Flarity Group Collab

Chapters

Preening - Jondor
Lace - Karrakaz
Acrophobia - Mercgilado
Forecast - Esle Ynopemos
Chickens - Karrakaz
Homage - Dianwei32
Limits - Karrakaz
Dirt - Dianwei32
Nerves - Karrakaz
Hoedown - Dianwei32
Infinite - Jondor
Alone - Aurora
Savior - Southpaw
Betrayal - Squinty Mudmane
Airship - Karrakaz
Seasons - Karrakaz
Pregnant - Aurora
Picnic - Jondor
Gemstone - Karrakaz
Pride - The Princess Rarity
Sunshine - Dianwei32
Moonlight - Karrakaz
Debut - Karrakaz
Accessible - Anonymule
Gone too soon - Karrakaz
Shooting for the Stars - Jondor
Shooting for the Stars (2) - Red Rover
Mother - The Princess Rarity
Festival - Karrakaz
The Wrong Impression - Jondor
Wilderness - Karrakaz
Double Date Disaster - Steel Resolve
Confession - Karrakaz
On the run - Jondor
Coconut - ???
Hearth's Warming - Karrakaz
Chaperone - FierceRainbow
Secret - Karrakaz
Under Pressure - Mercury Gilado
Spell - Dianwei32
Choice - Mercury Gilado
Straight and Narrow - Dianwei32
Cozy - Squinty Mudmane
Boastful - RariShyZealot
Here For You - Karrakaz
Revival - Squinty Mudmane
Ferocity - Dr.Fayz
Wingmare - RariShyZealot
Pet-names - Karrakaz
Failure to Communicate - Monochromatic
Overwhelmed - Karrakaz
Deadline - RariShyZealot
Impoverished - Jondor
Teddybears - Jake R
Difficulties - Steel Resolve
Singular - Dianwei32
Anticipation - Steel Resolve
From Afar - Esle Ynopemos
Pregnant (2) - Dianwei32
MIssing You - Dianwei32
Fairytale - Anonymule
Wedding Bells - Doctor Pony
Sea - Steel Resolve
Music - BLUEBELLCAT

Preening - Jondor

Written by: Jondor

“Rainbow Dash, may I speak with you?” Rarity addressed a particular cloud which seemed to have sprouted a multi-colored tail.

“You are speaking to me,” a scratchy voice replied. The tail quivered.

“Yes, I suppose. Fine, may I ask you a question?”

“You just did, twice.” The voice seemed to be trying with little success not to laugh, the tail twitching in time with the stifled chortles.

Rarity’s eye twitched.

“Hahahaha! Only messing with you!” Dash slid off the cloud, spreading her wings and drifting to the ground in a lazy spiral. “What’s up? It’s not some sort of fashion thing, is it?”

“Not today, darling.” Rarity sighed. “It’s about Fluttershy. She’s been acting very oddly, but I can’t for the life of me figure out why.”

“And, you thought you’d ask me instead of her?” Dash raised an eyebrow.

“I have asked her, darling. She won’t say what’s wrong; she keeps avoiding the subject. I’m sure you know how hard it is to get information from her when she doesn’t wish to speak.”

“Yeah, that sounds like her.” Dash nodded with a frown.

“What’s especially odd is that she’s been flying more often than usual.” Rarity’s gaze drifted to the sky, as if Fluttershy might drift by at any moment. “Right now, she’s out flying around Ponyville with several of the birds under her care. That’s not exactly unusual in itself, but lately she’s been going out for a flight once a day rather than once a week.” Rarity turned back to Dash. “Do you have any ideas, darling?”

Dash blinked twice and put a hoof to her muzzle.

“Yeah, I think I know what’s wrong.” A few moments of silence passed by uncomfortably. “It’s a pegasus thing. She’s using her wings because she wants to be preened.”

“Oh,” came Rarity’s most elegant response. “Well, can’t you?...” Rarity trailed off at the look Dash gave her.

“No, I can’t.” Dash sighed. “Look, you don’t have wings, so I’ll have to explain a bit. There’s different kinds of preening. There’s the basic stuff, what they teach you as a foal at flight camp. Kid stuff.” Dash twitched her wings unconsciously. “Then there’s a more thorough preening, the kind of thing you’d ask a close friend or a family member to help with. That might be what she’s after, but...”

“But?” Rarity raised an eyebrow.

“But, there’s another kind of preening.” Dash fidgeted. “The kind where you’d better be near a bed.”

Both ponies just stared uncomfortably at each other for a bit as the silence dragged on.

“Alright look, Fluttershy’s my friend, I want her to be happy as much as you do.” Dash looked pointedly at the ground rather than meet Rarity’s eye. “If we go back to the boutique and close all the windows, I’ll teach you some basic flight school stuff, enough to make sure you won’t hurt her.” Dash stood and walked a few paces before she stopped and turned to look at Rarity. “Just don’t tell her where you learned, okay?”

Rarity nodded in agreement.

Lace - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

I shift uncomfortably, feeling your eyes on me doesn’t help in the slightest.

“Rarity... you’re staring again.”

You shake your head and show me an embarrassed smile. “Terribly sorry, darling. I was just thinking about...” It’s like you don’t even know that you’re licking your lips. “...About what to do next.”

“Uhm...” I balance on the edge of the small platform precariously trying to keep myself from falling off. The lace lingerie is snug, but unfortunately my wings seem determined to make me look like a fool.

This was a bad idea.

“No!” I shake my head trying to get rid of the thought, which almost costs me my balance.

“Sorry, darling, did you say something?” Your breath hits my left wing and it takes all of my willpower not to run off and hide under something.

“Uhm... y-yes. Why—” Please don’t mess this up. “—Why did you need me, exactly?”

“Why, because lace looks marvelous on you, dear.” Your reply comes without missing a beat and once again I wish I could be more like you. At least, I’d know what to do then.

“—ilight whose material is is silk, and you; well, anything looks good on you.”

Something cold and flexible hits my barrel and I squeak. Without my consent my wings flare up, tearing the lace lingerie, and making my center of gravity shift. I land on the floor of your boutique in an unceremonious heap.

Stupid Clutzershy.

“Fluttershy? Are you alright, darling? The concern in your voice is like a balm, it’s just the wrong kind.

“I’ll be...” I need to swallow the lump in my throat otherwise you’ll never hear me. “...fine,” I say after doing just that.

Tears are threatening, demanding I find someplace private or they’ll start running right now.

I suppress a sniffle.

Your magic helps me to my hooves, but I keep my eyes on the floor. You don’t need to see me looking pathetic... again.

“Darling...” Your hooves find my cheeks and lift my head. I couldn’t stop you, even if I wanted to.

Looking at your face when I’m feeling like this is torture, especially your eyes which I could lose myself in. I probably have...

You give me a small smile and lean your forehead against mine. “Shhh... shhhh, don’t cry, dear. You’re doing great.”

I don’t know where it comes from, but there’s something that’s pushing me forward, making me do what I’ve never been able to do before. I move forward in slow motion, looking into your kind eyes as I tilt my head backward, and one of my wings makes sure you stay where you are.

When our lips meet, it’s nothing like a romance novel. There’s no fireworks going off in my head, no special feeling of finally being complete.

It just feels... nice.

Acrophobia - Mercgilado

Written by: Mercgilado

The duo finally reached the end of the Slap-Happy Bush. The Princess had warned that Wunder-Land was a bizarre place, but Fluttershy could never in a million years expected this outcome. The guide at the entrance said that the plants slapped anything that was pink or born on a Wednesday. Naturally, the plants zeroed in on her butt, or rather her pink cutie mark. Fortunately, Rarity was too busy slaying the plants in order to preserve her favorite pink sunhat to notice Fluttershy's 'reaction'.

Rarity, sweet sweet Rarity. She was finally alone with her love, but she still didn't have the guts to share their first kiss. The mare herself was covered in plant ooze, and wiping off the remnants with her pretty blue magic.

“This soooo horrid, Fluttershy. This Wunder-Land place has been nothing but a nightmare!” She plopped on the ground. “And those perverse plants took my saddlebags! Now we are going to starve!”

Fluttershy's heart broke. Demure Rarity, crying right in front of her. She would be a horrible marefriend if she let this go on. Scanning the clearing, she saw a group of toadstools growing on a rock.

“Here, my lo-Rarity!” With a mighty, or rather mediocre, flap of her wings, she closed in on the curious caps. She reach in with her dextrous wing, and plucked on off. “I found this mushroom. Y-you used a lot of energy protecting us, so y-you should eat, to keep your strenght.”

Rarity's eyes twinkled for a moment, until 'mushroom came up. Her stomach gnawed at her, so she caved in. “This smelly old thing that grew on a rock in the dark, and I must eat it. Although, mushrooms are a delicacy in some countries.” Fluttershy nodded furiously. “If I must...” Rarity muttered.

She ate it in one bite.

“Mmm... this tastes divine!” She paused for a moment. Then, the sound of rolling thunder came from her stomach. “F-Fluttershy, you're sure that that was safe for consumption, right?”

“Um... n-n-n-no?”

“FLUTTERSHY!” Rarity's cry slowly faded, as her legs sprouted to titanic heights.

“Rarity! I'm so sorry!” Fluttershy's eyes stung with shame. How could this have happened?

“Fluttershy! It's so high! I-I-I'm going to die! I'm a freak! Hey, is that Ponyville?” Rarity's anguished cried needled Fluttershy's heart like a quack-upuncturist.

“I've got to atone for this crime against Rarity,” Fluttershy said firmly. She looked to the rock with determination. Until Rarity crushed it underhoof.

“Ouch! Dumb rock!”

There was only one way. There must be spores are Rarity's face, right? Her face flushed red at the thought.

“I'm coming, Rarity!” she cried like a warrior, fluttering to Rarity's height like a butterfly.

“Fluttershy! I feel like I'm falling, why won't I fall! Why-” she was silenced with a kiss. Fluttershy's toungue lapped inside her mouth for the spores. Or so she said after the fact.

Fluttershy's legs too grew titanically.

“I'm sorry Rarity. I'll support you from here, until the others find us.” She looked down at the great height. “Rarity! I'm going to fall!”

“You're dragging me down! Fluttershy!”

“Rarity!”

They were found later, leaning on each other for balance. And so Dash found her favorite story to tell at Pinkie's parties.

Forecast - Esle Ynopemos

Written by: Esle Ynopemos

Today's spa date had been wonderful.

So wonderful, in fact, that Fluttershy and Rarity could not bear parting company just yet, so they had walked together to Fluttershy's home and had lunch together. Lunch had been lovely, and stretched into afternoon tea. Tea had become a nice walk through Whitetail woods, which, by the time they returned, had become so late that they may as well fix dinner together as well.

All told, the sun had already sunk beneath the horizon by the time Rarity sipped the last of her wineglass—since such a fine meal deserved to have a nice glass of wine after to settle down with. A deeply content sigh rolled out of her as she set the empty vessel down on the table. “That was lovely, darling.”

Fluttershy, perched on a chair opposite the table from her, nodded her head. She still nursed the last few drops in her glass, savoring them as though the world would end once her wineglass was empty. “I had a good time,” she agreed.

Rarity stared at her friend and smiled. How long had that beautiful blush been there on her cheeks? Had it been there during their afternoon walk? Rarity couldn't be certain, and she realized the same went for the trace of heat lighting her own face as well.

Slowly, lethargically, Rarity rose to her hooves. “Ah, but I really should get back home. It's...” She glanced at the clock on the wall, and a giggle sprouted from her. “Oh, goodness, it's seven hours past when I intended to return!”

“Oh. Okay...” Fluttershy frowned into her glass.

Rarity tilted her head. “Is something the matter, darling?”

Fluttershy put a quick grin on her face. “No, of course not, Rarity. You probably should go home.” Her eyes flickered to the red drops in her glass and back to her friend. The grin faded. “It's just...”

“Just what?” Rarity blinked.

Fluttershy chewed her lip. “Well, I heard it was supposed to rain tonight.”

“Is it?” Rarity tapped her hoof on her chin. “I must admit, I don't remember the forecast for this week.”

“Oh yes.” Fluttershy nodded. “It's supposed to be a downpour, Rainbow Dash said. And, um... I know you didn't bring your umbrella. I'd hate for you to ruin your mane just because I kept you here too late and you got caught in the rain.”

“Hmm.” A sly smile slowly spread across Rarity's lips. “I would hate to impose, dear, but do you suppose it might be better if I wait out the storm here?”

Fluttershy's eyes shined. “I think that's a wonderful idea!”

On the wall, plainly visible to anypony with eyes, there hung a weather calendar. The whole week was marked for clear skies.

Chickens - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

“Chicken!” “Chicken!” “Pekawk!”

Rarity had been plagued with indecision since it had started. A get together which should have set a great example of how much fun slumber parties could be, had turned into a gloating match over the fear of the weakest member in class.

The unicorn herself had never really enjoyed playing ‘spin the bottle’. Too many unwashed colts and even a few fillies were too keen on getting to kiss her. She had been spared this time, at the cost of Fluttershy becoming the focus of the class.

It was difficult, watching the timid pegasus scramble into corner of the room.
It was hard watching her hide behind her mane, like it would shield her from the insults being hurled her way.
It was painful to see the forlorn expression on her petite face.
It was too much to see the tears silently roll down her cheeks.

“Enough!”

The entire class fell silent. It took Rarity a moment before realising that she was the one that had shouted. Normally she loved being the center of attention, but right now with the entire group of colts and fillies looking at her with gaping mouths made her feel self conscious.

Being popular in school made things easy. Forgot your homework? Ask somepony for the answers. Late to school? A classmate would often cover for you. Detention? When the teachers liked you, it was usually a lot shorter than what it should be.

After what she was about to, the reputation she had been so carefully building for herself would likely be destroyed. Even so, she couldn’t watch another second of this cruel display.

She took a deep breath and steeled herself. “Leave her alone. So she doesn’t want to kiss Cloud Kicker, so what? I wouldn’t either.”

A filly giggled but was quickly silenced by the stares of the rest of the group. Cloud Kicker was one of those popular fillies and everypony in the school wanted to remain in her good graces.

A quartet of colts sneered at her. “Protecting your marefriend now, Rarity?”

“Filly foolers, filly foolers, filly foolers!” the group started chanting, making Fluttershy cry hard enough for her sobs to become audible.

With a few steps Rarity positioned herself in between the cowering pegasus and the group of young ponies bullying her. The words hurt, but never as much as watching bad things happen to good ponies.

“So what if I am? At least I know what I like,” She shouted defiantly, though the group ignored her.

“So much for hospitality,” Rarity said. It had been a few hours since they had left the slumber party, but not before Rarity had gotten into a fight with several ponies who would be sporting bruises for the coming weeks. Served them right for trying to attack a brown belt karaneigh student.

“Uhm...”

Rarity had gotten a hoofkerchief out of her saddlebags and dipped it into the fountain, using it to dab at the pegasus’ face to remove evidence of crying; it didn’t suit her at all. “What is it, darling?”

“I—I...” Fluttershy hid behind her mane. “I just wanted to say, ‘thank you.”

Rarity smiled. “You’re quite welcome darling.”

She got a smile from Fluttershy which made losing her reputation with those idiots totally worth it. “Tell me, dear, how would you feel about having a slumber party at my house? Just the two of us?”

Fluttershy nodded.

Rarity put away the hoofkerchief and turned around. “Excellent! Follow me then.”

Homage - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

“She’s here, Lady Rarity.”

I look down at the bowing guard, a satisfied smile tugging at my lips. He’s only been a guard for a week, but he seems like he’s been here for ages. I’ll have to remember to commend Captain Strict on his training.

“Thank you. Please, send her in.” I nod appreciatively as the guard snaps a salute and trots back toward the doors at the far end of the hall. I sit up straighter, making minute adjustments to my dress with my magic. A wry smirk dances across my lips for a brief moment. It’s taken nearly a month, but she’s finally here; The Northern Beauty. Rumor has it that she’s the most beautiful mare in Equestria, though I find that hard to believe with her being one of those barbaric pegasi.

The doors open again and a waterfall of pink mane slowly pokes through the opening, followed shortly by the rest of her. My mouth twitches up in a smug grin for an instant as I realize that I was right. While she certainly has the body type to potentially be... attractive, she hides it under a hideously misshapen dress, one that appears to homemade out of some roughly spun cotton. She keeps her head low as she approaches, causing her mane to cover her eyes and drag on the floor.

“Y-you, um, w-wanted to s-see me, my lady?”

My ear twitches. Once again, her voice possesses the potential to be melodious, angelic even, but it is wasted in stammering mumbles. Her eyes remain fixed on the floor, however.

“Indeed I did.” I stand, taking care not to disturb the flowing skirt of my dress. I carefully descend the steps, and she cowers at my approach. “You need not fear me, my dear. I merely wished to meet you after hearing so much about you.” I stop several paces from her, but she is practically flat against the ground. I smile warmly, even though I doubt she can see it. “Tell me, what is your name?”

“It’s Fluttershy.”

Her response is barely audible and trails off into a frightened squeak. I close the rest of the distance between us and notice my guards tense at how close I come to her. I wave off their concerns with a hoof, then reach down and gently lift Fluttershy’s chin. I can feel her flinch at the touch, but she doesn’t shy away.

“Please, stand. I promise that—” The rest of my thought scatters to the aether and my breath catches in my throat. She has the most breathtakingly beautiful eyes I have ever seen. They dart back and forth between my own, a trace of worry growing in them while I cannot help but stare. After a few moments, she speaks.

“M-my l-lady?”

That lovely voice finally snaps me from my trance. I smile and gently pull her up from the floor.

“My dear Fluttershy, how would you like to become my personal hoofmaiden?”

Limits - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

Limits.

Everypony’s got ‘em. I push mine, trying to be better today than I was yesterday, and better tomorrow than I am today. But I never thought I would cross this line.

They say anything goes in love and war, but what do you do when your crush is in love with one of your best friends? I did something I’d dreamed about... just not quite like this.

“Please, Rainbow?”

Rainbow Dash was angry, upset, hurt, in pain, sad. All those things and more, and all because of a simple question her best friend had asked of her.

“She’s so refined,” Fluttershy said with a soft sigh. “She must have had a thousand kisses, and I just... I don’t want to disappoint her.”

Dash blinked a few times, swallowing her hurt; Fluttershy needed her help. “I— I... Why... Of course I’ll help, ‘Shy.” She was encased by a powerful flutterhug and awkwardly patted her friend’s mane.

“Oh, thank you so much, Rainbow Dash.”

“Ye—” Dash cleared her throat uncomfortably, swallowing the bile it was throwing up. “Yeah, no problem.”

She steeled herself for what she was about to do. Fluttershy couldn’t know what she felt or it would ruin everything. With uncharacteristic patience she waited for Fluttershy to let go before loosening herself up and finally puckering her lips.

The wait was excruciating and after a minute of nothing happening she opened one eye, only to find Fluttershy hiding behind her mane.

Well, at least you get to kiss her she thought to herself.

She scooted closer and gently pushed Fluttershy’s hair back behind and ear with one of her hooves.

Fluttershy made a noise that sounded like a cross between a mouse and a drown victim but didn’t move.

Stars above, she’s so beautiful...

Dash leaned forward and kissed Fluttershy on the lips, pulling the shocked mare forward with her hooves so she wouldn't shy away.

Fluttershy melted into the kiss. Leaning into it a few precious seconds after Dash tried to break it. Dash cleared her throat again; she didn’t know how long she could keep this up so she was going to have to make it quick. “So... yeah, if you kiss Rarity, you should try to... uhm... take... the love you feel for her and put that emotion into the kiss. I guarantee you that she’ll feel it.”

Fluttershy nodded with a bright smile, completely oblivious to the turmoil her friend was experiencing. “Okay, I will. What next?”

Dash needed a way out, it was too much. “Well... Don’t just stick to one kiss. If you want her to know that you really love her, you should go for at least six.”

Fluttershy was beginning to wish she’d brought a notepad. “Uhh... okay, but shouldn’t we practice a few more tim—” She was cut off when Dash kissed her again. It was only a short kiss, lasting no more than a second; but full of passion like the pegasus herself.

When Dash pulled back she was out of breath. She turned away, another kiss would be too much.

“I’m— I’m sorry, ‘Shy. J—just remembered I have some important stuff to do,” She said quickly, trying to preempt the emotions which threatened to close up her throat. “You should be fine, though. Rarity is going to love you just as much as you love her.”

She tried to resist, but couldn’t stop herself from stealing one last kiss from her timid friend before rocketing off into the sky; leaving a thoroughly confused Fluttershy in the middle of the practice field.

“Uhm... thank you!” Fluttershy called out; not that Dash would hear it.

She got to her hooves and fluttered down the path to the spa in joy. Today was the day she was going to show Rarity how she felt. Rainbow Dash was truly a great friend. She had helped out with something difficult and hadn’t complained once.

Dirt - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

“Please, sir, I implore you not to run that photograph.” Rarity batted her eyes at him, summoning all of her feminine wiles.

“You kiddin’ me?” The stallion waved the photo. “This picture is worth big bits. Equestria’s most famous model kissing her marefriend? Who’s a fashion designer at that?” He tucked the photo into his saddle bag, along with his camera. “I know guys who’d give their right hoof for this picture.”

Rarity glanced back over her shoulder to the table where Fluttershy was still seated. Her marefriend was slumped over in defeat, on the verge of breaking into tears. “Look at what you’ve done to her. She hated being a model, and that picture—” She pointed a hoof at the ponyrazzi’s saddle bag. “—is going to bring every journalist, photographer, and newspony from here to Manehattan swooping in to find her again.”

The stallion looked back at Fluttershy for a moment, then shrugged. “Sorry, lady, but this is just too big of a story to pass up.”

Rarity changed tactics. “Surely there must be something that I can do to change your mind.” She batted her eyes again and reached up, running a hoof along his jaw.

His eyes darted back to her flank for an instant and he grinned, stepping closer to her. “Maybe there is something...”

Rarity smiled and walked past him, flicking her tail so that it brushed his nose. She headed deeper into the alley he had been hiding in, listening to the sound of him following.

A few minutes later, Rarity walked out of the alley, the ponyrazzi’s photo and camera floating alongside her. With a thought, the photo tore itself into dozens of pieces, and the camera opened up, film spilling out and being ruined by the sunlight. Satisfied that all traces of the evidence had been destroyed, she dumped the camera and bits of photo into a trash can and rejoined Fluttershy.

From deeper in the alley, a pained groan floated out of one of the dumpsters, and a hoof briefly lifted the lid before letting it clang shut again.

Nerves - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

Where Fluttershy got her stamina from, Rarity would never know.

The pegasus was flitting about, nuzzling passing woodland creatures and joining the birds in their morning song. Rarity didn’t feel inclined to join in. Actually, all she felt inclined to do was lay down and quite possibly pass out. Every fibre of her being was exhausted; her nerves felt numb, her lungs fought for every breath of air, and she was sure she could feel bruising on her horn.

