> The Beauty of the Rock
>  by ItsMrCapey
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Shattered Rock
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was very sunny day in the small town of Ponyville and today was Hearts and Hooves day! A day where ponies would give gifts to their beloved. Couples were everywhere. Handing gifts to their significant other. Be it; roses, chocolates, perfume or in Cranky’s case; a new wig from his beloved wife, Matilda.

A pristine white unicorn with a cutie mark of three diamonds and a purple mane and tail walked through the town to purchase some brand new fabric. She saw one of her closet friends, a bouncy pink pony with a cutie mark of three balloons with a taller orange earth pony with a brown mane and tail. His cutie was that of a cheese sandwich. It was not a surprise to anyone when Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich started dating.

“Oh Cheesie!” The pink pony turned towards her colt friend with a beaming smile, which brought the tall stallion to a swooning smile of his own. “I’m so excited for our Hearts and Hooves day date!”

Cheese Sandwich, blushed gently and opened his mouth to reply. “Me either, Cupcake!”

It was a sight to behold for Rarity when she saw the bouncing couple. Truly a match made in heaven. When will it be her turn? 

Pinkie saw her unicorn friend and beamed at her. “Hi Rarity!” Said the usually over-excited earth pony as she and Cheese Sandwich made a beeline towards her.

“Oh good morning, Pinkie and Cheese! Happy Hearts and Hooves day to you both.” The white unicorn said with a gentle smile.

Pinkie squeaked happily as she wrapped her forelegs around her tall coltfriend, who returned the gesture. “Happy Hearts and Hooves day to you too!” The couple said in unison. 

Rarity appreciated the kindness and sometimes over the top enthusiasm of Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, as much I would love to stay and chat, I have somewhere to b-“ 

She was interrupted by a pink hoof pressing against her lips and Pinkie’s exterior changed from a beaming smile to a sad smile in a matter of seconds. What was going on? 

Cheese also noticed that his marefriend wasn’t as happy as she was previously. “Pinkie? What’s the matter?”

Pinkie didn’t respond and instead ushered Rarity and Cheese to follow her, to which the pair did. 

When Pinkie Pie stopped, Rarity noticed that they were standing in front of the main fountain in the town square. There on the side of the fountain was a familiar earth pony with a gray coat and a periwinkle mane and tail. Maud Pie. She must’ve been here to visit Mudbriar for Hearts and Hooves day. But why was she staring at the ground beneath her? Where was Mudbriar?

Pinkie leaned over and gently whispered to her sister, loud enough for Cheese and Rarity to hear. “Maud? What’s wrong? You look so sad..” Although it was hard for most ponies to tell if Maud was upset or not, Pinkie could always tell when her sister was either happy, sad or angry. 

The gray earth pony looked up at her sister with her usual blank expression. She spoke in her usual monotone voice but what came out of her gray snout wasn’t anything Pinkie had expected to hear.

“Mudbriar broke up with me.”

That sentence alone shocked Pinkie Pie to her core! Why would Mudbriar shatter Maud’s heart like that?! It didn’t make sense to Pinkie Pie at all. They were perfect for each other as what Pinkie saw. Even though neither Rarity nor Cheese had met Mudbriar, they felt bad for Maud and her current situation.

Pinkie sat next to her elder sister whilst Rarity and Cheese stood before the two Pie sisters. “Do you want to talk about it, Maud?” 

The elder Pie sibling shook her head and sighed again. “Not right now, Pinkie Pie.” Maud was definitely hurting. Break up are very hard. Especially when it’s with somepony you absolutely love.

“Why don’t you go have your date with Cheese? I’ll be fine by myself.” It was if Maud knew Pinkie wanted to stay with her but she didn’t want her younger sister to miss out on her date today. Pinkie knew she didn’t want Maud to be alone, she pondered for a a brief moment until.. a lightbulb lit over her head and she turned to Rarity.

“Rarity, why don’t you take Maud out for the day to cheer her up? Pleaaaase? It’ll mean so much to me! Seeing one of my best friends and my sister bond.”

Rarity wasn’t sure.. Maud wasn’t easy to befriend or talk to.. and she had to buy some new fabric for some brand news designs.. but Pinkie had asked her for this one favour for her. How could she reject Pinkie and or a hurting pony on a day like this? Rarity gave a gentle sigh and nodded. “I’ll take Maud to go mining today. She looks like she could use a friend to talk to.”

Pinkie was beaming again and wrapped her forelegs around Rarity in a tight hug. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Rarity!” 

Rarity chuckled lightly and returned her friend’s embrace before they let go of one another. “Anything to help, Pinkie darling.”

Pinkie turned back to Maud and tapped her gently on the shoulder. Maud’s ears perked up and glanced up at her sister. “Maud, I know you’re upset right now about.. him.. but Rarity is going to cheer you up and spend some time with you! Is that okay?”

Maud gave it a quick thought and nodded before she stood up and looked over at the sheepishly smiling Rarity. “Okay.” 

Pinkie clapped her hooves together as she watched Maud walk over to her unicorn friend. “Have fun you two!” 

Cheese Sandwich smiles brightly as he watched his excited marefriend stand up and hop over to him, kissing her on the forehead when she was in his reach again. 

Pinkie waved enthusiastically over to Rarity and Maud, her pink hoof waving rapidly. “Have fun! I wanna hear about it afterwards! I’ll even tell you both about the date!”

Rarity nodded and smiles. “I’ll make sure she has a wonderful time. Take care, both of you.”

The earth pony couple immediately started to hop over to Sugarcube Corner for their date, bidding Rarity and Maud goodbye.

Rarity knew what it was like to break up with somepony. She knew it all too well. Poor Maud. A break up is never easy. Rarity was all too familiar with heartbreak.

On the way to the train station, Rarity looked over to the earth pony beside her and gave a gentle smile. “I’m glad you chose to join me today, Maud. I know it’s hard to break up with somepony but just know; you’re never alone, darling.”

Maud glanced over at Rarity and nodded. “I’m glad to join you. Where do you wish to go?”

Rarity gave a thought and soon enough; an idea came to her mind!

“Why don’t we go to Manehattan? You seemed to like it over there last time. Plus; you were absolutely phenomenal at ice skating!”

That was true. The last trip to Manehattan was… something to say the least. But hey, as chaotic as it were, it was a great day for Pinkie, Maud and Rarity. 

Maud gave a gentle nod at the proposal of going to Manehattan again. Maybe today was starting to look up for her despite the aforementioned break up with Mudbriar. “Okay.”

When the two mares reach the train station, they walked up the two steps onto the wooden platform and waited patiently for the train to arrive. 

“I promise you, darling. Things may look bleak right now but they will get better. Just you see.”

Finally; the whistles and puffs of the train were heard, signifying the arrival of the locomotive. 

Whilst Rarity and Maud trot towards the opening doors, Rarity looked back at Maud and gave her a smile and ushered the gray mare to follow her.

After the two boarded the train and sat down next to each other, Rarity noticed Maud was looking out of the window, keeping her eyes the grassy landscape. 

Rarity’s thoughts were swimming. She knew she would do this for her friend and Maud. This could be a starting point for the two ponies to have a stronger bond. ‘With Celestia as my witness; I will show you a grand day out. Just you wait, Maud.’

And finally, the train started to move, on its way to the glorious, beautiful and extravagant city of Manehattan. It was probably best to avoid talking about Mudbriar until Maud was ready.

This was bound to go well… hopefully..
> A Long Ride.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity could feel the awkward tension in the air. It was just too hard for her to just ignore the earth pony next to her. 

Rarity glances over at Maud who just looked out of the window with her usual deadpan expression. She gently laid a hoof on Maud’s shoulder, causing the gray earth pony to look over at her with a slow blink.

“Maud. I.. I know it’s hard to go through a break up, darling.. But, I want you to know; I’m here for you..”

Maud gave a sigh, knowing Rarity was right. Rarity had seen and experienced break ups in her life. Rarity could remember when she had heard that Octavia broke up with her longterm special somepony, Frederick Horseshoepin and how much it affected her before she moved on to Vinyl. 

Rarity gave a sigh, turning away from Maud, thinking she had failed to get her to open up about her current emotions until… 

“Have you ever felt this feeling?”

Rarity shot up when she heard the question and turned back to the earth pony. “I… I have..”

That made Maud tilt her head before Rarity continued on with her messy love life. 

“Well, I’ve had a few special someponies and crushes here and there. There was this one stallion at Canterlot; Princess Celestia’s nephew, Prince Blueblood. I had feelings towards him and chose to pursue him when me and the girls went to the Gala.”

Princess Celestia had a nephew? Since when? Did Maud meet this prince at the last gala? She couldn’t recall meeting a stallion who was dubbed ‘Prince Blueblood’.

Rarity went on to tell about her experience with the prince. “He was the most selfish, most arrogant stallion I’ve ever met! He had ruined the gala for me!” Rarity complained, scowling at the mere thought of that wretched stallion. 

“I first thought when I had met him that he would be as charming as a prince would be but.. I was wrong. The selfish fool awarded himself with the rose and claimed it went with his eyes. Demanded that I pay for some appetisers from Applejack’s cart. Took a seat for himself. Stole my cloak to cover a puddle so he wouldn’t get wet and used me as a shield from an incoming cake!”

When Rarity was finished on her rant, Maud remained deadpan but then spoke again..

“Stallions like that are not worthy.”

Had Rarity heard right? Maud really did speak ill of the ‘prince’. It was… surreal. 

“After the Gala ended, I started reading magazines and caught sight of a stellar unicorn stallion. His name is Trenderhoof and I had an absolute crush on that one!”

Trenderhoof. The stallion with an eye for design and also a travelling writer. How did this go wrong?

Before Maud could ask, Rarity started to speak about Trenderhoof but with less malice than she had when she ranted about Prince Blueblood.

“My crush on Trenderhoof was as obsessive as a fan would have a crush on Hoity Toity or any celebrity. When he came to Ponyville for the Ponyville Days Festival; I was over the moon to be his tour guide. I really believed me and him would fall in love but to my heartbreak; he fell for Applejack.”

Maud’s eyes widen for a moment before they returned to their usual lidded position. Applejack? The orange earth pony who is claimed to be related to Maud and the rest of the Pie Family. 

“Trenderhoof liked Applejack?” Maud questioned with an eyebrow raised.

Rarity nodded, confirming her question. “He was absolutely taken by her. When I saw how he looked at Applejack; I was driven absolute mad by the fantasy of me and Trenderhoof being together.. so.. I started to dress and act like Applejack.”

Maud tilted her head and asked the white unicorn, “You… started to do farm work?”

Rarity gave a brief blush from embarrassment when she tried to replicate Applejack’s work and mannerisms. “That I did. It even turned into Applejack acting like me. You know; clean, fashionable and very high society?” 

Maud nodded, understanding the unfortunate situation Rarity dug herself into.

“After that fiasco, I’ve gotten over Trenderhoof. It made me realise that friends will always be there for you. Through the good and through the bad.”

Was the friendship between Rarity and Applejack REALLY that strong to overcome an obstacle like that? Yes. Yes, it was.

Rarity sighed gently, before she started to speak again. “As for special somponies; I’ve… had a few. I used to have relations with a Pegasus stallion. His name was Thunderlane and I will admit, he was a very caring stallion. When he saved me from falling, I gave him a hug and he invited me to go a Wonderbolt show. But unfortunately.. due to errors with communication, long distance and a not really seeing each other very often, we decided to break up. I don’t hold any ill feelings towards him. In fact; he’s found himself a new special somepony in Cloud Chaser.”

Well.. that story had a happy ending. It was unfortunate but at least it ended on a happy note. 

Rarity smile disappeared as she recounts her next love. “When I went to Canterlot to open ‘Canterlot Carousel’, I’ve found myself having a Summer romance..”

Maud seemed interested, judging by her hoof supporting her cheek. “What happened to that pony?”

Rarity soon gave her answer after a brief pause. “He was a unicorn stallion with a cutie mark of a moon. His name was Dark Moon and I originally caught a brief of him at Shining Amour and Princess Cadence’s wedding but I didn’t think much of him back then. He was very charming to me at first. He gave me roses, called me the most beautiful pony he’s ever seen and also; he used to take me out to restaurants. But atlas; disaster struck.”

Maud lifted her hoof to try and protest against Rarity hurting herself with recovering a memory like that but Rarity chose to go on with her tale. “When I was on my way to the Canterlot Train station; I saw him there. I assumed he was waiting for me so I started to walk over to him. But.. fate had different plans for the two of us. I saw another mare trot over to him and kiss his cheek.. he had a different mare in his life other than me.”

