A Nice, Soothing Pink
By
littlepiegirl
Crying had never been a thing Pinkie thought very fondly of. All those tears causing puffy eyes and frowny faces weren’t good for her reputation as “party pony extraordinaire”. And besides, they tasted awful, all salty and watery. Smiles were better. Smiles were what she needed.
But, she didn’t need this. How could somepony so close to you cause so much pain? Especially, somepony like Fluttershy.
The Pegasus’ onslaught rattled through her mind like a loose cannon. The fact she was running so fast might have also contributed to her unnerved feelings. But then again, Pinkie’s head was always full of wild tumbling thoughts. Why should this one be any different?
Her muscles ached and swelled from the power of the gallop. The cobbles felt rigid with every hoof fall. She marvelled at the harsh clop against the stone path, indicating each delightful stride further away she’d travelled. Away – that’s where she needed to be.
Only then had she realised skipping everywhere was pretty slow. Here, right now, it was if she was flying. She needed to try galloping more often. Of course, after recovering from her current state of mind.
Unhappiness however, affected all ponies. Pinkie had never thought this to be more true, as she looked at her counterpart. Her unicorn friend never once acknowledged Pinkie’s embarrassment and fear of sadness. She just stared forwards, crying softly. Even with her gasping wails of pure distort, Rarity didn’t take even a sideways glance.
One might think this to be rather unkind, not to recognize a friend’s miserable state. But to Pinkie, she treasured it as a generous act. She hated ponies seeing her sad.
How did she know?
When she laid eyes on the beautiful mare, it became apparent this was the first time they’d spent time together. Well, except from a certain incident in the desert that was “never to be spoken of again”. She enjoyed Rarity’s company. The unicorn was genuine and fun. Having the ability to make her smile, even when feeling so down, was more than Pinkie could ask for. But most of all, she was different.
That’s what Pinkie and Rarity were – different.
How could two ponies, such as themselves, become friends? Pinkie had no idea, but, she was glad all the same.
They slowed to a trot from exhaustion, each mare gasping and stuttering for breath. A smear had formed around Rarity’s eyes; the black spheres enticed the onlooker into a glistening pool of azure. Pinkie couldn’t understand that despite being heartbroken she could remain so gorgeous.
Walking in silence, they reached the front steps to Sugercube Corner. Rarity tried not to consider Pinkie’s unhappiness as anything but normal. Being so happy all the time, it crushed her to think a mare so optimistic and strong could fall victim to something as pathetic as teasing. It just goes to show, no-pony can escape sadness. Even the happiest in Equestria.
Finally, one of them spoke. “R-Rarity, are you alright?” Pinkie choked, trying her best to holding back fresh tears.
The unicorn, now mostly composed, gave a weak smile. She soothed her friend's shoulder with a hoof.
Typical, Pinkie needs help, yet she’s trying to cheer me up.
“Pinkie, darling, I-I’m fine,” she whispered, rolling her eyes in exaggeration. A light rain started to patter her coat, coaxing the pair further under the door garble.
Pinkie stifled a small giggle. “You sure? The last thing I want is for you to be all sad.” She prodded at the brown fibbers in the welcome mat.
Okay, so the unicorn wasn’t entirely “fine”, but she needed to ensure Pinkie that everything would be. Her pink friend had trouble with letting things like this go. It was tragic really.
“Positive.” Rarity nodded sternly. “But, I think I should be asking you the same question.”
Wide eyed, Pinkie backed into the wooden door with a thump. “W-what? Of course I’m alright. I’m Pinkie Pie. Happy is my middle name. Yes siree, Bob. Or, it can be smile, whichever you like really –”
“Pinkie, your middle name is Diane,” Rarity said flatly.
Her rambling stopped, producing a crestfallen expression. “Oh, yeah.”
The rain started to bounce in nearby puddles. Their tap dance on the roof above perked the unicorn’s ears. She’d have to hurry; getting caught in a downpour wasn’t on her agenda. Though, it seemed like the very last thing on her mind today.
She inched her muzzle forward, a large drop tickling her nose. “Well, see you tomorrow, Pinkie –” Her coat dampened when she stepped out the doorway “– I’ll come by in the morning to check on you, maybe get some breakfast –”
“Wait!” Pinkie blurted, only after, realising how urgent she’d sounded. Once Rarity turned, she could only babble and look away.
