The Return of Mr. Bun

by zyr1987

Chapters

Prologue: Fluttershy's Final Fashion Show
Mr. Bun comes back
A day around Ponyville part 1 (please read author's notes)
A Day around Ponyville Part 2
Party time
The first date

Prologue: Fluttershy's Final Fashion Show

“You really think it'll work?” a yellow Pegasus, wearing a fancy green dress and clinging tightly to a stuffed rabbit, asked.

“They love you for being you, so all I have to do is make you not be you. Just leave it to me,” her friend, a purple unicorn, said.

It was Fluttershy's final fashion show, though only she and Twilight Sparkle knew it at the time. They were waiting for a tall white unicorn with a pink mane and a very Prench gown to finish her turn on the runway. As the unicorn made her way back, Twilight teleported to a secluded area just off the stage and Fluttershy dropped her rabbit preparing for her last walk down the runway.

When said white pony crossed the threshold to the backstage area, Fluttershy stepped out and waited for the familiar feel of Twilight's magic to envelop her and work to humiliate her. She didn't like it but she was desperate to get out of modeling without Rarity finding out how much she hated it.

Meanwhile, the white pony who had been on the runway right before her, one Fleur de Lis, quickly set about removing her dress. “You think that for all their skill at making beautiful clothes, they would make them easier to take on and off,” she said to nopony in particular. Other than the difficulty of getting dressed and undressed, she thought her first appearance at a major fashion show had gone quite well, even if everypony was desperately waiting for the biggest name in fashion to strut her stuff on the runway instead of putting all of their attention on her.

As she struggled with a particularly stubborn strap around her midriff, she heard booing from the spectators. Being too entangled in her dress to move, she couldn't go and see what it was about. As she struggled, she heard the booing stop, then give way to cheering, causing her to struggle harder to get a glimpse of the stage.

Fluttershy returned from the runway shortly afterwards, right after Fleur thought of teleporting her dress off of her body and the unicorn was going to ask what happened, but she left through a nearby door before Fleur had a chance to speak, not even bothering to pick up her stuffed rabbit. Fleur picked it up, intending to return it to her at her next fashion show, and use it as a way to break the ice with the obviously shy pegasus.

She learned the next day that Fluttershy had ended her modeling career for reasons unknown.

Author's Note

Quick notes to avoid confusion during the next chapter:

In this story, Prance shares the language, name, and some symbolism with the real France, but is otherwise a different country, rather than a ponified France.

Also, in this story, pictures of clothesless Fluttershy are much rarer, though not nonexistent.

Mr. Bun comes back

“How's that, Fluttershy? Too tight?” Rarity asked.

“No. It's perfect.”

“Good, good. Now we can finish the rest of the shop.”

It had been two weeks since the now (in)famous Canterlot garden party that Twilight Sparkle and her friends had crashed and Fluttershy and Rarity were preparing the boutique, and themselves, for a very important visitor.

They moved through the shop putting things in their place, and making sure everything was as presentable as possible while keeping their new dresses intact, a much easier task for Rarity with her unicorn magic than for Fluttershy, who was helping out because Rarity's guest said she really wanted to meet the shy pegasus, though she didn't say why.

Eventually, the duo finished. Panting from the effort they sat down in two chairs near Rarity's desk they shared a satisfied smile and Fluttershy asked, “when is she supposed to get here?”

Rarity checked the clock and said, “Uh, right now.”

As if on cue the front door opened and a very tall, skinny white unicorn with a pink mane and a large number of bags in her possession walked in. Fluttershy thought she looked familiar, as if she had seen her in person somewhere but couldn't quite place where. Rarity then got up and said, “Hello, Fleur! Welcome to my humble boutique!”

Fleur turned and, with a smile of her own, said, “Hello to you too, Rarity. And hello Fluttershy. I've been wanting to meet you for a long time.” Her face then changed to one of mild disappointment, “Though preferably with less clothes.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked, her mind jumping right to the obvious conclusion.

“Well, I can see here that Rarity can make beautiful and obviously expensive dresses, but almost every time I've seen you, in person or otherwise, are beautiful, obviously expensive dresses and I was wondering what you looked like without one.”

“In person or otherwise?”

“Well, I may have saved some of the merchandise with you on it from the height of your popularity. I'm a big fan, what can I say?” Fleur said, not answering Fluttershy's question. It was at this point that Fluttershy noticed that while Fleur's face had returned a dignified, if friendly, smile, her eyes had lit up like those of a filly waking up on Hearth's Warming Day, and this scared her a bit.

Meanwhile Rarity, who was about a foot away from Fleur (compared to Fluttershy's three feet away), was learning why most ponies not named Fancypants generally preferred to stay a bit over a foreleg-lengths away from her. “Um, Fleur, do you mind not resting your foreleg on my back?”

“Désolé,” Fleur said as she removed her foreleg, “I'm just not used to the aversion to touching ponies in Equestria seem to have.”

“Is it different in Prance?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oui. Prance is big on touching between ponies, almost to the point of being a form of communication in itself. I've been trying to get used to the more touch averse culture you have here, but, even after living here for almost a year, I still haven't broken my old habits. Still, I'm getting better about it”

“If laying your forehoof across my back is getting better about it, I want to know what you were like before,” Rarity said.

“Not you don't” Fleur said before seeming to remember something. “Oh, before I forget, I have something for you, Fluttershy,” she said, before picking up one of her bags and sending it over to the mare in question.

Fluttershy opened the bag and said in a deadpan tone, “A toothbrush, toothpaste, and some facial cleanser.”

“Oh, sorry, that's mine,” Fleur said, taking the bag back and picking up another. She checked, saying, “Jewelry,” before pulling up another and another, “dresses, makeup, personal, oh here it is,” before sending the proper bag over.

Fluttershy opened up the obviously expensive designer bag and looked confused about its contents for a second before realization dawned on her. “Mr. Bun! But...how did you end up with him?”

“You left him behind at your last fashion show. I picked him up intending to give him back at your next one, but...”

“Oh. I ran off without grabbing him, didn't I?” Fleur nodded in affirmation. “Anyway, thank you so much for returning him, I thought he was gone forever.”

“Don't mention it. And consider the bag he's in a gift,” Fleur said.

“Anyway, speaking of bags, shall I show you your room?” Rarity asked.

“Oh, yes please. And are you sure you don't mind me staying with you for the next two weeks?”

“It's not a problem. And I can't really say no to having a famous model stay with me for a while, now can I?”

As they headed up to Rarity's spare bedroom, Fluttershy took Mr. Bun out of his bag and gave him a huge hug, vowing never to lose him like that again.

Meanwhile, Rarity was asking, “By the way, what brings a famous model to a small town like Ponyville?”

“Well, Uncle Fancy seemed to think highly of you and your friends, and I thought that if he liked you I wouldn't go wrong spending some time with you, especially if I got the chance to meet one of my favorite former models.”

“Uncle Fancy? But he's not Prench.”

“No, he's not. My father, his brother, moved to Prance to marry my mother, and Uncle Fancy, when visiting last year, decided to offer me a modeling gig here in Equestria and I jumped on it,” Fleur said.

“And what did your parents think?”

“They encouraged me to go. Then again, when your mother is Velvet Sash...”

“Really? You're Velvet's daughter?” Rarity asked, shocked that she was talking with the daughter of the most famous Prench model of the 970s.

“Oui, and she told me many stories about her time on the runway. I should share them with you sometime.”

“I would love to hear them, as well as any stories you have about your own time on the runway. Anyway, here's your room. I doubt it's as big as you're used to, but...”

“It's fine,” Fleur stated as she dropped off her bags, “I don't need a giant amount of space, don't worry.”

“Oh good, I'm glad to hear that,” Rarity said a she turned and left.

Shortly thereafter, they arrived back in the boutique's main floor where Fluttershy was sitting with Mr. Bun cradled in her foreleg. Fleur sat down next to Fluttershy, intending to have a chat, as Rarity said, “I'll go ahead and make us some lunch. Does daffodil sandwiches and tea sound good?”

“That's fine,” Fleur said, realizing how hungry she was.

“That's good,” Fluttershy said.

Rarity nodded and went into the kitchen to prepare their meal. As she left, Fleur unconsciously wrapped her foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulders and said, “I'm guessing Mr. Bun is important to you.”

