Cocoa Crushes

Chapters

The Rendezvous
The Premiere
The Discussion
The Confrontation

The Rendezvous

The perfect hot chocolate was an elusive specimen. The instant powder from the store never tasted rich or creamy enough, that darling little café across town was far too bitter, and Sugarcube Corner's sample was so gooey and sweet as to completely overwhelm one's senses. In truth that particular blend was probably more marshmallow than chocolate, though Pinkie Pie insisted otherwise.

But this...this was heavenly.

Rarity sighed contentedly as she took another refreshing sip, careful not to leave any traces of cream on her muzzle. In all honesty she had always preferred tea, but the sugary beverage seemed quaintly appropriate for the time of year.

Hearths Warming was already several weeks passed, along with the new year, yet the general populace of Equestria couldn't seem to bring themselves to cut short the holiday spirit. The week prior to Hearths Warming had seen the first Winter Moon Celebration in over a thousand years, hosted by Princess Luna in Canterlot.

It was an overwhelming success, and for the first time in living memory ponies were so enamoured with the idea of winter that there had been calls to postpone Winter Wrap Up, despite the protestations of farming communities who needed the cold weather to cease in order to sow their crops.

Rarity snuggled into her sweater, a simple gift from Fluttershy this year with a lovely butterfly pattern (Again, not her first choice of attire, but it seemed appropriate for the spirit of the season) as she awaited her company. The offer had been sudden and unexpected, but certainly not unappreciated. Gazing out at the packed Manehatten streets through the frosted café window, she couldn't help but smile. Ponyville was and always would be her home, but there was something inexplicably appealing about the bustle of big city life that she had missed.

A soft tinkling of the shop door bell prompted her to glance up. The new patron was none other than the one she'd been waiting for. That short-cut aqua mane, sleek cream coat, and an expression of slight nervousness...

Coco Pommel sat down in the seat across from her, a bashful smile on her face. "Oh Rarity, I'm so glad you were able to make it!" Her ears flattened back as she ducked her head slightly. "Ah...sorry about being late, it's a nightmare catching a cab in this city."

"Oh yes, I'm quite aware." Rarity chucked, setting her mug down on the fine table with a clink. "And I wouldn't have missed an opportunity to come to the big city again, much less attend the première showing of one of the most anticipated productions in theatre!" It was her turn to be embarrassed as she realised how loud she was being. "Ahem...my apologies for the over-enthusiasm, darling. It's lovely to see you again, Coco."

"Oh no, it's quite alright," Coco smiled as she scanned the drinks menu. "It has been a while, hasn't it? I've been so busy with work- and I have you to thank for that."

"Might I recommend the cocoa?" Rarity tittered. "If you'll pardon the pun, of course."

Coco laughed. "Oh, good one!" She reached into a pouch strapped to her side and withdrew a handful of silver bits, before making her way to the serving counter "I'll be right back!" She called over her shoulder.

Rarity nursed her drink as she observed the up-and-coming costume designer. Landing a job with such a prestigious theatre company seemed to have done wonders for her self-confidence, along with slipping free from the grasp of Suri Polomare. Her face contorted into a grimace at the thought of that backstabbing, insufferable-

"I'm back-oh dear." Coco's face fell as she saw Rarity's expression. "Is something the matter?"

Rarity quickly shook her head, dislodging the unpleasant train of thought. "Ah, no. I was just letting my mind run away with me, dear. Don't trouble yourself over it." Taking another dainty sip, she looked curiously at her guest. "I don't suppose you could tell me a little bit more about the play, darling? I know a little about it- that it is based on old Zebrican folklore, and that it is Bridleways biggest production yet, but not much else." She admitted.

Coco's face lit up in excitement. "Ooh, where to begin! I don't want to give too much away, but The Savannah Queen isn't just based on Zebrican folklore- it's also being performed almost exclusively by Zebrican actors, and I've had a lot of input from an expert on traditional Zebrican styles for the costumes, with some creative leeway. It's a very culturally significant story to them, so we've tried our best to make it accessible for a new Equestrian audience while retaining it's core Zebrican style. It's really important we get this right," Coco paused to take a gulp of her own drink. "With the increased relations between our countries in recent years, this is the perfect opportunity to..."

