just... um, was moving around my equipment and had a bit of a spill. Nothing to be concerned about.”

Spring Petal’s eyes narrow. She isn’t entirely convinced, that’s obvious enough. “Well, try to be careful.” A halfhearted smile spreads across her mangled face. “My son’s clumsy enough, if you’re falling all over yourself nopony’ll be there to look out for him.” Rarity represses the urge to sigh in relief, at least she isn’t going to press the issue.

“Right...” Rarity gently set her hoof back down on the ground, repressing the urge to grimace as tiny jolts of pain dance up and down her leg. “Well, would you like to come into the back closet and see what I have for sale? I think I have just the thing for you!” A flutter of her excitement returns, her passion for everything fashion taking hold.

…...................................................................................................................................................

You suck in a deep breath, trying in vain to steady your beating heart. You shift a little, adjusting the weight of your saddlebags, reaching into your pocket and retrieving your flowers, holding them by the ends in your mouth. Your legs shake with trepidation as you reach for the handle of the door. It’s then you realize it...

You’re scared.

Scared of losing the one good thing left in your life. Scared of losing the mare that you... you can’t live without.

You think back to all those past rejections, every time you’d had your heart stomped on or torn apart. None of those mares even come close to how much you care about Rarity; you’d always cared for them, always enjoyed their affection and returned it in kind. But you’d never loved any of them. Rarity had brought that light back into your life again, gave you a reason to keep going, to see this relationship through thick and thin... And losing her... you don’t know if you can really handle that.

Your leg trembles for a moment, and you feel the temptation to turn around and walk away creep into your mind. Running from this would be so much easier...

“No...” The word comes out muffled, barely audible as you speak it, the flowers in your mouth making it difficult to hear. “No... I’m done running.”

You shake your head, your resolve bolstering as your reach for the door, turning the knob and stepping inside. The cool air of the boutique dances across your body, a delightful change in temperature from the sweltering heat outside. You feel that resolve dampen a bit when you realize you’re alone in the living room - you’d been prepared to sweep her up in your legs, spin her around, and pronounce your everlasting love to the heavens!

Of course... there’s no real reason for her to be in the main room, after all, she’s been chugging away at those orders for the better part of day. And it’s not like you’re a customer, so she’s likely expecting you to return by walking right through the front door. That’s why, rather than be surprised by this turn of events... you’re shocked when you hear a familiar masculine voice pronounce your name.

Your ear twitches, your name sounding alien and unfamiliar, probably because it’s rarely ever used. Even Rarity preferred titles like ‘darling’, ‘dear’, or, ‘gentlecolt’. The only times you can recall her actually saying it are... intimate, and loud, very loud...

You turn, your eyes widening as your jaw goes slack, your delicate flowers tumbling to the ground below. But right now... they’re the farthest thing from your mind.

“D-dad?” The words slither out your mouth as a breathy whisper, sounding as if spoken by some unknown third party. Your mind goes blank, awash with a strange cocktail of emotions.

Your father takes a step forward, a sad glint to his eyes as he smiles. “It’s nice to see you again... son.”

You recoil, your head spinning as the floor beneath you seems to shake back and forth. You blink and unblink your eyes, expecting to see your father fade away in a cloud of oily crimson smoke. Are you dreaming? Hallucinating perhaps?

Your father takes a step forward, his expression awash with concern. “Son... are you feeling okay?”

Your eyes roll into the back of your head as your brain shuts down, the world fading away, morphing into empty nothingness. Your legs give out and you tumble to the hard ground below, oppresive blackness enshrouds you as you fall out of consciousness.

“A simple ‘no’ would have sufficed...”

Everything I Can Never Be

The world around you is enshrouded in an oily black fog, playing at the edge of your vision; your body moves as if you’re knee deep in water, every command is muddled, every step unsure. Where are you?

“The only difference - the ONLY difference - between you and me is that YOU got lucky!”

The voice - alien - though familiar - sounds distant and far away. You stumble forward, hooves outstretched as you swipe at the shadows in your way, desperately trying to find the source.

“You want to be my son? What to make me ‘proud’ of you? Then maybe you should step up and start acting like a damn adult!”

Your stomach churns, as if someone had stuck you with a knife of guilt and given it a twist. You can feel hot tears running down your cheeks. You try, you really, really, do... wh-why can’t he see that?

You shake your head, wiping a hoof against your eyes in an attempt to clear those thick rivulets of sadness away. When the tears stop falling you look up, your jaw dropping when... He... steps forward. Slinking out of the shadows like some kind of beast, a monster from a foal’s story book, a blinding white row of shining sharp teeth the only prominent feature you can see. His lips curled upwards into a devilish grin as he relishes in your personal anguish.

“That’s right! Whore! I know what she is! I know what you are... And now... so do they.”

Anger. Boiling hot, untapped rage, coursing through your veins, making you stronger, faster! You don’t care if he’s bigger than you! Don’t care if he’s a monster! Don’t care if what he says is true! The only thing you can think about is smashing in those Celestia-damned teeth!

“SHUT UP!” You throw your weight into him, knocking him to the ground, thick black wisps flying off of him as you do, as if you’d peeled away some of that evil blackness with the impact. That grin disappears, if only for a moment, as you throw yourself on top of him, pressing him to the ground.

He lets loose a cackle, deep and rumbly, his voice carrying a sort of disturbing otherworldly tone, as if it was being conjured up from the depths of Tartarus. “You see!? We really are just like each other!”

You angrily gnash your teeth, grinding the soft bones together as you pull back a leg. “I SAID SHUT UP!” You punctuate the statement by slamming your hoof into its sickening, twisted, smile. Your hoof connects, accompanied by a sickening *thwap* sound that makes your stomach churn. Again, oily black shadows leap off of the creature’s face, slithering away and disappearing into the darkness below, offering you the briefest of glimpses at the disgusting visage below.

Brown eyes, it has brown eyes... just like him...

You reel back, your heart thumping against your chest and your entire body buzzing with adrenaline. You look down at the creature, rage and anguish written into each curve and line of your expression. You didn’t need to say anything, all emotions you felt at this very moment were laid bare, plain to see.

“Yeah, that’s right! Hit me!” It lets loose another disgusting chortle. “Prove him right! Show me that despite all that SHIT you’ve been handed, the education, the money, the loving parents... despite all those things, that deep down? Where it matters most? You’re still your father’s son.”

You freeze for a moment, your dream world falls silent as you sit atop the creature, your mind reeling.

“F-father’s son...” The words eek out of your mouth, barely audible, your lips quivering as they do. You look down, staring down at your hoof, covered in a thick layer of the creature’s slippery black skin. You can feel it, that rage... just beneath the surface.

“That’s right.” Again, the smirk. “We’re the same, all three of us, in fact.”

Tears pour down your face, your stomach twisting up with hate as you pull your leg back, slamming it into the monster’s sadistic smile.

“Why!?” You screech, striking again, your attacks powered with years of pent up aggression. “WHY do you keep torturing me!?” *Thwack* “Why won’t you just go away!?” *Thwack* “Why won’t you just let me ALONE!?”

Again you pull your hoof back, the shaking limb throbing with a deep, dull ache. Each impact shoots electric jolts of agony up and down your entire leg. The pain seems like a minor inconvenience though, in the face of finally ending this torment. You slow down, panting; your lungs burn, your head aches, your leg hurts... It still breathes...

“Be-because...” It manages to mumble, it’s voice hoarse, and it’s lips still curved upwards into a crooked smile. “You’re everything I can never be!”

Dinner with the Family

“Darling?” That sweet angelic voice gently coaxes you out of your slumber, as you feel a silky smooth hoof gently push against your shoulder, prodding it.

You let loose a throaty groan as your head spins, the world around you slowly sliding into view. The gentle throbbing in the back of your skull is making things difficult, but after a moment or two of gathering your thoughts, you can make out the familiar shapes, sights, and sounds of the boutique. You reach down with a hoof and feel the soft satin cushion of Rarity’s luscious purple couch.

You hear somepony breath a heavy sigh of relief, and you look to your right to see Rarity hovering over you, her cherry-red lips curved upwards into a soft smile as she curls her hoof around your shoulder. The soft touch sends shivers dancing up and down your spine. Rarity’s sweet blue eyes and caring smile easing your troubled mind and thumping heart.

“Hi...” You mumble, grinning at her.

“Hello.” She responds, lightly giggling.

Suddenly the realization that you’d fallen on your apology gifts hits you, and your smile fades. “I got you some gifts...”

“I saw that.” She responds, her horn lighting up as she retrieves a throw pillow at the opposite end of the couch, the small red and blue cushion fluttering above your head for a moment. “Can you sit up for me?”

You do so, grimacing as you crane your head upwards, your achy neck and head making the movement difficult. Once you’re properly supported, you let out a sigh of relief, and remorse, gently closing your eyes as you expel the air from your lungs. “I’m sorry.”

You open your eyes to see Rarity staring down at you sympathetically. “Why, whatever for darling?”

You let out a heavy hearted sigh. “Your gifts... they’re ruined.” You gently fold your front legs together, nervously toying with them. “I wanted to apologize for h-hurting you.” You feel sadness welling up in your chest, carving a pit into your stomach. “B-but all I managed to do was ruin that too...”

Rarity’s soft blue eyes twinkle with sympathy as she curls her hooves around your head, pulling you close. “Now, now honey, let’s not turn on the waterworks just yet.” You rest your head against the soft fur of her chest, her touch comforting. “Your flowers are fine honey, you didn’t fall on them.” Your ear twitches as you perk up in surprise. “The chocolates were a little smooshed, but it’s chocolate, the shape of each piece is hardly an issue, the taste is what’s important.” You can hear her give her red hot cherry lips a delectable smack. “And as far as I can tell… they’re just as good as last time.”

You chuckle, despite your current wreck of an emotional state. Simply being like this with Rarity was calming you down. You can still feel the lingering fear in the back of your mind, and flashes of that twisted creature’s crooked smile keep appearing every time you close your eyes. The nightmares, they’re getting worse…

“I think I’m losing it Rare…” You mumble into her chest, gently pressing your lips against her bare body, kissing at her tenderly, desperately seeking some form of comfort from the unicorn. “I’m gonna wind up a basket case if this keeps up…”

Rarity giggles and gently pushes against your head, signaling for you to stop your incessant kisses. For a moment you worry that she’s still upset with you for hurting her, that the emotional rift you’d created before leaving the boutique was only widening with each pathetic attempt to display your affection. Thankfully, the tender peck on your lips says otherwise.

“Everything will be okay darling, I promise.” Her voice is reassuring, though no matter how much you want to believe it, you don’t think you can.

You let out a single bitter scoff, it makes Rarity’s smile fade, you immediately regret it. “I don’t know about that Rarity… I mean, I’m hallucinating for Celestia’s sake.”

Rarity’s expression morphs into one of surprised concern. “Hallucinating!?”

She sounds worried, maybe she should be, if you’re starting to see ponies that clearly aren’t there there’s no telling what you might do. “Yeah, I could’ve sworn that my dad was here…”

“Um…” Your ear twitches as Rarity’s face scrunches up. “Darling, that wasn’t a hallucination.”

A look of dismay passes over your face, your head grows light, and for a moment you worry that you may pass out again. Your father? Here!? NOW!? You jolt up a little bit, your head swimming from the sudden movement, Rarity quickly thrusts her hooves against your chest, forcing you back down.

“Now don’t you dare!” Rarity’s sudden stern tone demands your attention. “You’ve already fainted once today darling, I won’t have you doing it again.” You feel a displacement of weight on the couch as she hops off, her horn lighting up as she gently fluffs your pillow once again, with a smile she makes a small motion with her hoof. “Go on, lay down.” She points towards the pillow, and you do as you’re told. A soft sigh of satisfaction sliding past your lips once your aching cranium comes into contact with the soft silken pillow.

Rarity smiles at you, pleased to see that you’re doing as she commands with little fuss. “Now, why don’t you just stay right there, collect your thoughts, while I go upstairs and bring down your parents?”

You grimace, parents? As in plural? More than one!? Your mother hadn’t sounded pleased when she’d sent you that letter… you can only imagine the severity of the serious verbal thrashing that’s soon to come.

“Parents… fantastic.”

“Oh do try to be civil darling!” Rarity implores, puffing out her lip in a show of minor annoyance. “They’ve been wondrous guests so far, and meeting them has been very pleasant. Can we try to keep it that way?”

You chuckle a little, you don’t plan on yelling them out of the boutique, it’s true there’s some tension there between you and your father, though it’s far from vitriolic. Of course, all she’s working off of is some minor details she’s managed to glean by you and, undoubtedly, your parents. Who you don’t imagine are too keen on giving up any information, marefriend or no, they likely don’t know Rarity well enough to reveal anything important.

“What’s so funny?” Rarity inquires, genuinely curious, your chuckle having caught her attention.

You grin. “Rarity, they’re my parents, I love them dearly. You don’t have to worry about us having a boxing match in the living room.”