When she agreed to join her marefriend for a walk through Highwind Pass, she had imagined a relaxing stroll through hilly landscape. They would take in the sights and smells. Perhaps even settle down for a romantic picnic when the mood struck them.

Instead she’d gotten a four hour canter up the side of the second biggest mountain she had ever seen, followed by another three hours trotting through the woods. The nerves in her hooves were rebelling; threatening to go on strike and leave her stranded in this wilderness without so much as a chaisé lounge. Only the promise of ‘the most wonderful thing you will ever experience’ she had gotten from Fluttershy kept her going.

“How...how much farther darling?” she panted, hanging her head and dropping into a wider stance which provided some respite for her aching muscles.

The pegasus turned around with a twin pair of raised eyebrows, as if she had forgotten Rarity was even there with her. “Oh... Not long now, Rarity.”

Fluttershy had undergone a transformation about halfway into the trip. She went from her usual meek and timid self to a confident and surprisingly flirty mare. Rarity was reminded of that fact when Fluttershy darted closer and stole a kiss from her lips, which set every nerve in Rarity’s body on fire.

Fluttershy’s sweet giggle at the flushed stammering she was trying to pass off for speech granted her a second wind. Rarity watched her marefriend float off into the distance before giving chase.

She focused solely on catching up with her marefriend. Moving faster and faster, weaving through the densely packed forest, jumping over fallen logs and through a line of ferns she had seen Fluttershy disappear into.

When she broke through on the other side, her surroundings took her breath away. She was looking right at a solid stone wall from which a small stream flowed to a large stone basin. On the other three sides the trees bent inwards to form a protective cocoon around the haven, leaving only a small gap through which light could enter. Wisps of steam rose from the water in the basin, indicating the presence of some underground spring. And in the midst of it all was Fluttershy, wet from having taken a dive into the pool and with a smile that said “Let Fluttershy take care of you.”

“Surprise...” the pegasus said in a stage whisper, which made Rarity’s knees go weak. Unfortunately, her nerves agreed with her knees and she sank to the floor; completely exhausted.

She wanted to laugh at herself and the pitiful sight she must’ve presented, “Oh dear...uhm... Fluttershy, darling? Could you?”

Before she could finish her sentence a pair of yellow hooves embraced her and pulled her into the steaming water which felt divine.

“Would you like a massage, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, batting her eyes.

Rarity sighed lightly and melted against her marefriend. “That sounds wonderful, dear.”

Hoedown - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

Rarity stood in the corner of the barn, a mostly full mug of cider clutched in a hoof. Normally, she would prefer a nice glass of wine, but cider was the only drink available at this particular... soirée. She wrinkled her nose, it felt wrong to use that word to describe this event, but she couldn’t bring herself to use the barbaric term everypony else seemed so keen on using.

A hoedown.

She took a sip of cider to wash the taste of that word from her mouth, then looked back out to the ‘dance floor.’ Her friends all seemed to be enjoying themselves, even Fluttershy was awkwardly shuffling her hooves near the edge of the floor. Though, she did seem to be closer to the wall than anypony else that was dancing.

Rarity couldn’t blame her. Along with their friends, a number of Applejack’s closest relatives—geographically close, anyway, since not even Twilight could untangle the twisted mass of limbs that was the Apple family tree—had come to town for the... party. Fluttershy was nervous enough around ponies she knew well, and nearly catatonic around ones she didn’t.

Rarity took another drink, longer this time, and had to take a small step back to avoid stumbling over something. Looking down between her legs, she searched for whatever had nearly tripped her, but found nothing under her hooves but hay. Shrugging, she went back to her full mug of cider and took a long pull from it. When she lowered it again, her eyes drifted back to Fluttershy, though, it took her a couple tries to lock on to her.

It wasn’t fair. Rarity tried so hard on her appearance, yet Fluttershy outshone her without even wanting to. Somehow, that adorable little pegasus could even make awkward shuffling look cute. Rarity dared not even think about their spa trips and the way Fluttershy looked after some time in the sauna; the way her wet mane fell down her neck and across her shoulders, and how her coat glistened with—

Rarity shook her head to dislodge the image, spilling a few precious drops of cider from her full mug. Locking her gaze back onto Fluttershy, she made a choice. Lifting her mug to her lips, she drained the whole thing in one motion, then dropped it onto a bale of hay. Swerving back and forth a bit, she marched across the barn and up to Fluttershy, who looked up and smiled, a few pieces of hay stuck in her mane.

“Oh, hello, Rar—” Fluttershy’s words were cut off as Rarity pressed their lips together in a kiss. Fluttershy panicked for a moment, then melted into it, parting her lips just slightly when she felt the other mare’s tongue probing at them. They stepped and stumbled back toward a darkened corner of the barn, never breaking the kiss.

Out on the dance floor, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie stared as the two mares disappeared into the shadows. Pinkie reached over and gently closed Dash’s hanging jaw, a huge grin on her face.

“Uh, Pinks?” Rainbow turned to face her fellow prankster, uncharacteristically unsure of herself. “I think we might have gone a little too far with refilling Rare’s drink while she wasn’t looking.”

Infinite - Jondor

Written by: Jondor

Rarity was dead.

She knew she was dead from the instant she pushed off from the ground and put herself in the path of the runaway cart. She didn’t want to die, but it had to be done.

Time had stopped for her in that one instant. She could still feel the weight of the wheel crushing her into the pavement. Though, it was odd that she couldn’t feel the pavement.

Soon enough, all the pain was gone. In fact, all feeling was gone from her body. She supposed dying was like that. Though she wondered why she was still thinking.

Perhaps there was something to the notion of an afterlife. It was clearly not a world of touch, but she had other senses; it couldn’t hurt to try. She opened her eyes.

Rarity found herself floating in an infinite starry void. In the inky blackness, her white coat shone brilliant as a star, though there was nothing to illuminate with her radiant light.

“Hello?” The sound of her quavering voice echoed, though there was nothing for it to echo from.

“Congratulations, my little pony.” As her warm voice spoke the words, Celestia herself faded into view before Rarity’s eyes.

“Princess Celestia? Am I dead?”

“Of course not, Rarity. You did come very close, but you are quite safe now.” Celestia smiled wide as she dipped her head to give Rarity a reassuring nuzzle.

“But, where are we? What are we doing here?” A thousand other questions swam inside Rarity’s head.

“I’m sure you have many questions, my little pony, but I believe somepony else has some business first.”

As she opened her mouth to speak, Rarity was swept up in the embrace of two large yellow wings, and felt a pair of lips press down against her own. Their horns softly clacked together as they kissed.

“Oh, Rarity,” Fluttershy cooed, “you were so wonderful. That was so brave of you to save those foals. It was so scary, though. I almost couldn’t watch.”

A nearby ethereal, glowing rectangle showed Rarity leaping into the path of the heavily laden cart. She watched herself push a wagonful of blissfully ignorant foals to safety before the cart barreled down on her. A brilliant purple light surrounded her body as the cart hit, and suddenly she was gone from the scene.

“You have proved yourself to be the most generous pony in Equestria, Rarity. To be willing to give up your own life to save strange foals in a strange city, even though you struggled to carry on as the last of your friends to ascend to princesshood. Rarity, I am proud.”

“So am I. I love you, dear.” Fluttershy’s eyes were full of tears as she kissed Rarity for the last time as a unicorn. “It doesn’t hurt, I promise.”

Rarity felt the hot spark of magic spill from her horn, whipping around her curly mane, engulfing her body in a torrent of magic. She felt the spark enter her chest, pass through her nervously beating heart, and attach to her back.

All was white noise, white light, and numb feeling for a long moment, until she felt her hooves touch down again on solid ground. She opened her eyes to see her lover and her four other friends smiling wide at her as she unfurled her wings.

Alone - Aurora

Written by: Aurora

“The usual, ma'am?”

“Please,” Rarity told the proprietor of Ponyville's Finest Floral Shoppe, with a polite little dip of her horn.

The usual bouquet was, unfortunately, quite heavy; in fact, it seemed to be getting heavier every time. Rarity would have loved to have simply kept the massive collection of roses, lilies and carnations afloat in front of her with her magic, instead of having to strain the muscles in her poor jaw and neck by having to carry it herself. But the last thing she wanted to do was tarnish those pristinely white flowers by – perish the thought! – accidentally dropping them when, almost inevitably, her increasingly unreliable magic would briefly sputter out.

It was quite a relief when she finally arrived at her destination and, after a bit of searching and near-sighted squinting, managed to spot the familiar cutie mark. Even after all these years, those three butterflies still managed to bring a smile to her face. So many fond memories...

“Here we are, darling,” she said, more than happy to finally be rid of the excessive floral arrangement, not to mention sit down on her haunches for a bit. “I think they'd look lovely over here, wouldn't you agree?”

Rarity didn't wait for a reply, but carefully placed the bouquet on what, to her, was undeniably the most aesthetically-pleasing spot. Then she took a moment to patiently arrange, and subsequently rearrange, a few wayward petals and stems. A number of stray, dirty old leaves, just laying around and cluttering up the place, were also quickly dispatched. (At the very least, when it came to such menial tasks, her magic still served her well enough.)

Then, at last, she turned her attention back to Fluttershy.

Or what remained of her, at least.

“I miss you, darling,” Rarity said softly, her voice wavering slightly. It always did, no matter how many times she said it.

With a melancholy smile, she ran a well-worn hoof over the cold stone below which her beloved slept.

She recalled how, the first few times she had come to visit this place, she had actually been embarrassed to speak, afraid that other visitors might think her a batty old cat lady – a stigma she was now quite fond of applying to herself, albeit with tongue firmly in cheek. These days she spent most of her time chatting to herself anyway...

“I think I shall swing by Sweetie Belle's later on, after a spot of tea,” she mused. “Her daughter is coming over, and I'd love to see how she's getting on with the new foal.” The old mare shook her head wearily, chuckling to herself in a cheerfully-curmudgeonly sort of way. “I suppose I shall soon be expected to sit for that little grandcolt, too, given how my dear little sister and that good-for-nothing husband of hers are far too busy travelling all over Equestria again, like they used to do in their glory days.” She tsked. “And that at their age!”

She paused, then, as a particularly heavy gust of autumn wind blew by, toying with the wispy strands of gray that had somehow escaped the tidy knot in her mane and chilling her to the bone. Shivering, she drew her fashionable-but-functional scarf a little closer around her withers.

“Where would they be without me...”

She stood and stared at the beautiful grave a little longer, lost in thought, before getting up and turning to trot away.

“Well... see you again in a little while, my love.”

But 'little whiles' could last for years upon years, of course – Rarity knew this all too well.

And later that day, after tea had been sipped, and newborns had been cooed over, and sagely advice had been dispensed, and a dwindling collection of cats had been taken proper care of, the retired fashionista once again found herself standing in the bedroom of the now-far-too-large old cottage, facing yet another night of fitful sleep in that big, two-pony bed.

Alone.

“Sleep tight,” she told the empty spot beside her, before closing her eyes.

But in the middle of the night, a strange smile played along her white, withered lips, lighting up her lined face. It was smile of recognition, of joy.

One last sigh of relief escaped her, as of one who had completed a long and arduous journey and was now, at long last, allowed to rest.

Rarity had finally gotten her wish.

Savior - Southpaw

Written by: Southpaw

Long rays of sunlight still found their way slanting through the close canopy of leaves, but she could tell the forest was darkening.

Normally she would have been concerned; the Everfree changed at night, and it was no safe place for a pony, not even for Fluttershy. But that hardly mattered as she drifted and hovered through the dark foliage, searching. Her eyes scanned almost frantically, her gaze shifting here and there to the end of each rare shaft of sunlight, until at last a little patch of green brilliance leapt out at her.

Oh my gosh, yes!

Fluttershy gasped and steered hard over to land with a quick fold of her wings and a fast step. She trotted to the little clump of greenery hiding in the cleft between two high shoulders of a tree’s long roots; the only place the plant seemed able to grow, she knew.

The leafy green plant lay directly in a beam of Celestia’s setting sun until the yellow pegasus eclipsed that light. Her folded wings flapped a little at her sides, casting nervous shadows on the tree; she hesitated, stepping a random, fretful little four-hooved dance before it, and then came to a decision as the sunlight darkened behind her.

She tugged gently at the base of the plant with lips and teeth, taking every stalk of it. Her mouth and nose were flooded with a pungent, sweet tang as she lifted it from the ground, a strong scent reminiscent of cilantro and spearmint; healthy and clean and vibrant.

Magical.

Her mouth clamped down and filled with stalks of healing herb, Fluttershy turned toward the sun and leapt into the air. She flapped frantically, swerving and swaying through the rapidly darkening forest. Just as she came at last back to the familiar long path, the sun finally set, and the reassuring beams of sunlight dropped away.

And then she poured it on.

It was much darker now as Fluttershy powered frantically along the threatening forest path, but she wasn’t without grace; in a few moments Luna’s moon lifted and shined behind her through the dark overhanging canvas, lighting her body and feathers in lovely flashes of a pale glow that was entirely lost on her.

Her heart thumped and her breath began to gasp between her clenched teeth. The healing herb soaked her breaths, but it did nothing to calm her nerves like the sight of her cottage did as she burst from the forest entrance.

The little yellow pegasus arrowed forward and blasted across the field to reach her home, finally shooting through the open window. Her wings closed tight for one instant and flared wide-open the next, braking her to a stop and touching her down lightly.

She turned toward the bed, sick with worry.

Rarity lay there, propped up with downy pillows and snoring soft and peaceful with her cheek pressed against a pillow. Her book lay fallen between sleepy hooves.

Her eyelids flickered and lifted, and she smiled sweetly as her half-open gaze fell on Fluttershy.

“Hiiiii,” she croaked. “Have I... been out long?” Then Rarity brought a hoof to her mouth and coughed harshly, hacking away for long moments. Finally she closed her eyes and groaned, spent and aching. “Oh this flu is simply dreadful.”

Fluttershy leapt to her side, dropping the green bundle to the bed. She wrapped her hooves around Rarity, and touched her lips to the white pony’s forehead. The tips of her feathers brushed tenderly against her cheeks and ears and horn.

“I brought something for you, Rarity,” Fluttershy breathed, smiling at last. “You’ll be better in no time.”

Betrayal - Squinty Mudmane

Written by: Squinty Mudmane

The tolling of a great bell echoed through the dark night, the sonorous sounds emanating from the great tower of the city hall and carrying to all corners of the Grand City of Veneighzia. Twelve times it chimed, and only once the last note had died away did the music from the San Maresé Concert Hall resume.

Violin virtuosa Mademoiselle Octavia Harmonique had come all the way from distant Prance at the behest of Doge Pantaloni to captivate the attendants of the annual Grand Masquerade Ball with her beautiful sonatas and haunting melodies. For the past half hour, she had been working the magic of her instrument, keeping everypony attending the event spellbound; everypony except the two mares standing on one of the secluded outdoor balconies at the rear of the concert hall.

One was a canary-yellow pegasus with a modest yet graceful green dress that accenuated her slender body. Rich pink mane fell down around her, framing her face which was largely hidden behind a turqoise mask shaped to look like butterflies flew along its sides. Only her eyes and her mouth was visible, upon the lips of which a hesitant, nervous smile flickered.

The other was a svelte unicorn with a pristine white coat, luxurious purple mane hanging in curls around the black mask with silver filigree outlining. She wore an elegant crimson, almost see-through dress, and she looked at the other mare with a hopeful smile.

"What do you say, my darling?" she asked in a breathy voice, standing little more than a hoof’s distance away from the pegasus. "I do not wish to pressure you into anything you yourself are not completely sure of, but I cannot lie about how much my heart desires you."

The other mare blushed furiously and bit her lower lip. She looked away for a moment, but when she returned the gaze, her eyes were full of longing and smouldering desire. "I… Yes, yes, I do. I want this more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life." She swallowed and took a deep breath, before leaning closer and lowering her voice. It shivered just slightly as she spoke.

"Th-there’s a secret entrance at the back of the mansion, hidden behind a wall of foliage. It leads to a trapdoor at the back of the wine cellar. Even the servants don’t know about it. The guards only come around that section of the mansion once every hour on the mark, so you’ll be able to slip in unseen. My room is on the top floor, the third door on your left as you come up the stairs." She gulped again, but the hesitation was gone from her voice. A flirtatious smile played across her lips. "I’ll be waiting for you in bed. Don’t be late."

The unicorn returned the smile warmly and caressed the other mare’s cheek lovingly with a hoof. "Believe me, my love, I won’t be." The pegasus left out a tiny soft moan at the contact, and the unicorn leaned in, placing her other hoof around the neck of her companion. She looked into those beautiful cyan eyes and brushed a strand of pink mane out of the other mare’s face. "Thank you for trusting me, Fluttershy," she whispered as she leaned in close for the kiss.

The pegasus melted into the unicorn as their lips met, her expression one of love and pure, innocent trust, and the unicorn felt a pang of guilt as she slid her thin dagger from its hidden sheath on her right hindleg in a shimmer of magic.

The haunting melody of Mademoiselle Octavia reached a peak as the drug-laced blade plunged into the canary mare’s side beneath her left wing. She kept her lips locked with the pegasus, kissing her deeply and hungrily even while the pegasus’ body went limp as the toxin entered her bloodstream and coursed through her. The drug was designed to still paralyze all muscles save the ones used to breathe, but even as her body went limp, there was still a look of utter shock and disbelief crossing the pegasus’ delicate features.

She held the kiss until the yellow mare’s eyes closed. Gently, with all the tenderness of a lover, she laid her down on the floor, getting out thin silk ropes to bind the other mare's limbs.

"I’m sorry it had to be this way," she whispered softly as she enveloped the pegasus in a shimmer of magic, levitating the limp body into a crawlspace in the rafters of the concert hall. With her eyes closed, the pegasus looked almost as if she was sleeping, though Rarity knew she was still conscious, if unable to move.

"Please forgive me, my lovely Fluttershy," she said as she readied the hatch to close once more. "Your father will be very cross when he discovers who you have let into his home. I'll be sure to leave a note telling him where I have hidden you."

She had been courting the shy pegasus for three weeks, taking care to earn her trust, slowly and gently winning her heart. Her efforts had borne fruit at last; the riches and secrets of the family vault hidden inside the mansion of Fluttershy’s father were as good as hers now, ripe for the taking. Her employer would be pleased beyond measure.

And all it had cost was the happiness of one of the few pure souls left in Veneighzia, one that Rarity had grown more fond of than she wanted to admit.

She shook herself from her melancholic reveries and wiped the moisture from her eyes; such was the nature of the game she played. Sentimentality and regret could come after the job was completed, not before. There was still one thing left to do tonight.

Rarity leapt from the balcony, using her magic to soften the impact as she landed on the street below. As silently as a ghost, she disappeared from sight and faded into the night. Inside the concert hall, the violin music finally came to an end, leaving behind a single sad note that lasted almost a full minute before it too died and faded away.

She spared one last look to the hidden treasure she was leaving behind to seek out one of mere gold and jewels, and her heart was torn. Perhaps she could commit two heists tonight. She cursed herself for a fool; it might be time to retire if she was getting this soft. She decided there and then that she would return for the pegasus, and hoped that she wouldn't mind being fabulously rich in a city far away from here.

Airship - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

Rarity was less than thrilled when Fluttershy had asked her to go for a very special kind of picnic. Things had been a disaster in the boutique because of the summer. Orders were piling up and she was sure to miss one or two deadlines if she accepted, but not even that hadn’t been able to protect her from her marefriend’s puppy-dog eyed stare.

So, with a sigh and a melodramatic swooning on her chaise longue she had agreed to go. Now, several feverish hours later, after trying to do make the deadlines in less than a quarter of the time she actually needed, she stood on the porch to the library; utterly exhausted and wondering why Fluttershy was being so secretive about the whole affair.

Twilight welcomed her in with a smile after several minutes of repeated knocking and lead her to the basement. The basement, as usual, was a mess. Dozens of tomes were floating throughout the room, suspended in magic, which strangely didn’t come from Twilight’s horn.

Rarity was less than thrilled when Twilight asked her to stand in the center of the circle for a very special kind of spell.

“What is this all about, Twilight?” she asked, glancing around the books that started orbiting her with increasing speed.

“Don’t worry, Rarity,” her friend reassured her. “There’s less than a point ninety nine percent chance this spell will backfire and eradicate your higher brain functions.”

Rarity was not comforted by the statistics.

Before she could say as much, however, the books came to a halt and her vision filled with white. She smelled ozone, tasted ash, and was pretty sure she was being prodded with a thousand tiny needles, as the spell overwhelmed all her senses.

When she came to, Twilight was smiling down at her. The purple unicorn wasn’t usually cheerful after a failed spell, so Rarity concluded that it must have succeeded in... whatever it was. When she sat up she noticed the room looked skewed, and before long she was looking at it from the floor again.

Only when Twilight helped her up a second time, and urged her to take things slow did she deign to look herself over.

Rarity was a little thrilled when Twilight asked her how the wings felt. And what wings they were; strong, large, beautiful white wings that sprouted from her back and tingled only slightly. She felt like a true pegasus, and noted that she would need a good preening to look her absolute best. She skipped past the fear that came with finding out that her horn was missing, confident that Twilight and her 0.99 percent chance could cast the spell in reverse if she required it; and happily trotted to the stairs and out the library door.

It took her only a few hours to get accustomed to having load bearing appendages, a perk of having had butterfly wings before. Looking for Fluttershy was a little more difficult, but after an encounter with the little white menace her marefriend called ‘angel’ she had a good idea on where she needed to look.

Rarity was thrilled when she finally found Fluttershy, on what could only be described as a true airship. None of that faux earthpony engineering, but a genuine ship made out of solidified clouds. When asked about it Fluttershy meekly admitted that she sculpted it herself, possessing some hitherto unknown talent for such things.

They spent most of the day together, laughing at anecdotes from their respective lives and cuddling when they had no more to talk about, Fluttershy even preened Rarity’s wings for her. It was only after the sun had long set that Rarity felt her intense activity throughout the day catch up with her.

Rarity was happy and content when she fell asleep next to her loving marefriend, who pressed a kiss on her horn-less forehead, just before she passed into the dream realm and dreamt of pegasus wings and airships.

Seasons - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

To most in the lands called Equestria, seasons are predictable. They arrive every year at the exact same time, and last as long as every other in an endless cycle that dictates life. Animals sleep in the winter, find love in spring, have a family by summer, and gather supplies in autumn.

For some ponies however, this age old wisdom doesn’t apply. Rarity is a good example. Every time a new season rolls around, the carousel boutique turned into a veritable hive of activity. Closets are torn open and have their innards scattered across the room while a frantic unicorn looks for this last bit of moonspun silk, or that last ball of lint she must have left lying around somewhere. As a result, ponies can often enjoy in the audible outburst of it’s proprietor; from the ecstatic ‘idea~’ all the way to the wailing of a pony wallowing in... whatever it is ponies wallow in.

