Heavily inspired by Monochromatic’s story Crimson Lips, though this story is in no way intended to be canon to that one. Think of this as an AU of an AU.
Rated T and tagged sex for discussion of sex work and adult topics, similar to Crimson Lips.
Thanks so much to Novelle Tale and n3k1dsk1llz for proofreading/editing and a big thanks to Mono for inspiring this story.
Our tale starts, as most do, once upon a time, with two little girls who were the best of friends. They grew up together, thick as thieves, wiling away the hours with tea parties and dress up. As they grew older, tea parties turned to book clubs, and dress up got more serious.
And then one had to move away to attend a prestigious University.
The last day they saw each other was a somber, autumn day, as if the sky itself were sharing in their impending misery and cast the world in gray as a show of respect.
The sharp whistle of a train broke apart their crushing embrace, the conductor’s call nearly drowning out their last goodbye’s and promises to write. To most, they would seem more white lies than promises, but to the two with a bond as deep as they had, it was a solemn vow.
The one that stayed stood on that platform for nearly an hour after the last car of the train disappeared from sight, hand clutched around a simple necklace with a delicate gem. Even though she had no way of confirming, she just knew her friend was holding hers as well.
It was scarcely a week before the first letter was sent, and from then a flurry of letters back and forth, until the respective staff of the opposing post offices knew exactly when the next letter would be sent and received.
Each letter was carefully opened, lovingly pored over, and then it’s response crafted just as thoughtfully before being neatly stacked with all its predecessors. One set stored in a dorm room desk, the other in an antique roll top in a tailor's shop.
Neither missed a letter, whether they had big news like a perfect grade on a final or the opening of a dress shop, or little things, like the rapture of a sunny day off or found inspiration for a new dress line.
Eventually, they began to write to each other about love.
~~
My darling Fluttershy,
I have the most wondrous news!
Last week, I had a rather stunning woman come into the shop. She browsed for a few minutes before coming up to me and, quite bluntly, asking if I had ever done a large order before. I told her that my largest commission thus far had been two dozen scarves, but depending on what she needed and when, I would do my best.
She didn’t so much look at me as into me, as if probing, searching for what kind of person I was. Imagine that, looking at a simple designer like myself as if the weight of my heart and soul would make an impact on my art. Apparently she was satisfied by her inspection though, because she promptly placed an order for forty ensembles!
I’m so excited for this order, I’ve been running around in an absolute tizzy trying to get it all done. It feels so good to finally be recognized and given a chance for such a large commission, though. I do hope things are going well for you my dear,
Until next,
- Rarity
~~
Dearest Rarity,
Oh I’m so happy for you! I just know you’ll do a good job with the order. I also have exciting news, though. Remember the girl I told you about, the one I was paired with for my Care of Mythical Creatures project?
She asked me to go on a picnic with her, a romantic picnic in the park. Oh Rarity, it was just so lovely. We fed the birds and had a few rabbits come up to say hello. She even performed some magic spells for me!
If you could have seen the way she looked at me though, it was like I was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. I’m blushing again just thinking about it.
She really is just a lovely person and I get all fluttery when I think about her. I think she could even be the one. It’s all so very exciting and I can’t wait to see what happens next. We have another date next week, this time to visit the baby phoenix we hatched. Best of luck working on your order, I look forward to your next letter.
Yours Truly,
- Fluttershy
~~
My darling Fluttershy,
That is wonderful to hear! I am so very happy for you, I hope she continues to treat you well. Speaking of the order, I’ve also had some developments on the romance front.
That same woman came and picked up her order just earlier and left a card with a time and a place on it. Imagine my surprise when I found it was an invitation to an exclusive restaurant! I have never been asked out as such, but I think it’s rather charming, a call back to the olden days of courtship and rituals. I have high hopes for it and look forward to telling you all about her in my next letter.
I’m so sorry for the short letter this time, but I have to go get ready. I hope your date goes well, and I can’t wait to hear more about her!
Until next,
- Rarity ~~
And so time went on, with more letters sharing their growing experiences and relationships.
Many moons and countless letters passed before they had the chance to see each other in person again. When the opportunity came, plans were made and dates set, for the two to meet and introduce their darling beau’s to each other.
The two women crashed into an embrace, arms wrapped tight around each other and faces pressed into necks and hair until it seemed the two were trying to merge into one.
A million silent words were exchanged, speaking mostly of how much they missed and loved each other. Eventually, they separated from the hug, but held hands still as they took a seat.
Rarity squeezed Fluttershy’s hand. “It’s so lovely to see you again, and just look at you!” She looked over Fluttershy’s outfit, a simply lovely pink blouse accented with yellow and fashionable capris. “You look absolutely stunning my dear.”
Fluttershy blushed softly and brushed her bangs behind her ear. “Aww, thank you. You look amazing too Rarity, I love what you’ve done with your hair.”
