> Gems and Lilies
>  by HunterofStealth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The sun peeked up through my curtains waking me up from a heavy, dreamless sleep. Sitting up in my bed, I groaned, "Ugh. Another great day in Manehattan. Forcing myself to get up, I dragged my hooves to my mirror across my room. It was moderately furnished with a wooden floor, several rugs, and a few chairs. To the far side of the room was my bed with my desk and wardrobe on the wall closest to the door. I picked up my brush, fixing my lavender mane to its usual position covering most of my face.
After I finished fixing myself up for the day, I walked out of my room to the kitchen to make some breakfast. I grabbed the bread in my magic, putting two slices in the toaster, feeling too lazy to cook something. I heard a noise from the door to the kitchen and I saw my mom stumble in, still looking a bit sleepy with her mane out of place.
"Morning, Mom," I called out, waiting for my toast to be ready.
"Oh, good morning, my little gem," Mom said as I grimaced at her pet name for me. Walking to a nearby cupboard to pull out some cereal, she asked, "What are you making?"
"Toast. And do you really need to call me that name? I'm a bit old for it," I complained. 
My mom looked at me as she poured her cereal, "Oh fine, Amethyst."
"Pfft, that's what you say every time..." I grumbled as my toast popped. I grabbed it in my magic and put it on my plate on the small table where my mom was already seated. "I've been thinking..." I started to say after taking a bite out of my toast.
"This again?" Mom looked up from her bowl at me. 
"Yes," I said, "You know I don't have any friends here. I hate it here. And besides, sure I help you with running the store now, but you can run it yourself. You've ran it before I could even help."
"It's just that since your dad passed away..." She paused for a few seconds. "Since, he passed away. you're all that I have that reminds me of him."
"Mom. I know, it's just that... Well you know that I don't like it in Manehattan." I said, looking up from my breakfast. "I'd rather be someplace... well not like Manehattan. I don't want to be in a big city, I'd rather be someplace calmer." I paused to think for a second. "Like Ponyville. You always told me about it and how you used to live there as a filly."
Mom sighed, "Fine," She said giving up. "It would probably do you some good to get out in the world too. You've been your own mare for several years now."
"Wow. I didn't expect you to finally give up on this..." I started to say before mom hushed me.
"I know. But I've been thinking about it too. It'll probably be a good experience for you to get out of Manehattan. When are you planning on leaving?" Mom asked me across the table.
I thought for a second before replying, "Well... Since you're fine with it now... Tomorrow?"
"So soon... I was hoping that you would leave later," She said to me with a frown. "Well, let's at least have dinner one last time before you leave for Ponyville."
I groaned, "Do we really have to eat out?"
Mom chuckled. "Oh come on. It's the last time your mom's going to see you for a while."
Sighing, I replied, "Fine. I'll go pack up then." I finished off my toast and put my plate in the sink for it to be cleaned later and almost got out of having to clean it when mom called out to me.
"Hey! It might be your last day here, but clean up your dishes." I groaned as I started to trudge my way back to the sink.
"Oh, buck me," I mumbled.
"What was that," Mom glanced at me in the way that only a mother scolded a child can do.
"Um, n-nothing... I-didn't-say-anything," I blurted out as my eyes shot wide.


__________


The next morning, we arrived at the Manehattan train station and I purchased my ticket from the booth near the entrance. It read 'Railway 9' along with the time my train would be departing. It wasn't far off, only twenty minutes or so. Mom led the way as I walked alongside her. I tried to weave my way through the crowds of ponies as I trotted to my destination. We escaped past the swarms and got to the railway my ticket said to go to. Unlike the crowds behind us, the railway had close to nopony around. Just a white mare sitting near a corner drawing and several others trying to keep themselves busy.
"Finally free of those crowds," I said, feeling glad. Setting my saddlebags on the ground next to me, I turned to face mom. "Well, I guess that this is good-bye for now."
Mom started to tear up as she said, "I'm going to miss you. Make sure you write to me." She pulled me into a hug.
"I will Mom. I promise," I replied through her hug.
"Make sure you tell me about everything that happens. Especially if you meet that stallion, you better write to me about it," She said to me as she broke the hug.
"Mom," I whined. "Do you really have to say that... In public?"
"Oh fine," She took a deep breath. "Okay. I'm alright now. I'm going to miss you, my little gem." I frowned. "Make sure that you stay safe. And remember, I'm always here in Manehattan."
A loudspeaker announced the train's arrival and I turned my head around to see it pull up to the station. Picking up my saddlebags, I turned to Mom one last time and hugged her, saying, "Good bye. I promise that I'll write to you."
"Good bye, Amethyst. I love you. Make sure that you stay safe," Mom said back, breaking our hug. I turned towards the train and entered it, waving back to Mom with a hoof. She waved back as she started to tear up once again. I put on a strong face for her and took a seat near the back of the train car I went into.
I took a deep breath at the prospect of a new start in my new home.
As the doors closed, the train's loudspeakers announced, "Now departing for Ponyville." I looked out the window towards the station as the train pulled out, speeding along to my destination. My new home.
> Chapter 1: New to Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Five minutes to Ponyville, The train’s loudspeaker announced, drawing me back to attention. I had been staring out the window at the trees that passed by. Covered in the green leaves of summer, the trees spanned across the entire landscape draped across a backdrop of mountains.
As the train neared Ponyville, I saw the town in the distance. Its buildings much smaller compared to the towering buildings of Manehattan. It had a more rural feel to it from a distance without the tall skyscrapers of my previous home. From what I could see, instead of metal and glass, the houses were made of wood and what looked like hay.
I got up from my seat, putting my saddlebags back on as the train pulled into the station and its doors opened up for its passengers to disembark. I followed the mass of ponies outside onto the platform.
I was greeted by the bright sunlight. Squinting my eyes, I trotted across the station passing through the crowds. I should probably head for the town center to see if there’s any housing I can take. 
Setting off on my quest into town, I set off trotting from the station when I was promptly stopped by my stomach. Quickly glancing around, I noticed several ponies looking over at me. Laughing nervously, I stepped up the pace and went further into town for something to eat.
The entire town seemed to be much more relaxed than Manehattan had ever seemed. Instead of roads covered in ponies of all kinds, there were only several groups walking together. Ponyville was nicer than Manehattan and had a more tranquil feeling to it. The air even felt clearer than it was at home.
My eyes finally saw a food cart in the distance which I hastily cantered over to. The orange mare working the cart was calling out to ponies along the street trying to sell the apples she was selling. 
“Come get some fresh apples from Sweet Apple Acres. Fresh picked this mornin’,” She called out until she saw me approach her cart.
“Good day. Would ya like ta buy some apples?” The mare running the stand asked, “Only one bit per apple!”
“Only one?!” I said in disbelief. Apples in Manehattan were usually several bits more. “Yes please.” I turned towards my saddlebags to fish out a bit to place on the stand. It was promptly replaced with an apple. As I picked it up in my magic, the orange pony spoke up.
“Say, are ya new in town? Ah don’t reckon Ah’ve seen ya before.”
I hesitated for a while. I never spoke with anypony more than necessary back home, but it wouldn't be wise to get myself a bad reputation in my new home. Mentally sighing, I responded, “Yeah. I just got off the train from Manehattan a few minutes ago.”
“Ah’ve been to the big city before,” She paused before speaking again. “Well, not Manehattan. Ah went ta live with mah Aunt and Uncle Orange up in Fillydelphia.”
Starting to feel uncomfortable, I trailed  off, “That’s nice...”
“So what d’ya plan to do here in Ponyville,” She asked, with a faint spark of curiosity visible in her eyes.
Again, I paused, wondering why she wanted to know so much about me. Pushing my unwarranted concern aside to the back of my mind, I replied, “Well, I plan to find somewhere to live. I also plan to set up a stand to sell jewelry.”
The mare paused to think for a second until she said, “Well mah good friend Rarity sells gems over at her store, Carousel Boutique, on the other side of town. I’m sure if you told her that Ah sent ya, she’d certainly willing to set you up generously.” She paused another moment, a look of deep thought on her face. “As for housing,” She started, “Ah’m sure ya could take a peek over at town hall. They have a board there that has several notices about housing.”
My stomach took this time to remind me that it still needed to be fed, butting into our conversation with a fearsome growl. I blushed as the earth pony chuckled. “Well, Ah better leave ya to it then. See ya ‘round town!”
“Thank you for everything,” I said before rushing off to find a chair or bench for me to eat my apple. My eyes came across an empty bench, and smiled as I took a seat at it. 
I pulled the apple I bought out of my saddlebags and take a bite into it. The apple truly was one of the best apples I've ever had before, easily topping those in Manehattan. It had a nice tart flavoring, yet was sweet at the same time with just the right amount of crunch to it. Just the way an apple should be. Must be something to do with being grown so close to its roots, I guessed, taking another bite and finishing off my lunch.
With my hunger satiated and ready to find this Carousel Boutique I set off towards my goal, or at least where I thought my goal was. Getting lost pretty fast, I settled for asking several ponies, much to my dislike, and got directions to the store.
Reaching it in several minutes, the building had a very… round shape to it. I don’t know what I was expecting there. Carousel is  in the name. The building had a pink and gold trim to it giving it a feel of class.
As I walked through the door, a bell chimed to announce my entrance. In came a white unicorn mare with a styled mane that looked a bit like a spring. She looked towards me with a pleasant smile and greeted, “Hello. Welcome to Carousel Boutique. I have a major clearance sale going on right now if you’re interested.”
“No thank you,” I said, shaking my head. “I take it that you’re Rarity?” She nodded. “I was wondering if you had any gems for sale. A mare in the marketplace running an apple stand said that you did”
Rarity nodded, “You must be talking about Applejack. As for the gems...” She paused for second to think before she spoke up again. “I do have gems, but what kind of gems are you looking for? I have all kinds of them.”
“Well, I more or less need gems that have been cut and polished for use in jewelry.” I explained, “You see, my mother was a jeweler and taught me the tricks of the trade. I was hoping to follow in her hoofsteps.”
Rarity smiled at me. “I think I know just what you need…”


__________


An hour or so later, I had selected the jewels I needed to set myself up. Just as Rarity was ringing up my purchase, she spoke up, “Excuse me, miss…” 
“Amethyst,” I replied.
“Miss Amethyst, I was wondering. Since you’re good with making jewelry, could you make one for a client of mine? I've been really busy lately and I’ll be willing to pay you well for it, as well as a fair share of what she pay’s me.”
I stood there, my face in shock, as I tried to comprehend what she just told me. “Wait. You've just met me, you don’t know how well I am with jewelry, and you’re willing to give a share plus a tip for this job? What’s in it for you?” I really was confused as to why this mare was giving me such a great opportunity for what seemed like nothing in return.
“Well, it is true that I don’t know how well you are with jewelry. However, I may have bit more than I could chew and have several long-term projects I need to get done soon,” Rarity explained. “My client comes here in three days and is looking for something simple. Besides, you've said you’re new in the business, right? You’ll be doing a big favor if you help me out.”
I sighed as I said, “So three days and something simple, right? Is a necklace fine?” She nodded. “Alright, I’ll do it for you.”
“Oh! Thank you, darling! Well let me finish this purchase for you. That’ll come up to one-hundred thirty two Bits.”
Sighing again, I levitated my Bit pouch out of my saddlebags and started counting out my coins.
“Well, thank you for your business and more importantly, the help with my job, darling. Have a nice day,” Rarity called as I walked out the door, the bell ringing.
I better follow that mare from the markets advice. Applejack I think her name was. Let’s see if town hall does have some notices for housing, I thought as I trotted towards it. Or at least to where I thought it was.
Several minutes of fruitless searching, I decided to ask somepony where town hall was, much to my dislike. It wasn't that I couldn't handle asking for help, it was just actually asking another pony. At least Ponyville ponies are nicer than the ones in Manehattan, I glumly thought to myself.
I kept trotting by myself, trying to see if I could help prevent myself from having to ask another pony for help. As I searched, I started thinking about what it was that I’d like to live in. Well I don’t think I have enough money to buy my own house for a while. Might as well not bother with that. I concluded, still searching for the hall with no luck. I suppose I could have a roommate, but… I trailed off in my thoughts.
It’s always an option. An apartment could work. I’d be alone, which would be nice. It dawned on me just then that through my short time wandering through Ponyville, I've found no buildings that actually looked like an apartment complex. 
*Blam*
To busy in my musings about housing, I collided with another pony, crashing down to the street. “Oww,” I groaned, rubbing my head to try and relieve some of the pain.
“Sorry about that,” Said the other pony, a mare from the sound of it. I looked up at her. She was on the ground too, picking herself up. She was a cute cyan mare with a curly dark blue mane. “I should’ve watched where I was going. I got this new book from the library and couldn't put it down.”
I picked myself up to and trotted over to where my saddlebags had fallen off. “No problem. It’s more my fault than anything.” I levitated my saddlebags upright, picking up the rest of my belongings from the floor and putting them back inside before I strapped my bags back on.
I looked back to where the mare, a pegasus I could see now, was at. She picked her book up in her mouth and slipped it between her wing. “Nonsense. I’m still sorry though,” She said before moving to trot away from me.
Suddenly remembering what I was trying to do, I sighed and called out, “Hey, do you know where town hall is perchance?”
She glanced back towards me as she said, “Yeah. Just follow the road and take the third right. You can’t miss it.” 
“Thank you!” I said gratefully, “I’m sorry for bumping into you though.”
“No worries,” She replied, flashing me a smile as she continued trotting away from me. I did the same, following her directions towards the town hall.
I finally found it, a round building made of wood, with the standard Ponyville style I was getting used to. It was still unfamiliar, being used to Manehattan’s steel and glass, but I actually found it much more charming. The town hall had a look of distinguishment to it that separated it from the rest of the surrounding houses giving a feeling of authority to it.
I took a deep breath as I pushed open the doors and was greeted by a confident receptionist sitting at her desk, smiling as she shuffled around paperwork. “Welcome to town hall. What can I help you with?”
“I was told that you have a board regarding houses?” I asked her, as I trotted towards her desk.
“Yes, we do,” She said, smiling at me as she continued without breaking stride as she pointed behind me. “They’re on the far wall and all the information about them should be on there. When you choose something, you’ll need to run it by me first so that I can get the paperwork settled. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me.”
I followed her directions, turning around and trotting over to the board. It was covered in flyers, all of them describing the land they offered in hopes of being picked. I scanned across it in hopes of an apartment. A feeling of disappointment crossed over me after my search was declared to be in vain.
Settling for my second choice, I browsed for a house with a roommate. At least it’d be cheaper than buying an actual house. A certain blue flyer caught my eye as I read it quietly to myself. “Two-story house. Moderate living quarters settled in residential Ponyville. Will split cost with roommate...” I continued reading as I thought to myself, This doesn't seem bad. Wonder what she’s like?
I grabbed the flyer in my magic and trotted back to the receptionist. “I think I found something,” I said to her, placing the flyer on the table.
“Okay, let me take a look,” She said, taking it into her hooves and reading it over. “Alright, seems normal. Well since you’re going to live with a roommate, there’s no paperwork that I need you to fill out. Lucky you,” She said, grinning. “The flyer gives you the address on it, so you should be able to find it. Just make sure that you sort it out with the owner. Have a good time in Ponyville.”
“Thanks,” I said to her before turning to trot out the door for the house mentioned on the flyer.