Rarity gave a forlorn sigh and looked at the floor beneath her, a tear beginning to form in her sapphire orbs.

Maud did admittedly feel bad for Rarity despite not showing it. 

“I really believed he loved me.. I was a fool. A stupid fool.” Rarity’s tear found its way out of her tear duct and started to gently run down her cheek. Maud laid a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder and said.. “He missed out. You’re not a fool for believing his deception.”

Rarity flutters her eyes in surprise, Maud was comforting her? What a pleasant turn of events. “You.. don’t think I’m the fool?”

In response to Rarity’s inquiry, Maud shook her head, rejecting the thought of Rarity being the fool in this scenario. “He didn’t see what you had to offer. If he went off with another pony behind your back, he’s not worth your time and energy.”

That was very sweet of somepony like Maud Pie to say. She had never heard such a phrase come out of Maud’s mouth when it came to romance. Normally; Maud would defend Pinkie Pie and come to her aid but this is different. It’s nice to hear that once in a while.”

“I’m glad you don’t think I’m a fool for his infidelity.” Rarity wiped her tear away and looked back at the mare next to her with a sad smile. “Unfortunately; it has caused issues when regarding future romances. Because what if it happened again?”

Maud didn’t know what to say for a brief moment until.. she spoke again.. “If someone cheated on their special somepony, it’s not the unknowing pony’s fault or responsibility to clean up after their partner’s mess. They don’t deserve to be hurt and betrayed.”

Rarity smile returned and sighed softly in relief. “I guess I’ll have to find out when I find that perfect pony.”

Maud nodded, knowing it was her turn to talk. “I’ve had a few crushes before Mudbriar.”

Maud had a crush on somepony before Mudbriar? Did Pinkie not know? Who was this pony? Somepony Rarity knew? So many questions.

“If you want to talk about them.. what were they like, darling?”

Maud looked at the floor beneath as she thought of her first ever crush. “You won’t believe me when I say; it was Moonlight Raven.”

Moonlight Raven? The gothic unicorn from Manehattan who came with that smiley unicorn, Sunshine Smiles? 

“Oh! She came to the ‘Rarity for You’ boutique in Manehattan! She was a bit to a quiet one but I will admit; she was pretty. So was Sunshine Smiles!”

Maud recounted her memories of Moonlight Raven, giving a momentarily smile before it left after a second. “When I came here with you and Pinkie, I saw her walking down the street. I was immediately taken by her. I really thought she was beautiful. Something about her made me happy on the inside. I would’ve walked over and said hello to her but.. something deep inside of me was unable to.”

When Rarity heard of Maud calling somepony beautiful, she had her hoof laying on her chest as a way to say ‘oh bless you..’ 

“Crushes are like that, darling. Confusing but fun to have.”

Maud nodded and moved on from her first crush on Moonlight Raven to her next infatuation. “The next crush I had was on a stallion called ‘Funnel Web’. I decided that; this time I would be try to at least talk to him. When I did, he wasn’t that interested in me. I’ve accepted that now since I’ve moved in from Funnel Web but at the time, it did hurt.” 

Wow… it seemed as if Maud and Rarity both had unfortunate experiences with love and crushes. When Rarity went to respond; the train came to a halt and the whistles wailed. She gave a look out of the window, she saw that they she finally reached their destination; Manehattan.

Maud too looked out of the window and saw the city. “We’re here.”

Rarity nodded and got up, watching Maud get up too and followed Rarity off the train. “Maud, I.. I’m very sorry about Funnel Web and Moonlight Raven.”

Maud looked over at Rarity with her usual deadpan exterior and nods appreciatively. “Thank you. I too don’t hold ill feelings toward either of them.”

When they stepped off the locomotive, Rarity gave a sigh when she saw the beautiful city of Manehattan again! Maybe she could drop in and see how Rarity for you is doing? No, no… She had a job from Pinkie and she was going to stick by it.

“Why don’t we go get some lunch before we go look around, Maud dear?”

The gray earth pony gave a thought and nodded. “Okay. How about we go to the restaurant from last time?”

Rarity nodded, smiling brightly at the idea. “We shall indeed! Like I promised before; I am going to make you have a splendid day today! Just you wait and see.”
> A Walk around Manehattan.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The streets were bustling with couples. Hearts and Hooves Day can do that; bring ponies together, have relationships form and thrive and even strengthen a couple’s bond further.

At the corner of Rarity’s eye, she could’ve sworn that she had seen Lyra Heartstrings with her fiancé, Bon Bon or rather Sweetie Drops. They were most definitely on a trip here! How romantic! A Hearts and Hooves Day trip to Manehattan. Rarity wished that someday.. that would happen to her.

“Rarity?”

Maud’s call had awaken the unicorn from her swooning daze and turn to the gray earth pony. “I’m very sorry, darling! I-I’ve briefly zoned out!”

Maud looked over towards Lyra and Bon Bon. “You’re looking at them? Do you know them?”

Alas; Rarity gave a nod, confirming the question, “I indeed do. The unicorn is Lyra and the earth pony is Bon Bon. They’ve been together for quite a while now and had just recently gotten engaged. I’m happy for the pair of them.”

Maud gave a couple nods and spoke again; “I hope the wedding goes well for them. They seem very happy.”

Rarity smiles as she turned away from the loving couple who sat upon a bench, Lyra once again in the strange position that she usually sat in with Bon Bon giving a gentle sigh.  Rarity and Maud soon stopped outside of the local restaurant ‘The Cantering Cook’. 

Hopefully; Rarity was able to get Maud’s mind away from the idea of romantic relationships when they entered. There was bound to be couples inside of the restaurant for their Hearts and Hooves Day dates. Oh Celestia, this will be hard..

Rarity watched Maud open the door first, thinking she would enter first but to her surprise; Maud held it open for her.

“Here you go.” Maud’s hoof pressed firmly against the wooden restaurant door, awaiting her unicorn companion to enter.

Rarity smiles softly and walked inside as she gave an appreciative ‘thank you’ to the monotone earth pony. 

“Thank you, darling.” The white unicorn watched Maud let go off of the door and follow her to the table where they would dine at. The two ponies sat down at the table and with a glow of sparkling blue aura, two menu were placed in front on the table in front of Rarity and Maud. “So, what do you fancy having, darling?” Rarity looked up at the gray earth pony who was looking over at a couple on their date. 

Rarity had recognised the pegasus mare as ‘White Lightning’ and the the unicorn stallion as ‘Ponet’. 

“Maud darling?” That slight concern was what made Maud turn back towards Rarity. “Are you alright, dear? You had been staring at the couple across the restaurant.”

Maud looks down in a mix of deadpan and  a tiny bit of.. shame? “I’m sorry, it’s just that.. I used to do that with Mudbriar, you know?”

Poor dear. Thinking of the good times she had with Mudbriar proper to their abrupt break up.

“I understand that, darling. I really do. But; today is going to be a day of you being a strong and independent mare. It hurts right now but it’ll be okay, I promise.”

Before Maud could respond; the waiter approached the two; his orange magical aura holding onto a notepad and a pencil.

“Good day, what may I get you both?”

Rarity opened her menu and the same could be said for Maud. “A daffodil and daisy sandwich for me please, dear:”

The waiter turned to Maud. “And you?”

Maud looked through her own menu and decided on what she wanted to dine on for her lunch. “An oatburger please?”

The waiter nodded as he had written down the two meals Rarity and Maud had selected. “Coming right up, ladies.” He walked away from the two, prompting Rarity to talk to Maud again.

“So… what do you want to do after lunch, dear? Ice skating? Explore some fashion? Go to the market?”

Maud gave it a thought and finally responded after a few seconds of silence. “Maybe we can go ice skating?” 

Whilst unsure at first; Rarity nodded and said; “Oh we definitely shall, darling! You was a great skater from what I’ve seen the last we had came here! You’re very talented at ice skating, Maud.”

“Really?” Maud tilted her head, her turquoise eyes focused on the unicorn mare opposite of her. “I didn’t think I had impressed you that much.”

Rarity’s sapphire orbs widen when she heard what Maud had said about her own ice skating skills. “Are you kidding, darling? You were absolutely astonishing at ice skating! I even went back home and I was still so impressed!”

She could’ve sworn she saw a faint blush growing on Maud’s gray cheeks. 

Maud hadn’t realised that she had impressed Rarity with her skating skills before and it felt strangely good to be recognised for a hidden talent.

When the food finally arrived, the two mares dug into their meals, enjoying and savouring the delicious tastes. Rarity was enjoying this trip as far and she could only imagine that Maud was enjoying it as much as she did.

After their meals, Rarity and Maud reached into their separate saddlebags to pay for their food. “I’ll pay for it.” Maud turned to Rarity, prompting the unicorn to shake her head. “Darling, you don’t have to do that, I’ll pay.” Maud shook her own head in response to Rarity’s generous offer. “No, I’ll do it.”

Whilst Rarity and Maud had a minor disagreement over paying for the food, a mare behind Rarity started to complain over the long wait. “Hurry up! You’re both taking forever!” 

Who was this mare to yell at them both? How rude! Before Rarity could confront the rude mare behind her; Maud turned around to face the mare and said. “We’ll be a moment. Please wait your turn.”

The mare growled at Maud with pure anger and resentment in her venomous voice. “You two are taking so long! I have a date in ten minutes and you fools are taking all day!”

This was starting to annoy Maud deep down but she held onto her expressionless face. “Don’t be rude. We’re sorry for the wait.”

This didn’t make the aggressive mare stop her aggressive tirade towards Rarity and Maud. She continued her obnoxious behaviour and yelling as Maud and Rarity decide to split the bill 50/50.

After exiting the line, Rarity sighed and turned to Maud. “I’m sorry about that awfully rude mare. Are you alright?”

Maud gave a gentle sigh and nodded. “I’m okay. I was a bit annoyed though but I chose to keep it together.”

Rarity smiles softly and said. “I’m glad you didn’t lose yourself back there, darling. Don’t pay attention to ponies like that.” She opened the door and allowed Maud to exit first.

“Thank you.” Said the gray earth pony as she walked out of the restaurant, Rarity following her out after. Rarity and Maud started to walk down the street to search for the local ice rink. 

Rarity caught a glimpse of a very familiar couple from Canterlot; Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis. It did take the two a long while to confirm the rumours of them being together. Fancy spotted Rarity across the street and the two sent brief waves to one another before he returned to focus his attention onto Fleur. 

Rarity was way too deep into snooping when she walked face first into a lamppost; making the white unicorn grunt. 

“Oof.” 

Maud turned back to see what had happened and immediately walked over to the unicorn. “Are you alright?”

Rarity was embarrassed to say the least. She couldn’t help but wonder if anypony had seen her blunder. “I’m.. I’m fine, darling. Just zoned out a bit and walked into a street light!” She gave a nervous chuckle as she focused on the gray pony. 

Maud gave Rarity’s hoof a couple of gentle taps and said in her usual deadpan tone; “Be careful, I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

Rarity chuckles sheepishly, trying to assure Maud that she was indeed in top shape. “I assure you, dear; I’m fine.”  

Maud gave a nod and once again; the two mares resumed walking together towarrs the close by ice rink.

Finally; Maud and Rarity had reached their destination. The Manehattan Ice Rink. The shining ice glistening after a recent cleansing. Ponies awaited at the gate until they were all granted access to go skating.

Rarity and Maud made their way towards a set of bleachers and taken their seats to put on their ice skates. After putting on their skates, Maud and Rarity stood up and gently walked towards the open gate, Maud setting hoof onto the ice and once again; impressing Rarity with her skills. 

However, when Rarity stepped onto the ice, she immediately fell onto her white stomach. “Oh!” 

Maud skated over towards the unicorn who laid on the ice beneath. “Are you okay?”

The unicorn on the ice gave an affirming smile as she regained her stance. “I’m okay, I’m fine.. just a little fall as all.”

“Do you need help? I can be a support for you.”

Maud offering to support Rarity? Such a generous gesture. Rarity nodded, taking on Maud’s offer. “How do we-?”

Rarity’s question was cut off by Maud wrapping her straight periwinkle tail around Rarity’s own tail, holding to each other for support so the other would not fall.

Maud’s tail had a grip to ensure Rarity’s safety as much as Rarity‘s tail did her. The gray earth pony turned to Rarity, her turquoise eyes glistening. “Are you ready?”