“Yes, darling?”
Pinkie couldn’t let her friend walk home in the rain, not after today. It wasn’t that she wanted her to say or anything. Rarity hated getting her mane wet, that was all. It would be, how did she put it, “a crime against fabulosity”. Still, it would be nice to have company. She didn’t want to admit it, but she needed her right now. Celestia knew why.
“Why don’t you … stay?” she announced, glancing around frantically. “You can wait until the rain stops.”
Rarity gave a small sigh, and replied, “Are you sure? I would hate to impose.”
“Positive. Besides, you might catch a cold or hypothermia!” She enacted a freezing pony, shivering and letting out a high-pitched “burr”.
“It’s only rain, Pinkie,” Rarity assured, gazing at the clouds.
“Still!” The pink mare unlatched the door, ushering her inside. Hopping up the steps, Rarity smirked, allowing Pinkie to enter first.
“If you insist,” she thanked, trotting into the store. “I’ll make us some tea.”
The flecks of water pattered against the blue tilling, as Rarity shook herself dry. Pinkie rounded the counter watching the mare. When her friend caught her, she blushed, glancing away.
“So, where are Mr. and Mrs. Cake?” Rarity chirped.
“Heck if I know. I guess they’re out on a delivery, or buying new flour,” the earthy pony pondered. “I did use just a little too much when playing with the twins yesterday."
A tea cup and pot bobbed around Pinkie in a blue, translucent aura. She loved how unicorns could move objects with such ease, especially Rarity; she had perfected it.
The sink spluttered, when the water filled a kettle Rarity held. “Pardon?” She craned her neck, looking quizzically.
“It’s well … never mind. I suppose it’s just us.” Pinkie scratched her ears, a little embarrassed. She needed to keep it together; she’d never acted like this around Rarity before.
The kettle bubbled and spat, as steam curled above. “Y-yes, just us,” Rarity spoke hesitantly.
While placing the cups on a pretty, yellow tray, an awkward silence pursued. Rarity dreaded to think what her pink companion was assessing about the incident earlier. She had to assume Fluttershy was bluffing; a friend would never put truth behind such words. However, it didn’t escape her mind that maybe she was right, her destiny in life was … pointless.
“Rarity, did you hear me?”
“Huh? What was that, dear?” she uttered, snapping out of her strange day dream.
“I said, why don’t we drink this upstairs? It’s kinda cold down here. I’ll get you a towel and you can dry off.” Pinkie beamed, skipping to the stairs.
She fell in line behind her, watching the pink swish of her tail, as they ascended. “That rain was quite cold. Why not?”
Only having been in Pinkie’s room twice before, the sheer amount of colour clashes gave her a temporary blindness. You would think she would've remembered from her last visit, but it had been so long ago. While placing the tray down, she contemplated whether to spend more time with the earth pony. Outside their group of friends, the pair’s encounters were very sparse.
That was until today.
As much as she wanted to discuss it, the words wouldn’t come. But, it was there, hovering like a mist between them, awaiting its mention.
A sharp chill ran up the unicorn’s spine. She was undecided of its origin, the idea of talking about earlier or because she was soaking wet, probably the latter.
“The bathroom’s upstairs,” Pinkie announced, pointing to a heart shaped door. “That one there. Why don't you go dry up? Looks like you’re kinda chilly.” She sprang over, performing her freezing gesture once more.
Rarity chuckled, plodding up to the rotunda’s small walkway. “Thank you, dear. I shan’t be long.” Despite Pinkie’s bizarre choice of furnishings, it was rather a nice bedroom. Even the tacky bunting made the fashionista smile. It was cosy and welcoming, just like its owner.
She stepped inside, crossing to the sink. When seeing her reflection, she choked miserably. Droplets fell into the basin from her dishevelled, rain saturated mane, soon accompanied by her tears. She couldn’t bear it anymore. All her life she was sure of what she wanted, then to have somepony shatter her dream, well, she didn’t know how to feel.
Fluttershy is right. I am the only pony in town that cares about fashion.