__________


An hour or so later, I finally came across the house with the help of a passing pony. Alright, I thought, taking a deep breath to calm myself down. You can do this, Amethyst.
I lifted my hoof up and knocked on the door. Nothing. Waiting a few more seconds, I raised my hoof again when the door suddenly opened making me jump. Standing in the doorway was the cyan mare from before.
“You again?” I said, startled.
“Oh, hey. It’s you,” She replied, invitingly. “Are you here regarding the flyer from town hall?”
I replied, “Yes,” as I pulled out the flyer that I had tucked into my saddlebags. “Are you still offering the room?”
“It’s still free. I take it you’re interested in it?” The mare asked before speaking up again, “Before I forget, my name’s Rain Bell.”
“Amethyst,” I said, “And yes. I am.”
“Well come inside then. I just made dinner, so we can talk about it over a meal. That sound good to you?” She asked, gesturing for me to enter the house. I stepped inside as she closed the door and led me towards the kitchen. “Take a seat and I’ll make you a plate. It’s a simple pasta with a lemon sauce. I hope it’s good enough for you.”
I did as she said, taking a seat at her small table and waited for her to finish serving me. She placed a plate in front of me and took a seat herself. “So all that we really need to go over if you’re going to live here is just the cost. I figure that a fifty fifty cost is fine so that’d leave you having to pay about two hundred bits every month. Is that fine with you?” She asked, taking a bit of her meal.
That was quite a lot considering that I didn't have a paycheck yet, but then again, I do have the job that Rarity gave me. I nodded, saying, “Sure. That’s fine with me.”
“Well, that settles that,” Rain Bell concluded. “So, Amethyst what do you do for a living?”
“I make jewelry,” I responded plainly, then adding as a second thought, “In fact, I got a commission from Rarity before I bumped into you. How about you?” I asked as I took a bite of my food.
“Well, nothing as fancy as you,” Rain Bell began, “I have a job with the weather patrol here in Ponyville. It’s not the best job out there, but at least it pays well,” She said, pausing for a second with a thoughtful look on her face before she speaking again. “I’m not really sure what I’d like to do though…”
As she trailed off, the table went into silence for a few minutes as we ate our dinner. It wasn't a bad pasta, but still felt a bit plain. It could’ve had some mushrooms and some vegetables. Otherwise, not that bad, I concluded in my head. Rain Bell wasn't a bad cook and with some practice, she could be a good one.
Rain Bell spoke up again, killing the silence, “So what’s your family like, Amethyst?”
I hesitated for a second before replying, “Well my mom lives in Manehatten. She’s really kind, but she’s a typical mom. You know, worrying and all that, especially since my dad left her shortly after I was born,” I explained to Rain Bell as she finished off her plate.
“That’s sad,” Rain Bell said, frowning.
“Yeah. Well how about yours?”
“Well my mom and dad met together in Cloudsdale when they were still in flight school,” Rain Bell started as I listened to her intently. “My dad had a crush on my mom and asked her out. They just fell in love after that and have been together since then. Eventually, they got married and had me. They still live in Cloudsdale right now, but I moved out here to Ponyville,” She finished, smiling at me.


__________


A few minutes later after finishing dinner and washing dishes, Rain Bell and I chatted for a while into the night. We finally realized how late it was and decided it was time for night.
“Well this is your room right here,” Rain Bell said gesturing towards one of the rooms upstairs. “The other door on the left is mine and the one on the right is the bathroom.”
We walked into my new room, moderately decorated with a comfortable looking bed, a wooden desk and matching chair, a wardrobe, and topped off with a rug.
Rain Bell spoke up, “I hope this is good enough for you,” as I set my saddlebags down near my desk
“This is more than enough. Thanks, Rain Bell,” I responding, smiling at her.
Rain Bell smiled back as she said, “That’s nice to hear. Well… Good night then, Amethyst” She waved to me as she stepped out of my room.
“Good night, Rain Bell,” I called back as I stepped towards my bed. I crawled onto it, wiggling my way under the sheets.
Well these are great blankets. Better remember to thank Rain Bell in the morning, I thought to myself as the darkness of sleep washed over me.

__________



Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Contact me at hunterofstealth@gmail.com



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> Chapter 2: A Day Around Town
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I woke up in the morning, with the sun already in the sky. Staring up at the ceiling, my stomach growled, pushing me to get out of bed. “Ugh. Fine, I’ll go find something to eat,” I told my stomach, not wanting to leave the warmth of my blankets. Pushing myself to get up from my new, and extremely comfy bed, I stumbled out of my bedroom into the tight hallway towards the kitchen for breakfast. I made my way through Rain Bell’s home, and found her already eating her breakfast.
“Morning,” I mumbled to her, causing her to look up at me from her cereal bowl, as I continued towards the cabinets to look for my breakfast.
“Good morning, Amethyst. You look like you slept well,” Rain Bell cheerily called out as I continued my search in vain. “If you’re looking for breakfast, there’s oats in the cabinet to the right of you.”
Confused at what could compel Rain Bell to be so cheerful this early in the morning, I closed the cabinet I was looking at and walked towards the one she mentioned. Exposing my prize, I was rewarded with a box of cereal, promptly taking it out with my magic and pouring it into a bowl. Bringing it over to the table Rain Bell was at, I said to her, “Thanks.”
“My pleasure. Hey, since you’re new in Ponyville, would you like me to show you around? I need to get some things around town anyways,” She asked, looking at me expectantly.
“Um… Sure. I don’t have anything to do today,” I responded to her, taking a bite out of my cereal.
Rising from her seat, Rain Bell said to me as she walked to the sink, “Okay! We’ll leave after you’re done eating breakfast,”


__________


Shortly after breakfast, I brushed my mane to its usual positioning across my face and walked back downstairs. I waited in the living room for Rain Bell to finish getting ready. As I sat on one of her two couches, I looked around the room. It had a very modern look to it, complimenting the room’s plainly colored walls. Starting to relax as I waited for Rain Bell, she took that time to come downstairs. Spotting me on the couch, Rain Bell called out, “Ready?”
I nodded, getting up from my seat and moving outside with her. “So, where are we headed first,” I asked, waiting for her to lock up her house. She set the pace to a slow trot as she turned away from the house.
“Well, I wanted to visit the Golden Oaks Library and pick up the new Daring Do book that came out a few weeks ago. Wanna head there first?” Rain Bell asked as I inquisitively looked over at her. “What? It’s a good book,” She added as I snorted at her.
We kept walking through Ponyville, ponies wandering about there business and hanging with their friends at cafes scattered around the town. We came up to a building in the shape of a tree. (Or was it actually a tree with a building hollowed into it?) Rain Bell looked over to me as we approached it seeing my puzzled glance.
“That’s Golden Oaks Library,” She started explaining. “It’s a building built inside of a hollowed out oak tree, hence the name.”
“Oh. Well I guess that makes sense. There never was architecture quite like that in Manehattan,” I stated as we reached the door. Opening up the door for Rain Bell, I followed her inside where I spotted a lavender unicorn organizing books in a corner.
Noticing she had company inside her library, the mare walked over and greeted us. “Hello. Welcome Golden Oaks Library. What can I do for you?”
“Um, do you have the new Daring Do book, Twilight?” Rain Bell asked, looking a bit hopeful that she might get what she want.
Twilight smiled at her. “Yes, in fact. Rainbow Dash just turned it in a few hours ago. You’re lucky nopony has asked for it yet,” Looking at me, she asked, “Who’s your friend? I don’t think I've seen her before.”
“That’s Amethyst,” Rain Bell introduced. “She came here from Manehattan just yesterday. Amethyst, this is Twilight Sparkle.”
We greeted each other and Twilight asked me, “Is there anything you want from the library? I have lots of books of all different types of genres that I’m sure you’ll love.”
“Um…” I trailed. Sure I loved reading, but nothing could come to mind at the time. “No thank you,” I politely refused. “Maybe next time?”
Twilight smiled back at me. “Well, alright. Let me get you your book, Rain Bell.” Twilight trotted off to another room and quickly came back with the Daring Do book Rain Bell had wanted.
“Oh, thank you so much, Twilight!” Rain Bell exclaimed. “I've been looking forward to reading this all week.” She quickly, but carefully hid the book in her saddlebags then turned to me. “You ready, Amethyst?”
I nodded and we bid farewell to Twilight as we headed for the door. “Well,” Rain Bell started. “It’s about noon… Do you want to get something to eat? I’m starving and I know this great restaurant we can go to that’s nearby.”
“Sure,” I replied, feeling a little hungry myself but with no particular thing I wanted to eat. Rain Bell did a little cheer and took the lead. Setting a brisk trot, we reached the restaurant in no time at all.
Ruby’s Diner, the sign on top of the building said. We took a seat at a table outside and a waiter came by, leaving us with two menus in his wake. Browsing through it, I eventually settled for a green salad and Rain Bell picked a daffodil sandwich. The waiter from before came by, took our orders, and left to give them to the kitchen.
“So, Amethyst. What kinds of jewelry do you make?” Rain Bell asked as we waited for our food to be finished.
“Well I generally make necklaces, earrings, and the like. There are some others that I can make, but don’t end up as well.” I was interrupted by the arrival of our food.
The waiter walked up to our table, carrying our food in his magic as he spoke up. “Good afternoon. How are you this fine day?” Bringing up our dishes, the waiter asked, “And who ordered the salad?” I raised my hoof as he set my plate down in front of me. I was too busy looking hungrily at my food that I barely noticed when he left saying, “If there’s anything you need, do not hesitate to ask.”
Digging into my deliciously prepared food, I learned that it tasted just as good as it looked. Rain Bell looked up from her food. “Hey, Amethyst.” I looked up. “Do you think you could make me something when you’re done with your commission?”
“Well…” I trailed off and Rain Bell looked at me with pleading eyes. “Alright. I’ll do it,” I said, giving up as Rain Bell cheered drawing the eyes of nearby diners to us. I hurriedly finished my food to escape those eyes and as we got up to leave, we left behind a generous tip for the waiter with our bill.
Looking towards me as we walked away from the restaurant, Rain Bell asked, “Care for some dessert? Cupcakes or something like that.”
At the mention of cupcakes, I jumped up exclaiming, “Yes!” Recollecting myself, I replied casually, “Um… Sorry about that. It’s just that when I was a filly I didn't get many cupcakes except for special events or something good I did. So they've been something that I've always savored.”
Rain Bell chuckled as we reached our new destination, Sugarcube Corner. It possessed the typical Ponyville style of nonsensical architecture. This one looked almost like a giant replica of a gingerbread house built that my Mom and I would make during Hearth’s Warming Eve. As Rain Bell and I entered inside, the building looked no different than any other building around town, leaving me a little sad.
Reaching the counter where many sweets were on display, all of them looking delicious, we were greeted by a blue mare with a cotton candy pink mane. “Hello and welcome to Sugarcube Corner. Is there anything I can get for you and your friend, Rain Bell?”
“Yes please,” Rain Bell answered. “I’ll take two lemon cupcakes,” She started before turning to me. “If that’s okay with you, that is.”
“Huh?” I replied, snapped out of my trance the sweets on display put me under. “Oh yeah, I love lemon!”
“Alright, I’ll take two lemon cupcakes please,” Rain Bell said to the mare at the counter. She placed two cupcakes on the counter, taking the bits Rain Bell had left there.
We grabbed the cupcakes and settled at a nearby table. This looks so good, I thought to myself as I grasped the sweet in my magic. Peeling the wrapping off to expose the cakey insides, I took a bite of the cupcake.
It was pure, lemony goodness with the flavor blended throughout in just the right ways. The lemon flavor was great, but not overpowering leaving it as the best tasting cupcake I ever had.
I slowly finished it off, savoring every bite of it as Rain Bell spoke up. “About the necklace that I wanted you to make for me…” She started.
I looked up from my cupcake and listened as Rain Bell spoke again. “I was wondering if you could do something simple with several sapphires. Do you think you could do that for me?”
“Sure,” I said, thinking about several designs I could do for it. “I might need to be reminded though. My memory isn’t the best.”
“Okay. Thank you so much for this!” Rain Bell exclaimed, “I can’t wait for it to be finished. Don’t think that you need to do it anytime soon though,” She added after a second of pause. “Just the thought alone counts.”
“Aw, it’s nothing,” I said, blushing a little.
We got up from our table after our cupcakes were gone, bidding farewell to the storekeeper to head back home.