“He is. My mom gave him to me when I was born and he's been there for me even through the worst times.” Fluttershy wasn't very happy with Fleur's foreleg around her like that, but, not wanting to offend the famous model and due to the wave of timidity that she usually got when she met a famous pony, didn't make any attempt to remove it.

“Like at that last fashion show.”

“Yes. I still can't believe I forgot him backstage,” Fluttershy said.

“Well you did rush off pretty quickly. I have to ask, though, what happened onstage? I was too caught up in a rather complicated dress to get a look, and nopony I know knows either.”

“Um...I don't like to talk about it.”

“Well, can you at least tell me if it's why you quit?” Fleur asked.

“It was part of the reason, but I wanted to quit for a while at that point.”

Before Fleur could ask Fluttershy why she wanted to quit, Rarity called from the dining room, “Lunch is ready!”

They headed for the dining room and sat down at the table, Fluttershy sitting across from Fleur, presumably to avoid having any more forelegs being placed on her body. Rarity placed their plates in front of them and poured their tea as she asked, “So Fleur, how do you like Ponyville so far?”

“It's a lovely little town, from what I've seen. Kind of reminds me of home. Even so, I prefer Canterlot, with it's lively atmosphere and wondrous fashions, even if it is full of snobs.”

“I know what you mean. I've always wanted to live there myself, but I'm not successful enough justify trying to move out there yet.”

“Well, that and you have a bit of a reputation as a party crasher after your antics last week. It might be best if you stayed here in Ponyville with your friends,” Fleur said.

“But I wasn't the one who crashed the party!”

“I'm sure of that, but do you think they care?”

Rarity simply snorted in frustration. Fluttershy, meanwhile, decided to ask, “By the way, how did you find out where I lived?”

“Fancy mentioned that you were Rarity's friend and at the garden party, and I guessed that you lived in the same town as her,” Fleur said.

“Oh.”

“Anyway, what do you do now that you're not a model?”

“I take care of the animals out at the edge of the Everfree Forest, just like I did before Photo Finish discovered me,” Fluttershy said.

“What kind of animals?”

“Any kind. Bugs, cats, dogs, weasels, bears-”

“Bears?” Fleur looked shocked.

“Yes. They're not mean or aggressive. In fact, they're quite friendly.”

“Uh...I'll take your word for it.”

After lunch, Fluttershy and Rarity got undressed, giving Fleur the chance to see Fluttershy in her typical state. Looking over the former model with an admiring eye, she said, “With that gorgeous body, I can see why Photo Finish thought you belonged on the runway.

“You really think that?”

“Oui. It's just too bad you felt the need to quit, though. I mean, a body like that deserves to be shown off, and not hidden away in a little town like Ponyville.”

“Anyway,” Rarity said, getting a bit miffed at all the attention the famous model was showering on her friend instead of her, “Fluttershy, I think Opal needs her grooming. Do you think you could do that for me?”

Fluttershy looked at the cat, sleeping in her cat bed, and, noting that her fur was a bit knotted but not nearly bad enough to warrant a grooming yet, said, “She looks fine to me.”

“She does?”

“Yes. She doesn't look too knotted up or in pain. I don't think she needs to be groomed yet. Maybe in a week or two, but not now.”

“Could you do it for me anyway?” Rarity asked, feeling desperate.

“No, I'd rather wait so I can take care of her and Fluffy at the same time.”

“Fine..”

“Fluffy?” Fleur asked.

“My cat. She and Opal are good friends.”

“Oh.”

“Oh, before I forget, Fleur, I have a few dress designs that I'd like to show you,” Rarity said, making a last ditch effort to get Fleur alone for a chat.

“Okay. You want to look too Fluttershy?”

“Okay.”

Rarity cringed internally, but made no attempt to wave Fluttershy off, thinking that she would go home to feed her animals in a half hour tops.

Fluttershy, however, stayed for two hours more before heading home, with Fleur fawning over her practically the entire time, to Fluttershy's discomfort after a while, and Rarity's annoyance.

Author's Note

Don't worry. Mr. Bun's return is only happening once.

Also, I've always wanted to write a character without a strong sense of personal space, so expect more of that.

Oh, and points for spotting the shout out to Calvin and Hobbes that Mr. Bun's name is.

By the way, for fans of Luna Looks for Love, the next chapter is in progress, but writer's block is slowing it down a bit.

A day around Ponyville part 1 (please read author's notes)

The morning after Fleur's arrival, Fluttershy woke up with a big smile on her face as she saw Mr. Bun sitting on the bed next to her. She picked him up as she got out of bed and headed down to the kitchen to get food for her animals.

As she flitted about, filling bowls with animal feed of various sorts, she thought about the day before. She thought that while Fleur bringing up her modeling career brought up some unpleasant memories and spending time with her was almost as exhausting as spending time with Pinkie (though mostly because Fleur loved to fawn over her), the return of Mr. Bun more than made up for that.

When she got back to her cottage the day before, she spent some time making up for lost time with Mr. Bun and just decompressing in general. Now she was back in her zone, ready for the day. She made a mental note to swing by Rarity's later to talk with her most famous fan again.

After feeding her animals their breakfast and eating her own, she went out to her yard, Mr. Bun in tow, to give her squirrels a dance lesson, when a blue mare alighted next to her. “Hi Fluttershy,” she said.

“Oh, hi Rainbow. You're up early.”

“Yeah, I thought I'd get up early while it's still cool out.” too bad it's a bit too cold to-wait a minute... “Is that Mr. Bun?”

“Yes. I got him back,” Fluttershy said.

“Where was he?”

“Fleur de Lis gave him back to me.”

“Who?” Rainbow asked.

“She's a famous fashion model, and a big fan of mine from my own modeling days.”

“And how did a famous model end up with your toy rabbit?”

“I left him behind at my last fashion show, which she was modeling at as well. She held on to him until she could give him back to me,” Fluttershy said.

“So a famous model held on to your toy rabbit for more than a year just to give it back?”

“Him back, and yes she did. I don't know why, but she did.”

“Wow. That's not what I expected. I thought he fell under your couch or something. Anyway, you mind if I come by for dinner tonight?” Rainbow asked.

“Sure, if you want.” Rainbow's request was nothing unusual. Once or twice a month, she would come to Fluttershy's for dinner, since she was a much better cook than Rainbow, though this wasn't saying much as the speedster once burnt juice and liquefied toast.

“Alright thanks. I'll come by around five thirty, okay?”

“Okay.”

Meanwhile, at Rarity's boutique, she and Fleur were eating breakfast. As Rarity chewed a piece of egg, Fleur said, “I was wondering, Rarity, if you would make a dress for me, since I'm staying with you anyway.”

Rarity lit up with excitement when she heard this but took a second to finish chewing her egg before she responded. When she did, it was to say, “Of course! I would love to! I'll draw up some designs after breakfast!”

“Actually, while you were making breakfast, I looked through some of the designs you made and found one I liked,” Fleur said, floating over a piece of parchment to the seamstress.

Rarity looked at Fleur's chosen design and, realizing this was one of the designs she had shown Fleur the day before, said, “Ooh, this will look quite lovely on you. I'll need a couple of days to make it, though.”

“Take your time. When I return to Canterlot I want to be wearing the best you have to offer.”

So, no pressure then Rarity thought. “Of course. I promise it will be absolutely fabulous.”

Fleur smiled and turned back to her breakfast.

“Oh, that reminds me, I need to take Fluttershy's dress down to her place after breakfast. She forgot it yesterday.”

“When you see her, tell her I said hi.”

“I will,” Rarity said.

After breakfast, Rarity folded up Fluttershy's dress and put it in her saddlebag before making the trip to the edge of the Everfree Forest and Fluttershy's cottage. As she trotted through the streets of Ponyville on the way out of town, an idea struck her. Putting it aside for now, she increased the pace of her trot, hoping to catch Fluttershy before she headed off somewhere.

Five minutes later, she knocked on Fluttershy's door and was greeted by Angel bunny. She asked, “Hi Angel. Is Fluttershy home?”

Angel made a series of gestures that Rarity briefly struggled to understand, before it clicked. “Oh, she's around back?” A quick nod of Angel's head confirmed this and, after thanking the rabbit, she made her way around back.

She found Fluttershy giving a dance lesson to her squirrels. Electing to wait and not disturb the pegasus, she sat down and watched, finding herself marveling at her friend's skill.