“Oh this?” Rarity glanced down at her black sundress that hit just above her knees, a stitched belt of gems giving a hint of class. She smiled and casually fluffed her curls. “Why thank you. I did it once for a date and my darling seemed rather enamored by it. I had been wanting to change up my style anyway, and honestly it isn’t that much trouble.”
“She has good taste, I can’t wait to meet her.”
“And I simply can’t wait to meet your beau as well. I imagine I shall quite like her, if your letters are anything to judge by.”
Fluttershy smiled bashfully and nodded. “How is the shop going, by the way? You mentioned in your last letter you had another commission for an upcoming show of sorts?”
“Oh, yes, it’s going wonderfully! I am really enjoying these larger projects and the ability to stretch my creativity.”
Fluttershy shifted in her seat, a worried frown on her lips. “You are getting paid well right? I know you don’t like depending on your parents but I heard that rent was getting more expensive here.”
Rarity scoffed and waved her hand. “Of course darling. Though, I suppose it helps that I don’t rent my shop space at all. I was able to get quite a good deal in the Lunar District and have owned it for the past few months.”
Fluttershy pulled her hand away, her worried look turning troubled, “The… Lunar District?”
Rarity raised an eyebrow and was about to question her friend when Fluttershy gasped and shot up from her seat, waving with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. Rarity turned to see who she was waving to.
The woman was tall and graceful, with long, pastel hued hair. She wore a lovely yellow and pink summer dress that Rarity was certain came from one of the higher end boutiques in the Sunswept District. She looked around with a similar expression to what Fluttershy had been wearing a moment ago, until she finally glanced over to where Rarity and Fluttershy were seated. Even from across the cafe, the woman’s smile was dazzling and it became clear how Fluttershy could fall for her.
Heads turned and eyes followed as the woman didn’t so much walk as float to the table, but her gaze was firmly fixed on Fluttershy. Even though she had her own partner who could make her feel like the only woman in the world, Rarity couldn’t help but feel a bit envious. It was hard not to be, honestly. Fluttershy’s beau was absolutely stunning, with ethereal grace and beauty that would make one believe in angels. Thankfully, the ugly feeling was quickly overshadowed by the warmth of knowing her friend was in good hands.
It was something Rarity had always worried about for Fluttershy - that she would never find someone who would truly appreciate the wonderful, special girl she had grown up with. The woman hadn’t spoken a single word yet, but Rarity could feel the pure love radiating from that intense gaze.
The woman glanced at Rarity as she approached and stopped just short of the table before dipping into a graceful bow. “Ah, you must be the lovely Rarity, it’s wonderful to finally meet you.”
Rarity smiled. “It is wonderful to meet you as well. I’ve also heard much about you, but it seems the one thing I don’t yet know is your name.”
The woman raised an eyebrow and turned to Fluttershy with a hand pressed to her chest in mock offense. “Is this true my dear? You’ve told her everything but my name?”
Fluttershy squeaked, a bright blush warming her cheeks as she stammered, “I, I just didn’t think about it, we talk about so many things in our letters and I knew eventually you would be meeting her and–”
The woman laughed and pulled Fluttershy into a hug, silencing her ramble with a chaste peck. “I’m only teasing, butterfly, it’s quite alright. Why don’t we take a seat and then you can properly introduce us, okay?”
Fluttershy nodded, looking a little dazed and unsteady on her feet after. They stared into each other’s eyes with such an intensity that Rarity felt she was intruding on a personal moment. She delicately cleared her throat to catch their attention again.
Fluttershy was the first to blink and break the connection, blushing harder at Rarity’s amused expression. She quickly sat down with her partner. “Ahem. Rarity, this is my girlfriend, Celestia.”
Rarity smiled. “My goodness, what a lovely name to match such a lovely lady.”
Celestia chuckled, glancing at Fluttershy. “You didn’t tell me she would be quite this charming.”
Rarity laughed as well, about to respond when she was interrupted by a familiar voice over her shoulder. “Oh dear me, Tia? What a surprise to see you here.”
Rarity’s turn in her seat was stopped by an arm wrapping around her shoulders as her girlfriend sat down next to her. Where Celestia’s grace and beauty was reminiscent of a swan gliding peacefully along a lake, the newcomer’s was like the languid rolling of muscles under a panther's fine pelt. Her medium-length hair likewise paid homage to the panther, dark and sleek, with hints of blue under the right light. She wore a sharp business jacket over a pale green top and slacks, looking all the parts of a woman in power.
The woman pecked Rarity’s cheek. “Hello, my dear.” She then turned towards Fluttershy and Celestia. “I do apologize for being the last one here, I seem to have fallen under the influence of my beloved’s ‘fashionably late’ policy.”
Rarity raised her head and sniffed. “Hmph, and people say you are the one corrupting me. Fluttershy dear, this is—”
Fluttershy held up a hand, an eyebrow raised as she looked between Celestia and the newcomer. “I’m so sorry to interrupt Rarity, but you two know each other?”
Celestia sighed and shook her head. “Yes we do. Fluttershy, this is my sister, Luna.”
Luna grinned in reply. “My darling Rarity, this is my sister, Celestia.”