__________


Plopping down on one of Rain Bell’s two couches, I laid down, relaxing as she took seat on the other.
After a few minutes of silence, Rain Bell spoke up. “There’s this new club that I’ve been meaning to go to recently. Would you mind coming with me to it tonight?” She asked looking up at me, an unsure, but hopeful look on her face.
“Well…” I trailed off. Clubs were not my thing with their big crowds and generally left me with a claustrophobic feeling whenever I went to them. Plus, I’d rather not lose my one and only friend for something as small as this. That didn't really change my feelings yet. “I still need to work on my commission…”
“Please?” Rain Bell pleaded. “I don’t have anybody else to go with right now. and we don’t have anything planned for tonight. Plus you could always work on your commission tomorrow.” She added, a smile on her face.
Sighing in defeat, I told her, “Fine. I’ll go.” Rain Bell jumped up cheering as I looked down at my hooves. “When are we going to go?”
Rain Bell thought for a while before answering, “After dinner fine with you?”
“Alright,” I said glumly. “I’ll make dinner tonight if that’s fine with you.”
“My cooking not good enough for you,” Rain Bell replied in mock offence.
I laughed, heading over to the kitchen to make  dinner. I had learned from last night’s experience that I was a much better cook than Rain Bell or so I thought I was. While Rain Bell could only make a simple pasta, I could make a meal. Maybe not as good as Mom, but I could still make it taste pretty exquisite.


__________


Leaving behind the comfort of the house, I followed Rain Bell as she took us towards the club. I cast a last glance at the house as we rounded the corner to the club.
“You’re going to love this club,” Rain Bell said, looking cheerful. “Who knows, maybe you’ll find a nice stallion while you’re there.”
“Heh, yeah…” I nervously laughed, “Who knows…” I forgot that I never told Rain Bell that I wasn't into stallions. Better keep that to myself, I thought to myself, Who know’s what that might bring.
Rain Bell chuckled. “What? Are you nervous, Amethyst? I’m sure you’ll have a good time regardless. I've heard nothing but good remarks about this club from my friends.” We continued trotting along before we came in sight to the club, Dirty Beats.
I could hear electronic music playing from the inside before we reached the doors as several ponies made their way inside to enjoy the night. Rain Bell and I followed inside only to be greeted by several large crowds. I groaned, barely audible through the music and closely followed Rain Bell.
“You don’t have to follow me, unless you really want to, Amethyst,” Rain Bell yelled over the music to me. “Try and have a good time.” As she said that to me, a pony walked between us and the crowd swallowed Rain Bell up.
“Oh great!” I mumbled to myself in despair. I tried to search for her, but the crowds tide would not let me. My eye’s came across the bar. Well I have nothing else to do… I’m sure a few drinks won’t hurt, I thought to myself as I headed over to it and took a seat on a stool.
The bartender walked up to me and asked, “What can I get for you?”
“Um…” I trailed off, not really sure what to order, not being much of a drinker. I finally settled for asking, “What would you recommend?”
“Well, I have all sorts of drinks,” He started, taking a good look at me. “You don’t look like you can handle a very strong drink,” The bartender said, before quickly adding, “No offence of course. I’d recommend a good, hard apple cider.”
I pondered once again whether or not I should, then I finally gave in to myself. “Okay. Pour me a shot of that, please.” He nodded and got out a shot glass with the club’s logo imprinted on the side of it. As he poured in the cider, another stallion came up beside me and took a seat.
He kept to himself for a while as I nursed my drink before he finally spoke up. “Hey there…” He paused for a second, then continued, “You’re really beautiful, you know.”
“Um… Thanks?” I said, unsure as to what he meant by that. Unfortunately, the stallion found that as an opportunity to keep talking.
“I couldn't help but notice you sitting here alone,” He said. I could feel him looking at me, scaring me a little. “I thought maybe you would want some company.”
I reeled back in my mind while keeping a straight face. “No thanks,” I rejected coldly as I turned to look at him. He was a stallion in his young adult ages, probably around my age. He had a brown coat and a flowing black mane.
He looked shocked for a minute, finally speaking up again and setting a hoof on my shoulder. “Oh, come on. I know you don’t want to be alone.”
I slapped his hoof off of me as I looked at him, before telling him flat out, “I would greatly appreciate it if you left me alone. I’m not interested in you and I never will be.”
“Pfft,” He snorted getting up to leave. “I’ll be back, eventually,” he promised as he left me to get swallowed up into the crowd. I sighed as I turned back to finish my drink. As the bartender did another check on his patrons, he filled my glass again. Downing it in one go, I asked for another. He obliged and this went on for several times.
“Thanks,” I managed to mumble, feeling very tipsy from all the cider. I got off my chair and wobbled into the crowd for a while. Many ponies were dancing with friends to the music blaring all over the club while others sat around tables, chatting and drinking.
My eyes eventually came across a cyan pony sitting near a group of ponies and laughing. Making my way over to the group, I tapped the pony on the shoulder.
“Hey there. You look beautiful. Wanna come over to my house?” I managed to say, stumbling through my words. The pony looked away from the group towards me before recognition flickered through their eyes.
“Amethyst, what’s wrong with you?” The pony, a mare I noticed now, replied.
“Is that a yes or a no?” I asked through my drunken haze. “I could show you a wild time if you want.”
“Um, no thank you. I’m not into mares,” She said before turning back to her friends as she heard a few snickers. “I’m not into mares, guys. Grow up.” Facing me again, the cyan mare sighed, “Come on, Amethyst. Let’s get you home.”
I giggled, partly due to my drunkenness, “So you are coming back to my house. Alright!” The mare hit me upside the head, causing me to make another stupid response. “Wow! You really want to get rough, huh lovermare?”
She facehoofed before tugging me out of the club, saying good byes to her friends along the way. Talking to herself under her breath, the mare mumbled, “You and I are going to have quite the chat when you’re sober.”


__________



Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Contact me at hunterofstealth@gmail.com



__________

> Chapter 3: Blooming Friendships
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I woke up from my slumber and got up, prompting a headache to pound on my head. Ugh, what did I do last night? I asked myself. Trying to recollect scenes from last night, I was thinking of asking Rain Bell if she knew about, when she walked into the room.
"Have a good night sleep, my little lover mare?" Seeing my confusion she asked, "Do you really remember nothing of what happened last night at the club?" I shook my head at her.
"All I remember is going into the club with you, getting bumped into by this jerk stallion, and doing a lot of shots. Then, I woke up here. Care to explain what had happened last night to me anytime soon?" I asked. "Do I even want to know?"
Rain Bell snickered at me. Her laughing was interrupted as my stomach growled and she asked me, "Do you want to talk about it over breakfast?"
A few minutes later and we were situated at the table with another breakfast of oats. I levitated my spoon into my mouth and took a bite of oats as Rain Bell spoke, "As to what happened last night. Well you stumbled up to me completely drunk and asked me if I had wanted a 'wild time' with you." I sprayed out my food at over the table when she said that, causing her to laugh.
"W-what?! I-I... I didn't s-say that..." I exclaimed in disbelief. There's no way I said that. There's no way... I thought to myself. Oh, I messed up bad didn't I? I sunk my head into my hooves turning red as Rain Bell continued to laugh.
"Ya know," Rain Bell said through laughter, "I never knew you were into mares anyways. I always thought you were into stallions myself."
Mumbling through my hooves, I said, "So what if I'm a fillyfooler?" I was about to start crying from embarrassment at this whole ordeal. Past thoughts about getting teased about my sexuality from back in Manehattan rose up from the pits of my mind, pushing me closer the verge of breaking down.
Rain Bell, not seeing what was happening on my face from behind my hooves, but feeling the raw emotion coming from me, said, "Oh, well there's nothing wrong with that... I was just joking. I'm sorry, Amethyst..."
Finally, I broke down crying "J-just l-leave me alone. I-I n-need some time alone." I was able to say between sobs as I ran from the table, leaving Rain Bell and my oats alone.


__________


As noon came around, I was still processing the events of this morning. I had screwed up royally by getting drunk, which was even worse as I had tried to bed my friend in my drunken stupor. To top it all off, my friend now knew that I was a fillyfooler. I didn't know exactly how I was going to be ruined by this, but I was sure that my only friendship would now be ruined. Why? Why did I have to get drunk? Why did I even go to the club in the first place? Oh yeah, to not ruin my friendship in the first place! I got up from my bed which I had been lying on for the past few hours and instantly regretted it as my headache from the hangover was still residing in my head.
"Amethyst? You've been in there for the entire morning. Don't you think that it's time to come back out? I'm sorry for what I've said this morning. I shouldn't have joked about that so openly." Rain Bell's voice came from the other side of the door
"No!" I shouted back to her. I could hear a hoofstep on the other side of the wood as Rain Bell took a step back, or well what I assume was a step backwards.
"Amethyst, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," I heard a sniffle as Rain Bell clopped away from the door, leaving me alone. I set my head on the bed again when I remembered, my commission! I had forgotten to work on it all yesterday and now half of today. This left me with only a small amount of time left before I needed to give it to Rarity. 
I got up again, groaning in pain from my headache and trotted over to the desk on the other side of the room. I sat down in the chair and levitated my saddlebags over, causing a flare of pain from the use of my mental power. Bearing through it, I pulled out my tools, a silver chain, and the gems that I had purchased from Rarity the other day.
Several hours passed as I was zoned in on my project when a knocking at my door startled me, making me jump. "Amethyst, it's been nearly all day since you locked yourself in your room. You haven't eaten anything either today. Please come out for dinner."
"I'm busy," I called back to her, setting back to work. The piece was almost complete; it had a simple, yet elegant chain, accompanied by several small rubies as well as sapphire. However, it still needed something to make it better. Again a knocking came from the door across the room.
"Please, Amethyst," she pleaded to me. "You'll starve yourself if you don't eat soon!"
Sighing, I responded, "Fine, I'll come out. I want to finish my necklace, but... fine." I got up from my work-space, trotted across the room, unlocked the door and saw Rain Bell. It looked as though she had been crying for at least an hour and I felt ashamed when I realized this. "Oh, Rain Bell. I'm sorry that I made you feel so bad..."
"No, I should be the one apologizing to you," She quickly said back to me. "I should have been better than that, instead of teasing you about that incident."
I said back to her, "I felt like I needed to go with what you said because I thought that you wouldn't want to be my friend after that. Then after, you know, this morning's, um, revelations it would end our friendship." I finished, feeling a little bit embarrassed.
Rain Bell chuckled at this saying, "Amethyst, you are so naïve sometimes. Why would that ruin my friendship with-" My stomach growled at this time, oh so kindly interrupting what Rain Bell was about to say. I started to turn red from embarrassment and Rain Bell spoke up, "Do you want to go and eat something?"
"Um, yes please," I sheepishly said and Rain Bell turned to head to the kitchen. I followed her there and said to her, "Um, I'd like to make dinner tonight. Are you fine with that?" She nodded and turned to go to the living room as I proceeded to make dinner. I was thinking of making an apple and cabbage stew and started to gather ingredients to make it.