It took ten minutes for Fluttershy to finish and tell the squirrels when the next lesson would be. After finishing this, she turned to go inside and saw Rarity, who said, “You're quite good at dancing, aren't you?”

“It's nothing, really. I picked it up as a hobby when my squirrel friends wanted to learn how to dance. I'm not that good.”

“I don't know about that. I don't see many dancers that good outside of theater. Anyway, I came by because you left your dress at the boutique yesterday.”

“Oh, I forgot about it with Fleur coming by,” Fluttershy said, taking the dress, and putting it on her back so it wouldn't get dirty.

“No worries. Speaking of Fleur, she told me to say hi. Also, I was wondering if we could come by for lunch around noon.”

“Um, sorry, but I'm going to be going on a picnic with Harry the bear. I don't think Fleur would be comfortable around him.”

“No, I imagine she wouldn't. Maybe dinner, then?”

“Well, I have Rainbow coming by for dinner, but I guess I could make room for you two as well. I'll just let her know you're coming by.”

"Of course. Fleur will be so thrilled."

When Rarity got back to the boutique, she noticed a distinct lack of Prench pony. She looked and found a note where Fleur said that she was going to take a walk through the nearby Whitetail Wood. “Get a taste of untouched nature” the note said. Rarity sighed, and put the news about dinner in the back of her mind, deciding to get to work on Fleur's dress. It took her a second to realize she didn't actually have Fleur's measurements, so she decided to work on all the orders she got in Canterlot, which numbered about two dozen copies of Twilight's birthday dress. At least it's a simple dress, Rarity thought, settling into her work rhythm.

As she worked, she made a mental note to thank Fancypants for getting her all these orders. At 50 bits a pop (Fancy had warned her off of negotiating a more reasonable price, saying it would offend their sensibilities), she was making really good money for a few hours' work thanks to his efforts.

Author's Note

Those who follow me will know this already, but I thought it unfair to those who don't but have favorite my stories to leave them in the dark.

I'm not writing at the moment for reasons I have described in my blog, and since I have partial chapters for this story and "Crowns and Apples, Butteflies and Lilies" I thought I would go through them, find a convenient break point, proofread up to that point, then publish it (Crowns and Apples will be done tomorrow at the earliest) letting you know what's up and giving you something to read in the meantime. That's also why the story is currently on hiatus.

Anyway, this is somewhere between 1/2 and 1/3 of what the final version of the chapter would be. and the title was me being lazy, as I was in no mood to think up something better for the chapter.

A Day around Ponyville Part 2

Fleur sighed happily as she walked through Whitetail wood. While it wasn't untouched nature like she expected (the ridiculously wide footpath was enough to give that away, never mind the signs), it was still an absolutely lovely sight for the city dwelling unicorn. Trotting through at the forest, she plucked a nearby flower and started snacking on it while listening to the birds chirping.

As she walked on, she looked at around the forest, marveling at the beauty and wondering what her mother would think of it. Velvet was always a city girl, much like her famous daughter, yet always had a soft spot for nature, hence why she had named Fleur after a flower.

She made a mental note to invite her mother to Equestria and show her around the country when she had some more time off, probably sometime in the winter months.

Her thoughts drifted from this to work, and then to Fluttershy. The former model she had met all of yesterday after missing her first, best chance many months before and who did not live down to Fancypants' implication in stating “never meet your heroes.” As she moved under a sheer cliff that seemed to have had a small chunk torn out of it, she decided to ask Rarity for directions to Fluttershy's home so she could pay her a visit later.

An hour later, Fleur arrived back at Rarity's boutique and found a number of what she assumed were the beginning of new dresses. She said, “I see you've been busy. So which one is mine?”

“None of these. These are all dress orders I got while staying in Canterlot, and they're all finished. And before you mention how basic they are, I will just say you should ask your uncle about that.”

“My uncle? Did uncle Fancy order these?”

“Not quite, no. He did suggest all the mares in Canterlot would want one after seeing my friend Twilight in one of these.”

“Sounds like him,” Fleur said with a chuckle, “so when do you intend to start on my dress?”

“As soon as I get your measurements. I wanted to start it when I got back from Fluttershy's but...”

“Oh, silly me. I had forgotten about that. So do you want to take them now?”

“Sure. Just let me get my measuring tape.”

Rarity left the room and returned a second later, measuring tape at the ready. As she started measuring Fleur, and did her best not to get jealous of the model's proportions, she said, “By the way, while I was at Fluttershy's I asked her if she would have us for dinner.”

“And what did she say?”

“She said yes. She also mentioned that she's having her old friend Rainbow Dash over for dinner tonight as well.”

Fleur's smile seemed to grow at this news, and she seemed to start squirming a bit. “What time will we be going? Should I bring anything?”

“Dinner will be at six. And don't worry about bringing anything or wearing anything fancy. This is just a casual get-together.”

Fleur didn't say anything more, and Rarity finished her measurements. Before dropping them off on her desk she looked them over and asked, “How do you keep your figure, anyway?”

“A good diet, good genetics and a lot of exercise. It's a lot of work but worth doing so I can be the most beautiful unicorn in Equestria, no?”

It took Rarity a second to realize Fleur was being serious with her remark. When she did get it, she said, “The most beautiful unicorn in Equestria? You?”

“Oui, or can you think of any other unicorn as gorgeous as moi?”

Rarity was tempted to say herself, but kept her mouth shut. Her reputation was on the way up and she was a bit worried about ruining it by creating some bad blood with a famous model. Still, she kept that in mind as Fleur said, “Exactement.”

After lunch, Fluttershy was searching for Rainbow to let her know about dinner with Rarity, and not finding her in her usual napping spots. Eventually she bumped into Cloud Kicker, who she asked about Rainbow.

“Um, I think she went to do something with Pinkie down at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Oh, okay I'll look there. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Fluttershy took off towards Applejack's farm, wondering what kind of prank Rainbow and Pinkie were pulling on their friend. Arriving at the farm a few minutes later, she found them painting the leaves on the trees near the farm entrance brown. As mush as she disliked them pranking their friends, even she had to admit that this was pretty funny, as long as the paint would wash off.

She waited until Rainbow and Pinkie finished painting one of the tree's leaves, before calling to her childhood friend.

“Oh, hi Flutters. What are you doing here?”

“Hi Dashie. I just wanted to tell you that I'm having two other ponies over for dinner with us tonight.”

“Oh. Who?”

“Rarity and Fleur de Lis,” Fluttershy said.

“Fleur de...that pony that gave Mr. Bun back to you?”

“Yes. Rarity asked and I agreed to have them eat with us. I just thought I should let you know.”

“Okay. Tha-”

“Wait, you got Mr. Bun back? That's great news” Pinkie said, interrupting Rainbow's thanks.

“Y-yes. Fleur was nice enough to hold on to him until she could return him to me.”

“Wow, you know what this calls for? A party!”

“Yes, I'm sure it does, but can we have the party tomorrow? I'm busy for most of today. Also, can we keep it small? I don't want everypony hearing about how I keep a stuffed rabbit,” Fluttershy said.

“Sure, no problem. I'll take care of everything tonight.”

“Okay thanks. Anyway, I really should get back to my cottage. Bye.”

“Okay, see you later,” Rainbow said.

“Bye!” Pinkie said.

That evening, as Rarity and Fleur left for Fluttershy's cottage for dinner, the taller unicorn said, “So, you mentioned another guest would be eating with us tonight.”

“Yes. Fluttershy's old friend Rainbow Dash.”

“Do you know her?”

“We're friends, though we're not particularly close, mostly because we don't have a lot in common. She's not a bad pony, though,” Rarity said.

“I see. So what does she do?”

“She's responsible for the weather. When she's not doing that she's training to become a Wonderbolt or napping somewhere.”

“Oh, weather isn't managed by magic here?” Fleur asked.

“No, not enough unicorns willing to help out, and plenty of pegasi willing to pick up the slack. Also, it's Ponyville tradtion that things like the weather be handled in a more mundane fashion.”

“Oh. I didn't know that.”

“Yes. They don't mind us doing the small stuff with magic, but big things are usually done with physical labor,” Rarity explained.

“Oh. Anyway, moving on, what kind of animals does Fluttershy normally have at her home? Nothing scary, I presume?”

Most of the time it's just things like chipmunks, squirrels, chickens, and rabbits, though she does have a few bigger animals come by from time to time. I doubt there will any there tonight, though, so you shouldn't have to worry.”