Rarity’s irritation at being interrupted didn’t last long. She blinked in surprise at this information and glanced back and forth between the table's inhabitants. She rubbed her temple as the full extent of the situation came clear. “Well well well then, isn’t this quite the fun little coincidence. Don’t you agree, Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy finally recovered from her own shock and began to laugh, her delicate frame shaking even though her volume remained quiet. “Oh, oh my goodness, this is quite funny.”
Rarity chuckled, though it trailed off as she realized Celestia and Luna weren’t laughing along. She cleared her throat and straightened in her seat. “Well I hope this doesn’t make this too awkward.” Rarity shot a miffed glance at Luna. “I was unaware she even had a sister.”
Luna’s reply was stalled by the unfortunately timed arrival of a waitress, the poor girl fidgeting as she realized the tension at the table. She cleared her throat and offered a tight smile. "Good afternoon ladies, can I get you started with drinks?"
Celestia smiled with a maternal softness beyond her years and the girl relaxed, her shoulders falling as the white knuckled grip on her pad and pen loosened. “Two pots of tea please, one ginger lemon and the other…”
Rarity started as she realized Celestia was gesturing for her to order. “Oh, ahem, blueberry mint please.”
The girl nodded with a more genuine smile and noted the order of her pad. “One pot of ginger lemon and one pot of blueberry mint, lovely. I’ll be back soon with them.”
As soon as she was out of earshot, Luna folded her arms and snorted. “In my defense, I never told you because you never asked. She’s too busy with school to come around anyways.”
“You know the train runs both ways between here and the university, Luna.”
“You know that some of us are extremely busy keeping a business running, Celestia.”
Fluttershy held up her hands. “Hey now, that’s no way to talk to each other. I know that siblings don’t always get along, but we are here to get to know each other and have a good day. Please, for Rarity and I.”
Celestia bowed her head, “Alright.” She looked at Luna. “Truce?”
Luna sighed. “Very well, truce. So, Fluttershy was it? You are a student as well? What are you studying?”
“I’m studying to be a veterinarian with a focus on magical creatures.”
“Magical creatures hmm? It takes a special kind of person to want to do that.”
Fluttershy blushed, a hand reaching up to fiddle with her long hair. “Oh I don’t know about special. They are just like any other creature and it’s our duty to keep them healthy.”
Luna chuckled. “Then you are already a special person. There aren’t many who would be so selfless and unconditionally kind to oft misunderstood souls.”
Celestia nodded, draping an arm almost possessively over Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Indeed, she is a remarkable young woman, a proper lady one might say.”
Luna responded by leaning back with a near cocky grin as she echoed, “A proper lady? Well how funny it is that both your dear Fluttershy and my darling Rarity seem to be shining examples of propriety.”
Rarity and Fluttershy shared a confused glance, neither quite sure what was happening, but equally miffed at being pawns in a mental game between the sisters. Fluttershy cleared her throat, “Ahem, anyways, Luna, you mentioned a business? What do you do?”
“Ah, well I am so glad you asked Fluttershy. I run an upscale establishment called the Sapphire Carousel. We–”
“Here’s your tea ladies, sorry about the wait. Would you like to order any food?”
Rarity smothered an amused smirk–it seemed her darling Luna just couldn’t catch a break today–and quickly glanced over the menu. “Oh, can we just get a couple sample platters please? Everything sounds so divine, I don’t know how any of us could choose what to get.”
The waitress chuckled. “Of course. Those will be out soon, in the meantime, please enjoy your tea.”
Celestia nodded, “We will, thank you.” She then raised a hand, golden magic swirling across her fingers as she picked up the teapots and poured everyone a cup.
Luna rolled her eyes at her sister’s showing off, dark blue magic gathering around her own fingertips as she stirred some sugar into her and Rarity’s tea. “As I was trying to say–”
“The Sapphire Carousel is a theater. My sister is quite an ingenious businesswoman, to be able to run one so young. From what I hear, nearly every show sells out.”
Rarity raised an eyebrow at Celestia’s redirection, but a soft elbow and surprisingly gentle smile from Luna dissuaded her from commenting on it.
Fluttershy gasped and clasped her hands together. “A theater? That sounds like so much fun! I remember Rarity mentioning you had ordered a lot of clothing from her. Oh you must be so proud to have your work on stage!”
Rarity smiled into her tea cup, a sneaking suspicion forming, but she had to make sure. “Oh yes. I never imagined my pieces would ever see a spotlight but the whole experience has been rather…” She locked eyes with Celestia. “...Revealing.”
Luna covered her laugh with a cough as Celestia choked on her tea. Rarity stifled a sigh as her suspicions were confirmed, her eyes flickering over to Fluttershy as she recalled her earlier reaction.
The… Lunar District?
Uncomfortable as it might be for her best friend to know the truth behind the Sapphire Carousel, she had to know. It was only fair. That, and she wasn’t a fan of Celestia trying to divert and cover her sister's business. Polite conversation be damned, she wouldn’t hide anything from Fluttershy, not any longer.