Rarity gave a deep breath and nodded, accepting fate. The nod gave Maud the opportunity to start to start skating, Rarity in her grip. “Hold on.”

Rarity could feel the cool breeze through her curled mane as Maud supported her on the frozen surface below. She smiles gently, enjoying this moment greatly. Other ponies were skating around them; enjoying one another. 

The music playing through the stereo nearby was changed to a pretty romantic song by a band of three stallions. ‘Make you mine.’ 

Rarity loved this song but this wasn’t a moment between lovers, more like one between two bonding friends! But she wouldn’t dare complain about the song choice as it was Hearts and Hooves say. She chose to put up with it. To be completely honest; some would consider Maud supporting Rarity and them holding tails as both romantic but Rarity had considered it as platonic. Had Maud thought the same?

The breeze was flawless, the moment was wonderful, the aura was gracious. Rarity could’ve sworn she heard Maud quietly singing along to the current song.

“You like this song too?” Rarity questioned the monotone mare. Maud gave a nod. “This song has a special place in my heart. Mudbriar and I used to listen to it when we were together.” 

“Oh dearest, I’m so sorry. I could ask if we could change the song?” After a moment of thought, Maud shook her head. “As hard as the memories are and how the song reminds me of him, it won’t stop me from liking it.”

That sentence alone made Rarity smile and respect Maud more. She was very selfless indeed. Rarity had seen generosity in Maud before but.. this is for a lot of ponies. She could’ve said yes to turn the song off but.. she didn’t. That was very sweet of Maud..

Rarity had definitely enjoyed the time on the ice and she hoped Maud did too. After a while of skating together, Rarity and Maud exited through the gate, returning their ice skates to the pony at the counter. Rarity turned over to the earth pony beside her with a brief worn-out smile. “That was… very fun, darling!” 

Maud gave a quick ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ smile of her own. “I did too.” 

“So, what do you want to do next, dear?” Rarity questioned the earth pony. Maud instead said; “I’ve decided the last activity, it’s your turn. I want to be fair.”

That surprised Rarity! Maud wanted to be fair and let Rarity decide next! 

“Well hmm… how about we go and see a movie together? I hear an old movie is back in for today.”

Maud tilted her head as she focused on Rarity, her gray ear twitching momentarily before speaking again. “Which movie is that?”

“It’s an old movie but… it’s called ‘A Trot to Remember’ and it’s very good! Do you want to see it, darling?” Rarity asked after she answered Maud’s question. 

Maud gave a quick ponder and nods in approval. “A Trot to Remember is a great movie. I’ll gladly see it again at any opportunity.”

Rarity grinned brightly; this was another thing they had in common! They both favoured this masterpiece of pony cinema! 

And onwards they went! Towards the Manehattan movie theatre!
> Home Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the movie reached its conclusion; Rarity and Maud exited the movie theatre, taking one look up at the sky and seeing the once blue skies had became an orangey hue. 

“Oh my, it’s probably time we’ve headed home. Are you going back to Ghastly gorge?”

Maud shook her head. “No, I’ll be staying with Pinkie and Cheese at Sugarcube Corner tonight. I just hope Pinkie isn’t worrying about me too much.”

Rarity chuckles lightly, knowing full well Pinkie Pie would worry. She had seen that when Rainbow Dash flew to The Wonderbolt’s academy. But that was more about receiving a letter from the spectrum maned pegasus. “She’ll be over the moon to see you, dear.”

Maud gave it a thought and nodded before the duo started to make their way to the Manehattan train station. She had noticed Princess Celestia’s glowing sun had almost fulfilled today’s sunshiny duration and to be replaced by Princess Luna’s moon.

When Rarity and Maud had finally arrived to the train station, it didn’t take long for the locomotive to chug down the train trails and pull to a stop in front of the two and a multitude of ponies. Some alone and some in pairs.

Rarity and Maud boarded the train and down the aisle were couples sitting with one another. Scootaloo’s aunts Holiday and Lofty. Noteworthy and his longterm special somepony; Fiddle Sticks. Lyra and Bon Bon. Even a familiar Wonderbolt; Lightning Streak with his special somepony, Rainbow Shine. Finally; the two had found an empty couple of seats and sat down next to one another.

“You know… I’ve enjoyed your trip today.” Maud turned to Rarity, prompting the white unicorn to gently blush before the gray earth pony continued. “Thank you.” 

Rarity gave a nod and smile. “You’re absolutely welcome, Maud dear. You know; I’d love to see you again. Maybe you could drop into the boutique sometime?”

Maud nodded. “I have been meaning to upgrade my wardrobe. I only have my frock in it.”

Speaking of Maud’s frock; Rarity gave it a brief look. She had noticed some tears had come through the fabric after years and years of use. “I could potentially fix your frock for you, seeing as you seem to love it very much.”

Although she didn’t show it, Maud was both intrigued and overjoyed about her beloved dress being fixed. All wear and tear had all it had become. She nodded her approval to the unicorn, making Rarity smile once again. 

“Excellent! What day works best for you? I know you have a lot of studying to do so I would try to not take too long with your appointment.”

Maud gave it a thought and had finally devised on her appointment date. “I’ll be around again in a day or two. I will be studying geodes and heading towards north; to The Crystal Empire.”

The mentioned of the crystallised city made Rarity’s sapphire orbs glisten in admiration. “The Crystal Empire?! Whatever for?”

The earth pony continued; “I hope to study on The Crystal Heart’s history and power source. The only thing I know about the heart’s history is the era of King Sombra.”

An unfortunate memory of that disgraced unicorn king ruling over those poor crystal ponies made Rarity shudder. Had Pinkie Pie tell Maud about the atrocities and the heavily loathed king?

Rarity sighed before she begun to speak again. “Well… despite the awful historical circumstances; I hope you enjoy your trip, dear.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally; after a few hours on the train, it pulled into Ponyville’s train station. The sky had became black hue. The sun had finished its duty and made way for Princess Luna’s beautiful cratered moon. 

Couples, families and the occasional single ponies step off the locomotive. Maud and Rarity following out of the door. 

A very familiar blur of pink bounced towards the duo before a couple of pink forelegs were wrapped around the two mares.

“Welcome home! Did you miss me?! Did you have fun?! What was the sky like?!” Rarity was corrected. Pinkie Pie WAS overjoyed to see that her friend and older sister had returned from their trip.

Whilst Maud stayed silent, Rarity gave a muffled; “Mmphh..” prompting the excited pink pony to let go of the pair. “Whoopsie woo, sorry!”

Rarity took a deep breath whilst Maud kept as silent as a mouse. “It was absolutely lovely. We had a brief issue with a very rude mare at the restaurant buuuut… all in all; a wondrous experience.” Maud gave a nod in response.

Pinkie Pie hopped up and down, squeaking in excitement. “Oh my gosh! I knew it! You two had so so so much fun! Me and Cheesie enjoyed our date too! I’ll have to tell you about it, Maud!” Pinkie Pie turned to Rarity for a moment. “Thank you so much, Rarity! See ya! Come on, Maud!”

Maud once again gave a nod, showing a deadpan smile before it disappeared. She turned back to Rarity before she and the two earth ponies parted ways. “Again; thank you. Bye, Rarity.” The monotone earth pony gave Rarity’s hoof a quick shake before she followed after Pinkie Pie who was currently bouncing to the direction of Sugarcube Corner. 

Rarity made her own way back towards the boutique before she stopped and back around; seeing the pink pony leading her gray sister to the bakery. “…..”

Rarity knew she had done well today with assisting one of her best friend’s siblings through a hard time. A smile growing on her lips as she made her way back to her own living quarters. 

When Rarity had arrived at the boutique’s front door, she saw a heart shaped card and a bouquet of roses on her welcome mat. Who would leave these here?

The most likely candidate for these gifts was… Spike. But she chose to read the letter. Her theory was confirmed. The contents of the letter read;

“Dear Rarity, 

I’ve searched for ways to tell you about how  I truly feel about you. You are the most beautiful pony in all of Equestria! You make my heart burst into flames every time I see you. Will you be my special somepony?

- Spikey Wikey.”

Rarity sighed. She didn’t know what to do. Spike was a good friend but.. she didn’t return his affections. He was much too young for her. She had always known about his crush but she never reciprocated those feelings. It would surely break his heart once he finds out. As of right now; all she could do was hope he will get over his feelings for her. She didn’t hold any sort of ill will towards the young drake at all.. she was thankful he felt this way about her but she couldn’t return the love he felt for her.

Despite the awkward nature; her unicorn horn ignited with its blue aura, holding the love letter and roses in its grasp. Rarity made her way into the boutique after she pushed the door open. When she entered her place of work and residence; she closed the door and walked into the kitchen. 

Her magical aura placed the card and the roses down onto the table before she reached into the cupboard to pull out a vase. 

Filling the floral printed vase up with water; she placed the roses into the vase and the card onto the kitchen counter.

Would Spike stop being her friend if she told him her true emotions? She hoped that he wouldn’t.. but she couldn’t just force herself to feel something that she truly didn’t.

Rarity once again sighed and walked out of the kitchen before she trotted upstairs towards her bathroom to begin her bedtime routine. Brushing her curly purple mane and her pearly white teeth with their assigned brushes. 

Rarity deep down hoped that Maud would write to her about her Crystal Empire experience and even possibly bring back any trinkets. As for now; Rarity walked out of her bathroom; past the guest room which Sweetie Belle would use whenever she visited her elder sister, into her own bedroom. Rarity’s precious feline ‘friend’, Opalescence awakening from her nap when she spotted the tired unicorn enter through the bedroom door. Opal rolled her eyes and resumed her nap. 

Rarity grabbed her mane curlers; placing them into her curled mane to keep those luscious curls in before she climbed into her bed; her head resting against her pillow. Before she fell into tonight’s dream; she thought to herself about her and Maud’s day out. Her sapphire orbs slowly closing and falling into Princess Luna’s land of dreams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maud was laying awake in her sleeping bag, every now and again did she glance over at the sleeping Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich before her eyes once again focused on the ceiling. Maybe she’ll find love again? Would she find her true love at The Crystal Empire? Who knows? She looked over at her ‘pet’ rock; Boulder. The inanimate object just stood at her side with Pinkie Pie’s pet alligator; Gummy.

Even the strong and silent Maud Pie could not hold back the inevitable strength of fatigue. She was falling into Luna’s dream world alongside the rest of Ponyville’s inhabitants. Hopefully; Princess Luna will give her any sort of guidance..

Yes… hopefully…
> Meeting With the Rest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Luna’s moon had finally lowered and made way for Princess Celestia’s glowing orb of fire. The sun she had risen was a sign the day had finally begun.

Rarity had finally started to awaken from her slumber. Her white hoof lifting up the pink face mask from her tired sapphire eyes, observing the bedroom.

Opalescence was asleep on Rarity’s sewing station, giving out brief meows in her own slumber. 

After a moment of stretching and yawning; Rarity climbed out of her bed and into the bathroom, ready to begin for the day. Perhaps she should visit the others from her group and ask how their own Hearts and Hooves Day went. 

Finally; Rarity’s blue translucent magical aura lifted up the hairbrush which laid on her bathroom counter and gently, the brush went through Rarity’s soft and curly purple mane, brushing any nearby knot out.

When all was said and done; she returned the used hairbrush back onto the bathroom counter and begun to brush her teeth and gargle some mouthwash, ridding the dreadful morning taste from her tongue.

The white unicorn had finally finished her morning ritual, all that needed to be complete was applying some new makeup. The blue aura wrapped around the cupboard and out came the diamond patterned makeup pouch. When the zipper let out a quick ‘zipping’ noise, Rarity’s magical aura had lifted out a palette of her usual baby blue eyeshadow and a wand of mascara. She gave a sigh after the makeup was set and complete and made her way downstairs into the main hall. 

She didn’t wait too long before she trotted into the kitchen and grabbed a slice of bread, sticking it into the toaster for a few minute cook.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After her breakfast; Rarity wasted no time in walking out of the kitchen, grabbing her pink saddle bag and opening the front door of her boutique. When she had exited and closed the aforementioned door behind her;  she made a beeline towards the main road to Twilight’s castle, enjoying the gentle breeze through her purple curls and the sound of silence.

When she had finally arrived to the entrance of Twilight’s crystallised palace; she gave a knock onto the door and saw that instead of the lavender alicorn answering it; it was her little dragon assistant, Spike.

When Spike saw who had came to visit, his green slit eyes turned into tiny hearts when he saw the unicorn, beginning to fawn over her immediately. “Hi Rarity..” The lovestruck drake gushed.