The fashionista rolls her eyes. “I’d certainly hope not, this is a boutique, not a boxing ring.”

You let out another mirthless chuckle. “Really? So I should refund all those tickets I’ve been selling around town?”

Rarity’s tail launches forward and smacks you playfully on your shoulder, the silky smooth hair brushing against your own, tickling you. With nary a word she heads towards the stairs, a touch of a scowl passing over your face as she flinches when her bruised hoof comes into contact with the bottom step, before she shrugs off the pain and keeps trotting. The gentle thumps of her hooves fading away as she makes her way up to the second floor of the boutique.

You sigh and lay your head back down upon the comforting pillow below, an upset sigh slipping past your lips. You still felt guilty about that, even if Rarity seems to have forgiven you. Odds are you’ll never be able to forgive yourself for it.

You take these few moments of isolation to collect your thoughts, you don’t know how you really feel about seeing your parents, part of you is excited, eager to see your family again after spending so many long months away. Yet another part is frightened, you’re worried that they may bring trouble, more than you’re already dealing with. Your life, and not to mention current mental state, has taken a severe turn for the worse. Seeing them again, well, you can’t shake the worry that all they’ll do is heap more trouble onto you. Even if they do it with the misconception of good intentions.

You don’t even really know why they’re here, come to think of it. Though you can fathom a guess, your mother always was a tad worrisome… You can recall one specific instance back when you were a colt, back before you’d even gotten your cutie mark. You’d been out roughhousing with a group of the local boys, nothing too serious, just doing what colts do when they’re young, that is, emulating whatever it is you happened to see on the telivision.

Though you can’t recall all of the specifics, you know by the end of the little play session you’d ended up with a bloody cut across your right leg, nothing serious. You’d tripped over a branch that had come from one of the trees your father had planted in the back yard a few months prior to the incident, he’d had their growth enhanced by magic, which wasn’t too uncommon of a practice for the upper echelon bourgeois society he belonged to. After all, why wait for natural growth when you have money right?

Well, after heading home for the night your mother had spent the better part of the afternoon tending to your cut and fussing over you, cleaning it, disinfecting it, making you promise to be more careful. All things a somewhat overprotective mother does when her child harms him or herself. See, thing is, you can’t necessarily call your mother ‘somewhat’ overprotective, not without it being a massive understatement anyway.

Because, though all that stuff was something reasonable for a ‘somewhat’ overprotective mother to do, cutting down all of your father’s freshly planted trees the next day is something you’d liken to a ‘massively’ overprotective mother.

A chuckle slides pasts your lips as the fond memories flow through your mind, a little spark of happiness that’s brightened your otherwise bleak day. This little spurt of joy quickly dissipates however, when you’re confronted with the fact that this situation could lead to a rather undesirable outcome. Despite your affection for the fashionista, you can’t help but shiver at the thought of being forced to tell her what you’d done.

Rarity, though you’d been quick to dispel her worries, did have a right to them. It’s a pretty well known fact that you and your father, though far from outright hostile to one another, do have your rough patches.

You release a disheartened sigh, stretching out your legs and popping your back, trying to get a bit more comfortable. Your head throbs slightly in response to the movement, and you reach up with your scarred hoof to rub at it softly, trying to soothe the pain, you must have hit your head when you blacked out. You let out another sigh… of course you did.

Up the stairs you can make out the sound of muffled voices, followed by the creaking of the bedroom door. Despite the unintelligible sense of the words being spoken, you have little trouble assigning them to their respective speakers, the familiar gruff yet honeyed tone was that of your mothers, she held a voice that was tough, demanding, and cynical, yet deeply caring and affectionate for all things around her at the same time. You repress the urge to smile at the sound, it had been so long since you’d heard her voice… it was nice… reminded you of significantly less depressing times.

This was of course followed by the cool disinterested tone of your father, remarkable in its unremarkability, you father had the smooth suave voice of a businessman, something that was deep and inviting, yet equally firm and standoffish when it needed to be, which was to be expected of a natural smoothtalker. After all, your father’s special talent was the management and relegation of income, you can’t do that for years on end and be as successful as he is without knowing how to sweet talk your way out of a dire situation or two.

“Well, there you are!” Your ear twitches in response to the sound of rapid pounding hooves, and you sit up just in time to see your flustered mother barreling towards you at a speed Rainbow would be hard pressed to match. Her long golden mane frayed at the ends and her light pink mascara running down her cheeks as her scarred face scrunches up into an expression of remorse, panic, and paternal affection. You open your mouth to say something, but feel your voice stolen away as she rears up and pulls you into the tightest hug you think you’ve ever felt in your entire life.

“Oooh! I missed you so much…”

You sheepishly return your mother’s embrace, forcing out a rough chuckle as you gently pat her back.

loosen up a bit.”

It appears your words don’t necessarily have the desired effect, as her grip only seems to tighten, enough to make your vision blurry.

“Would serve you right!” She practically growls at you. “For worrying your poor mother like you have!”

Your attempt at a heartfelt apology doesn’t get much farther than a gurgly ‘I’, which is followed up by an unsettling ‘ack’ noise.

“Please don’t tell me you drug me all the way out here just to kill the poor boy Spring Petal.” You hear your father speak up, and his burly frame slides into view, obscured slightly by your mother’s golden mane.

After a huff you feel your mother’s grip finally unlatch itself from around your neck, and you suck in a few much needed breaths.

“Not like I’d be able to anyway.” She responds, shooting your father a smirk over her shoulder before shifting her focus back to you. “From what Rarity’s told me you’re pretty hard to kill.”

You shrug, sheepishly rubbing at your now sore neck with a hoof. You couldn’t necessarily deny that claim, in a few short weeks you’d gotten your leg cut open, fallen down a flight of stairs, and been crushed by a bookcase. All of which you’d survived, a few new scars and partial blindness notwithstanding, you’re not really any worse for wear.

“Darling, are you feeling well enough to walk?” You look over to see Rarity approaching, rounding your mother as she lays a gentle hoof on your leg.

Your legs still feel a little heavy, and the ache in your head hasn’t quite dissipated just yet, but those issues become little more than minor annoyances as you stare into Rarity’s hopeful gaze. You’d put her through so much lately, you don’t want to make her worry anymore. It’s true that all you want to do right now is lay back down and collect your shambled thoughts and give your injured body a little time to rest, but you’ll tough it out, just this once, for her.

“Yeah… just give me a little room?” You inquire, Rarity’s cherry red lips curve upwards into a smile as she takes a step back, giving you a little space.

It takes a moment, but after a bit of stumbling and fumbling you manage to ease yourself into an upright position. Your legs wobble a bit from the sudden shift in position, but you manage to regain your balance after a second of stabilizing your body up against the soft velvet cushions of the couch.

You suck in a deep breath, shooting the ponies around you a calming grin as you get used to standing again. Their worried expressions and anxious shifting is doing little to assuade your own worries, but after a second or two of self doubt and temple rubbing, you manage to take a few uneasy steps forward.

Rarity’s face lights up with relief in response to your apparent ability to walk without falling all over yourself and, once you’re close enough, you give her a reassuring peck on the cheek, doing your best to muster up a grin.

“See? Never better!” You say with a tiny chuckle, effectively lying through your teeth.

“Aww, how sweet!” Your mother coos, shifting her mood again at such a speed you begin to wonder if she might have some sort of split personality disorder. You honestly wouldn’t be that surprised… it’d explain a lot actually, now that you think about it.

You feel a red tint color your cheeks and Rarity’s seems to light up the same way. And you feel like a young stallion in high school bringing his first marefriend home to meet the parents, despite having gone through that situation more than once, this feels like the first time for some reason. You don’t know whether or not to attribute that to the fact that you actually care about the marefriend in question, or just because you haven’t been in the presence of your parents for so long that it’s almost jarring.

“Seriously!” Your mother pipes up again, grabbing up your father’s right leg and affectionately rubbing her head into his chest, which makes him flinch a little in surprise. “You two are just adorable. I’m so happy our son finally found a mare as lovely as you are Rarity.” You see Rarity’s blue eyes dart away for a moment out of the corner of your eye, before refocusing your attention back on your mother as she wheels back around on your father, smiling at him. “Aren’t you, Garnet?”

Your father fumbles over his words for a moment, apparently he didn’t expect to be put on the spot like that. He awkwardly clears his throat and throws his eyes around the room, as if thinking of something to say.

“Um, yes.” He states, very matter of factly.

You manage a small chuckle. “Yes?”

He nods, smirking. “Yes.”

Again, you chuckle. Out of the corner of your vision you can see Rarity’s sides deflate ever so slightly, clearly letting loose a pent up sigh of relief. You barely manage to resist giving her an insulted look. You’d hoped your reassurance from earlier would be enough to assuage any worries she might have had concerning you and your father’s rocky relationship, but alas, she still seems to harbor some doubts. Maybe it’d help if you were privy to how much she actually knew about said relationship. You’d assumed that she’d be kept in the dark a little longer, but, that was before you knew your parents had spent the better part of the day keeping her company. Then you begin to wonder if one of them had let something slip… though you doubt it, your parents were a pretty cagey pair, and you doubted either of them were foolish enough to start spilling out all the nasty little details.

You grunt and force those dark thoughts away. You have time to worry about what Rarity does and doesn’t know later, for now, you should deal with the situation at hoof.

“So, son, I’m sure you have your fair share of questions.” Your father states, his large round eyes soft and sympathetic.

You give your head a gentle nod in the affirmative, smirking while you do so. “Yeah, a few.” You reply, you were fairly certain why they’d come to visit. Your mother had likely been scared half to death by your letter, it’s now you realize that skipping over that tidbit of information might have been a wise decision… But she’s here now, and there’s really not much you can do now. Short of going back in time and rewriting history… which you’re pretty sure is impossible. Or at least very, very, hard to do. You might as well just make the most of their visit, after all, you had been feeling a bit homesick lately. And maybe a little time spent with them might help you deal with the recent spikes in... issues.

“Well, your mother and I were talking while you were asleep.” Your father explains, continuing on from where he’d left off. “And we were hoping you and Rarity would be willing to show the pair of us a fine place to eat. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m feeling a bit peckish, and I think a nice dinner might help us all… unwind a bit.”

You open your mouth to speak, only for a small rumbling noise to cut you off. You look to your right to see Rarity placing an embarrassed hoof up to her lips, nervously flicking her sparkling blue eyes back and forth between your parents, who were chuckling lightly in amusement.

“W-well…” The fashionista spoke, voice uncommonly timid. “I’m certainly not going to get any work done today.” She cocks her head to the side, offering a small encouraging smile. “I’d delight in sharing dinner with your parents. Unless, of course, you’re not feeling well.”

You see no reason to decline. And even if you were, you have hte strangest of feelings that, no matter the decision you make, something horrible is likely to befall you either way. And if the wheels of fate are to conspire against you again, well, you’d rather die on a full stomach than a half empty one.

“Nah, the concern’s appreciated but I’ll survive.” A cheeky smile spreads across your face as you lean over and lightly peck Rarity on the cheek. “‘Sides…” You mutter playfully. “Miss the chance to have dinner with you? Not happening.”

Rarity’s face lights up thanks to your sweet display of affection, and she reciprocates by playfully bopping your nose with a hoof.

“Now, now, save the romance and suave charm for later.” She chides, before leaning in and whispering into your ear. “For when your parents aren’t around hm?”

You chuckle and sheepishly nod your head. Right, there’ll be a time for that later. At least she isn’t mad at you, at least, you don’t think she is. You’ll properly apologize for that whole thing later, preferably after dinner.

“So, everything’s squared away then?” Your mother asks, sliding up next to your father and wrapping her tail around his own. “I’m dieing for a nice hot plate of pasta… are there any Istallion places in town Rarity?”

The unicorn smiles and happily nods her head. “Yes, there is. My family and I used to eat there all the time, it’s a decent place though… likely not quite up to your… surely lavish standards.”

Both your father and mother scoff at the same time. “Puhlease Rarity!” Your mother giggles girlishly, as if the fashionista had said something extremely silly. “Garnet and I go out for barbecue every other Sunday, we’re hardly refined when it comes to dining places. I’m sure it’ll have no trouble meeting our ‘lavish’ standards.”

“Don’t worry Rare.” You move to reassure her yourself. “Nopony in our family’s a picky eater. Never really have enough time for big fancy dinners, matter of fact, I’m pretty sure all dad’s eaten for the last five years or so is fast food.”

The older stallion let’s out a hoarse chuckle. “It’s either that or the poison your mother calls food. I’ll take clogged arteries french fries over that any day, thank you very mu-OW!” Your dad’s left leg leaps up off the floor as your mother’s smaller more limber hoof comes crashing down upon it, the pained expression on his face a clear enough explanation for what had transpired.

You shake your head.

Dinner with the family… no way this could go wrong.

Author's Notes:

Yep, this is the new chapter. I'd say something witty but I'm dropping this off before going to work. Hope you all enjoy and be sure to like, dislike, favorite, comment. I hope you all enjoy, and I love your feedback.

