> The Showmare and her Bouquet
>  by DerpiusHoovicus2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Chapter In Which There Are Words
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Great and Powerful Trixie awoke from her Great and Powerful slumber to get on with her Great and Powerful morning. She opened her eyes and looked around the small carriage. It was dark, no surprises there. She shifted and slithered until her hooves found the corner of the mattress, she pulled herself forward and her hooves found the ground with a rather large thud. She reached over to the window and pulled it open, letting in the bright day’s sin. Trixie made her way over to the petite kitchen in her rather small “home” and turned the far left knob to heat the stovetop.

As she made her way over to the fridge her hooves clacked against the creaky floor, causing a rather large ruckus for the calm and serene morning. She was slightly disheartened that she could not hear the tweeting and songs of the birds that danced in the trees outside her hovel.

She stood at the icebox, looking for anything to eat inside and eventually landed her eyes upon a box of eggs. The cardboard prison for the few eggs she still had sat silently, unmoving like it was just waiting, until The Great and Powerful Trixie released it from it’s, oh so awful, position in the cold chamber. Lifting the box in her magic she moved over to the stove again, creakily as ever.

The Great and Powerful Trixie opened the case with her magic, revealing three eggs sitting in a strange, unorganized pattern. She let out a small ‘humph’ at her insufficient breakfast. To only eat three eggs is unheard of! The Great and Powerful Trixie needed a Great and Powerful breakfast to be Great and powerful. She reached over to the stove knobs and turned the one on the far left to the off position. She reached up with a hoof and closed the cardboard egg carton and lifted it to the icebox with magic, for she had no reason to go all the way over to her fridge and put it back.

The Great and Powerful Trixie made a Great and Powerful decision to go to the (not so great and powerful) market to get ingredients for a more Great and Powerful breakfast, for a Great and Powerful pony.

She stood over near her door and reached up to the rack, of which held her cloak and hat. She removed them and donned each with careful precision, placing them at just the right positions, so that she would look as Great and Powerful as she was.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is ready for her day, is she not?” She looked around for a moment, as to make sure she had everything she needed. With a small nod to herself, she turned back toward the door. “Then let her get started!” And with that she pushed open the creaky door, revealing a rather large squeak that was peculiar, not one of the usual sounds her Great and Powerful Carriage made. She just simply shrugged it off, as she did most things, she was so Great and Powerful, what was there to harm her fantastic and wonderful self? She moved down the steps, as each one creaked and wobbled, she tread with careful ease.

Her carriage was getting old, and perhaps not the Great and Powerful Carriage it once was. But it was still under ownership of The Great and Powerful Trixie, and by the transitive property, that meant it was still Great and Powerful. 

Her thoughts were interrupted as a snap crashed against her ears, and she soon was falling. Her leg caught on the broken step, but soon freed itself, she fell to the ground flailing and trying to gain balance on something that wasn’t there. She tumbled in the air for a good two seconds before she thud against the ground, causing dust to stir up in the air around her. She quickly got to her hooves and with a few polite coughs she was standing just as she was before her fall, on the ground this time however.

“Another Great and Powerful Recovery, by the Great and Powerful Trixie,” She said to herself and anypony who was listening. She did make a rather astounding recovery after all, and greatness deserves recognition.

“Oh Gosh, are you okay? I saw you fall, and… oh, your leg is bleeding,” a voice from somewhere to her left spoke, their voice broad and full of emotion. Like they particularly cared about her situation, which was strange. No pony liked the Great and Powerful Trixie, even though she was Great and Powerful, everypony seemed to avoid her if at all possible, and often talked behind her back.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie will be fine, and to whom does she owe the acquaintance? She would like to know who it is that cares about her well being,” A small ruffling from the bushes nearby caught The Great and Powerful Trixie’s attention. “What are you doing in those bushes?” Trixie said in her imperious tone, like she was on top of the world.

“Oh, I was, um… looking at your… flowers?” The shy voice called, still enraptured by the embrace of the bushes, Trixie could not decipher the owner of said voice, not that she knew many ponies to attach it to.

“From the bushes?” Trixie raised her eyebrow, knowing that it was rather pointless due to the hidden pony she was talking to, she quickly returned it to it’s natural position. “And, wait. The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn’t have flowers.” She turned and looked at her Carriage, and sure enough, there was a beautiful arrangement of flowers on her windowsill. 

“GottaGoBye!” Shouted the voice as it scurried through the bushes and left toward a building at a gallop, evading Trixie’s sight.

“How peculiar,” Trixie said to herself, and turned toward the market. She had Great and Powerful errands to run, and this kerfuffle was just going to be in the way of her Great and powerful activities.

Trixie walked through the dirt street, each hoofstep causing a small scuff of dirt to rise from the crater she created. It had been a few minutes before something registered in Trixie’s Great and Powerful mind, “Your leg is bleeding,” The voice had said. The magician took a second to lift her leg that had been caught on the splintered step, and to no surprise, it was slightly discolored. Red mixed with brown, showed on her luxurious light blue coat.

The Great and Powerful Trixie was upset, she rarely got scathed, and for it to be from a wooden step, was just embarrassing. She figured it would be fine for now, she would tend to it later. For the moment she dropped her cloak to fall down past her legs again and went on her way.

After walking for a while, The Great and Powerful Trixie found herself in the Ponyville Market. Ponies of all shapes colors, forms, and race, littered the area. Talking or purchasing things from vendors. The large amount of ponies, conversing,  gave Trixie a rather large headache. She was used to serene mornings, and this was certainly not very serene. Everything about this morning was the least serene she could imagine.

She had missed her breakfast, had a strange encounter with a mysterious pony, broken her steps, and gotten a headache. Why couldn’t she just sit and eat her breakfast listening to the birds, Was that too much to ask?

She let out a small groan and made her way over to the stand that had the items she was in search of. The pony behind the stand was leaning on a hoof, in wait of a customer. As Trixie approached they straightened up and put on a large smile.

“Welcome! We sell eggs, and eggs, and… well, eggs! That’s about it, if you don’t need eggs you’re better off somewhere else.” The Pony behind the stand wasn't much older than a colt, and his enthusiasm was an obvious sign that he hadn’t been working there long.

“Right, The Great and Powerful Trixie requests that you supply her with two dozen eggs, for an exchange of seven bits,” Her bold and imperious voice confused the young worker and he looked at her funny.

“O...kay… Well then, the Vigilant and Bold Rooster accepts your offer, and will exchange two dozen eggs for a total of seven bits,” The pony, apparently Rooster, said, mocking Trixie’s powerful voice. He did what was agreed upon and found two cases filled with eggs, he closed them and scoot them over to Trixie.

“It was truly a pleasure to convene here, and decide upon a fair trade of monetary for product here with you, Rooster,” Trixie put the cartons into a pocket on either side of her cloak that worked as saddlebags for lighter objects.

“Uh.. huh… Surely,” he said awkwardly, leaning back into his hoof on the counter. Trixie left him to do his job and made her way back toward her carriage.