“Oh, good,” Fleur said, obviously relieved.

A short silence descended over the pair as they left Ponyville city limits and Fluttershy's cottage came into view. Fleur remarked, “That's the first house I've ever seen that looks like a tree.”

“There are a few around here that are modeled like that, such as the local library, but I guess you wouldn't see things like that in the cities you tour for your shows.”

“No, not really. Most of the buildings I see are just tall and square or modeled on the designs of Canterlot Castle.”

Rarity knocked at the front door when they arrived at the doorstep, and Fluttershy opened it, saying, “Hi, Rarity. Hi, Fleur.”

“Hi Fluttershy,” Rarity said.

Fleur nuzzled Fluttershy and said, “Hello Fluttershy. It's nice to see you again.”

“Nice to see you, too,” Fluttershy said, trying to hide her discomfort with the rather intimate contact a pony she barely knew was giving her, and wondering why she had added that second sentence. They had only met the day before, after all. When Fleur pulled away, the pegasus said, “Anyway, I need to feed my animals outside. Once I'm done, I'll go ahead and serve dinner.”

“Okay. Take your time,” Rarity said.

“By the way, don't you have another friend coming by?” Fleur asked.

“I'm already here,” a voice called out from a short way inside the house.

Fleur turned to look at the source of the voice and saw a rainbow maned pegasus she assumed was Rainbow Dash, sitting on the couch. She moved towards the couch and said, “Oh, I didn't see you there. Rainbow Dash, I presume?”

“That's me! And you're Fleur de Lis, I take it. The one who gave this back to Fluttershy?” Rianbow said, holding up Mr. Bun.

“Oui,” Fleur said as she sat down and placed a hoof in Rainbow's withers, only to see the latter squirm away from it.

“So how the buck did you end up with him? She never lets him out of her sight when she's traveling with him.”

“Well, it's a bit of a tale. The short version is that something happened onstage at her last fashion show and after she came backstage she ran off to the exit, not even bothering to pick him up. She seemed pretty worked up about whatever happened, so Mr. Bun was probably not on her mind at the moment,” Fleur said, making a second attempt to put a hoof on Rainbow, this on her shoulder, only to watch as the pegasus once again moved out from under the appendage.

Rainbow asked, “And why did you hold on to it for so long?”

“Well, after I heard she quit, I saw him as the ultimate souvenir in relation to one of my favorite models of all time, even though I knew that, if I ever got the chance, I would give him back without a second thought.”

“And that's why you're eating dinner with her tonight?”

Rarity interjected, saying, “She actually wanted to take her vacation here. Dinner with Fluttershy was my idea, in fact, though Fleur is a big fan of Fluttershy's as she mentioned.”

“Oh.”

“By the way, do either of you know where the little fillies' room is? I need to use it,” Fleur said.

“Upstairs, first door on your right,” Rainbow said.

“Merci.”

As Fleur left, Rainbow said, “Well, she's friendly, isn't she?”

“She is. Too bad she has an ego just as big as yours.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and asked, “Setting aside my so-called ego, How do you know she has an ego at all? I didn't see anything like one.”

“You weren't there when she called herself the most beautiful unicorn in Equestria. Trust me on this.”

Rainbow sighed, but said nothing. Fluttershy then came back inside and asked, “Where's Fleur?”

“Bathroom,” Rainbow quickly said.

“So, what are we having for dinner?” Rarity asked.

“I didn't have much time to plan dinner, and I wasn't expecting three guests until Rarity came by, so I just threw together a big salad with the apples, lettuce, carrots, and alfalfa I had in my fridge.”

“That sounds lovely, actually.”

Fleur then literally (and silently) reappeared nearby, surprising the other three ponies. Rarity said, “I didn't know you could teleport.”

“It's one of those weird little side talents I have, like how Fluttershy is amazing at modeling despite her special talent apparently being an animal caretaker.”

“Oh, I see. It's just that I only know one pony that can teleport, and even she can't do it silently.”

“Well, it does seem to be an uncommon ability. Anyway, shall we eat? I'm starving,” Fleur said, changing the subject.

“You look it,” Rainbow said while poking Fleur's stomach, earning her a glare from Rarity. Fleur, though, just rolled her eyes and kept grinning.

“Oh, right. I'll get the food,” Fluttershy said, heading to the kitchen.

A minute or so later, the salads had been served to all the ponies and they sat down, Fluttershy's three guests seeming to hurry for the opportunity to sit next to her. In the end, Fleur, by virtue of her longer strides, and Rainbow, from her inherent swiftness, got the seats next to the home's owner, to the annoyance of Rarity, and to a lesser, or at least less obvious extent, Fluttershy. Rainbow asked, “So do you have any dressing?”

“Oh, yes. I left it in the kitchen,” Fluttershy said, getting up.

The three ponies at the table remained silent as Fluttershy went to retrieve the dressing. When she returned, and finished covering her salad with it, Rarity said to Fleur, “So, I was wondering. Obviously, you are one of Equestria's most famous models, but I don't think I'd ever heard of you before last year.”

“Non, I had actually only started getting into the bigtime fashion shows last year when I got my big break, in the form of Fluttershy quitting.”

“Huh?” The three other ponies said in unison.

“You don't know? Well, okay, let me explain then. Just remember, I don't have many of the details myself. Remember that fashion show where you left Mr. Bun behind, Fluttershy?”

“All too well.”

“Well, that was my first big show, and I somehow got the honor of going on right before you, I think that was because my uncle called in a few favors. Anyway, after you quit, I think the various fashion magazines decided they needed a new darling, and they decided to pick the tall, very Prench model who strutted her stuff before the big star took the stage.”

“Let me guess, that model was you,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Oui. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Also, I must ask, Fluttershy, how did you avoid the media asking you about what happened or why you quit?”

“I think it was Photo Finish's doing. The media never talked to me, only to her. Also, I didn't tell her why I quit, and she never tried to find out. I don't know why, but I liked it that way.”

“And while we're on the subject, why did you quit?”

Fluttershy knew that this was going to happen at some point, and had been dreading its coming. Now it was upon her. She chewed her piece of lettuce more slowly than normal to buy herself some time before she would have to explain why she quit to her biggest fan.

When she swallowed, she suppressed the urge to sigh as she said, “I hated being a model.”

The shocked, incredulous look on Fleur's face said it all and for several seconds the only sound was that of Rainbow's chewing. When Fleur came to again, she saw Rarity looking worried, Fluttershy looking nervous, and Rainbow looking confused (and taking another bite of food).

A few more seconds passed, which, for both Fleur and Fluttershy, seemed like an eternity, before the tall unicorn asked, “Why?”

“I hated being the center of attention, being constantly watched and judged, and having the paparazzi follow me everywhere. I hated not having any time to be by myself. I hated all of it.”

Fleur seemed to start to understand what Fluttershy was saying but was obviously still at a loss for the most part. She asked, "If you hated being a model, why didn't you quit sooner? I would think you would jump ship the second that you realized it wasn't for you."

"That would be because of me," Rarity said, " I was the one who convinced her to model for Photo Finish in the first place and she thought that I would be mad if she quit."

"Don't forget how you thought I loved being a model," Fluttershy added.

“I see,” Fleur said, doing an imperfect job of hiding her continuing, though now more mild confusion.

“And you're not mad at me?”

“How could I be mad at the pony that quit exactly at the right time to launch my career? Especially since she only stayed on as long as she did for the sake of a friend?” Fleur said.

Fluttershy relaxed. Soon the sounds of conversation came back over the table, though much less focused on modeling and fashion, and more focused on more mundane things such as Fleur's desire to learn more about Ponyville and how Fluttershy and Rainbow had become friends.

When dinner finished, Rainbow said, “I almost forgot. Pinkie's invited all of us to a party tomorrow,” as she produced three invitations and passed them out.

Rarity read hers aloud, “You're invited to the “Fluttershy got Mr. Bun back" party tomorrow at ten. Sugarcube Corner.”

“I don't get it. I mean, I know Mr. Bun is important to you, but why is this Pinkie throwing a party about it? And how does she know about him?” Fleur asked.

Rainbow said, “Second question first. She apparently found out the first time she came here to Fluttershy's cottage. And Pinkie was with me when Fluttershy came to tell me you two were also coming to dinner.”

“Oh.”