Whilst she found his infatuation sweet, she did admittedly find it quite… discomforting at times. Rarity gave a smile to the young dragon. “Good morning, Spike! Is Twilight here?”

The purple drake snapped out of his loving gaze and pointed towards the main library section. “Yeah, she’s reading one of Starswirl’s books on the history of Equestria. She’s read it like ten times..” The dragon sighed, shaking his head before he turned back to Rarity. “So, did you like the card and roses?” Those hearts in his eyes returned when he stared at his longterm crush. Rarity gave a sheepish smile which had a secret lace of discomfort.. “Y-yes, it was very sweet gesture of you, Spikey-Wikey..”

Spike felt his heart leap when he heard his nickname. But before he could say anything else regarding said presents; Twilight exited her library chambers, spotting the white unicorn.

“Oh hey, Rarity!” The cheerful alicorn walked over to the drake and his longterm crush. “How was your Hearts and Hooves Day?”

Rarity gave a nod to the alicorn’s question. “It was very nice, I will admit..”

Twilight smiles brightly at her friend, her purple eyes glistening with happiness. “I have got to tell you about the day I’ve had! Me and the girls are here waiting for you. Starlight is running a bit late but she will attend.”

The two mares trotted over to the chamber of The map of Equestria, spotting their mutual friends. Pinkie had spotted Rarity first and squeaked in excitement.

“Hi Rarity! How are you? It’s a nice day, isn’t it?!”

An orange hoof covered Pinkie Pie’s mouth. Applejack had came to the rescue. “Now now, Pinkie Pie..” The orange earth pony gave a soft smile to her possible relative. “Calm down, sugarcube..”

Pinkie Pie gave a groan against the orange hoof but started to calm down slightly but kept her usual party spirit intact.

Rarity chuckled lightly. “I’m alright, girls. I apologise for my absence yesterday. But enough about that.”

Rarity had walked over to her own pristine white throne with the other five mares sitting in their own assigned thrones.

Twilight had finally broken the silence, “Soooo… how was everyone’s Hearts and Hooves day?”

Pinkie Pie waved her pink foreleg excitedly, wanting to share the date of a lifetime with Cheese Sandwich! “Me! Me! Me! Pick me, Twilight!” The other five mares staring at her with surprise. 

Twilight sighed softly. “Okay, Pinkie Pie… you can go first..”

Pinkie was overjoyed at the thought of being first in line! “Soooo.. me and Cheesie went to Sugarcube Corner for our date because duhh, it’s a sweet shop and Cheesie is VERY sweet! So it works! Anyway; me and Cheese had a large milkshake to share with each and some apple fritters that I had borrowed from Applejack!”

Applejack sighed, shaking her head.. “She came into my barn and stolen a couple of fritters… Ah saw her but ah couldn’t do much.. ‘Sides, Ah can just make a couple more..”

Pinkie laughed happily. “Of course, sooo I borrowed-“ Applejack cut her off to correct the excited pony. “Stolen.” Pinkie shooting a lighthearted glare at the apple farmer. “Borrowed.. some fritters. Me and Cheese had an AMAZING time!”

When the pink pony had ended her own story of love, milkshakes and stolen fritters.. Twilight was about to take her own turn when once again; she was interrupted by Rainbow Dash! The cyan pegasus gagged at the mere thought of ‘love and mushy gunk’. 

“I don’t know how you guys do it! Love is just so… mushy…”

Fluttershy gave a soft chuckle. “Rainbow Dash; love is wonderful. It doesn’t have to be mushy at all.. Discord is a very romantic draconequus which is very surprising.. He was so sweet! We didn’t do too much but when the stars came out, Discord aligned them into a shape of a heart. It was very romantic despite Princess Luna being annoyed that Discord ruined the ‘Big Dipper’..”

Rainbow Dash was admittedly in awe but she quickly replaced it with disgust. “Eww mushy..”

Everypony in the room was surprised at Rainbow Dash’s depiction of love and romance. “I mean… I might or might not have been on a date yesterday..”

The mention of Rainbow Dash on a date made everypony’s jaw drop. Applejack raised her eyebrow. “Who in the hay did you take out then?”

Once the question set in stone; Rainbow Dash sighed and looked over at the orange earth pony. “High Winds.”

The mention of the Wonderbolt member didn’t surprise anypony really.. Applejack chuckles again. “Well, Ah can’t say Ah’m really surprised.. Ah mean; Yer both speedy Wonderbolts..”

Rainbow Dash blushed again. “I went to Hayburger with her.. anyway; what about YOUR day, huh?”

Applejack narrowed her eyes at the boastful pegasus and sighed. “Ah went on a date with Autumn Blaze..” Fluttershy was happy to hear the mention of their mutual Kirin friend but everypony else didn’t know the Kirin at all..

Rainbow Dash was staring at Applejack with her eyebrow raised. “Autumn Who-now?”

Fluttershy lends Applejack a helping hoof.. “Autumn Blaze is a Kirin from the Kirin village. She was the only member of their clan that spoke.. the rest were silent due to two kirins becoming niriks and nearly burning the whole village to the ground..”

“Ohhhhh!” Rarity, Pinkie, Twilight and Rainbow Dash said in unison. Twilight was dying to have her turn and Applejack took notice of Twilight’s eager expression and chuckled again. “Yer turn, Sugarcube!”

Twilight beamed and then started to talk about her own Hearts and Hooves day experience. “I travelled to Canterlot and met with Sunset Shimmer.. we had a great time! Reading books! Studying and writing letters to the princess!”

Pinkie gave a laugh! “That sounds like you and Sunset!”

Applejack shot Pinkie Pie an annoyed glare. “What she meant to say was; it sounds perfect for ya, Twi..”

Finally; the room set on Rarity.

“Ohhh well I… umm.. I didn’t have a date..”

Everypony stared at the embarrassed white unicorn in disbelief. Rainbow Dash broke the silence and yelled: “you didn’t have a date?! But you’re Rarity!”

Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Applejack shot Rainbow Dash glares. “Don’t be rude, Rainbow!” Applejack scolded, making the pegasus grumble.

“No… I didn’t have a date yesterday.. I was.. having a day out with Pinkie Pie’s sister; Maud.”

The room fell silent until.. Pinkie Pie giggled excitedly. “Maud had issues with meany ol’ mean pants Mudbriar and he broke up with her! My sister is so nice and fun!”

Before Rainbow Dash could give a counter argument; Rarity shushed her. “Pinkie Pie is right… Maud is very considerate and admittedly fun to be around..”

Applejack gave a soft smile to her unicorn friend. “Well.. Ah always thought y’all had a lot in common. Ah mean.. y’all like dresses, diamonds and such..”

Rarity blushed a bit; her white cheeks turning into a scarlet only Big MacIntosh could envy.. “Maud was very kind to me.. I was reluctant at first but we did end up having a wonderful time..”

Rainbow Dash laughed heartily. “I think you should consider it a date! It was in Hearts and Hooves day, you guys were alone.. sooo… that makes up for a date!”

Rarity shook her head at the pegasus, her white hooves fiddling.. a sweat drop running down her head.. “It was not a date, I was just being nice to Maud..”

“…. Speaking of her; How is she, Pinkie?”

Pinkie nodded happily. The gray earth pony must’ve been on the train to The Crystal Empire by now. “Yep! She’s fine! She’ll be back later on and she said she’ll send a letter to you about her trip! I can’t wait to hear it!”

Rarity gave a beaming smile at the thought of her monotone friend. “She will most definitely enjoy it! The Crystal Empire is absolutely beautiful!”

Beautiful? It was extravagant.. A mare like Maud Pie would definitely enjoy the crystal city.. and the sighting of The Crystal Heart..

Yes… She would definitely enjoy it there..
> Kingdom of the North
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maud had finally entered the crystallised kingdom. The Crystal Empire. It glistened, it shined, it radiated beauty. Maud seemed to understand why Rarity was enamoured with this place. Honestly; Maud felt the same way about this crystallised kingdom. The more she looked out of the train window; she could see multiple ponies that had a tint of crystal to them. Mares, stallions, fillies.. all of them were like a different type of pony. It was bizarre to believe that such ponies and such a place could exist.

Maud grabbed her saddlebag and placed the bag over her back, tucking it close to ensure protection. She stood up from the leathery seat and made a beeline towards the opening train door and onto the wooden platform of the train station. 

She had finally walked off of the wooden platform and onto the grass; towards the front entrance of the crystallised kingdom. Before she entered; she had noticed the entrance was also made of crystal. The glistening in her eye suggested she had absolutely loved what she saw.

Finally; Maud had entered through the crystal entrance and saw many crystallised ponies. Until.. she had spotted the most valuable piece in the whole kingdom; The Crystal Heart.

That previous glisten in her eye had returned. It was most stunning piece of crystal she had ever seen. She walked over towards the crystallised protector of the crystal ponies, the closer she got, the more she saw her reflection.

Before Maud could gently lay a hoof onto the heart shaped crystal, she was interrupted by the surprising play of bugles. She backed away from the crystal heart and looked up. There stood a white stallion with a navy blue mane and shining blue eyes. Next to him was a pink alicorn princess with a very curly mane and tail. In her foreleg; laid a light pink alicorn with a very large horn and wings. This must be Shining Amour and his wife Princess Cadence, alongside their daughter; Princess Flurry Heart.

The princess of love spotted the gray earth pony and was surprised by the regular pony’s appearance. She turned towards her husband, whispering into his ear and gently handing over little Flurry Heart. The stallion and foal watched Princess Cadence fly off of the balcony and onto the crystallised ground. 

Maud gave a bow in respect towards the pink alicorn. Princess Cadence smiled gently at Maud’s respectful gesture. “You’re not from here.. are you?” The pink alicorn questioned, prompting the gray earth pony to stand up, her turquoise eyes focused on Princess Cadence. “No. I’m not from here. I’m Maud Pie.” The last name ‘Pie’ was instantly recognised by Princess Cadence! This must be a relative of Pinkie Pie! 

“I am Princess Cadence. Wonderful to meet you. I have noticed your last name! You share the last name as Pinkie Pie.”

Maud gave a nod, confirming Cadence’s suspicion. “I am Pinkie Pie’s older sister.”

That had surprised Cadence! She would sometimes drop over to Ponyville and party with Pinkie Pie and she had never seen or heard of Maud until now.

“Well.. it’s still nice to meet you..” Cadence gave a sheepish chuckle and smile. “Pinkie Pie is a delightful pony! She even babysat my daughter, Flurry Heart!”

Maud knew her sister, Pinkie was pretty good with babies. Namely; The Cake Twins, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake. But surely an alicorn baby would be harder to deal with than the pegasus and unicorn foals.

Shining Armour arrived shortly after; standing next to his wife, his eyes on the gray earth pony, Flurry Heart still in his arms.

After a brief moment of awkward silence; Maud asked the question. “So… what are you the princess of?”

Princess Cadence found solstice in her title of ‘Princess of Love’. “I am the princess of… love..”

The mention of love did intrigue Maud. She had felt love before. A few crushes and there and even a boyfri- well.. EX boyfriend would be the correct term to describe Mudbriar.

“Love is hard.” That wasn’t something Cadence nor Shining had expected to hear in such a monotone tone. “I have felt love.. it didn’t work out for me.” She may not have shown it but.. the hurt was still there..

Princess Cadence sympathised with Maud dearly. She had been lucky to have met and eventually marry Shining Armour but.. not all relationships go to that level. It’s a bit of a shame to sometimes watch love shamble and fall to irreparable pieces. “There’s… no harm in break ups.. it happens sometimes. But.. breakups do heal.. it’ll take a while.. yes; you may feel hurt and lost without that pony of your dreams but.. it’ll get better..”

Princess Cadence gave a smile to the lone earth pony mare. “There is always somepony that loves you. There always will be. The Crystal Heart can show your future. Would you like to see what the future holds for you?”

Maud had never heard about the crystallised heart having such power before. She knew it could eradicate evil from the land and banish it for a thousand years; it had happened to King Sombra and it even once destroyed him; turning him into many pieces. Maud gave a nod and walked back towards the crystal heart, looking into the reflection before it started to manifest.

What she had saw surprised her. She saw a wedding.. themed around rocks and diamonds. In the vision of the future; Maud had seen herself wearing a white tuxedo with a lavender tie around her neck. A wedding ring being held by a scaled purple claw.

Maud was going to be married in the future! But.. to whom..?