Although on her path through the market, she saw a rather peculiar stand of flowers. No pony stood behind them, they just sat upon the counter, seemingly dancing in the gentle breeze, waving with the pull of the wind. They were arranged rather similarly to the strange, and suddenly appearing, flowers now on her windowsill.

The Great and Powerful Trixie took it upon herself to go to the stand and get a closer look, they were rather pretty after all. She shuffled her hooves toward the small stand, pulling waves of dirt with her as she took step after step closer to the stand. 

As she made it to the stand, she looked it over, left to right, there was certainly no pony here. Yet the flowers were nearly identical to the ones she had apparently gotten recently. With an almost sad huff, she walked past and toward her home again. She turned hoping the worker magically appeared, and to her surprise there was a pony laying on their stomach behind the stand.

Rather curious, she made her way to the cowering pony. “Are you alright? You seem troubled,” Trixie said, and the pony just cowered more into her hooves.

“I’m not here right now, if you would, you can leave a message,” The voice was muffled and pointed into the dirt, eliciting a cough or two from the pony who was on the ground.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie does not have time for these shenanigans,” and with that she left to her mobile home, to finally get breakfast.

As she approached the carriage, she saw the broken step. With magic, she repaired the damage, The wood swirled around each splinter as it pulled itself together. Each piece fitting to the other like a perfect puzzle. After the show of floating debris becoming a wooden step was over, and the stair was replaced, she delicately climbed up into her home.

She pulled off her dusty cloak, removed said dust with magic, and did the same with her hat. The dust she pulled off was tossed out the door, followed by a slam of said door. The clothing items found their way onto the rack near the door, and she found herself at the stove again.

She turned the knob and set an oiled pan onto the heated coil. She cooked up her eggs and seasoned them with a delicate amount of salt and pepper. Perfectly to her liking, she sat all of the eggs on a plate and made her way to the small dining table in her small home. The creaking of the floors as obvious as ever ringing through the small “house” as she sat at the table. A thought came to her as she sat, and just as quickly she stood again. 

She made her way over to the window and looked at the flowers on it’s sill. A beautiful arrangement of red and white roses, just like at the stand. Maybe the worker could know the strange bush pony that she met earlier.

But for the moment The Great and Powerful Trixie returned to her table and meal. Savoring every last molecule of the eggs. And listening to the birds chirp in joy.

Her breakfast was ever delightful, and she licked the plate clean. She put the dish into the sink, which she would need to clear out later, and made her way back towards the door. Since she was done with her breakfast, she could get to practising magic, her favorite pastime activity.

With her clothes on her back and her hat upon her head, she stepped out again into the fresh morning air, taking a deep whiff of the wonderful smells of nature. Smells of wet grass and flowers filled her nostrils as she made her way over to an open field.

The field was empty and there was no pony around to see if she failed, which even The Great and Powerful Trixie was apt to do. She practised many different spells, which most nomies were unable to do. One pony was usually good at one spell, but Trixie was an illusionist. Any spell involving the deceit of others, she could learn. She had picked up a few other spell, such as carpentry along the way as well.

An hour or so later of hard work and focusing intently on spells, The Great and Powerful Trixie, was more of a Worn and Tired Trixie. The magician wiped sweat away from her brow and let a hefty sigh leave her lips. She trudged herself toward her home, dragging her hooves tiredly, using the last bit of energy to just get through the door.

She didn’t bother taking her cloak and hat off, as she plopped down onto her bed, taking in the scent of clean sheets and pillow cases. A rather pleasant smell, if she said so herself. As she lay on her bed, still breathing heavily from exertion to her near limits, she caught eye of the roses in the window.

“Well if the Great and Powerful Trixie doesn’t water them, they will wilt…” she thought to herself. ”I suppose when she has all of her energy she will tend to them,”

Her eyes drift shut slowly, her eyelids collapsing upon each other and blacking out the world from Trixie’s view. Now was a good a time as any for a nap. She often found herself in a nap after hard work, she took it as a sign that she was working hard, enough to put her mind to rest from trying so hard to master her spells.

A knock on her door awoke her from her slumber. Another rather loud knock instructed her to leave the confines of her cozy bed and investigate the sound. She moved lacking elegance and poise like usual, dragging across the creaky wood. Her fatigue and her just having awoken playing a rather large part in her indolent movement.

She pulled the door open and saw a rather large, imposing, pony in front of her door.

“Trixie Lulamoon?” The pony was obviously of power and so she decided it best to lose the arrogance for a change.

“Yes sir, why are you disturbing Trixie at this time of slumber?” So much for that. The pony in question looked at her quizzically, turned toward the sun, and back, slowly cocking his head as he did so.

“It’s barely noon, ma’am.” He deadpanned, still looking at her like she was crazy. “Anyway, I’ve been sent here under the Ponyville Health Department, your shack is extremely unfit for living, anypony would be lucky to survive a week living in this deathtrap. If you don’t stop living here we’re going to have to evict you from your, “home” with force.” Trixie’s mind was running with seventy questions at once.

“Unfit? Trixie has lived in this abode for the most of her sentience, How could you decide to remove her from said premises!” She exclaimed her anger as best she could, with yelling.

“I’m sorry, but in Ponyville, them’s the rules. You have a week,” he hooved her a slip of government-y paper that said things along the lines of, ‘Seven days to vacate’. She was enraged, her lifetime home was being ripped from her and she had nowhere else to go.

“GrrrrAH,” She growled, into her empty home. She was in a furious fit of rage, tossing things and breaking several objects in her abode, soon to be… not. When she finally calmed down, she found it easier to just cry. She sat in her bed with her face in the pillow, crying. With no pony to see her, she let the streams of tears run like rivers down her cheeks and pool into small ponds on the fabric of her pillow.

Another knock rapped on the door and she was mad again. She thumped over to the door, slamming her hooves into the innocent woodwork that made up her floor. She ripped the door open and shouted at the pony behind it, “WHAT NOW!? CAN’T YOU LEAVE ME ALONE!!!?? Oh, sorry…” the poor mailmare sat and let her mane settle from the unruly wind of the magician’s voice.

She sniffed and smiled, “‘S’allright ma’am, times are tough, I get it. Got some mail for ya!” She reached into her bag and pulled out a newspaper and a few bills, “That’s it today ma’am, see ya soon!” And with that the wall eyed pegasus made her way off into the sky.

Trixie sat, dumbfounded. What just happened?

She moved her attention to the slips of paper that were handed to her and opened the letters first. Bills, no surprise there. She looked at the newspaper next and finned through the headlines, one stood out in particular.

LOOKING FOR ROOMMATE

She read through the advertisement and felt she met the qualifications asked of said roommate. She found information that would put her into contact with the advertiser and wrote it down in a small notebook that had been near her, due to the whirlwind she caused earlier.

Things were really starting to look up for Trixie, other than the fact they sucked in the first place, at least they were correcting themselves; all in a day’s time everything was looking up.