In the wake of the white-with-purple whirlwind, and all the chaos it causes; a gentle breeze follows. Fluttershy watches with exasperation when her marefriend runs around like a headless chicken, but dutifully picks up the mess every time it happens.

For her it always plays out the same way. First she watches her marefriend run around frantically, and comforts Rarity when nothing immediately presents itself to serve as creative inspiration. She knows to expect a heated kiss after hearing a jubilant cheer when inspiration finally strikes. Then the chore of cleaning up the boutique in it’s entirety. And finally, after the dresses have been completed in a fraction of the time it takes for Rarity to agonize over all of it, the bedazzling dresses are done.

Fashion seasons come and go as they please, but for Fluttershy, the end of one is usually the part she looks forward to the most. When the glamour and the limelight fade from Rarity’s eyes and she has time for Fluttershy again.

It’s a little difficult, having to share her marefriend with the fashion industry. And at times, she wants to scream; but when all is said and done, Fluttershy wouldn’t change her marefriend for the world.

Pregnant - Aurora

Written by: Aurora

Standing in the doorway and narrowing her eyes, Rarity scrutinized her latest creation right down to the minutiae.

It wasn't yet another avant-garde design or fabulous dress which she had fashioned, though. In fact, the challenges posed by these past endeavors now seemed trivial, mere foal's play compared to the enormous responsibility that had been placed upon her shapely shoulders, only minuscule facets of the monumental task she currently faced!

An entire room she had to get perfect this time, in every little detail. She had tackled interior design and decoration before, true, but this... This was just staggering. As had been the cost: the everfree-wooden furniture alone had cost a small fortune. But when the salespony mentioned off-hoof that it had been made by the same renowned master-craftsstallion who had supplied the necessities for the Royal Nursery of the Crystal Empire, how could she have possibly resisted? She had to have it.

After all, her client was only the most important pony in the entire world – to her, at least. And the deadline? Close, and getting closer by the minute! Close, and completely, utterly absolute! Merely thinking about not being entirely finished on time was enough to make the stressed-out fashionista break out in a cold sweat.

Her horn hummed wearily as she strained to work her magic just a little longer, squeezing out the last dregs of mystical energy from her dwindling reserves to telekinetically re-sort an entire wardrobe's worth of miniature outfits – each more adorable than the next – on the basis of fabric, size, practicality, and a plethora of other variables, most of which only Rarity could appreciate. If this kept up it'd be snoutwork within the hour, she knew, but she just couldn't force herself to go to bed and recharge just yet.

Fluttershy ought to be coming home any minute, after all. And what would she say if she saw things in complete disarray like this, with baby-clothes just strewn willy-nilly about the place, not even correctly color-coded yet?!

Well, yes, all right, she would probably say it was all perfectly wonderful and tell her self-tormented marefriend to get some rest. But when had Rarity ever let reality get in the way of her rampant perfectionism?

Her eyelids had started drooping again, but she caught herself just in time. She actually found herself wishing she'd paid more attention when Twilight – equally prone to pulling all-nighters – had tried to teach her that spell that rendered matchsticks completely unsnappable...

Just when she took another sip of coffee, however, the bell affixed to the front door of the Carousel Boutique chimed. The noise was as gentle and delicately beautiful as the pony who had no doubt just quietly slipped in – just in time for Rarity to spew out the muzzleful of hot beverage in a most unladylike and cliche fashion.

Galloping in place in a brief moment of panic and looking around frantically, Rarity soon became a blur of white and purple motion, the Doppler effect making the high pitch of her whinnies and squeals rise and fall to comic effect as she raced to and fro.

Was the furniture all aligned properly? Had none of the stuffed animals fallen over? Did any of her last-nanosecond changes ruin the overall symmetry of the room? Was the ornate crib spotless and were the pleats in the heavy curtains convincingly 'natural?'

“Rarity? Are you in here?”

“NO! I mean, yes, yes!” Giving her frazzled mane the most cursory and rudimentary of once-overs, Rarity had only moments left afterwards to wipe the unsightly, telltale sweat from her brow. “Haha! Of course I am; where else would I be, darling?”

This was it, the moment suprême.

But still the door did not swing open. “May I come in now?” the muffled voice of Fluttershy asked from behind the beautifully-painted wood. ”Or, um, would you like me to wait another twenty-four hours?”

”No no, do come in, my dear. Just, erm, just putting on the finishing touches, you know how it is...”

“A-are you sure? Because last time–”

Rarity winced. She remembered; the startled screams going back and forth, the way she had hastily airlifted Fluttershy out again, the hyperventilating...

“That was, ah, different. You caught me at a bad time.”

“Oh, okay then...”

The timid pony gingerly pushed the door open with a hoof and peered inside. The wide-eyed look of wonder in her eyes was so full of delight and quiet admiration that even Rarity couldn't have misconstrued it for anything else.

“Oh my, Rarity!” Fluttershy gasped. “This is, this is wonderful! You really outdid yourself.”

Racing over, she clumsily hugged her tired but proud marefriend.

She still wasn't quite used to her tummy getting in the way so much...

“Teehee, you're really starting to show, my darling,” a fawning Rarity tenderly teased her.

Fluttershy giggled and nodded, sitting down on her haunches to fondly rub a hoof over her distended and noticeably pregnant belly. The two expectant mothers shared a look of untold bliss, followed by a longing kiss.

But then Fluttershy remembered why she had hurried over, and her expression inexplicably darkened.

“I just got back from Nurse Redheart's office,” she began, picking and choosing her words with the kind of delicate care that tended to make the little hairs of Rarity's withers stand up.

“Yes, and...?”

“Well, it's just... This is all so very, very beautiful, but, um...”

“But?”

Pausing again, Fluttershy looked around the meticulously-designed and thoroughly-stocked nursery, all in subtle shades of pink and white and riddled with little hearts, from the myriad hoof-sewn quilts and blankets to the massive curtains and intricate canopy. She glanced at the dresser, stuffed to the gills with tiny little dresses and bonnets, and then to the collection of beautiful dolls and pink pacifiers Rarity had (somewhat prematurely) amassed.

She sighed.

“WELL?!” Rarity cried, a keen note of hysteria to her voice. “Is she okay? Tell me our little filly is okay!”

Desperate, trembling hooves clutched Fluttershy's cringing shoulders.

The pressured pegasus only managed a nerve-wracked, strangled little squeak, wherein only those most intimate with her might have discovered some semblance of language.

“What-what-what...? What was that?” Rarity's mouth hung open, and she swayed unsteadily on her hooves.

“S-she's not – you see, the nurse had Twilight do another ultrasound spell, and...”

Fluttershy took the deepest breath she'd yet taken.

“Oh, Rarity... they must've just missed it the first time around...”

“Missed... it...?” the monotonous-sounding unicorn repeated incredulously. “Buh-buh-buh-but...”

“It's a colt... We're having a little colt.”

There. She said it.

“Oh, I see,” Rarity said, nodding and seeming quite relieved–

–and then promptly fainted.

Picnic - Jondor

Written by: Jondor

Twilight Sparkle obsessively flicked her gaze back and forth, first to the clock tower, just visible over the crest of the hill, then to the sun overhead, and back. “It’s ten past one, so where is everypony?”

Pinkie Pie, on the other hoof, happily rooted through the picnic baskets, picking out her favorite sandwiches and sugary snacks. “Don’t worry, silly filly! They wouldn’t miss picnic day, not with all these yummy cupcakes and sandwiches and candies!” Pinkie emphasized her point by tossing a cupcake in the air with her nose and catching it with her suddenly prehensile tongue.

A slight rustling of some nearby bushes made both ponies turn around. “See! I bet that’s Dashie and AJ having some marefriend time!” Pinkie started hopping toward the bushes, unconcerned by any potential social faux pas.

Her bouncing, however, was cut short by the ponies in question approaching from over the hill from a different direction. “Howdy, Twi, Pinkie! Sorry we’re late, this wingy varmint decided ta play hide ‘n seek an’ it took me longer’n usual ta find her.”

“Hey, can you blame me for getting tired of being bucked out of trees? At least the hay pile in the barn is pretty comfy.”

As Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat down on the checkered blanket with Twilight and tried to out noogie each other, Pinkie flicked her gaze back and forth between them and the still rustling bushes, confusion written all over her muzzle.

“If you two are sitting there, then who’s making the bushes go all shaky-shaky?” Pinkie inquired, tapping her chin with a hoof. Before anypony could stop her, she had bounded over to the bush and thrown it wide like a set of curtains. Her gasp of shock could be heard for miles.

Behind the leafy exterior, two ponies with slightly dishevelled manes sat on their haunches, locking lips with each other. They quickly broke apart, eyes wide, and each attempted to straighten their manes.

“Ah ha ha, Pinkie, dear. What an unexpected surprise. It.. um.. it’s not what it looks like.” Rarity managed to stammer out, pulling an errant twig out of her coiffure. That earned her a withering glare from Fluttershy. “Ah, yes. What I mean is, yes, it’s exactly what it looks like.”

Pinkie squeed.

Gemstone - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

It was more difficult than she had anticipated; gemstones were a part of how she designed clothing. She used them ostentatiously on dresses for mares that felt neglected whenever they went out, or with subtlety when she wanted to pronounce a client’s best features. She knew her dresses were marvelous —of course they were— but without gemstones, they lacked something which made them truly magneficé.

Her latest client, however, had asked that the gem be devoid of any gemstones. The dress was supposed to be like the pony she was making it for: Understated, soft spoken, kind, meek... beautiful.

And it proving to be a lot more difficult to pull it off than she had envisioned.

Her creative process wasn’t helped by the pressure of the deadline and the simultaneous anticipation for said deadline to arrive.

Marriage!

She had wanted to scream it from the rooftops when Fluttershy asked her; had screamed it in the restaurant where it had happened at least once. After that she had followed it up with a stream of yeses that made Twilight relieved at not being the only one, and made her soon-to-be wife smile serenely.

Of course, Rarity had insisted that she design both their dresses herself. It simply wouldn’t do to wear somepony else’s designs on the single most important day of her life. She stopped pacing through her design room and deliberated for a moment. Okay, perhaps it was the third most important day of her life, closely following the one where Fluttershy had kissed her that very first time, and of course, being born.

She had started the evening Fluttershy had proposed, and continued on for three days straight, running on little more than coffee and elation. Her own dress had long since been finished, and was proudly displayed in the shop’s window with a sign that said ‘definitely not for sale’.

Fluttershy’s request had been, that her dress contain no ornamentation other than what the fabric itself allowed. That had been a lucky break. From the point where she could afford it, Rarity had been collecting two separate rolls of fabric. Luminescent white sun-silk, which was supposed to have made her wedding dress go down in history as one of the greatest pieces ever made. And shimmering, dark blue moon-silk, which at first was going to be a wonderful tuxedo for the groom.

She had since converted it into a stunning near-black dress which looked and felt like she was wearing a piece of the night. It was fairly heavy, with gemstones representing stars and a moon that would actually move across it, aided by her magic.

Fluttershy’s white sun dress however, was still sitting, unused, on the roll. Rarity couldn’t decide how to best bring out Fluttershy’s eyes and wings without using at least a few of the stones that also hugged her own flanks.

Her musings were interrupted when the target of her problems, and her joy, entered the shop. Fluttershy was holding a wicker basket in her teeth and smiled around the handle.

“Erro, Rarity,” She said, blushing a fraction of a second afterwards.

The dress was instantly forgotten and Rarity stalked over to her marefriend for a kiss, stealing the basket from Fluttershy with her magic. It felt every bit as wonderful as that first time, save for the fact that Fluttershy broke the kiss early and jumped up to grab the basket back.

“What is that, darling?” Rarity asked, arching an eyebrow in confusion.

“It’s uhm... They are flowers,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“And?”

“Well... I... I want you to use these for my dress, if that’s okay with you I mean.” Fluttershy’s reply was as meek as ever, and Rarity wondered what was so important about them.

“I will see what I can do, darling.”

Fluttershy nodded, setting down the basket and opening it. It was as if all of Rarity’s creativity had been hiding in the basket along with the flowers. When she saw the mix of white, teal and soft yellow flowers, Rarity knew what kind of dress she was going to make.

It would be light, airy, perfect for a pegasus, but with an embroidery of growing flowers along the sides, punctuated by actual flowers. It would be Fluttershy, embodied in a dress.

She gave her marefriend another kiss and found herself overwhelmed as Fluttershy aggressively warred with her and finally asserted her dominance.

Much like gemstones, which needed a lot of polish and care to highlight their brilliance; Fluttershy had shown that she was perfectly capable of being something other than the meek, shy pony she presented to the world. And Rarity was the lucky mare who got to see that other side.

The wedding was just a formality, but they would both look astonishing, regardless.

Pride - The Princess Rarity

Written by: The Princess Rarity

'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.' - an old, classic saying said by many. Unfortunately, not many ponies can all agree on the fact that it's true. Physically, yes, words can't do anything, but mentally? And harm to the feelings of one's soul? ...yes. It can hurt. Very much.

And when one is offended with such harsh statements - it's hard to ignore it.

Rarity would have never thought she'd be dealt with such a situation either.

But the words would never leave her memory, no matter what, they would continue to scar her.

She had heard countless sad stories about ponies like her, who had dealt with such cruelty, but never fought back. And she was going to have to submit to staying silent as well. It had been in the news more than once, crude verbal attacks on fillyfoolers and coltcuddlers... and she would only brush it off. Not really bother to worry.

Although, now that she was a victim...

Jet Set nearly twitched his eye as he glanced to Rarity, only before shaking his head in shocked disbelief. "Pardon me, but did she say 'wife'? As in... you're married to a mare?" he snapped. "Ms. Rarity, I'll admit that I don't know you all that well, but I'd say I'd think you know better than to do such... sick, twisted things. Please do tell me that somepony misspoke or that this is a horrible rumor. You are married to a stallion, are you not?"

Shamefully, she had lied. About who she loved. All because of her stupid, stupid reputation.

"I'm sorry," Rarity murmured softly as she looked outside the cottage window to see none other than Fluttershy, tending to her animals, like always.

She was happy, content... and blinded by Rarity's brave face.

Sunshine - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

“Rarity, I love you!”

Fluttershy clamped her hooves over her mouth once the words were out. She wanted nothing more than to hide behind her mane and never come out, but she needed to see Rarity’s reaction.

Or lack thereof.

Rarity froze, the teapot still hovering above her cup, pouring ever more of the precious liquid into the already overflowing vessel. After a few more seconds, the stream died down, leaving only the occasional drop of tea to trickle out. What felt like an eternity later, the pot slowly floated back down to the table, but Rarity still hadn’t moved. She hadn’t even blinked.

“I’m sorry, darling, but could you repeat that?”

Even the miniscule movement of the unicorn’s lips caused Fluttershy to jump after her prolonged stillness. The pegasus swallowed nervously, it had taken her months to work up the courage to say anything, and now the object of her affections was asking her to repeat herself? “I lo… I-I… lo-lov—”

“It’s alright, dear.” Rarity reached over and held the pegasus’ hoof, only slightly surprised to find it trembling. “I heard you, but I suppose I wish I had misheard.”

Fluttershy felt her heart crumple in her chest, replaced by an aching void. “Y-you wish—”

“Dear heavens, no!” Rarity brought a hoof to her mouth, belatedly realizing what her words could have sounded like. “Not like that, darling! Not at all!” She jumped down off of her chair and ran around the table, throwing her forelegs around her friend. The pegasus rested her head on Rarity’s shoulder, a wet spot of fur growing as her tears fell. The unicorn winced and cursed herself silently.

“I would be delighted, honored even, to call you my marefriend…” She paused before continuing, vainly hoping that the extra seconds would soften the coming blow. “But,” She cursed herself again as she felt Fluttershy cringe at the word, “I’m afraid that I am… otherwise engaged.”

“Y-you…” Fluttershy took a few more deep breaths. “You already have a special somepony?” She forced herself to look up long enough to see Rarity’s nod. “B-but… I haven’t seen you around town with anypony. Wh-who is he?”

“Well, she—”

That one word caused Fluttershy to break down into fresh tears. The main reason she had been so hesitant to approach Rarity regarding her feelings was that she was sure Rarity was attracted to stallions. It had made it easier to put off telling her.

“Darling, I… I’m so sorry.” Rarity pulled Fluttershy tighter. “If I’d known…” She stopped herself, not wanting to risk making it worse and settling for patting the pegasus’ back until she calmed down. Once Fluttershy pulled away and sat up, Rarity blurted out a thought that forced itself to the front of her mind.

“Would you like to meet her?” Fluttershy looked at her as if she’d just suggested some kind of small furry animal genocide, and Rarity immediately regretted bringing up the subject. But since it was already out there, she pressed on. “I understand if you don’t want to, of course, but I think you would like her.” The corner of her mouth twitched up into smile. “Though, I suppose I should say that you do like her, since you’ve met her before.”

“I… have?” Fluttershy furrowed her brow in confusion, trying to think of any mares she and Rarity both knew that the unicorn might consider dating. It was a short, and highly improbable, list. Part of her wanted to just run home and drown her sorrows in the tub of ice cream Angel Bunny kept ‘hidden’ in the back of the freezer, but part of her also wanted to meet this mysterious mare, to make sure that she was good enough for her Rarity. After a few moments of mental deliberation, she nodded. “I… I would. It sounds, um, nice.”

“Oh, thank you, darling.” Rarity pulled Fluttershy into another hug. “I’m sure you’ll get along fabulously. Meet me at the train station tomorrow at ten o’clock.”

“Train station?” Fluttershy pulled back, confusion written clear on her face.

“Well, yes.” A light blush crept into Rarity’s cheeks. “You see, she lives in Canterlot, and I’m afraid we’ll have to go see her instead of her coming down here.”

The noon day sun beat down on the cobblestone streets of Canterlot, sending up shimmering waves of heat down the road. Fluttershy looked up, once again thanking Rarity and her mystery marefriend for picking a café with shade umbrellas. Taking a sip from her drink, she looked up and down the street for anypony headed in their direction, but the roads were empty save for ponies rushing from store to store and shady alcove to shady alcove. No one was staying out under the unforgiving sun a second more than necessary.

Fluttershy looked instead to Rarity, who was glancing around nervously, occasionally looking up to the sky, then down at her seat, taking deep breaths. A shadow passed overhead, causing Rarity to bolt upright and search for its source. Once she found it, she broke out into a huge grin.

Fluttershy tried to follow her gaze, but when she looked up, the sun blinded her. Instead, she stared down into her drink, waiting for whoever it was to land and for Rarity to introduce her.

“Rarity, it is so good to see you.”

Fluttershy’s ears perked up. The voice was familiar, but she couldn’t place it. She heard the gentle sounds of hooves coming closer, followed shortly by the excited staccato tapping of hooves moving away, which she assumed was Rarity galloping to her marefriend.

“It’s wonderful to see you as well, Celly.”

Fluttershy took a deep breath to steel herself and looked up. A short ways away, Rarity was nuzzling… Princess Celestia. Her jaw fell open as her brain refused to believe what her eyes were seeing. The pieces refused to click in her head, until the couple pulled back from each other a bit and kissed. Once they broke apart again, they walked over to the table and sat down across from Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy, darling.” Rarity was the first to speak, though her voice carried an uncharacteristic strain. “I believe you know Pri— Celestia.”

“Of course.” Celestia nodded serenely, her flowing mane drifting down an seeming to wrap itself around Rarity. She watched the pegasus for a few moments, waiting for some sort of acknowledgement, but Fluttershy remained seated firmly in place, unmoving, until she suddenly broke down into tears. Rarity stared in shock for a second, then looked to Celestia, who motioned for the unicorn to comfort her friend. Rarity raced around the table to console Fluttershy, meeting with only minor success for some time.

Once Fluttershy had calmed enough to speak, she began to piece together an apology. “I-I’m s-sorry… I j-just…” She looked up at Celestia, fresh tears welling in her eyes. “I’ll… go now.” Started to get up, shrugging off Rarity’s attempts to stop her.

“Please stay.” Those two simple words from Celestia froze the two mares across the table. They were clearly a request and had no hint of royal authority or demand behind them, just a simple request from one pony to another. Fluttershy looked down at Rarity, who gazed back up with a pleading expression, then back to Celestia before slowly lowering herself back onto her seat. “Now, in her letter, Rarity informed me about what happened yesterday.” The alicorn smiled warmly to forestall any panic from the skittish pegasus. “It is perfectly alright, my little pony. In fact, I believe it presents us with a very… favorable opportunity.”

It was Rarity’s turn to look confused. “How so?” She regarded her marefriend warily, suddenly unsure of where the conversation was headed.

“Fluttershy loves you.” Celestia stated plainly. “Do you love her, platonic though it may be?” A ghost of a smile flickered across her face at the shocked expression that adorned the unicorn’s face.

“Do I…” Rarity simply stared for a moment, her mouth hanging open. When her brain reengaged and she could speak, she swallowed before responding. “I… yes. I love her as a dear friend.”

“And is that not how romantic love blooms? From the tender love of friendship?” Celestia chose her words carefully, aware that she was treading on a minefield that could hurt even her.

Rarity blinked a few times before her face fell. “Celly, are… are you…?”

Celestia leaned over the table, wrapping a wing around Rarity’s back and caressing her cheek with a hoof. “Of course not, love.” Her tone became serious, all traces of playfulness gone after how close she had come to hurting one she cared for. “I would love you as long as you would have me.” She leaned forward for a light kiss, grateful that she felt her marefriend relax and lean into the wing around her back.

“However.” Celestia sat back up. “I know that it can be… difficult to be with me. The secrecy. The rare occasions we can see each other.” She tried to smile, but the sadness in her eyes gave away its lie. “I would hate for you to feel… neglected because of me. And, if you wish, I would fully support and condone you establishing a relationship with Fluttershy.”

“Celestia!” Rarity clambered over the table, knocking over the drinks in her path. At the other edge, she threw her forelegs around the alicorn, burying her face in her ethereal mane. “I… I couldn’t!”

“Oh, Rarity.” Celestia wrapped her forelegs around her marefriend, holding the unicorn close. “I have lived a long, long time. I have seen, and been a part of, many different kinds of love. Each unique and precious to me.” She laid a trail of kisses along Rarity’s neck, moving up toward her ear. When she spoke again, it was barely a whisper. “It would not sully or lessen what we have. In fact, should you wish, Fluttershy may join us in any of our… outings.” She nipped at Rarity’s ear, then leaned back so that she could look her marefriend in the eye. “You don’t have to answer now, but think about it.”

Rarity looked to Fluttershy, who was staring in shock, then back to Celestia, who merely smiled. “I… I don’t want to hurt her.”

“You won’t.” Celestia darted forward and kissed the unicorn on the nose. He smile grew as an idea struck her. “I believe a new performance troupe has just arrived in Canterlot, and their first show is tonight. Why don’t you and Fluttershy go? You can have Luna’s and my seats. I’ll make all of the arrangements.” She winked.