“As to the first question,” Rarity said before Rainbow could, “Pinkie will find any excuse to throw a party at least once a week, and it's been almost a week since her last one. The fact that Mr. Bun is important to Fluttershy is probably just icing on the cake for her.”

“Oh, okay, that explains it,” Fleur said.

“Oh, and, Fluttershy? Pinkie wants you to bring Mr. Bun with you tomorrow. She said there shouldn't be more than eight or nine guests, so you shouldn't have to worry about random ponies seeing you with him,” Rainbow said.

“Okay, thanks. I'll be sure to bring him.”

Rarity and Fleur left a few minutes after Rainbow, mostly because Fleur wanted to ask Fluttershy why she agreed to have a party at all, and then needed an explanation of the “Party of One” incident and why they generally don't like turning down Pinkie on party invites. Fleur, needless to say, was a bit concerned, but didn't say anything.

When they did leave, Rarity asked Fleur, 'So, how are you handling the revelation of why Fluttershy quit?"

"Well, it was a shock, but now that it's had some time to sink in, I can't really say I'm bothered by it. It's just another of those oddities of the universe, I guess."

"Well, that's one way of looking at it."

"Anyway, with her attitude towards her friends, I imagine her coltfriend must love her," Fleur said.

“She doesn't have a coltfriend.”

“Marefriend?”

“She doesn't have a marefriend either,” Rarity said.

“So, she's single?” Fleur asked, a hint of excitement finding its way into her voice, to her own surprise.

Rarity didn't seem surprised or bothered when she said, “Yes, why? Do you want to ask her out or something?”

“Do you think she would accept?”

“...Honestly I have no idea.”

Author's Note

Remember when I said this:

Anyway, this is somewhere between 1/2 and 1/3 of what the final version of the chapter would be. and the title was me being lazy, as I was in no mood to think up something better for the chapter.

Turns out I was wrong. It was more like a quarter of the chapter. Not that that's a bad thing.

Now, if you don't mind I would like to head off some criticism that may come up in regards to Fleur's teleporting. Rewatch Sweet and Elite, if you will. Start a 4:25 and watch Fleur very carefully. Now, honestly tell me she can move around that fast in relation to Fancypants without teleporting. Also it seems to be semi-canon that ponies have abilities that aren't related to their special talent (e.g. Fluttershy's sewing ability, Rainbow's ability to bounce a ball, Pinkie Pie's own ability to teleport, etc.)

Party time

At around seven the next day, Fleur woke up and showered, before heading down to the kitchen for breakfast. She saw Rarity putting hay waffles on one plate and a few fruits on another.

“Oh, hi, Fleur. I thought I was going to have to wake you for breakfast,” Rarity said.

“Non. I've woken up at seven sharp all my life,” Fleur said as she sat down to her breakfast of apples and oranges.

“Oh. I just thought that, with the amount of tossing and turning I heard you doing last night, you would have wanted to sleep in. I'm guessing you're still trying to get over Fluttershy's revelation?”

“Maybe a bit, but uncle Fancy did say 'never meet your heroes.' I guess when I met Fluttershy and she acted mostly like I expected I just stopped expecting any wild revelations like 'I hated being a model.'”

“Do you think you can face her at the party today? I think you wanted to ask her out, or something,” Rarity said.

“I'll be fine. She's still a sweet, adorable mare even if she hates the limelight. I just focus on that and I shouldn't have a problem.”

“Before I forget, while we're on the subject of the party, please don't call yourself 'the most beautiful unicorn in Equestria' while we're there. My friend Twilight has a baby dragon for an assistant who thinks that I am 'the most beautiful creature in the world', his words not mine, and I don't want to start an argument over that.”

“Uh, sure I can do that, but would you mind explaining to me why your friend has a baby dragon as an assistant?” Fleur asked.

“He was a gift from Princess Celestia herself, as I recall. You can ask her for all the details.”

“Wait, really?”

“Well, as far as I know,” Rarity said, “I haven't actually asked Celestia about the truth of it. Not that I have any reason to think she's lying.”

“Speaking of Celestia, I was curious. You say you know her.”

“I do. Why?”

“Does Fluttershy know her too?” Fleur asked.

“Yes. I'd say she's as close to Celestia as I am.”

“I see,” Fleur said, finishing her breakfast and not bothering to ask how close that was. “Anyway, I think I'll go pick my dress for the party.”

“Well, if you insist on wearing a dress, I won't stop you. However, I would recommend you not choose anything you want to wear again. Pinkie's parties are silly, messy, and a whole lot of fun and your dress will probably be ruined.”

“Oh. Well, never mind then.”

Fluttershy arrived at Sugarcube Corner at eight thirty, wanting to be early, and found Pinkie firing off the last of the decorations for the party from her party cannon. Applejack was already there, as were Twilight and Spike. Pinkie asked, “Did you bring him?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy said, taking Mr. Bun out of her saddle bag and giving him to Pinkie, who put him on the table in the middle of the room.

Applejack said, “So, he is back. How did you get him back?”

“Fleur de Lis gave him back to me?”

“Who?”

“She's a famous model and a big fan of mine. She should be coming with Rarity,” Fluttershy said.

“How did a famous model end up with your stuffed rabbit?” Twilight asked.

“Well, what happened was...” Fluttershy said before describing the loss and eventual regaining of Mr. Bun as she took off her saddlebag and hung it by the door.

The other three listened intently and when Fluttershy finished, Twilight said, “Wow. That's...something. Though I don't know how I missed him backstage. I was back there with you, after all.”

“By the way, what's she like? I mean, you do know her, right?” Applejack asked.

“Yes. She's really nice but also really touchy-feely. I think she said that's normal behavior in Prance, though,” Fluttershy said.

“First time I've heard that.”

“I don't find it surprising. According to my books, Prench ponies are really big on touching as a show of affection, even amongst ponies who have just met. Supposedly it started out as a way to let one's feelings be known during more prudish times and became an integral part of Prench culture,” Twilight said, “By the way, you said she was coming to the party?”

“I think so. Pinkie did invite her, after all.”

As if by coincidence, the front door opened at this point, revealing Rarity and Fleur, the former saying, “Here we are. Sugarcube Corner. Just mind the sweets if you value your figure.”

Fleur didn't respond to Rarity upon entering, instead scanning the room, noting the other guests present, especially the baby dragon, who made her very curious indeed. Still, she was focused on finding the right time to ask Fluttershy out. Everything else was secondary at the moment.

After a few seconds of silence, Twilight asked, “You're Fleur de Lis, I presume?”

Fleur snapped out of her reverie and said, “Sorry, yes. I was just a bit distracted by the decorations. Pinkie Pie must have worked hard on them.”

“I sure did!” the pink mare said, “I spent all morning on them!”

“I can tell," Fleur said approvingly, "Anyway, is everyone here?”

“No. We're still missing Rainbow Dash and there were a few others who said they couldn't make it,” Applejack said.

“Well, while we're waiting, I think I would like to learn your names. I already know Fluttershy and Rarity but this is the first time I've met the rest of you.”

“Certainly. I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is Pinkie Pie. The one who's throwing the party.”

“Hello!” Pinkie said.

“Hello.”

“I'm Applejack, and the baby dragon is Spike. And Twilight said you're Fleur de Lis?”

“Oui. Fleur Elizabeth de Lis. One of Equestria's top models, thanks to the timing of Fluttershy ending her own modeling career,” Fleur said.

“What do you mean 'thanks to the timing of Fluttershy ending her modeling career?'” Twilight asked, confused.

"To put it simply, when Fluttershy quit and her star fell, mine rose to unbelievable heights. I'm convinced that the timing of her quitting was responsible for that, since I was the last model on before her at her last fashion show.”

“Oh, now I remember seeing you there.”

“You were there?” Fleur asked.

“Yeah. I was talking to Fluttershy when you were out on the runway.”

“Oh, sorry. I must have missed you.”

“Don't worry about it. I'm sure you were busy,” Twilight said

At this point Rainbow entered Sugarcube Corner and, with her excess momentum, crashed into Fleur's rear, causing the tall unicorn to stumble.

Fleur turned to look at the blue pegasus and asked, “could you watch where you're going?”

“Sorry, Fleur. I wasn't paying attention. I just didn't want to be late.”

“Late? But you're ten minutes early,” Fluttershy said.

“I am?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah,” Twilight said, pointing to the clock.

“Oh, heh.”

“Anyway, I think that's everyone who could make it,” Twilight said.