She set everything down, and looked around her carriage. She had really done a number on the poor mobile home. Everything was tattered and ruined, a few holes were punched in the woodwork, she wouldn’t be able to keep it, the repairs would be costs even The Great and Powerful Trixie couldn’t cover.

She gave a sad scuff against the floor and turned to the door.

“Trixie is sorry, she will never forget the good times we shared,” With that, she pushed open the door, only for it to fall off soon after. She grimaced and recoiled at the sight of her home literally falling apart, but stepped out all the same.

Bearing the notebook with the residence in it, she made her way slowly to the street it said in the paper. Maybe, just maybe things would turn out okay for Trixie.

More than she could ever know...

> <Insert Quirky Title Here>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trixie’s hooves pat against the warm dirt as she trailed her way toward the address printed upon the newspaper she had read earlier. Maybe things would finally go well for once, maybe she would finally make enough bits to move to a richer town and perform more expensive shows.

But then again, maybe not…

As she walked she let her thoughts wander, letting the breeze blow her cape and the sun warm her hide. The evening was very peaceful, everything on the path toward the apartment was calm and quiet, other than the occasional bird that chirped by, swaying back and forth as it flapped it’s wings, carrying it on the wind as it dart by within seconds.

Everything seemed to be in a slowed state while she was entranced in nature, the flowing wind and the swaying of everything in perfect rhythm, she could almost follow along if she tried hard enough, that was how she tapped into her magic. Using the serenity of nature and following the rhythm everything seemed to know by simply existing, to focus completely on her own source of power. Co-existence.

The distance to the abode went from miles to yards to feet, before she finally realized she was standing upon the doorstep of the small apartment complex.

It was a very quaint and delicate place, everything was simple but not displeasing, it gave off a very homely feeling that was rather calming. The building was no taller than two stories, and had several windows interspersed evenly upon it's face. The brickwork was no different than any other she had seen, although it did appear fairly uneven. The door she was drawn to was a simple wooden door, engraved with four rectangles that sat upon each corner, chamfered into the structure of the woodwork.

As she stood in front of the door she hesitated for a moment, trying to decide if she should remove her hat or not; first impressions were the most important after all. After a few moments of deciding, she pulled off her hat and magically set it into her pocket.

Her hoof approached the door slowly, leaning ever closer until it found purchase with a thud. Again and again this happened until a shout was heard from inside, it was rather far away so it was hardly audible.

As Trixie stood, she could hear pounding. It sounded like it was getting progressively louder as it thud immensely against her eardrums, hitting with more intensity as it slammed into her, barely allowing her to hear anything but the timely tick… of the clock. She was hearing the tick of a nearby clock, the second hand slowly inching it's way around the face covered in numbers.

Trixie would never admit it, but she was nervous, nervous of rejection, of having to live on the streets until she could plan a gig to give her the bits to be allowed a morsel of oats. Ok, so maybe she was a little scared. (Definitely not scared [Don’t interrupt, Trixie.])

Hoof steps approached calmly, falling into a rhythm Trixie knew well, the rhythm of nature. When the door finally creaked open, in it stood a mare with a soft cream coat and red and pink hair strewn into settled waves. Her olive eyes looked into Trixie’s purple with what looked like fear, or maybe it was surprise, whatever it was it was definitely not a happy grin to see a visitor.

“Uh-hm, H-Hello T-ergh, I mean stranger… What brings you here?” Her inability to string together even the simplest of greetings was kinda cute (definitely cute[*smack* no interrupting] sorry…) [Ahem]

“I saw an advertisement in the local media paper, this is the residence seeking a roommate?” Trixie spoke clearly, as if in an interview, because she practically was.

When Trixie had asked about the roommate situation the mare’s eyes popped and her cheeks flushed for a moment before situating back to normal, “OH!... ah- I mean uh… Yes of course, newspaper... you saw huh? Well, come in, feel free to take a look around, it’s not much but... it’s home.” 

“I concur,” Trixie said blatantly, she was used to small homes and this would work fine. As she stepped in, the light smell of flowers met her nose. It was an elegant smell and very pleasing, something she could get used to. 

The inside started with the living room, a fair sized room with a lounging couch and a lamp on a nightstand near it. A table with magazines sat in front, they scattered across the small table in an sporadic fashion, laying separated from each other. Some touched only by corners and others, not at all.

There was a small counter to the right where a kitchen fit, utensils and dishes lay strewn about, not too differently from the magazines. There was an oven, a sink, and an ice box that sat in a triangle from each other. The fridge and oven on one side with the sink separated. The sink sat instead in the counter.

Not far from the front door, on the other side of the room, was an open doorway to the bedrooms and bath. The bathrooms weren’t anything splendorous, so Trixie went on to the bedrooms. The resident followed her as she analyzed everything in turn, with a face that would put a professional gambler to shame.

The first bedroom was simple enough, it had a white bed in the middle (without its covers) and a dresser on the left of the doorway, the wallpaper was a simple cross hatch pattern of several shades of blue. There was a closet to the right and Trixie made her way toward it slowly, inspecting the lush carpet with her hooves as she walked. The closet had sliding doors that revealed a medium sized cavity in the wall with a beam across the middle near the top, it was nothing special but it would fit everything she needed. Which wasn’t much.

The second room was a whole different story however. When the door opened a much stronger  smell of flowers burst through the air like a tornado through an open window. It was a pleasant smell however, and Trixie rather enjoyed it. The walls were lined with images of roses falling, several petals fell alongside them as well, creating a lovely tapestry of falling flowers. (although it was only simple wallpaper, Trixie found beauty in it.) There was a dresser on the far wall in the corner and a bed parallel on the other side. The dresser had images of the mare who must have lived in the room and, presumably, her friends. Upon the fall wall was a window that held a bouquet of flowers upon the edge, they sat and hung delicately on the frame like they were awaiting attention.

She didn’t intrude however, that would be rude. She instead let the door close as she stepped out. Trixie had made her analysis and was quite content with what she had found. The only problem would be price, Trixie wasn’t very well funded after all.

“Well it is very nice, what would be my rent?”

The mare fidget slightly, swaying side to side in faux thought, trying to put the harsh price into words. “Well it’s about 95 depending on facilities, I figure half is fair?”

Trixie was hit hard with the price, she had expected it to be around there but hearing it was just a little much. Trixie would have to work extra hard putting on a grand show at least twice a week to make that. It would all play out fine in the end, after all, for this mare to have to pay 190 bits a month to live without a person to fill a room was heartbreaking.

“Yes I suppose that is fair, what questions do you have for Trixie? I should not think you would just let me in without knowing me better.” Trixie was becoming more comfortable with the mare, they would be living together soon enough.

“Well I was wondering your… occupation?” The mare said, trying to think of something that didn’t sound like she was sta- err, paying close attention to the magician.

“Ah! Trixie is a traveling magician! The best in all of Equestria, although I’m stuck in Ponyville due to… Financial issues…” She kept her fanatic expression solid although she was mourning the loss of her home, now it really was just a traveling magic stand.