Rarity looked into Celestia’s rose eyes for any signs of doubt, but found only love and acceptance. The sight warmed her heart and she nodded. “That sounds wonderful, love. Thank you.” She looked back over her shoulder at Fluttershy, who seemed to finally be recovering. “What do you say, darling? Would you like to spend the rest of the day here and take in a show tonight?”

A dozen conflicting emotions warred in Fluttershy’s heart and mind, but she forced herself to nod. “O-okay. That sounds… nice.”

Moonlight - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

It takes my breath away every time, seeing you happy under a starry sky. I could watch you forever, twirling through the sky like a ballerina. You are so graceful, so delicate, so... tender. All of which only enhance your beauty.

Without warning you appear at my side, giggling softly and nuzzling my side, nudging my flank with your head shortly afterwards. “Come on, Rarity. Will you try for me? Please?”

I could never say no to you, did you know that? “As you wish, darling. Don’t expect too much.” I flash you a good natured smile which belies the nervousness I feel. I step forward into the moonlight which illuminates the center of the meadow like a spotlight and begin swaying with the sounds of the night as if they were a melody. I try following your example, adding a twirl here, and a flip of my mane there. I haven’t set five steps into my impromptu dance routine before I stumble and very nearly fall.

Blood rushes to my cheeks and I feel horrid. Is this what you always felt like? Failing to meet up to expectations you set for yourself or perhaps other set for you? Myself included? And to think that I had wanted to become a dancer before I’d gotten my cutiemark.

Looking over in your direction, I can barely make out the serene smile in the darkness as I continue with the flailing I’m trying to pass off as dancing. It will be okay, is what I tell myself. As long as you don’t mind my mistakes, I shan’t either.

What could I try to make it more entertaining? A pirouette perhaps? How did my instructor say it went back then? Lean forward, leg out, and stretch, and spin!

Dirt. I don’t much care for dirt. In fact I rather despise it. With a very unladylike snort I get rid of whatever dirt I was about to consume and right myself. What was I thinking, trying an advanced dancing technique I never even mastered? Perhaps I should ask Twilight for some lessons.

“Rarity?” your voice pierces my self loathing and I remember where I am. In a meadow, close to your cottage. Where we can share intimate moments, and we can be silly ponies without the world judging us. I’m still grateful that you trusted me enough to share this place with me. I can tell it means a lot to you.

I decide to be silly for a while longer tonight, and tackle you to the ground, drawing a timid squeal from you. Even when you’re scared you’re adorable. “Are you okay?” The question escapes me. It seems like I cannot let myself be swept away by emotions when there is any chance I might be making you uncomfortable.

“I’m okay...” A small confirmation, one I would usually question. But right now, it is enough. I start with your eyes, closing each with a kiss before nibbling on an ear which I know will make you squirm. Trying to keep you out of balance is a game I very much enjoy, so rather than nibble on the other ear, I blow a warm breath into it. I can feel it when you shiver and whisper an ‘I love you’ into your ears before moving on.

My mind won’t leave me alone, and I come to a halt just as I am about to press a kiss on your chin. Tonight was supposed to be for dancing, specifically, you wanted me to loosen up a little and dance for you. And now I’ve derailed that as well. I really am the worst sometimes.

I startle when something touches my sides, only to see your wings trying to wrap themselves around my back when I look up. Perhaps I could be forgiven for ruining your plans? The stars know you forgive easily.

Your chin, your neck, your stomach, I pepper all of them with kisses before my mind tries again.

I swallow away the obstruction in my throat and crawl back until we are face to face. “Darling?”

The moonlight reflects in your eyes, showing me another thing I simply cannot get enough of. “No.” You stop me before I can even begin my apology and I... don’t quite know what to do with myself.

Fortunately, you have the answer. A kiss, how fitting.

“We’ll dance again tomorrow, if that’s okay?”

I smile for you again, a breathless one this time. “Anything for you, darling.”

Debut - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

In some alternate universe, Fluttershy wouldn’t have given up her modeling career. She would have risen to great heights, quickly ditching that eyesore of a Photo Finish to languish in obscurity while she took all the admiring eyes with her.

In that same universe she would be the star of every fashion show, and have designers cling to her fetlocks, begging her to be the debut model for their newest designs. Not to mention the fact that she would have mares and stallions alike trailing after her, clamoring for her more personal affections.

Alternate Rarity wouldn’t stand a chance. She’d be swept off her hooves and fall into the same trap as all the others, wanting Fluttershy for her status rather than the caring pony she was.

With a shake of her head she cleared the out the gloomy thoughts, making sure she could fully enjoy what was to come.

Preparations for this splendid event had taken a lot of energy, too. Firstly, long hours of begging, pleading, and enticing her marefriend with little kisses and naughty promises, before Fluttershy finally revealed her secret desires. After that, the realisation and adaptation that came with having a partner in her creative process, and the limits it imposed. And finally, persuading Fluttershy to do what, in an alternate universe, came natural to her.

Rarity smiled in anticipation when the curtains were drawn apart and her Fluttershy stepped out in a hoof-knit dress, designed by Rarity, created by Fluttershy herself; the only dress of its kind. She looked marvelous.

Rarity was happy she lived in this universe. She couldn’t imagine a life without Fluttershy and her wonderful little secrets. Or maybe she just didn’t want to.

Accessible - Anonymule

Written by: Anonymule

Accessible, a word Rarity knows very well, with her career as an elite fashion designer, she could have anything she wanted. Except her, she could never have her, the darling little angel in the woods, the one thing she wanted most of all, but could not have. It was not as if she was afraid to admit her feelings, she had come to terms with them long ago. It was because, it would not be right, she would ruin her.

Her angel in the woods was innocent, far too innocent. Rarity knew Fluttershy was kind, much too kind for her to have. It hurts Rarity to live like this, but it is for her own good. For she knew Fluttershy would say yes to her, even if she truly did not want to. This is what kept her away, knowing Fluttershy’s unconditional kindness. She would never do anything to hurt Fluttershy, it would be impossible for her to do so, as long as she stayed away.

She was still friends with Fluttershy, she would always be. She still made her weekly trip to the spa, even taking a train down every week from her home in central Canterlot, just to see her, but she knew she could not touch. Nopony ever said no to her, nopony but herself. Once she had once admitted her feelings, she had drunk a little too much wine at a party. Her mind clouded with alcohol, she made her move saying the words ‘I love you’ while holding Fluttershy close.

She even kissed her, but luckily, Fluttershy just wrote it off as a little drunken fun. It was close, much to close for Rarity to bear, after the incident at the party, she swore off alcohol, drinking it was much too risky for her. Therefore, the kiss would be enough; it would always be enough for her. It pains her to have to do this, but she had to. Because she knew, her little angel would never be accessible, not to her.

Gone too soon - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

It’s happening again.

Fluttershy sighs softly and tries not to fidget. The rough wood of the couch chafes against her coat when she does that, and it would be terribly rude to Rarity. She looks over to the hearth, where her marefriend is humming a cheery tune as she works on her latest creation. She seems even happier than usual.

Fluttershy isn’t. Her courage has vanished again. For the sixty-seventh time, but who’s counting? Well, she is, but that’s not the point. The point is that it shouldn’t be this hard!

She sighs again and fluffs her wings, making sure her muscles don’t cramp up later.

“Please, darling, try to keep still.” Rarity’s voice is soft but firm; distracted, too. She’s always like that when she’s her own little world

“Sorry,” Fluttershy replies, once again feeling bad about herself. A stray strand of hair dangles in her vision. She blows at it out of habit, before using a hoof to tuck it behind her ear.

Rarity has gone back to humming, and she perks her ears, listening to the melody; it’s one of her own.

“Not much longer, darling. I’m almost done, I promise,” Rarity singsongs, poking her around the easel for another cursory glance.

Fluttershy smiles, barely catching herself before she nods. She has never thought of herself as a particularly active mare, but sitting still is harder than it looks.

It’s worth the time and the aches, though. She gets to see Rarity smile that enthusiastic smile of hers. She clears her throat, absently noting that she’s thirsty, and more than a little hungry.

“Aaaannnnnd... done!” her marefriend exclaims from behind the easel.

She steps off from her place on the couch and stretches each of her legs individually, having just enough time for one shake of each before Rarity steals her breath away with a kiss.

“You were marvelous, darling, as always,” she says after she pulls away, and again, Fluttershy feels that small fire of courage build up before it burns itself out.

Why can’t I do it?! Oh, Ponyfeathers.

She takes a deep breath and retrieves the small box which has been digging into her side for the last six hours. Rarity is watching her intently, curiously. But above all, lovingly.

She’s going to do it, just like she promised she would. “Rarity?”

Her unicorn smiles. “Yes, love?”

“W-will you... m—mmma...” Fluttershy shakes her head to clear the annoying din of impending panic from her ears and fumbles with the lock on the small velvet covered box. It springs open, revealing a pair of thinly braided silver necklaces, which each hold a gemstone rendition of a cutie mark at the end. “Rarity. Will you, marry me?”

The silence last just long enough for her to start worrying again. Did I wait to long? Did she forget? Oh, no. What if she doesn’t like them?

The worries don’t last, as Rarity embraces her and kisses the top of her head. She then another kiss on Fluttershy’s right ear before whispering: “I would love nothing better, darling.”

Just like that, all the pressure that has been weighing on her these last few months vanishes and she again feels like the happiest mare alive.

“I had an inkling it would be today,” Rarity says, slowly leading her to the easel. She laughs at Fluttershy’s confused expression. “Take a look, love.”

Heat blossoms in her cheeks when she sees the painting Rarity painted today. Right there on the canvas is an obviously nervous pegasus, her left wing covering her body at a slightly awkward angle, just enough for a pony watching closely to make out a small bulge beneath the inner primaries.

Shooting for the Stars - Jondor

Written by: Jondor

Fluttershy cringed as she always did when the spotlights were turned on. She felt a little less nervous than usual, but only a little.

She stood, posing against a large painted backdrop of a rather generic looking ski resort. If not for the ice pack hidden under the collar of her turtleneck sweater, she would be dripping in sweat.

She stole a glance at the clock, noting the time. Thirty minutes was her limit. Thirty minutes was all that her body would take like this. Last year, she had passed out from hyperthermia, and came to, naked in a cold bath with one of the assistants watching over her. She'd almost quit modeling that day.

Even so, she liked modeling winter clothes better than bikinis for the summer catalogs. Showing off so much skin was almost as unnerving as being completely naked. Unfortunately, her bust ensured that she modeled more than her fair share of bikinis.

Fluttershy took a few deep breaths as the cameraman started to take pictures. Even though she had a near perfect body for modeling, Fluttershy knew she didn't have the temperament. She would have quit long ago, or more likely not have even started at all, except for one thing. One person, in fact. Rarity.

She'd admired her beautiful friend all through high school, but never had the nerve to say anything. High school was a scary place to be a lesbian. Not so much for Applejack and Rainbow Dash, but they were tough enough that no one dared to bother them.

After high school, most of her friends had at least kept in contact. Rarity had until the day she'd been offered her modeling contract. It happened so suddenly. Fluttershy had been ready to confess her feelings, but the Carousel Boutique was empty and stayed empty.

She'd cried almost non stop until Pinkie had spotted Rarity in a fashion magazine. Still, none of them could get in touch with her. Rainbow had finally encouraged her to try and find her the only way that seemed left open. So, for eighteen months now, Fluttershy put on a brave face and smiled for the cameras.

Other models were there to shoot for the stars; Fluttershy was searching for diamonds.

Author's Note

With my awesome, godlike powers, I made a few edits from the original on the forum. I think it's better.

Also: This could be any old humanized setting, but I'm specifically thinking of EqG here.

Shooting for the Stars (2) - Red Rover

Written by: Red Rover

It was the middle of the night and the two mares were perched upon a high hill just outside the town of Ponyville. The rolling hills around the small village made for spectacular views of the quaint town in the day, but also made for spectacular star gazing after the sun went down. The stars twinkled happily above the pair as they watched quietly.

A purple-maned unicorn sat quietly looking to the sky while a yellow pegasus companion leaned against the Unicorn’s side. The Pegasus’s eyes fluttered sleepily trying not to drift off while her marefriend sat resolute with her eyes to the sky. Fluttershy was never really a night pony. She preferred to be up bright and early with her critter friends, but Rarity was more accustomed to staying up later.

“Gorgeous aren’t they?” Rarity whispered wistfully as to not disturb the peaceful night.

“Mmm, yes. They are lovely.”

“What do you think it would be like to be up there, with them? Hypothetically, of course.”

“Oh, um, I don’t really know. I’ve never really thought about it. Stars are pretty to look at, but I’ve never really wanted to be all the way up there. I’m happy down here on the ground with my friends.” She smiled, reaching up to nuzzle Rarity’s cheek and added, “And you.”
Rarity smiled warmly to Fluttershy for a moment, but looked back. “Yes. I know. But, have you always been happy where you are? You’ve never wanted something greater? Never had a dream?”
“Hmm.. Well, yes. I’ve always had a dream. I’ve always wanted to live a simple, quiet life with the ponies I care about. Now I get to live that dream every day.”

Rarity didn’t reply.

Fluttershy thought hard trying to discern if she’d said something wrong. “So, what’s your dream, Rarity?”

Rarity took a quiet breath to gather her thoughts. “To be great, I suppose. To be respected and revered for my talents.”

“But Rarity, you are great and everypony does respect you.”

"Yes, I know you do and it does mean a lot to me, but it's still not quite the same."

"What do you mean?"

"Fluttershy, do you know when I first discovered my passion?"

The pegasus tapped her chin with a hoof, but came up with nothing. "I don't know. I don't think I've heard you mention it before unless I forgot. I didn't forget did I?"

"Don't worry, Darling. It's just never come up. I'll tell you."

"When I was a young filly my parents loved to travel. One summer they decided to visit Canterlot and they took me with them. During the day we would visit the Royal Castle, the Sculpture Gardens, the Museums and such. I remember there were fliers all over the city advertising a fashion show. I was curious and after seeing the posters dozens of times I begged my mother and father to take me. They gave in rather quickly come to think about it. I had my ways of getting what I wanted back then.

Fluttershy giggled picturing Rarity’s distinct whine she used when she didn't get her way from time to time.

"Anyway, they took me later that night. The studio was full packed with ponies from all over. Watching the ponies in their gowns on stage was the most magnificent thing. There I will always remember. She had a flawless pale yellow coat, golden mane and a flowing white evening gown. She was the most beautiful lady I'd ever seen. I simply had to meet her so I snuck away backstage. I found her on the way out of the dressing room. I went up to her and told her that I wanted to be pretty like her one day, but she just looked annoyed. By then my parents had caught up to me and apologized profusely. They tried to make me leave, but I just had to know something."

"What was that?"

"I asked her what it would take for me to be like her."

"And..?"

"She looked at me and my parents and said, 'Mostly likely, a miracle'."

"Oh, no! How rude!" Said Fluttershy abashed.

Rarity waved her hoof disarmingly and continued her story. "I thought a lot about what she said over the next few days and do you know what conclusion I came to?"

"What?"

"Though she wasn't very polite, she did have a point. I'd lived in Ponyville my entire life. I had never really thought about trying to be ladylike. I mean my father still wears the same straw sun hats to this day! I wanted to be a very important pony; somepony even Canterlot elite couldn't stick up their noses at and if no one was going to help me be fabulous I'd have to do it myself. And now, here I am."

"Rarity.. I never knew."

Rarity stayed quiet.

“So, what about stars then?”

Rarity paused. “They’re so beautiful, but so far away. Just like the mare from Canterlot when I was a filly.” She reached a hoof to the sky. “I just hope that if I keep reaching for the stars I’ll be with them one day.”

Fluttershy smiled and leaned against her marefriend. “You will be.”

“You think so?”

“You’re already my star.”

Rarity giggled and kissed Fluttershy’s cheek. “Thank you, Darling.”

Mother - The Princess Rarity

Written by: The Princess Rarity

It was only traditional. After all, since Fluttershy had met Rarity's parents, it was only fair for Rarity to do the same for her marefriend. She just ... didn't realize how nervous she would actually be.

Would they approve of her?

More importantly, would they approve of fillyfoolers?

'Stay calm, Rarity.' the dressmaker told herself. 'It's just a simple visit. You can warm up to them with your charm, grace, elegance and wit. They'll adore you.'

"I had always assumed your parents lived in Cloudsdale," she piped up, attempting to make small talk and break the awkward silence between her and Fluttershy as they rode the taxi carriage to the end of Ponyville.

"Oh-no, not really," the shy pegasus murmured. "I only lived there for a little while, because it's a city mostly for pegasus."

Rarity gave a small nod, and considered a new topic to keep the conversation going, only before the carriage came to a quick, sudden - and almost frightening - halt.

"We're here." Fluttershy said simply.

And if Rarity knew her well enough, which she did, she could've sworn she caught the smallest twinge of disappointment, or rather even fear, in her marefriend's tone of voice.

Peering outside the carriage window, the fashionista was not surprised at the fact that the home was quaint and simple... even if the garden and front walk looked as if a bomb had hit it. Nonetheless, though, the small little house looked presentable enough.

And then, as soon as they exited the carriage, a light orange blur zipped over, nearly toppling Fluttershy over and crushing her in a tight embrace. That blur eventually was noticed as a mare - a pegasus, with a tangerine coat, a curly, frizzy mane and tail of the same color, but a lighter shade, and bright green eyes, with a small bouquet of wildflowers as her cutie mark.

"Fluttershy, hon, it's good to see you!" the mare laughed, not bothering to take note of the shy pegasi's protests that she needed to breath. "Missed ya!" She took note of Rarity, who was awkwardly standing alone, but managed a nervous smile. "Ey... who're you?"

Clearing her throat, the unicorn held out a hoof and attempted to turn her anxiousness into confidence.

"My name is Rarity," she announced. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The mare raised an eyebrow, only before her expression brightened up and she shook Rarity's hoof, finally letting her grip up on Fluttershy - who was now gasping for air due to the bone-crushing hug.

"Nice to meet ya!" the mare replied. "You're the pony who stole my little filly's heart, huh?" She let out a chuckle and grinned, almost mischievously. "The name's Wild Flower, but just Wild is fine."

"The name suits you well," Rarity noted, unaware she actually said it out loud. "You're Fluttershy's mother, I presume?"

Wild Flower smirked and wrapped a foreleg around Fluttershy, giving the shy pegasus a violent tousle of her mane.

"Sure am!" she declared. "This little rascal's been mine since Day One." She let out a scoff and rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, where are my manners? Lemme take you two inside - this ain't no way to introduce one another."

And so, she led Rarity and Fluttershy towards the homey little house - which had a decent appearance, but once the door swung open...

The living room alone looked as if it had just been attacked by a tornado. It wasn't just the design that made Rarity want to gag, but everything about it just seemed horribly out of place, and the carpet was barely noticeable underneath all of the junk scattered across the floor.

"Sorry for the mess," Wild Flower said nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal. "Hey, you want a beer?"

The sudden statement took Rarity by surprise and she shook her head, while Fluttershy simply hid behind her mane, like she always did in situations like this - when she was confronted with such boldness.

'I'm starting to think she was adopted,' the unicorn said to herself. 'There is no way that this pony is her flesh and blood.'

"Suit yourself," Wild Flower shrugged as she flopped herself onto the grimy-looking couch. "Now, what's the deal with you two?"

Fluttershy hesitated and bit her lip, managing to find words, despite her cowardice. "Well, Rarity and I were close friends for quite sometime," she murmured. "and eventually... things happened." She cleared her throat and tried to speak up, but her tone of voice rose from the volume of a mouse's sneeze to a simple tinkling of a wind chime. "We've been marefriends for about six months now."

"And we couldn't be happier." Rarity declared, with a smile, only before her expression fell and she hesitated in the slightest. "I don't mean to be rude or go off-topic here, but ... what's the situation with your father, Fluttershy?"

'Perhaps she took after him,' the dressmaker thought, as she noticed Wild Flower suddenly grab a beer can off of the coffee table and begin to chug it down like she was in a drinking competition. 'She had to have... right?'

However, the shy pegasus could barely have a moment to even open her mouth and take a consideration to reply, before her mother let out a snort and replied for her.

"Lousy deadbeat coward," Wild Flower muttered. "He flew the coop before she was even born!"

"Oh, my." the dressmaker murmured. "I'm... terribly sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I assumed he didn't approve of, well," she glanced to her marefriend and met her gaze. "us."

Fluttershy shook her head and managed a small smile as she nuzzled Rarity softly, temporarily unaware that her mother was right there - watching them, although the brash pegasus definitely made sure that her presence did not go unnoticed.

"Now aren't the two of you the cutest little lovebirds I ever saw!" Wild Flower chirped, as she released a chuckle. "You know what? I'm gonna see if I can find my camera and get a picture of you two! And while I'm at it, I'll dig up some old photo albums."

She gave a wink to Rarity and smirked.

"If you think my little filly's cute and precious now, wait until you see her baby pictures!"

Author's Note

From the author: (Fluttershy's mom is named after and based off of this random pony I found. Just imagine her with wings. Also, crazy mommas are best mommas.)

Festival - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

“We’ll put a dance floor over here, and the drink tables right over there!”

“B-but Pinkie—”

Pinkie turned around and grabbed her in a hug. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy, I promise I won’t spike the punch.” She put Fluttershy down and raced off, leaving her friend to stammer into thin air.

“But I just wanted you to make my house festive,” Fluttershy mumbled with a sigh, before following the pink whirlwind that was her friend to the fountain in the center of Ponyville. She debated telling Pinkie that the whole thing was canceled, but decided that it wouldn’t work. Not only would it ruin Pinkie’s mood, but she would still need help throwing a party for Rarity. A small, private party.

Pinkie was bouncing around the fountain with a big smile on her face, throwing out ideas every time she reached the high point of a jump, which gave the appearance that they were literally shaken out of her brain. “We’ll get a DJ. No! Two DJ’s! Ohhhhh I have some instant cocoa powder, we could turn it into a chocolate milk fountain! And then I have special bobbing apples which we could put in the fountain!”

“That’s... nice.” Fluttershy sat down on her haunches and watched her friend come up with ever more crazy ideas for the party-turned-townwide festival.

Pinkie finished exactly three more circles around the fountain before she came to a halt in front of Fluttershy, gazing at her intently. “Say, Fluttershy... if you’re going to throw a party for Rarity, isn’t it easier to do it in Sugarcube corner?”

Fluttershy nodded, it wasn’t the way she would’ve liked her big revelation to have happened but it was better than having the whole town be in attendance. “Yes please, It’s already scary enough to tell Rarity that I would like a foal without everypony knowing about it.”

Pinkie Pie winked. “Gotcha Flutterbutter. I’ll invite every stallion I know, then you can pick who you want to be the father!”

Fluttershy went red in the face and fainted.