Once Celestia recovered, Rarity continued. “It’s also quite nice that our businesses are so close together. We often meet for lunch, after all it’s just a short little walk. Oh! You two simply must come by tomorrow, I would love to give you a tour of the area.”
Fluttershy smiled hesitantly, the hand that was soothingly rubbing Celestia’s back pausing. “O-oh, the theater is by your shop in the Lunar District?”
“But of course, what kind of theater did you think the Sapphire Carousel was? I run Canterlot’s premiere burlesque studio and brothel.”
Silence.
Fluttershy was pale, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled for words. Celestia glared at Luna. “Do you think this is funny? Embarrassing not only me but yourself like this?”
Rarity scoffed, “Embarrassing herself? What, like she has something to be ashamed of? Fluttershy, darling, I know it’s a lot to take in, but you trust me don’t you? You are my best friend and–”
“You are my best friend too Rarity, but…”
A heavy feeling settled in Rarity’s chest at the tone in Fluttershy’s voice. “But what?”
Fluttershy shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself. She let out a deep breath before forcing herself to look at Rarity, “I just… I didn’t think you were the kind of girl to hang around… those people. Much less ‘date’ one.” Her lips twisted into a grimace and she turned towards Luna, a hard edge to her voice. “And you… I didn’t think your kind added ‘business woman’ to the list of harmless nicknames to hide behind and deceive others.”
Luna stood suddenly, slamming a hand on the table and leaning forward, lips pulled into a snarl. “How laughable. You talk of deceiving others, but I say it is you who has deceived me. Special person indeed… So mindless beasts deserve more respect than those who make an honest living?”
Fluttershy stood as well, fury warping her features. “You leave innocent creatures out of this! They aren’t the ones breaking apart families and corrupting poor souls to think they can’t do anything but sell their bodies!”
Rarity trembled as she tried to pull Luna back, fighting back tears. She opened her mouth, to admonish or plead with her friend she wasn’t sure, but Celestia beat her to it.
“Fluttershy, that’s enough. I don’t always agree with the path my sister has taken, but she is a good person. She only keeps the Carousel running, she isn’t an… entertainer.”
Fluttershy melted under the hand on her shoulder and gentle tone, her anger turning to a deep disappointment that pierced Rarity just as harshly as her earlier fury. “I just, I don’t understand. How could you…?”
The weight in her chest threatened to topple her, but Rarity forced herself through it and stood straight. “It seems we are in agreement on one thing then. I don’t understand either, Fluttershy, I thought,” she turned, unable to face her any longer, “I had hoped you would at least give me a chance. I, I thought you were my friend.” She sniffed and grabbed Luna’s arm. “Come on darling, we obviously aren’t welcome here any longer.”
Luna nodded and tossed some money on the table, gaze burning, “Here. I may run a whorehouse, but even I have enough respect to not leave a tab unpaid.”
They turned and left without another word, Luna’s arm wrapped protectively around Rarity’s shaking frame. Fluttershy sank into her seat, tears rolling down her cheeks and hands clasped over her mouth.
She knew Celestia was speaking to her, but she couldn’t hear a thing over the repeated chorus of her childhood friend’s last words to her. “I thought we were friends.”
That, and the sound of a door slamming shut.
~~
Thus, it seemed like a lifelong bond was broken, shattered by anger and swept away by confusion.
However, not all hope was lost, as two sisters met, to fix the rift between them and the ones they loved.
The study was brightly lit, but it did nothing to lift the spirits of the women standing opposite each other. They stared at each other, watching, waiting. Like two beasts ready to fight, their muscles were tightly coiled and bodies prepared for the first sign of attack; almost daring each other to make the first move.
Luna broke the tense atmosphere with a soft voice. “Did you really mean what you said at the cafe?”
Celestia looked away, startled by the vulnerability in the question.“I said a lot of things at the cafe Luna, what do you mean?”
“You said that while you didn’t agree with my choices, I was still a good person. Did you really mean that?”
“Of course I did. You are my sister and I love you.”
“Aye, but even the tightest bonds, familial or not, can be easily broken.”
Celestia pursed her lips. “You aren’t just talking about us, are you?”
Their eyes met, old and new pain brought to the surface. With it though, also came an understanding. “Tia, we have to do something.”
Rarity was alone in her shop, the hum of the sewing machine her only companion. She followed the pattern almost blindly, muscle memory and skills honed over her years of sewing guiding her hands.
With near mechanical efficiency, she turned off the machine and cut the thread, shifting the piece to the side and preparing to sew the next panel. On and on she went, long periods of humming fading to silence and broken with the snip of scissors before resuming again.
Ding.
Rarity blinked out of her stupor. She turned her head towards the front, sure that she had turned the sign to ‘closed’. Why, then, did she hear the delicate ding of the bell above the door?
Slowly, she stood up and went to a drawer, quietly digging through the fabric until her hand closed around the cold metal of a handgun. She frowned at it for a moment.