And thanks for being so patient everybody, love you all!

Dinner With the Family

“Here you are sir, Istallion style rice and vegetables, please enjoy.” You smile and thank the waitress as she places a steaming plate of warm vegetables in front of you. She nods in appreciation before using her unicorn magic to top off your father’s iced tea. “Anything else I can help you all with?”

“Nothing for me,” you reply, casting a curious gaze towards your parents at the opposite end of the table. “Either of you?” Your father and mother shake their heads, happily munching away at the food they’d ordered a few moments ago. You turn to Rarity, who is busy meticulously ordering her silverware into their proper positions. You had to repress the urge to giggle at that little detail, proper manners at all times, it seemed. “What about you, Rare? Need anything else?”

The fashionista looks up from her meticulously crafted line of forks and spoons, blue eyes wide with surprise, as if she hadn’t heard you properly at first. “What?” You motion with a nod of your head towards the waitress, who is standing beside the table, patiently waiting for any further requests. Rarity suddenly snaps back into reality. “O-oh! No, nothing else, thank you very much ma’am.” The slight nervous jolt in her tone of voice brings a smile to your face, apparently organizing silverware is an incredibly engrossing activity, if Rarity’s total space-headedness is any indication.

You wouldn’t know, after all; being an earth pony meant you ate with your mouth, you couldn’t even use silverware, it just didn’t work. To be honest you don’t really understand the point of all that nonsensical cutlery. Food goes into a mouth last time you checked. Why use a fork when it’s so much easier to just lean down and take a bite of whatever sits on your plate? At that point you might as well just cut out the middleman.

The waitress smiles and nods before flicking her mane out of her face and marching away. You watch out of mild curiosity as she wanders around the busy tables, checking on a few of the restaurant's other patrons, fixing orders, refilling glasses, things like that. After the novelty of watching her go about her day wares off you spin your head back around, staring down at the meal below. Your stomach offers a tiny rumble as you study the steaming dish, vocally declaring it’s desire to be satiated. You lean down and take a gentle bite, savoring the sweet tanginess of the rice and the pungent buttery flavor of the vegetables.

By Celestia, this is delicious. You can’t honestly remember the last time you had food quite this… tasty, for lack of a better term. Which makes sense. After all, you’ve been the one cooking the vast majority of the meals lately. And though the food you prepare is far from inedible, you lack true culinary finesse. Which is likely due to an overt lack of knowledge on the subject. You don’t know what blends with what, you don’t understand what spices to use for certain meals, you don’t know how long certain things should be cooked to reach a certain taste or consistency... honestly, it’s surprising you even know how to work the fashionista’s oven.

Thus, due to your distinct lack of knowledge, your food comes out fine, but bland. Personally you think that Rarity’s a better cook than you are, the few times she’s given you a break from the stove and made something herself stand out as particularly delightful.

“Enjoying your dinner, Dear?” You hear the unicorn in question inquire, you look up from your plate, smiling as she gently tilts her head to the side, giggling at the puffiness of your stuffed cheeks.

You half open your mouth to respond, only for the food in your mouth to slide forward in response, coming dangerously close to toppling out of your open maw. You quickly snap it shut, blushing furiously before sheepishly swallowing. That would have been, embarrassing…

“Yeah, it’s really good. I Wish I could cook this well, might have to nab a cookbook or something from the library on the way back…” That actually sounds like a decent idea, now that you think about it. Provided you don’t get smashed by any falling bookcases during your visit, that is. “That way you don’t have to suffer through the messes I make.”

Rarity playfully rolls her eyes. “Please, dear… your cooking is hardly what I’d call a mess.” She purses her lips a little, as if in thought, before taking another bite of her own food, horn alight as she levitates a sparkling silver fork into the soft dark greens of her salad. She retracts the fork after a moment of poking, a hard orange carrot stuck to the sharp silver prongs, she jabs it in your direction for emphasis. “But if you harbor a desire to improve your culinary prowess, I see no reason to recommend otherwise.”

You ‘hmm’ to yourself for a moment before responding. Learning how to cook decent food for a change might actually be a good idea. It’d certainly make you feel a little more useful around the boutique. For being Rarity’s ‘assistant’ you don’t really feel like you do a whole heck of a lot of ‘assisting’.

Your laundry list of chores at the moment consists of no more than three or four things. You cook, you clean, you occasionally run into town to get some things for her, and… nope, that’s about it. It’s not like you can really help Rarity with her fashion designing, last time you tried the results had been… catastrophic. You suppose babysitting Sweetie Belle might fall under that list as well, but considering how much fun those little misadventures oft turn out to be you’d be hard pressed to label it under other activities you’d consider work. You like babysitting Sweetie Belle,and in some ways the little filly reminds you of your own sister. Just… without the biting sarcastic remarks… or insults.

Speaking of your sister…

“Um… hey Mom, Dad.” Both of your parents sit up a little bit, staring at you expectantly. It’s just now you realize that the table had been entirely silent. Save for your little aside with Rarity, not a word had been spoken since everypony had taken a seat. You imagine that the silence had been the result of everypony’s preferred interest in eating their own food, rather than an actual desire to avoid speaking to one another.

That didn’t make it any less awkward though…

“I was just wondering. Why didn’t you guys bring Aquaris with you?” You feel your ears lay flat against your head as you nervously shift back and forth in your seat, afraid of the answer you might receive. “I mean, I know she probably wasn’t crazy about the idea…”

Your father pipes up, cutting you off. “Your sister needed to stay behind for her swim team activities.” You see him smile, a soft, reassuring smile. “She wanted to come, actually, I think she misses you a lot more than she likes to let on.”

Your mother giggles and nods in agreement. “That’s right, no big brother to go and bug when she’s bored.”

You smile, ever so slightly, pleased to know that your sister actually does hold some semblance of affection for you. It’s… reassuring, being away for all this time has really made you realize just how much you undervalued her. It’s true that you and she never really got along, at least, not for very long. The two of you seem to come from different roots, like, two different plants that sprouted from the same seed.

In all honesty, the two of you really didn’t spend a whole lot of time together. The pair of you were so different that, despite living in the same house, neither you nor Aquaris really gravitated towards similar activities. Sitting down across from one another at the dinner table for an hour or two each night was about as close as it got to consistent interaction, and even then it wasn’t like the two of you had much in common to talk about.

But, you’ve recently found yourself regretting this lack of interaction. Maybe it’s due to all that time you’ve spent with Sweetie, watching over her like she’s one of your own. Or maybe being away for so long has just made you realize how much time you’d wasted not even trying to form a bond with her. Knowing that she, at least in a sense, feels the same way is comforting.

Your parents don’t seem to notice the subtle improvement in your mood, slipping back into their own subdued conversation with nary a care in the world. But Rarity does… Your eyes widen a tad as a silky smooth hoof wraps around your own beneath the table, squeezing it ever so slightly in a warm, soothing way. You and the fashionista share a smile. The twinkle in her eyes is delightfully uplifting, and her touch is as loving and affectionate as it’s ever been.

You feel a lot of the guilt you’ve been bottling up about hurting her slowly slip away, though not disappearing outright, as you know she’s long since forgiven you for it, and you still feel a dark little twisting pit of guilt worm it’s way around your gut whenever you look down to see that gnarly bruise on her hoof. A dark, terrible mark, that mars the perfect beauty it sits upon… a mark you made.

The sound of your name intermingled with your mother’s rough tone snaps you out of your thoughts. And you look up to see her raising an eyebrow.

“Honey, did you hear a single word I just said?” she inquires, the older mare’s rhetorical tone piercing you through the heart.

You shake your head, bashfully admitting that, no, you had not been paying even the slightest bit of attention to what she’d been saying. You’d been too lost in your own thoughts and self-doubt.

Your mother rolls her eyes, letting out a heavy sigh of defeat. “Honestly… why do I even bother?”

Your father frowns a little. “Spring… come on, cut him a little slack.”

She swats the middle-aged stallion on the nose with her hoof, effectively shutting him up. “Oh please, you don’t listen to me either.”

He reaches up with a crimson hoof and soothingly rubs at his injured nose, grumbling a bit. “And there’s a reason for that…”

“What did you just say?”

“Nothing, dear.”

Feeling jovial, you turn to Rarity and shoot her a cocksure grin. “If you can’t tell, my parents have wondrous communication skills.”

That earns you a chuckle from the snow white mare. However, she seems much too polite to voice any commentary on the matter.

Your mother huffs and thumps a hoof against the table in indignation. “Oh like you have any room to talk, mister!” Her voice deepens, slipping into some sort of mix between a growl and a high pitched mocking lilt as she curtly balls up her napkin and flicks it at you from across the table. The balled up paper bounces off your nose, harmless, but it still makes you flinch.

A sly chuckle slips through your lips as you reach up with your scarred hoof and rub at the spot the paper had collided with your nose, scratching at it. You hear Rarity let loose another petite giggle, followed by the gentle muffled sound of crunching salad leaves and carrots as she devours another forkful of her salad. You refrain from looking at her, however. You keep your eyes focused forward, giving your mother the attention she likely wants and probably deserves.

She straightens up a bit in her seat and pushes a stray strand of her mane out of her face before she continues, her eyes sharpening like knives, slicing a warning into your heart.

‘You’d better pay attention this time...’

They said, you heed her steely gaze, hoping to avoid any further reprimands. Seemingly pleased with her newfound monopoly on your attention, your mother begins to speak.

“Now… your father and I have done some talking. And, well, we have a… proposition for you.” Her voice takes on a serious tone, a different kind of serious tone.

Not the ‘you better listen to me or else I’ll put you in a headlock so strong your eyes’ll pop,’ kind of serious, but the sympathetic kind of serious.

“We… want you to come home.” She says, her expression stuck somewhere between a smile and a frown.

Your eyes widen, ‘come home’? Did you hear her right? Why would she even bother to extend the offer, you’re touched that they miss you, you really are, and despite everything that’s happened recently you’d love to see your sister and that crotchety old butler again, but you can’t just… go home!

You’re in love for Celestia’s sake! You can’t leave Rarity here in Ponyville, long distance relationships never work, and you highly, highly, doubt that she’d be willing to just… abandon all of her friends and family here to go with you. And, not to mention the… other reasons you can’t exactly stay there for an extended period of time. To be brutally honest t’s silly, it’s preposterous, it… doesn’t make any sense at all.

That might explain why your mother’s been staring at you for the past two and a half minutes with her eyebrow cocked so high that it looks like they might shoot off her forehead.

“You think I’m asking you to come and stay. Don’t you?” She shakes her head. “Son, don’t be silly. We know you’ve made a life here, done some good for yourself…” The older mare’s eyes gently wander towards the fashionista sitting next to you, they glitter with pride and happiness. “Found yourself somepony to care about… we would never ask you to leave that behind.”

You feel reassured by those words. And being swept up in all that praise does some to lift up your, admittedly low, spirits.

Your father steps in, adding his two cents. “But, it’s obvious that you’ve been… how should I put this… struggling with…” His voice trails off for a moment as he searches for the words. “What happened, a while back.” He says, eyes downcast as he mentions the dreaded event that turned your life upside down. A flicker of movement to your right betrays Rarity’s interest in the subject, you can’t blame her for being curious… you just… can’t tell her. Not yet.

Your parents’ eyes flicker to each other’s for a moment, before refocusing onto you. Again, your father speaks. The stallion’s deep, businesslike, voice annoyingly feels as if it’s trivializing what feels like an important matter. You know he can’t help it, but it still grates on your nerves.

“We think it might help you to come home and face those problems, maybe if you do, it’ll help you truly get over them.” He says, smiling hopefully.

You shift your eyes downward, unable to meet their own. You gaze down at the soft brown carpet of the restaurant's floor below, your appetite evaporating as you think on what they’ve said.

Maybe they’re right… maybe you’ve done enough running. Maybe turning around and facing these problems is for the best, hell, maybe it’s the only way to get to the heart of the matter. Then again, it could just spiral you further down this twisted rabbit hole of pain and misery you’ve been hastily trying to claw your way out of since said event took place.

You feel that snow white hoof wrap around your own again, and you manage a weak smile as her soothing warmth pours into you. It’s touching of her to be so supportive of you… and you love her all the more for it, but her attempt at comfort does little to help you reach a decision.

Luckily, your mother makes a move to help ease the process. “Of course, you don’t have to decide right now, your father and I can wait a few days while you come to a decision.” Her gaze shifts to Rarity as she offers the fashionista a kind smirk, the scar stretching across her face contorting into an awkward position around her lips as she does. “And the offer’s extended to Rarity as well, if she wants to accompany you.”

The unicorn’s grip tightens. “Of course, it’s very much appreciated.”

“So…” Your father leans forward in his chair, gaze soft and soothing. “What do you think?”

You… don’t really know what to say, you hadn’t been expecting this turn of events, would going back to Manehattan be the best course of action? You don’t know, and thus, you don’t really have an answer to give.