__________


After a delicious dinner made by yours truly, I headed back to my room to finish my job that I left nearly complete. I had settled my problems with Rain Bell over dinner and felt much better than I had earlier. My headache was also starting to go away too. Never again will I drink like that, I vowed to myself, Never. Settling back into my chair, I pondered what could be used to give my necklace an elevated feeling of elegance without making it too extraordinary. Hmm. Perhaps a bit of amethyst would do well here as a centerpiece,  I thought, debating whether it would do the trick.
I put the amethyst in as the centerpiece and examined what I had made. This could do, I thought to myself, I think I shall keep it this way. Grabbing an empty necklace box from my saddlebags, I carefully inserted the necklace using my magic. Once it was inserted in the way that my mother had taught me, I closed it and set it down on the table. Getting up from my table, I trotted back to my bed and laid down on it. Reflecting on today's events, I stared at the ceiling until I feel asleep


__________


I woke up early with the sun just peeking over the tips of rooftops outside my window. I got out of my warm bed and brushed my mane out. Once satisfied, I proceeded down the stairs to see if Rain Bell was up. I heard her snoring as I descended and once I got into the living room I saw her lying passed out on the couch. Giggling a little at the spectacle, I turned to trot to the kitchen to make myself breakfast. Deciding on toast for a change, I got some bread out of the cupboard and put it into the toaster. Waiting for it to be ready, I looked outside the window and at the ponies already getting walking around town. I should really get to know the town bet- *pop* Oh, toast is ready, I thought to myself as I levitated it onto a plate. Smearing some peanut butter onto it and pouring myself a cup of juice, I started to eat my breakfast.
"Good morning, Amethyst. Beautiful day isn't it?" Said Rain Bell as she walked into the kitchen, her mane a mess.
"Good morning," I said back to Rain Bell, "I'm going to head out today after breakfast." Confusion darted across her face. "To see Rarity. I need to give my necklace to her."
"Oh yeah! So you finished it? I never got to see it," She said with a glum face.
I said in response, "Alright, I guess you could come with me too." Rain Bell's face lit up at this and let out a squeak. I laughed at her reaction to being able to come with me to Carousal Boutique.
We finished quickly and I rushed upstairs to grab my saddlebags, putting the necklace in there as well. I went back downstairs to find Rain Bell with her mane in control and we walked out the door. Ponies were trotting along the roads going to meet friends. We crossed town and reached Rarity's store in a few minutes. As soon as we entered the building, Rarity turned to the door and greeted us, "Hello, Amethyst, and hello, um..., Rain Bell wasn't it?" We greeted her back and she said, "You do have the necklace finished right? My client is coming soon."
"Yes, It's right here." I responded, opening my saddlebags and taking out the case. Rarity grabbed it from my magic and brought it closer. Opening it, she looked at it and was astounded.
"Oh darling, this is just marvelous!" She exclaimed. "Everything about it just fits together so well. I'm sure that she'll just love it! Let me get the bits that I promised you for doing this for me." I had a smile on my face from Rarity's pleasure at my job. Rarity returned soon with a pouch of bits and said, "Here's a hundred bits for your work. You really helped me out here." I had shocked look on my face when I heard a hundred.
"W-what, one hundred bits, that's... that's, I can't take that!" I said, shocked.
Rarity had a confused look. "Why ever can you not. Darling, this is nothing at all for the work that you did for me. I insist that you take it."
"A-are you sure?" I asked. Rarity nodded. "Well if you're sure, then thank you for this," I said, feeling very grateful for this mare's generosity.
The bell over the door ringed and a pony walked in. Rarity walked over to greet her as I turned around to look. When I did, I saw the most beautiful mare that I've ever seen in my life. Her coat was snowy white, with a pink mane, and a tall, but skinny frame. She had three of the same symbol on her flank, but I did not know what they were. The way that the light from outside interacted with her body created a halo around it, making her look like one of the goddesses herself. My jaw dropped a bit as she and Rarity were talking to each other, and Rain Bell nudged me a little from the side. "Hey there, you alright? You're staring quite a bit. Is somepony in love?"
Shaking my head to get rid of my delirious state, I yelled, "W-what? No!" Causing the two mares on the other side of the room to stare at me. I blushed and tried to make myself smaller so that they would stop look at me.
Rain Bell stifled a giggle and said to me, "Oh really?"
Rarity walked over to us, her client in tow, and said, "Amethyst, this is Fleur de Lis, my client that I told you about."
"Bonjour, Amethyst," The white mare said to me, her voice having an accent that I couldn't place, but still silky smooth. "I heard from Rarity that you made the necklace that she gave to me. I would like to thank you for that. C'est très beau."
"H-hello F-Fleur," I stuttered when I spoke, "T-thank you." A faint blush appeared on my face as I shied away from the beautiful mare
"Tu est très mignonne quand tu fais ça," She said, causing blank stares from Rarity and Rain Bell, but made me blush even more fiercely from what I thought that it meant. 
This mare is already complimenting me. Or well I think she is, I thought to myself. Fleur giggled at my now red face and turned back to Rarity.
"I have a fashion show coming up soon in Canterlot. I was wondering if you would like to come," Fleur said, then turning to me and Rain Bell, "I would also like you both to come as well."
Rarity spoke up, "I think that we would all like to come, Fleur. When is it?"
"Next week, at 5 pm. I'll tell you all the details soon." She responded. I made a mental note that I would need to get a ticket for the ride to Canterlot as well as probably get a hotel for the day. "Well thank you for the necklace, Amethyst. I assume that Rarity will pay you for your marvelous work on it?" Fleur asked.
"Oh, yes, she already has," I responded, feeling more confident in my speaking abilities around Fleur.
Fleur responded, "Well I would like to give you a tip for a job well done." She pulled out two hundred(!) bits from her bit pouch and gave them to me. I was shocked that I got so much for such a simple necklace. As she saw my shocked face she also said, "I would also like to hire you for another job. What do you say to that?"
"I-I would love to!" I said, perhaps a little to enthusiastically, causing Fleur to giggle at my over-eagerness to accept. "What do you want me to make for you?" I asked her.
"I'm not sure exactly, but I will send the details to you soon," She stated. "I'm sure that Rarity would be able to relay the message once I figure it out." Turning back to Rarity, Fleur said, "Well, I think it is time for me to go. Thank you for your business Rarity." Turning back to me and Rain Bell, she called out, "Au revoir," then walked out of the door. I waved my hoof to her as she walked out, staring at her flank. What you you doing, you silly filly? I thought, chiding myself. I doubt you even have a chance to date her. What are the chances that she's a lesibimare like you anyways? Plus, she's a model nonetheless!
"Well, it's always fun to have Fleur over here," Rarity said out loud to nopony in particular, but interrupted my thoughts. "Did you know that she is from Prance? I've always wanted to go there. The glamour, the fashion, and more importantly, the romance! Did you know that it's capital city, Pearis, is known as the city of love?" She asked us.
"No," I responded. "So that's where she was from, Prance," I whispered to myself.
"What was that, darling?" Rarity asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just thinking out loud."
"Ready to head out, Amethyst?" Rain Bell asked me. I gave her an affirmative and we headed out, saying farewell to Rarity.
As we walked back to our home, Rain Bell said, trying to get a reaction out of me, "Well, that was a pretty mare, wouldn't you say so, Amethyst?"
Falling for it, I answered, "Yeah." We continued walking back home, the sun sitting high in the sky now. "I wonder if she's single?" I asked myself in my thoughts. "She did have quite the nice flank..."
"Planning on sharing your affections with everypony, Amethyst?" Rain Bell asked, startling me and making me jump in the air. "You're a pretty loud thinker, if I say so myself."
I blushed, saying, "Did I really just say that aloud?"
"Don't worry, I'm just a telepathic pegasus," Rain Bell replied sarcastically and laughing at her own joke. Seeing my disapproval, she said, "I'm just teasing, but yeah you did. Not to rain on your parade, but I doubt that she's single. I mean, she's a supermodel! I think you'd make a cute couple though," she stated, causing me to blush even more.
"I don't even know that much about romance though. I'm still pretty new to the whole 'being social' thing," I pointed out. "Besides, I doubt she's even a lesbimare anyways, so what are the chances that she would even like me?"
Rain Bell looked to be in a stalemate for a while before she responded, saying, "She did seem to like you quite a bit though when we were at the boutique. So you might still have a chance." Her point brought my confidence up as I remembered that Fleur did seem to like me at Rarity's store.
We went back to walking back quietly when someponies stomach started to growl, and neither of us would confess. Deciding to instead get lunch, we headed to the nearest restaurant to get some food.


__________



Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Contact me at hunterofstealth@gmail.com



__________

> Chapter 4: Checking In
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Almost a week later, Rain Bell and I were getting ready for our trip to go to Canterlot to see Fleur at her fashion show. The days dragged on as I waited for the week to be over. Gathering our luggage, we decided to meet up with Rarity at the train station and ride together. Walking across Ponyville, Rain Bell and I lugged our bags to the station ten minutes before our train was slated to arrive.
"Two tickets to Canterlot, please," Rain Bell said to the ticket pony in a booth.
"That'll be 20 bits," He replied in a monotonous voice. I stepped up next to Rain Bell, got out my bit pouch and placed twenty bits on the counter, which the ticket pony quickly snatched up. I levitated the two tickets he replace my bits with and passed one on to Rain Bell. We walked over to some seats watching the tracks and waited.
Four minutes later, Rarity walked up to the platform with Twilight and a butter yellow pegasus in tow. "I'll be gone for about three days so can you watch Opal for me Fluttershy?" Rarity said to the pegasus, as they walked up to us.
Oh, yes. I can do that for you Rarity. I'm sure she'll be just fine with me," Fluttershy replied. "Are these your friends that you were talking about?"
"Yes darling, and thank you." Turning to us, Rarity said, "Good morning, Amethyst, Rain Bell," with a curt nod.
"Good morning," We both responded back.
"This is Fluttershy here, and I take it that you have already met Twilight?" Rarity asked us.
"Hi..." Came the quiet response of Fluttershy.
"Hello Fluttershy. How are you?" Rain Bell asked politely.
"Um... good," The shy mare replied.
Meanwhile, I was conversing with Twilight. "Hello Twilight, how are you doing?"
"Oh, well I just discovered some new spells for transmutation, but I'm going to venture a guess that you don't know what that is," Twilight replied. I was about to reply when a loudspeaker above my head started to squawk.
"The train from Canterlot is arriving at Ponyville station. Please stand away from the tracks," The feminine voice from the loudspeaker announced. Sure enough, the colorful train arrived at the station, coming to a stop, and releasing its passengers. Many ponies greeted each other at the station, while others went to grab their luggage. Meanwhile, Rarity, Rain Bell, and I moved to the train as we waved goodbyes to Fluttershy and Twilight. We grabbed our seats on the train, picking a window seat, while Rarity and Rain Bell sat across from each other. Shortly after having sat down, the loudspeaker announced, "The train to Canterlot is now departing. Please take your seats now." The train started up again, and departed from the station, chugging along faster to our destination.
"So, Rain Bell, darling, what do you look forward to the most in the fashion show?" Rarity asked to my friend, trying to strike up a conversation to pass the time.
"I'm actually more excited about the food in Canterlot to be honest. I can't wait to try some of the restaurants there!" Rain Bell responded back, looking a little dreamy in the eyes about her food fantasies. "There are so many good restaurants I heard about. What piques your interest about the show, Rarity?" I looked outside the window as they talked about the fashion show, noticing the oranges and reds in the trees as we passed them. Autumn had started a few days ago, and all the trees began their annual color change. Staring outside the window I started to think about the show that we were attending tomorrow and thought about Fleur until my thoughts were interrupted by Rarity.
"How about you, Amethyst? Anything about the show that you're wanting to see?" She asked, startling me back from my daydreaming about my crush.
"Um," I started, not wanting to reveal my affection about Fleur to Rarity.
"Oh really, can't think of anything, Amethyst," Rain Bell piped up. "I sure can think of something that you want to see there," She said, flashing a look at me with laughter in her eyes. I shot her a glance, that, if looks could kill, Rain Bell wouldn't be alive anymore.
Rarity's eyes sparked with curiosity as she said to Rain Bell, "What would that be?"
"Nothing, really," She said, almost casually. "Amethyst just has a crush on Fleur." My face turned hot red with embarrassment as I tried to hide behind my mane.
"Amethyst, dear, there's nothing wrong with that. So what if she's a mare? The way I see it, if you love somepony else, it doesn't matter what their gender is," Rarity said. "Albeit, I prefer stallions myself," She added, more to herself though. I decided to peek through my mane at her and saw that she was serious about it.
"I... I guess that I'm still feeling a little, um... embarrassed from the teasing that I sometimes got during school..." I trailed off on my sentence.
"Oh, that's terrible. I hope that it wasn't too bad, darling," Rarity said, looking a bit concerned about me.
"It wasn't that bad for me, especially when compared to several other fillies in my school. I would only get the occasional name calling and maybe a push or two. Some other's would be bullied constantly though, oftentimes to the point of them breaking down in front of everypony," I replied.
"That's terrible," After a pause, Rarity said, "So, you have a crush on Fleur?"
"Um... Yes-I-do," I rushed out my words and ducked under my mane again, feeling another blush coming on.
Rarity paused before picking her next words. "Well, I can see where you are coming from. She does have a lot of fans though," Rarity finally said to me as I came out from under my mane. "I think I can see Canterlot in the distance now..."


__________


We arrived at the Canterlot train station and walked onto the platform, carrying our luggage with us. We left the station and started to walk through the finely paved roads to reach our hotel that Rarity had said that we were going to be staying at. There were many ponies with well-styled manes and expensive-looking clothing chatting with each other at cafes. Rarity piped up, "I love Canterlot. There are so many new fashions around all the time. It brings about new styles to look at wherever you go."
"I don't know..." I started to say, biting my lip before continuing . "It seems like if you step one hoof out of line or are not up to word with the style, your reputation would be ruined by all the other high class."
"It's not that bad when you get involved. You might have some trouble adapting, however, if you were living here, darling," Rarity brought up, while we kept walking. "Ah, here we are. The Hotel Richissimare!" It was an impressive building, spanning at least five floors high while sporting a very interesting architectural style.
"Wow! This is amazing! So this is where we're staying, Rarity?" Rain Bell asked, while I just stared at the building, giving off a faint squeak.
Rarity replied, "Yes. It is spectacular isn't it? A bit expensive, but well worth it." As we walked inside, I gasped at the interior design. It was a marble white, with pieces of purple furniture with golden trim dotted around at the perfect places. A red, velvet rug was placed to direct us towards the counter where the receptionists stood at attention. We walked up to the counter, where Rarity spoke up, "Hello, I'm Rarity. I requested two rooms." Towards us, she said, "I hope you two are fine with sharing a room. If not, one of you could always sleep in my room."
The receptionist interrupted her, saying, "Here are your keys for getting into your rooms. Please have a wonderful stay here at the Hotel Richissimare."
"Thank you," Rarity said, giving a gem to the mare at the counter. She had a startled look on her face for Rarity's show of generosity.
We made our way to our rooms, our luggage being carried by a bell colt. We opened up the doors to our rooms and he set them down. Rarity passed another gem to him and said, "Thank you for helping us. You have been such a gentlecolt to us, and I don't let good deeds go unpaid. Here, have a sapphire for your troubles."
"Oh, thank you, ma'am," He replied courteously as he made his way out of our rooms.
We set to work unpacking and after our things were set up, we agreed to go out into Canterlot to do whatever, but be back by nightfall. I decided to go with Rarity to look at the latest fashions, while Rain Bell would go try out a restaurant.  Walking out of the hotel together, Rarity and I waved a hoof to Rain Bell as she ventured one of the restaurants that were recommended to her.
Rarity took the lead and brought us along our way to see the styles of Canterlot. We came across several stores sporting Autumn fashion as well as sales for last seasons styles that needed to be sold. Coming across a particularly fancy looking store, I opened up the door for Rarity with my magic. "Thank you, dear," She responded with a smile as she walked in and I followed.
"Welcome to Canterlotian Styles. How can I help you?" The stallion at the counter said to us when we entered.
"We're just looking, thank you," Rarity answered back. We started browsing the fashions styled after Autumn colors, with reds, oranges, yellows, and many different pieces of clothing. Rarity came across a fancy dress that was a red fabric with an orange trim. "Oooh, do you think this would look good on me, Amethyst?" She asked.
"Um... Yes, I think it would. You could always try it on." I answered. Rarity thanked me and went to the dressing room with the red dress in tow.