Initially, she didn’t want to accept such a gift from her beloved, but she was glad she had it now. Canterlot was a dangerous city after all, and the Lunar District had a habit of quickly culling the weak and unprepared.
She pulled it behind her back and headed towards the front. She popped her head through the doorway. “I’m so sorry but we are clo–”
Rarity didn’t anticipate the woman in front of her, and even her unexpected guest seemed surprised. “Celestia?” Rarity's shock quickly gave way to suspicion. “What are you doing here?”
Celestia raised her hands in surrender, though it did little to calm the tension. “I come in peace. I only wish to talk, Rarity.”
Rarity pursed her lips and quickly stepped behind the front counter to put a solid barrier between them. “Very well. Talk.”
Celestia sighed, looking around at the dresses and outfits on display. “You certainly have a gift for design, these are beautiful.”
Rarity’s hand closed tighter around the gun. “Cut the crap and talk. Or else I’ll throw you out.”
Celestia ran a hand down her side, smoothing her flowy dress shirt. “Right, no more beating around the bush then.” She turned towards Rarity. “You grew up with Fluttershy, right?”
Rarity nodded tersely. “Get to the point.”
“Then surely you know about her father.”
Rarity scoffed, almost unable to believe that this was the angle Celestia was going for. “What kind of a question is that? Of course I know what happened with her father! I’m her best friend. And Luna is your sister, how dare you believe she would–”
“I don’t.” Rarity stumbled back at the sharp bluntness in Celestia’s voice. “I love my sister more than anything, Rarity, I truly do. I also know that you and Fluttershy love each other more than you ever could Luna and I. So please.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she continued. “Don’t let a misunderstanding break your friendship.”
Silence.
Then, Rarity began to laugh, a sharp, ugly cackle that raised the hairs on Celestia’s arms. She leaned forward and threw her hands onto the counter to brace herself, oblivious to the stiffening of Celestia’s body at sight of the weapon.
“A misunderstanding,” she started bitterly, “is Fluttershy assuming Luna was a whore. A misunderstanding is assuming that I didn’t know the kind of business Luna runs. A god damn misunderstandingis the thought that I might find employment under her as well. No,” Rarity chuckled darkly. “That wasn’t a misunderstanding, it was fucking prejudice and if Fluttershy were truly my best friend, she would have understood that. She would have given me a chance to explain and she would have at least tried to understand.”
Celestia stepped back as if slapped. “Rarity, surely you can–”
“Can what? Forgive her? Ha! I didn’t realize comedy was part of your studies.”
“Rarity, please, see reason. Even if you set aside what happened in the past, what the Carousel is, what happens there… It’s not something many people can just accept.”
“Oh yes, I’d say you are a shining example of that. You know, I think I finally understand why Luna never told me about you. You are as embarrassed of her as she is of you!”
Celestia gasped, her stricken expression making Rarity feel the slightest twinge of guilt. She sighed, “Celestia…”
Celestia shuddered before straightening herself. “No, no you are right. I was embarrassed of her and what she decided to do with her inheritance. I was just, Rarity I’m scared. I want her to be safe, but the Lunar District…” She looked pointedly at Rarity’s hand.
Rarity snorted, her guilt quickly swept aside. “Oh please, Canterlot is dangerous. Besides, from what Fluttershy told me you are a magical prodigy. I probably wouldn’t be able to get one shot off before you disarmed me.”
The lightness she had intended fell flat, weighed down by the dangerous power each woman held in their hands. Rarity sucked in a breath through her teeth and stood back, leaving the handgun on the counter. “Well, what now then? You said you came to talk and you did, yet you don’t appear to be leaving.”
Celestia sighed. “Only because we aren’t done talking.”
“Oh we aren’t are we? Pray tell what else you might have to say that would change my mind on the whole ordeal. I’m ever so curious.”
“I don’t know.”
The stark honesty of the statement brought a more genuine laugh from Rarity. She rubbed her temple. “So… What? You hope to stand here and make me feel guilty enough to forgive Fluttershy? Or you, for that matter?”
“If you are feeling guilty already, it’s only because you know it is wrong to hold a grudge.”
Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Pardon?”
“You and Fluttershy have been friends for so long, Rarity, and from what she’s told me, you’ve never had a fight like this before. You are meant to be together.”
Rarity crossed her arms, “Why are you here and not her?”
“Don’t try to change the subject.”
She lifted her chin. “I’m not. I’m asking a question. Why are you the one preaching to me about guilt and forgiveness when she’s the one who attacked Luna? Why aren’t they having a conversation and why aren’t they here?”
Celestia sighed in exasperation. “Luna does plan to talk to Fluttershy, I think they may be talking now, even. Now, back to the subject at hand.”
Rarity rolled her eyes, “Ah yes, my guilt.”
“Your friendship.”
“Oh stars above… Why are you so invested anyways? Are you hoping to fix your own relationship problems with Luna by fixing Fluttershy and I’s?”