Sharp gasps escaped, while she buried her face into one of Pinkie’s fuzzy bath towels. Unsurprisingly, it smelt like candy floss. She splashed tap water against her cheeks, before removing her ruined make-up. There was no use redoing it, and she didn’t really care. It was weird because make-up was top priority to Rarity, now it just reminded her of how “frivolous” she was.
She stared at her broken expression in the condensation ridden mirror. “Just forget about it,” she murmured to herself.
The towel passed over her mane and coat, absorbing the moisture. She needed to get one; its soothing, pink colour was fabulous. Rubbing it between her hooves, it reminded her of Pinkie.
I hope she’s okay.
After flattening her mane as best she could, she returned downstairs. It was quiet. Where had that crazy mare gotten to? After a moment searching, she spotted a lumpy form shifting under the quilt on the bed. Muffled, heavy breathing and sobs resonated from within the sheet.
She prayed to Celestia this was just one of Pinkie’s silly pranks. Who could stand to see such a carefree pony cry? Tip-toeing slowly, the weeping grew louder, clearly the earth pony didn’t realise her presence. Gritting her teeth, she hauled the blanket away, like unwrapping a pony size present.
“Pinkie?” she spoke remorsefully. The pink mare remained in her secure ball on the bed. Upon noticing her friend, she scrambled away, rubbing her muzzle.
“H-hi, Rarity. I was just you know … checking for bed bugs,” she lied, beating the mattress. “Well, coast is clear. So, how about that tea?”
Pinkie peddled away, refusing to look back. She soon realised that Rarity was extremely light on her hooves.
Stupid! I need to pay attention, the earth pony's mind screamed.
Grabbing the tea pot, Pinkie hummed to fill the awkward silence and tension between them.
“Pinkie, what’s wrong?” the unicorn asked, looking baffled.
She continued her act. “Nothing, the tea’s getting cold. Come on, silly billy.”
Rarity stood next to her, pushing the tea pot away. “I’m not referring to the tea, Pinkie,” she informed, looking into Pinkie’s still watery eyes.
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine, see!” She bounded away, desperately trying to hide her face.
What seemed like an eternity of silence passed, before Rarity murmured, “Is this about what Fluttershy said?”
Pinkie’s brain whirred trying to find a response. “N-no,” she snorted.
“Pinkie,” Rarity breathed, taking a step closer.
“So what if it is?” she barked, the sudden outburst making Rarity flinch. “I’m I not allowed to feel sad about things?”
Rarity had never seen her friend is such distress, it terrified her a little bit. “I didn’t say that. I’m only trying to help.”
“Maybe you should think about yourself first” She continued the verbal attack. “You’ve been crying too.”
Rarity felt her hot cheek with a hoof. “I-I haven’t.”
“It’s easy to tell when you’re white and your muzzle’s all red,” Pinkie chuckled, turning to Rarity’s gaze.
“I didn’t think of that.” She laughed, her blush contrasting with her coat. “I’m sorry, Pinkie.”
It was hard for the earth pony not to shed more tears. Being of such a generous nature, Rarity would rather put Pinkie’s happiness before her own – that was something the party mare couldn’t believe. What was more consequential was the fact she’d never pressure her into explaining her misery, Rarity would just listen. Most ponies turned a blind eye to what Pinkie had to say, but she didn’t.
Pinkie walked over timidly, placed her head on the unicorn’s shoulder and cried.
“Don’t be sorry. I-I’m just being stupid, like usual,” she spoke between sobs.
Rarity felt like she was in a fairy tale. Pinkie didn’t cry, it was unheard of. Yet, there she was whimpering like some filly who’d stubbed her hoof.
“You’re not stupid, Pinkie –” She rested her head against the earth pony's "-- Fluttershy didn’t mean it.”
“I know. But … it’s true. I am simple. No-pony cares if their party hats don’t match their streamers, or if the party cannon is on the fritz. Last week, it nearly blew up in Cloud Kicker’s face,” she choked.
Rarity smirked at the comment. “Please, do you know what it’s like selling clothes in a town where no-pony wears any?”
Pinkie looked up still weary eyed. “That could be quite a pickle” The way Rarity was able to brush off her problems, made her envious. When her unicorn friend barked a laugh, she grinned softly.
She has such a genuine, soft laugh, Pinkie thought.
“Yes, it is quite the dilemma, don’t you think? –" The pair stepped away from each other "– yet, if it makes a small minority happy, well, that makes me happy.”