Rarity couldn't help but smile as she listened to Coco passionately wax about the play, the technicalities of putting together the costumes, and the diplomatic implications. It was like seeing a completely different pony than the one who had been trapped under Suri's hoof, afraid to speak her own mind. This was a free Coco, one who could use her talents and passion to live her life to the fullest.

Her eyes drifted to Coco's muzzle. A single dollop of cream adorned her otherwise flawless coat, bobbing up and down as she spoke, unaware of it's presence. How absolutely adorable. Wouldn't it be funny and cute if she just reached over and-

"Um, Rarity?" Came Coco's worried voice. "Are you alright?"

"Wuh, huh?" Rarity mumbled as she snapped out of her stupor. Coco was eyeballing her in concern.

"Um, you kind of spaced out for a minute there, just sort of staring at me. With a goofy grin on your face."

"I, ah..." Rarity had never felt more mortified in her life. Coughing politely, she recomposed herself. "My apologies, dear. I was just letting my mind run away with me. Don't trouble yourself with it." 'You said that already, Rarity. What are you, a giggling schoolfilly again?' her mind glumly replied.

It seemed good enough for Coco, however. who smiled gently as she finished her drink. "Well, if you're sure." Glancing at the clocktower outside, she gasped. "Oh my goodness, look at the time! We only have half and hour before the doors open, so we should probably make a move now to avoid big queues."

"Ah, yes. Well, let's get going then, shall we?" Rarity said with faux cheeriness, still feeling a little distracted. "Oh, um, darling?" She pointed at Coco's muzzle. "You've got a little..."

Coco crossed her eyes to look at her muzzle and giggled. "Oh, woops!" she said, wiping it off with a table napkin.

Rarity couldn't quite place why, but she felt a little disappointed as they exited into the cold, busy streets.

'Focus, Rarity.' She mentally chastised herself. 'It's just a holiday get-together with a friend. There's nothing to stress about.'

So why was her heart racing so fast?

The Premiere

The Savannah Queen truly was a marvelous performance. The musical numbers, Coco's incredible costumes, the scenery, the script...it was everything Rarity had heard it would be and more. Yet she just couldn't bring herself to be that invested in it- her thoughts kept wandering to her earlier behaviour...and the smiling friend sitting next to her.

'Argh! Why can't I stop thinking about this? Why did I act like such a fool back there?' She made sure to applaud politely at the conclusion of a song. 'Am...am I attracted to her? I...I don't even like mares in that way! My recent, highly embarrassing infatuation with Trenderhoof proves that. What is wrong with me?'

She inhaled deeply. 'Get ahold of yourself, Rarity! So, you had a moment where you thought she was endearing. That does not mean anything. Completely platonic friends can acknowledge each others appealing qualities, can't they? It doesn't necessarily mean anything!'

Satisfied that she had solved the mystery, Rarity returned her focus to the stage. This was the famous and controversially dark scene where the protagonist's mother, Queen Asili of the zebras, was betrayed and murdered by her nefarious and jealous sister, Mabaya. Morbidly, Rarity couldn't help but notice that in a way it was a macabre parallel to Celestia and Luna's situation long ago, though thankfully it didn't end quite like that.

The play successfully acquired her full attention after that. She marvelled at the fantastic scenery and costumes; giggled and tapped her hoof to the beat of the upbeat, catchy songs; suppressed her tears at the emotional, melancholic ones. As a whole, the story was an odd mix between comedy and tragedy that blended surprisingly well.

The performance reached it's dramatic finale, and Rarity found herself applauding enthusiastically with the rest of the crowd, stamping their hooves on the auditorium floorboards in appreciation. Glancing to her side, she was treated to Coco's beaming smile, and her stomach did a somersault.