Celestia’s silence spoke volumes and Rarity shook her head, disgusted. “You are pathetic, Celestia. Fluttershy was rude and while I have hopes that Luna can talk some sense into her, I will not be able to forgive her until she comes to me herself. Her anger may have been directed at Luna, but she essentially called me a monster beside her. Now tell me, is that something a ‘best friend’ is supposed to do?”
“You and I both know that Fluttershy normally wouldn’t ever lash out like that. She had a bombshell dropped on her and wasn’t thinking clearly. It was unfair of Luna to just drop the truth of the Carousel like that.”
“Oh no, no no no. What was unfair was you trying to lie and present the Carousel as anything but a brothel.”
Celestia’s face scrunched at the word. “It’s not just…that, though. The theater is rather beautiful from what I’ve heard.”
Rarity smirked at Celestia’s lame argument. “Oh, Tia.” Her wince at the condescending nickname gave Rarity strength. “You are a rather naive and foolish woman, aren’t you?”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. You think you can come in here to my shop and tell me how I’m supposed to feel or what I’m supposed to do? I’m afraid you won’t find me as gullible or easy to manipulate as Fluttershy. Tell me, did you have a similar conversation with her?”
Rarity stepped from behind the counter and towards Celestia. “Did you scold her like a disappointed mother? Tell her that she should give Luna and myself a chance?”
Celestia stepped back as Rarity continued to advance. “Or did you, perhaps, simply hug her and tell her it wasn’t her fault? That she ‘wasn’t thinking clearly’ and that you would talk to me and make it all better? That I was the one being unreasonable?”
“That’s not, I didn’t–”
“Of course you did! I see your game oh so clearly now. Well I am done playing. Now,” Rarity reached past Celestia and opened the door, “get out. We are done talking.”
“Rarity–”
“OUT!”
Celestia hesitated for a moment before bowing her head and stepping out the door. She turned, about to say something, but Rarity closed the door on her. She made a show of locking it and pulling down the blinds, plunging the shop into darkness.
For a while, the only thing Rarity could hear was the pounding of her heart, barely breathing as her hands tightly gripped the string of the blinds.
Finally, she exhaled and dropped her hands. She stared at the door for a moment longer before suddenly turning away and walking to the counter. Numbly, she grabbed the gun before returning to her sewing room.
It would be a long night and lonely night, with only the hum of a sewing machine to keep her company.
It was a perfect night in the garden of Celestia and Luna’s family manor. Moonlight streamed through the trees, brightening small orbs of magic that bobbed on the breeze. Crickets and frogs chirped and croaked a song that owls and other night birds chimed into, creating a symphony of nature.
All of this beauty and tranquility was lost on Fluttershy as she hugged her knees tight to her chest and looked over a pond. It’s surface was pristine and still, a perfect contrast to the turmoil she felt bubbling inside of her. She almost felt jealous of it. If only she could have been that calm and collected before, maybe then things would be different.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
She jumped, a silent scream lodged in her throat as she whipped her head around. Her fear quickly gave way to irritation when she saw Luna standing a few feet away. She turned away.
Luna hummed. “I understand you don’t like me, but I am not here for myself. Please, at least listen to what I have to say.”
Fluttershy mulled it over for a minute before heaving a deep sigh and angling her face at Luna. She waved a hand in a ‘go on’ motion.
Luna smiled at her and looked out to the pond. “Rarity is a wonderful woman, isn’t she? So full of life and wonder, she sees beauty in almost everything.”
Fluttershy raised her head slightly, confused.
“Yes, she is one of a kind. It makes me wonder though, how much of that was influenced by her childhood with you.” Luna paused and shifted her jaw. “You know, I truly do believe you are a special person, Fluttershy. For what it’s worth, I am sorry for my harsh words before.”
Fluttershy was fully sitting up now, staring at Luna with no small amount of suspicion. “…Is that all that you wanted to say?“
Luna nodded. “Namely. But, if you would oblige me, everyone has a reason to dislike my business. I’m curious, what is yours?”
Fluttershy looked away again and Luna worried for a moment she had stepped too far. She hurriedly added, “If you don’t wish to tell me, I won’t pry.” She wrung her hands together. “Whatever your reasons, I only ask you give Rarity, and I suppose by extension me, a chance to prove our worth. It pains me to see a great friendship torn. I love Rarity, and for all the anger she displayed, I know she was equally devastated inside.”
She waited for a response, some sign of recognition, but Fluttershy was silent. Luna cleared her throat, suppressing a sigh of defeat. “Very well then, I suppose I shall be off. I hope you have a pleasant evening.”
She had taken three steps before Fluttershy spoke. “My father was seduced.”
Luna paused, waiting to see if she would elaborate. A lot could be gleaned from that simple phrase, and unfortunately it was far from an uncommon story, but she had a feeling it went a little deeper than that.
Fluttershy’s voice was quiet, but clear, sharpened by grief. “One day he just… left. Took all of his valuables and money and was gone.” She shuddered, squeezing her knees. “It broke my mother. They were high school sweethearts and had been in love for so long but then he…” Her voice hardened with anger as she suddenly stood, spinning towards Luna. “He left her for a whore!”