__________


A few hours later, we walked out of the store, with several bags and laughing at a story that Rarity just told me. We proceeded down the street as Rarity started another story. "So, I woke up one morning to the boutique filled with smoke. I fell down the stairs and I found Sweetie Belle cooking breakfast for me and my parents, who were visiting. She made us toast and juice, but it was all burnt! Don't even ask how she burnt the juice." She finished with a mortified look as she recalled the memory.
"What? I don't even... How do you even burn-" I started before I was interrupted.
"Rarity! Bonjour. How are you?" Said a familiar white unicorn. I turned my head to see her as Rarity replied.
"Hello Fleur. We're fine. How about you, dear?"
Fleur answered, "Oh, I'm fine. Just enjoying the peace before the big show." She turned to me, "And bonjour to you too, Amethyst. How are you doing?"
"H-hello, Fleur," I said, tripping on my words. "Um... I'm okay," I managed to say before I shied away from the beautiful mare and partly hid underneath my mane.
"Do you mind if I walk with you?" Fleur asked us.
"Alright," Rarity replied "Do you mind if we stop by the hotel first, so that we can leave our bags? I'd much rather not have to carry these all day." Fleur gave an affirmative and we started walking back to the hotel. Fleur and Rarity took the lead and I trailed behind. 
They were talking, but I wasn't paying attention, looking around instead. Eventually, my eyes wandered to Fleur's flank. Oh, what am I doing? I chided myself Stop staring at that mare's flank. I doubt you're even going to have a chance with her.
Fleur glanced back at me and saw the conflicted look on my face and spoke up. "Is something wrong, Amethyst?"
"W-what?" I said, snapping back to reality, and then I realized who spoke to me. "I-was-totally-not-staring-at-your-flank!" I quickly rushed out, before I started to blush and hide behind my mane for the umpteenth time in front of Fleur. Your such a foal, Amethyst. Getting caught staring at flanks like that.
Fleur saw me doing that and said, "As I said before, You're cute when you do that." She quickly put a hoof up to her mouth in an attempt to stop talking, and mumbled through a mouthful of hoof. "I really meant to say that in Prench." She herself blushed, which I must admit, still looked beautiful, if not more than before, from my view between my mane. "I'm, um, just not going to talk anymore," She concluded.
"Well that sure was weird," Rarity said. "Should we get back to the hotel before somepony else embarrasses themselves?" We both agreed and started to follow Rarity, glancing at each other every so often. After what seemed like a long walk, we arrived at the hotel and set our bags down in our rooms.
Free of our burdens, Rarity, Fleur, and I went back to walking around Canterlot to look once again at more clothes. We came across another store selling this season's styles. Greeted by the cashier as we walked inside, we all couldn't help but gasp at the selection inside. Dresses of all colors everywhere in so many different forms. Fleur walked up to a light pink dress, the color of her mane, and asked to us, "How do you think this would look on me? I think I shall try it on." She grasped the dress in her magic and trotted to a dressing room to put on the dress. Meanwhile, I was looking at a lavender dress that I thought matched my mane, and might look good on me.
As I walked over to the dressing rooms with the dress I had picked, Fleur walked out sporting her dress and modeling it. I gasped in awe at how well she looked in the dress, it perfectly complimenting every curve of her body. "I-it's amazing!" I managed to finally say. "You look beautiful in it, Fleur."
"I could tell that by the way your jaw nearly hit the floor," She joked at me, before breaking out giggling.
"W-what are you talking about? I-I don't k-know what you're talking about," I stammered back, turning a bit red in the cheeks which fueled Fleur's laughter. "I'm going to try this one on, so don't walk to far now," I said, gesturing to the dress I was carrying. I went inside the dressing room and tried it on. The dress was so light that it barely felt like I was even wearing anything and felt silky smooth against my fur. I opened up the door to the room and walked out, trying my best to model for Fleur.
"With some more practice, I think you could become a model like moi," Fleur commented. "The dress looks beautiful on you though."
"Wow, that looks amazing on you, Amethyst. It perfectly accents your coat's color," Rarity said, walking up to us with her own dress to try on. "Are you going to buy it?"
A faint blush appeared on my face from their compliments as I said, "Um, I'm not sure. I might."
"Well, I'm going to try on this dress while you decide," She said before walking into the dressing room herself. Fleur and I walked into different rooms ourselves and took off our dresses so that we could purchase them. As we got out into the main room, Rarity followed close behind and as we turned around, she struck a dramatic pose. "So what do you think, ladies. Does it look good on me?"
"C'est très magnifique."
"It looks really good on you Rarity!" We said, as she did a spin.
"I think I shall buy it then," Rarity said and turned back to the dressing rooms to take it off, but turned back to me before doing so and said, "Have you made up your mind about your dress, Amethyst?"
"Um, well I really like the dress," I started, then making my mind, I finished, saying, "Yes, I think I will."
"Marvelous!" Rarity exclaimed as she started to head back to get changed.


__________


"I guess I'll see you girls later?" Fleur asked after we finished shopping and had walked back to the hotel. We nodded and Fleur, in response, said, "Au revoir," and waved a snowy white hoof at us.
"Goodbye, darling," Rarity said, waving a hoof in response.
"See you later, Fleur," I said, waving goodbye to the mare as she turned and walked away. I couldn't help but stare at her flank, again. I felt a nudge in my side and yelped, "Ow, what was that for?"
"Are you just going to stare at flanks all day, or go drop off these bags?" Rarity asked me, looking a little irritated at my tendency to stare at Fleur's flank.
"Sorry," I said, feeling a faint redness sprout in my cheeks. "Well, let's put these bags away then," I said as we turned away and walked into the hotel's entrance.


__________



Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Contact me at hunterofstealth@gmail.com



__________

> Chapter 5: Fashion Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"We're going to be late if you don't hurry up, Rarity," I said, waiting outside her door with Rain Bell beside me. "Are you even close to being finished?" I complained, wanting to see Fleur at the show. Rarity's voice came muffled from the other side of the door, but I couldn't make it out. Rain Bell leaned against the wall next to me while I paced back and forth in the hallway.
"Amethyst, we still have a lot of time before the show starts. We'll get there in no time anyways, since it's right next to the hotel," Rain Bell pointed out. I kept pacing while Rain Bell looked on.
Sighing, I sat down and turned to Rain Bell. "I know," I started, "I just... I don't know. I'll try my best to calm down." As I finished my sentence, Rarity came out looking very glamorous, all made-up and dressed in a fancy dress. Trust her to try to outshine the models.
"Are you two ready?" She asked, seemingly oblivious to the fact that we were waiting for her.
"Um, no," Rain Bell said sarcastically, before putting on her serious face. "We've been waiting for a while. Well, if nopony else needs anything, let's set off." Rarity and I nodded to her and we set off to the lobby of the hotel.
"So, Amethyst. Are you excited for this fashion show?" Rarity asked, glancing in my direction as we stepped out of the hotel into the street. It was still bright out, though the sun was on its way down, turning the sky pink as it started to set. The usually busy streets in a more peaceful state as ponies trotted back home or waited in lines outside of buildings. We kept trotting to our destination..
Trying to keep my voice controlled, I replied, "Yes. It's actually my first fashion show that I've been to. My mom and I could never really afford the tickets to go to one and besides, I never liked the crowds as a filly. I still don't."
"That's a shame," Rarity started. "I love fashion, as you can tell, and I've been to countless shows, whether to watch or because the clothes I've made are in there. I even got one of my friends into the modeling business. That didn't turn out so well for her though..." She trailed off with a frown on her face.
"What happened?" Rain Bell asked.
"Well long story short, I wanted her to go into the business, but she was shy and didn't want to do it, but did it anyways for me. In the end, I didn't realize it and was jealous because she was more popular than I, but in the end we found that out and became better friends because of it. Oh, look! There's the building the fashion show's at," Rarity declared, sticking her hoof out at a building down the street from us. I followed her hoof and saw it in the distance. It was a building with the same Canterlotian-style architecture and blended in with its surroundings except for the crowds around it. We walked up to the entrance, showing our tickets to the doorpony and entered.
The lobby inside was crowded and had a white tile interior with several pieces of furniture placed around the room. Ponies of all kinds clustered into groups as they waited to be let inside to the main room where the show was to take place. Shortly after we walked in, the doors opened up and ponies filed into the hall to take their seats. We followed suit and found a place near the top of the room that gave us a view of the runway.
"Oh, I do hope that there will be fantastic styles during this year's show. Last year's wasn't all that great as it could have been," Rarity said to us as the audience started to settle in. "From what I've seen so far, I don't think I'll be disappointed."
A general hush went through the audience as the lights started to dim and music started to play through the room. Spotlights that I didn't notice before turned on and covered the runway in light. The curtains on the far side of the runway pulled back and a mare modeling a light brown jacket stepped up and started to walk down. She struck several poses, met with applause from the audience as well as me and my companions as she was replaced by several more models trailing behind her.
An announcer pony spoke up from somewhere I couldn't see after the models stopped coming. "Those dresses were made by Lavender Delight, a wonderfully successful fashionista from Manehattan." Applause came from the audience at the mention of her name. Though I lived in Manehattan, I had never heard of her. "Now put your hooves together, because up next, we have Velvet Touch, hailing from Canterlot herself." Their words were drowned out by the applause before they could continue. "Her business has been booming ever since it started and is a prime model of success."
"I think Fleur is taking part in Velvet Touch's showcase," Rarity pointed out, glancing at me.
I met her glance. "What are you staring at me for?"
"Oh, nothing," She replied, waving me off and pointing to the runway. "The show's back on." I looked back to the stage and saw a stallion sporting a fine suit that looked like it would cost a small fortune. I looked over at Rain Bell, only to notice that she was entranced by the stallion on stage.
"Wow, he sure was a looker," Rain Bell stated, noticing that I was looking at her after the stallion walked back and another model replaced his spot.
Narrowing my eyes at her, I replied, "I wouldn't know. Not really interested in stallions, remember? I'm sure Rarity would love to talk about him with you." Snorting, Rain Bell looked back to the stage. I brought my attention back to the runway noticing that the spotlights were focused on the curtains.
Out stepped Fleur dressed in a ruby red dress of a simple yet elegant design with a sapphire blue trim. She looked, simply put, beautiful. Her mane was well done and no strands out of place. Her make-up was applied expertly, perfectly complimenting her eyes which I could all see from my spot far away. What I saw though that astounded me was the necklace around her neck. It looked familiar. Too familiar. Then it hit me. That was the necklace that I made for her.
She chose to wear my necklace! I just wanted to squee from delight, but caught myself at the last second, settling for a huge grin instead. My piece is in the show!
"What's gotten you so excited, Amethyst?" Rain Bell asked, noticing my grin. I just smiled back at her before I could even speak.
"Fleur chose to wear my necklace that I made for her."
"Well that's fantastic!" She replied, smiling back at me. I turned back to the runway to notice Fleur made it to the edge of the runway and started to strike several poses. The entire room broke out in applause, much louder than ever before and I was glad to join in that applause, my hooves clapping more than they ever had before in my life.
I barely paid attention to the rest of the show, only clapping when appropriate. I just felt... well, elated. I could barely get past the fact that Fleur wore my necklace during the show. My mind just kept repeating, She wore my necklace! She wore my necklace!, the entire time as I stared off into space. I snapped back to reality when a friendly hoof nudged me in the side and I mumbled a protest.
"You sleeping, Amethyst? Show's over," Rain Bell said, motioning to me that the crowds were walking back out to the lobby. "Are you still shocked that Fleur wore your necklace?"
"What? Oh, yeah," Shaking my head clear, I got up and followed Rarity and Rain Bell out to the lobby where we found Fleur. She still had her make-up on and was still wearing my necklace.
"Hello Fleur," Rarity said, waving a hoof to the supermodel. "That show was so much better than last year's," She announced. "The dresses, the models. Everything was so much better organized. You were fantastic too, Fleur."
"Bonjour, Rarity, and thank you." Turning to us, Fleur greeted us, saying, "Bonjour Amethyst. Bonjour Rain Bell. How are you all?"
"Hi Fleur, I'm fine," Rain Bell returned her greeting giving me time to compose myself.
"Um, hello, Fleur. You looked beautiful on the runway!" I said, before I realized what I said, and blushed. Oh, she probably took that the wrong way... I mentally facehoofed myself. You had all that time to bring yourself together, but you mess up again.
Giggling a little, Fleur responded, "Merci, Amethyst."
"You should have seen her when you walked on stage," Rain Bell piped up, laughter sparkling in her eyes. "When she saw that you wore her necklace, she couldn't stop smiling"
Oh, I'm going to have a chat with you, Rain Bell, I thought, feeling a lot braver in my mind than the real world, in which my blush turned a fiercer red.
"It is a fine piece though, wouldn't you say?" Fleur said, glancing at the piece of jewelry hanging around her neck. A white stallion in a stylish suit walked up to us and waved to Fleur.
"Hello, Fleur. Still hanging around? Who are your friends?" He said, an air of class clearly evident in his voice. She looked up from the necklace to face the stallion.
"Oh. Hi there, Fancy. I didn't see you there. I think that you've already met Rarity before, but these are Rain Bell and Amethyst." Fleur gestured towards us. "Amethyst is the one responsible for making me the necklace that I told you about. I also invited them to come for the fashion show," She pointed out to Fancy.
We greeted him, and he greeted us back. "The pleasure's all mine." He said, shaking our hooves.
Who is this stallion? I thought to myself, before it clicked. Oh no! This has to be Fleur's coltfriend. Why else would they be so friendly with each other!? I felt my heart plummet from this revelation and a frown formed on my face.
"Um, it's feeling a bit hot in here," I lied, trying to contain my emotions. "I'm just going to go sit outside for a while."
"Okay. We'll meet up with you soon, darling," Rarity said as she glanced over at me. I forced a little smile at her as I hurried out the door. 
As I got outside, I noticed the streets had little to no ponies on them as the moon shed its pearly white light on them. I took seat on a bench not far from the building and tried to cool my thoughts. Pull it together, Amethyst. You don't need to break down in front of your friends. Besides, what were the chances that Fleur would be single. She's way out of your league. I could feel my eyes start to water when I felt a weight on the bench next to me. I turned my head and saw Rain Bell. 
"You okay, Amethyst?" She asked, looking a bit worried.
I leaned my head into her and cried. She tried her best to comfort me, but it didn't help me. "I-it's... It's just not... f-fair," I mumbled through sobs.
"Whats not fair?" Rain Bell asked, trying to make me feel better.
I pulled my face up and looked at her. "T-the fact that F-Fleur's not single." I started to break out in another flood of tears and started weeping into Rain Bell again.
"It's okay," Rain Bell patted my shoulder. "Are you even sure that she's taken? Have you even asked?"
"N-no. Rain Bell, I... I love her." I said, not really thinking from my mind, but having my heart speak for me.
Rain Bell took a moment to consider this. "I think that you need to tell her your feelings then. Preferably sooner than later. How are you going to have a chance if you never ask her?"
I pulled myself away from her again, exhausted from crying "I just don't know what I'm going to do if she rejects me..."
"I don't think Fleur would reject you. She doesn't seem like that kind of pony," Rain Bell started, then added as an afterthought, "But if she does, then you just move on with your life. I've done it before."
"I-I... Thank you, Rain Bell. You're a really good friend," I said as I brought Rain Bell into a hug.
"It's what friends are for," She said. Rain Bell looked over at the building and noticed that Rarity was walking outside. "We better catch up with her before she runs off without us." We got up and quickly trotted to Rarity. "Hey, wait up, Rarity."
"Oh, so that's where you two were," Rarity turned to face us. "I thought you two had both gone back to the hotel room. Are you feeling better, Amethyst? You seemed a bit distraught when you left us. Fleur and Fancy were getting a bit worried about you, darling."
"Yes, I'm feeling a lot better," I replied, though her pairing of the two together worried me a little. I'm just overreacting, I told myself.
"I almost forgot," Rarity said, her eyes shooting up. "Fancy gave Fleur some time off so she's going to rent a hotel at Ponyville to spend with us since she doesn't have anything better to do. We're going to meet her at the train station tomorrow morning."
"Give Fleur some time off?" I echoed, feeling a little confused, tilting my head at Rarity.
Confusion appeared on Rarity's face as well. "Didn't you know that Fancy is Fleur's agent, darling? He's her uncle and got her interested in the modeling business since she was a filly. Her first fashion show was three years ago when she was nineteen back in Prance."
"Oh," Was all I could muster. We started to walk back to the hotel as I thought to myself. Oh, you silly filly. You really were overreacting this entire time. Shaking my mental head, I thought of the better thing about this entire ordeal. At least I actually have a chance now!