“Well that is certainly intriguing, is that your primary source of income? You will be able to keep your rent with such?” Although she was excited to have her as a roommate, she did need to keep up her end of the deal. She ran a flower stand and that wasn’t making nearly enough with winter coming up.

“Yes, I should think so! Trixie performs amazing feats for all to see! For a fair price of course, everypony wants to witness the amazing Trixie perform feats of splendor.”

“Yes of course-” she deadpanned, “-well I would like to continue, but my lunch break is almost up, I’ve gotta get back to my stand. Oh, silly me… I’m Roseluck, nice to formally meet you Trixie!” she said extending her hoof to the magic mare.

“A pleasure to you as well, Roseluck,” and she took her hoof and shook it. “Formally? We have just met…”

“Sorry, I really should get going! Meet me here at 4:00 and I’ll continue our interview!” Rose pushed Trixie out the door and locked it behind her, then darted off to the flower stand she normally occupied.

”What a strange mare” Trixie thought to herself. She made her way back to her cart, confident she would be allowed to the apartment, she would need her textiles and objects of standard living if she were to move in. She made a plan to move her cart to the building, that way, if she was given the position she could move everything much easier.

She had plenty of time to kill, and shows to plan, so she made her way toward the market. She would need a designated place for a show tomorrow, after all she was going to need to start making bits to pay off the rent.

As she walked she could feel the afternoon breeze wafting through the air, ever so calmly pulling on her cloak, this gave way to a new thought. Roseluck would see her without her clothing, and that just felt... unusual to Trixie, not that it was strange in day to day life, but she normally wore clothing in the company of others.

This was going to take some adjusting.



Trixie stood in an open area in the middle of town, the buildings formed a sort of square around it. There would be plenty of room for a show here, yet she would need to advertise. She thought it would be perfect to go into town and give the information to sales ponies. They could relay it to their customers and she would get the crowd she deserved!

This was perfect! And so she turned toward the market, the distance was not far as she could see it from the plaza. That could work for her as well, ponies would see the commotion and come by, but then how would she charge? This would work itself out, for now Trixie would make her way to the market. ”One step at a time Trixie…”

The day was getting warmer and Trixie was beginning to sweat under her cloak, by now she had put her hat back on, for everyone should know of the magician in their presence, it also helped with the beating rays of the sun from getting in her eyes. The warm rays of the evening sun pushed through the fine cloth and gave Trixie a delicate warmth that wasn’t unpleasant but slightly bothersome.

When she came upon the first stand she spoke to the pony behind it with her regal voice, “Fine establishment worker, would you mind carrying out a message to your customers?”

The stallion behind the stand gave an unsure nod and let her continue.

“Thank you. Please, do tell them of the magic show going on at 6:00 in the plaza not far from here, and the entry is five bits per pony.”

“No problem,” the stallion said and waved a hoof as Trixie began her retreat to the next stand. Each conversation went practically the same, with Trixie being imposing and the workers listening. That was until she came upon the flower stand with the elegant bouquets. 

Whence she came upon it she noticed something about the mare standing behind it with a smile that just brought joy to any who gave witness to it. It was the mare from earlier who happened to be the one is search of a roommate.

Trixie had some questions, and Rose had some explaining to do.

Trixie moved to the  front of the stand with a resolve to ask why she had been hiding earlier, but it was nearly broken as she looked into the pools of green that looked back at her. They were so wonderfully shimmering in the daylight, Trixie broke stride for a moment before steeling her resolve and shaking her head to rid of the thoughts.

She stood in front of the flower mare, who just cocked her head slightly at Trixie’s approach. She had the most delicate smile and tender caring look in her eyes, one that Trixie had seen only her mother look at her with before. She stood just staring for a moment before remembering why she was there. (Must’ve been hypnosis)

“Why is it that you were cowering the last time Trixie was here, did I scare you?”

Rose’s face took on the color of her roses and she looked from side to side in search of an explanation. “I was simply resting, yes that was it. Little old me sleeping on the job, how indolent of me,” She gave a nervous smile that wasn’t very convincing, and chuckled lightly.

Trixie raised an eyebrow in suspicion but didn’t say anything further. She figured, in time, she would be told of the real reason, but for now, she relayed her information to Rose, who graciously took it and said she would be sure to spread the word.

With everything nearly set up all there was, was to set up a play by play of what her show would entail. And for that she was going to need her cart.



Hours of practice and perfection later, it was time to continue with the interview with Roseluck. Trixie was rather sweaty and exhausted, yet she didn’t really have a shower to wash up with. She didn’t want to appear dirty to her flatmate, so she performed a simple spell that rid of the sweat and smell, although it wasn’t a permanent solution she kept it handy for situations such as this.

As Trixie stood outside her cart in wait of Rose to come, she thought over answers for possible questions. ”What do you do in your free time?” “Do you make much noise?” “How often would you cook? “Mares or stallions?” “Could you help with a last minute project if need be?” You know, the regular stuff.

When she finally saw Rose approaching, she straightened up slightly and made sure her cloak wasn’t all wrinkly. She wanted to look her best, for business reasons and business alone. When Rose made it to the door Trixie popped up behind and watched as the earth pony unlocked the door.

When Rose noticed Trixie,, she started and was on the floor in moments. There definitely wasn't a scream or anything, not at all… 

“Trixie! Don’t do that! You really scared me,” Rose was on her hooves and wiping the dirt off as she scolded Trixie.

“S-sorry, I- I didn’t mean-” she was quickly cut off by Rose.

“It’s okay, I’m fine, but don’t do that in the future. Okay?”

This gave Trixie a spark of hope. She had said “in the future,” that was a good sign, right? “Yes of course. Trixie will refrain from doing as such in reference of the future,” She was smiling, but not enough to be clearly mirthful.

“Okay. Now that's settled, why don’t you make yourself at home? I’m going to make some tea, do you want some?” Rose pulled the door closed behind the both of them, pulling in one last gust of cool air before it was covered with the warm humidity of the small home, of which they resided on the bottom floor.

“Yes, that would be lovely. What kind, If I may ask?” Trixie wasn’t particularly fond of tea, but figured it was polite to humor the hostess.

“I usually have green tea with a sugar cube, sound good to you?” When she turned a glance to Trixie she was smiling more fondly.

“Absolutely, one of my favorites!” She said with more excitement than she had purposed. She quickly changed her demeanor back to a more serious one, she was not very fond of showing any emotion (other than cockiness. HEY!) to anypony.

Rose retreat behind the small counter and filled a kettle with water, the kettle soon found it’s way to the stove top. After she had the tea started, she made her way back over to the couch, which Trixie was now sitting upon, and sat next to her.

“So what should we start with? I suppose I should ask how often you will be in or out. I don’t particularly mind but I am just curious. I spend Saturdays and Wednesdays at home, so if you ever need me that’s when you can find me free. Other times I’ll be in the market or in the garden,” Rose tilted her head in curiosity and looked to the ceiling like she was trying to find something before finally speaking up again, “I have shown you the garden, right?”