The Wrong Impression - Jondor

Written by: Jondor

“Oh, this is a tough one, darling.” Rarity watched carefully as Fluttershy moved. Motioning and gesturing in perfect silence.

“Carrot Top? No, Berry Punch. Shoeshine?” Rarity threw out her guesses wildly in response to Fluttershy’s repeated motions. Fluttershy simply shook her head, still repeating her gestures.

“Wait, your wings are spread, it must be a pegasus,” Rarity mused. “Flitter? No, Rain Drops. I have it, it must be Blossomforth!”

“Time’s up!” Twilight called.

Fluttershy dropped back onto all four hooves, looking grumpy. “That was Sassaflash,” she muttered.

Rarity wrapped her hooves around Fluttershy and kissed her gently as she sat down.

“I’m sorry, darling. I’ve never seen Sassaflash do anything like that,” Rarity soothed. “Now, if you’d done this,” Rarity demonstrated, using a different gesture, “I would have understood immediately.”

Fluttershy sighed to herself as Applejack and Rainbow Dash got up to take their turn. “At least we’re still ahead by a few points.”

Wilderness - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

Ever since she’d first met Fluttershy, Rarity had been impressed by the care and attention she gave to each and every one of the animals living at her cottage. And ever since they had become marefriends, Rarity had been much more involved in taking care of their many needs. Much to her surprise she had found that she actually enjoyed the warm, motherly feeling she got every time one of the fox kits curled up beside her, or a squirrel hid in her mane. She might have fussed once or twice, but after Fluttershy had taken to brushing her mane, she no longer had any objections.

She wasn’t as sure about making house calls however.

“Fluttershy, darling, is this really necessary? Can’t Harry come by the cottage, instead?” she asked, trying not to stumble on the uneven ground of the forest.

Next to her, Fluttershy shook her head empathically. “Oh no, he has a severe infection in his right paw. He shouldn’t be moving at all.” She pushed on, bending back ferns and dodging vines in her almost single minded determination to visit Harry the bear in his home, deep in the everfree forest.

“Then can’t we take him back to the cottage instead? I really don’t feel comfortable being out here.”

Fluttershy looked back at her with a small smile. “I told you, you didn’t have to come along.”

Rarity didn’t reply immediately, busy as she was fighting with a vine that had somehow gotten tangled up in her mane. When she had finally disentangled it, cut it up with her magic, and stomped on it a few times for good measure she finally replied. “And I told you, dear, I don’t feel comfortable having you go out here by yourself either.”

“We’ll be fine, Rarity. It’s just a little further.” Fluttershy trotted back and gave her marefriend a nuzzle and a kiss which made Rarity forget all about her troubles for a moment. The wilderness wasn’t her favorite venue, but she decided that, as long as she had Fluttershy, it wasn’t too bad.

Double Date Disaster - Steel Resolve

Written by: Steel Resolve

"However did I let you talk me into this?" Rarity asked as she approached the restaurant where their reservations had been set.

"Be nice, he felt really badly about how he treated you that night. His new marefriend insists he try to make peace with you. Besides, it's not good to hold things in..." Fluttershy replied smoothly, laying a supportive hoof on her marefriend's shoulder. "It will be okay."

Rarity sighed heavily, pushing an unruly curl back into place. "Fine, but only for you, love. Never for... him."

They entered the building, and informed the maître d' they were joining a table for four. They were escorted to table at which Rarity found Prince Blueblood, and... "Trixie?!" Rarity exclaimed, shocked beyond believe.

"Please... I would prefer it if we could not use that name here, Miss Rarity. I go by Dame Lulamoon, now." Trixie replied primly.

Rarity's mouth hung open in utter shock. "Dame?" She wanted to follow that with a series of questions, but that seemed to be all she could actually get out of her mouth.

"Yes, Trixie... ahem. I never really liked my title, I have no real talent for backstabbing or politics, just magic."

Prince Blueblood nodded enthusiastically. "I met her at one of her stage shows, she made my heart disappear."

Trixie blushed demurely. "Just stop, Blue."

Rarity had taken a sip of water while the two exchanged there little inanities, but choked when she heard Trixie say the term of endearment.

"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy cried, trying to gently pat Rarity's back to help her stop coughing.

Rarity's gasped for air, finally getting her wind back. She gave a final cough and smiled weakly. "Well, it's nice to see a pair of... nice ponies getting together." She said through gritted teeth.

Trixie nudged Blueblood, who looked hastily away from Trixie's eyes and back to Rarity. "Um... yes, well. That is... I was hoping you might.. deign to accept my apology. My new love has been teaching me about humility, and... noblesse oblige, having realized how arrogant I was... I must make amends with you, in particular."

"You..." Rarity stammered helplessly. "Apologize? You crushed every dream I ever had by your mere existence!" She reached across the table and poked a hoof into his chest. "You were more than arrogant. You were petty, obnoxious, and rude beyond belief!" She stood up, gathering her belongings. "Fluttershy, I am sorry but this cannot be continenced. Dame, a pleasure. I know you meant well."

A loud noise was heard just behind Blueblood. A rolling table had collapsed, sending a multilayer cake sailing through the air towards their table. Time slowed to a crawl, and Rarity saw something she never expected to see. Prince Blueblood scrambled around the table and stood in front of her, shielding her.

For the briefest and most surreal of moments, she felt something close to gratitude. Then his hooves clamped on her shoulders, lifting her bodily in front of himself. The cake splattered all over her.

She was set down on the floor, blinking crumbs out of her eyes.

"Blue, you were supposed to stand in front of her!"

"I panicked!"

Rarity used her magic to wipe the cake from herself as the two bickered, shoving the wadded mass of baked goods into Blueblood's face. "Thank you for a lovely evening." She hissed, and stormed out, Fluttershy close behind.

Confession - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

It’s going to be a perfect day. The sun is shining, the birds are starting their early morning song after several days of travel; all in all, it promises to be a lovely beginning to the spring season. And my marefriend is likely to murder me, or at the very least be very upset.

She is usually ever so sweet, taking care of her animals and even Opalescence when I don’t have time, as well as taking time out of her day to do a little modeling for me when I ask her. See, the problem is that she asked me for something special last week. Something she wanted me to make, just for her, a gift if you will.

I was already thinking about making her something for our one month anniversary, but I hadn’t gotten to the point where I actually knew what I could do for the occasion, or what she really wanted. A dress only goes so far after all.

I was supposed to meet her an hour ago, but I felt so nauseous and scared that I didn’t dare face her and watch her frown at me. Even now, while I’m standing in front of her door I’m still not quite sure I want to admit it, though I can’t bear the thought of not seeing her either.

My knocks on her door are light and barely audible. We’ve only been going out for a month and already I’m being influenced by her behaviour, though the fear might have something to do with it.

“C-come in.”

Oh dear, she sounds awful. My heart sinks as I push open the door, and find Fluttershy curled up on the rug in front of her fireplace. She’s been crying.

“Darling!” I rush to her and embrace her quickly, drying her tears on my coat. “What happened?”

“I—I...” She sniffs. “I thought you weren’t going to come.”

I cradle her head between my hooves and look at her for a moment. “My dearest Fluttershy, why would you ever think such a thing?”

She sniffs again and looks away from me, making my strain my ears to hear what she’s saying. “I thought you didn’t like me anymore. You’ve— you’ve been avoiding me all week.”

There it is, the elephant in the room. I wonder if she’ll ever forgive me for not telling her sooner, or if she’ll even forgive me at all. Taking a deep breath I place a kiss on her forehead. “Darling, I promise it was never my intention to make you think anything of the sort.”

She blinks and stares at me, conveying an entire angry rant with just her eyes. 'Why did you avoid me then?' They ask in her place.

I steel myself, taking a deep breath and letting out slowly, trying to build up the courage. “You see, darling, I—” Momentary falter, nothing to be worried about Rarity, just push past it. “I didn’t know how to tell you, but... No matter how good I am at dressmaking, I’ve never learned how to knit properly.”

She stares at me in disbelief. Not a strange reaction I suppose, I would have looked at myself funny after a statement like that. “You... you can’t knit?”

I shake my head. “I can knit, just... not very well. I don’t nearly have the proficiency to create something so challenging as what you’ve asked of me.” I swallow away the trepidation. “Can you forgive me?”

Rather than say anything she pushes against me, turning ceiling into floor as I land on my back with her standing over me. She leans down and gives me a fierce kiss that makes my head spin, leaving me panting as she pulls back with a smile. “Silly,” she says softly, “why didn’t you just tell me?”

I shamefacedly look away. “I... did not want to disappoint.”

She lets out a happy little Squee, a lovely sound as always, even if it confuses me a little. “This is great!”

“I’m not sure I understand, darling.”

“Oh.” She smiles at me and gives me another kiss, a short one this time. “I wanted there to be something I could teach you for the longest time, and now I can!”

“Knitting? But what about that gift you asked me for?”

My confusion must have been prominent on my face, as she gets off of me and glides towards the stairs. After a quick trip upstairs during which I’ve only just managed to pick myself up from the floor, she comes back with her gift to me: a perfectly knitted half of a heart, with jigsaw edges where my half was supposed to fit into. “Do you like it? Since I’m already done, I can help you with yours!”

On the run - Jondor

Written by: Jondor

The car rumbled and shook slightly as the train departed the station. Rarity sank into the plush lower bunk of her first class suite with a sigh. Fluttershy’s ears pricked and she quickly finished stowing their carry-on luggage in the upper compartment before softly landing beside the bed.

“Fluttershy, dear, I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for your company on this trip.” Rarity peeked through one half-lidded eye, the corner of her mouth turned up in a soft smile. “I fear I would go mad without some friendly companionship between cities.” She attempted to sit up in a more dignified position and winced sharply half way through the motion.

“Oh, Rarity, are you alright?” Fluttershy took to the air, hovering above Rarity’s back with soft wing beats, her darting eyes full of concern.

“I shall be with some rest and a spa visit. I desperately need a massage after that last show.” Rarity sprawled out over the bed, undignified, but comfortable.

She felt the mattress depress slightly and a warm presence of a pony replacing the cool air over her back. A pair of hooves began to gently, but firmly, work the tension out of her muscles.

Rarity let out a happy moan. “Darling, thank you. You didn’t have to—Mmm—but you are quite good at that.”

“I’m happy to help, Rarity. Harry the bear has back problems sometimes, so I took lessons from Aloe and Lotus.” Fluttershy gave a soft smile, her wings flared and twitching at the sounds she was eliciting from Rarity.

“It shows—” Rarity’s words were cut off by a soft groan as Fluttershy went to work on the hard knot which had just caused her pain. After a few moments, the tense feeling subsided and Rarity felt her muscles melt into painless relaxation. “Oh, sweet Celestia. I think I love you. You didn’t learn that gentleness from Aloe and Lotus.”

Fluttershy’s hooves skipped a beat and she blushed at Rarity’s words. She knew Rarity was simply being facetious, but it was the opening she had been waiting for, and one of the major reasons she’d agreed to accompany her on this trip. She grit her teeth and gulped, it was now or never.

Her whole body nearly as tense as Rarity’s back had just been, Fluttershy leaned down and softly kissed Rarity between her shoulder blades. “I l-love you too, Rarity.” She fought hard to keep the quaver out of her voice, and succeeded, mostly.

The mattress shifted under her hooves as Rarity rolled over to face her. Fluttershy’s eyes watered, her whole body quivering like a plucked string as Rarity gazed up at her, her expression neutral.

Finally, she spoke. “That is a most unconventional way to confess one’s feelings, darling.” Her blank expression broke into a soft smile and she raised a hoof to caress Fluttershy’s cheek. “But I suppose I shouldn’t have expected the direct approach from my dear Fluttershy, even when I give her a week’s worth of time alone with me.”

Fluttershy blushed deeper and smiled sheepishly as she and Rarity lent in and met each other’s lips.

Coconut - ???

Non-Flarity concept by: A troll, Flaritization by: Jondor, with prompting by Steel Resolve

This was the life.

Rarity lay back on her beach chair taking in the warm sun, wearing her sunhat and sunglasses. The sun, the sand, the fresh ocean breezes, until now only a fleeting vacation, this was the life she always dreamed of.

A shadow slowly crept up on her, blocking the warm rays of the sun. She blinked and leaned up.

“The coconut milk you asked for Rarity...I hope you like it,” a soft, slightly nervous voice said.

Rarity lifted up her sunglasses with a smile to see Fluttershy standing over her with a coconut that had a straw attached to it. “Why, thank you so much darling,” she replied, taking the coconut gently with her magic. “Come, sit next to me so we can enjoy the sun together.”

“Um, okay.” Fluttershy sat down as Rarity scooted over on the chair. She let out a soft sigh of happiness as their coats brushed together. The chair was wide enough for two ponies, but only just.

“How long have we been together Fluttershy?” Rarity asked, looking out at the horizon, and slipping a foreleg around her girlfriend.

“Um...about a year.” Fluttershy answered, her face blushing beet red.

Rarity gave her shoulders a soft squeeze and smiled at her. “Relax darling, it's just you and me alone on this island. There's no one for miles to hear us.” She fluttered her eyelashes and winked, curling her lips into a grin. “Even if we scream.”

“Oh, my..”" Fluttershy turned a deeper shade of red and buried her face in Rarity’s chest.

Rarity chuckled, stroking Fluttershy’s mane as she finished her coconut milk. Dropping the empty shell to the sand, she gently lifted Fluttershy’s chin and caught her lips up in a passionate kiss.

Fluttershy moaned softly, kissing back and letting her body melt and become putty in Rarity's hooves.

“WAKE UP, RARITY!!!”

The shrill voice instantly dissolved her dream and Rarity snapped her eyes open to see Sweetie Belle standing on her chest.

“Sweetie?” groggily complained Rarity. “What in the name of Celestia is the time?” She got up, making a half-hearted gesture to push Sweetie off of her as the younger pony hopped down of her own accord.

“11:30. I thought you were going to go to Fluttershy’s wedding today.” Sweetie sat on the floor, looking up at her sister with her best doe eyes.

Rarity turned away with a grimace, her eyes resting on the wedding invitation half-buried under fabric swatches on her nightstand.

—dially invited to the wedding of Miss Fluttershy and Mister Macin—

“Perhaps it is best if I stay away. Especially after turning down a role as bridesmaid. It would just be too… too painful.” Rarity shook, trying valiantly, but ultimately failing to hold in her sobs. A small pair of hooves wrapped around her, as far as they could reach.

“If you love her that much, you need to tell her, Rarity.”

Rarity looked down at her younger sister, gaping at the idea of receiving relationship advice from a filly with a fresh cutie mark, just beginning her lanky teenage years.

“Apple Bloom practically had to kick my hooves out from under me to get me to tell Scoots how I felt after she started dating Featherweight.” Sweetie sighed and hugged Rarity tighter. “Apple Bloom might get kinda mad at me, but if you really love Fluttershy so much, you should go tell her before it’s too late.”

Rarity galloped across town at top speed; her lungs seared and her legs ached. Her horn shone brighter than it ever had done, but her power was no match for Celestia’s; try as she might, the sun continued its slow, steady pace toward the apex of the sky and her impending doom.

With mere minutes to spare, the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres finally came into sight. Rarity cast her eyes around for a sign, ignoring the protestation of her body to slow down and rest. She spotted and followed the arrows, streamers, and balloons in red, yellow, and ironically, white.

“If anypony knows any reason why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The aged Mr. Waddle croaked out the traditional ceremony, squinting through his thick glasses to read from his book.

A long, silent moment passed, finally broken not by a continuation of the ceremony, but by the galloping of hooves and a voice shrill from exertion.

“STOOOOOOP! I—I object!”

Rarity ran straight to the couple at the altar, her eyes streaming tears. She reared, trembling as she took Fluttershy’s hooves in her own. Rarity could smell coconut perfume; her stomach bunched up as it reminded her of the recurring fantasy of what might have been.

“Fluttershy, I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t barge in like this, I know I should just sit and be happy for you, but I can’t. Darling, I have to say it now, I have to take the chance because there’s no time left.”

Fluttershy’s eyes grew wide while words poured out of Rarity’s mouth. Big Mac simply stood by, waiting and watching.

“Dear Fluttershy, I love you. I’ve loved you for a long time. I should have told you during that beach trip when I first realized. I’m sorry I waited so long, but I simply couldn’t let you get married with this hanging over my head.”

Heedless both of the pristine wedding dress and the dust and sweat matting her coat, Rarity wrapped her forelegs around Fluttershy and kissed her deeply, eliciting shocked gasps from the assembled guests. Realizing what she had just done, her fatigue caught up with her. Rarity fainted.

Fluttershy turned her shocked eyes on Big Mac, silently apologizing even though the fault was clearly not hers.

Big Mac blinked and shrugged. “I’d be okay havin’ two wives.”

Hearth's Warming - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

Rarity again cursed herself for her overzealous nature in trying to make everything perfect. The dress she wanted to wear while asking Fluttershy that single most important question of a pony’s life sat snugly in her suitcase, but the perfect opportunity to put her plans in motion had passed some time ago.

She knew she was getting ahead of herself. After all, there were rules to be observed when one considered courting a mare. None of the rulemakers had seemed to be able to agree as to whether or not one had to be a stallion to do such things, so she had simply skipped that part. The first kiss, however, was one every book she’d read agreed on.

She supposed that, were she in Fluttershy’s horseshoes, she too would be a little freaked out by the notion of somepony asking her to marry them without any prior romantic indication. Unfortunately, her chance had long since passed. Hearth’s Warming eve would have been the perfect time to gauge the pegasus’ reactions to a romantic approach by another mare. Mistletoe made for an awfully convenient excuse to see how somepony reacted to being kissed, which was likely why the tradition had been started in the first place. But Rarity hadn’t been anywhere near her friends during that coldest winter day, choosing instead to slave away at the dress she could still picture in her mind, and which always lead her train of thought back to Fluttershy.

It would come again next year, but now that she had finished the dress Rarity couldn’t wait any longer, and especially not that long.

“That settles it.”

“That settles... what?”

Rarity sucked in a breath and looked around the train compartment she shared with Fluttershy. Had she said that out loud? She offered her friend a smile and coughed into her hoof. “Nothing of importance, darling. I was just thinking about how grateful I am for your company on this trip.”

Fluttershy smiled back. “You’re welcome. I just hope it won’t take too long, Angel is going to become a father in less than a week, and I really wanted to be there to help.”

“We won’t be gone that long, Fluttershy,” Rarity said hastily. “This should only take a day at the most.” And a lifetime of loneliness if she were to say no. the frantic part of her brain added. She ignored it. An opera dealing with the concept of love, and a romantic candlelit dinner weren’t the perfect way to express her feelings, but she’d be damned if she waited another day to make Fluttershy understand just how important she was.

She smiled at her unsuspecting friend, and let the fears be smothered under her determination.

To hell with perfection anyway.

Chaperone - FierceRainbow

Written by: FierceRainbow

Rarity had never been fond of the colour green. It looked positively horrible on her, turning a once beauty queen into a common pony with a bad fashion sense. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, was an entirely different matter.

The rich, dark shade of green hugged her slender body closely, curling round her front legs, her back legs half covered by the hem of her dress. Her yellow wings poking through the pair of holes fluttered nervously, shifting her head around the collar that stuck up around her neck.

“Um, Rarity,” her friend’s soft, angelic voice reached Rarity’s ear. On instinct, she smiled indulgently at her, quietly waiting for her to continue. She gave a tiny squeak. “I- I don’t know about this. I’m not a… I don’t like… I’ve never been to a p-party like this before.”

“Nonsense, darling, you’ll love,” Rarity beamed, smoothing out a wrinkle in her own outfit. “It’s the perfect place to let loose after a hard day’s work.”

Fluttershy mumbled something inaudible at the floor. “What was that, sweetness?”

“O-okay,” she whispered, uncertainty shifting on her hooves.

Rarity frowned at the dull, frightened look in the gentle eyes that refused to meet her own gaze. “Fluttershy, what’s wrong?”

She murmured out a string of a sounds, pausing when she realized the confused look Rarity was giving her. “I- I said… I’m scared.”

Her ears swivelled as she struggled to identify what she was saying. “Did you say you’re scared?”

Fluttershy meekly nodded. “I think… I’m worried th-that some ponies might t-try and… and… do th-things to me.”

“You think some stallion is going to pull some tricks on you?” the small, affirmative nod twisted her gut inexplicably at the thought of poor, beautiful Fluttershy being pinned down by some roguish stallion hoping to try his luck out on the vulnerable mare. She set her teeth angrily, trying to let the possessive fury churning inside of her show. “Well, we can’t have that now, can we?” she strode forwards, taking the wonderfully smooth, creamy cheeks between her manicured hooves. “I swear, my sweet little dear, I shall not let anypony take advantage of you tonight.”

“R-really?” Fluttershy’s eyes shone with a fresh coat of moisture threatening to spill over. Yet again that feeling hit her hard.

“Yes,” Rarity smiled at the joy on her friend’s face. “Oh! I shall be your chaperone!”

Fluttershy giggled in her cute little way, wiping the slight dampness from her eyes with her sleeve. “Okay… chaperone.”

“Lead the way, sweetness.”

Rarity quietly watched as Fluttershy trotted out of the door into the clear night, her fabric-covered flanks swaying slightly as she trotted along, a small smile on her lips. She really was a good friend, helping her in such a way. Any stallion would want such a fine example of a mare. It wasn’t because Rarity wanted to keep Fluttershy to herself. Of course not.

Secret - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

Fluttershy was nervous; standing at the foot end of Rarity’s plush alicorn-sized bed upon which the unicorn lay. She was wearing a seductive smile and a specially made tear-off dress, which, to make matters worse, was blood-red and contrasted with her coat in such a way that Fluttershy could barely contain herself. Granted, being nervous wasn’t particularly new for the pegasus but it had never been for this particular reason. “Uhm... Rarity, is this really okay?”

“But of course, darling! It’s a wonderful idea, and we wouldn’t want our relationship to grow dull, now would we? Variety is the spice of life as they say.” Rarity cleared her throat before arching her back and putting a hoof to her forehead. “Oh woe is me, having been cornered in my very own home by the most vile, but enticing of creatures.”

Credit where it was due, when Rarity’s creativity spilled over into their personal lives, it tended to create a big mess, but the costumes were always marvelous. Her acting talents, on the other hoof...

Fluttershy didn’t say anything, choosing to instead let out a soft hiss which made Rarity shiver visibly. A few flaps of her wings sent her hovering over the bed, and a few seconds later she was standing over the helpless maiden. Rarity cowered while the vampire let her eyes rove over the pristine white coat. Regardless of what Fluttershy’s mother had taught her, she was going to play with this prey for a good long while before devouring her life essence.

“What do you intend to do to me you vile beast?!” Rarity wailed, skirting backwards before coming to a halt with a shriek when Vampire Fluttershy put a hoof on her tail. “I... I’m warning you!”