A heartfelt sigh slips past your lips as you give your head a hearty shake. “You’re coming at me with an awful lot here…” You say, shifting nervously in your chair, Rarity’s grip tightens through your visible sign of distress, doing what she can to comfort you. “I’m gonna take you up on that offer to wait a while. If you don’t mind waiting a while for me to get my head on straight.” You chuckle a little, mirthlessly, closing your good eye and staring out of your blind one.

“I’m not even healed up all the way yet anyway, and I don’t know if a trip across Equestria is the best thing for me right now.” You bashfully admit, chuckling in a vain attempt to lighten the mood a tad. That would work as a suitable excuse, for now, anyway. “So, give me a little while to think about it. Alright?”

Both of your parents nod in unison, likely having suspected that answer. With that decided, all three of you go back to eating your meals, eager to take your minds off of the recent conversation. Unfortunately, the serious air hanging around the table fails to dissipate, and the rest of your dinner is eaten in a sullen, unsettling, quiet.

You barely manage to repress a sigh. So much for a happy dinner with the family.

Pack Your Bags

“Darling? Are you in here?” Your head perks up from the pillow it’d been laying upon as the door to the bedroom swings open with a gentle rush of air, the dark ebony handle twisted downwards and surrounded by a shimmering blue cloud.

You smile weakly as the mare steps into the bedroom, soft blue eyes sparkling as she looks upon you, concerned. You’re happy to see her, as you always are, but you wouldn’t have minded had she kept to herself downstairs for a few more moments.

“There you are.” She takes a few tentative steps towards the bed. “I was wondering where you’d disappeared off to. Are you feeling alright?” The mare inquires with a thin layer of concern coloring her tired voice. She’d calmed down quite a bit since you’d been released from the local hospital, though she still has a tendency to fret whenever you wander out of her sight for too long without giving her precise details as to what your intentions are or where you’re going. It’s touching that she cares enough to seek you out and check on you, if a tad annoying.

You nod your head and give her a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I’m fine, for now anyway. With my luck your old boyfriend Tom might come crashing through the ceiling at any moment, furious that I stole his lovely little pony away.” You chuckle as the unicorn reaches out and swats you playfully across the top of your head, the attack doesn’t do any damage, outside of mussying up your already messy mop of a hairdo.

“You promised me you’d stop joking about that!” She playfully reprimands, pouting her lips out and turning her sparkling blue eyes into wide saucers of mock dismay.

“Sorry.” You apologize, sighing as you lay your head down upon the soft cushiony bed below, sighing in relief as you sink into the plush fabric, muscles loosening and aches receding as you relax yourself entirely. “For the Tom thing, and for running off on you…”

“Oh, no need to apologize dear.” She reassures you, you feel a displacement in the weight of the bed as she hops up to join you. You nearly groan in joy as she presses up against you, her head resting atop your neck as she cuddles you, silky smooth fur rubs against your side, back, and neck as her sweet and tantalizing perfume fills your head. “Everypony needs a little alone time now and then.” You feel her shift a little atop you, her lithe and slim body twitching nervously with each passing moment. “I’m not imposing now, am I?”

You chuckle and shake your head, it was true you’d snuck away from your parents and your beloved after dinner in the hopes of stewing over your thoughts alone. But spilling your guts to Rarity was almost as viable a course of action, if not better.

“No, of course not.” You sigh and move to roll over, Rarity removes herself from you as you now find yourself lying on your back. The mare ever so gently climbs atop you, pushing you further down into the mattress below as her forelegs wrap around your shoulders and her hind legs wander downwards to intertwine with your own. Her shimmering blue eyes meet with yours for a moment, before you lean in and give her a sweet and heartfelt kiss. Not deep, sexy, or messy, but it’s a true display of affection.

The pair of you separate, a content smile adorning both of your features. Then Rarity blinks, and you can see the tip of her tongue snake outwards as she runs the pink appendage across her lips.

“Hmm…” She hums to herself, attention refocusing as she looks downwards, eyes playfully accusing. “Your mouth tastes like peppermint… have you been dipping into my secret cache of candies again?”

You blush a little, ears laying flat against the top of your head as your eyes wander to the top-right corner of the bedroom ceiling.

“Maybe…” You mumble, as cutely and innocently as possible. “Will you be mad at me if I say yes?”

“Well…” Rarity sits up a little, laying atop you with her head held high as she looks downwards, sharpness in her vision. The playful tone of voice and the faint curling of her cherry red lips proof enough that you had no real cause for concern. “I suppose that depends on just how many you ate.”

You stick out your lower lip in a pouty and foalish fashion. “I didn’t have that many… Just one… or two… or six.”

The fashionista’s expression morphs into one of mock rage, face tightening up as she bares her teeth in a playful growl of aggression. “Oh! You little rapscallion! Six of my candies!? How dare you!?”

You pull your hoof up to your face and lay it upon your forehead, closing your eyes and rolling your head backwards in a dramatic fashion. “Oh woe is poor Rarity! Whatever shall she do without her precious peppermint candies!?”

The fashionista’s snow white hoof prods you in the chest, just hard enough to sting a little bit. “Fine, make fun of my candy cravings if you must, but you just keep in mind that you’re the one who’ll have to get some more tomorrow morning.” In an uncharacteristic display of foalishness Rarity sticks out her tongue like a little school filly.

Feeling a bit impish, you decide to retort in an equally immature, if a wholesomely more explicit manner. “And just you remember that I’m the only one who pays special attention to the lady’s lower labyrinth!” You, as well, decide to stick out your tongue. But, rather than imitating her childish behavior opt to seductively run it around your lips.

This display earns you a rosy cheeked unicorn and a light, if still somewhat painful, swat across the cheek.

“You… p-pervert!” She hushedly exclaims, eyes darting around the room in a frenzied manner, as if she expected some member of the papparazi to burst out of the closet with your naughty little statement on tape, before taking off to run it as some big news story that might slander her name for all eternity.

Hear ye! Hear ye! Aspiring fashion designer enjoys lover’s oral ministrations! Read all about it!

Unfortunately, picturing the headline brings forth another chuckle, and, as a result, another swat across the face. Neither of the hits really hurt, but they’re enough to get the flustered unicorn’s point across.

“Right, right, sorry!” You speedily apologize. “My bad!”

“Yes indeed your, ‘bad’!” She haughtily replies, sliding off of you in the process. You immediately feel your heart sink as she repositions herself at the edge of the bed, head held high with indignation as she loudly ‘hmpfs’ and crosses her legs. “Such belligerent disregard for my desires for you to keep your… oral expertise to private moments between you and I is insulting! And frankly, I will not stand for it.”

Your heart sinks in response to her biting tone of voice. Had you actually upset her? That hadn’t been your intention, honest, you were just making a joke, albeit a dirty one… you had no idea your little perverse jibe would cause her such distress. Yes, Rarity is a mare with many a pompous value… but she’d loosened up a considerable amount since your relationship had started.

To put it simply, this kind of overly emotional reaction just didn’t seem like her… unless

You saddle up next to her, smirking like a mad dog as you purse your lips and plant a wet kiss on her cheek.

“Nice try Rare, you actually had me going for a second.” You quip, the soft curling of her cherry red lips and the mischievous glint in her sparkling blue eye proof enough that you’d been had.

The mare spins around to face you, smirk growing wider with each passing moment. “Not quite as convincing as I could be, hmm?” The fashionista inquired, you reach out with your scarred leg and wrap your hoof in her own, siting next to her, shoulder to shoulder as your lower legs dangled off the side of the bed.

“Well, you’re not quite as bad as say… Applejack.” Rarity giggled at the blunt mention of her friend. “Element of honesty and all, but you aren’t exactly the best at fibs, if you don’t mind me saying.”

The unicorn let loose a dramatic sigh as she leaned against you, head resting against your shoulder as she snuggled into your larger frame, making herself comfortable. “I suppose there are worse things one could be…”

You solemnly nod in agreement. “Yeah, I guess ‘bad liar’ isn’t as bad as something like… thief… or murderer.”

Rarity, despite the bitter bluntness of your response, finds it in herself to giggle. “No, indeed it isn’t.” You feel the unicorn shift a little where she sits, twisting and fidgeting against you, as if she was trying to subtly reach an itch she can’t quite scratch.

‘Again with the damn fidgeting...’ You remark inwardly, Rarity is a many wonderful things, but subtle, is hardly one of them. something must be bothering her. You decide it best to address her concerns, whatever they may be.

“So… Rare, wanna tell me what’s on your mind?” You inquire, voice as gentle as possible. After all, you didn’t want to come across as annoyed or anything like that. Doing so would only justify her concerns over asking things of you, and with your previous actions… well, you’d be hard pressed to declare those concerns unfounded.

The unicorn lets loose a heavy sigh, you reach over and wrap a comforting hoof around her shoulders, pulling her into a sweet embrace. “Go ahead, I won’t freak out.” You peck her on the cheek. “Promise.”

“Have you given any thought to your parent’s offer?” She inquires, big blue eyes wide, hopeful, and curious.

Despite your desires to keep it hidden, you can’t stop a somewhat aggravated scowl from creeping across your face in response to her question. Given it any thought? Of course you had. It was pretty much the whole reason you’d snuck off for some peace and quiet.

You eventually regain your composure, and quickly nod your head. “Yeah, I have…”

“And?” She presses on, voice gentle and caring.

“I…” You fumble for the words, struggling to find an answer. Eventually your sentence dies off into a sigh, head falling into your hoof as you feel that suffocating cloud of depression fall over you once again. “I don’t know… part of me thinks it’s a great idea, part of me thinks it isn’t.”

“Well..” You hear her start, reaching up with a sweet white hoof, rubbing it affectionately up and down your back in a soothing manner. “I think it’d be a good idea darling. You can’t keep living like this, darling, bottling up all these issues isn’t healthy.”

“I know it’s not Rare… I’m just…” Your voice fades off as your eyes wander towards the ceiling, you struggle to find the words, a label you can slap onto your reasoning to make it easier to comprehend.

“You’re just… what!?” Rarity insists, voice straining under her pent up frustration. She lets out a heavy sigh and swipes a stray strand of her purple mane out of her face, expression morphing into a stern stare. Apparently she’s done trying to beat around the bush. “Why all the secrecy!? I’ve done nothing but help, love, and support you. But I don’t know if I can keep that up if you try to shut me out at every turn!” Her voice has raised by now, less of an annoyed whisper and more of a high pitched shout. You look down, her usually calm visier of ladylike poise now cracked and shattered, marred by the unmistakable stain of rage and disdain.

You watch her in silence, unsure of what to say. She’s right, despite how much you wish her not to be. It’s true that she’s been nothing but loving, caring, and supportive. Hell, telling her what’s bothering you is pretty much the one thing you can actually do to pay her back for all her generosity.

So, you do the only thing you really can do at that point. You make a decision.

“Rare…” You let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, but I want you to try and understand it from my point of view. This… thing that happened to me, it’s not something trivial, it…” You fumble for the words, Rarity’s obviously distraught over this, and you don’t want her to get flustered and march out of the bedroom before you can make your point. “It changed my entire life, ruined it. And, I don’t want to tell you because, to be honest, I’m scared.”

You reach out, grabbing her hoof in your own and giving it a tight squeeze. “Rarity, you’re the best thing to happen to me since I left Manhattan, my life’s been one never ending series of fuck ups.” Her eyes widen slightly in response to your crass language, since it’s something you rarely ever use. “If something wasn’t going wrong, I was doing everything I could to make sure it would.” You pull her hoof closer to your chest, holding it close as you look deeply into her eyes. Hoping that your face will convey what your words may not. “You mean more to me than my family’s money, than my reputation, I love you. The reason why I left, it destroyed everything I cared about. I… don’t think I could live with myself if it took you away too.”

Rarity’s lips quiver for a moment, as if she’s attempting to say something. Any previous feelings of frustration she might have been feeling has apparently faded away, melted by your words, your touch, your sincerity.

You manage a small smile. “But you’re right, keeping it hidden from you isn’t right. You deserve to know. But, I don’t want to just tell you, I need to show you, so you understand.” You pull her in a little closer, stealing a small kiss from her lips, in the case that it may very well be one of the last few times you’ll ever get the chance. “Tomorrow, I promise, we’ll go to Manehattan. I’ll show you what happened and I’ll tell you everything you deserve to know.”

“No more secrets?” She asks, lips curled upwards into a hopeful smile. “You promise me?”

You nod. “Pack your bags, Rare. We’re going to Manehattan.”

Passing the time

“That boy, always waiting until the last minute to do everything!” Your mother’s telltale tone of annoyance could be heard over the myriad of tones and sounds perforating the train station as you trotted towards the platform at a brisk, yet comfortable, pace. “We’ll miss the ride if he doesn’t show up soon.”

You round the corner, heading towards the wooden platform’s entrance. You scan the crowd standing around, ears perked as you listen for your companions’ voices. Eventually you spot them a few feet down the way. You smile as you see them, pushing your mother’s chastising aside, filing her assertion under blatant exaggeration. You aren’t a procrastinator, you just enjoy being punctual, no point in doing something before it actually needs to be done. Besides, this is important, and you hadn’t really had an opportunity to do it beforehoof, for multiple reasons.