Maybe the diamonds were a clue to her future spouse.. Was it somepony here in The Crystal Empire? Somepony already in her life? Who can say? She did however catch a glimpse of pristine white fur..

She did know and has seen a few ponies who had white fur.. Double Diamond from the village Big Mac’s wife, Sugar Belle had originated from. She remembered seeing him at the wedding. Or would it be Diamond Rose from Canterlot? Perhaps even… Rarity herself..?

So many possibilities…

But Maud knew it to be true.. one day; she would wed and it did pull at her heartstrings..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maud had read books and books about the history of The Crystal Heart, The Crystal Empire and even the siege or rather; The King Sombra era. 

She begun to write a letter assigned for Rarity when she had finished the last book on King Sombra. Writing her experiences onto the page. She did admittedly leave out some of the details about the vision she had saw but she did say that she knew she had a bright future ahead.

When she sealed the letter with her name and rolled it up, Princess Cadence was kind enough to send it. The note had become a transparent gust of steam, flying out of the crystallised entrance and towards the direction of Ponyville. 

“I’ve enjoyed my time here.” Maud turned to Cadence, making the pink princess smile brightly. “It was a joy to have you here! I’ll even tell Pinkie Pie about your trip here!”

Maud nodded approvingly. “I’d like that. I have to go back to Ghastly Gorge now. But yes; thank you for today.”

Cadence, Shining and Flurry escorted the gray mare towards the train station, watching the large locomotive pull up towards them. Before Maud stepped towards the train; Princess Cadence handed a small crystal to Maud. “Just a souvenir for you. You’re free to come back anytime, Maud.”

Maud gave a quick smile and nodded. “I will someday. Goodbye.”

The gray mare had finally entered the open door and made her way down the aisle, past multiple ponies and sat down at the end of the carriage. Finally; the train gave a loud whistle and started to move down the tracks.

Today was a great day.. Rarity would love to hear about it. But for now; it was time to head back to her camp.

Maybe Maud would tell Boulder about her trip.. he would love to hear it..
> The Question she Dreads
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun glows over the mountain and shone shiny near-translucent rays over the small pony village. 

The gentle breeze of the wind bristled through the trees and through Rarity’s curled mane. It was peaceful. Just how Rarity had liked it so she can focus on her own thought. That was until a scroll appeared out of nowhere and dropped in front of the surprised unicorn.

“Oh! What’s this?” Rarity’s magical aura held the scroll into a gentle grasp, unrolling the paper to reveal the contents. Rarity’s eyes lit up when she had read about the divine trip Maud had experienced at The Crystal Empire. “Oh that is splendid! Absolutely splendid, Maud darling!” 

Rarity opened her saddle bag, rolling the scroll back into its usual roll and into the pink leathered holder of her contents before closing it. 

She gave a sigh, knowing it’ll be a little while before she could see Maud again. It did sadden her but she knew she had to accept. After a moment of thought, Rarity found herself face to face with a very familiar drake.

“Hi Rarity!” Spike gave a bright smile, tiny pink hearts fluttering out of his head. “I’ve been wanting to speak to you..”

Rarity dreaded this.. she knew how he felt but.. she didn’t return his affections.. how would she turn him down? Would honesty be her strong suit or was that best left for Applejack?

A brief moment of silence until.. “Rarity, you are the most beautiful pony in all of Equestria. You are the rarest gem in the cave and not even the shiny glow of Luna’s moon could compare to you. I love you, Rarity.. I think we could be perfect together!”

It finally happened… he had finally asked Rarity out. He had missed the rapid growing discomfort on her face.

“Spike… I..”

A purple claw was pressed to her white lips to stop anymore talk. “I can’t handle hiding this from you anymore, Rarity..”

The unicorn knew she couldn’t reciprocate Spike’s feelings ever in her life. He was much too young for her after all. Rarity sighed, taking a seat on the ground for a moment before she started to speak her own mind.

“Spike.. I’m flattered.. really I am.. but.. I uhh.. umm.. I.. I’m sorry, dear..”

Those words alone sent a shock up his spine, his smile slowly fading away with every word that repeated through his brain.

“I can’t accept your proposal, darling..”

That was the last thing Spike wanted to hear from her, she knew it but.. she couldn’t just.. lead him on anymore. Rarity saw the sadness rapidly growing in his green eyes and that sent a surge of guilt through her.

“W-why?” The saddened drake said as he held his tears back. The truth was going to be hard for not just Spike but herself too.

“Spike, you’re a great friend.. a wonderful dragon to be around. I could never take our friendship for granted.. but.. as a couple; I just don’t think we would ever work. You’re a baby dragon, darling.. I’m a grown mare with aspirations.. I’ve always known how you felt but.. truth be told; sometimes I felt uncomfortable by your advances.. I’m so sorry, Spike..” 

Rarity saw a tear running down his scaled cheek, it broke her heart. It hurts to be rejected but.. it hurts to give to someone who you really care about.

The young dragon sadly lowered his head in defeat before he turned around and ran back the way he had came, tears stinging his cheeks and eyes. Rarity sadly sighed, knowing she had finally broken Spike’s heart. 

The little dragon soon left her field of vision as he ran further and further away from her. 

“I’m sorry, Spike..”

Rarity sadly said as she slowly walked towards her place of work and residence, a few tears running down her own cheeks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike had finally arrived back to his room and immediately jumped into his bed, covering his face underneath his blanket. Gentle sniffles were heard from underneath said blanket and some were load enough for Twilight Sparkle to hear. The lavender alicorn slowly opened the door, heading her dragon companion wallow into his pillow.

“Spike? What’s wrong?”  Twilight stood by the doorframe, listening to his sniffles. “Go away, Twilight..” Spike choked on his own tears. But Twilight wouldn’t budge and just walked towards his bed and sat onto the floor, his sniffles becoming more and more apparent with every step.

“Spike.. come on…”

Twilight placed her hoof onto his covered scaled head, trying to soothe him however she could.

“Rarity rejected me..” Spike wailed into his pillow, the heartbreak stinging his chest. That had shocked Twilight greatly! It had finally happened. She knew Spike would be upset but.. she didn’t think he would be.. THIS disheartened. “I’m too young for her.. she probably doesn’t want to be my friend anymore.. I don’t get it! Is there something wrong with me, Twilight?!” The drake raised his voice as he emerged from his bed, staring at Twilight, his eyes almost completely red and puffy from crying so much.

Twilight immediately shook her head, the empathy racing through her body. “No! Absolutely nothing is wrong with you, Spike. Don’t ever say that about yourself!” The alicorn wrapped her purple forelegs around him, his tears falling onto her shoulder. “It’s nobody’s fault that she rejected you. Sometimes this happens.. Spike, while what she says is true, you have a lot of time to find the love of your life. She was a crush, Spike.. a longterm crush..”

He was distraught.. Twilight knew Rarity was correct. Yes, dragons age slower but he was counted as a BABY dragon. In all honesty; he would be in the same age group as The Cutie Mark Crusaders or rather; Gabby Gryphon.

“It hurts, Twilight.. I lov- loved her..” Spike looked up at her, his eyes red and stinging from tears. “I just thought I’d be the perfect guy for her..” 

Twilight sadly smiled and placed Spike onto her back before she walked out of the bedroom. “Here.. how about you and I spend some time together so you can get your mind off it? I’ll even play O&O with you. Would you like that, Spike?”

Whilst still hurt, Spike wiped his tears and gave a gentle smile. “Sure… I think I’ll stay away from Rarity for a while.. until I feel better..”

Twilight smiled as she walked through the halls and into the library, placing Spike onto Rainbow Dash’s assigned throne and opening up the box of Orges & Oubliettes.

“Now… they don’t you how to tell me how to play this?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rarity laid alone in her bedroom, tears and makeup staining her white hooves.

The bedroom door opened, a young white filly with a curly pink and purple mane and shining misty green eyes poked her head into the room of her elder sister.

“Rarity! Can you fix my ca-“ Sweetie Belle was cut off by the realisation of her sister crying and immediately ran to her side. “Sis?! What happened?! Did someone cancel their order?! Did you run out of sapphires?!”

Rarity shook her head; looking up from her hooves and towards her younger sister. “Oh Sweetie Belle! I’ve done something dreadful! I rejected Spiiiiike!” Rarity wailed into her hooves again.

Even Sweetie Belle knew how much Spike admired her sister. “Why? Why did you reject him?”

Rarity sniffled, trying to hold back tears and chokes. “He’s too young for me.. he’s a baby dragon and I broke the poor little fellow’s heart with my cruel words!”

Knowing Rarity for being a drama queen, Sweetie Belle knew that this was probably her sister exaggerating the situation way more than it needed to be. “I’m sorry, Rarity.. but if you didn’t feel the same way as him, why are you so upset?”

Rarity grumbled, folding her white forelegs in annoyance. “Didn’t you hear me, Sweetie? I was so rude to Spikey-Wikey after his confession! I didn’t need to be so mean!”

Sweetie Belle shook her head in disbelief and annoyance. “He probably just needs some space right now.. I mean.. to be honest; I doubt you said anything THAT bad..”

Rarity sighed sadly, looking at her sister. “I have other reasons to not accept Spike’s confession. 1; he’s a baby dragon. 2; he’ll live three times as long as I would. And 3;… I may or may not have feelings for somepony else.. but I didn’t tell him that! I already hurt his feelings enough!”

The young filly knew this was bound to happen again.. she had remembered how hard Rarity used to swoon for Dark Moon before their unfortunate break up. “Did Dark Moon come back and say ‘I’m so sorry’ and all of that sappy stuff?” The mention of her ex made Rarity immediately shake her head. “Heaven’s no! I would never take him back! Not in a thousand years!”

Sweetie Belle’s curiosity was piqued by this revelation. “Then who..?”

It took ages for Rarity to admit. With every fibre in her body.. every single breath in this moment.. she knew she had to come clean.

“Maud. I think I may or may not have feelings towards Pinkie Pie’s sister, Maud..”
> Dancing beneath the Stars
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The conversation between Rarity and Sweetie Belle was an awkward one.. 

Her little sister had found out about Rarity’s possible newfound love for Maud. Rarity was sure she wouldn’t sleep tonight.

What she didn’t know was that..

Maud couldn’t sleep either.

She tossed and turned. 

She couldn’t fall into the embrace of sleep no matter what she did.

What she had seen in The Crystal Empire stuck with her throughout her entire ride home. Little did she know that Rarity was in the same boat. The white unicorn couldn’t sleep. Her eyes were on the ceiling. Thinking..

Thinking about her.. Her violet mane.. her gray fur.. her turquoise eyes.. everything about made Rarity’s heart melt. Maud had a grasp on her mind.. her heart was racing.

Her confusing newfound feelings for the geologist made her heart race.. she was pretty sure that Rainbow Dash would envy the speed.

Her dress may not be as… fashionable as Rarity produced but.. she wouldn’t change a thing about her. 

This must be how Lyra felt about BonBon..

Maud sat up and stared at the shining moon in the sky. All of those stars reminded her of Rarity’s glistening blues and how they glistened. 

They were beautiful.. Maud knew beauty and Rarity was that. 

As if by coincidence; the two mares fell asleep in their own confines. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pinkie Pie hopped over the path, excitedly talking about Maud meeting her five best friends as the gray earth pony following behind.

When Pinkie Pie hopped out of Maud’s field of vision, she heard the shrill excitement of her ecstatic sister.

When she walked over the hill, Maud saw her sister with five other ponies.

A cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane, a lavender alicorn, an orange earth pony with a brown hat, a timid looking yellow pegasus and a.. a white unicorn with a curly purple mane and tail.

The minute she stepped in front of the six mares, Maud could hardly pull herself away from Rarity’s eyes. They were glistening unlike any sapphire Maud had seen before.

The six ponies fell away into a blackish goop that landed on her hooves. Maud’s inner thoughts were in both confusion and turmoil. What was going on here?!

The goop finally took shape into a dark blue alicorn. Princess Luna..  she stood in front of the gray earth pony, her head held high.

“We’ve heard thy call, Maud..” Luna looked down at the monotone mare, their eyes focused on one another. “Thy do not have to fear.. thee emotions are at high levels despite the large wall of deadpan that they hide behind.”

Maud tilted her head. Why would the princess of the night come to see her of all ponies? Had the inner turmoil signaled her? How was that possible? She would never understand alicorn magic..

“My… emotions..?” Maud questioned as she stared up at the dark blue princess. “With all the respect, your highness; I don’t show my emotions as most ponies do..”