Trixie would answer one question at a time, it was difficult when ponies put several questions into their speakings before awaiting an answer. “Well, I’ll probably spend most of my time in a field practicing magic, The Great and Powerful Trixie cannot refrain from practice or she will be a poor magician. As for the garden, no you have not. But I would be quite inclined to view it if asked.”

Rose smiled brightly. “Okay! Would you like to come and see my sisters and my garden? It’s rather small, but we grow everything we can with the limited space. Daisy and Lily sure are the best sisters a gal could ask for. Would you like to meet them?” After her fast paced and rarely spaced out utterance she finally took a breath.

Trixie furrowed her eyebrows and pursed her lips for a moment before she finally found the set of words she could use properly.

“I would like to just see the garden for now, I’m not too fond of conversing with others,-” she stopped for a moment before whispering under her breath sadly, “-nor them, me…”

Trixie took a moment to look back on her words. That wasn’t what she had meant to say, it wasn’t like her to express emotions very often to others, she usually just cried to herself and let the bad feelings leave in privacy. For some reason it felt… nice, to have somepony listen, even if they didn’t care. But Rose did, she cared what Trixie felt and she showed it.

Rose stopped for a moment and looked at the usually cocky and full of herself mare sitting sadly on the couch with a frown upon her lips. She gave a mental ‘harumph’ and leaned toward her and gave her a calming hug. This was quickly found to be a mistake.

“GAH!” Trixie flopped off of the couch with a yell. As she waved her hooves in the air, creating a small zephyr that blew from the whirling limbs, she found that the floor wasn’t all that comfortable to land on. She stopped for a moment to let out a small “ow’ before flipping back onto her hooves and glaring at Rose with a look she rarely wore. Displeasure.

“Please do refrain from touching Trixie, I really am not used to it. At best, a warning first,” There she went again, expressing her feelings. What was happening to her?

“Omigosh, I am sosososo sorry, are you okay? Do you want ice? Please forgive me, it won’t happen again!” Roses words were quick and filled with worry.

Strangely enough that made Trixie feel better.

“No, no. it’s quite alright, but really a warning would be required in future endeavors,” Trixie spoke calmly, losing her look completely she smiled at Roseluck, in hope of mitigating her worry. Which was really an odd thing for Trixie, for she had never needed to do as such with ponies whom showed their distaste of the showmare.

A loud whistle gave each of them a start as the kettle boiled and the steam erupted from the spout like an erupting geyser. Rose went pale for a moment but when she realized it was an inanimate object she made her way over to the stove and removed the pot carefully with a mouth pad.

As Trixie watched she reveled in the strange thoughts of earth ponies and their ability to do things. If she was honest with herself, Trixie was useless without her horn. Everyday activities relied on her ability to do magic. And here was a magnificent example of earth ponies overcoming an obstacle. They used resources to allow them easier access to feats impressive for even a unicorn. She couldn’t say much for pegasi, as she barely knew any; and even the ones she knew were known with brevity.

When Rose was done putting the tea-bags in cups and filling them, placing a cube of sugar in each, she made her back to the couch and sat next to the magician who occupied it.

She set the plate with the cups on the table and let them cool, then turned to Trixie.

“So… where were we?”
> The Bate and Gowerful Pixie!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night flew by with question and answers of each ponies’ behalf. Eventually when it came to be too late for either mare to stay awake without the assistance of stretching, they decided to call it good.

“Well, I had a wonderful time, but I believe we should hit the hay, it’s getting late and I have work on the morning. You have your show tomorrow, no? I might drop by, if you don’t mind.” Rose stood and stretched out her legs, leaning toward the floor in a bow to stretch her back as well.

Trixie sat for a moment, not quite wanting to call it a night. She was having a wonderful time talking to Rose, and Rose was actually listening! She internally pouted for a moment before finally standing as well with a similar stretch.

“Yes, I believe you are right. I do have a show, and no I wouldn’t mind if you would attend. I shall get a few things and set up in the room if of course that’s okay with you.”

“Well, duh! That’s why you’re here isn’t it? I’m surprised you didn’t get set up earlier to be honest. What’s been keeping you?.

Trixie thought for a few moments, but was left without any good reason why. She honestly couldn’t find any reason why she didn’t set up before, other than that of her being nervous. But of course Trixie never gets nervous.

“I suppose I’ve been busy. Although, honestly I should have had plenty of time to get acquainted. I guess I was… nervous,” she shuffled her hooves and flushed slightly, she went from being a complete stranger to sharing emotions within two days of meeting the strange and fidgety mare facing her.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it then.”

And so Trixie left to her cart and Rose off to bed, both mares thinking of each other unknowingly. In Trixie’s mind fears of having to impress her flew by her simplest thoughts similar to walking, as she tripped, but she couldn’t place why. Why must she approve of Trixie, she was just trying to make rent. But still it lingered, the constant pecker of needing to put on a fantastic show for Rose and let her see the wonders of the Great and Powerful magician.

Through Rose’s thought as she lay in bed were small minded annoyances of having her very own crush. Her sisters had blabbed on and on of the “loves of their lives” and Rose had never truly understood, her mind was kept to simpler and more complex things like flowers. They had always been a listening ear or a comforting shoulder to lean on. But now, she had felt the same way of Trixie that she did flowers. The constant knowing of her being there for comfort, and that she would listen and just be pretty. For her.

Back in Trixie’s old home, she ran a loving hoof over the counter of the chipping wood. Feeling every dip and divet with nothing but the most unbridled care. She would truly miss living in the wonderful and great portable home, but she had a new home to move into. As she looked at each and every fracture and splinter she shed a small tear, but just as soon it fell she wiped it off.

“No, you can’t go like this. Sure I’ll use you to perform, but it’s just not the same. No, tonight we will practice like never before. Just me and you,” Her voice was nothing but a murmur into the soft wood floor as she sat upon her knees and preached to the inanimate object. But to her it was something more.

It was a friend, and it was dying. But she would bring it life like never before!

She straddled in and pulled the carriage to the usual field, getting a nostalgia trip of being in the wide open paddock, although it had only been a few days it still felt like it was a relic of the past. But she would bring life to it as well, for the Great and Powerful Trixie would never give up on those who cared for her.

“Even though you’re just a field, you mean so much to me.”

With a kick the carriage split open and revealed a rather large stage that spanned wide enough for amazing feats to be performed. And amazing feats were performed. In the silent night, the only sound to be heard was several magical pops and sizzles, whooshes and bangs. The most beautiful display of Trixie’s true heart blew up in the face of the night. (and a certain princess watching from a cloud with popcorn)

***

Time awoke Trixie from her slumber and everything was blindingly bright to the sleep deprived unicorn sitting in the field with her legs sprawled to the sides. Her eyes cricked open ever so slightly as she tried to force herself awake. Perhaps practicing until nearly 8:00 wasn’t such a great idea?