Rarity is the first to take notice of your approach, heaving a relieved sigh while trotting towards you. The pair of you share a nuzzle, both of your anxieties calmed by the presence of the other. Both of you were nervous about this little trip, Rarity was finally going to learn about your past, and you were finally going to tell it to her.

“There you are, darling.” Rarity breathes, relieved. “I was worried you’d miss the train. Did you take care of, whatever it was you needed?”

You nod, somewhat surprised to see that Rarity didn’t inquire towards your little errand. You’d made the promise to avoid telling her secrets, but this would be… a little difficult to explain. Not like it’s that big of a deal, you had permission, after all, but still. It’d complicate things, and right now you’d rather avoid any and all undue complication.

A shrill high pitched whistle splits the otherwise serene air of the Ponyville train station. The noise startles you, making you jump. This little reaction gets a slight rise out of your traveling companions, who all share a little giggle or side-smile at your expense. You manage to avoid looking that depressed about it, but there’s no fighting away the thick red coloration of your cheeks.

“I think that’s our train…” Your father mumbles, craning his neck over the platform and to the right, staring at the oncoming beast of machinery and smoke. “Right on time too, how about that? Trains in Manehattan rarely are, let me tell ya, it’s a real pain the flank trying to make it to a business meeting halfway across town when your train’s fifteen minutes late.” He turns, smiling at Rarity. “If you ever do business there, remember to take the train leaving before the one you actually need to go on. You might be a half an hour early, but it’s a lot better than being half an hour late.”

Rarity giggles a bit in response to your father’s, actually not half bad, advice. “Duly noted.” She responds, voice raising over the sounds of the rapidly approaching train.

You take a moment to look over your belongings, smiling happily to yourself as you fumble through Rarity’s wonderful saddlebags. You still can’t believe just how well made they are, the thick faux leather bags even feel good to wear. Not in a purely romantic sense either, of course, it felt good to wear them because you were, in a way, supporting the mare you loved by doing so, but from a purely subjective standpoint they’re… they’re…

Well… to put it bluntly, they’re snug as fuck.

The straps align themselves around your body in such a way that you barely notice them, you even catch yourself double checking to make sure they’re secure every now and then because you can’t feel them to know for certain. And the bags themselves are made with the softest form of leather substitute you’ve ever had the fortune of feeling. Regular saddlebags were a bit bulkier and could cause irritation if worn for too long, but not these ones. There are very few things you’re particularly good at, but years of running errands and hauling stuff around for your father and his associates means that you can tell a good pair of saddlebags from a pair of bad ones, and these are a pretty damn good pair, no, that was an injustice, they are the best damn pair of saddlebags you’ve ever worn.

How on Equestria is Rarity not famous yet? You still can’t really fathom why.

Your ears twitch as the train comes screeching to a halt next to the thick wooden platform you’re standing upon, heavy metal wheels scraping against the rusted train tracks below, kicking up a shower of sparks and pouring forth thick grey plumes of smoke. You cough in response as you inhale some of the dirty metallic odor, standing a bit too close to the source of the smoke, it stings your eyes and tickles your throat, making the former water and the latter constrict.

You feel a slight tingle at the base of your tail and a spike of pain in your rear end as you’re pulled back a few steps in an extremely violent manner. You peer over your shoulder see Rarity’s horn alight and concerned amusement on her face as she magically tugs on your rear end.

“Please don’t fall onto the tracks…” She playfully warns. “We’ve had enough accidents for one week, don’t you think?”

You nod, smirking as you give your head a single heavy shake, forcing the cough in your throat away. “Right… gonna take more than a hospital visit to fix getting run over by a train.”

Rarity’s bemused expression morphs into a slightly more serious one as gives your tail another, even more vicious yank. Slight jolts of pain rocketing up and down your rump in response to the violent tug.

“Ow! Alright, sorry, no more jokes about my injuries. I get it.” You promise, rubbing at your now sore flank with a hoof.

Rarity purses her lips for a moment, before giggling and grabbing her things, levitating her numerous pieces of luggage all at once. Two suitcases and three hoofbags full of cosmetics, shampoos, and clothing. You’d told her to pack light, since you didn’t expect to be in Manehattan for very long, apparently this is her definition of ‘packing light’. Excessive luggage packing runs in the family, it seems.

You flinch and lay your ears back against your head as the hulking metal machine pulls to a dead stop in front of the station. The ear-splitting scraping noise of the train’s brakes scratching against the rusted metal of the tracks filled the air, only to be joined by the howling whistle. You still don’t understand why trains need to be so loud, it’s only several hundred tons of metal machinery…

A loud resounding bang resonates throughout the small station as the passenger car’s door opens up, a pudgy silver mare steps out, unicorn horn fizzling out as the luggage compartment nearby slides open. A few ponies nearby slide their luggage underneath, Rarity quickly does the same, apologizing profusely to a few other disgruntled riders who have to wait for her to place her exorbitant amount of baggage into the less than spacious compartment. You giggle as she struggles with the task, adjusting the saddlebags on your back, glad that you’d decided to pack light. Not like you really have much of a choice, after all, pretty much everything you’d owned previously disappeared in a giant ball of fire a couple months ago. Like that coffee table! Man… you miss that coffee table.

Eventually Rarity manages to get her supplies all packed up, minus the small sky blue carry on she’d packed for the trip itself, since it was going to take about a day to get to Manehattan.

“Sorry about that everypony!” She says to the small pack of disgruntled ponies who’d gathered around her, all equally upset at her for taking up their valuable time. “It’s like I always say, a lady must bring along all her necessities!” Rarity’s face turns upwards into a wide grin, doing what she can to alleviate some of the tension practically radiating off of the ponies around her, though it doesn’t seem to help much, several angry eyes staring her down, wordlessly telling her to beat it. She, wisely, does so. Shuffling off to stand next to you, worry written on her expression.

You chuckle as the crowd goes about it’s business. You peck Rarity on the cheek, she lets out a cute little squeak in response to your affectionate kiss, and blushes profusely in embarrasment.

“Gonna pack a little lighter next time?” You inquire playfully.

Rarity’s only response is a muffled, “Perhaps…”

“ALL ABOARD!” The conductor’s voice rings out, overpowering the incessant commotion of the ponies bustling about the small station. You reach into your saddlebag’s front pocket and secure your lips around the small blue ticket within, Rarity does the same, as does your mother and father.

The four of you approach the mare, who smiles and reaches into her uniform’s inner pocket. She retrieves a small square pair of spectacles and dons them, holding out her hoof to collect your tickets. Your father, ever the practical one, had opted to keep all of your tickets in his bag’s zip up pocket. The mare takes a moment to look over each ticket, verifying their legitimacy, it doesn’t take her long.

“Thank you very much sirs and madams.” She unzips a small fanny pack hooked to her waist and places the tickets within. “Your first class rooms are in the car right behind this one. Thank you for choosing Fleethoof Express, please enjoy your ride.”

Your father thanks the mare as she steps aside, letting you and your family pass. You step aside, giving your hoof a wide sweeping motion as Rarity walks by, shooting you a bemused glare in response to your overzealous display.

“Ladies first!” Your playful declaration earns you an amused smile from the mare, who promptly marches forth, you follow behind, admiring the interior of the train as you made your way towards the back.

The car itself smelt faintly of fresh leather, the car was made up of two rows of spacious velvet seats, the likes of which were colored a dark red, with yellow patchwork diamonds sewed into the seams for simple decoration. Each seat was accompanied by a pair of sliding windows to the right or left respectively. The windows were open at the moment, letting cool, refreshing, air blow through the otherwise stuffy interior of the train. You sigh in relief as the soothing wind brushes across your heated body, it wasn’t too hot today, not like it had been the last couple weeks, but the summer heat is still somewhat of a nuisance, and you’re glad for the relief.

Eventually you, your parents, and Rarity, all make it into the next car. This time, rather than two rows of seats, there’s two rows of small boxed in rooms. Sleeper cars, you realize. Your father hadn’t mentioned booking these, at least, not when you were around. But it makes sense, the train ride from Ponyville to Manehattan is a long one, it took you a good day and a half to make it here when you’d left originally.

“Welp, here we are.” Your father declares, his horn shimmering as he slides open the wooden door leading to the second room on the right aisle. He turns to you with a smirk. “Your mother and I figured you and Rarity would like to have a room to yourselves. What with how frisky you yungin’s are these days.”

You feel your cheeks redden somewhat at the jibe. “Okay then, which room’s ours?”

“That one, right next to ours.” He states, pointing his head towards the door you happen to be standing next to. “Holler if you need anything.”

With that, your father and mother disappear into their rooms, the door sliding shut behind them. You turn to Rarity, smiling at her. You reach over with a hoof and tug on the door and yank it open.

“Ladies first.” You say, stepping aside to let her in. The unicorn smirks and gives her head a flick, flirtatiously batting her eyes at you as she waltzed her way into the room.

You feel your chest flutter a little as a result to her sultry look. Well, maybe your father had a point… you can’t honestly say you wouldn’t mind getting a bit… ‘frisky’, if the opportunity presents itself.

Wasting no time you quickly follow the unicorn into your shared room. Stopping only long enough to set your saddlebag down near the door, and taking a moment to glance about the room.

Your eyes widen somewhat as you do. Well, looks like your father has spared no expense. The room is positively lavish. A large queen sized bed butts up against the far side of the room, adorned with fresh white blankets, elaborately decorated with red and gold embroidery, and accompanied by two sets of the most comfortable looking pillows you’ve ever laid eyes on. Next to the bed, on both sides, rests two sets of metal nightstands, the likes of which had been bolted into the smooth white carpet below to keep them from falling over when the train gets rolling. Paintings hang from the walls as decoration, the one right about the bed depicts a scenic view of a beach, with a sun setting in the background, painting the sky a blazing hot orange and the sea an alluring blood red, another, right next to the door, is a classic fruit bowl, set to a nice green backdrop. They’re very well made, and pleasing to the eye. The walls are painted a soothing creamy white, relaxing in their simplicity.

“My, this is positively delightful!” You hear Rarity exclaim as she too admires the room. “I’ve taken my fair share of train rides, but I had no idea the sleeper cars were so well furnished.” The mare turns to you, a playful expression playing on her face. “You’ve spoiled me darling, I’ll never be able to ride coach again.”

You smirk at her, walking over towards the comfy looking bed in the center of the room. You press a hoof down onto the mattress, humming quietly to yourself as it sinks pleasantly into the delicate cushions below.

“Well, hopefully you won’t have to. After all, a talented fashionista like you? Only a matter of time till you hit the big leagues.” You chuckle a little. “But, nice room or not, it’s still gonna be a bit of a ride. Shame I didn’t bring anything to pass the time…” You’d intended to nab the next Daring Do novel while you were at the library today, but, as Twilight had unfortunately informed you, Rainbow had rented the entire series for a ‘Daring Do Binge Night’, or something.

You feel a shiver dance up and down your spine as a familiar pair of hooves slowly worm themselves around your body, and you feel an involuntary blush rush to your cheeks as Rarity’s hot breath dances against your ear. Teasing you with it’s hot, tantalizing, touch.

“Now darling…” Rarity coos, and you can practically feel the smile on her lips as she snuggles against you. “You’re nothing if not resourceful… sure there isn’t some way we might be able to… make this ride a bit more… enjoyable?”

You groan as she plants a few delicate kisses against your cheeks. Excited jolts dancing across your body in response to the inevitable passion to come.

“I’m sure I can think of something…” You moan, pulling away from her loving attention, just long enough to shoot her a loving smirk. “Why don’t you get on the bed? I might just have something in mind…”

The unicorn smiles at your suggestion, and quickly obeys. She slowly clambers onto the bed, springs squeaking as she slowly turns around, sinking into the plushness of the comforter with a sigh. She bites her lower lip in excitement, and gently motions with a flick of her hoof for you to join her.

Your parents spent the next three hours wondering what that incessant banging noise was in the bunk next door.

You're My Home

“Wakey, wakey, lovebirds…” The taunting voice dances on the fringe of your consciousness, gently coaxing you out of your delicate slumber. You roll over and brush it off, too exhausted to so much as acknowledge the pony pining for your attention. You curl your hooves around the curvaceous frame of your marefriend, and snuggle in close to her. “Oh, for the love of…” Your eyes snap open as a hard hoof is jabbed into your ribs, forcing you awake.

You groan a bit as you jolt to life, blinking a few times in an attempt to clear the heavy haze of sleep from your eyes. Eventually your vision refocuses long enough for you to gain a fuzzy perception of the pony standing above you, and you can feel your heart sink when you realize it’s none other than your mother, grinning madly at you wrapped up in the hooves of your lover, the evidence of your lustful, and incredibly lengthy, session of lovemaking clear to see.

You move your mouth to speak, but no words come out. Your cheeks burn, and you can feel Rarity start to shift about in the bed next to you, sleek feminine frame twisting about beneath the covers as she pulls you close, mumbling into the tussled fur of your chest.

