Chapters Rarity went about the boutique, closing blinds and drawing curtains. The mood had to be just right for the sort of activities she had planned for the evening. When Pinkie showed up at her door all those weeks ago asking to spend the night she couldn't just turn her away. The Cakes were furious after a prank gone south exploded one of the ovens, and the bubbly ball of pink thought it would be best to give them some space. It had turned into a fun evening, at least until Pinkie convinced her to do something she'd vehemently deny in public.
"Just try it! I'm sure you'll love it if you just gave it a try Rari-Berry! Although you're colored more like a marshmallow but it doesn't rhyme as good."
"Pinkie, a lady doesn't do such things, it's so improper."
"But I do it with Rainbow all the time! Please just try it, I Pinkie promise never to tell anypony about it if you want."
She gave the other mare a long measured look. "Fine, if only it will get you to settle down so we can sleep."
From that night on she'd been a changed mare. Every week at the same time they'd get together and do it. The chime on the front door rang and the tell tale smell of baked goods followed their owner in.
"Hiya Rarity, ready to watch our kung fu movie?"
Lit candles? Check. Shades drawn? Check. Favorite moon and stars comforter placed on freshly made bed? Check. Spike delivered to Sweet Apple Acres for sleepover? Check.
Glancing about the room to ensure that everything was in it’s proper place Twilight Sparkle smiled to herself. For the first time in weeks she had an evening in her library home all to herself and she intended to use it to its fullest. Easing herself onto the bed and arranging the pillows to her satisfaction she allowed a magenta glow to encase a box on the nightstand, floating it over to rest in front of her. Inspecting the delicately carved wood she allowed her magic to flip the latch, revealing the content inside. Four hoof-stitched lavender silk socks floated out, each emblazoned with the six pointed star of her cutie mark across the top. Navy lace surrounded the tops to add to the delicate look of the garments shooting a thrill through the librarian.
“I assure you these are all the rage in Canterlot right now darling, everypony who is anypony owns at least two sets. I’ve made one for each of you girls but you are amongst the first. Just imagine the look on that lucky colt or mares face when you reveal these!”
“I don’t know about this Rarity, I hardly even have an occasion to wear clothes, let alone...these.”
“Nonsense Twilight, if you really feel you have no reason to wear them for now just keep them as a token of friendship. It’s hardly fair to let such good craft go to waste now is it? I’m sure you’ll find an occasion to enjoy them. Now! About those measurements...”
Twilight took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to calm the excited beating of her heart. The socks floated just above her outstretched legs, waiting for the silent command to slide on. Starting with her back right leg, she allowed the material to envelope her. The first contact was electric, sending a jolt of pleasure through her as the silk caressed the sensitive frog of her hoof. A low moan escaped her as she secured the garment fully, it’s length running all the way up to her thigh. Repeating the action three more times she could barely contain her excitement, the sensations almost too much to handle.
Princess Twilight Sparkle fluffed her wings in agitation. She was still getting used to having them and control was a whole new area of lessons that her fellow princesses had been teaching. It was important to not show how much of the nobility irritated her, but it was getting near impossible to let things go. No fewer than ten had approached her to discuss how they felt her newfound changes should affect the diarchy and her place in it. Not only did they rudely interject themselves into whatever she was doing, but at the most inopportune times as well.
“Your Grace, don’t you think the land reforms are dreadful business? How about I schedule a meeting with your aide so that we can get it cleared up?”
“Oh Princess! Fancy meeting you here in the courtyard, I was just wondering if you received the invitation to my estate. It’s sure to be the social event of the season!”
“My Lady, would you like to dine with us this evening? My oil business has been so poorly since the trade levies increased and...”
Those three had all been in time it took her to walk to her chambers. Had her guard not been vigilant they’d have tried to follow her in! Now that she was alone she could relax. She finally was able to see just how much her mentor had to put up with and was grateful of the work she put in shielding her from this kind of thing. It was moments like this, when all was calm that she was able to realize just how much she missed her old life in Ponyville. Being a librarian and going on adventures with her friends were one of the many things she had a hard time adjusting to being without. Of course they all still came to visit, either as a group or on their own but she missed them dearly. There were no more walks to Sugarcube Corner for a breakfast pastry, no afternoon critter picnics with Fluttershy. She would even have liked to work at Sweet Apple acres or model for Rarity; she even longed to watch one of Rainbow Dash’s practice sessions. With a deep sigh she sat on her too-large bed and sank into the enchanted cloud mattress.
The place she now called home really was fit for a princess. Two heavy oaken doors were emblazoned with the six pointed star of her cutie mark, as was the center of the tile flooring. Several large east facing windows allowed her the best view of the sun and moon while her bed dominated one wall. Her study was set through the archway to the side of her writing desk, and another door led to a bath larger than the Ponyville Spa. When Rarity had seen it, she had joked that she might want to learn how to make new magic herself. On another wall sat a ponyquin that held her regalia, her new crown gleaming in the fading light from the windows. All in all a perfect place, but she felt as though it would never be home like the library.
Her irritation grew as she continued this line of thought, and with it the fluttering of her wings. If she was to be honest with herself she truly wanted nothing more than to have her old life back. Celestia had cautioned that the bindings of royalty would chafe but she felt there was no way she’d ever get used to this.
Even though she knew it was only a matter of time before Rainbow Dash showed up, the hammering knocks still came as a complete surprise. Even with the cyan mare sitting right next to her Fluttershy still couldn't believe the other mare was really there. The only sounds to be heard throughout the small cottage was the soft chitters of woodland creatures going about their day, and two ponies breathing. She had only seen that particular expression a few times. When her mother didn't attend the Best Young Flyer competition, fighting the forces of evil to protect her country, and now.
"So you and Twilight, huh? Did you ever plan on telling me or was I supposed to go forever without knowing?"
She had to be brave. "Rainbow it's not like that, I just-"
"You just what Shy?! Wanted me to look and feel like an idiot? Since you've forgotten let me remind you, I'm your oldest friend. Not only that, but every night for the last six months you've been in that bed up there and on this couch even! Telling me that you love me and I'm the only one for you. That you were scared to tell our friends. Now you're with Twi. So tell me you 'just what'.
"I love her, okay Rainbow?" Tears that had been threatening to spill during the other mares tirade finally overflowed, making the slow trek down yellow cheeks. "I've been in love with her since she moved here. I love you too, I just didn't know how to tell either of you. I just...I'm so sorry..."
Rainbow Dash took a shuddering breath and held Fluttershy's gaze a few moments longer than what could be considered comfortable. "Y'know what? Don't worry about it or me, I'm done with this and you. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind."
She trotted out of the door without looking back, leaving a sobbing heartbroken Fluttershy in her wake.