Fluttershy smiled predatorily, licking her lips while taking in the wonderful curves Rarity possessed. Her gaze kept getting drawn to that nice voluminous, succulent neck and soon she would know what it was like to taste her marefriend’s blood. The thought almost made her stumble. She shook her head, trying to get rid of the overwhelming urge to just pounce on her marefriend have have what she wanted so desperately; it didn’t help. “I... uhm... I mean...” Coughing, she tried to adopt a lower, guttural voice. “I’m going to.. uhm...”

“Ravish me?” Rarity helpfully supplied. “Oh please, don’t ravish me, Flutterbat!”

Fluttershy froze, one foreleg halfway to touching Rarity’s barrel. Did she know? No, no... it was just part of the act. They were role playing after all. Only after Rarity’s admonishing ‘ahem’ did she blink and continue her movement. “I’m—I’m going to ravish you... and then... then I’m going to drink your blood!”

Rarity stiffened and then shuddered. “Oh, darling, that is so exciting!” she said with a smile, which faded as soon as she noticed Fluttershy’s frown. “Oh, right... breaking character, ever so sorry, darling.” She pushed a lock of hair which had come loose behind an ear and started wailing again.

Fluttershy couldn’t take it anymore. If they kept going like this, she would do something they would both regret, and then Rarity would hate her. Pressing her nose into Rarity’s neck, she took one last whiff of the unicorn’s scent and planted a small kiss on the spot she should have mock bitten, shuddering while she walked over to the other side of the bed.

“Darling? Is something wrong?”

Fluttershy didn’t respond; she couldn’t. Her willpower was on the verge of failing as it was and she had to leave before she gave in. Hopping off the bed, she quickly made her way to the door. A midnight flight was what she needed, something to clear her head and get rid of these horrible thoughts. Any plans she might have had were dashed when a light blue glow washed over her body and suspended her in the air.

“Fluttershy, darling, we talked about this. If there’s something I did to upset you, you need to tell me.”

Rarity gently set her back down on the bed and frowned at her, which Fluttershy tried to hide from by shielding herself with a wing. “Please, Rarity... I... I can’t do this anymore.” She tried to escape again, but again the magic caught her and deposited her in front of that nice... juicy... neck.

“No more hiding, Fluttershy,” she heard Rarity say before a white hoof slowly pushed her wing back to her side and her struggle to control herself became a thousand times harder.

She lost...

She pounced.

Rarity fell back onto the bed with a shriek and a giggle, playfully swatting Fluttershy’s rump. “Darlingh~!” her second shriek was one of pain as Fluttershy’s fangs buried themselves in the tender flesh of her neck.

Fluttershy drank, greedily, hysterically, crying in both joy and terror while she tasted her marefriend in the most intimate way possible. It was divine.

After a full minute of nothing but gorging herself, Fluttershy finally regained her senses. With a scream she jumped off the bed and rushed down to the kitchen where they kept the first aid kit, coming back to a groggy Rarity who was repeatedly trying and failing to sit up.

“Oh no, no, no no no nononono,” Fluttershy repeated, quickly wrapping Rarity’s neck in antiseptic gauze. The part of her mind that had actually remembered her training insisted that saliva would kill most if not all the bacteria in the wounds and help them close faster. The tiny voice was drowned out by her panic which told her that Rarity would bleed to death if she didn’t take good care of her. “You’re going to be fine, Rarity. It’s going to be okay.”

Rarity murmured something she couldn’t quite make out, but the tone of voice sparked something in her already overloaded state of mind. Something she didn’t want to acknowledge: Rarity was scared of her. She had done the unthinkable, betrayed the trust of the pony she held most dear, and now Rarity would hate her.

“I’m so, so sorry, Rarity. You won’t have to be afraid, I promise. Just...” She swallowed heavily. “Just don’t move okay? If you don’t move, you’ll be fine.”

Leaving would be hard, but she couldn’t stand the idea of Rarity looking at her with anything but that playful smile she so loved. She’d have to pack up and go as far away as possible. Hopefully her her animals would be okay without her. “Goodbye,” she said, stealing a kiss from those lips while she still could.

When she got to the door she felt something tug on her tail. Casting a glance over her shoulders she saw that part of it was encased in the same blue glow she had come to associate with Rarity’s magic. Perhaps Rarity needed more help? Maybe she should make sure Rarity got to a hospital before she left.

She shook her head and shook off the magic before heading to the stairs. Rarity might tell them that she was a monster, and they would catch her and then they would put her in a cage, or... or worse! Before she reached the bottom, she was already having second thoughts again. Even if Rarity told them, and even if they did horrible, bad, nasty things to her, wasn’t that just what she deserved? She had already done the worst thing she could in her entire life. Perhaps... if she was punished, she wouldn’t feel so badly anymore?

A muted groan made her ears perk. It had come from Rarity’s room. The sound made her heart stop.

NO!

In a flash she was back in the room looking around for any sign that Rarity had injured herself more. The unicorn was still on the bed, seemingly motionless, which only aggravated Fluttershy’s shame and fear. She scrambled up to the bed and lowered her ear to Rarity’s mouth, listening for any signs of breathing.

“S—still l… l… love you,” Rarity whispered, soft as a breath.

At first Fluttershy was afraid that she was just imagining things. When Rarity managed to lift a hoof and placed it on her cheek, however, her fear melted. She cooed softly and stroked Rarity’s mane, belatedly remembering that water and something to eat would help her marefriend recover faster.

At some point she must have fallen asleep, because she woke up to find that Rarity was no longer in her lap but instead hugging her from behind. She rolled over and came face to face with a soft smile, and although Rarity’s eyes held a small glint of fear, it was drowned out by the overwhelming love present in them.

“How are you feeling, darling?” Rarity planted a kiss on the tip of her nose and giggled at the sight of Fluttershy looking at her own nose.

Fluttershy replied after her own more nervous giggle. “I’m… scared.”

“And why is the great and powerful Flutterbat scared?” Rarity replied with a hint of theatricality in her voice. “Could it be because of little old me?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I afraid tha—”

Rarity cut her off with another kiss. “Darling, I’ve known for months.”

“Y-you did? How?” It shouldn’t have come as much of a shock. Besides Fluttershy herself, Rarity was probably the most observant of their bunch of close friends. Still, she had thought that she’d concealed it well.

“Well, for one thing, Harry’s back problems had never been this bad before. Not to mention the fact that you kept licking your lips when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

But if she knew then... “Why did you...?”

“Let you bite me?” Rarity hugged her more tightly. “Because I was afraid as well. I feared that I would lose you because of that awful secret you were trying so hard to keep.”

Fluttershy’s posture sagged, and she gratefully rested her head against Rarity. “But you still love me?”

“I still love you,” Rarity said with a smile. “Although I think I might have to visit the hospital first thing in the morning.” Fluttershy’s fear returned, but Rarity immediately squashed it with a nuzzle. “Don’t worry, darling. I just need to know what to eat to stimulate blood production. After all, I have a feeling I am going to be donating quite a bit of it from now on... and I would rather not feel like a wet rag after every intimate encounter we might have.”

They smiled at one another and fell asleep soon after. It had been an exhausting day.

Under Pressure - Mercury Gilado

Written by: Mercury Gilado

The most ornate hotel room, worth every bit she poured into it, boxed in the prone mare. Thirteen-hundred bits; thirteen-thousand beads of her youth lost on her brow. One million, three hundred thousand seconds that ticked by since she left home, without a word of her destination.

She was hardly alone these days, however. Rarity sat up straight on a faux-leather sofa, bellowing out musical scales, up and down, down and up. She enjoyed her midnight arias, delivered to her captive audience as always. Even the warm-up was merely transparent after years of hearing it, thanks to her wondrous voice.

She held no love for Rarity. Every time she snuck a glance at her, Rarity would ultimately catch her, meeting her with those diamondized eyes of hers, cool blue and perfectly sharp. The first time she met those eyes was long, long before, staring back at her in a gilded hoof mirror. Looking away was impossible though. All the other mirrors told her lies, while Rarity, where she sat, was her truth.

And Rarity smiled back, always. She hoped, when Rarity’s cheeks rose from that smile, her eyes would cut her beautiful face.

“It’s such a relaxing night tonight, is it not?” she asked.

“I suppose.” Where Rarity’s voice was clear as crystal, hers was strained and dry. She sang duets with Rarity once before, but she now could no longer keep up. “I would rather get some sleep, if you don’t mind.”

“Don’t worry about that, my dear,” Rarity responded, playful as ever.

“I see. I shan’t ever become used to this,” she said, adjusting her shoulders a bit.

“Oh, you always say that. What do we desire tonight, hm? A little company?” Rarity said, licking her lips.

“It gives me no more joy, Rarity. You will simply have to find another way to kill time.”

The radiant mare only pouted.

“I can smell the loneliness from here,” she said in a low tone. “That means you are thinking about her again, or Luna is rudely dropping in for another visit.”

“She does not care for your kin, Rarity.”

“Oh, I’m well aware.”

The poison she spat was an out, to keep the predator at bay while an old wound bled. She tossed to face away from Rarity, but that did little to hide the trail from that wound.

“I implore you to not cry to yourself all night again. It’s so pathetic, I taste bile! And I don’t even have a stomach.”

Phlegm began choking her up, but she dared not sniffle, even a little. Knives of diamond raked her back in silence, she could feel it. From a hawk to hyena, Rarity chuckled.

“I AM generous, though. It makes me even more ill to lower myself to her level, but I’m willing --”

“Silence!”

The ground lurched under the two at her cry. Watching Rarity stumble around like a fool gave her more than a little mirth, enough to bring her to her hooves, standing over the collapsed mare.

“She terrifies you, doesn’t she?” Rarity said, out of breath. “Every love you’ve known since then, all slashed and torn. But she!”

“I said silence!” With a growl, she took hold of the couch with her magic and rammed Rarity from the side, sending her rolling into the wall.

But the mare’s smile never wavered. “She showed you what it was all about! The time you spent, the smiles traded, the glances stolen, not one word of that silly thing called ‘love’. And you knew!”

A pair of scissors floated to her side. Rarity glanced to it, but she met her eyes straight away. Even with a show of winding them back, Rarity paid the scissors no mind. No mind, even three inches into her neck.

“Her heart screamed!” Rarity croaked around the blackness pooling in her mouth. “‘Let me out!’ You looked back that day, to her, when the train departed. It was like watching a dove curl up and die, as the the other dove left it behind in its cage.”

Then, Rarity frowned back at her, lips pursed in ink.

“I must say, that was one of the finer displays of cruelty I’ve ever seen. I knew I saw great things in you,” she said, looking down to her bleeding neck.

“It was mercy,” she sobbed back. “I can never love a wretched thing like you, Rarity. How could I truly love her back? To love her, I would need to care about you too.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Rarity said back, lifting her trembling hoof away from her shoulder. It was her turn to collapse to the floor, Rarity now standing above. The inky blood pooled at her feet, giving the prone mare a reflection to stare at. “Fluttershy was always too kind for her own good. You’d suck her dry like a changeling would eventually, except all the changelings I’ve ever met were far prettier.”

“Just a pinch,” the tired face in the puddle whispered. “Just a pinch of her love, at the bottom of my heart, would have weighed it down in Ponyville. My hopes, my dreams!” The mare pounded the floor feebly. “ I could never have left her behind if I opened up and accepted her love!” Under the small blows, the floor rippled, as did the mare in front of her, until nothing but blackness remained. “Then, she would spend the rest of her days with a monster like you…”

As her chest shuddered, a letter slid from her chest to the floor. A mess of signatures adorned the bottom, six in total. When the sunlight came into focus, she choked out a single word.

Spell - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

Only unicorns possess the magic, and more importantly the horn, needed to cast spells. I know that. Everypony knows that. It’s one of the first things they teach in school. Of course, pegasi and earth ponies have their own brands of magic that are invaluable to Equestria, but only unicorns can cast spells.

And yet, you do it every time I see you.

I don’t think you even know the effect you have on me. It would be just like you. But still, every time I see that flowing pink mane, the graceful curves of your body, or—Celestia forbid—your stunning turquoise eyes, I can’t help but feel my heart leap into my throat. I want so badly to tell you how I feel about you, but I couldn’t risk what might happen if you didn’t feel the same.

Though, even if you didn’t, you might play along just to spare my feelings. I think that might be worst of all. That you would sacrifice your own happiness just to keep from hurting me. I could never forgive myself if that happened.

So, I’ll keep my mouth shut and simply be caught in your spell.

Choice - Mercury Gilado

Written by: Mercury Gilado

This road was simply a walk of shame! Humiliation, and loss!

“Don’t worry Rarity, I have just enough bits left for the train fare. Oh! And a little extra, too.”

Every puddle the pony plodded by was a reminder of the obscene travesty! Some half-wit losing her luggage, and another swiping her purse when she was already kicked down!

“Rarity, you look fine without makeup.” Fluttershy sighed heavily as her friend spasmed at the slightest provocation.

“But Fluttershy! This whole trip I so. Painstakingly. Planned! It has been ruined beyond your wildest imagination!” Rarity cried.

“I feel bad too, having to miss that show, but please don’t be so hard on yourself.” Fluttershy raised a hoof to silence Rarity once more. “And it wasn’t a waste of time, either. Spending a… mostly relaxing trip with you is all I need to be happy.”

Fluttershy smiled, and looked over to Rarity. Her eyes shimmered with many things, regret mostly. Seeing her without that lovely eyeshadow of hers was a little strange, but she was still Rarity.

“You’re staring,” Rarity said, lips pursed. “Why are you staring?”

“Because you have lo-- um, just… making sure you’re okay?” Fluttershy whispered. Her mane fell over the side of her face when she looked away, a pink wall between the two.

“You can at least come out and say something!” Rarity huffed. “I am a big mare, however. Despite my kingdom for, well, all my familiar commodities, I must wait until we return home. Then, we can simply forget about this abysmal outing for the rest of time.”

If Fluttershy didn’t know better, today was the worst day of Rarity’s life with the way she spoke. Rarity’s penchant for melodrama was her stress relief, so she decided to leave it at that. But as Rarity’s ranting bubbled forth, her mood soured and soured.

Yesterday, the two visited the park while waiting for the ultimately bad news about Rarity’s lost luggage. The noontime fountain sparkled like the ocean before them as they quietly conversed on a bench. She remembered wanting the moment to last forever.

“I can’t believe the nerve, Fluttershy! Making us wait for hours, just to admit their folly! What a waste of time!”

With a wince, Fluttershy swallowed hard. The station came into view as a bell tolled in the distance. On either side of the street, curio shops dominated.

“And the worst part is that we have absolutely nothing to show for this! I had hoped for the director to sign this program of mine as a fond reminder of Manehattan’s wonderful culture, but instead we have these wrinkled ticket stubs to remind us about all the wrongs terrible customer service has wrought us!” With her magic, Rarity promptly shredded them to bits and loosed them in the wind.

Fluttershy watched the pieces tumble ahead, past the open door of a shop. Then, an idea came to her.

“Rarity, I think I have some extra bits to spend. Why don’t you pick out souvenir, so you do have something to show for?”

Her companion gasped. “Darling, you’re already paying fare for my sorry tush. I couldn’t!”

“Nothing would make me happier than making our trip worth something to you,” Fluttershy said, firm. Rarity flinched at her sharp tone.

“W-well, if you insist.” Fluttershy wordlessly hoofed the bits over, and Rarity entered the shop alone. As she browsed the glass animals and ashtrays, she looked over to the sulking mare through the front window. Eyes puffy and jaw firmly set, it was plain that her friend was upset, but only now did Rarity realize.

Unable to bear the guilt, Rarity cantered out to her friend’s side. “Dear, what’s the matter? I know it’s been an awful day-and-a-half --”

“No, it hasn’t,” Fluttershy whispered. “I really did enjoy it, Rarity.”

“Then what’s the matter?”

Fluttershy sniffled. “Rarity… I love spending time with you, but sometimes I think you don’t feel the same at all. I meant it, earlier, that I was happy, but you keep saying what a disaster this trip was, and… I guess I’m not good enough to change that.”

“Sweetie, I didn’t realize,” Rarity stuttered. “That I was the reason you haven’t been happy. But I couldn’t…” Rarity trailed off as she brushed Fluttershy’s mane out of her face. She paused, then turned back into the store, leaving her confused friend behind.

Rarity zeroed in on something within, Fluttershy could see, and was in and out in seconds. Within her magic was a butterfly, a pearly jade color. Again, Rarity brushed Fluttershy’s mane aside, and clipped it on just by her ear.

“Rarity?”

“I couldn’t see your face.”

Rarity chuckled. “You must understand, I AM genuinely miffed about all of this, but I wasn’t being considerate of your feelings. I love spending time with you too, Fluttershy. I-I guess I could have shown that better. We both could have,” she stressed.

Her cheeks warmed up. “I’ll be honest next time Rarity, don’t worry.”

The two embraced each other. To Fluttershy’s surprise, Rarity nuzzled her mane as well. “Please do! I need somepony to rein me in, after all,” she muttered into her ear. The mare giggled at Fluttershy’s sputtering, then sauntered ahead. No longer trembling with bitterness, Fluttershy easily caught up with her as the two headed for home.

Straight and Narrow - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

Fluttershy sat and watched Rarity talk. She couldn’t remember what the unicorn was going on about, but she didn’t mind. She was so enraptured in Rarity’s stunning beauty and the melodic silkyness of her voice that nothing else mattered. She let Rarity talk, nodding and making small affirmative noises when there was a break in the soothing words.

She felt something stirring within her, just as she always did when she spent time with Rarity. She wanted to hear that heavenly voice whisper sweet nothings in her ear and feel the soft press of those gorgeous lips against her own. But she smothered it, just as she always had with anything she truly wanted. All her life, Fluttershy had strove to do what was ‘right,’ staying on the straight and narrow path of what was ‘good’ at every turn.

She was sick of it. She was tired of sacrificing what her heart truly desired because it wasn’t what she was supposed to want.

“Fluttershy, darling? Are you alright?” Rarity reached across the table and laid a hoof on her friend’s, concern etched on her face. “You’ve been dreadfully quiet, and…” She pulled back, her concern melting away into misery. “You… you look like I’ve upset you. I… I’m sorry.” Her voice broke on the last word and she stood up, making for the front door of her friend’s tree-home. “I’ll just… go. And again, I’m sorry for… whatever it was that I did to upset you.”

“Wait!” Fluttershy stood from her seat and marched over to the unicorn. She barely slowed when she finally reached Rarity, leaning forward and capturing the other mare’s lips in a fierce kiss. Rarity stood frozen still for a second of shock, but then returned the kiss just as passionately. She kissed Fluttershy as if she’d been lost in the desert for days, and the pegasus’ lips were her first taste of water.

Fluttershy smiled into the kiss. In one swift, decisive moment, she’d thrown her quiet, safe, straight and narrow life behind her.

And she couldn’t have been happier.

Cozy - Squinty Mudmane

Written by: Squinty Mudmane

Rarity slowly levitated the cup of cocoa to her lips and sipped, savouring the taste of the warm, sweet liquid spreading over her tongue and relishing the warmth that spread through her as she drank. The two marshmallows in the cocoa bobbed as if buffeted by the gale of sleet and hail raging outside. She floated the cup back to the small round table next to the fainting couch and smiled as she looked at the window slowly being painted white by the howling blizzard.

Though the frightful weather threatened to chill to the bone anyone who dared step outside, the room she was in was warm, pleasant, safe. Even if she would throw the windows wide, she felt certain she could laugh with derision at the skies, for she was wrapped in something—or rather, someone—warmer than the thickest blankets and softer than the richest silk.

Fluttershy breathed softly as she rested her head against Rarity’s chest, her beautiful face surrounded by the abundance of pink that was her mane. It cascaded over Rarity’s body, caressing her with its silken strands as gently and softly as Fluttershy’s own hoof—polished to a sheen from their spa visit earlier the same day—did. Their hindlegs lay intertwined, thighs slipped between one another in a way that was thoroughly and intimately enjoyable while stopping just shy of crossing the threshold that demanded full and immediate attention.

“Read me another line, Rarity,” Fluttershy said softly, her eyes closed and that adorable little smile on her lips. “Please.”

Rarity smiled and turned another page in her book, a collection of poetry she had spent many a lonely night alternatingly sighing dreamily and sobbing longingly over. Now the nights with the book were spent only in pure enjoyment.

She put on her best dramatic reader’s voice and spoke: “Oh, my fair maiden! I see thy shade pass by in yonder window. Thy grace maketh the Moon Herself weep with envy.” She leaned closer so that her lips were inches from Fluttershy, dropping her voice to a sensual whisper, the heat of her breath making the pegasus shiver with delight. “The absense of thy touch doth set mine heart aflame with longing. The thought of thine lips on mine bringeth fire in mine veins.”

Fluttershy smiled and opened her eyes, looking up at Rarity with an intense warmth of her own. Rarity was certain that her poetry book had descriptions somewhere of maidens with eyes like pools of the deepest blue or which glittered like sapphires, but all of them seemed trite and insufficient compared to what she saw whenever Fluttershy looked at her.

“Why leave it at the thought?” Fluttershy asked with the gleam in her eyes and the wicked curve in her mouth that always heralded her more assertive side. She turned over slowly, pushing the book hovering between them aside with a little flick of her hoof. Rarity let go with her magical grip and the book slipped onto the floor, unceremoniously forgotten.

“Why indeed?” Rarity replied almost breathlessly, resisting the sudden urge to fan herself as Fluttershy eyed her with predatory intensity. Fluttershy let out a mixture of a giggle and a tiny squee of glee utterly at odds with her aggressiveness moments ago, then leaned forward and locked her lips with Rarity’s, filling them both with a warmth that put the merrily crackling fireplace to shame.

Boastful - RariShyZealot

Written by: RariShyZealot

“Well, I choose truth.”

The Elements of Harmony were currently gathered in Pinkie Pies room as, after hearing about Twilight’s slumber party with Applejack and Rarity, the pink party-planner had decided to host one of her own. They were lying on the floor, arranged in a circle and in the middle of a game of truth-or-dare. Twilight surveyed her friends, tapping a hoof to her chin in an exaggerated show of being deep in thought. Suddenly she squinted her eyes and smiled, looking at Rarity, who was propped up on a mountain of pillows, underneath which was probably a mattress.

“Okay, Rarity.... she paused, mouth open as if she was looking for the right word as she eyed the others,
“Name one pony in this room you would sleep with if you had to choose.”

This challenge received a mixed response from the others. Fluttershy was blushing and attempting to hide underneath her forelegs; Rainbow Dash was hanging a head with a sigh; Applejack shrugged and Pinkie Pie leaned in towards the unicorn, a suggestive “ooooh” escaping her lips. Rarity herself craned her neck backwards, honestly surprised by the question. Then she recovered and pointed a hoof at the yellow pegasus desperately trying to disappear into her sleeping bag on the other side of the circle.

“Fluttershy, obviously.”