“Yep! Let's get this party started!” Pinkie said as she turned on the music. Fleur watched as three of the six other ponies present started dancing, specifically Pinkie, Twilight (badly), and Fluttershy.

Rarity, who herself wasn't on the dance floor, but was obviously considering it, asked Fleur, “why don't you join them? There's plenty of party to be had.”

“In a minute. I just want to see the dance first. Don't want to make a foal of myself out there, after all.”

“I guess. Just don't wait too long. This is a rather short record,” Rarity said, before joining the trio in dancing.

Fleur watched them for a few more seconds before deciding to throw caution to the wind and joining them as well.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash, who had been bobbing for apples, as was tradition at Pinkie's parties, turned to watch the newcomer strut her stuff. Applejack said, “she's not bad. Not as good as Pinkie or Fluttershy, but far better than Twilight.”

“Of course, most ponies are better dancers than Twilight,” Rainbow said.

“True, but she doesn't need to know that.”

When the song ended, Fluttershy left the dance area and head to the bathroom. Everyone else stayed put, waiting for the next song to begin, though Rainbow noticed that Fleur had watched Fluttershy closely as the latter headed for the bathroom. She wondered about this, but didn't comment on it.

Fluttershy, meanwhile, was getting some aspirin and making a mental note not to stand so close to Pinkie when they were dancing, as their bonking heads, though unseen by everypony else, had given her a headache. As she filled a cup for herself and took out two pills, she thought I hope Fleur is enjoying herself.

Fleur had to say she was, though she wondered why Fluttershy went to the little fillies room mere minutes after arriving. She assumed she would take care of her bladder before leaving unless she was going to be late. She put it out of mind as Pinkie asked, “Having fun?”

“Oui. It's great to have the chance to drop the whole refined act and act a bit silly every once in a while. I have to ask, though, do you have anything more low fat? I must watch my figure after all.”

“I can get some fruit for you, if you want, but other than that all we have is punch.”

“Fruit will be fine. I just have to stay away from the sweets,” Fleur said.

Pinkie disappeared into the back of the store and Fluttershy reappeared from the bathroom and stood near the punch bowl as the third song started, watching the other ponies dancing, Applejack and Rainbow having joined the others after the first song.

Fleur thought this is working better than I thought. Just have to hope that Fluttershy stays on the sidelines for the next song as well, before increasing the intensity of her moves, and nearly accidentally knocking her flank into Applejack's side. She put a bit more space between herself and the others to make sure that wouldn't happen again, and listened to the music, waiting for an opportunity to make an exit.

When the song finally wound down, she walked off to the sidelines, panting a bit, and poured herself a bit of punch. Fluttershy, she noticed, hadn't gone back out to the dance floor, and in fact had refilled her own punch.

She moved to Fluttershy's side and said, “I thought you would be back out there.”

“No, I'm still a bit dizzy after I bonked heads with Pinkie.”

“Oh. Do you need an aspirin?”

“No, I went and got one already,” Fluttershy said.

“Oh. I see. Anyway, I was hoping to get a chance to talk to you alone, because I wanted to ask you something.”

“Yes?”

“Would you like to go on a date with me?” Fleur asked.

“A date? Like a date date?”

“Oui,” Fleur said, putting on her most winning smile. Inwardly she was wondering what the difference between a “date date” and a “not-date date” was, which was doing a wonderful job of distracting her from her nervousness.

“Um, sure. If you want,” Fluttershy said.

“Mervellioux! I'll leave the details up to you, unless you want to go all the way to Canterlot?”

“No, that's okay,” Fluttershy said, then, thinking of a way to buy herself some time to figure out where to take Fleur, added, “I can come by the Carousel Boutique to meet you tomorrow at six. Is that okay?”

“That works for me,” Fleur said as Fluttershy noticed the slightly scary look in the Prench pony's eye of a filly waking up on Hearths Warming Day had returned, along with her own trepidation.

“Who wants to play 'pin the tail on the pony?” Pinkie yelled as soon as the record ended. The other six ponies and one dragon present moved to the picture of a tailless pony, and Fleur moved next to Rarity.

Rarity, noting Fleur's rather large smile, which she thought would have extended from ear to ear if not for her small muzzle,, asked, “I assume Fluttershy said yes?”

“Oui. She said she'll come by the boutique tomorrow at six. I can't wait!”

“I'm sure. For now, though, let's focus on the party, Okay? Pinkie might be bothered if it looks like you're distracted.”

“Okay, I'll try.”

Fluttershy, meanwhile, said to her old friend Rainbow Dash, “Fleur asked me out on a date.”

“Really? And what did you say?”

“I said yes.”

As a grin spread across her face, Rainbow said, “Good on you for not missing the chance to date a beautiful model. By the way, why didn't you ever tell me you were a fillyfooler? I mean, everyone know I'm one, myself.”

“I was scared to.”

Rainbow facehoofed, but said nothing as Applejack made the first attempt to pin the tail on the pony.

As the game progressed, word about Fluttershy's date spread amongst the other partiers, surprising all of them, though all were supportive of it, aside from Spike, who was confused about why two mares would get romantically involved with each other, though he didn't seem to have any issue with it. Twilight said to him, “I'll explain when we get back to the library.”

“Okay.”

At the end of the game, which Pinkie won, and Fleur got last in (she blamed the fact that the fake pony was at the height of the other six ponies and not her. This didn't explain why the tail had ended up over its head, though), Twilight asked the tall unicorn, “So, I heard you and Fluttershy are going on a date?”

“Oui. Tomorrow night,” the still grinning prench mare said.

“Out of curiosity, did you ask Fluttershy out, or did she ask you out?”

“I asked her out. Why?”

“So, did you give Mr. Bun back as a way to get close to her and ask her out or...?”

The grin disappreared from Fleur's face as she said, “I gave back Mr. Bun because it was a good way to befriend one of my favorite former models of all time, and I'm sure it was important to her. My asking her out was because Rarity told me she was single and I decided to take a chance. Why?”

“Curious as to why you held on to him for so long is all.”

Fleur said nothing, instead moving back towards the party. Twilight wondered how well her date with Fluttershy would go, making a mental note to ask her about it the day after tomorrow.

An hour later the festivities ended and everyone headed home. As Fleur and Rarity walked back to the boutique, the former said, “Even if things don't work out with Fluttershy, I'd love to come by every once in a while just to attend Pinkie's parties.”

“So I assume you had fun?”

“Oh, yes. I had a great time, even if I have some pink frosting in my coat and mane now.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. Rainbow has been starting cake fights at Pinkie's last few parties for some reason,” Rarity said.

“Don't worry about it. I'll just need a long shower.”

“By the way, did Fluttershy say where she was taking you?”

“Non, she just said she'd come by the boutique tomorrow at six to meet me. That's it,” Fleur said.

“Okay, then I'll let you know when she comes by.”

“Please do. And do let me know what she's wearing. I must dress appropriately for my first date with her.”

“Of course,” Rarity said.

Author's Note

I can put my author's notes at the top now? Really? *strokes chin* Hmmm...

Anyway, I intend to start the final chapter tonight, as well as catching up on where I am on "Crowns and Apples Butterflies and Lilies" since I lost track after a death in the family. Also, I'm a bit sad that I couldn't figure out a way to make Fluttershy ask Fleur out, simply because I would have gotten a more interesting reaction from Fleur.

The first date

Author's Note

Between all the events that happened in my life since I started this in September, is it any surprise that this story became much simpler and more basic than I originally intended? I actually planned for more life-changing events, but the death of my grandfather in late October (IIRC) threw a spanner in all my stories, ad I ended up simplifying to get this one to work and get back to work.

Also, I intended this chapter to cover more, but wen I saw how long it was already, and found myself struggling with it, I decided to quit while I was ahead, and pare it down somewhat.

Anyway, while this chapter does have some minor flaws IMO, I hope you enjoy it.

The first date

Fleur awoke the next morning, feeling light and refreshed. Going to the guest bathroom, she remembered why when she saw the note she had taped to the mirror: “Date tonight with Fluttershy. 6:00”.

Seeing that, she focused on making herself look completely immaculate. After all, if you get a date with one of your heroes, you must look your best. About 15 minutes later, Rarity came in and said, “Oh there you are. Hurry up or your breakfast will get cold.”

“Sorry. I got carried away. I'll be right down,” Fleur said as she fluffed her tail a bit more.