Luna chuckled lightly. “You are funny as Pinkie Pie says.. you may not show your true emotions but inner emotions are easy to see. I here to offer advice.”

“Advice..?” Maud questioned. “What advice do you think I need?” 

Luna sat down in front of Maud with a gentle smile. A motherly aura radiated from the princess. “I have heard your confusion.. about what you have seen during your trip..”

How did Princess Luna know? This was both very confusing and interesting. “The Crystal Heart has powers to see into a pony’s future or rather destiny. You saw a.. wedding, yes?”

Maud gave a nod, her ear every now and again twitching from intrigue.

“And your future spouse had a white coat?”

Maud gave another nod, confirming everything Luna needed to know. “My confusion is.. who? Who is that pony..?”

Princess Luna wanted to tell Maud deep down but she knew Maud had to figure it out for herself. “All I can say is; they are a very special pony.”

Maud thought for a minute.. would her figure significant other be.. Rarity? How? Despite the numerous trips, visits and the occasional admiring; Maud was still slightly doubtful. She knew Rarity was special! She was one of the elements of harmony for Celestia’s sake! 

Before Maud could speak; Princess Luna lifted a hoof, temporarily silencing her. 

“Whatever your future holds, you will be happiest you have ever been.”

That statement alone had Maud smiling softly. She was destined to have a happy marriage! Whoever her future spouse was, Maud couldn’t wait to feel the happiness of holy matrimony.

“Your wedding will be most beautiful occasion of your life.. your future will be filled with love and happiness, Maud Pie.”

Maud could feel her worries melting away at the soothing words.. Princess Luna knew her time with Maud was over. “I hope you rest well tonight.. goodnight.”

Maud waved to Princess Luna as she faded away. “Goodnight, your highness..”

The words, assurance and grace had Maud smile as she slept.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rarity has finally fell asleep with many thoughts rushing through her mind. 

The white unicorn found that she was in the prestigious Canterlot hall where the Grand Galloping Gala was always taken. 

Rarity found herself wearing a dark blue dress with a lighter shade of blue trail.. the dress was held together by a white feathered trim underneath a necklace with a diamonds studded letter ‘R’ as the pendant. A star studded hair pin in her curled mane. She looked amazing as she looked into the window, seeing her reflection. 

However, she was broken out of her self admiring gaze by a gray hoof tapping her on the shoulder. 

Her jaw dropped when she saw Maud standing next to her in a shiny plain black sleeveless dress and a choker that had a silver heart attached to the thick string that held it all together.

“You look beautiful.”

Maud’s words made Rarity melt. The gray pony’s sweet words didn’t stop there. She extended her gray hoof, holding it out as if she wished Rarity to hold it. 

“Would you like to dance with me?”

Rarity could feel her lips turn into a soft smile as she stared in Maud’s turquoise orbs, she lifted her white hoof onto Maud’s. 

“I’d love that..” 

When Rarity gave her answer, she found herself in Maud’s arms like she was at the ice rink. Her sapphire blue orbs staring up into Maud’s as they slowly danced together.. 

“I can’t take my eyes off of you.” Maud smiles softly; a faint blush appeared onto her gray cheeks.. 

Rarity’s heart was racing, she even laid her head onto Maud’s chest, listening to her head beat. She was careful not to accidentally impale Maud with her horn.

The two mares could hardly look away from one another, fuelling their desire to kiss each other.. 

Rarity thought ahead and placed a white hoof onto Maud’s cheek, staring into her eyes with a smile. “You’re perfect, darling..”

As if by instinct, Maud slowly leaned closer towards Rarity’s awaiting lips, her turquoise eyes slowly closing.. her eyes shielded by violet eyeshadow..

Rarity took her own step and gently leaned towards Maud’s own lips.. her sapphire orbs closed.. ready to seal the gap between them..

Before that slight gap could close.. the two heard a very familiar scream! 

The two mares looked away from one another towards the source of the agonising scream. Rarity’s heart cracked slightly when she saw him..

Spike. He stood there.. watching the duo almost lock lips. Tears streaming down his scaled cheeks.. it was unlike Rarity had ever seen on the little drake’s face..

“Sp-Spike.. I.. don’t.. before..”

Rarity stuttered but was interrupted by the young drake running out of the hall. His heart was completely shattered by the mare of his dreams. Her rejection hurt enough but finding her with another mare hurt greatly..

Spike sat outside, hearing Rarity cry into Maud’s chest.. his jealousy was fuelling.. he dislik- no.. he HATED that gray mare. He stared at the crying object of his affections cry into the arms of another. It was like Maud mocked him without even doing anything! How dare she..

All Spike knew was.. Maud was his love rival. 

The young drake woke up in his basket, the plushie of Rarity on the cold floor.. Twilight’s snores echoed throughout the hallway..

“What does the most beautiful mare in Equestria see in a pony like… HER?!” 

Spike gritted his teeth in anger. It wasn’t fair on him. Rarity must’ve been brainwashed by that monotone mare! It made sense!

“Don’t worry, Rarity! Your knight in shining scales is coming to save you from the sake clutches of.. Maud Pie!”
> Rock, Diamond, Dragon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity laid in her bed in a cold sweat, her eyes darting across the room before they eventually fell onto the mannequin that held  its stationary position in the corner of her room..

The white unicorn sat up, the unpleasant feeling of cold washed over her as she looked down at her duvet.

“…”

She couldn’t speak.. the dream had fully overwhelmed her mind. She could still see Spike’s tears in the window.. No matter what he did, she knew she couldn’t ever feel the same romantic attraction that he felt for her. She knew her heart was beating for Maud and Maud alone.

It still didn’t make sense to Rarity.. she never knew she could feel this way about the monotone rock enthusiast.

Maud might not be as sophisticated as the Canterlot elite ponies or what she had imagined her true love to be but Rarity knew she wouldn’t change Maud at all. Those turquoise eyes lit Rarity’s heart on fire with every slow blink Maud gave.

Rarity couldn’t help but think if Maud could ever feel the same way as her.. would she? Could she?

The white unicorn laid her head back onto her pillow as she turned towards the window; the stars greet her with every twinkle and glisten. Before she knew it; her eyes began to close as the warmth of her bed and fatigue overwhelmed Rarity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the sun shone brightly in the sky and down on the Equestria inhabitants, Maud’s own mind was racing. What The Crystal Heart had told her was boggling her mind and psyche. Maybe a visit to Pinkie Pie would calm her down? Pinkie was known to cheer any creature up with her spontaneous behaviour.

After she had readied herself for the day and grabbing her saddlebag, Maud made her way out of her camp, out of Ghastly Gorge’s cruel exterior and towards the train station. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Maud had arrived in Ponyville after a couple hour train journey, she walked through the busy street. At the corner of her eye, she saw a very familiar lilac unicorn with a curled purple mane and tail. Her friend, Starlight Glimmer. The unicorn had her hooves wrapped around another familiar unicorn with a blue coat. 

Maud knew Starlight and Trixie haven’t been dating for that long and she could tell the two had a very loving relationship with one another. 

Her train of thought was interrupted by a blur of pink and when it crashed into her.

“HI MAUD!” Maud was met by the sky blue eyes of her sister, Pinkie Pie. 

The gray pony gave her own usual monotone welcome. “Hello, Pinkie Pie.” 

Pinkie couldn’t handle her excitement, she was certain Maud would be gone for a while as she studied, her grin was ear to ear. “What are you doing her, silly filly? I thought you’d be busy with all of the studying!”

Pinkie could tell there was something bothering her sister but she didn’t know what.. “Maud? Are you okay?”

Maud snapped out of her inner thoughts and back to Pinkie. “Oh.. umm.. I..”

Pinkie gasped with shock, her pink hooves wrapped around her sister; protecting her from any ‘danger’.. “Did somepony at The Crystal Empire hurt you!? Did they call you names?! Ooohh when I-“ Pinkie was shushed by a gray hoof to her mouth.

“No Pinkie, I’m fine. I think..” That alone spent trouble brewing for Pinkie Pie..

Pinkie narrowed her shining blue eyes.. “What happened on your trip..? Did the crystal ponies ask you to show them your eyes?!” 

Maud shook her head slowly. “No but.. it does have something to do my trip and The Crystal Empire.”

Pinkie couldn’t handle the suspense and immediately pulled Maud into Sugarcube Corner, up the stairs, into her bedroom. Gummy sitting on her bed, a thought never going through his mind.

“What is it? What is it?! WHAT IS IT?! THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!” Pinkie impatiently squealed, Maud had to cover her ears from the high pitch shrieking.

Maud sighed and sat on the floor in front of her pink sister; her eyes glistening. “The Crystal Heart showed me my… my future..”

Pinkie soon stopped her shrieks, the confusion washing over her like a tidal wave. The Crystal Heart could do that? Maybe she should Twilight about it later.. “Your future..? What did you see?! Did you see rocks?! Because you love rocks!”

Maud shook her head again, debunking every single thing that came out of Pinkie’s mouth. “No.. I saw me.. being married..”

That made Pinkie’s jaw drop, she could swear Mr and Mrs Cake could’ve heard the audible thud of Pinkie’s jaw hitting the floor. 

“Married?! To who?! Who did you marry?! Do you have a new special somepony?”

Maud sighed. “I don’t know.. all I know that their fur was white as snow..”

Pinkie pondered after hearing a brief and vague description of Maud’s future spouse. “Hmm.. MAYBE YOU MARRY DOUBLE DIAMOND?! wait no.. I’ve never seen you with or talk about him.. MAYBE WHITE LIGHTNING!? No.. she’s too busy with weather patrol. OR EVEN RARI-“ 

The cut off name sent Maud’s heart racing and a faint but barely visible blush on her gray cheeks. 

Pinkie continued to ramble on about Maud potentially being with Rarity. “OH MY CELESTIA! You and Rarity would be so cutesy wutesy together! You both like dresses; gems, mining, it all makes sense! But how are you gonna get pass Spike?”

“Spike? The little dragon?” Maud tilted her head. Pinkie nodded with an awkward smile. “Yeah, Spike. He had a MEGA size crush on Rarity!”

Maud was not surprised by that. She was pretty sure Princess Celestia and Luna knew of Spike’s not-so-secret crush on the fashionista. “Does she feel the same?” 

Pinkie sighed softly and shook her head. “No.. she said Spike is too young for her. I can see where’s she’s coming from, he’s classed as a BABY dragon. I know dragons age slower than ponies but if he were a pony, he’d most likely be a young colt.”

The thought of unrequited love was a feeling Maud was all too familiar with. She felt it with Moonlight Raven and it did hurt when she saw Moonlight loving another pony. 

Before Maud could respond; she was interrupted by another voice coming from downstairs.

“Pinkie Pie, darling! Are you home?”

It was Rarity! The white unicorn looked around the first floor of the bakery, not seeing her pink friend. “Mrs Cake, is Pinkie Pie home?”  

The blue earth pony nodded as she tends to Pound and Pumpkin Cake. “She’s upstairs, deary. Would you like your usual red velvet cupcake?”

Rarity nodded with a bright smile on her face but soon she was met by little purple claws. “Hi, Rarity!”

That voice was all too familiar. Spike. Why was he here by himself? Where was Twilight?

Rarity turned to the little purple drake with an awkward smile but tries to hide her uncomfortable behaviour. “Hello, Spike.. I..-“

Rarity was cut off by the young drake and his claw to her lip. “So listen, I know you’re very confused right now.. what with that rock farmer tainting your mind.. but don’t worry, Rarity! Spike is here to defend you and your beauty from the evil that is Maud Pie!”

Rarity rolled her eyes, annoyed by Spike’s persistence. When would he take the hint? She already rejected him. “Maud? She’s not evil, Spike. Wherever did you get that idea from?”

Spike huffed, folding his arms with a glare on his face. “Oh come on, Rarity.. what do you see in her?! She’s boring, she’s monotone, she’s just.. she’s just Maud!”

Every insult sent a hidden dagger to Maud’s heart. Why was Spike being like this? What did she do to offend? She couldn’t recall anything..

Rarity was about to speak again but was interrupted yet again by Spike as he held her white hoof. “Rarity, me and you are meant to be together.. we are soulmates, you and I.. We can be happy.. why can’t you accept that I love you..?”

The white unicorn huffed in annoyance, her eyes staring daggers at the young drake. “Spike, we can’t be together! You are too young! You’re a BABY dragon!”

Spike groaned, his green eyes soon spot Maud peaking down the stairs with Pinkie Pie.