Your mother seems to find the compromising position infinitely hilarious. “I take it the two of you tuckered each other out, by the looks of things.” A giddy chuckle slides past her lips. “You kids these days, so energetic.”

You don’t respond right away, still trying to get your head on straight. Your whole body aches, particularly the lower portion… and you’re not quite sure how long you’ve been asleep. “What time is it?” you ask aloud, not necessarily directing the question at anypony in particular, though your mother sees fit to answer anyway.

“A little past six a.m. We’re gonna be in Manehattan by nine, so your dad and I figured you two might like to…” she looks you over again, clearly amused, “freshen up a bit after that three hour show you’d put on for the rest of the train. Breakfast’s being served in the dining car as well; your father and I already got our own delivered to us, but we figured it best to wait and see if you two were…” She presses a playful hoof up to her lips to hide her mirthful smirk. “Shall I say, decent?”

You nod your head in agreement. As embarrassing as the whole situation had turned out to be so far, at least you and Rarity had been disturbed by somepony who could play it off as a joke, and not some pimply faced teenager who happened to deliver a stack of pancakes to the wrong cart at the wrong time.

You look down as Rarity slowly starts to come around, hind legs stretching out beneath the covers as she gently pulls her head away from your chest. She looked a little messy; long black lines of mascara marred her cheeks in thick rivulets, her cherry red lipstick was heavily smeared, her eyeshadow was ruined, and her lovely coiffure had deflated and flattened into a single, hairy, mess.

“Looks like your lady friend has finally come to.” Your mother points out, spinning around on her heels and slowly heading for the door. “Anywho, your father and I’ll be in our cart if you need anything, so you know where to find us. See you later, hun.”

You nervously rub at the back of your neck with a free hoof and blow a stray strand of the messy mop atop your head away from your eyes with an exasperated puff of air. “Bye, mom…” you mumble bashfully as she exits the room, the door sliding shut with a gentle slam behind her.

You watch for a moment as her silhouette dances across the glass window of your room, her shadow pressed up against the shut blinds from the sunlight. Eventually she disappears around the corner, and the sound of her own cart’s door sliding open, then shutting, rings out through the silent interior of the train.

Slowly, you can feel a displacement in the weight on the bed as Rarity unhooks her legs from around your chest and sits up. Her expression is one of confusion as she looks around the room, she places a dainty hoof up to her lips to stifle a heavy yawn. She looks around the room, rubbing at her right eye with that same hoof in an attempt to clear the sleep away from it.

“Oh, dear me…” she mumbles, shifting her focus back towards you. “My, I could have sworn somepony was just in here.”

You smile at the mare and pull yourself up, back crackling and snapping as you stretch your taut limbs and body. “There was…” you respond, voice strained a bit.

Rarity shoots you a perplexed look, already running both hooves through her mane in an attempt to make it appear somewhat presentable. “Really? Who was it?”

“Um…” You pause for a moment, contemplating what to say. “Our wakeup call.”

The fashionista doesn’t quite seem to understand what you mean, but you silence any questions she might kick your way with a deft dive forward as you swiftly plant your lips on her own and passionately kiss her. The mare squeals in surprised delight before giving in and leaning into the contact, sighing hotly into your mouth as your tongues intertwine, dancing with one another in a tangle of love.

You pull away, take a breath, and smile, savoring the taste of her delicious love on your tongue. The pale unicorn’s face burns a bright red, obviously caught off guard by your sudden oral assault.

“I’m going to go get us some breakfast,” you tell her, kicking off the covers wrapped around your lower half, the cool air of the cart brushing against your sweaty legs and cooling them in a delightful manner. “Any requests?” you ask her sweetly, feet dangling over the side of the bed as you look at her over your shoulder.

The mare gives her head a slight shake, snapping out of the reverie you’d put her in. She places the tip of her hoof to her chin and ‘hmms’ to herself for a moment, contemplating what to request. “Believe it or not, I find myself in the mood for pancakes. They do serve those, don’t they?”

You shrug. “I think so, I slept through breakfast last time I rode the train.” You feel an encroaching yawn approach, and swiftly move to choke it down with the back of your leg. You give your head a shake afterwards, forcing yourself awake.

“Well, in any case, you know what I like. I have faith in you.” She reaches over and gently pecks you on the cheek.

You chuckle and run a hoof through your mane, brushing your bangs out of your eyes. “I’m glad somepony does.” You hop off the bed and steady your feet. Your hind legs wobble a little bit and threaten to buckle under your weight, though you manage to regain your footing after a moment or two of fumbling. Your legs are… really weak, for obvious reasons… “I’ll be back in a moment Rare.”

You look over your shoulder and see the fashionista nod her head to signal that she’d heard. With that out of the way, you head outside into the hallway of the train. The rumbling of the tracks and whistling of the wind is a lot louder out here than in the quiet confines of your room. Outside, fields, meadows, woods, and streams pass by in a series of multicolored blurs, bleeding together into a single messy visage of wood, water, and grass. The car is warm, the air thick, heated by the dark orange shafts of sunlight bleeding through the rows of bare windows on your right, illuminating the dimly lit carriage and pushing away the darkness.

The soft carpet below feels good against your hooves, and small vibrations travel up and down your body as the train speeds along towards it’s destination. In a few of the nearby rooms you can hear ponies awaken and begin to stir, a quiet cacophony of alarm clocks, bedraggled moans, and squeaking beds all betraying their intentions. Others, however, appear to share your own mindset. You always preferred sleeping in. You’d gotten a bit of a taste for the act back during your unemployment, though working for Rarity had wound your internal clock back a bit, this was still the earliest you’d been up in a while.

Without further ado you start to meander down the hall, the delectable scent of breakfast foods and the sound of clanging silverware serving as your guides to find the dining car. It doesn’t take too long to reach it, and when you do, you can feel your stomach grumble and your mouth begin to salivate as the thought of stuffing your maw with all kinds of breakfast goodies runs through your mind.

You reach down and secure the handle of the dividing door in your teeth; a swift twirl of your neck and the door slides open, revealing the sight you’d been searching for. The sweet sugary smell of baked goods and the sounds of sizzling cookware assaults your nose and ears respectively. All around you ponies are moving about. Some took their plates full of food and left back to their respective carts while others joined each other at one of the many empty tables nearby, talking amongst themselves and enjoying their breakfasts.

The dining car is significantly different from the others you’d passed through on your way to get to it, including your own. Where either rooms or seats were lined along the far walls, leaving ample space for walking, this one, however, had about half of each side replaced with sturdy iron tables tables. They were long and rectangular; four occupied the left side, three on the right. Each of the tables was lined with plates of food; Flapjacks, bagels, muffins, anything you could imagine that was vaguely breakfasty was available for your consumption. The latter half of the cart had been turned into a makeshift restaurant area of sorts with seats repurposed into makeshift booths.

Suddenly you realize that carrying two plates back for you and Rarity is going to be a bit difficult without the aid of unicorn magic or pegasi wings, and you don’t really feel confident in your ability to balance a plate full of food atop your head or along the crux of your back, not with how the train shook you back and forth as you walked. You seek a compromise and only grab one plate. Rarity probably won’t mind sharing it with you, element of generosity and all.

You grab a nice fluffy pair of pancakes for her, butter them, and drench them in a nice, fine layer of maple syrup - not too much, but just enough to give it a sweet tang. After that’s all taken care of, you snatch up a few puffy looking blueberry muffins and a waffle for yourself. You also stop for a moment to grab something to drink, wetting your dried orifice with a half-full paper cup of orange juice. You’d prefer water, but it doesn’t look like they have any laid out, and you don’t want to dawdle.

Once your plate is sufficiently full, you quickly, yet cautiously to avoid any accidental mishaps, march back towards your car. Again, it doesn’t take long, and you’re standing outside your room’s door, plate dangling from your mouth, in what seems like no time.

You, unable to open the door with your mouth stuffed full of ceramic porcelain, are forced to knock. You jab your right front leg against the bottom of the door a few times, loud knocks ringing out throughout the desolate cabin in rapid succession. You can hear Rarity shuffle about on the other end of the door; the distinct odor of hair spray wafts about the air, mixing with the delicious smell of your pancakes in what is decidedly an unpleasant mixture, and you can hear her muttering to herself on the other side. You realize that she’s likely trying to fix the mess you’d made of her hair last night, and you can’t help but feel a little guilty for having done so.

Despite how little she seemed to care at the time, you’re well aware that Rarity’s magnificent coiffure is one of, if not the, piece of her look that she loves the most. She often spends about as much time fussing over her hair, as you do complaining about your own, which is quite a bit. It’s part of her perfectionist persona, you assume. She always has to look… just right.

You love that about her, her dedication to her passion, but sometimes, well, it’d be nice to see her let her hair down a little, and not worry about it so much. You’ve told her before, though you doubt it’s done much good, that what makes her so beautiful is her personality, charm, and generosity, with her looks only serving to accentuate the beauty within.

She’d laughed at you, playfully smacked you on the leg, and told you to stop being so cliche. You had to give her that one; it was a bit cliche, if true. Still, it’s part of what makes her who she is, and you’ll love her no matter what.

“Who is it?” she asks, posh voice muffled by the thick wooden door separating the two of you.

“Bmmngung, Rawruty… le’ muh ‘en.” You try, and fail, to articulate the sentence in your mind. You can’t imagine that Rarity really understands even the gist of what you’re saying, but you assume she’ll still be able to recognize your voice.

After all… It’s not exactly the first time you’ve tried to say her name with a full mouth… With about the same level of success.

“Oh, darling!” You hear her hooves hit the floor and her horn light up as the door slides open, the handle gripped in a telekinetic cloud of magic.

“Tlank ou.” you say, wandering into the room and hooking your hind leg against the bottom of the door and swinging it shut, ensuring you and your marefriend have some peace and quiet.

“Here, allow me dear.” Rarity envelops the plate in her magic. The ethereal blue cloud dances over your tongue, tingling your taste buds and making you grimace. Magic always seemed to have a dirty, steely, gross taste to it, certainly not something you’re overly fond of subjecting yourself to, but unable to avoid with your position as Rarity’s assistant.

You give your jaw a little twirl, stretching it out, carrying that plate around for so long had locked it up in a most unpleasant manner. You look up to see Rarity bring the plate closer to her face, taking a petite sniff of the steaming pancakes and cooing in delight.

“Mmm!” She moans happily, setting the plate down on the nightstand. “I must say, that smells positively delightful.” Her face scrunches up into a slightly embarrassed grimace as her stomach grumbles a little in anticipation, her pale white cheeks burn crimson, and her forced laugh brings a smile of amusement to your face.

“I’m glad you approve.” You say, smiling. “Now scooch over, we’re sharing.”

The pair of you eat jovially, the sugary grub sweetening the atmosphere and perking the both of you up. Even your somewhat sour mood is alleviated a bit by the time the pair of you finish, and you find yourself snuggling with Rarity on the bed, eyes turned toward the window as the pair of you watch the countryside speed by in a blur of green and blue.

“Not much longer now.” You mumble, squeezing Rarity’s hips a bit, bringing her closer. Your gaze wanders towards the clock mounted on the wall nearby, reading the time. You have a little less than an hour left before the train reaches it’s set destination.

Manehattan...

“Tell me, are you excited to be going home?” Rarity asks, squirming a bit in your grasp, a few stray strands of her purple coiffure wander towards your face, brushing against your nose, tickling it. “Darling?” She asks again, taking note of your apparent silence.

“I’m… not going home.” You respond, confidently, after a moment or two of contemplation.

“What?” She shoots up, looking you dead in the eye with a mixture of concern and surprise written on her face. “Don’t tell me you’ve come all this way just to lose your nerve.”

“No, Rare… I mean, Manehattan isn’t my home. I want you to know that… no matter what happens, my home’s with you, whether that’s Ponyville, or Canterlot, or wherever. I guess what I’m trying to say is… you are my home.”

You plant an affectionate kiss on her forehead.

“And as long as I’m with you, that’ll never change.”

She smiles, and holds you close.

You respond with a weak grin, and in kind. It feels good, being like this… you can only hope that it’ll last, after she learns what happened in Manehattan.

You look towards your saddlebag, the object you’d borrowed the day previous filling it up, distending the faux leather.

Hopefully that’ll help…

Hopefully...

Author's Notes:

Again, this is just a small piece so people know I'm not dead. I'm refocusing back on TNiL now that I have tons of free time to do with as I please, so look forward to more frequent, longer, updates in the near future.

Adios, Amigos

Some Things Never Change

“Oh by Celestia! It feels like we’ve been on that thing for years.” You hear Rarity exclaim as she daintily works her way down the final step leading off of the train , her hooves coming into harsh contact with the hard concrete of the floor below. The mare stretches, loosening the stiff joints and muscles that had been plaguing her for the better part of the last hour or so. When that is finished, she gives her head a flick, the luscious purple locks of her mane flowing elegantly behind her as she touches up her coiffure, ever mindful of her personal appearance.