She twitched her neck to either side, procuring a few pops from each twist. She stretched her legs and stood, rather unwillingly, to get her stage set up where she needed. The arrangements had been made, now all that was left was for a certain magician to get her rear in gear and do what she needed to. By the looks of the sun it was about 5:00 and she wanted to be timely.

She groggily hitched up to the cart/stage/evicted home, and started to move as briskly as possible. As she slowly dragged her feet through the grass she could only hope to not fall asleep while walking.

As she moved slowly, letting the bare amount of energy she had left carry her, she hoped that she would lose the sleepy, groggy mist clouding her brain soon enough for the show to turn out how she had wanted it to. Everything would be fine, she would impress everypony and they would pay her splendorously! Or maybe that was the sleep talking…

As she collapsed onto her knees she could only think of a few things. For one “definitely the sleep talking, wait does sleep talk? I’m too tired for this,” and “Rosey, had better show up or this will be all for naught.”

She realized that dirt wasn’t too comfortable and lifted herself back up to make it where she needed to be, no pony likes one who is lazy after all. Although if she was early, she could perhaps get a nap?

She made it appear as though she wasn’t struggling to stay awake, but on the inside she was thinking that she could sleep on a nine inch pike and still sleep soundly about then. Without being well rested her show would perhaps be of lower quality, not enough to discern the audience… Right?

No matter to her, she found her way with her cart to her destination. Although the walk was painful and difficult, nothing would stop The Great and Powerful Trixie from putting on a good show! Except perhaps not being awake for it…

She shook herself awake for what had to have been the fiftieth time since she woke up, and got to work setting latches and twisting joints to turn her cart into a wondrous show cart. The cart itself stood easily on the flat ground, firmly holding it’s own weight under itself by the thin wheels carrying it. (Wheels Trixie didn’t trust for some odd reason) You would never have guessed the cart to become so beautiful from it’s original from, but there it was, sitting elegantly like it was longing for ponies to notice it’s beauteous structure.

She was as prepared as she would be, she didn’t have a stage to make her look more spectacular, so she worked with what she did have. Her cart, her self esteem, and hope of Rose showing up. She would impress her and… and prove she was a good roommate! Yes that was what Trixie would be proving.

Over time ponies started to come by, clearly her words to shop ponies had been passed around, hordes of ponies talking and laughing with each other piled by, dropping bits into the toll booth and walking by. She had just hoped that ponies wouldn’t not pay to see her, those who didn’t were just rude!

As time ticked by the number of ponies increased. And so did Trixie's nervousness, all of these ponies but not a hint of Roseluck to be seen. Not her amazing hair, her beautiful coat, her most stunning green eyes giving her encouragement to do her best. And that made her a little sad.

The show must go on, and the time was right. As the clock struck its mark of 6:00 she stepped out from the cart wearing her show clothes and a cocky grin. Although her crush wasn’t to be seen she could still show these ponies the amazing powers of Trrrixie!

“Welcome ponies to the most amazing and stunning show you will henceforth lay your eyes on! The feats performed today are of nothing but my, The Grreat and Powerful Trrrixie’s, amazing talents. Look closely, look from afar, no matter you will see that none of this is artificial. Now watch in amazement as I, the Great and bowerful Trixie will disappear and become nothing but a shadow!”

And she did. With a poof of magic, the dimensionally sound Trixie we all know and love was transformed into a spectre on the ground. Making hoof movements and fireworks appear in her shadow. The ponies roared with ooh’s and aah’s, but the one voice Trixie cared to hear was Roseluck’s, and it was sadly missing.

Her reappearance got some uprising from the crowd as well, but nearly as much as the initial stunt.

“And now, I will turn this plant-” she poofed a small rose into sight and waved her hooves to it, “-into a veracious monster, controlled of course.”

She gave a few moments of silence to create suspense, letting the idea of a flower turning into a beast settle in to the ponies of the audience’s minds. Then with a poof and a crackle, the regular and simple flower started to shift from into a much taller and wider plant.

It loomed well over Trixie and it had a mouth that dripped of something unknown to her, that wasn’t the plan… It snapped at her and clipped her hat, taking a chunk from the top, which was it’s first mistake.

“MY HAT!” With a shout Trixie created a small sharp blade and ripped the flower in two. It writhed for a moment on the ground, snapping hopelessly at her hooves before it simply died and changed back into a petite rose.

The audience screamed with joy and a few of fear, it was meant to stay PG, but perhaps ripping a monstrous flower into pieces wasn’t the best for children.

“Fear not, for the Bate and Powerful Gixie is here to protect you from the evils of the land!”

Through confused murmurs a pony shouted, “But you brought the evil here! We wouldn’t need protection if you didn’t cause it!” Oops.

“Well, imagine if it were some pony who hadn’t a clue what they were doing, ponies could have gotten hurt! Anyway, on with the show!”

A few upset murmurs were heard, but only a few ponies had left. Trixie got prepared for her next stunt, but couldn’t focus as an angel walked through the crowd to the front.

Roseluck stood, looking into her eyes without an evil thought in mind. All time stopped as the mare looked into her eyes with care. This was all sorts of new types of magic that Trixie was unable to understand. But now she knew, she would NOT mess this up.

“F-For my next trick I would like a member of the audience to join me. You there with the rose cutiemark and the green eyes, would you mind stepping up? If of course you don’t mind misplacing a few limbs.”

Through an uneasy look and a few small steps, Rose stood next to Trixie. Hoping not to lose a limb, she needed those.

“And what might your name be, fine maiden of beauty and grace?”

Rose blushed deeply but answered with a small smile, “R-Roseluck, miss Trixie.”

“Gah, please, miss Trixie was my mother. Call me Trixie. Now I have a few boxes here, I would like for you to step into the big one, and relax. Then I will place a few smaller boxes around and you may feel a small tingling, but nothing more.”

“A-are you sure this is safe? I kind of need my parts you know? Not that I don’t trust your abilities but you’re sure there is no room for error?” Rose’s face was one of absolute concern, sure Trixie knew what she was doing, she was the professional, but living without body parts would be fairly difficult.

“Absolutely! I have put many many hours into perfecting this using plants, everything will be fine…” Silently enough to be hidden from the ears of those in the crowd she whispered into Rose’s ear. “Please… I need you to trust me.”

Rose gave one last uneasy look before losing any thoughts of this going wrong, and nod her head affirmatively. “Okay then, geronimo!”

”Geronimo?” Trixie confusedly looked at Rose a moment before shaking her head and evening out her expression and turning to the several stacked boxes near the cart. “No, Ladies and Gentlecolts, prepare for my final trick and most absolutely stunning! The Seperaperator of Uncertainty!” (It was a working title)

All eyes were upon the few boxes lain around unevenly, stranded was each from the next sitting as if waiting for the attention they so longingly deserved. Even though they were just cardboard, they were once trees. When A light blue magic engulfed the box Rose sat in, everyone shifted their attention to the magician, who was definitely not struggling to keep a stern face.