“You! You’ve stolen Rarity from me!”

The little drake ran past Rarity towards the staircase, glaring at his love rival. “Rarity is meant to be with ME! Not you!” He pointed a claw at Maud. She didn’t show it but her feelings were very hurt. Pinkie wrapped her forearm around Maud’s shoulder, annoyed by Spike’s petty insults.

Before Spike could go off on another tirade; Maud walked down the stairs, past Spike and towards the front door. Her eyes on the floor as she trots.

Rarity immediately walked over to Maud and stood in front of her, not letting her leave the bakery. “Darling; I don’t know what Spike is talking about but don’t let it upset you!”

Maud gave a faint sniffle as she looked up at Rarity.. her eyes glistening with tears. 

“Maud..? Darling..?” Rarity felt her heart breaking when she saw the tears in Maud’s eyes. “Don’t cry, I-“

Maud sighed sadly before she looked back at the envious little dragon. “I’m sorry for coming.. Pinkie, I’ll see you another time..”

Maud moved Rarity out of her way and walked out of the bakery with her head down.

When Rarity couldn’t see Maud anymore, the tears started flow down her cheeks, staining her mascara. “MAUD! COME BACK! MAAAAAUUUD!” Rarity wailed, tears falling onto the floor beneath her. 

Spike walked over to Rarity and smiles gently, flexing his arm. “Well; just call me ‘Sir Spike’! I just rid the bakery of pure evil. Aren’t you proud of me, Rarity?”

The white unicorn snarled before she let loose. “HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?! Spike, you can have feelings for me all you want but do not EVER be hostile to the pony I have feelings for! I’ve never seen you act like this when Trenderhoof or Blueblood were mentioned, I’m ashamed of you, Spike!”

Spike soon felt the reality sinking in.. what had he done? Rarity had feelings for Maud.. and now he has done nothing but insult the gray pony into leaving.. this was his fault. The young drake soon looked over at the equally as annoyed Pinkie Pie. 

Rarity continued on with tears in her eyes and some rolling down her cheeks. “I do like you as a friend, Spike but what you’ve just done wasn’t fair at all.”

Rarity took a bite of her red velvet cupcake and placed two bits onto the counter for either Mr or Mrs Cake to collect. 

Spike soon left the bakery with his own head down and running down the path towards Twilight’s castle. The little dragon had tears of his own as he sat down on the entrance of the castle. 

“I feel like a jerk..”

Spike sniffles, wiping tears away. “I should apologise to Maud.. it wasn’t her fault..”

Spike stood up and wiped the last tear away from his scaled cheek. He looked all over town for the gray mare, even asking ponies if they had seen her. 

The young drake soon found himself face first into a feathery chest. “Oh, sorry!” The little dragon said with guilt on his face but then he realised who it was..

“Hey Spike!” It was… Gabby! 

Spike smiles widely as he saw his close friend. “Hey Gabby, uhh.. have you seen a gray earth pony with a purple mane?”

Gabby pondered a bit. “Hmm.. sounds familiar.. did she have a frock on? Straight purple mane?”

“Yeah, yeah! That’s her! Have you seen her?”
Spike looked up at his friend with hope in his eyes.

“Yeah, she was heading towards the train station. Do you wanna fly over and see if she’s there with me?”

Spike nodded and immediately the duo took flight into the sky. 

“So what happened?” Gabby turned to Spike, her eyebrow raised. Spike turned back to her and sighed. “You know Rarity? The white unicorn that stopped us from spending time together?” 

Gabby shivered, the behaviour on Rarity was horrible. It even made her uncomfortable. “Yeah, why?”

Spike gave a guilty sigh before speaking once again. “I got jealous and insulted her crush.. I feel horrible about it so I wanna apologise before she leaves!”

Gabby’s beak dropped slightly, her eyes widening alongside. “Woah.. I knew you liked her but woah.. hopefully she hasn’t left yet!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She sat down on the bench alone.. waiting for the Friendship Express to take her back home. Tears staining her gray cheeks but she wiped them away. She looked at the train tracks; waiting..

“MAUD, WAIT!” 

Spike called out as he and Gabby landed beside one another; guilt ridden by his awful behaviour. He walked over to the gray mare, tears in his eyes. 

“Hey uhh.. I’m.. I’m really sorry for all of that..”

Maud’s eyes widen slightly as she turned to the young dragon. “…”

Spike sighed sadly before he took a seat next to Maud. “I don’t know what came over me.. I was jealous.. of you.. because I lik- liked Rarity.. you’re not evil.. I..”

Maud sighed gently.. “I know how it feels.. having a crush on somepony who doesn’t love you back.. Is Rarity okay?”

The little dragon shook his head.. “She’s.. she’s really mad at me.. I should’ve not said all of that about you.. I really am sorry..”

Gabby soon felt sad too.. it was horrible to see Spike upset and guilty.. she stood beside him, her eyes focused on the saddened dragon. 

Maud sighed again, focused on the little drake beside her.. “I’m.. happy you’ve realised your mistake..”

Before she could keep talking, Spike looked up at her.. “Do you like Rarity back..?”

It surprised Maud.. did she? Did she like Rarity back? Admittedly Maud did find Rarity incredibly beautiful.. even more beautiful than any rock, mineral or crystal she’s ever seen.. 

“…. I.. I don’t know..”

Spike knew she needed help.. Rarity and Maud deserved to be happy.. he knew it. 

“I won’t be mad.. I promise..” Spike smiles gently, patting Maud on the back. 

After a brief moment of silence; the gray mare soon spoke again. “…. Yes.”

Spike turned to her, his eyes wide! “What?” Had he heard right?

Maud nodded, confirming Spike’s question. “Yes.. I do like Rarity…”
> Hurting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity knew she couldn’t stand to look at him. He had upset Maud for Celestia’s sake! Why would she want to see him? 

The anger was strong. All he had to do was NOT make a scene. She knew he liked her but it wasn’t her fault that she didn’t return his affections. No pony could blame her for it. She had already been hurt from Dark Moon and his adulterous behaviour, no way could she allow this type of behaviour from a friend who had an intense infatuation with her.

She walked through Ponyville with a frown, trying her hardest to not take her anger out on anypony that spoke to her. She would wave gently and force a smile whenever somepony recognised her.

Only one question remained: why was love so hard? 

Why did it have to be so hard? Was she not good at romance? Was she deluding herself with romantic fantasies?

Rarity hoped, she begged and she pleaded that Spike would eventually move on from her. Years. It had been years and she still didn’t see a change in his romantic interest in her. Some days she found it nice, most days… she was uncomfortable. 

How many times must she say it? She would never return Spike’s feelings. Ever.

The white unicorn eventually reached the front door of her boutique, her hoof pressing against the door and pushing it open. Rarity released an aggravated sigh as she closed the door behind her.

Was Maud okay? Was she gone? Did she leave Ponyville? Those thoughts fogged Rarity’s mind and it hurt. The mare she had feelings for was broken. And it was all HIS fault. Rarity knew she would definitely have to avoid the young drake as much as she was able to.

————————————————————

He still regretted his actions deeply. He knew deep down that he was still in love with Rarity but his feelings were not important, Maud’s hurt feelings were.

Maud sighed before the train pulled up into the station and she then sat up, glancing over at the dragon and griffon. “I’m sorry. I do forgive you somewhat, Spike but.. I need some space and time to think.”

With that, the gray earth pony walked through the open train door, walking down the aisle and taking a seat, glancing over at the window at Spike and Gabby.

As the train pulled away from the station, Spike stared in solemn below him; a gentle tear trickling down his cheek.

“Why am I so stupid?” The young dragon sniffled, wiping his single tear away from his scaled cheek. 

Gabby’s heart broke when she heard that. Her friend was literally crying and degrading himself. She knew he felt terrible. She might be not have seen the unfortunate incident but the regret on Spike’s face broke her.

“Spike… I-..”

She couldn’t hold her own tears back before she scooped up the dragon into her yellow talons much to the surprise of her scaled friend, tears still lingered in his emerald eyes.

Before Gabby could say anything; Spike sighed sadly before speaking again: “I’m so sorry, Gabby.. I shouldn’t have involved you in all of this love drama..”

Gabby sighed gently before setting the purple dragon down and sitting in front of him. “Spike… I.. I’m not mad at you. At all..”

The distraught dragon sniffled before continuing on. “I just don’t understand why she doesn’t love me.. I love her, Gabby..”

The griffon held the broken dragon close to her warm feathers, petting his scaled head softly. “I know..”

————————————————————

Pinkie was also infuriated by Spike’s actions. He had hurt her best sister friend forever’s feelings! Was he crazy?! This wasn’t fun or exciting! What would Cheesie do in a situation like this? All Pinkie knew was: once Twilight heard about this, she would be upset too. Hopefully Twilight takes it easy on the little guy.

————————————————————

The train ride was dreadful, many obnoxious mares ranting about what their supposed ‘best friend’ wore to the Gala a year ago, ignorant stallions not taking no for an answer from uninterested mares and the occasional rude mare throwing a tantrum over a single seat.

Maud found herself at the train station nearby from her family’s rock farm. Marble and Limestone would most certainly hear her out about her struggles. They did for Pinkie when Mudbriar was around. Why wouldn’t they do it for her?

It didn’t take long for Maud to reach the rocky landscape which housed her sisters and parents. The gray pony was met by the glistening purple eyes of Marble and the acid yellow of Limestone.

Limestone approached her sister with her usual scowl. “I thought you’d be busy at your camp. Thought you’d pull an Octavio and bail out completely.”

Maud knew she had been away for a while; only dropping in around Hearths Warming Eve. “I had time. I don’t just focus on studies, you know?”

Before Limestone could argue, Marble approached Maud with a gentle smile, causing Limestone to sigh in defeat. The atmosphere was heavy already and it was already getting heavier by the minute.

“Mom and dad ain’t here if you’re looking for them. Something about a trip to some rock festival..” Limestone grumbled. 

Maud shook her head, denying that inquiry. “I was more looking for an opinion from the two of you.”

Marble nodded gently and sat down onto the rock filled landscape as did her grouchy sister. “Mhmm..” 

Limestone huffed before speaking; “What? Did Mudbriar get himself kicked out of a rock show? I swear, that stallion gets WORSE the more I hea-“ a gray hoof was pressed against Limestone’s lips. “There is no Mudbriar anymore.”

The eldest pie was confused. Since when did Maud and Mudbriar break up? Why would they? While Limestone hated Mudbriar and his tendency to constantly say ‘technically’, she knew Maud was happy with him.

“So what? You broke up with him?” Limestone folded her forelegs which awarded her with an annoyed frown from her youngest sister.

Maud sighed again, she hadn’t told her parents nor her sisters about Mudbriar breaking up with her. She had only told Pinkie. “Yes. But that’s not why I’m here. I… I might’ve found a new special somepony..”

The silence around the three sisters was the most awkward thing until Marble quietly clapped her hooves with a gentle smile.

“I’m confused, you and Mudbriar break up and then you move on like that?” Limestone narrowed her eyes. “C’mon Maud; don’t let this be a rebound or something..”

Marble grumbled and turned to her eldest sister. “Oh and you’re one to talk, Limestone. You’ve had plenty of marefriends and not once did the relationship last longer than a week.”

Limestone huffed in response, pointing at her usually quiet sister. “And when was the last time YOU had somepony?!”

Maud knew this would definitely lead to an argument and she shook her head. “I don’t want it to be a rebound. Rarity and I have a lot in common.”

The mention of the white unicorn ceased the entire anger filled conversation; making the two mares face their deadpan sister.

“Rarity?! As in: one of Pinkie Pie’s friends?!”

Maud nodded, confirming everything Limestone had said. “Yes. I know it’s hard to explain but-“ Limestone then interrupted Maud with a huff. “But nothing! You wanna date one of your sister’s best friends!”

————————————————————

Rarity and Pinkie reached the train station, watching the already departing train chug away from them. 

“Maud… no…” Rarity’s lip quivered, reaching her white hoof in the direction of the leaving locomotive. “Pinkie, I need to see her…”

Rarity’s eyes fell on Spike, her annoyance coming back once again. “This is all your fault! You didn’t have to say such ghastly things to her!”

Gabby stepped between the guilt ridden dragon and the angered unicorn. “Rarity, calm down! This isn’t gonna get us anywhere if we keep doing this! We can’t keep pointing hooves, claw or paw at each other..”

Pinkie leaned over Rarity’s shoulder, facing Gabby with tears in her eyes. “Then what do we do? Do we get Derpy to mail us to the rock farm because I don’t think she’d do that..”