Pinkie perched on the bed. “Everypony loves your clothes, Rarity. I’m just a nuisance,” she continued, drawing circles into the patchwork quilt.
“Oh yes, the pony who makes everypony in town happy is “a nuisance”,” Rarity slurred, resting against the bed frame. “Don’t let anypony make you think you’re not important, because … you are.”
Pinkie stared quietly, contemplating the idea that she might be important, important to Rarity.
“I’m I important to y-you?” she spoke, only to regret her words.
Good one, Pinkie! Why did you say something like that?
Rarity craned her head to look at her, not wavering from her crossed hoof stance. Then, she smiled.
“Definitely.”
“H-how?” Pinkie looked puzzled. “We … we don’t really hang out that much, not alone that is.”
Rarity looked away again. It was obvious the wheels in her head were turning, thinking of an answer. Why was she important to her?
“Well,” she began, shuffling next to Pinkie. “Each Thursday you make my breakfast muffin at the bakery. You invite me to every party you throw, which I love so much … and some days I look out my workroom window and you’re there bouncing by. Then, I sit and smile for a moment and wonder, “Oh, there’s Pinkie. I wonder where she’s off to today”.”
Pinkie tried not to cry (again). These reasons were meaningless; anypony could walk past a window. What made her so special? She wanted to ask that exact question, but she didn’t. Pinkie just enjoyed the moment, relishing the suggestion of being special to somepony.
“You’re much kinder than people give you credit for, you know?” Pinkie uttered, looking out the window at the black rain.
Sighing, Rarity jumped off the bed, crossing to the door. “Have you been eating bags of sugar? Because you’re sounding more sweet than usual,” she purred.
Pinkie tried to say something, but she only managed inaudible drivel, and she blushed, hard.
“Besides, I learned from the best,” Rarity praised, unlocking the door with magic. “Thanks for letting me stay Pinkie, but I need to go tidy the shop –”
“No!” she spluttered, raising her hooves. Her friend whipped round, startled. “I mean … y-you wanna stay the night?”
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome,” she confessed, inching out the door.
“But … but … tea!” Pinkie clenched a cup in her teeth.
Why are you begging her to stay? She has better things to do.
“However tempting tea may be, I’m afraid I have to clean the workroom and bathe Opal, which is a nightmare believe me …” She trailed of when seeing her pleading friend.
“P-please,” Pinkie whispered, her ears flattening. She stood in the doorway dumbfounded. How could she say no to that face? Despite her reasons, she did feel the urge to say.
She closed the door. “Alright, I’ll stay,” she assured the pink mare, grabbing a cup of tea, before lying down on the bed. “It is still raining heavily out there.”
Pinkie accompanied the unicorn, sniffling a “thank you”. The pair remained quiet, only disturbed every so often by a slurp .
“How’s the tea?” Pinkie inquired, relaxing more into a pillow.
“It’s nice –” She took another sip “– it’s different. Sweet, but spicy at the same time.” She shifted onto her side, awaiting Pinkie’s mad tea explanation.
“It’s called Chai Tea. Golden Harvest gave it to me for helping to uproot her carrots last week,” she explained, setting her cup down. “It’s got some special mixed-spice in it or something. You know how Golden gets with her gardening? She’s plant crazy!”
Rarity nodded, looking down on the mare with a small grin. Pinkie was always there to lend a hoof, and just for some tea – that was noble. Not that she wouldn’t do the same, being “The Element of Generosity” and all, but it was very respectable.
“Just like you, your tea is full of surprises, Pinkie. Nice surprises.” The blanket ruffled, as they got more comfortable. Pinkie’s bed was so soft, like a cloud. Rarity could only imagine what a Cloudsdale bed might fell like.
“My Mama Pie was going to call me that you know?” she giggled.
The white mare chuckled. “I can’t imagine why.”
“Because I was bright pink. Boom, there I was, itty-bitty, pink Pinkie. It was such a surprise to my parents. My coat’s pink because my great-great-great-great-great –”
“Okay, Pinkie. I get the idea,” Rarity moaned.
“Great-great-uncle was Pinkie Pie pink,” she announced, rubbing her fur.