"Oh, that was so good. " Coco whispered as the cast took their bows. "I'd seen the dress rehearsals of course, but it simply doesn't compare to the live experience!"

"I absolutely agree dear, it was simply magnificent! And your costumes were stunning, as predicted. " Rarity replied, eliciting a bashful blush from her companion.

"Oh Rarity, it's really kind of you to say so. Hey, do you want to come backstage? The director said I could bring a guest with me after the performance. "

Rarity grimaced. "I would love absolutely nothing more, but I'm afraid I can't dear. " Her heart sunk as she witnessed Coco's dejected expression. "All this snow has wrought havoc with the trainlines, the only train I can catch tomorrow leaves at six in the morning and we've stayed up quite late as it is. I am not a morning pony by any means, even at the more reasonable hours. " she sighed wistfully. "I am sorry, Coco. "

Coco shook her head. "It's okay- no need to be sorry." By now the stage curtains had closed and the lights restored, the audience gradually getting out of their seats and exiting the auditorium. "I know that you're needed in Ponyville for winter wrap up...I was just, hoping we'd have a bit more time to catch up."

"You could come back to Ponyville with me. " Rarity blurted unthinkingly. 'What are you saying, you dunce? Of course she can't! She has responsibilities here now!'

Coco perked her ears up and giggled a little. "Oh, I'm sure I could some other time, but right now I'm just so busy. I have to be close by in case there's a problem with any of the costumes. I'm afraid actors are particularly prone to damaging or losing them- you wouldn't believe some of the things they get to behind the scenes."

Rarity masked her disappointment behind an amused smile. "Something tells me I'd be happier not knowing." She glanced around at the now nearly empty hall and sighed. "We had best be leaving before the staff kick us out for loitering."

Soon the two mares found themselves in the chilly streets. Even at this late hour, the city was still bustling with all manner of ponies going about their business. It truly is the city that never sleeps, Rarity mused. It was a twenty minute walk back to the hotel she was staying at, and they undertook it in a comfortable silence. Occasionally Coco's side would brush up against her's, and she found herself shivering from more than just the cold.

Too soon, they were warming themselves in the grand foyer and Rarity felt her eyes begin to droop in tiredness. She turned to her companion, who was faring somewhat better. At least she didn't have to wake up at an ungodly hour the next day.

"Well, I'm afraid this is it, for now." Rarity said morosely. "I really do wish we had longer to catch up dear, but it seems fate has other plans."

Coco smiled softly. "Well, you are always welcome to visit me, Rarity."

"And the same goes for you." The two embraced briefly, and Rarity struggled to hide her rosy cheeks. "W-well, I'll see you around, darling."