Spike shook his head, placing a purple finger against the pink pony’s lips. “No Pinkie, go and find her. Where do you think she would be?”

The pink pony pondered for a moment. Where would Maud go? Ghastly Gorge? Maybe.. The Rock Farm? Also maybe.. Cloudsdale?! No, that’s silly, she can’t walk on clouds!

“Maud likes to go just about ANYWHERE! She’s so adventurous, rock loving- WAIT! Maybe she’s at the rock farm venting her thoughts to my sisters Marble and Limestone!”

The young dragon raised an eyebrow, Pinkie senses and her way to, as she calls: ‘To break the fourth wall’ never made sense to Spike. Then again, he’s close friends with Discord. “How did you- never mind.. let’s just check the rock farm.” 

Pinkie and Rarity exchange glances, not completely on board with Spike’s idea. “But I thought you hated Maud.. you said all of that stuff to her..”

Spike sighed, his arms dropping in defeat. “I may be jealous of her but.. I shouldn’t have said all of that.. I’ve come to realise that Twilight was right. I should’ve just been happy with what I had with you, Rarity. I know you probably won’t accept my apology for a while but.. I am really sorry.. If you allow me to take you, Pinkie and Gabby to Maud, I’ll keep my mouth shut and let you at least speak to her…”

That surprised the two ponies and gryphon. Gabby smiles brightly before nodding enthusiastically. “Come on, Rarity.. if we do this; you’ll see Maud again!”

With that; Rarity and Pinkie smile and nod their heads. “Of course! I would do anything to see Maud.. I… I.. I love her..”

Pinkie pats Rarity’s shoulder. “Say it again but LOUDER!”

Rarity stood proudly, her head held high and soon, spilled out every ounce of power in her heart.

“I LOVE MAUD!”

Spike nodded happily, spotting another train chugging down the rail towards them. “Let’s go!”
> Leave it to Pinkie
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the four boarded the train and found their seats, Rarity stared sadly out of the window. “What if she doesn’t want to see me?”

Pinkie sighed gently and laid her pink hoof onto Rarity’s shoulder, giving the saddened unicorn a gentle smile. “Don’t worry, Rarity! I know Maud and she DOES want to see you!”

Rarity turned to her usually enthusiastic friend with doubt in her shiny blue orbs. “How do you know? We haven’t even left the station yet.”

Pinkie chuckles and sent a wink to her friend. “Just a huuuunch!” The pink earth pony grinned brightly, trying to reassure her close friend. “I know Maud from the back of my hoof and I know she is WOOZY DOOZY about you! She doesn’t say it but I know how she feels!”

Spike sighed, fiddling his little claws before turning to Gabby beside him. “Do you think she’ll be there?” 

Gabby sent Spike a reassuring smile of her own similar to that of Pinkie Pie’s to Rarity. “We’ll see..”

————————————————————

When the train finally reached its destination; one by one they exited the train. “Come on! This way!” Pinkie Pie hollered, causing the trio to follow her.

Rarity, Spike and Gabby ran after the pink pony as fast as their legs and wings could take them.

The white unicorn prayed and hoped that the gray earth pony would at least be delighted to see her face as much as Rarity would be pleased to see her’s. “Hold tight, darling, we’re coming!”

————————————————————-

Marble and Limestone had already sent Maud into their shared bedroom that they once also shared with Pinkie Pie. 

“How is she, Marbs?” Limestone turned to Marble who pressed her ear against the wooden door. “…” The quiet earth pony shook her head. 

Limestone grumbled, sitting on the wooden floor and crossing her forelegs. “I don’t get it! Why would some dragon’s words hurt Maud that much and why would she care what he thinks?!”

Marble raised her eyebrow, causing Limestone to briefly calm down. “Yeah yeah, I know! Love hurts and all but sheesh, Maud.. it’s only one little dragon..”

The usually quiet mare sent a disapproving scowl towards her grumpy sister. “Love hurts.”  That sentence alone made Limestone scoff. “Oh please! I’ve had girlfriends and this hasn’t happened ONCE!”

…..

“Sorry, Marbs… I just hate seeing Maud like this. It’s weird. Not Maud level of weird but.. just… strange..”

————————————————————

Maud was sitting on the bed, sitting with her beloved pet rock ‘Boulder’ who just sat there. “I get his anger but.. I really doubt Rarity would want to see me. After all of the damage I’ve unintentionally inflicted.”

Boulder just sat there, unknowingly cheering up his owner just by being there beside her.

————————————————————

Finally; the group had reached the rock farm, watching Pinkie Pie knock onto the door! “Maud! MAAAAUD! Let us in!”

With one swift motion, the door swung upon revealing Limestone with an annoyed scowl on her face which faded when she saw her pink sister. “Pinkie, what are you doing here? I thought you would be hanging around Cheese or something..”

Pinkie Pie chuckles nervously at the mention of her own boyfriend before shaking her head. “Nah, Cheesie is at a birthday party, I had time! So… where’s Maud?”

Limestone sighed before looking up the flight of stairs. “In the room, she’s not coming out.” The grumbling earth pony turned back to her sister and spotted the unfamiliar three behind her. “Who are they supposed to be?”

Pinkie pointed towards the gryphon, dragon and white unicorn. “This is Gabby, Spike and Rarity! They came with me to see Maud!”

Limestone narrowed her eyes and looked down at the purple drake, her yellow acid eyes glimmering with distaste. “So.. you are the dragon that upset my sister?!”

Spike immediately started to shake, hiding behind Gabby. “Y-yeah.. I’m really sorry about that! I-

Limestone gave laugh, her hoof every now and again stamping against the wooden floor. “This is nuts! You’re like 12, dude!”

Rarity, Gabby, Spike and Pinkie exchanged brief looks before turning towards the hysterically laughing grouch. “Y-yeah.. so uhh.. where’s-“

Limestone interrupted Spike by speaking as she laughed; “WAIT, I’m not done yet!”

Marble soon stepped down the stairs, spotting her sister, her friends at the door and the hysterically laughing Limestone who had fell onto the floor. Marble sighed and shook her head before she took Limestone’s place at the front door, ushering the quartet into the house. 

Pinkie, Marble, Rarity, Spike and Gabby walk past Limestone and into the kitchen to let her calm down. “So uhh.. we’re here to see Maud..” Pinkie started first. “I guess she told you about what happened?”

“Mhmm.” Marvel quietly said, pointing her hoof to the ceiling. Pinkie seemed to catch on! Her sister was upstairs!

“She’s upstairs, guys! She must be so saddy waddy… poor Maud..”

Rarity stepped in front of the gryphon and dragon, her hood raised slightly and her eyes on the back of Pinkie Pie’s head. “I’ll go talk to her.”

Pinkie and Marble turned to the white unicorn alongside Gabby and Spike, that even made Limestone stop laughing and poke her head into the kitchen before joining the others. “I unknowingly caused this unfortunate situation.” 

Spike shook his head, not allowing Rarity to take the blame for his own actions. “No, Rarity.. I took it too far.. I was the one in the wrong. I let my jealousy of you and Maud cause this mess.. this is all of my fault..”

Marble walked to the little dragon and gently patted his scaled head, trying to reassure the young drake. Limestone was puzzled, staring at Gabby. “I understand why the dragon is upset, even the unicorn and Pinkie but.. what does the gryphon have to do with this?”

Pinkie, Rarity and Marble turn to Gabby who just awkwardly waved her yellow talons. “Yeaaahhh… I kinda found myself involved when I saw Spike crying. I tried to cheer him up as best as I could but the heartbreak was too much for him..”

Limestone and Marble turned to each other before shrugging, turning back to the quartet. “This love drama is crazy.. so… the dragon liked the unicorn, the unicorn didn’t like him back and she likes Maud instead.. so the dragon gets mad and started insulting her because he liked her? This is crazy..”

Spike nervously rubbed his arm, still very ashamed of his outburst. “Yeah.. that basically sums it up.. that and Princess Luna had a bit of involvement.. I found myself in their shared dream..”  

Rarity turned to Spike, her eyebrows raised. “When me and Maud were at the gala?” Spike nodded, confirming everything she asked. “Yeah.. I think Luna was trying to mess with me a bit. Celestia is known to troll and now I know Luna does it too..” the young dragon shook his head, folding his arms. “I’m the butt of every joke..”

Rarity sighed, still looking down at Spike. “Look Spike.. you and me are friends and.. that’s the way it’s got to stay.. I do like you just.. not in the way you like me.. I hope we can still be friends though? I do like it whenever you come over and you help me with my designs or even when we go to the gem cave.. I wouldn’t want to lose our friendship for anything. You’re still my friend, Spikey..”

Spike gave a teary smile and hugged the white unicorn who returned the favour. “I’m glad we’re friends, Rarity.. again, I’m so sorry. I want you to be happy and if I can’t give that to you, you should be happy with the one you do love.”

Pinkie, Marble and Gabby smile tearfully while Limestone just shook her head. “Mushy..”

The dragon and unicorn eventually broke their hug and smile at one another the way they’ve always liked it; platonically. 

Marble approached the white unicorn, tapping her shoulder. “Hm? Yes, darling?”  The quiet earth pony ushered Rarity to follow her up the stairs.

“Go on, Rarity.. follow her..” Pinkie Pie smiles encouragingly, prompting a thumbs up by both Spike and Gabby. Rarity smiled tearfully before following the quiet mare upstairs to see ‘mare of her dreams’.

Marble and Rarity stopped outside of the bedroom, before Marble knocked onto the door. 

Maud’s ear twitches before she looked over at the closed door. “Yes?” The door gave a gentle creak as it opened, revealing Marble’s face. “Mhmm.”

Maud tilted her head when Marble stepped aside, revealing the white unicorn who walked into the room. “Thank you, dear. Would you mind closing the door?” 

Marble nodded and slowly closed the door behind Rarity, the white unicorn looking over at the gray earth mare with a soft smile. “Hello, Maud..”

The gray mare tilted her head, placing Boulder onto the nightstand and stared at the white pony; “…. Hello..”

Rarity walked over to the bed and tapped it. “Mind if I sit, dear?” The gray earth mare shook her head, watching Rarity sit next to her. “Why are you here, Rarity..? I am happy you are but.. why?”

Rarity glanced to Maud, tears in her eyes. “We came looking for you. Me, Pinkie, Spike and Gabby. We were all so worried about you. It broke my heart when you left..”

“My heart always feels empty when you leave..”

Maud blinked a couple times before facing the white unicorn, giving a smile that stayed longer than the usual. “Really..?”

Rarity took Maud’s hoof, smiling assuringly. “I haven’t felt so happy and relaxed since we’ve gone that trip to Manehattan, where we ice skated together, watched a movie, had lunch.. it was a day to remember and I’m glad we spent it together. I wouldn’t change anything about our grand day trip.”

Maud felt tears welling up in her eyes, to which she wiped away with her free hoof. 

“I’m guessing what I’m trying to say is.. I.. I..”

Maud pressed her free hoof onto the fashionista’s lips with smile. “… I love you..” 

Rarity’s heart started to race as she wrapped her arms around Maud, her gray cheek against Rarity’s own.. “You do, darling?”

The two mares found each other face to face, their eyes glistening with tears. Maud nodded. “There is no doubt about my feelings for you. You’ve shown me happiness, love, acceptance.. So yes.. I love you, Rarity.” 

Rarity could hardly speak or contain her tears, wiping them away as they spill down her cheeks. “I love you too, Maud..”

The two mares didn’t waste anymore time and just pressed their lips together, their hooves wrapped around each other as they shared their first kiss, sealing their love as  girlfriends.

——————— 2 hours later———————

Pinkie gently walked up the stairs with her two sisters, Gabby and Spike. She slowly opened the door, peaking into the room and witnessing the scene in front of her.

One of the most heartwarming and beautiful moments she’s ever seen in her life: Maud and Rarity laying together, their tails wrapped together, their eyes closed. 

“Aww…”

Pinkie slowly revealed the beautiful scene to her sisters and friends, pressing her lips against her hoof.. “shhh..”

The pink pony watched her sisters and friends walk back downstairs before she closed the bedroom door with a gentle
smile. “I’ll have to start thinking of couple names.. how does ‘Maudity’ sound? No wait! RariMaud!”

Limestone peaked up the staircase, ushering Pinkie to follow. “Come on, sis… let’s leave them alone..”

Pinkie nodded and then walked downstairs, joining her sisters, Spike and Gabby in the living room.