Now it was Twilight’s turn to be surprised. The question was supposed to be awkward as payback for a certain embarrassing debacle Rarity had caused her, involving a banana and a black rooster. She definitely didn’t expect an answer so quickly.

“Uhm... W-why Fluttershy?” she asked, both confused and curious. She knew of course that Rarity and Fluttershy were closer friends than any other two in their little group, and that Fluttershy sometimes helped Rarity in her work by standing model, but she never even considered it might be some sort of attraction involved.

Rarity let out an amused snicker. “Why anypony else? Fluttershy is kind, sweet, and the most beautiful pony in this room. No offence.”

If the half-hearted shrugs and chorus of “Yeah, sure.” No offence was taken, except possibly by Fluttershy, who was now actively trying her hardest to vanish into thin air. Twilight, on the other hoof, was not satisfied with the answer.

“Wait, you’re just okay with talking about that? Just like that?” admittedly she had only lived in Ponyville in a few weeks, but she’d like to imagine the ponies here at least kept their friends and their lovers separate. The answer she got, however, both answered her question, and deposited a new one.

Rarity shot a smile at the red-faced pegasus and said “Well now, I wouldn’t be much of a marefriend if I did not find her attractive nor entertain the thought of sleeping with her, would I now?”

Twilight sucked in air through her teeth and massaged her brow with one hoof, feeling a headache coming on. “Hold on, you’re telling me the two of you are dating?”

“Well of course, we have been a happy couple for about four years now, our anniversary is in December.”

Besides suddenly feeling very sorry for Spike, Twilight, trained by years of being both a science fiction fan and the student of a goddess, immediately spotted two holes in that claim, which she proceeded to point out.

“If you’re dating, why do you keep calling each other just ‘friends’? And what about your crush on Prince Blueblood?”

During this question, Rarity had begun to make her way across the floor, finally laying down next to Fluttershy in an attempt to calm the poor thing down. “Well, Fluttershy is extremely uncomfortable about it, what with her memories of being shut out and bullied for it in school. As for the se-” Rarity suddenly interrupted herself with an “oh” as Fluttershy attempted to bury her face in Rarity’s neck and/or chest.

She cleared her throat and continued.

“As for the second question, Fluttershy actually seems to want me to keep fantasies about stallions. She claimed that it would be unfair for her, who does not like stallions at all, to keep me from thinking of them, or even aspiring towards them.”

Rarity then reached down and kissed Fluttershy’s forehead, exactly where her horn would be, had she been a unicorn. “Not that I would actually trade any stallion for you, sweetie. I’ve never seen anypony, filly or colt, who is as sweet, gentle or sexy as you.”

The comment seemed to make Fluttershy even more embarrassed, causing her to press herself closer, which was perhaps the point. It also caused Rainbow Dash to roll her eyes with an annoyed grunt. “Just get a room.”

Rarity, seeing an opportunity to tease Rainbow Dash, for once trading the usual roles played, rested her head on top of Fluttershy’s, softly stroking her wing. “Aw, you’re just jealous that Fluttershy is the perfect special somepony.”

“Perfect? Please, any stallion in town would pick me. Because I’m just awesome like that.” Came the response as Rainbow rolled around, laying on her back with her head hanging over the edge of the cloud she had brought in as a bed.

Rarity scoffed, raising her head from its resting place and putting a foreleg around her pegasus. “That may be, but even the most gallant and gentle stallion would be to rough for my sweetheart. No, her beautiful form requires a lady’s touch.” She exclaimed in an over-dramatic fashion, clearly getting into the idea of over-selling Fluttershy as the best pony to ever exist. “Which is not to say,” she continued, “That she’s averse to getting ‘roughed up’, as it were.” She then whispered “the little minx”, purposely too loud, causing everypony else to cringe.

“Yeesh, thanks for that mental picture...” Rainbow Dash groaned.

“Yes, thanks Rarity!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie, who seemed to not realize what her friend had been talking about. “Anyway, you were next Rarity!”

Rarity once again cleared her throat and glanced around the room. “Okay, let’s see... Applejack, truth or dare?”

Here For You - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

The familiar chattering of my animal friends wakes me up. Morning. The sun is just peeking over the mountains in the distance and it promises today is going to be a beautiful day. I sigh softly and stretch before getting out of bed, putting some determination in my steps as I make my way down the stairs.

You’re coming to visit today. I’m panicky, anxious, nervous, and scared, but a little excited as well. I know I shouldn’t be, it’s not nice. I should dread what’s coming, what you’re coming over to tell me. Even though you haven’t told me yet, I know that you’ll tell me you’re going to break up with him today. It has been close to a month, and they usually don’t last much longer than that.

Four weeks. Four weeks since you last found a new colt friend. Which I could see in your smile even before I had opened the door all the way. Your smile is always a little happier when you’ve found somepony to love.

Again, I had to watch from the sidelines. N-not that I follow you or anything... but I’ve learned to recognise the signs. You were smiling widely and nearly dancing on my front porch, just like the very first time. I invited you in, we sat down for tea, and without any prompting you exclaimed that you’d found a new colt friend and that he was the best thing that had ever happened to you.

Just like the last thirty times.

And just like the last thirty times I listened to the story how the handsome stallion had swept you off your hooves and that you already had ideas for the wedding.

In the weeks after that, it was all I could do to keep my thoughts to myself as the spark in your eyes died once more. I wanted to be angry with you, frustrated, or at least brave enough to tell you what you needed to hear: That none of those stallions would ever be good enough for you.

But after the fight we had the last time I tried, I’m scared to.

There’s a dainty knock on the door, and I can tell that you’ve been crying without even having to open it. Your knocking becomes more forceful when you’re upset.

You’re standing there on the porch, looking as immaculate and miserable as the last time it happened. “Good morning, Rarity,” I say softly. “Come in.”

I get a dainty nod in response before you walk in. A mask of composure that holds up while I get some refreshments, and cracks the moment I’ve made tea and sit down next to you.

“Oh, darling, it was horrible,” you say, burying your face in your hooves as the tears leak out from behind the mask. “He said that I was being ‘too clingy’ and that he wanted a mare who was more ‘his speed’.”

A small, jealous part of me wants to say ‘I told you so’, but instead I wrap my forelegs around you and nuzzle you under the chin. My heart screams at me for being so familiar when you’ve just had the worst break up of your life, but I shush it. Each of your breakups have been ‘the worst’ and this time, I’m going to tell you what you need to hear.

I have to swallow back the fear at the thought of losing your friendship if you get angry again like the last time, but I can’t stand to watch you do this to yourself anymore. I want you to be happy, rather than crying into my mane every month or so.

You’re doing it again, your forelegs wrapped around my shoulders in turn and your tears soaking into that ‘waterfall of pink’ as you put it. I don’t make any reassuring noises like I usually do. I can't if I want to be strong enough for this next part.

How much of a routine has everything become if you look up questioningly because I am not making cooing noises? Way too much is what my mind tells me. So I take a deep breath and look into those blue eyes that go so well with the rest of you.

“Rarity...” I have to gulp again to steel myself against your watery gaze. “None stallions are good for you. A-and if you can’t see that... then... then we can’t be friends anymore. I don’t want you to keep hurting yourself. You need to stop.” stop and see that there are ponies close to you that love you. I don’t say that last part out loud, but brace myself for what could very well be the last conversation in our friendship.

Your eyes tear up again making me feel like the most unkind pony in the world. I really shouldn’t have done that, but sometimes kindness means being honest, even if it's not easy.

You don’t say anything but I can see that you agree with me while you collapse into my shoulder again. Your eyes always regain a little of their spark and you nod almost imperceptibly when you know I’m right but don’t have the strength to say anything.

This time, I coo and make reassuring noises, assuring you that everything will be fine. It’s not going to end here, and you’re going to yell at me a few more times before I can let you know how I feel, but that’s okay.

I’m here for you, just like the last thirty times.

Author's Note

Apologies to Karrakaz. I derped and totally missed adding this one.

Revival - Squinty Mudmane

Written by: Squinty Mudmane

There was a final hacking, gasping, pathetic cough followed by a flash of flame and a faint rustle as ashes trickled onto the grass. And then… nothing. A short distance away, next to a wild rose bush, Rarity waited with bated breath, eyes dancing back and forth between the small black piles strewn throughout the clearing.

A minute passed. Two minutes. Five.

She bit her lip; it had not taken this long last time. Had something gone wrong? She looked at Fluttershy next to her and opened her mouth to speak, but the pegasus shushed her gently and put a hoof to Rarity’s lips. The touch was the gentlest of caresses. It tasted of grass and dew, and Rarity felt a little shiver run through her at the contact.

“Patience,” Fluttershy said ever so softly, her cyan eyes locked with Rarity’s. “They’re waiting for the perfect moment.”

“The… perfect moment?” Rarity whispered back, scarcely daring to draw breath.

Fluttershy nodded. “M-hmm. They have a flair for the dramatic.” The corners of her mouth tugged in a devious little smile, the tip of her hoof brushing ever so lightly over Rarity’s lower lip to her cheek and guiding her attention back to the clearing. “Reminds me of somepony else I know…”

Rarity was just about to reply—she had such a good one ready, too; full of wit and playful sass—when the face of the sun peeked up over the edge of the horizon, making the clouds look as if they had caught fire. At that moment, as if swept up by a non-existent wind, the ashes scattered around the clearing spiralled skywards, twisting and contorting. Then it happened.

It was as if a second miniature sun was born as dozens of phoenixes rose from the ashes in all their fiery glory, lighting up the clearing as if it was the middle of the day. They danced and spun through the air, weaving among one another and crying out in unrestrained exultation. Flames trailed in their wake, washing harmlessly over the trees and plants. Rarity felt the kiss of fire against her cheek as one of the phoenixes swept past her less than a hoof’s breadth away, though the touch left scant but a pleasant lingering warmth on her skin.

She stared, open-mouthed and transfixed, so caught up in the majestic display in front of her eyes that she barely noticed the pink tail slipping over and intertwining with her own.

Ferocity - Dr.Fayz

Written by: Dr.Fayz

"Fluttershy...I-I have a confession to make," Rarity sighed, as she pour herself another glass juice.

"Oh?" Fluttershy asked surprised, vexed by Rarity's anxious expression.

It was date night, and Rarity had asked they'd spend their evening at her place. Though this was nothing strange, Fluttershy realized now that Rarity had purposely placed herself in her comfort zone to share something she didn't want or wasn't comfortable sharing.

Rarity fiddled with her hooves as she kept her eyes on her glass of delicious juice, "You see... Well, first off, this isn't something I'd ever share with anypony, but... I'd rather you found out this way than any other."

Fluttershy gulped, "Whatever it is Rarity, I'm sure it's fine."

"Alright..." Rarity nodded, "You know that super villain who's been causing havoc lately all through out Equestria?"

Fluttershy stared. She knew.

"Well, the truth is..." Rarity spoke silently, carrying a slight sinister tone in her voice, "I'm her. I'm Ferocity!"

Fluttershy eyes widen as she sucked in the air around her into an audible gasp. She tried to find words, tried to say anything, but nothing came out.

It had been her all along. Rarity.

Rarity stared at her marefriend in silence, "It's true..." she finally spoke, "Ever since I was a foal, all I've ever wanted to do in life was to take over the world and when I final got the resources to do it, I had no choice but to try achieve that dream," Rarity continued, "But, to do that I had to become a super villain. I had to become... Ferocity!"

"B-But, Rarity..." Fluttershy stuttered, as a heavy blush began to grow, "T-That means—"

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy," Rarity sighed, staring sadly at the ground, "If only my ambitions for world domination weren't so darn huge, we might've—"

"No! You don't understand!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she ran into the arms of her marefriend, "I'm a super villain too! I'm...

"I'm Evilshy!"

"What?!", Rarity gasped, "Evilshy?! But that's my... I mean, that's Ferocity's evil secret love interest!"

Fluttershy nodded, as she peered up at Rarity who'd grown a heavy blush of her own, "I know."

"B-But that can't be!"

"But, it's true," Fluttershy blushed and looked away, "Every time I say I have to go home early to take care of my animals, I actually venture out at night to commit evil crimes and unruly violence to innocent ponies."

Rarity continued to blush as a single tear roll down her cheek. Her marefriend was evil...

"Fluttershy..." Rarity whispered, lifting her marefriend's resting head up to her own, "That's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard you say."

As on cue, the two ponies kissed. Sharing both love and admiration for each other and their sinister ways. They were close now. And unbeknown to this moment, they had been for a long time.

When the kiss ended, Fluttershy stared curiously at Rarity who had begun a giggling fit.

"Rarity?"

"I'm sorry," Rarity laughed, wiping her tears away, "This is all just so perfect," Rarity smiled, "I can't believe I was actually planning on killing you tonight."

Author's Note

:rainbowhuh:

Wingmare - RariShyZealot

Written by: RariShyZealot

Did you know that Equestria has five official languages? Besides from Common Equestrian, the most common and wide-spread language in the world, each of the pony tribes have their own language from before they united: Erdeponisch, language of the Earth Ponies; Pegasiká, language of the Pegasi; Licornois, language of the Unicorn; and Alikornen, language of the Alicorn (today spoken only by a dozen or so ponies). As a rule of thumb settlements that leaned heavily towards one tribe, tended to teach that tribe’s language as a secondary language, while more cosmopolitan areas taught only Common Equestrian.

For example: Cloudsdale, populated exclusively by Pegasi teaches Pegasiká as a standard school subject, while Ponyville, a town founded by Earth Ponies but now inhabited by all tribes since several generations back, offers Erdeponisch as a bonus class.

Right now, Rainbow Dash was thanking all four Alicorns for that fact, as Fluttershy was in need of some reassurance. It was Twilight’s birthday, her first since her ascension to princess-hood, meaning that Celestia, Luna and Cadence were there to visit, which in turn meant that the local bar was filled with ponies jumping at the chance to meet one of Equestria’s rulers.

This was it, the night she had been looking forward to and dreading for years: Fluttershy felt ready to confess her feelings for Rarity, and as the Element of Loyalty, not to mention her best friend, Rainbow Dash was there to help her with planning, preparations and a kickass encouragement speech.

Unfortunately, Fluttershy had stopped less than three steps from their table, and now stood frozen in the middle of the room, staring at Rarity sitting by the bar.

With a sigh, Rainbow Dash got up and dragged the cowardly mare back to her seat. The long-prepared speech about how Fluttershy was going to “march up there, get your awesome on, and score that Unicon” didn’t work, it was time to improvise. She switched over to Pegasiká and leaned in with an expression of seriousness and stone-cold bad-assery.

“Fluttershy, I know you’re scared. If I were you, I’d be scared to. I know how much Rarity means to you, but it seems you don’t.” Fluttershy’s grimace of panic slowly melted as Rainbow Dash began her speech.

“Remember when you came home after falling of Cloudsdale? I was so worried about you, but you didn’t seem to care about the danger you barely avoided, you just went on and on about that cute, friendly unicorn filly you met on the ground. Remeber how you swore to move there, just so you could meet her again? And then, when you get here you let your fear take over and avoid the sole reason you moved here to begin with! For years you avoid the topic of love, you spent your days lying to her face and your nights crying to me about it.”

Fluttershy’s head sunk lower and lower as the rant continued, finally hitting the table at the last sentence. Suddenly she was thrown back up as Rainbow Dash slammed a mug of cider onto the table.

“But not this night!”

She pushed the alcohol over to the timid beastmaster, giving a smug smirk.

“Tonight you are going to drink this entire mug of cider, and whatever else it takes to loosen your tongue. Then you are going over there, and then you’re going home. With her.”

Fluttershy eyed the drink carefully, like it would attack her at the slightest provocation. After a few seconds of deliberation, she slowly picked it up.

“O-okay...”

On the other side of the room, Rarity perked up from her cocktail as a slice of cake laded on her plate, surrounded by a light blue dweomer.

“Oh, thank you darling.” She exclaimed curtly as Cadance took the seat next to hers. The two of them had really become good friends as of lately.

“Who’s idea was it to put the cake on the other side of the room from the bar anyway.” The unicorn complained as she took a spoonful of delicious princess cake.

“It has to do with Celestia, when she gets drunk, she-“ Cadance stopped mid-sentence, scanned the room and leaned in closer to Rarity.

“It’s not important, remember you told me about your crush on a certain pegasus?” She continued, giddy like a filly who can’t wait to tell everypony that she got that thing she wished for as a birthday present.

Rarity blushed and made her own sweep of the locale.

“Hush, not so loudly. What about it?” Rarity asked sharply, not wishing to bring that up in such a public venue.

“As I was getting the cake, I overheard Rainbow Dash getting her psyched-up to go ask you out.”

Rarity froze in place. Did Fluttershy have feelings for her too? It took all her strength not to jump into the air and sing with joy at the news. She looked Cadance in the eye, and the princess gave her a nod.

As Rarity swept the last of her drink and hopped off the barstool, Cadance gave her a pat on the back.

“Go get her, girl.”

Pet-names - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

“Darling~” Your voice drips into my ears; sultry, seductive... how do you do it? We’re in my living room, having tea. Or at least we were until you started talking like that. I swallow a dry lump in my throat and hide behind my cup of tea. The tea is very... nice, even if I can’t remember which blend I used to make it. Talking to you is just so hard sometimes.

“Darling?” It’s the same word, I know it is. Other than that however, it seems completely different from the first one; less seductive, more inquiring with just an almost imperceptible change in inflection... did you learn how to do that? Or were you born with the ability? I take another sip and continue to stare at my cup.

“Darling?” I cringe. How you manage to convey worry in just a single word is beyond me, but I don’t know how to respond. We’ve been dating for almost two weeks and I still don’t know what word I could use to convey how much I love you, while you simply use the word you use for everypony and pack it tightly with all the feelings you have for me.

“Darling!” Your hooves cup my cheeks and force me to look at you. You look determined, maybe even a little angry, but still beautiful as ever. “I won’t have you sulking and beating yourself up. This was supposed to be a relaxing date, so tell me what’s wrong.”

The words tunnel underneath the walls of the prison I’ve built in my mind and escape out of my mouth before I can stop them. “I don’t have a pet name for you.” Stupid Fluttershy, can you be any more petty? And ruining the date —The one you asked for no less— because you envy the way your marefriend conveys her feelings?

You look at me with those deep blue eyes I could drown in and, not for the first time, I wonder if I’ve ruined everything. Is it still surprising if I expect you to surprise me? In the time it takes me to blink, you lean in and kiss me right on the lips. It sends the same electrical spark of love and caring through my body that I feel every time, making my wings stand on end and my eyes flutter closed.

“Darling, you don’t need a pet name to tell me how much you love me,” I can hear you say while I wrestle with myself for control over my body. “Your body language is clear enough.” Your warm breath caresses my left ear and I suppress a shiver. “Though if you want, you could always call me ‘Mistress’.”

Failure to Communicate - Monochromatic

Written by: Monochromatic

Admittedly, Rarity never imagined she’d once find Opalescence and herself being scolded by Fluttershy, but there they were. Standing in the middle of Rarity's workroom, the pegasus crossed her forelegs and frowned at Opalescence and Rarity, both of them looking down at the floor much like foals caught misbehaving. Rarity glanced at the bandaged front paw of her cat and felt rather guilty about it. It did look painful...

“Rarity,” Fluttershy said sternly, ignoring the pitiful look given to her. “Apologize to poor Opal. Her paw is in a lot of pain.”

“Her paw?! What about my paw?!” Rarity exclaimed, lifting her hoof and showing Fluttershy the several bleeding claw marks on it. “It’s not as if it purposefully wanted to step on her paw. Honestly!” She stamped her un-injured hoof on the ground for emphasis, which only served to further worsen everything by making Opal hiss at her before scurrying to the other side of the room.

“Rarity!” Fluttershy exclaimed, looking from the unicorn to the glaring cat in the other side of the room.

Rarity put her hoof on her chest in an offended gesture.“But I didn’t do anything!” she exclaimed defensively, muttering under her breath when Fluttershy sent her to go sit on the couch before heading off to comfort Opalescence. She stomped her way over to the couch and plopped herself on it with a huff, flipping open a nearby magazine and muttering under her breath, “I told her I was sorry…”

If one were to ask Rarity the contents of the magazine, she’d fail to reply seeing as she was too busy spying on Fluttershy and Opal’s conversation. She noticed Opal wincing whenever she placed her injured paw on the floor, and the guilt once more overtook her. Fluttershy, however, was doing some kind of miracle work — as she always did — since Opal’s earlier miffed expression seemed to be dissipating.

Her staring was interrupted when Fluttershy glanced at her and caught her in the act, prompting Rarity to look back to the extremely fascinating article she was most certainly reading instead of spying. After a minute of ‘enthralling lecture’, she glanced back up and noticed Opalescence was nowhere to be seen. She looked around for her, but the search ended quickly when the feline suddenly jumped on to the couch, still scowling at Rarity.

Rarity glanced back at Fluttershy, hoping to get some kind of explanation, but Fluttershy simply smiled at her and nodded towards Opal. When she looked back, Opal’s angered expression had vanished, and she surprised Rarity by walking over to her hoof and gently licking the injuries.

“Awww.” Rarity petted Opal’s head, smiling apologetically. “I’m very sorry, Opal. I promise I’ll be more careful from now on.” Her reply seemed to be satisfactory for the feline, offering Rarity an acknowledging meow before curling up next to her owner and licking her own paw.

“See? It wasn’t that hard, now was it?” Fluttershy asked, carrying over the first aid kit and sitting on the other side of Rarity. She took Rarity’s injured hoof in her own and carefully put on some bandages on the scratch marks. “You just need to try and understand each other better.”

“Well, I’m afraid I’m simply not as skilled as you when it comes to communicating, sweetheart,” Rarity admitted, waiting for Fluttershy to finish her administrations before holding her hoof.

Fluttershy looked at Opal. “Oh, it’s not that difficult, Rarity. Besides, you and Opalescence are very similar,” she said, giggling a little and nuzzling against the unicorn. “You’re both just big softies inside.”

Overwhelmed - Karrakaz

Written by: Karrakaz

Worry was never far from the mind of Rarity. She worried about the dates her clients asked for their dresses, even though she always managed to finish up with time to spare; she worried about her looks, even if she got compliments from many a pony every day; and she worried about her little sister, though perhaps that was warranted given the amount of crazy and dangerous stunts the Cutie Mark Crusaders pulled.

Currently, however, she was worried about her best friend’s behaviour.

“Are you sure you’re alright, Fluttershy?” she asked, trying to keep the concern out of her voice. “You seem a little... antsy?”

Her spa partner shifted restlessly once again, disturbing the mud and her cucumber mask alike in what could have been construed as an effort to find a comfortable sitting position. To Rarity’s keen instincts, however, it felt like something much, much more dire, and she couldn’t help but worry for her friend.

“It’s...” Fluttershy sighed softly and fluffed her wings as she always did when agitated. “It’s fine.”