__________


As Rarity, Rain Bell, and I walked up to the busy train station, Fleur stepped up to us through the crowd. She waved us down, and we walked to her. "Bonjour. It's good to see you," She greeted us. "Are you ready to go back home?" We greeted her back and Rarity spoke up next.
"Yes. It's been quite a while her in Canterlot. While I do love all the fashion, I'm certain that Opal is missing me." Rarity responded. I heard the loudspeaker in the background announce that the train departing for Ponyville had arrived.
"We should probably get on the train," I pointed out, interrupting Rarity and gestured towards our ride. We embarked the train, finding a group of seats to settle down on and waited for everypony to get on. Soon after, the doors closed and we set off home. A trainpony came down the aisle asking for tickets.
"So, Fleur. What are you planning on doing while you're in Ponyville?" Rarity asked, pulling out our tickets for the conductor as he walked up to us. Rarity passed the tickets to him as he asked for out tickets and Fleur responded.
"I'm not sure. I'll probably just relax." She said as I grabbed my ticket and put it back in my bag.
Rarity smiled at Fleur's response and spoke up, "Would you like to come to the spa with us," She started then turned to us, "If that's okay with you girls. I know I haven't said anything to you about this."
"Um, when is it?" Rain Bell asked, a bit unsure.
"Tomorrow is my only free day for a while before I have to start with some request that I have from customers. Is that okay with you?" Rarity asked.
Rain Bell frowned and replied, "No. I have to work then. Ah well, I'm not much for the spa anyways, so don't worry about it"
"I'm free, Rarity," I said with a smile. "I'll be happy to come with you and Fleur." I could barely hear Rain Bell gently laughing from the side of me and I shot her a glance. She had an innocent look on her face doing a near convincing job of it that I could believe. Almost. Don't think I forgot about what you said to Fleur I thought in my head. We are certainly going to have a chat soon.
Rarity looked between us, confused for a second, before responding, "Well that's great that you can come, Amethyst. So do you want to come Fleur?"
"Pourquoi pas," The Prench mare replied. "So where should I meet you two?"
Rarity thought for a second before answering. "Um, we could always meet up at Carousel Boutique. Unless you know where it is of course."
Fleur and I nodded to her and we all sat quiet for a while. I said that I loved Fleur last night, I started thinking to myself. Should I ask her out now? If I'm going to do it at all, I might as well do it now Trying to build up courage, I turned to Fleur and asked, "Um, Fleur?"
"Oui?" She asked. My courage left me alone almost instantly for reasons I didn't know, leaving me scared and unable to continue.
"W-would you... Um. Never mind. Forget I said anything," I said quickly, starting to blush and hide behind my mane for the umpteenth time around her. She looked at me a little puzzled for a few seconds and then turned to look outside the window. Rarity and Rain Bell looked towards me, exchanged glances between each other and nodded. I couldn't figure out what, but I guessed it was something to do with my predicament. I stared down at my hooves for the rest of the ride until I fell asleep


__________


"Amethyst. We're at the station." Rain Bell nudged me awake from my sleep. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I groaned as I got up from the seat and followed her off of the train. "Ah, home sweet home. To bad I have to work tomorrow," Rain Bell said frowning. We met up with Rarity and Fleur, waiting for us to catch up to them on the station.
"Well I'm going to get Fleur set up at the hotel and get back to the boutique. I'm going to guess that you two are heading straight for home?" Rarity asked as we stepped up to them.
Rain Bell replied as I grabbed our bags that they had collected near them in my magic. "Yeah. I guess that I'll see you both around then."
"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow, right, Amethyst?" I nodded. "See you then." Rarity said, smiling.
I waved at them, saying, "Later, Rarity. Bye, Fleur."
They waved back and Fleur said her usual, "Au revoir, Amethyst." Rain Bell and I off for home, our bags in tow. Ponyville sat in it's usual tranquil self. A few ponies wandered around town going about their business. When we reached home, I noticed that we had some mail and grabbed it in my magic while Rain Bell opened the door stepping inside. I set my bags down in the hallway and walked to the kitchen setting the mail on the table to sort through it.
"Junk, junk... What's this?" I said, looking at an envelope that caught my eye. I noticed that it was addressed to me in ink and I looked at the name on the return address. Noticing it was from my mom, I opened it up and read it.

My little gem, it read. I grimaced at my mom's pet name for me and continued reading
It's been a while since we've last talked to each other so I thought that I'd write a letter to you. I've been wondering how you are since you haven't responded to me like you said you would. I hope that you've been using the skills that I taught you. How do you like Ponyville? I know that you had trouble making friends here in the city so I hope that you've had more luck there. Well, make sure that you write back to me soon.
Love, Mom.
P.S. You're probably wondering how I knew to send the letter there. Well let's just say that the daughter of one of my friends saw you around Ponyville and let her mother know.

I facehoofed myself for forgetting to write to my mom when I promised to her that I would. Rain Bell walked into the kitchen asking me, "Anything important in the mail?" She noticed my hoof in my face, then asked, looking a little puzzled, "What was that all about?"
"I forgot to write to my mom," I said, walking out to the hallway, grabbing my bag that I had set down there, and continuing to my room. Putting my bag on my bed, I walked over to my desk and pulled out some ink and paper. Dipping my pen in the ink, I started writing.

Dear Mom,
I've been doing well. Sorry for not writing sooner, but I've been busy. Ponyville is much nicer than it was in Manehattan. I've made several new friends with some of the ponies here. I was lucky enough to be accepted for a job by Rarity, a famous dress-maker in Ponyville, which helped me set up my career. But that's not all! I... I paused for a second to collect my thoughts before continuing. I think I'm in love. I met this mare named Fleur de Lis from the job that Rarity offered. She's just perfect in every way. The thing is though that I'm scared of being rejected. I know that this is probably a surprise to you, since I never liked to talk about me liking mares before, but I'm certain that she is the one
Love, Amethyst.

I finished, reading the letter over once. After I was satisfied with the end result, I sealed it up and walked downstairs to put it in the mailbox to be picked up tomorrow.
> Chapter 6: First Steps
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ready for your trip to the spa today, Amethyst?” Rain Bell asked me as she sat down at the table with her breakfast. “Too bad I can’t come today.”
“There’s nothing that’d make me miss it,” I replied with a smile as I took a bite from my breakfast. I had actually had a bit of a restless night, feeling a bit anxious at the trip to the spa with Rarity and Fleur today. A bit ironic considering that the entire point of the spa was to calm you down. “I am a little nervous about it though,” I spoke up, voicing my concern. “I haven’t been to a spa before…” I trailed off, rubbing the back of my head.
“There aren’t a lot of things you’ve done before, huh, Amethyst,” Rain Bell deadpanned. “Well, at least you’re at lot more open about doing things than when you first came here,” She pointed out, spooning another mouthful of her cereal in her mouth.
It was true. Back in Manehattan I barely left home except when my mom forced me to. Maybe leaving home was a good decision on my part.
“Well too bad I have to work today,” Rain Bell said, interrupting my thoughts.
I looked up, feeling a little confused, and asked, “I thought you said that you weren’t one for spas?”
“They aren’t really my thing, but it’s better than having to manage the weather,” Rain Bell pointed out. “It gets really tiring, you know.”
“Oh yes, because a unicorn would know about kicking clouds,” I jested.
Rain Bell pouted jokingly and said, “You know what I mean.”
I peeked over her shoulder at the clock on the wall, noticing the time and spoke up, “Speaking of kicking clouds, aren’t you running a little late?”
Glancing back, Rain Bell muttered under her breath as she finished her breakfast hastily and shot out the kitchen, calling something out to me that sounded like “catch you later”.
Shaking my head at her carelessness, I finished my breakfast and brought our dishes to the sink.


__________


As I pushed through the doors of the spa, the noise of bell sounded above me. I walked inside and spotted Rarity and a pretty blue mare with a pink mane that I assumed was the spa owner looking up at me.
“Oh good! You’re here,” Rarity said. “Fleur should be here soon. So how have you been doing?” She asked as I took a seat on one of the chairs in the waiting room. It had simple blue walls with several plants and modest decor, all of which contributed to a relaxing feel to the room.
“Good, thanks for asking,” I replied as I got comfortable. “So what was that request that you said you had?”
“Well it was a request for dresses from some of the elite in Canterlot,” She started. “Nothing too fancy, but it’ll probably take a while. I don’t have any other pending requests right now, so I figured I’d take it,” Rarity pointed out.
I nodded at her and said, “Makes sense.”
As I finished speaking the bell chimed again and I turned my head to look. In walked Fleur, posing a little and looking stunningly beautiful as usual. I caught myself staring and quickly glanced away.
“Bonjour, Amethyst, Rarity” Fleur greeted us.
Shaking my head slightly to clear my head, I greeted her back, getting up from the chair I was sitting on.
“Hello Fleur,” Rarity replied back. Turning towards the blue mare, she said, “The usual please.”
“For all three of you?” She asked with a slight accent.
“Yes, please,” Rarity answered. The mare nodded and signaled for us to follow her. She walked us into a steam room, noticeable by fluxuation in the temperature and the steam floating around. We took seats at the benches as the spa pony took station near a bucket of hot water.
“So, how have you two been?” Fleur asked us.
Rarity spoke up first, “Very good. I’m still trying to think of what exactly to do for that request. I have several designs I can pick from, but I do not know which to use for it.”
“Maybe I can stop by after the spa?” Fleur suggested to her.
Rarity thought for a second, then answered, “Sure. I appreciate the help.”
“My pleasure,” Fleur responded before turning to me. “How about you, Amethyst?”
I looked up, Fleur’s voice snapping me back to attention “What?” I responded, a little embarrassed and confused after not paying attention. I had been too busy enjoying the steam and daydreaming.
“How have you been?” Fleur asked again, her beautiful voice strained with a small hint of annoyance.
“Um…” I stalled trying to think of something, but coming up with nothing. “Good.”
I saw the laughter in her eyes as she responded with a straight face, “That’s nice to hear.” She paused for a second, thinking of what to say next. “So, how’s your jewelry making coming along?”
“Not bad, thanks to Rarity supplying me with the materials to do so,” I answered, thankful that she wasn’t too mad about me not paying attention earlier. “I’ve been able to resell them to her as well as get some requests from Canterlot,” I finished, flashing a smile to Rarity.
“It’s my pleasure,” Rarity replied before turning towards Fleur. “Has Fancy Pants planned anything out for you anytime soon?”
“He’s saying that there might be a fashion shoot for me coming up soon, but nothing is set in stone yet, so no guarantees,” She replied quickly.”Otherwise I’m completely free.”
The blue mare spoke up, “Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time for your mud baths. If you’d follow me please.”
As we got up from the bench and followed her, I looked at Rarity, wondering what the point of bathing in mud was.