With a magical poof, all was silent and everypony stared in awe as varying cream colored limbs stuck from the boxes strewn about. A head in one, a leg in another, and so on. A confused look was shrouded on Rose’s face as she stared at her own limbs looking at her from a distance.

The uproar of applause was immensely loud and nearly ear shattering, each voice clearly distinguished with shouts of enjoyment as they roared to the pleasure of the magician and her assistant. Trixie stood glamorously, although covered in sweat, she bowed deeply and waved a hoof in each direction of Rose.

Within moments, Rose was back together in one box, and it opened with a pop, and dust from the cardboard rifled through the air, shimmering in the sun as it fell to the dirt. Everything was quiet for a moment and Rose looked disdainful. It wasn’t until she smiled and did a small curtsy that the audience burst again into cheer like a long held balloon with a small crack inching larger until it burst.

In the roars of cheer and the stomps of hooves a small dust storm formed and Trixie could not be prouder. She and her assistant made all of these ponies have a great time and that was truly beautiful. She moved delicately over to Rose, trying not to choke on the dust particles sifting through the air, and wrapped a hoof around her shoulders and gave her a hearty hug.

Rose returned the hug and whispered to Trixie, although it wasn’t particularly necessary to whisper, “That was amazing, you did great! I feel kinda funny though, I’m not sure why, maybe the magic?” She felt as if her insides were trying to fit into the right places but couldn’t quite fit so they shimmied around slightly, especially so as she hugged Trixie.

They broke the embrace as the crowd settled and the dust fell to the dirt. “Thank you all for coming! And special appreciation to the beautiful and dazzling Roseluck!-” a small cheer was starting before stopped by Trixie, “- It was a pleasure having you, Goodnight Ponyville!”

With a poof of magic, Trixie had teleported them back to their residence, cart and all. “Oh boy am I exhausted! I would love to talk, but I got only a few hours of rest and I put on such a show… I really need to sleep. The bits from the show should be in my cart, if you would be a doll and get them…” WIth that Trixie slinked into the apartment and collapsed (not so elegantly) onto the bed. After removing her clothing and throwing it into the corner.

Rose lifted hoof after hoof on the shambling steps of the cart and into the main “room”. It was truly curious how she could live in such a mess of woodwork. Trixie had never specified where the bits were, so Rose was on a treasure hunt. As she moved through the small cart she looked over everything until she found what she was in search of. With delicacy she picked up the bag and made her way back to the front, not before noticing something she had missed.

The flowers she had left the other day were sitting, well cared for and loved, on the desk near the “kitchen” with a small paper photo of Rose pinned under them. Many thoughts drifted through her mind, but none of them seemed reasonable in the slightest. ”There is no way, that’s silly…”

And so she made her way into her room in the apartment, after leaving the (rather heavy) bag of bits in Trixie’s room, and lay on the bed. Giving a small smooch to the picture of Trixie, in her nightstand and drifting off to sleep.

> Running Out of Petals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although the night pulled in the ponies of Ponyville, there was always a straggler. In this particular case, that pony kicking and forcing the night away was Roseluck. Trapped in her thoughts of the magician in her home, she lay her face on the pillow and let the thoughts bombard her.

Many of them were squiggly lines of “why” or “what if”, scary thoughts to be having because if one asks themself a question why would they know the answer? And if they did, why ask the question in the first place? These lines of thought put her mind at dead ends. How could her brain know what Trixie was thinking? The only way to know that was to ask the mare herself, but definitely not at 3:00 in the morning.

Ideas are hard to cope with, one could have an idea and never enforce it, then be left with the questions of “what if?” and still if they decided to make their ideas breathe life, the question remains… “what if I didn't?”

Roseluck’s idea of coping with this inevitable struggle was to play through any and all possibilities in her head before acting on her ideas… And she had a lot of ideas. Still with many ideas comes many outcomes, and those can become quickly blurred by the result of another outcome crashing into another, then everything becomes a mess of mixed emotions as everything collides in a mash of indifference.

So perhaps she should just act without thought? The mind can only handle so many questions, and so the mare of roses had to make a decision. And she decided to just hoof it in full gear and act without thinking. Or, at least she could try.

But for the time being she flipped her pillow over and put her heated face to the “cool” side of the pillow, letting the ever long waves of sleep overcome her entirely as she drifted into another land.

[br]

The Saturday morning was quiet as per usual and the gentle hum of birds spread a calming sense of safety in the hearts of many. Two mares awoke in each of their beds, trying ever so much to not fall into the warm and cozy grasp of blankets yet again.

Roseluck finding it much easier than her roommate, Trixie, was up and in the kitchen within minutes of her alarm. She searched through the many cabinets and eventually found herself a box of cereal. She promptly got milk as well and filled the bowl fittingly of a sound breakfast.

Trixie was a few minutes later to be about the home, but was there nonetheless. She groggily made her way into the kitchen and got the cereal in her magic, making herself a bowl as well.

“Good morning Rosey, sleep well? I myself could have been mistaken for a rock, I slept so well,” Trixie’s morning brain failed her as she said words that didn’t quite make correct sentences. She lacked her clothes and she felt entirely comfortable without them.

“Oh, I suppose I uh… It was… Eventful, to put it simply. I did quite a bit of thinking, and have more answers than before… so, good? I guess…”

“That is good! I did some thinking as well, I think my next show should wait a while. I got enough bits from the last for this month and I should be able to earn enough within a week or two.”

“Good to hear! My stand has been doing exceptionally well lately, I suppose the tables are finally turning in our favor,” Rose’s voice was very spritely and filled with good vibes, even at this unprincessly hour. “I’ve nothing planned today, do you? If not we could bum out and watch movies all day.”

“I should probably practice… I really need to stay in shape or I might mess up and drive away viewers…”

“Oh… I understand,” Rose lost the joy in her face and her voice, she looked down at her cereal and swished it about..

“But…” Trixie started and saw Rose perk up considerably. “I suppose one day couldn’t hurt.”

“Awesome! I have all sorts of movies from action to ewwy gooey romance, pick anything and I bet I have it,” And she was probably right. Rose had shelves and shelves of nearly every movie she could get her hooves on.

“I have… Oh geez. Trixie has never actually watched a movie-” Her face turned 10 shades lighter. “- but I read quite a bit of romance novels. If that helps?” Her normally light blue face was a boiling pink due to both confessions. Trixie had spent nearly all of her time practicing magic and magical endurance, she was a media introvert to say the least.

“That simply must change! Give me a moment, I’ll be back.” Rose rushed off toward a shelf that held what had to be hundreds of movie cases. She moved her hooves from each title in search of the exact title she wanted. When she found it she carefully hooved it into the tray of a small box near the TV, the movie player.

She returned to the couch and sat opposite Trixie, calmly waiting for the previews to roll by. When she turned to Trixie she tried her best to contain a chuckle.