As Coco made her way out into the night, glancing behind herself briefly to give a cheery wave, Rarity wasn't feeling the winter cheer at all. Her head hung miserably as Coco turned the corner and out of sight. 'Rarity Belle, what is wrong with you?'

~~~

Bleary-eyed, frazzled mane, vacant expression. Under normal circumstances Rarity would have let out a chilling scream upon seeing her reflection, but as she gazed through the frosted train carriage window at the scenery blazing past, she could barely muster an annoyed frown. She had managed to get virtually no hours of sleep. A takeaway cup of tea was clutched in her hooves, providing much needed warmth. She couldn't bring herself to drink it- in part because then she'd be cold, and also because tea never tasted right from a foam cup. Proper tea came from a refined teacup, or at the very least a mug.

She wondered if she would have been better off getting hot chocolate instead.

Sighing morosely, she glanced around at the rest of the carriage. It was almost entirely empty, save for one or two commuters who looked just as exhausted as she felt. Naturally, she used that opportunity to pile her luggage upon the vacant seats. Usually Rarity quite enjoyed a solitary train ride, using the long period of peace and quiet to finish a good book or draft some new designs in her sketchpad. But today, she just couldn't find the motivation.

She turned back to the window forlornly. She was no stranger to crushes, of course. She'd had more infatuations and fleeting dreams of happily-ever-afters then she could count, all of which never led anywhere. But not one of them had ever made her feel quite this miserable.

'Because she's a mare' an insidious voice whispered in her mind.

Rarity had always considered herself an open-minded pony, of the opinion that ponies should never be judged for who they love. But it was one thing to be ok with it in theory, to be a supporter from afar, and quite another to experience it for yourself. What would happen if ponies found out? This was exactly the sort of thing that would cause a scandal of business-ruining proportions. She could see the headlines now: "Popular Designer From Ponyville's Secret Passions; Has Our Element of Generosity Fallen to Debauchery?" While the average citizen probably couldn't care less about same-gender romance, there was still a significant portion of ponies who clinged to old prejudices, and the higher up the ladder of society you went, the more they crept out of the woodwork.

Goodness, what her parents think? Would they be supportive? Or would they think she was some kind of...deviant?

Letting out a frustrated growl, Rarity rested her head against the glass. Why was she thinking so hard about this? It probably wasn't even a real crush. So, she thought her friend was cute. So what? You didn't have to be attracted to someone to acknowledge them as being attractive. If she had been feeling nervous, it was most likely simply due to the fact this was the first chance they'd really had to socialise. These feelings would probably fade away in a few days, and everything would return to normal.

For some reason, that thought failed to provide much comfort.

Rarity glumly started gathering her luggage as the train rolled into Ponyville Station, Fighting villains and saving all of Equestria didn't hold a candle to how much stress romance could cause, it seemed.

~~~

"Here she comes! Here she comes! Here she comes! Here she-mmph!"

"We heard ya the first time, sugarcube." Applejack chuckled as she removed her hoof from Pinkie Pie's mouth. The two of them plus Twilight, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were gathered on the station platform, decked out in a motley ensemble of festive sweaters that Fluttershy had knitted. They all had some kind of cute critter emblazoned onto them, much to Rainbow's disgust and everypony else's amusement.

"Did we all need to be here for this?" Muttered the pegasus, picking at a particularly saccharine bunny on her sweater as if trying to tear it off. "She's only been gone for one day. I don't see what the big deal is."

Twilight gave her a sideways glance. "Well, technically no, we don't all have to be here. But it just seemed like a nice thing to do. " She grinned a little guiltily. "And uh, I have some plans to go over and I was kind of hoping all six of us could be there this morning."

"Should have known. .." Rainbow mumbled, folding her forelimbs across her chest as she hovered in the air.

Since Twilight had official become the Princess of Friendship (And also Magic) and moved into the castle created by the Harmony Box, several talks had taken place on what exactly that meant for the governance of both Ponyville and Equestria. After much discussion between the four Princesses, Mayor Mare and various other political officials, an agreement was reached; Ponyville and much of the surrounding area, including the Everfree Forest and Whitetail Wood, would become a realm under Twilight's direct jurisdiction. Much like the Crystal Empire, it was still considered a part of Equestria, yet governed separately. An Advisory Council was formed, consisting of the other five Elements of Harmony, the former Mayor (whose first name was revealed to actually be Primrose, to her unending embaressment) and other members of the previous Town Council such as Filthy Rich or Time Turner. For the most part all of them only needed to hold meetings for events or planning, so Twilight's friends could still manage their day jobs.

"Yes Rainbow, I know you find those sessions boring." Twilight smiled slyly as she spoke. "Though I suppose now I'll have to tell Spike that all those nachos he prepared as refreshments will have to go to waste..."

Rainbow's eyes widened, and her tongue almost lolled out of her mouth in delight. "Heh...you don't say?" She lowered herself to the ground, shuffling her wings against her back. "Did I ever mention how much I just love political meetings?" Especially when Spike is there. He's uh...a great contribution to the uh, debate and stuff." She nodded sagely to herself as the others rolled their eyes.