__________


Apparently mud baths were great for relaxing and also helps your complexion or so Rarity would have me believe. I still had a few doubts that she was right, but after several moments of disbelief I was quickly reassured by everypony else that it was true.
I had to admit that it was relaxing, but as our baths drew near an end, a pink mare, with inverted colors to the mare before and equally cute, walked into the room and spoke up.
“Sorry to let you know, but it’s just me and Lotus today so we can only take two of you at a time,” She apologized.
“It’s no problem, Aloe,” Rarity said to the mare as she turned to us. “So any volunteers?”
I was about to offer to when Fleur spoke up, “I will. These baths are much better than most I’ve been to, so I don’t mind sitting in here for a little longer.”
“Alright then. If you’d follow me, please,” Aloe said motioning for me and Rarity to come with her to the next room.
Inside was Lotus and several massage tables, one of which Rarity climbed on top of and laid down. I followed suit, getting comfortable as they started our massage.
I lay there enjoying it as the rhythmic motions relaxed my muscles. I must admit that at first I didn’t think I’d enjoy it very much, but after they started, any doubt in my head melted away. All the stresses that I had or didn’t even know I had dissipated in the wave of bliss the massage brought with it.
Going against my body’s wish to just lay there and do nothing else except enjoy the massage, I spoke up, breaking the silence between me and Rarity.
“So, Rarity. There’s this pony I like…” I started off, trying to get her attention. “I was wondering if you knew the best way to ask them out.”
“Ooooooh, does somepony have a crush?” Rarity teased. “Who is the lucky stallion?” I looked away, frowning. “It’s nothing to be ashamed about,” Rarity said, ignorant to what was going on in my head.
Now I would have told Rarity if it was a stallion, but it wasn’t. It was Fleur. And Rarity didn’t know that I was a lesbimare yet. However, because of that, I was a bit hesitant to tell her. She would find out later though, so…
I sighed as I resigned and told her, “Well. Since you really want to know…” I stalled.
“Oh come on,” She whined, “Tell me already, darling..”
Sighing one last time, I revealed my secret, “Well, it’s Fleur.”
Rarity looked a bit confused as well as shocked. “Wait, Fleur as in Fleur de Lis?”
“Yes,” I replied.
“Fleur as in Fleur in the other room?” She asked, still looking shocked at what I just said and trying to comprehend it.
I rolled my eyes at her, “Yes,” I said, my voice containing a hint of annoyance.
“Wow… Well this is a surprise. I guess I should have seen it though,” Rarity mused. “I never thought you would be a lesbimare, Amethyst.”
Starting to get a little flustered, (Which was actually kind of hard to achieve with the massage I was getting.) I interrupted her and said, “Yes, well can we get onto the advice, please?”
Rarity gave me a sheepish grin. “Oh, yes, my bad. Well, just ask her out to dinner. I’d suggest a nice, fancy restaurant, but I can’t think of any right now,” She said with a frown.
“If only Rain Bell was here,” I said, frowning as well. “I haven’t ate at any restaurants around town, let alone know the names of any at all.”
“I think I have an idea!” Rarity exclaimed, eyes sparkling with delight. “There’s a classy Prench restaurant called ‘The Poney Caracolant’. It’s supposed to have really great food from what I’ve heard. I’ve never gone there before though.”
“Well hopefully what you heard was true,” I said, thinking about what else I’d need to do. “Um… I’ll need a dress then, right?” Rarity nodded. “I don’t have any…” I started then realized who I was laying down next to. “Could you make a dress for me, please, Rarity?”
“Consider it done, darling. I’ll even do it for free,” She offered.
My mouth agape, I responded, “What… No, I couldn’t. Not for free!”
“I insist,” Rarity said with a smile before she turned towards the spa pony massaging her. “Well I think I’m done with my massage for now. Thank you, Lotus.”
“It’s my pleasure,” She replied, before turning to fetch Fleur.
“Are you going to ask her out now, Amethyst?” Rarity asked, waiting for my answer before she trotted to the next room.
“I’ll try to,” I responded, suddenly not as confident as I had been while we had been planning. Rarity shook her head as she headed to the hot tub. “Oh, Rarity!” I called out, getting her attention. “Thanks for all the help with this.”


__________


A few minutes later, Fleur walked out and laid down for her massage. I knew that I needed to ask her out, especially after having planned out everything, but instead, I was overcome with nervousness at the time. “I wish Rarity was still here,” I muttered to myself.
“What was that?” Fleur asked, looking over at me.
“Um, nothing,” I said quickly. Fleur looked at me like she didn’t believe me. Acting on a spur to start up conversation again to try to coax myself to ask her out, I asked, “So how are you liking the spa so far?”
“Merveilleux,” She said, clearly enjoying her massage. “I’d even go so far as to say better than most of the spas I’ve been to in Canterlot.” She paused for a second, enjoying the massage before she spoke up again. “Et toi?”
“Well I haven’t been to a spa before, but I’d say that this one is pretty good as well,” I answered. The conversation paused for a while and I took the time to muster my courage to ask.
Taking a deep breath, I spoke up. “Hey Fleur…” I began, getting her attention.
“Oui?” She asked, tilting her head a little.
“I was wondering… Would you go out with me to dinner, on a date?” I asked, suddenly tense as I waited for her answer.
She looked surprised at my question… more surprised than I liked. Great job. You screwed this up, Amethyst, I criticized myself, feeling hopeless for this to have any success now.
“I… I need some time to think about this,” Fleur responded, looking away from me.
Well it’s not a definite no… I brought up to myself. At least there’s still a chance for me, I thought, sounding a lot more confident in my head than I really felt. “I’m going to go to the hot tub now,” I excused myself, getting up and thanking Aloe on the way.


__________


As I stepped into the hot tub, Rarity asked, “So did you ask her?”
“Yes,” I replied sullenly. “And before you ask, she didn’t say yes. She didn’t say no either. At least it’s better than nothing, right?”
Rarity frowned. “Yes. I thought this might happen… You do have to realize that she does deal with the Canterlot elite though, and they are against anyone who isn’t completely straight,” She explained. “Fleur’s probably debating whether or not to take that risk, but at least she’s thinking about it,” Rarity pointed out.
She did have a point, I thought to myself. The very fact that she didn’t completely shut me out meant that Fleur is at the very least considering it. Maybe I do still have a chance!
“Tell you what,” Rarity began to say. “I’ll talk to her when she’s over at my boutique later today. Let’s see if I can’t convince her for you,” She offered with a smile.
“You’d really do that for me?” I asked, not believing my luck.
“Sure. And while I’m not into mares, I think you and Fleur would make a cute couple. As I’ve said before, it’s the least I could do, darling,” Rarity said with a smile.
“I really need to find some way to pay you back for all your help…” I said, clueless as to pay back even a little of the generosity my friends had given me.
Rarity laughed and said, “Getting you and Fleur together would be payment enough.”
I frowned and said seriously, “No. I need… no have to do something to pay you back for everything you’ve done for me. You’ve helped me out more than most ponies that I’ve met before. Albeit, I haven’t met that many, but still,” I quietly added as an afterthought.


__________


Fleur entered the hot tub several minutes later, sitting across from us. “Sorry that we didn’t get to spend that much time together today,” Rarity apologized.
“Oh, it’s alright. It’s still better than most spa visits I’ve had before. Definitely relaxing…” Fleur paused before saying in a neutral tone as she looked at me, “and… different.”
I turned my gaze away from her, feeling rather embarrassed and awkward.
“Well, at least it isn’t boring,” Rarity pointed out, letting the conversation die down. We sat there in the hot tub, unsure of what to talk about next so we sat there, relaxing instead.
I broke the silence and turned to Fleur to try to make the feeling of awkwardness die down. “So do you have anything planned for the next few weeks?” I asked, then realized it might’ve sounded weird, and added, “For modeling, I mean.”
Fleur let out a feminine chuckle as she replied, “I figured that was what you meant. And as far as I know, I still have nothing planned out. If I remember correctly though, Uncle Fancy said that he might have found a photo shoot for me in a week or so.”
Once again, the conversation died down for a little before Fleur spoke up again, turning to face me.
“Amethyst, I noticed you’re still looking a little on edge. I’d like you to know that even if I say no, I don’t want that to come between our friendship, if that’s okay with you.”
I looked away, not sure how to respond and altogether, feeling a little bit more on edge that she said that. I’m sure that she might have seen that some other way, but instead, it felt more like she had already decided not to.


__________


As our trip to the spa concluded, we gathered outside to bid farewell to each other as I went home and Rarity and Fleur headed to her boutique.
“Well, see you two later,” I said, feeling a little sad that our trip was over. As my first time going to a spa, I’d have to say that it was a rather enjoyable moment.
“I’ll see you soon,” Rarity replied, giving me a wink before she whispered to me, “I’ll make sure to talk to Fleur about that date. Tell me what she says to you.”
“Will do,” I said back to her, “I can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve given me.” Rarity just smiled back to me
Fleur turned to me and said, “I’ll think about your offer for a date and tell you once I’ve made up my mind. Can I stop by your house to tell you when I have?” She asked.
“Yes, I should be around,” I replied.
Fleur nodded. “Alright, sounds like a plan. Au revoir, then.”
“Bye, Fleur,” I said, turning to head back home as they headed off in their own direction. Taking that last conversation into consideration, I wasn’t quite sure what Fleur’s answer would be. All I could do was hope that she would answer with a yes.
> Chapter 7:  An Unexpected Visitor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As I trotted towards Rarity’s Boutique to get Fleur’s answer, I couldn’t help but feel nervous about the whole prospect of dating. Not only was I not skilled in socializing, but I was almost completely ignorant about the entire subject.
Sighing, I thought to myself I am really going to need Rarity’s help with this. Maybe Rain Bell’s as well... I added as an afterthought.
Coming up to the Boutique, I paused outside, still feeling nervous about what was to come. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door, setting off the bell above it. Fleur and Rarity were sitting inside chatting and looked towards me.
“Oh, hello, Amethyst. We were just talking about you,” Rarity greeted. “Would you two like some tea while you two talk about… things?” She asked.
“Oui, s’il te plait,” Fleur answered.
“Alright then, I’ll leave you two be then.” Rarity said, turning to enter what I assumed was her kitchen.
As I took a seat on one of Rarity’s sofas, Fleur spoke up. “Well. After some... contemplation, I’ve decided that I’ll take up your offer of a date.” When I heard that, I could barely suppress squeeing in excitement. Instead, I settled with a small smile for the moment.
“So when and where is it going to be?” She asked.
Taking a moment to recompose myself and remember what me and Rarity had planned before at the spa, I answered. “I was thinking of a restaurant called the ‘The Poney Caracolant’ the night after tomorrow. Is that fine with you?”
Fleur replied, saying, “Oui. Where are we going to meet at beforehand?”
“I’ll stop by your hotel room?” I threw out there, unsure if that was the best choice.
“That sounds fine to me,” Fleur said, smiling at me. “I’m looking forward to our date, Amethyst.”
“I am too,” I said, smiling back at her as Rarity walked into the room with tea.
As she poured it into teacups for us, Rarity asked, “So, Amethyst. I have another client interested in your jewelry. Are you interested in taking that job?” She asked, passing me a cup.
“Thank you,” I said, taking the cup from her in my magic, “And yes. Do you mind giving me the details later tonight?”
“I’d love to,” Rarity said, passing a cup to Fleur, who thanked her for it.
We sat there, sipping our tea until Fleur spoke up having finished hers already. “I better head back to my hotel before the sun goes down. It’s getting late.”
“Well, I’ll see you around then, Fleur?” Rarity said, looking up from her tea.
“Oui,” She answered, then looked towards me. “And I’ll see you in two days, Amethyst. I’d better find what to wear for our date too. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“I’m looking forward to it too,” I agreed. “Good night then.”
“Good night, you two,” She said, as she turned to walk out the door, the bell sounding as it opened.
“I take it that she said yes?” Rarity asked, turning my attention away from Fleur as she left.
“Yes! She did!” I answered, squeeing with excitement. “Do you think you can have my dress done by the day after tomorrow?”
Rarity pondered for a second before she answered, “Yes, I should be able to do that. Stop by after dinner and it should be done by then.”
“Alright,” I agreed. “And again, thank you for doing all of this for me, Rarity. It means a lot to me.”
“It’s my pleasure, Amethyst,” Rarity smiled at me. “So about that client I was talking about…”