“You could make yourself pretty after breakfast. Actually, tell you what, I'll take you to the Ponyville Spa after lunch so they can make you look and feel absolutely lovely for tonight. Just come down for breakfast.”

“Fine,” Fleur said.

After heading down to the first floor, Fleur and Rarity sat down to their meal of hay waffles and apple juice. As they ate, Fleur asked, “So, how good is this spa?”

“I go there once a week with Fluttershy and always come out looking and feeling amazing. Trust me, it's quite good, especially for the money.”

Fleur took a second to consider Rarity's looks, and had to admit that she did look great, though not as great as Fluttershy, and wondered how much the spa had to do with that. Changing the subject, she asked, “So when are you going to be delivering those dresses?”

“Tomorrow. I've already sent my clients letters letting them know where I'll be to deliver them. I just wish I could get your dress done before tonight, but I ran out of royal blue fabric and I'll need to pick up some more. I didn't realize I was so low on it.”

“That's fine. I can wear one of the dresses I brought if Fluttershy comes wearing one of her own.”

On the edge of town, in a cottage full of wildlife, Fluttershy was starting her day, As she went about feeding her animals, she was reminded, via a picture of Fleur sitting on her coffee table, of her date tonight. She sat down to her breakfast and decided to see if she could get a reservation at the nicest restaurant in Ponyville: The Alimentaire de Chevaux.

After feeding her animals and herself, she set about deciding what she was going to wear, and making sure she was all brushed out and clean. Makeup would come later and would likely be minimal.

She then headed out to Sweet Apple Acres, wanting to talk to Applejack about her usual apple delivery.

It took her only a few minutes to arrive at the vast apple fields that made up Sweet Apple Acres and another minute to arrive at the farmhouse. She knocked and was greeted by Big McIntosh. She said, “Hi, Big Mac. Is Applejack up?”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac said, then into the house “AJ, it's Fluttershy.”

Applejack came to the door and said, “Oh, hi Fluttershy. What brings you here?”

“Yes. I wanted to talk about your apple delivery.”

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“No. I just need about a dozen less apples next month. Some of my critters migrated north and I haven't been able use the last of the apples you gave me,” Fluttershy said.

“Oh, sure. I can do that. Thanks for letting me know ahead of time.”

“You're welcome.”

“By the way, you have a date with that Fleur de Lis character is tonight, right?” Applejack asked.

“Yes, and I'm looking forward to it.”

“So where do you plan to take her?”

“Well, I'm planning to see if I can get a reservation at The Alimentaire de Chevaux, and hopefully not have Fleur laugh at the name of the restaurant,” Fluttershy said.

“Why would she laugh at it?”

“Because I know just enough Prench to know it means horse food.”

Applejack chuckled and said, “Oh, yeah, that is pretty funny. Still, I don't think she'll make a big deal out of it. Isn't she your biggest fan or something?”

“Yes, but I'm a bit nervous about all of this.”

“Well, I'm sure it'll all work out in the end. Have fun tonight.”

“I will, also do you want me to come by to walk Winona later?” Fluttershy asked.

“Of course. The usual time.”

After a lunch of veggie burgers, the first time Fleur had ever tried them, she and Rarity headed to the spa to freshen up, and, for Fleur, to prepare for tonight. When they entered, Rarity remembering their conversation that morning, said, “it may not be as nice as what you're used to in Canterlot, but it's still a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, trust me.”

“I'm sure it is,. Just looking at this place tells me that it's one of the nicer spas I've been in, especially compared to the ones in Manehatten. I'm not sure what it is about that place but the spas are awful.”

“I am glad you approve,” the normally silent Lotus said.

Rarity said, “So am I. Anyway, the usual for my friend and I.”

Aloe, who was obviously in a good mood, especially after she saw who the mare who complimented her spa was, got up and opened the door, letting her two clients in. Their first stop was the steam room, where Lotus poured water over the hot rocks as Rarity and Fleur conversed. Fleur asked, “So, do you have any advice for tonight?”

Rarity said, “Certainly! Anything in particular you want to know?”

“Well, I guess how I should act around Fluttershy on this date? I mean you know her far better than I do.”

“Of course. The main thing I could say is she seems to like your friendly, happy personality, so I would try to play that up.”

“I'm not sure I couldn't if I wanted to, since I'm so excited for tonight. Anything else?” Fleur asked.

“Um, well, I imagine she's going to be nervous about tonight. Sure, she knows she's your hero, but I would still go easy on her, just so she doesn't get too worked up.”

“Okay, I can do that. Anything else?”

“Um, one last thing,” Rarity said as she noticed just how close Fleur was sitting to her, “keep the touching to a minimum, especially on a first date, and no kissing on the first date either,” Rarity said.

“I knew about the kissing, but not the touching I admit. Still, I should be able to handle that.”

“Good,” Rarity said with a smile.

For a while afterward, they simply made small talk until they were getting their massages, when Rarity asked, “So why did you ask Fluttershy out on a date?”

“Um...Well, when I heard she was single I got this idea in my head. I thought I should take a chance, since the worst that could happen is she said no. Which would hurt, but I could handle it. After all, may as well take a chance and be denied than wonder what could have been.”

“I see,” Rarity said, considering her own missed opportunities.

“Actually, now that I think about it, I know somepony in Canterlot you might like. If you want, when I go back, I can get him in touch with you,” Fleur said.

“Is it Prince Blueblood? Because if it is, I will have to decline.”

“I'm not that mean. I was actually thinking of another stallion. Have you ever heard of Lock Tight?”

“No, but I assume he's a locksmith?” Rarity asked.

“Oui. Also, he's the son of one of my uncle's business partners, and a good friend of mine.”

“Well, if you're endorsing him, sure, send him my way. I'd love to meet him.”

“Excellent, I'll talk to him when I return to Canterlot,” Fleur said.

“Thanks.”

A half hour later, they were done with their spa treatment, leaving both mares feeling lovely, while leaving a couple hours before Fleur's date with Fluttershy. Outside, Rarity said, “Since we have some time before your date, why don't we work on your dress some more? It won't be ready for tonight, but maybe it'll be ready for your next date.”

“Sure. Can I get touch up my makeup first, though?”

“Of course.”

Back at the boutique, as Fleur put on her makeup, Rarity got her dress out and looked it over for signs of any mistakes, like dropped stitches. A few minutes later, Fleur came down from the guest room, and took the dress, putting it on, and letting Rarity begin her work.

As she started, Rarity asked, “So, do you still plan on wearing this on your return to Canterlot?”

“Oui. As long as it turns out as amazingly as your sketch suggests it will.”

“It will, don't worry.”

“I'll hold you to that,” Fleur said.

Rarity ignored this and focused on the dress, glad Fleur was being so good about holding still after a few of her other recent clients' fidgeting. After a while of working in silence, she asked, “So, How do you think Fancypants is going to react when he hears you got a date with your hero?”

“Well, he already knew I was a fillyfooler, though he insists on using the term lesbimare, and was rather supportive of my attempts to find another mare to date, but, on the other hoof, he seemed sure that meeting Fluttershy would not end well. So really, I'm not sure. The letter I sent him this morning did mention our date tonight, so he probably knows by now.”

“Well, lesbimare is the polite term for it, I generally only hear fillyfooler used in an insulting context. Also why did he think your meeting Fluttershy would end badly?”

“I don't rightly know. All he said was never meet your heroes, they will always disappoint you,” Fleur said.

“Maybe he was burned when he met his own heroes. I know that's happened to me once or twice.”

“Maybe. He actually hasn't told me much about his past.”

“Maybe you should ask him about it,” Rarity said.

“Maybe I should. I do kind of wonder how he became so important after all.”

Silence descended over the pair again, as Rarity worked on a difficult part of the dress. After a long stretch, Fleur asked, “What time is it?”

“About five fifteen. We still have some time before Fluttershy is supposed to arrive.”

It was almost time for Fluttershy to head to Rarity's and she was checking to make sure all of her animals had been fed after putting on her dress. She topped off the mice's food and got and a few extra fish for the weasels, before being satisfied that all were well fed, being careful not to ruin her dress. She headed up to the bathroom to look herself over before leaving. After making sure she looked perfect, she left the house and headed for Rarity's, flying all the way to keep her dress clean.

A few minutes later, and 15 minutes early, Fluttershy knocked at Rarity's front door, and Rarity said, “That must be her.”