You feel a smile overcome you as you follow her down, coming to a stop beside her, admiring her out of the side of your one good eye.

There she is, your Rarity, looking as lovely as ever.

Her numerous bags and bits of luggage lay scattered haphazardly on a dolly to her right, something you’d had the foresight to ask one of the attendants on the train to prepare before getting off yourself, much to his chagrin. Still, better him than you. For as much as you loved Rarity, you’d had your fill of hauling bags and suitcases around when helping Sweetie Belle pack up back in Ponyville. And, really, the last thing you needed right now was another crick in your neck.

“Come on.” You march up and give her a peck, eliciting a cheeky squeal from the mare in response. “It wasn’t thatlong.” You shoot her an impish smile. “Besides, we found a way to pass the time. A lot of it.”

Rarity blushes and returns your smirk with one of her own. “That we did, darling. And might I say, I am quite impressed with your performance.”

You feel a slight swell of pride in your chest as a result of that remark. Sexual prowess was never something you’d considered yourself particularly spectacular at, but Rarity never failed to sing your praises when she could get away with it. Maybe she was just being kind about it, but judging from how wonderfully vocal she got during the act, you find that doubtful.

“Well, I aim to please.”

“And please you do.” Rarity plants a soft kiss on your cheek, her tail intertwining with yours as she pulls you close and snuggles up to your side. A more public display of affection there could never really be. The touch warms your heart, and helps melt away some of the trepidation of the trials soon to come.

“Well...” You scan the area in front of you, your one good eye sifting through the thick growth of ponies hustling throughout the station in an attempt to pick out the distinct visages of your mother and father. After a few minutes of hunting, you fail to spot them. “Looks like my mom and dad went ahead of us. We’d better get after ‘em.” You look over Rarity’s shoulder, eyeballing the stack of luggage occupying the dolly resting idle beside her. “Think you can carry that?”

The fashionista’s horn lights up with a faint blue glow as the dull and clouded silver metal of the dolly is enshrouded in a cloud of similarly colored telekinetic magic. The rubber wheels beneath the metal tray squeak as she begins to roll it forward with relative ease.

“Not a problem dear. Shall we?”

Really, you just had to be born an Earth Pony...

You nod and walk hip to hip with Rarity through the bustling Manehattan train station. You cast your gaze about, somewhat overwhelmed by all of the familiar, yet at the same time unfamiliar, commotion. All around you crowds of ponies gather and shuffle about, hastily marching towards trains, family members, or one of the numerous shops or rest areas that dotted the interior of the station. That was to say nothing of all the shouting, the tidal wave of voices that seemed to crash over you as soon as you and Rarity descended into the twisted innards of the station itself, hundreds of ponies all fighting to have their voices heard over the suffocating cacophony that permeated the building.

It takes you a few moments to adjust to the newfound barrage of sound and sensations. After having spent so much time in a small country town like Ponyville you find it surprisingly overwhelming to be thrust back into such a chaotic and busy environment. Out of curiosity you steal a glance towards Rarity, who, outside of some mild confusion as she looks around and tries to gather her bearings, seems less bothered by the commotion than you are. Perhaps she’s more of a mind for crowds than you do, what with all the fashion shows she attends and the routine trips to Canterlot.

Out of the corner of her eye she seems to notice you looking, she cocks her head to the side and shoots you a curious look. “Something the matter dear!?” She inquires, voice raised in an attempt to be heard.

You shake your head and lean down closer to her ear, so you don’t have to shout. “Just a little loud is all!”

The fashionista nods her head. “Agreed! Let’s find your parents and find somewhere just a touch quieter, shall we?”

You share her sentiment, and the pair of you quicken your pace, moving from a slow walk to a gentle gallop, both of you eager to quit this place as soon as you’re able in exchange for an infinitely less obnoxious environment.

…………………………

“There you two are!” You hear your mother say as you and Rarity trot up behind her. It took a while, but you finally managed to locate your parents towards the far end of the station, near the entrance/exit of the building. “I was starting to wonder if the pair of you had gotten lost.”

It had taken you and Rarity a little longer to catch up than you’d anticipated. Trying to worm your way through a literal horde of bodies was difficult enough on it’s own, and only proved to be infinitely more so when you needed to drag around three tons or so of luggage.

“Oh I do apologize Miss Petal.” Rarity speaks up, a touch of bashfulness coloring her voice. “We didn’t mean to hold you up. I wasn’t expecting it to be so, well, crowded.” Rarity steals a glance to her left and right, towards the throngs of ponies moving about, surprise written evident on her face.

“Yeah, you never really get used to it.” Your father pipes up, smiling at her. “More ponies in Manehattan than you can shake a stick at. Pretty big difference from what you’re used to I expect.”

“Well, I’m not necessarily a stranger to crowds.” Rarity returns your father’s smile with one of her own. “But yes, I’ve never quite seen so many ponies in one place before. Not since I’ve lived in Ponyville, anyway.” The fashionista shoots you a playful grin. “I don’t know how you citydwellers keep up.”

You playfully snort at her assertion. “Please Rarity. I can barely keep up with Sweetie Belle and her friends, and that’s just three foals, you think I ever actually learned how to deal with all this?”

The mare giggles. “Point taken my dear.”

You open your mouth to say something else when you spot a familiar looking visage off in the distance. The haggard look, the fancy three piece suit, the magnificent moustache, and how on Equestria could you forget that swagger?

“GAH! Witherspoon!” Your mother practically leapt out her skin when she felt the mature stallion tap on her shoulder, the faintest hint of a wry smile touching at the corner of his lip.

“Good evening Madam Petal.” He said, apparently unphased by her outburst.

Your mother shot him a menacing glare, her face contorting into as much a snarl as her mottled flesh would allow. “You are definitely doing that on purpose.”

The older stallion’s eyes widened, just a touch, as if to feign surprise. “Am I?” Was the only response he gave to your mother before turning his eyes to you. “My, my, isn’t this quite the surprise. It’s a pleasure to see the young master back with his family again after all this time.”

You chuckle at the stallion and shoot him a warm smile. “And in one piece… er, mostly.”

“Not for lack of trying to wind up in several, I’m sure.” You feel a hint of shame color your cheeks as you glance towards the floor, he wasn't wrong, that's for sure. Judging from the amount of accidents you've been in since leaving you're lucky you've still got four legs to stand on. Witherspoon’s eyes fall upon your marefriend. “And in the company of such a fine looking young mare as well.” The stallion bows his head low. “Witherspoon. Pleasure to make your acquaintance young lady.”

“Oh!” Rarity presses a dainty hoof to her lips in pleasant surprise. “The pleasure’s all mine, sir.”

“Easy there hound dog.” Your father jokingly warns. “This one’s taken. Isn’t that right?”

You chuckle. “That’s right.” You beam, no matter how many times you get to say it, you doubt the joy will ever actually wear off. Rarity’s a catch by pretty much any standard, the fact that you can openly admit to loving one another is something you’ll never tire of being able to do. “And I am most certainly not keen on sharing.”

Witherspoon holds up a disarming hoof. “Rest assured. I shall respect you and your marefriend’s intimacy. I’m much too old to be engaging in such acts anyhow.” He lowers his hoof back to the ground. “Back to the matter at hoof, however. I’m pleased to inform you all that the chariot is here to take you home. The young mistress Aquaris has come along as well.”

You perk up at that. Aquaris, your sister, your mind had been so preoccupied with thoughts of finally coming clean about your past to Rarity that you’d almost forgotten about her. As shameful as that is to admit. You feel a slight edge of happiness break out over the restless unease plaguing your heart. You really wanted to see her, now that she’s come to mind, you want to try and build up some of that brother/sister bond that you’d never really managed to build in the first place now that the opportunity had presented itself.

Having spent so much time with Rarity, and getting to play the audience watching her and Sweetie Belle’s relationship bloom as siblings who truly care about one another has really made you feel guilty about not even trying to establish a bond in the first place.

Just one more regret to remedy while here, you guess, trying to stay confident about the whole ordeal.

You see your father sigh. “I thought she had swim practice today. Don’t tell me she skipped.”

Witherspoon turns to the stallion, his expression akin to stone. “I argued that the young mistress should attend but she was… adamant she be present for your return. I found it difficult to refuse.”

“Yeah. That’s Aquaris alright.” Your mother heaves a sigh to match your father’s. “I suppose a day off won’t do her any harm.”

“I suppose not.” Your father grudgingly admits, before he turns his attention to you and Rarity. “Well, you two, shall we be off? I don’t know about you but I’ve had just about enough of trains, train stations, and the ponies who occupy both.”

“Agreed.”

“Agreed.”

Both you and Rarity raise an eyebrow at one another.

Your mother blanches. “Oh no… They’re spending so much time wrapped together that they’re literally fusing into the same pony.” She turns around and stops marching towards the stairwell that lead out of the train station. “Let’s get out of here before it happens and they destroy us all in the process.”

Your father rolls his eye and motions for the pair of you to follow him with a flick of his head. “Think we’d better go before your mother goes completely insane.”

“Halfway there already dear!” Your mother shouts at him over her shoulder.

“Oh that’s fine! Partial insanity I can deal with!” Your father quickly moves to follow her, hooves clacking against the cold grey concrete pavement below as he speeds up, trotting in an attempt to close the distance between them.

You, despite yourself, manage a snicker. “I guess some things never change.”

Author's Notes:

Yes, yes, I know. It's short and a little rough. But rest assured when I tell you that this is only a tiny portion of the chapter I'm working on right this moment, the likes of which should be significantly longer, or at least have more stuff actually happen in it.

This is more or less just to bring the fic back to life from dead as fuk status. So people can see that the fic isn't rotting in the grave anymore, let them all bear witness as I work my black magic and bring this fic BACK FROM THE GRAAAAAVE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqj8MK6KlOI

*ahem* So yeah, this is essentially just a 'look I'm keeping my promise!' update. Expect more chapters within a few days to a week.

Also I apologize if things seem a little off. I'm kind of getting back into the swing of things in terms of both pony and writing in general. It's kind of hard to jump back into writing the last chunk of something after two years of leaving it be.

So, yeah, enjoy. Expect more soon.

Who are you? Part I

“Aquaris!” The filly bristles up against you as you scoop her up into your hooves, hugging her with all the might your battered body can muster, which isn’t much, if you’re being honest.

The little unicorn fidgets awkwardly in your grip, unused to such open and physical displays of affection from her big brother. Her little pink cheeks morph into a shade of crimson in response, clearly embarrassed to be so openly appreciated in such a public venue.

“Okay…” She squeaks out, clearing her throat. "Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”

Same mother and father, same Aquaris…

Some things really don’t change.

A chuckle rises up in your throat as you loosen your grip and let her slide free from your embrace, much to her relief. “Awe, I missed you too sis.”

The filly regains her footing, her horn lighting up with a shimmering green glow as she uses magic to brush herself off. “Clearly.”

You tilt your head and give her a sort of ‘come on’ look. A cocksure grin spreading across your face.

She groans grumpily in response. “You’re gonna make me say it. Aren’t you?”

“Say what, Aquaris?” You ask playfully.

A heavy sigh slides past her lips. “Fine.” A sneaky smile slithers across her face as she looks up at you, big green eyes awash with mirth. “I missed you too, big brother.”

Chuckling heartily, you pat her lightly on the head. “That wasn’t so hard. Was it?”

“Wow!” Your mother exclaims, cutting Aquaris off before she can hit you with another dose of snark. “I don’t think I’ve seen you two be so affectionate with one another since… Well, ever, now that I think about it.”

“Yes.” Your father, clearly unable to stop himself from adding in his two cents, speaks up. “Truly, the end times are upon us.”

You notice your sister’s eyes wander towards the white unicorn standing beside you, her expression morphing from one of vague happiness to confusion and curiosity.

“Who’s this?” She asks.

Rarity steps forward, the glow around her horn fizzling out as she brings the dolly full of her luggage to a stop nearby. The wobbly wheels let loose one last, harsh squeal before it stops moving entirely. You feel a slight sense of relief wash over you as a result, you’d been listening to that damn thing for the past fifteen minutes, give or take, and it was starting to really grate on your nerves. You’re about ninety percent certain that’s what the sound of madness is like. A hell of squeaking and squealing.

“Rarity, darling.” She holds out a dainty hoof, your sister takes it and gives it a gentle shake. “I’m your brother’s marefriend from Ponyville.” The two separate hooves, Rarity offers the little filly a soft smile. “My, aren’t you just the prettiest little lady? I love what you’ve done with your mane.”

Your sister perks up a bit at the compliment, running a small hoof through her shortly trimmed jet black mane, smoothing it down.

“Really? I prefer it when it’s longer, personally.” Your sister admits, beaming up at the older unicorn. “But I’ve gotta keep it short for swim team.”

“Yes, really. It looks quite lovely on you.” Rarity bends down a little and giggles. “I hear short manes are all the rage these days. And, so much easier to style.” The fashionista fluffs the curl of her coiffure with her bruised hoof. “Easier than this, anyway.”