__________


The following evening, I found myself once again heading towards the Carousel Boutique to see if Rarity had finished my dress. The day had passed by fast as I worked on the jewelry for the client Rarity redirected to me. Otherwise, all was quiet as Rain Bell had to work again today.
As I passed through the door and the bells chimed, Rarity greeted me at the door. “Good to see you, Amethyst. I just finished your dress a little while ago and it’s quite gorgeous if I say so myself.”
She led me towards a ponniquin modelling a cute, yet simple, white dress with purple trim that matched my mane. It was, well as Rarity put it, gorgeous, and I liked it, a lot, which I vocalized to Rarity.
“Rarity, It’s beautiful!” I exclaimed, smiling at her like a foal on Hearth’s Warming Eve.
Rarity returned my smile and asked, “Want to try it on?”
I responded with a smile to her as she gently took it off the ponniquin and handed it to me in her magic. I headed towards one of the dressing screens Rarity had in her Boutique to try on the dress. 
It felt amazing, very comfortable and fit me perfectly. As I stepped past the screen, I heard Rarity gasp.
“That looks fantastic on you, Amethyst! I must say, I did a great job on your dress,” she said as I stepped over to a mirror to check it out myself.
After modelling it in several poses to get a greater feel for it, I turned to Rarity and asked, “So how much do I owe you for this?”
“Tell you what,” Rarity said. “Since you’re my friend and I want to help you out with this as much as I can, I’ll give it to you for free.”
“Rarity, I can’t accept that…” I said, frowning a little.
“I insist,” She smiled at me
Sighing, I gave up, saying, “Fine, but at the very least let me buy you lunch someday.”
“You want to take me out to lunch? I thought you were interested in Fleur,” She said, looking surprised.
“What?! That’s not what I meant at all. You know I only have eyes for Fleur!” I retorted, then realized what I said and looked away, blushing, until I noticed she was laughing. “Oh, that’s just not fair,” I said, mock pouting at her.
Giggling now, Rarity replied, “I’m sorry, that was very unladylike of me, but I just couldn’t resist myself.” After she finished her sentence, Rarity recomposed herself and said, “Well, I’ll take your offer then, Amethyst.”
I nodded and as I picked up the dress in my magic, Rarity asked, “So are you ready for your date?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I sighed.
“I’m sure it’ll run smoothly, Amethyst” She smiled. “Just be yourself, and tell me about it when you get the chance.”
“Well thank you for all the help, Rarity. Let’s hope it helps me.”


__________


“How do I look?” I asked Rain Bell. I had spent the better half of the day preparing for tonight; between cleaning myself, styling my mane out of my eyes and applying a bit more makeup than I usually wore, I was cutting it close to when I was supposed to meet Fleur, but I couldn’t help myself.
“As I’ve said for the past half hour, you look fine,” Rain Bell said nonchalantly. “Now don’t you have a date to meet?”
“Yes,” I sighed, pacing a little. “I’m just nervous about this date.”
“That looks a bit more like stressing to me, and I don’t think stressing about it is a great replacement for your nervousness,” Rain Bell replied from her seat on my bed. “And I think you better go before you’re late.”
Giving off one last look into my bathroom mirror, I said, “I guess you’re right. Well wish me luck on this date.”
“Well, good luck, and try to have fun, at the very least. Oh and don’t forget your bits!” Rain Bell called out as I left the room.
Rushing back inside to grab my bits, I sheepishly thanked Rain Bell on my way out of the door.
As I headed off towards the hotel Fleur was staying in, I couldn’t help but start fretting again. Deep breaths, Amethyst. You can do this! I thought to myself in my head.
Arriving at the hotel, I proceeded to Fleur’s suite and as I came to the door to her room, I rose my hoof up to knock on the door.
I paused.
This is no place to get cold hooves, Amethyst! I stomped at myself in my head. A sudden burst of confidence flowed through me as I knocked on the door. When the door opened and Fleur walked out, my jaw dropped.
Time stood still as I took in Fleur’s image  She wore a modest, white dress, hemmed with hints of pink throughout which accentuated her mane’s colors, which was perfectly styled. Likewise, she wore what seemed like just the perfect amount of makeup; enough to compliment her features, but not too much as to ruin her image. I also noted with a bit of pride that she wore the necklace that I made for her a few weeks ago.
Finally realizing my mouth was agape, I closed it and said, “Hi Fleur. You look…” stunning, gorgeous, pretty, sexy, “...beautiful,” I finally said before my mind went to dark places.
“Et toi aussi,” She said, stepping out of her room and locking the door behind her. “Well are you ready?”
“Yes, let’s go,” I said, nodding to her and leading her down the hall.


__________


After an uneventful walk, the restaurant came into view. I flashed Fleur a small smile that she returned and led her up to the entrance
Coming up to the doors, we were greeted by the maitre d’, a white unicorn stallion with a black mane and matching moustache. “Hello and welcome to The Poney Caracolant. How may I serve you ladies on this fine night?” He asked with a Prench accent that rivaled Fleur’s own.
“Yes, I have a reservation for two at six. It should be under Amethyst,” I said.
We waited as he searched the reservation lists for a couple seconds until he spoke up, “Ah, yes. If you’d follow me, please.” We followed as he took the lead and brought us to a booth where we took our seats.
After we got ourselves settled and looked over the drink list, the maitre d’ asked, “What may I get for you two to drink?”
Fleur spoke up, “Do you have any wine? Preferably Tamika.”
“Certainly. Is there any particular vintage you wish, mademoiselle?”
“No thank you.”
The waiter turned to me for my answer and I replied, saying, “I’ll have the same, thank you.”
“Certainly. I shall be back with your drinks shortly,” He said, leaving us.
Meanwhile, we looked over the menu to decide what to eat. Luckily, by the time the waiter returned with our wine and filled our glasses, Fleur ordered first when he asked of our decision buying me a little more time to decide what to eat.
“Have you made your decisions?”
“Oui, I’ll take the salade mesclun, S’il vous plait.”
“An excellent choice,” The waiter remarked, then turned towards me, “And you, mademoiselle?”
“Um…” I said, quickly scanning the menu for something that caught my eye. “I’ll take the ratatouille, please.”
“Very good,” He said, collecting our menus. “I will return with your meals.”
Silence ensued at the table for a while until I spoke up, partly to break the silence, as well as take an opportunity to get to know Fleur better. “So you’re from Prance?” I began, taking a sip of my wine. It was fairly sweet tasting. “What’s it like there?”
“Simply marvelous,” Fleur answered, bringing her glass up to her lips. “To sum it up in a sentence, it’s a romantic place full of lots of history. I was raised in Pearis, the capital, along with my sister.”
“You have a sister?” I asked. “For some reason, I always thought you were an only child.”
“Oh, no. I don’t see her as much as I’d like though, since we’re in different countries,” Fleur said with a small frown. “You should think of traveling to Prance someday. It truly is different from Equestria.”
At this time, the waiter returned with our food and placed our meals in front of us as I looked on hungrily.  “Bon appetite,” he said, as he left us to our dinner.
As I took a bite of my ratatouille, I felt the flavor hit my tongue in a wonderful wave of taste. Even from just the first bite, I could tell that even though I never had ratatouille before, it would definitely be a dish that I would revisit sometime soon.
Pausing to chew, I took that time to observe the room. The restaurant was fairly busy, with most tables taken by couples. A relaxing tune was being played by a musician that I could not see from my position.
“How is your ratatouille?” Fleur asked, bringing me out of observations.
“It’s wonderful!” I replied. “Would you like to try some?”
“Yes, please,” Fleur answered as I nudged my plate towards her. She took a bite and chewed it over, tasting it. “Not the best that I’ve ever had, but it’s still very high up on my list,” She said, giving her verdict over my meal.
“So where did you learn to make jewelry, Amethyst?” Fleur asked after a few moments of silence.
“My mother taught me how to while I still lived in Manehattan,” I answered. “I always watched her as a little filly, then one day she let me try my hoof at it. That’s actually when I got my cutie mark, as a matter of fact.”
“Interesting,” Fleur said. “So your mother was a jeweler… What did your father do?”
I looked away as I answered, “I never actually knew my father. He left her shortly after I was born. ”
“Oh… I’m sorry to hear that,” Fleur responded.
“Meh. It never really bothered me, actually,” I admitted. “It just meant that I grew closer to my mother, even if she could be a pain in the flank sometimes, but isn’t that how all moms are? So what about your parents?” I asked, trying to change the subject. Talking about my dad wasn’t something I was very fond of.
“Well my mere...” Fleur began, then paused for a second. “My bad, my mother, was a famous fashion model in her time, more so than I, even though she retired fairly early into her career,” she explained. “Turns out that my uncle Fancy Pants was actually a fan of my mother and that was what started his interest in the modeling career.”
“Really?” I asked. “I guess that must have been interesting when your father and your mother got together then.”
“Oh yes,” Fleur said, giving off a feminine chuckle. “Uncle Fancy was pretty jealous of my father, or so he would have me think. I’m sure Uncle Fancy was though.”
Pausing to take a sip from her glass, Fleur continued, “Speaking of my father, he worked as a bellhop for a five star hotel in Pearis, believe it or not. My mother met him during one of her stays there during her modelling career. He actually owns his own restaurant now.”
“Well that’s certainly an interesting story,” I commented. “I actually never would’ve expected that your father was a bellhop once, honestly.”
“Oh, really now?” Fleur questioned, raising her eyebrow. “What would you think he’d be working as then?”
I took a second to think, but failed to come up with anything. “I have nothing,” I answered, laughing a little. “I just wouldn’t guess that that’s what he’d be.”
Fleur joined in, “Heh, I guess it doesn’t really make that much sense, does it? Turns out he asked her out during her stay and she actually accepted. According to her, he was very handsome.”
We continued to talk and laugh until our glasses were empty and the waiter arrived one last time with the bill.
“I’ve got it,” We both said at the same time, reaching for our bits.
“Don’t worry about it, Fleur. I’ll pay,” I said one more time, placing my bits on the table.
“Are you sure?” Fleur asked, looking at me questioningly as she held her bits in the air..
I smiled at her as I replied, “I’m sure. Don’t worry about it.”
“Well, thank you for dinner then,” Fleur said, smiling, but placing a few bits on the table for the tip.
“It was my pleasure.” I responded, smiling back at her as we got out of our chairs. “Ready to go?”
“Oui,” Fleur answered.


__________


Instead of heading back to Fleur’s room, we decided to take a stroll through the park instead. The autumn night was cool and the moon was out, illuminating our path as we wandered through the Ponyville park chatting.
“I had a really great time tonight, Amethyst,”Fleur said, smiling at me in the moonlight.
“I did too,” I agreed, returning her smile.
We kept trotting in silence together gazing up at the stars and the constellations they formed. “You know, I actually haven’t done anything like this before,” I admitted. “Gazing at the night sky, I mean.”
“Really?” Fleur asked, “Why is that?”
“Well, between the fact that you can’t see the night sky very well in Manehattan and that I used to stay inside almost all the time, there weren’t very many chances for me to do so,” I answered as we sat down on one of the many empty park benches scattered around.
“That’s a shame, really,” Fleur staring at the moon. The way the moonlight illuminated her made her look magical, almost like a goddess.
“My family used to go out to the countryside sometimes just to gaze at the stars. They actually taught me quite a bit about astronomy and the constellations,” Fleur said looking towards me.
“My mother once told me that when things look bleak, or you’re lonely or homesick, to just look up at the sky, because it’s the same sky that those who are special to you are looking at too,” Fleur said, looking into my eyes. “It helps you feel closer to them, no matter how far apart you are from them.”
We both looked up at the moon, taking in its glory and beauty. “C’est vraiment belle, non?” Fleur asked, barely more than a whisper.


__________

As we came up to Fleur’s hotel room, she paused and turned towards me with a smile on her face. “Promise to take me on a second date?”
Hearing that, part of me wanted to squee and jump around in excitement. The other (sensible, I might add) part of me answered her question. “Of course!” I exclaimed, with perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm.
Fleur giggled at my eagerness and responded, “Alright then. I look forward to it.” She turned towards her door, unlocking it, then turned back to me. “Bien nuit, Amethyst,” She said and she leaned in towards me and planted a kiss on my cheek.
I was surprised at first, but soon a smile crept onto my face as she trotted into her room, glancing back at me once and chucked as she closed the door.


__________


Getting back to my home, I opened up the door and was surprised to see a light on in the kitchen.
“Huh. That’s weird. I’d figure Rain Bell would be asleep by now,” I said to myself as I started to walk towards the kitchen.
I could hear voices, one of which was Rain Bell’s and the other, a male, which I didn’t recognize. As I came up to the door, I saw him sitting down at the kitchen table with her; He was a middle-aged unicorn with a silver coat and brown mane with a cutie mark that I couldn’t see from my angle. For some reason that I couldn’t quite place, I recognized him, but I didn’t know where I had seen him before.
“Hi Rain Bell,” I said as I entered the room, still unsure about the stallion.
“Oh. Hi Amethyst. Didn’t see you there,” Rain Bell said, turning to look back at me in her seat. “How did your date go?”
“Splendid, but I’ll tell you about it tomorrow,” I promised to her. “Who’s your friend?’
Rain Bell looked towards the stallion and asked, “Do you want to tell her?”
He nodded and got up from his seat. “Well. Hello Amethyst. I’m… Well, I’m your father.”