Luna winced, turning to face her. “I, I am truly sorry to hear that.”
Fluttershy pressed her hands into her eyes to stop the tears, trembling as she tried to keep her voice steady. “You haven’t even heard the worst part. She, she didn’t even love him. She just wanted his money.” She laughed. “I mean, that probably isn’t that surprising, but he believed in her.”
An uneasy pit formed in Luna’s stomach, gnawing and nagging that that wasn’t the end of the story. “What happened?”
Fluttershy let out a shaky breath and moved her hands to look at Luna. “She set him up.” Her tone was bland, but quickly gained emotion as she continued, “They went to a hotel in the Lunar District but she had men waiting for them. They took everything he had and then they–” Her breath hitched. “They…”
“…They killed him, didn’t they?”
“Mmhmm.” Fluttershy sniffled and wiped her face, “So, so don’t you see? I can’t have the same thing happen to Rarity. I just want her to be safe.”
Luna took in this information slowly, new understanding softening any offense that she might hurt Rarity. She brought a pebble to her hand with magic, running her thumb over the smooth surface to bleed off a bout of nervous energy. She had to be delicate about this– Fluttershy was allowing herself to be extremely vulnerable and the fate of her and Rarity’s friendship hung in the balance.
“Would you believe me if I told you I opened the Carousel in order to prevent such happenings?” Luna chuckled wryly at the incredulous look thrown her way. “It’s true. I had a very dear friend who was a woman of the night and she, too, met an… unfortunate end.”
Fluttershy looked to the ground now, hugging her arms tightly around herself. Even though Luna’s voice was steady, she could tell it hurt to talk about. “I’m… sorry about your friend.”
Luna smiled tightly, “Thank you. You know, you remind me of her. She was a wonderful and special woman, always with a kind word and look.”
Fluttershy cringed back, shame flushing her cheeks as she recalled her outburst. She lifted her head, “Luna, I—”
Luna held up her hand, her smile softening. “Don’t apologize for what you said, it’s quite alright. It wasn’t fair of me to play with the situation like I did, or to encourage Rarity as well. I should have told you about the Carousel later, under better circumstances.”
“Rarity could have told me.” Fluttershy tried to keep from pouting, but she wasn’t very successful. She shook her head and waved a hand, “She should have told me, whether before you got there or in a letter before all this. She obviously knew the truth.”
Luna nodded. “She did, I was sure to be honest with her from the start. However, I plead you don’t cast blame on her. Knowing what happened to your family… She probably didn’t want to upset you while you were at school.”
That didn’t make Fluttershy feel any better. Rarity had known. She looked in Luna’s direction, but her gaze was far beyond as she muttered –mostly to herself. “She knew. She knew yet she, she still trusted you.”
She thought back to how happy she had been reading about Luna’s ‘courtship’ of Rarity, how charming and romantic their outings were. How happy Rarity was.
Of course, Rarity also had to know how Fluttershy would react to Luna’s business, but she didn’t tell her before because she knew it would probably end up like this. And if Fluttershy had read it in a letter while away…
She stepped back with the realization that the girl she had grown up with, the one she called her best friend, was looking out for her like that. A fresh wave of horror of what she had said and done washed over her. “Oh… Oh, Luna, what have I done?”
Luna turned towards the pond and flicked her wrist, sending the pebble skipping across its surface. “You cast a heavy stone into the pond and are splashing in the waves. The ripples of what happened will be felt for some time. And yet…”
Fluttershy looked over, following Luna’s outstretched hand. The pond was already settling from the disturbance of the pebble, the water calmly swaying back and forth in shorter and shorter waves. Soon, it would be back to its perfect and pristine still surface.
“Given long enough, all things settle. I dare say we both know Rarity well enough by this point to say that what she mostly needs is time.”
“… Do you really think she’ll forgive me?”
“I don’t see why not, after all, I already have.”
They smiled at each other, and though uneasiness lurked beneath the surface, it seemed that an old friendship could be saved and a new one forged.
The drawing room was lavish in a way that attempted to be humble, favoring quality pieces that few knew the true price of over flashy bits with a cost that loud voices bragged about. Couches and chairs were placed in a semi circle around a large coffee table, usually providing a relaxing atmosphere for conversation. For the women currently waiting there, however, it was anything but relaxing.
Rarity lounged on a plush and ridiculously comfortable loveseat, idly swirling the frozen grapes that chilled her sparkling cider with a long toothpick. She hadn’t yet acknowledged the other presence in the room and she felt the smallest hint of gratitude that she was being equally ignored. Good. She thought. At least we understand one another.
Celestia calmly sipped at her drink while projecting a sense of having no cares in the world. Every so often her gaze would flicker over, but then focus on something behind Rarity. She wasn’t sure if she hoped to catch Rarity’s eye or not.
The door opened, drawing violet eyes over to it as sapphire ones focused intently on the glass in hand. A heavy sigh drifted through the tense atmosphere as Luna and Fluttershy entered.