“I bet that is pretty tiring to deal with. It looks really pretty though.” Your sister sends a compliment of her own Rarity’s way. This brings a smile to your face, you’ve never heard her be so… well, pleasant, with another pony before. Rarity brought out the best in everyone, it seemed.

“Oh! Thank you. That’s very sweet of you to say.” Rarity finishes mussying with her mane and offers the filly a smile.

Aquaris shoots you a smirk. “I really like this one. You’re gonna keep her around for a while, right?”

You can feel your cheeks burn a bit in response to that particular remark. You definitely weren’t pleased with having your past relationships brought up in front of Rarity, it made you feel… dirty. Unfaithful and unreliable, you doubt Rarity lets the words of others way her opinions of you, but it still stings a bit every time those other relationships get brought up.

You push the doubts away, and wrap a hoof around Rarity’s own in a gentle show of affection.

“Forever, if I can keep her around that long.” You say, giving the unicorn’s cheek a loving nuzzle.

The fashionista giggles demurely in response to the physical contact. “Keep that up and you’re sure to have me hanging off of you for years to come, my dear gentlecolt.”

Your sister seems genuinely impressed with the sincerity the fashionista holds in her voice. It’s now you realize that she’s likely been exposed to just how poorly your previous relationships all went through osmosis, you’d never really talked to her about them, never really brought them up in her presence, but she was a smart, observant, filly. Her knowledge of how poorly all of your relationships end up isn’t particularly surprising.

“Yes this is all quite pleasant.” Witherspoon speaks up, slipping between you and your parents as he marches towards the red and black carriage parked at the curb nearby. “But now that we’re quite finished with the meet and greet, shall we be off?” The old stallion shoots you the smallest of smirks. “I’m sure the young master is eager to show his beloved his old home, hm?”

You feel the frown carve deep, jagged lines into your face. To be perfectly honest, your old home was one of the last places you wanted to be. Though it holds many a pleasant memory, and you’re sure Rarity will positively adore the lavish abode, the unpleasant memories are much fresher in your mind, and you’re loathe to go picking at old wounds. Still… confronting those memories, your past, is the reason you’re here. Though part of you wants nothing more than to turn around and march right back onto that train… You made a promise. A promise to the mare you care about more than anything else in this world. And you like to consider yourself a stallion who keeps his promises.

“Right…” You turn to Rarity and offer her a forced smile. “I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“Oh, well… I do hope so.” The fashionista lays her ears back atop her head and offers you a soft smile and giving your hoof a comforting squeeze, picking up on your evident trepidation at the prospect of returning to the home you’d left behind so many months ago. You appreciate the attempt, though it does little to ease your troubled thoughts.

Witherspoon pulls the door leading into the carriage open with a slight flick of his head, allowing Rarity to step into the lavish interior of the vehicle, followed by your parents, then your sister.

A puff of warm air leaves your nostrils as you steel yourself for the journey ahead, and march forwards. Witherspoon stops you before you can step inside, his hoof landing warmly on your shoulder. He smiles, lips curling upwards behind his bushy, grey moustache.

He utters your name in order to garner your attention. “It’s good to have you back… I know it’s not easy confronting your past, but I think you’re making the right decision.” He gives your shoulder an encouraging pat. “For what little that’s worth.”

You return his affections with a weak smile of your own. “It’s worth a lot, Wither. Thank you.”

He lets his hoof fall away from your shoulder, coming to a rest against the hard, grey pavement below.

“Any time.”

You nod, offering him your thanks once again, and step inside.

-------------------

The spacious interior of the carriage rocks back and forth, albeit gently, as the stallions pulling the cart pick up their pace. You shift uncomfortably in your plush leather seat, thoughts drifting as your eyes wander out the window to your right, your thoughts racing.

It took a while. Maybe you’d been too distracted by your family and Rarity to really think about it at first. But now it hits you, full force. The realization has officially sunk in and it won’t be leaving anytime soon.

You’re back.

It’s not a dream, not an idle fantasy. You’re actually here. Back in the place it all started. The realization doesn’t sit well with you, and you suddenly find yourself plagued with worry and doubt. On the train ride over it hadn’t quite sunk in yet, the realization of what’s to come. It had still seemed… Far away. Distant. You could push it out of your mind for a while and pretend that things were fine. But now, here you are, reality staring you in the face.

You sigh and let your eyes drift upwards. The sky is mostly empty, occupied by only the occasional fluffy white cloud or a meandering pegasus. The air outside the cart is warm, stuffy, though the speed at which you’re travelling means that the gentle breeze that results helps alleviate some of the discomfort that might have resulted from the temperature.

Eventually you get bored with sticking your head out the window, and settle back into your seat, casting an idle glance about the interior of the carriage.

Directly in front of you sits your mother, your father, and Witherspoon. Each of them engaged in idle conversation about nothing of immense import. You hear your father mention loans and accounting, so you can only assume it’s something bank related. As a result you instantaneously tune out.

Besides you sits Rarity, her head turned as she runs a gentle hoof through your little sister’s hair, studying it beneath a scrutinizing gaze.

“My, you have just the loveliest mane my dear.” Rarity beams, smiling gently at the filly.

“I take pride in my mane.” Your sister states rather matter-of-factly as she gives her head a flamboyant flick, flaunting herself. “My brother’s a different story, though.”

You self consciously reach a hoof up to rub at your messy and unkempt mane. You’d spent years trying to get it to look like something to be proud of, sadly, no matter how much you brushed, washed, dried, styled, and gelled, it just never really cooperated. You’ve pretty much given up at trying to make it look halfway respectable at this point, short of shaving it all off and going commando, you’re pretty much out of ideas.

Rarity glances back towards you, over her shoulder, and flashes you a smile. “I don’t know, I think it has it’s own charm. Rather dashing, if I do say so myself.”

“If you say so…” Your sister says, less than convinced.

You offer Rarity a small smile as thanks, before turning back to your window in order to attend to more pressing matters. Like sulking, and feeling sorry for yourself.

Yeah, much more pressing.

It doesn’t take long for the fashionista to pick up on the sourness of your mood, you still aren’t really expecting it when she presses a hoof against your shoulder. The sudden and unexpected contact causes you to jump slightly in surprise, the mare recoils slightly in response. You turn to look at her.

“Is everything okay, darling?” Rarity inquires, her expression fraught with evident concern. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”

Your ears lay flat against the back of your head as you sink down in your seat apologetically. “Sorry, Rare. I’m just feeling a little… You know, apprehensive I guess.” You offer her a weak smile. “I’m fine, really.”

The fashionista raises an eyebrow and cocks her head to the side, the curl at the end of her illustrious coiffure bouncing lightly in response to the movement. She is clearly less than convinced.

“You, my dear, are a terrible liar.” She says, a touch of amusement creeping into her voice.

You chuckle lightly. “Really? On a scale from one to Applejack, what would you rate me?”

“A solid seven.” She answers without missing a beat. “But, seriously my dear. Will you please tell me what’s bothering you?”

You sigh heavily, disappointed to find that your attempt at deflecting the situation with humor had evidently failed.

“It’s just… you know.” You lower your voice, the last thing you want to deal with right now is having your family chip in with their two bits. “I’m just not comfortable here.”

Rarity leans forward, dropping her voice as well. “Do you want me to ask them to stop the carriage so you can get out?”

You shake your head. “No I don’t mean in here, Rare.” Your eyes meet as you look up at her, self-doubt and worry becoming ever more evident the longer you let your emotions seep through the cracks of the steely mask you’d been wearing for the better part of the last hour. “I mean here. Manehattan. It just doesn’t… feel right.”

The fashionista’s eyes widen a touch in understanding. “Ah, I see.” You feel her wrap a gentle, loving hoof around your own as she attempts to comfort you with her touch. “Are you having second thoughts about this whole thing?”

“Well, no… not really.” You answer relatively honestly. You’re not exactly regretting the decision to come here in an attempt to deal with your emotional baggage, for Rarity’s sake if nothing else, but still, it’s one of the most uncomfortable feelings you’ve ever experienced. “It’s just, you know… I’ve got a lot of bad memories here.”

“I understand, dear.” Rarity leans in and pecks you gently on the cheek, bringing a twinge of a smile to your lips. “I’ll be with you every step of the way. Okay?”

You nod. “Thanks Rarity. I appreciate it.” You don’t have the heart to tell her that’s precisely why you’re so scared of doing this.

Rarity has been so kind to you, so loving, so generous… you care about her more than any other pony on the planet. Part of you feels confident that no matter what happens here, she’ll always feel the same way you do.

Still… the doubt plagues your mind. What you did… nopony can really come away from something like that and still look at the pony responsible the same way.

At this point… all you can really do is hope.

-------------------

The carriage jostles to a stop, knocking you out of your mute reverie. You blink your eyes a few times, focusing them for the first time in what feels like forever. You turn your head towards the open window to your right and peer outside, in the distance you see your family’s manor, three stories high, with it’s walls painted a stirling pearly white. The building was surrounded on all sides by verdant green grass, maintained by only the best fertilizer and gardeners money could buy.

“Looks like we’re here.” Your father chirps up, glancing out his own window.

“My, that was rather quick.” You feel Rarity’s side press up against you, her soft fur rubbing up against your own, silken and warm, like velvet. She joins you near the window, her magnificent blue eyes widening with sparkling wonder as she drinks in the stunning visage of your family’s abode. “Goodness!” She exclaims, a tone of wonder coloring her voice.

You turn to smile at her, putting on a confident and gracious show, mostly for her benefit. “Like what you see, Rare?”

The fashionista shakes her head, her lips curling upwards in excitement. “Oh I most certainly do. This is where you lived darling?” She asks, almost incredulous of such a possibility.

You chuckle and shake your head. “Mhm, wouldn’t know it to look at me. Huh?”

Rarity pats your cheek affectionately with a hoof. “Oh of course I would. You’re one in a million my dear.”

A snort leaves your throat as you scoff jokingly at her compliment. “Flattery will get you everywhere Rarity.”

“Well!” Your sister pipes up, stretching her legs out in her seat, her stiff back and neck popping audibly as she loosens herself up. “Gettin’ a little too romantic in here for me. Can we go inside now? I have studies to take care of.”

“Studies you should have had finished hours ago, young lady.” Your father chides the filly, much to her evident chagrin. “But you’re right, no reason to dally. Come along everyone!” The older stallion hops out of his seat, rocking the interior of the carriage back and forth slightly as a result. His unicorn horn lit up as the thick wooden double doors leading into the carriage flung themselves open via the use of his telekinetic magic.

You and your companions all shuffle outside, into the stuffy summer air, your hooves clicking and clacking against the hard cobblestone paved walkway that wound upwards to the entrance of your family’s manor.

“Here, let me help you Rare.” You reach up and offer the fashionista your hoof, she takes it and offers you a grateful smile in return. You grunt lightly, your banged up body aching a bit in response as you bare the brunt of the unicorn’s weight as she eases herself down to the ground. She doesn’t weigh much, not that you’d say anything about it if she did, but your still tender wounds have made even the lightest of weights seem more difficult to lift than usual. Thankfully you’re an Earth Pony, which means you’re a little stronger than the average Pegasus or Unicorn.

Well, it ain’t telekinesis or flight, but it’s something to be proud.

“Thank you kindly, my dear.” Rarity turns back towards the carriage, sparkling blue eyes wandering towards the cart packed full of luggage that had been tied haphazardly to the back. You can see her looking it over, double checking to make sure none of the bags had escaped during the trip from the train station to here. It wouldn’t exactly surprise you if a couple of them had, after all, you’d loaded the poor thing up to such a degree you’re surprised the stallions pulling the cart could even get it moving.

“Anything missing?” You ask, following Rarity’s gaze with your own.

“No… I don’t believe so.” The unicorn turns to you, ears laying flat against her head as an apologetic expression passes over her face. “I’m just wondering how exactly we’re going to get it all unloaded. Let alone fitting it in the door…”

You let a sigh slide past your lips. “Starting to regret taking half the boutique with you?”

The mare chuckles nervously in response. “I didn’t take half!” She swats you playfully with her tail. “Only about a third. At best.” The fashionista turns to you again, batting her eyelashes at you seductively. “You are going to help me with it all. Aren’t you, my dear?”

If your eyes had rolled any harder they’d have probably fallen out of your head. “I am your assistant, after all. Doing this sort of thing is kind of my job, isn’t it?”

The unicorn rewards your acceptance with a heartfelt kiss to the cheek. “You are simply the best my dear.”

You smile to yourself, heart warmed by the comment, and start to make your way towards the back of the carriage.

“Well, I’m glad somepony finally noticed.”

----------------------

Author's Notes:

So this is taking a little longer to get done than I originally intended. So I decided might as well split it up into two/three parts just so I don't run the risk going five months without any sort of update.

I apologize if it seems like fuck all happens this update, but, like I said, two/three parts. I'll endeavor to get the next bit out soon as I can. Also to clean up this one since I'm sort of neglecting the proof reading/editing.