Betrayal of a rock

"This is the WORST, POSSIBLE, THING!!!!"Rarity ungracefully flopped into the mud bath next to her spa buddy, tears storming from her eyes. Fluttershy tried her hardest to comfort the depressed mare, but nothing seemed to work beyond a pat on the back.

"Shh, Shh. Calm down Rarity. I..Its okay. I'm sure it'll work out alright. You just need to step forward and ask him what the secret is. I..If thats alright with you. Squeek!"

Rarity had been going steady with Tom for almost five months already, and she was expecting a proposal any day now. But something was off, and it wasn’t the fact that her coltfriend was a rock, although many ponies of high society that she knew had looked down on it. Tom was hiding a secret. Rarity didn’t know what it was, but she could tell every time he looked at her. He had become quieter, and tensed up every time Rarity came near. It had started only a week or so ago when Rarity had returned from the Canterlot wedding...

"Oh Tom! I didn’t realize you were here so early!" Rarity blushed. "Let me just finish getting ready then we can go." Rarity rushed back into her room and her magic lit up, makeup and cloths flying all around her as she attempted to get ready as quickly as possible. This was the first date she was going on since before her trip to Canterlot for Twilight’s brother’s wedding three months ago, so she had to look her best. Tom had gone traveling for his job for three months, missing most of the excitement in Ponyville. The last time she had seen him was in the crystal empire at the equestrian games, but only momentarily. Five minutes and eight seconds later she opened the door back up and walked towards Tom, her mane and coat sparkling. She had put on a simple gown with a purple color that complimented her mane and tail. She had made a last minute decision to leave her high heel shoes there, for she didn’t want to be tripping over herself the whole date.

"      ..."  Rarity blushed.

"Why thank you Tom. As ever you are such a gentlerock. Shall we depart?" Rarity and Tom made their way to a taxi and hopped in. The drivers quickly took them to the Cafe, one of the few restaurants in Ponyville. The restaurant was a simple, small one, but surprisingly crowded despite the lateness in the day. It would be perfect for an afternoon meal. Rarity and Tom went in and took a seat they had reserved the day earlier. The window next to her gave a great view of the Everfree forest, a beautiful sight as long as you weren’t to close to it. Rarity tried her best to ignore the curious and disgusted stares pointed towards the two as she usually did on their time together. A waitress came over, obviously trying her best not to stare at Tom, and asked for their orders.

"I will take...The salad with strawberry dressing. What about you Tom?"

"           ..."

“He would simply like a glass of water.”

"A very fine choice sir." The waitress scurried away to give the orders to the chef. In the meantime Rarity turned to Tom, excited to tell him about her adventure in Canterlot.

"Well, it all started when Twilight was invited to her brother’s wedding..." As Rarity recounted the tale, she could tell that Tom was growing more and more uneasy. At first it didn’t bother her, but when she finished her story Tom stayed unusually quiet. Before she could bother to ask him what was wrong the waitress walked up to the table, food in hoof. Rarity thanked the mare kindly; handing her the necessary bits, and began to eat her salad. Tom continued to sit quietly, quite out of his usual talkative mood, not even touching his water. Later he had dropped her off back at the boutique with only a small farewell.

Rarity poured her heart out to Fluttershy. The poor Pegasus mare wasn’t one for giving advice, so told Rarity she should inquire in Rainbow dash.

"Thank you so much Fluttershy darling. You don’t know how much this means to me! Rainbow has had so much...experience... She must have an idea of what to do!" Rarity raced out of the Spa, leaving a befuddled Fluttershy to pay for the spa bill.

Rarity trotted back and forth across the cloud home deep in thought as Rainbow hovered awkwardly next to her.

"You know there’s a couch, right?" Rarity looked up momentarily and scowled at Rainbow.

"No offence darling but I doubt anyone would want to sit on that." She raised an accusing hoof towards the couch. It was covered in empty water bottles, snack bar wrappers, and workout equipment, and smelled distinctly like sweat. Rainbow sniggered at that and took the seat herself.

"Okay Rares, you better have a good reason for teleporting up here and making me stop my workout." Rarity looked at Rainbow and rolled her eyes.

"Yes, Laying on the floor snoring is such a good workout." Rarity deadpanned. Rainbow just muttered under her breath.

"But criticizing you is not why I am here! I need advice on-"

"NO! Don’t tell me!," Rainbow cut in, "You finally decided that you want to try my work out! YES!" Rainbow shot into the air off the couch in her joy, but was quickly yanked down by a purple glow around her tail.

"Sorry Rainbow, but I’m not interested in your workout. I am here on relationship matters." Rarity held her head high with her eyes closed.

"Yes, of course Rarity. I'd love to help you with your rocky relationship." Rarity peeking out of one of her eyes when she heard a giggle from the cyan mare.

"RAINBOW!!" Rarity fumed.

"I’m sorry! I just couldn’t help myself!" The giggle turned into a full out laughing fest, tears rolling down Rainbows face. Despite her anger, Rarity couldn’t help but crack a smile at the joke.

When everything settled down, Rarity told Rainbow how Tom had been acting odd. Rainbow smirked.

"Maybe Tom...IS A CHANGELING!!!" Rarity gave a fake gasp at Rainbows words and then stared blankly at her.

"Sorry Rares, but I can’t give you any advice there. I'm not good with that whole "long stable relationship" thingy that everyone is so crazy about. I'm like the wind and change direction all the time. Go ask Pinkie Pie. She sneaks around enough and knows all types of crazy weird secrets. Not to mention she worked on a rock farm. She might know one of Toms family members." Rarity sighed, rolling her eyes again, and thanked Rainbow for the help. She teleported, landing smack dab in the middle of town. Right were a certain pink pony was sitting.