Trixie sat, mouth slightly agape, as she watched the screen change images. It was truly a sight to see the normally overly pretentious mare in awe for once. She was honestly pretty cute. She was leaned forward on the couch and her eyes never left the screen. When the title screen appeared she shifted her glance to Roseluck, who sat with a hoof over her mouth and a smile in her eyes.

Trixie quickly regained her composure now aware of the mare watching her and sat up straight. “It would be quite pleasant if you could start the movie,” her composure was nearly void as Rose laughed and pressed play, Trixie shot her a look but it was quickly dissolved as Rose just laughed some more.

With a humph, Trixie leaned into the couch and let the embarrassment roll over her. It’s not fair…

The movie played on and Trixie found herself, once again, entranced by the story and the magical frame of movement without actual movement. She was so into the movie she barely noticed Rose shifting uncomfortably on the opposite side of her. Sure the movie was amazing, but Rose was more so. "Did I really just think that?" Trixie thought to herself about her thoughts.

She used all of her willpower to turn away from the movie, some sort of romance about a dried up mare falling for a stallion who for some reason was unaware that she loved him. It was so dully obvious how was it so hard to figure out?

“Are you alright?” Trixie was facing Rose with a look of concern. “You don’t seem to be enjoying the movie.”

“Oh, I’ve seen it like 10 times. It’s no big deal…” Rose trailed off, she had picked the movie for a reason and Trixie wasn’t catching the lure.

“Well it certainly seems as such-” Trixie paused for a moment and blushed lightly “-It’s a little chilly… would you mind er… getting me a blanket?” She mentally berated herself over the silly avoidance of her true intention, it seemed almost selfish as it came from her mouth.

“Oh…” Rose’s face fell and she made her way over to the cabinet and grabbed a light blue blanket to give Trixie. ”I was silly to think…” she stopped her thoughts and made her way back to the couch.

Then Trixie got an idea. “Rose, you didn’t get yourself one?”

“N-no I’ll be fine. Really.”

“Not at all! Come, we shall share the blanket, and we will be extra cozy!”

A small smile appeared on Rose’s face. She wasn’t cold, but anything to be closer to her crush. Trixie took the blanket and held it up with her magic. Rose moved next to Trixie and Trixie let the blanket fall across their backs.

They sat content for a while, watching the mishaps of the movie play on. It was blatantly obvious the mare was trying to get the stallion close to her, but nothing seemed to work. So obviously she had to take matters into her own hooves.

Trixie leaned into Rose’s side and the cream colored mare gasped lightly. Once the realization struck home, the rose scented mare melted entirely into Trixie’s light embrace. They both sat entirely happy in each others warm aura under the blanket.

The movie finally reached the point where it was obvious that the stallion had finally figured it out. He made his move taking every risk possible as he swept the mare off her hooves with a kiss. Both sat stunned by how wonderful it was until they held another, longer connection of lips.

The onlookers sitting together on the couch blushed in unison, unaware of the other due to their position. But when Rose turned her head to look into Trixie’s deep purple eyes, they knew.

“Trixie… I-” Rose paused for a moment, there would be no other chance to let it out. “-I kinda stalked you for a while… heh, please don’t be mad?”

“I…” Trixie was utterly in disbelief, that was not how she thought this would go. “O-kay. I suppose it’s in the past, but that’s still very strange… Might I ask why?” Trixie was looking at Rose lopsided, this could go very poorly if Rose put her words in the wrong order.

“Well, you see… Uh… you were pretty? ARE, are pretty. And well, I felt bad for you. Here I am a mare who is friends with everypony in Ponyville, and there you were. A lonely outcast who everyone hated. I wanted to know why, so I watched you almost every day for a week. I know this sounds really creepy but I did learn from my… exhibitions.”

“Go on~” Trixie sounded out of patience but wanted to know exactly where this was going. At least Rose had told her honestly about her spying on her.

“You are amazing! Not just your magical abilities, but you’re so kind, in your own Trixie kind of way. Ponies are always mean to you, they give you dirty looks and what do you do? You don’t pummel them into oblivion or turn them into teacups. Most ponies that get insulted feel the need to fight back or argue, you just shrug them off.”

Trixie softened her glare and relaxed again, still in Rose’s embrace. The calming feeling of having somepony to actually care about her made her melt even more into the warm hold of Rose.

“So, you’re not mad?”

“Well, a little, but since you were honest early on i suppose I’ll let it slide. After all today is a day for relaxation. Do you have any other movies as good as this?” She finished as the credits of the actors and editors of the movie rolled past

“You’ve no idea…”

And so the day went on… Movie after movie, snuggle after snuggle. The two mares sat in each others embrace, calmly letting the world's worries drift away as they sat together on the couch.

It was the middle of a movie involving a pair who were, surprise surprise, unaware of their love of the other, A rather cliche theme for most of the movies, when Roseluck decided to say something other than her opinion of the movie.

“Trixie?” 

“Yes, Rose?”

Here goes “I… oh nevermind,” and she quickly left her friend's side and scampered off into the kitchen. “You, stupid stupid… urgh!” She murmured at herself, in annoyance with her mouth not being able to follow her heart. She had hoped the movie was loud enough for Trixie not to hear.

“Why can’t you do this one simple thing? All this work to get Trixie this far to ask her, and you can't just… Urgh!” She kicked the floor lightly and set her head on the counter, it’s cool surface chilling her anger heated face. She sat there for a moment, letting her mind roll through her feelings, before moving her head from the counter and standing fully. There was no point in delaying the inevitable, she would die of anxiety if she never said anything.

With a new resolve, she made her way back out to the room where Trixie sat. She had no plan in mind, only the want of telling her crush about her feelings. Which never seemed to work too well for the mare, the gardener, the flower girl and nothing but that.

“Ah, Rose you’re back! You see I was wondering… After today, spending time with you and simply relaxing, if you would maybe like to do something such as this on a more… planned schedule?” Between Trixie’s blush and Roseluck’s confusion not one thought between the two was the same.

“I don’t… OH! Oh my. I mean. I just. Wow~” The link connected with a nearly audible click and Rose understood her roommates intention. ”Omigosh, I was just asked on a date! By a really friggin cute mare too! Okay… cool it hotshot, don’t mess this one up,” Her thoughts were abruptly halted by the look of defeat on Trixie’s cute little blue face. Rose's thoughts had been long dragged out, she sat pondering for some time around a minute, speechless.

“I see, it was silly of me to ask…” The magician returned her eyes to the movie playing. Where the guy just got rejected by the girl, funny how these things play out huh? “I’ll be… out in the garden? If you don’t mind?”

Rose just sat awestruck. She hadn’t meant for Trixie to take it like that, she was just trying to think things through. Like she always did, too much thinking can be a real issue, sometimes you just gotta think with your liver… or something like that. She watched Trixie walk out the door and could hear her hoofsteps retreating toward the exit of the building. She really messed up this time. She hit her head lightly on the table a few times, recompense for being so stupid, before deciding she wouldn’t let this one get away. Metaphorically, Trixie did live here after all.

So, Rose got on her hooves and made her way to the garden, if there was a will…