Rarity didn’t believe it for a second. Something didn’t feel right and she was going to get to the bottom of it. Fluttershy hadn’t been the same ever since their little trip to Cloudsdale to watch Rainbow Dash take away the best young flier award.

If she was honest with herself, the event hadn’t left her unspoiled either. She didn’t think she could look at heights the same way ever again.

“You are not ‘fine’, darling. I can hear you fidgeting from all the way across the room.” Rarity paused to take a deep breath and calm herself down. Becoming too insistent with Fluttershy only ever served to make her withdraw into a shell of silence. Her way of protecting herself, I suppose. “Darling, you can talk to me about anything. You know that right?” she tried again once she had regained control of herself. “I promise not to judge, and if I can, help you with whatever is bothering you.”

Although Fluttershy probably thought she wouldn’t hear it, Rarity could make out the barest whisper of ‘You can’t.’.

It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

In a flurry of activity, Rarity got up from her own mud bath and, without even shaking off the mud that caked to her coat, marched over to her pegasus friend. She glared at her friend and ignored the cowering. “Fluttershy, darling. You know I care about you a lot. But so help me, if you do not tell me what is wrong this instant, I will scream until the building collapses.”

Whether or not she could even manage to bring down a building with naught but her voice was a question that would, thankfully, have to be answered another time as Fluttershy mumbled something incoherent before rising up from the mud as well.

Rather than immediately explain herself, however, Fluttershy chose to be somewhat more physical in her response. She tackled Rarity to the ground and kissed her until the air in their lungs ran out, and Rarity saw stars. “IwantedtosaythatIloveyouandthatIneverwanttoseeyoudoanythingthatdangerousagain,” she blurted out in a single breath.

Rarity could only look at her. “Oh...” was all she said before pulling Fluttershy close for another kiss.

Deadline - RariShyZealot

Written by: RariShyZealot

Today was a dreadful day.

It was the middle of winter, far from Hearth’s Warming Eve, and you could hear the biting wind tearing through the streets. It was a winterstorm day, the day where surplus snow and wind was divided evenly amongst all towns in the area, and allowed to run free. Of course, Rarity wouldn’t even pretend to understand the complex machinery of pegasus weather production; all she knew was that she was cold and miserable.

The only upside to waking up to a day like this, was the fact that Fluttershy, her beloved marefriend, was lying next to her, covering her with those fluffy wings of hers. She moved in closer, snuggling up against the still sleeping mare, and tried to go back to sleep. But there was a niggling little thought in the back of her mind that refused to let her relax. Rarity’s eyes shot open and she let out a tired groan as she realized she had work to do for an important client.

Another groan escaped her lips as she stretched, arching her back before allowing one last look at her lover’s face, just in time to see her groggily open her eyes. She let herself get lost in Fluttershy’s lovely turquoise pools, steeling herself for a cold day slaving over a design that was far to strictly specified for her tastes.

She couldn’t move.

Fluttershy had seemingly also felt the cold, and decided that a good hug would warm them both up. Rarity kissed her gently on the nose before attempting to get out of bed again. Still nothing.

“Darling, please.” Rarity murmured as gently as she could, earning only a low murmur in response.

“I have work to do, you know...” She continued, gripping Fluttershy in her dweomer and attempting to force her off. After a few seconds of strained magic-ing, she could feel a headache coming on, but still no relief from the warm, soft... cosy...

Rarity shook her head clean of thoughts and decided on another approach. She pressed her lips against Fluttershy and gave her a deep kiss. To her dismay, Fluttershy only tightened her embrace and moved a hoof up to Rarity’s head, keeping her locked in the kiss.

This was an outrage, she had very important work to be done! Out in the cold salon, away from her lovely pegasus... So lovely...

Rarity once again let out a sound of frustration and twisted herself out of the kiss, looked Fluttershy straight in the eye and gave her a stern look.

“Sweetheart, I know you love it when we cuddle, especially when it’s cold, but I really do have quite an important project I have to finish.”
Fluttershy averted her gaze, her lips pursing and tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

“O-okay...” She whispered, the lump in her throat audible by the strain in her voice. “It’s just...”

They lay quietly for a moment, before Rarity kissed her on the cheek, urging the poor thing to go on.

“I just feel so lonely in the winter, since all my animals are hibernating, and it’s so cold and you’re so warm and snugly, and I just want to hold you and never want to move and I-“

Fluttershy’s rant was cut short by Rarity bringing herself in closer and pressing the pegasus’ head against her chest.
It seems Celestia will just have to wait for her new dress...

Impoverished - Jondor

Written by: Jondor

It had finally happened. A secret fear she always held, and it had come true. Rarity’s generosity had gotten the best of her.

All in all, it was probably for the best. If she had not been away from the shop, she might have died in the fire, or worse. Whomever had started it may have decided to kill her outright.

But, even penniless and destitute, she could not, in good conscience, go back to the orphanage and ask for even a dollar of her donation back.

Her hair hung limp and unkempt over her face as she walked down the street. She wore no jewelry, for fear of being mugged. What little she had left, she kept concealed, but it would be gone soon. Another trip to the pawn shop for some eating money would do in the last valuable things she had, apart from her clothes.

She held a hand to her stomach in response to its growling. There could be no more delay. With her head down and eyes obscured, she did not see the young woman walking toward her until they collided. Finding her face buried between the two large, soft mounds covered by the girl’s turtleneck sweater, Rarity hastily moved to free herself.

“Forgive me! I should have been watching where I was going!” She cried out, suddenly terrified that this would be her end.

“Oh, my. I’m sorry. Are you alright?” The young woman’s soft voice spoke simultaneous with Rarity’s.

Miraculously, Rarity heard and understood the barely audible words. The quiet, apologetic tone brought her up short.

“N.. no need to apologize. I’m the one who—” she broke off as her stomach churned again. “I should get out of your way.” She attempted to stand, but found her body was reluctant to respond after her exertion.

“Here, let me help you.” A soft hand reached down to help the bedraggled woman to her feet. “I was just about to get some lunch. Would you like to join me? My treat.”

Tears welled up in Rarity’s eyes. From that moment on, kindness was her salvation.

Teddybears - Jake R

Written by: Jake R

Fluttershy murmured as she tossed and turned once again that night. Rarity, still awake, took notice. She turned to her lover with a look of concern.

"Fluttershy, darling, whatever is the matter that you can't sleep?"

Fluttershy groaned and looked to Rarity. "Oh, Rarity, you would just think it's silly."

Rarity smiled sadly. "Love, come now. Never would I ever find a problem with you silly." She leaned in and kissed Fluttershy on the forehead, causing her to blush warmly. "Now then," Rarity whispered. "What troubles you?"

Fluttershy sighed. "Bobo."

Rarity cocked an eyebrow. "Bo... bo? Darling, I'm afraid I don't understand."

"My bear. I used to hold him at night and he would help me get to sleep, but then I lost him in the garbage when I was cleaning last week and now, I'm having a horrible time trying to sleep."

Rarity nodded and smiled brightly. "Fret not, love. Rarity has the solution."

-The Next Night-

A knock came on the door as Fluttershy sat in her bed reading. She looked up from the book. "Um... yes?"

"Fluttershy," The voice coming through the crack in the door was Rarity's. "Might I come in, darling."

Confused, Fluttershy replied, "Um... yes?"

The door swung open, revealing Rarity to be adorned in fluffy, brown pajamas with ears that made her appear to be a teddy bear. Fluttershy didn't know whether to laugh, cringe, or drool.

Seemingly in some kind of character, Rarity bounced on the Fluttershy's bed and gave her a hug. "It's me, Fluttershy! Bobo! Hug me. Squeeze me. Tug at my fur!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened. She knew then how to react...

Fluttershy did in fact end up sleeping soundly that night... from exhaustion (giggety).

Difficulties - Steel Resolve

Written by: Steel Resolve

The rabbit was staring at her again.

She could feel his hateful little eyes on the back of her head. He did this every time she spent the night, and always convinced Fluttershy of his innocence the following morning.

She turned and faced him tonight, nodding to him to let him know she was awake and aware of him. Very quietly, she slipped from under the covers and sat up, leveling her gaze at him.

He glared back, unmoving, defiant. She was the interloper here, and he would not give ground to her.

She whispered very softly. "Angel, must we do this every time I visit? I'm not going to stop coming, you know. She's my marefriend now, and you not liking me won't change that."

He mimed something very rude to her, and she tittered softly in response.

"I know, you don't think I'm good enough for her. But honestly, would anypony be? You and I have something in common, you know."

He put his paws on his hips, openly displaying his disbelief.

"Oh don't scoff, it's true. We both want more than anything else for her to be happy. Must we keep clashing every time I come over? She gets so upset when she notices, and believe me, she notices."

He looked at his master, shoulders slumping. Maybe... if it made her happy... The White one had a week's reprieve. If his pony's mood improved, hostilities would be halted on a semi-permanent basis. He conveyed his intent to the White one.

"I'll do everything I can, Angel. Shake on it?" She extended her hoof.

He grimaced, but hopped forward and held her hoof in his claws, shaking.

The White one nodded solemnly, lying back down next to his master. The Yellow one stirred, murmuring sleepily. He gave one last look to the pair, then hopped down the stairs to the hutch.

One week. The White one had better keep her word, or retribution would be swift and merciless. He eyed the chicken coop, noting with displeasure the lack of reaction as he passed. It was time to show them who ruled once more.

Singular - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

This was it. The past five years had led slowly and inexorably to this one point. Rarity had waited for it less-than-patiently, wishing that it would hurry up and arrive. Yet, now that it was here, she wished desperately for just five more minutes to prepare. She would have settled for just a few mere seconds to try and calm her frayed nerves.

But, ‘time marches ever onward,’ as they said, never sparing a backward glance for those who wished it would slow its progress. The time had come and the words had been said. All that remained was the excruciating wait for the result.

For the first time since the ‘sea of candles’ debacle, Rarity cursed her penchant for romance. The low light of the Prench restaurant made it impossible to read the subtle emotions that flitted across Fluttershy’s face, which Rarity had long relied on to discern how her lover truly felt without having to wheedle it out of her. All she could see was the hoof covering her mouth and the pink waterfall of her mane framing her muzzle. Rarity swallowed nervously, as the silence between them stretched on for what felt the second hour.

“W-well?” Rarity’s voice shook slightly, despite her best efforts. “What do y—” The rest of her question was lost in lips pressed against her own, and the couple tumbled backward onto the floor. When the kiss finally broke, Fluttershy hugged the unicorn as hard as she could.

“Oh, Rarity, of course I’ll marry you.”

Anticipation - Steel Resolve

Written by: Steel Resolve

She could smell them.

They were ripe, and fresh, and perfect. The edge brushed her lips, leaving a dab of whipped cream behind. She whined piteously. When was Rarity going to stop teasing?

"Shhhhh, I'm enjoying the look on your face."

She could hear Rarity chuckle, and she blushed furiously behind the blindfold. A single feather brushed against her chest, and she let out a small squeak. As her mouth opened the ripe strawberry was popped inside, followed by a pair of lips pressed against hers, and a tongue that began to writhe inside her mouth, tasting the fruit, tasting her.

The feather teased her belly. She let out a squeak around Rarity's lips.

The kiss was broken, and Fluttershy gasped for air. "Please, no more teasing..."

"Shhhh, it's all right, love. We have all night. You can be patient, can't you?"

Fluttershy's face felt hot, and that was not the only location to feel that way. "O-okay..."

"There's my brave love."

The following morning, exhausted, they lay wrapped together in each others embrace. Fluttershy watched Rarity's chest rise and fall, completely enamored at the mere sight of her beloved in the bed next to her.

The wait had been worth it.

From Afar - Esle Ynopemos

Written by: Esle Ynopemos

It had always been enough for Fluttershy. She was not a passionate, hot-blooded mare. She did not need to shout her love from a mountaintop. She did not need to feel warm hooves wrapped around her, nor hear her name whispered in her ear. She did not need the object of her love to even know of her feelings.

It was enough just to watch her from a comfortable distance. That was all Fluttershy ever needed; all she ever wanted. To know that Rarity was there, to know she was happy. She could listen every week at the spa as Rarity unloaded everything that had happened in her life, and that was as good as hearing sweet nothings whispered to her. She could care for Rarity's cat when needed, and sometimes her sister as well, and it was as good as having her scent there in the cottage when she woke every morning. She could help model Rarity's dresses, and her professional touch as she pinned the fabric in place was as good as a lover's caress.

It was safe. It was easy. It was enough.

Fluttershy even rooted for her friend as she cycled through bars weekend after weekend, searching for her prince. There was not a jealous bone in Fluttershy's body, and she truly did hope Rarity could find her perfect stallion. That would make Rarity happy, and seeing her happy was always enough for Fluttershy, even if only from afar.

Then the night came when Rarity showed up on Fluttershy's doorstep, mascara running in rivulets down her cheeks. Another Saturday night at the bar had become another failure, and Rarity had despaired at ever finding her prince.

Fluttershy ushered her in, set her on the couch, and fixed her some tea while Rarity told her she was beginning to suspect this prince did not exist.

Fluttershy smiled and played the good friend, telling her not to give up. There was somepony out there that could make her happy. She was sure of it.

Rarity gave her a tired smile in return, thanking Fluttershy for always being so supportive. Nopony had ever been so sweet to her, so she said.

And then the kiss happened. It was a slip-up, though which of them had slipped, Fluttershy couldn't remember. She could only remember warm lips on her own, the scent of perfume and wine filling her nostrils. She could only remember her heart leaping from her chest and flying off into the aether, leaving her trembling and numb.

The next morning, they agreed not to speak of it. It had been a mistake, born of despair and too many glasses of alcohol, and it meant nothing. Fluttershy stood in her doorway and watched Rarity fade away into the distance.

Her knees buckled and dumped her on the ground, a quiet sob escaping her lips. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough.

Pregnant (2) - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

Fluttershy flopped unceremoniously onto her side, letting her aching hooves hang off the edge of the couch. She started to let out a sigh, but sucked it back in as she felt a kick land square on one of her ribs. Running a hoof over her distended belly, she waited for her foal to settle down, then finished her sigh.

Pregnancy was not what she had expected.

All of the stories made it sound like a beautiful, magical thing. But all Fluttershy had experienced was morning sickness, aching hooves, and needing to use the restroom every ten minutes. Looking up at the ceiling, she tried to roll onto her back, but went back onto her side when the foal in her belly settled against her diaphragm and made it hard to breathe. The chimes of Ponyville’s clock tower drifted through the window, sounding off the six o’clock hour. Fluttershy smiled, knowing that her marefriends would be home soon.

Sometimes she wondered what she would have done without Rarity and Dash. They had readily put up with her nightly cravings for fried cheese and ice cream at two o’clock in the morning. They had volunteered to help care for her animal friends when she started to get bigger and had trouble keeping up with all of their needs.

Fluttershy smiled, feeling a light blush creep into her cheeks. Rarity and Dash had even kept her involved their... intimate times. At first, she had been hesitant, and insisted that they not worry about her. A few days and several hormone-induced mood swings later, she had blushingly asked to join them, and they had welcomed her back with an exceptional... passion.

Her ears perked up when she heard the front door open and a familiar voice drifted into the living room.

"I told you that I'd beat you to the door, Rares." Dash boasted, pausing to wipe her hooves before stepping through the entryway.

"And I told you, Rainbow, that I was not going to race you to it." Rarity replied as she stepped through the doorway. Her smile betrayed the slightly agitated tone of her voice, and she stepped up beside Dash, leaning in to nuzzle her cheek.

Fluttershy rocked back and forth a few times before rolling off of the couch and on to the floor. She couldn't help but smile at the way Rarity and Dash's faces lit up when they saw her.

No, pregnancy wasn't what she had expected.

It was so much better.

MIssing You - Dianwei32

Written by: Dianwei32

I still miss you, even after all this time. I let out a sigh and slump down in my chair, poking at the last few peas on my plate with my fork. My eyes drift over to your dress forms, most of which are covered in half finished designs. I idly wonder if they'll ever be completed, but deep down I know they will. It may take you longer than normal, and it might take an extra modeling session that you have to talk me into, but they'll get done.

I take another bite of peas, and there are only a few left. I roll one onto the fork and lift it up, pressing down on the tines with my other hoof. After a moment, I let go and the pea flies through the air. I follow it as it flies, a small frown forming on my lips as it lands short. It hits your desk and rolls the last few inches until it bumps into your mane. I stifle a giggle as I picture your reaction to waking up surrounded by peas.

I still miss you, but my aim is getting better.

Fairytale - Anonymule

Written by: Anonymule

“Please Rarity! Oh pretty please!” Fluttershy pleaded with her marefriend as she held a book in her fore hooves.

“Darling, why are you so adamant about reading this fairytale?” Rarity questioned as she took the book in her magical grasp.

“It’s just that, as a foal I read it all the time,” Fluttershy swallowed, “and I really enjoyed it.”

“Very well then, follow me to the den and we’ll get started.” Rarity stated, turning around as she began to trot away.

“Ok, but let me get something real quick.” Fluttershy zoomed off into the kitchen.

As Fluttershy flew off to retrieve whatever it was she wanted, Rarity trotted into the den and started to arrange pillows for her and her marefriend to sit on. As soon as the pillows were where she wanted Rarity sat patiently in the den awaiting Fluttershy’s return.

A few minutes later, Fluttershy returned with a tray of milk and cookies in her mouth, her left wing slightly astray.

Fluttershy laid the tray on the table between them. “Sorry for taking so long,” she muttered as she took a seat on her pillow.

“It’s fine dear. Let’s get started, shall we?” Rarity replied as she opened the book.

Rarity started to read as Fluttershy sipped on her milk. Fluttershy knows this story like the back of her hoof, she must have read it a thousand times already. However, as many times as she has read this story, she always learns something that she did not know before. The tale may have been a simple tale of a knight in shining armor, rescuing a princess from an evil dragon, but she love the story anyway.

Every few years, she would read this book to see how her perception has changed. This is the first time she has read this book since her and Rarity started dating. Now she sees Rarity as her princess and herself as a knight, as brave as she could be. Her daydreams of saving princess Rarity were interrupted, as the real Rarity finished the story and politely cleared her throat.

“Well that was a delightful read, wasn’t it darling?” Rarity looked into the eyes of her marefriend of two years.

“It was, but now that I look back on it, it leaves me with a question.” Fluttershy said as her wings shifted a little bit.

“And just what would that question be dear?” Rarity chuckled.

“W-will you be my princess Rarity?” Fluttershy asked as she pulled a small black box from her wing, inside sat an immaculate diamond set on a gold wedding band.

Wedding Bells - Doctor Pony

Written by: Doctor Pony

Rarity almost cringed when she reached her wedding reception. It was small, and only her friends were there. She had imagined a huge reception, where the Princesses came to see and all the utmost important ponies from around the world came to see her in her long, flowing white gown. She would be married to a prince and become a queen. Everypony would want to buy her designs, and she could use real gold instead of gold fabric! Sweetie Belle could go to any college she wanted, and her parents could retire and be around to see what Sweetie Belle would accomplish. What was she getting instead? Pinkie Pie ringing an old pair of bells, Sweetie singing made up words to "Here Comes The Bride," Twilight acting as justice of the peace, Applejack providing apple-pie, and Fluttershy's hoof in marriage. It might not be what she imagined, It was better.

Sea - Steel Resolve

Written by: Steel Resolve

One thousand, three hundred and forty miles to go.

Rarity leaned over the balcony, checking to make sure she would not hit anything important, then proceeded to violently empty the contents of her stomach.

Fluttershy stood beside her, patiently holding her purple locks behind her. When the retching had stopped, she offered Rarity some ginger cookies.

One thousand, three hundred and thirty miles to go.

Rarity's eyes watered up, and the mere smell of food caused her to dry-heave. Fluttershy again grabbed hold of her mane.

"T-thank you, darling." Rarity gasped out, grasping the railing as the deck gave another lurch. Fluttershy briefly took flight until it had settled down again.

One thousand, three hundred and twenty miles to go.

"I'm so sorry," Fluttershy told her for the twentieth time that day.

"For what? Not being prone to sea sickness?" Rarity let out a pained laugh, struggling to keep her gorge from rising anew. "I'm glad for you, darling. Just please take care of me, I'm sorry to be a bother."

"You're not a bother." Fluttershy replied. "Thank you for making the trip with me."

"I wouldn't miss it, love." Rarity said, looking off into the distance. Somewhere, one thousand three hundred and ten miles ahead of them, was a small glen full of a rare species of butterfly. It was through a jungle full of insects, mud, and wild animals that would likely try to devour them whole. And before that, she had another one thousand one hundred miles of rough seas to pollute with the contents of whatever she managed to hold down for a few minutes. All to see Fluttershy's smile.

No, she wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Music - BLUEBELLCAT

Written by: BLUEBELLCAT

Modeling was hard. Singing for The Ponytones was hard. Now I'm modeling and singing in an opera!

“Fluttershy, darling, come out of your dressing room. It wouldn't very becoming to be late to your first performance as an opera singer!” Rarity opened the door to Fluttershy's dressing room to find Fluttershy on the verge of tears.

“Rarity, I don't think I can do this. The only reason I could sing before was because no one knew it was me!” And the only reason I could model was because I wanted to please you.

“Don't be silly darling, you're a marvelous singer and you're simply gorgeous! You are perfect for the opera house,” Rarity said, frantic underneath her guise of calmness. Her friend had been hard to work with all day and had been in her dressing room for three hours. Show time was only twenty minutes away and Fluttershy wasn't mentally or physically ready for the stage yet.

I have to make Rarity happy. If I don't go out there she will be very upset. “OK, can you help me get ready? If I get myself ready this will go even worse than it already will,” said Fluttershy.

“Sure I can Fluttershy.” Rarity was surprised as Fluttershy was usually very private and embarrassed about dressing. “I'll do whatever I need to in order to get you on that stage,” Rarity said. Truth be told, it will be very interesting to see Fluttershy's body. Rarity slipped off Fluttershy's shirt and pants and instinctively examined her body, as she had done so many other models. But Fluttershy is not like any of those other models. She is so naturally beautiful.

“Um Rarity, shouldn't you have gotten my costume out before you took my clothes off?” said Fluttershy.

“I'm dreadfully sorry. I'll go get the costume right now. Don't know what I was thinking.” Rarity, you know exactly what you were thinking. She got the costume, a light yellow dress with pink trim to match Fluttershy's hair and skin. Rarity quickly put the dress on her, trying not to make Fluttershy any more nervous. She looked at the clock and realized they only had five minutes before Fluttershy had to be on stage. “OK darling, now you are ready,”- She kissed Fluttershy on the cheek- “Thank you for being so cooperative and dealing with your anxiety.”

Fluttershy, excited and surprised by the kiss got up and opened up her dressing room door. After taking a deep breath, she slowly walked out onto the stage ready to go, with a splotch of dark purple lipstick on her cheek.