Rarity cleared her throat as the door was closed and looked at Fluttershy. “Well then, let’s get this over with I suppose. I would like to start by apologizing for storming out instead of trying to talk it out.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “No you don’t have to apologize for that. I’m sorry for blowing up like that. I should have given you a chance to explain.”
Luna glanced at Celestia, commenting dryly, “There should have been honesty from the beginning. I apologize for failing to correct my sister in a polite manner.”
Celestia pursed her lips, then conceded with a defeated sigh. “You are right, I’m sorry for trying to direct the conversation.” She huffed softly at the glares thrown her way, adding, “And for lying about the Carousel.”
An uneasy quiet settled over them. Fluttershy shifted on her feet as if unsure where to sit, not wanting to appear to pick a side between her friend and her girlfriend. Luna kept a steady gaze on her sister, caught between disappointment at the lackluster apology and relief she had apologized at all. Celestia pretended to not notice Luna, focusing instead on Fluttershy.
Rarity glanced between them and silently sighed, taking it upon herself to keep things moving and clapped her hands together. “Ah, well, Fluttershy.” She hesitated, the words ‘I forgive you’ stuck in her throat. She licked her lips and tried again, “Fluttershy I…”
Fluttershy smiled with understanding and glanced sideways at Luna. Although they had the start of a friendship after their conversation in the garden, she still felt uncertain. “It’s okay if you need more time Rarity, this is all very…” She waved a hand as she searched for the right word, “Unusual. I’m still not entirely sure about it myself but, I trust you.”
Rarity nodded and stood up, placing her drink to the side before crossing the room. She stopped in front of Fluttershy, hesitating again. Finally she reached out and gently patted her shoulder. “I…want you to know that I appreciate your trust, I really do. However, I can’t make any promises. You need to understand just how much I was hurt by what you said.” Rarity shuddered. “I really don’t like fighting with you, but this won’t be so easily forgiven I’m afraid.”
Fluttershy’s eyes watered and she squeezed the hand on her shoulder. “I understand Rarity. I, I really am sorry for what happened. I promise that I will do my best to make it up to you though.” She let out a shaky breath before gently removing Rarity’s hand, and instead offering it to Luna. “Thank you both for at least giving me a chance.”
Fluttershy glanced over Rarity’s shoulder in Celestia’s direction before looking back between Luna and Rarity. She lowered her voice. “You two should go. There’s another conversation that needs to happen before things can really start to get better.”
Rarity nodded, her fingers entwined with Luna’s. She responded in a whisper. “Best of luck.”
Luna squeezed Fluttershy’s shoulder firmly, adding her own quiet encouragement. “We all make mistakes. My sister often has a hard time admitting so, but I have a feeling she’ll come around.”
Luna then stepped towards the door, gently pulling Rarity along, speaking in a normal tone. “Now then, perhaps we should meet for dinner later? Rarity and I will cook — come dearest, to the kitchen!”
Rarity sputtered as she was swept away by her beloved, her dismayed cry of “Cook? In these heels?!” echoing down the hallway. Fluttershy smiled and shut the door before turning to finally face Celestia.
Celestia stood, a pained expression on her face. “Fluttershy? Is something the matter?”
Fluttershy’s smile faded slightly as she nodded. “Yes. Celestia, I love you, but I need to know if you love Luna, too.”
“What sort of question is that? Of course I do, she’s my sister.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “Not just like that. That you love her enough to finally put aside whatever feelings you may have about her business.” She wrung her hands together nervously. “I don’t want to lose Rarity, I, I can’t lose her. So I need to know if you’ll be by my side.”
Celestia took a sip of her drink and swallowed hard, thinking. “I, I suppose—”
“No.”
Fluttershy looked just as surprised as Celestia at the firm interruption. Fluttershy shook her head and continued, gentler. “No. No ‘maybe’, no ‘I suppose’ or ‘I guess’. Yes or no, will you stand by me and let go of whatever feelings you have about Luna and the Sapphire Carousel?”
Celestia considered this for a moment. “Will you?”
Fluttershy squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Yes.”
Celestia stared at her, searching for some weakness, some hesitation or doubt. Fluttershy stared back, refusing to back down. She had to prove herself to Rarity and Luna and she couldn’t do that if Celestia wouldn’t support them either.
Celestia sighed deeply. “Very well then. If you can let go and move forward, then I… I can as well.”
All the tension that had built up in Fluttershy’s body during their stare down suddenly left her and she sagged to the side. “Oh thank goodness, I really didn’t want to have to choose between the two of you.”
Celestia smiled sadly and stepped forward, pulling Fluttershy into a hug. “Oh my dear butterfly, I would never make you do that. I know how deeply you and Rarity care for each other.”
Fluttershy melted into the embrace, “And I know how much you and Luna love each other.” She pulled away slightly to look Celestia in the eye. “We can do this.”
Celestia wasn’t sure if the words were more for her or Fluttershy, but she agreed nonetheless. “Yes we can.”