Fleur then disappeared, partly completed dress and all in a flash of light, teleporting quietly to the guest room, just as planned. Rarity then opened the front door. “Oh, hi Fluttershy. You're here to meet Fleur, right?”

“Yes. Is she here?”

“Yes, she was getting ready last I saw. I don't think she was expecting you this early, though. I'll go get her. Feel free to make yourself at home in the meantime.”

“Thank you,” Fluttershy said, entering the boutique and sitting down on a nearby cushion.

Quietly cursing her inability to teleport like Twilight and Fleur, Rarity made her way up to the second story, and knocked on the guest bedroom's door, saying, “Fleur, Fluttershy's here.”

Fleur called, “Just a minute!” before opening the door and asking, “Is she wearing anything?”

“Remember the dress she wore the first day you arrived?”

“Of course, how could I forget? That's what she's wearing?”

“Yes, that the one,” Rarity said.

“Excellent. I have the perfect dress in mind, then. Just give me a minute to put it on.”

“Of course. Take your time.”

A few minutes later, Fleur came out, wearing a surprisingly simple light blue dress, and looking over Fluttershy's own choice of clothes. “Bon, I'm not outdoing you.”

“Bon?” Rarity asked.

“Good in Prench. So shall we head out, Fluttershy?”

“Of course,” Fluttershy said, making her way to the front door. Fleur followed her, and Rarity noticed that the taller unicorn's eyes seemed to be firmly locked on a certain (covered) part of Fluttershy's anatomy.

Actually what Fleur was focusing on, or so she insists, was the back of Fluttershy's head as she was following her. Once they were out the door, she picked up her pace to get next to Fluttershy, and asked, “So where are we going?”

“The Alimentaire de Chevaux,” Fluttershy said, doing her best not to cringe.

“The Alimentaire de Chevaux...did someone have a bad sense of humor? Because you know what that means right?”

“Yes, but even though the name is silly, the restaurant is actually pretty nice.”

Fleur didn't say anything in response, instead electing to wait and see how silly this restaurant would be.

After a few seconds of silence, Fluttershy, obviously a bit uncomfortable, asked, “um, if you don't mind me asking, why did you ask me out?”

“Rarity asked me that earlier actually, though it is a fair question. The reason I asked you out was because I heard you were single and I decided to take a chance on you being willing to date a unicorn mare. Also, I'm curious. Why did you say agree to a date?”

“Because you've been so nice to me and you were the one to give Mr. Bun back to me and I didn't want to make you feel bad.”

“Saying no wouldn't have made me feel bad. Honestly, I was halfway convinced you were going to turn me down,” Fleur said.

“You were? Why?” Fluttershy asked, turning down the street with the restaurant at the far end.

“Because I didn't know if you had any romantic interest in mares, and even if you did, I didn't really expect you to have any interest in me in particular. Obviously you did, though.”

Fluttershy didn't respond, but she did quietly wonder why Fleur would think she wouldn't be interested. Sure I had my eye on Rainbow, but Fleur gave me Mr. Bun back and has been so nice to me, why would I turn her down? A minute later, she stopped and said, “Here we are, the Alimentaire de Chevaux.”

Fleur looked at the restaurant, thinking, Hmm, not the nicest restaurant I've ever seen, but it is far nicer than I thought a restaurant in a small town like Ponyville would have, while giving an approving nod for Fluttershy's benefit.

They went inside, an Fluttershy said to the Miatre d', “Um, I have a reservation for two at six. Should be under Fluttershy.”

The Maitre d', obviously trying not to look like he was staring at Fleur (and, judging by Fleur's eye roll, failing miserably), looked over the reservations and said, “Ah yes, here we are. Please follow me,” while gesturing with his forehoof.

He led them to a table for two by a large window and, after they sat down, presented them with menus before asking, “Now may I get you two anything to drink?”

“A glass of red wine for me,” Fleur said.

“Apple cider, please, if you have any,” Fluttershy said.

The waiter wrote this down in his notepad and trotted off. After he disappeared from sight, Fleur said, “You weren't lying when you said the restaurant was fairly nice. I like it. Even if it isn't like those in Canterlot, it's far better than I expected from the name.”

“It is the nicest restaurant in town.”

“I can tell. Anyway, what are you going to have?”

“Um...I was thinking the tomato tulip soup with breadsticks,” Fluttershy said.

“That sounds delicious, though I have to admit I'm not a fan of tulips.”

“And what are you getting?”

“Uh...” Fleur said, looking down at the menu again. “The ratatouille looks good.”

Flutterahy nodded and looked back down at her own menu, waiting for the waiter to return with their drinks. A moment later he did so, before asking, “Are you ready to order?”

“Oh, yes,” Fleur said. “I will have the ratatouille, s'il vous plait.”

“Of course, and you, mademoiselle?” the waiter said to Fluttershy.

“Um. The tomato tulip soup with breadsticks, please.”

“One ratatouille and one order of tomato tulip soup with breadsticks. Okay. I will bring your meals out as soon as they're ready.”

“Merci,” Fleur said.

As the waiter walked away, Fleur asked her date, “So I was wondering, how did you find your talent for animals? Rarity mentioned you grew up in Cloudsdale, and I don't recall many animals that high up.”

“Well, um, I met all the animals after I fell from Cloudsdale,” Fluttershy explained, wondering is she really going to believe this?

“You fell from Cloudsdale? How does that happen?”

Fluttershy told the tale of how she was being defended from bullies by Rainbow Dash, internally cringing at the memory, and how she fell from Cloudsdale after starting the race the blue speedster was running. She then described how she was saved by butterflies and met all the animals on the ground. Fleur seemed almost disbelieving at first, before her expression softened and she said, “That is one of the more out there things I've heard, I admit.”

“It's true. You can ask Rainbow if you don't believe me.”

“I didn't say I didn't believe you, I just said that it was one of the more unusual things I've heard.”

“Oh,” was all Fluttershy said. Judging by the long swig of cider she took right afterward, Fleur guessed she was a bit uncomfortable and decided to help her calm down.

She took a minute to get her thoughts in order then said, “Before I forget again, I'd been meaning to ask you how you always manage to look so amazing all the time. I don't think I've ever seen you look bad even during my visit here.”

Fluttershy seemed to guess what Fleur was up to, but still visibly relaxed, and Fleur smiled a bit internally. Still it took her a second to speak, and it was to say, “Um, it just stays this way most of the time, even when Rainbow Dash dragged me out of bed to get cider with her once it was just like this. And if it ever does get messy, my animals and Rarity are happy to help straighten it out. And I don't think I've ever seen you look anything but lovely yourself.”

“Thank you for thinking so, but I do have magic to help me out. I can just cast a simple spell to keep my mane in place before I go to bed and never have problems with it again. I was at a loss for how you did it, since you don't seem to have unicorn magic. Unless you're secretly an alicorn?” Fleur said with a chuckle.

Temporarily preventing further conversation was the arrival of their food. The waiter asked, “the ratatouille?”

“That would be mine,” Fleur said.

The waiter placed the dishes and bow in front of their respective owners and said, “enjoy your meal,” before leaving.

Fleur gave him a quick thanks before turning back to her date and asking, “Can I steal one of your breadsticks?”

Fluttershy passed one over, and watched Fleur take a big bite of it, as she said in a slightly hesitant tone, “I still can't believe that one of Equestria's top models would want anything to do with somepony like me, let alone give me back one of my prized possessions and ask to go out with me.”

“Why is that? You were Equestria's top model once upon a time, back when I was basically a nobody, who happened to be fascinated by you.”

“Um, because you're so amazingly famous and beautiful, and I kind of imagined you being...stuck up and snobby like some of the models I met.”

“I can see that, unfortunately. I have to work with those same models you describe, and I can see how the perception they bring would skew your views towards me. By the way, was it some or most?” Fleur asked, spearing a piece of eggplant on her fork.

“...Most.”

“That sounds more like what I've dealt with,” Fleur said with a sardonic smile.

They spent the next half hour talking about various things and overall getting to know each other better before they finished their food and the bill came. Fleur paid most of it, though Fluttershy insisted on paying for at least part of it, despite being on a much smaller budget.

On the way out, Fleur said, “That was fun. we should do it again soon.”

“We should,” Fluttershy said, “does next week sound good?”

“That sounds perfect. I think I can set something up for us in Canterlot, if you don't mind going.”

“That sounds nice, actually. I'd love to go.”