Inching closer, Rarity nuzzled into the bed. She was rather sleepy. “It is the most delectable shade of pink I’ve ever laid eye on, if I do say so myself,” she complemented, watching Pinkie’s adorable reaction.
Why had she never taken time to have tea with Pinkie before? Perhaps she’d just thought she rambled on about ... rubbish. She grimaced. She was just as bad as those neigh-sayers in Ponyville.
“Thanks, Rare” Pinkie nestled down beside her, batting her heavy eyes.
“You’re welcome, darling.”
~
The harsh cracks of thunder made the windows rattle, causing the rain to run like a river down the pane. Outside was dark and miserable. Rarity was thankful to be nestled safe in Pinkie’s room. However, she couldn’t sleep, still thinking about earlier, and the storm was rather deafening. She stared at the white wash ceiling, taking a moment to count the helpless balloons caught in the oak support beams.
One two three … four.
She smirked at the fourth, an alligator shaped balloon. To Pinkie a party was a party, no matter what the reason.
“Rarity, can you not sleep either?” the sleepy, gentle voice spoke. She rolled over; even in the darkness Pinkie’s eye’s reflected the brightest of blues.
The unicorn looked at the dark, pink tinged form. “I’m afraid not.”
“W-whatcha’ thinking about?” she queried in a cheerful tone. She’d been watching the unicorn gawk at the ceiling for a while. It wasn’t that she was staring she was just observing. It was awfully difficult to get some rest with the racket outside, amongst other things.
“Nothing … I was just –” She hesitated, lying to Pinkie wouldn’t achieve anything “– thinking about … well, you don’t think fashion is frivolous do you?”
The sternness of Pinkie’s sigh made Rarity uneasy. She was a hard mare to read at times.
“No way, I think it’s real neato.”
“But it has no purpose, especially in this town. Pointless ribbons and frills won’t make Equestria a better place,” Rarity choked, looking past Pinkie.
“No … it makes it beautiful.”
“T-that’s not true.”
“You make everything beautiful.”
As to what happened next, if Rarity had told everypony in town tomorrow, few would believe it. She couldn’t understand herself, it was just impulse, nothing more. Still, it felt very natural for something so unanticipated.
Pinkie gave a sharp breath, when the two soft, white hooves enveloped around her chest. Her first instinct was to push away, but it wouldn’t have been very gracious of her. Friends cuddled at sleepovers, right? She gulped, already knowing the answer. If her destiny was to make ponies smile, and this made Rarity smile, how could she refuse?
Rarity snuggled into her friend’s neck, as her coat radiated warmth. This could have been a step too far had Pinkie not returned the embrace. It was obvious the earth pony was timid about the situation, as she scrambled to find a satisfying place to rest her hooves.
The pair panted apprehensively in suspense on what the other was thinking. The musk of fresh rain and perfume made Pinkie relax into the hug. Her heart skipped when her partner moved, thinking she was breaking the hold, before she breathed in Pinkie’s ear.
They lay silent, until Rarity whispered in the most comforting tone, “Pinkie, I’ve thought of something.”
Pinkie squeezed ever so tighter, managing to mumble a response, barely awake. “Hmm, what?”
“If ponies think we’re frivolous”– She leaned closer –“at least we can be frivolous together.”
The words hung in the air, Pinkie trying her best to make sense of them. She wasn’t the smartest pony, but she could take a hint. Did this mean something more? All she knew was this wasn’t wrong. It felt right. The thought, the feeling of somepony caring for her entirely, well, she didn’t have to think about it. She knew it was what she wanted, and she didn’t ask for much. She wanted Rarity. Being so generous, she was certain the unicorn would kindly oblige.
“That would be nice,” she murmured.
The rain continued all night, as did the pairs embrace. Eventually, they fell into a peaceful slumber.
Author's Note
Hey, thanks for reading.
There's not much for me to say, but that this was inspired by Raikoh-illust's awesome art work. So ... I had to write a Raripie story to go with it. Simple.
I think Raikoh-illust's own words give a better definition.
"One thing I had realized about Rarity, is that she often surrounds herself with things like clothes, and accessories that are colored pink, perhaps as stress relievers since it's been known that the color pink helps one to feel calm or something like that. And well Pinkie being all pink, she is the best stress reliever."
~ Pie