"Do these 'plans' happen' to cover Winter Wrap Up?" Inquired Applejack with her trademark drawl. "''Cos it might be mighty nice for everypony celebratin', but this extra long Winter isn't exactly pleasin' those with crops or orchards to run. And I 'aint just talkin' about me or mah family, either."

"Um...the animals are also overdue...to come out of hibernation..." Fluttershy chipped in, in her usual reserved manner.

Twilight nodded. "That is one of the things to discuss, yes. Don't worry guys, Winter is coming to a close."

"Awww, but we haven't had an enormous snowball fight yet!" Pinkie complained with a pout.

Twilight made to reply, but was cut short as the train grinded to a halt at the platform. After a few seconds, the door closet to them sprung open, and Rarity walked out.

"Rarity!" She shouted excitedly as the group walked over to greet her. "How was your...trip..." She trailed off as she took in her friend's appearance. Her mane was unkempt, her eyes sunken, and her face sullen. "Erm..."

"Holy horseapples Rarity, you look just plain awful this mornin'!" Blurted Applejack unthinkingly, before being smacked on the back of the head lightly by Rainbow Dash. "Ow! What in tar-" She tilted her head to see the pegasus's pointed glare. "Er...what ah meant to say is...are you doin' ok, sugarcube? You don't look so good."

Rarity's ear twitched. "I'm...I'm doing fine, thank you for asking. I'm just...I have a lot on my mind right now darling." She sighed. "And Twilight, my trip was lovely. Almost perfect in fact!"

"Then why the looong face?" Pinkie asked, eyes wide.

Rarity's head hung low. "I...it's hard to explain. I just..." She tried to ignore her friends confused and concerned stares. "I...I think it would be best if I got back to work." She pushed past her still-stunned friends, levitating her luggage overhead. "Don't worry girls- I'll be alright once I've had time to get my focus back. Farewell!" She exclaimed with all the false cheeriness she could muster.

The five perplexed ponies watched her go, still in shock.

"What...just happened?" Asked Fluttershy, eyes wide.

"I've never seen Rarity so upset!" Pinkie's mane, normally poofy, was hanging slightly limp. "Not even including that time she ate 20 tubs of ice cream while sobbing!"

"And whatevers got her mane in a twist, she doesn' want us to know about it." Applejack mused, her eyes narrowed as she watched Rarity's form gradually shrink into the distance and out of sight.

"Well, I say we get to the bottom of it!" Rainbow yelled, and took off at speed- only to yelp as she was pulled back by a magenta aura. "Ow! Hey!" She scrunched up her face in annoyance. "What's the big deal, Twilight? I just wanna help Rarity!"

Twilight sighed, and released her magical hold on her friend, causing her to fall onto the station platform with an 'oof'. "I know Rainbow, but I think this situation calls for a more...tactful approach."

"I can be tactful...when I want to..." Rainbow pouted.

"So um...is the meeting off, then?" Fluttershy ruffled her wings nervously. "It wouldn't be right to be there and leave Rarity alone when she's so upset, after all." She ducked her head. "Um, at least that's what I think..."

Twilight nodded, and then sighed. "Yes, this is more important right now. We're going to find out what's troubling Rarity, and help her if we can." She glared at Rainbow Dash. "And we are going to do so...tactfully."

Rainbow chuckled nervously. "Didnt you know? 'Tactful' is my middle name! Rainbow Tactful Dash!".

Applejack scratched her head in confusion. "Ah thought it was 'Danger'?"

"I thought it was 'Professionalism'" Offered Fluttershy.

"According to Ponyville's Register of Residents, it's 'Elizabeth'." Twilight corrected absently.

Applejack's laughter could be heard all the way to Canterlot.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up AJ" The pegasus in question muttered in annoyance. Her eyes suddenly widened. "Hang on, where's Pinkie Pie?!"

"You can't just change the subject that easily, Eliza-"

"No seriously, where is she?" The group paused and looked around. Sure enough, Pinkie was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh goodness...she must have gone after Rarity and we didn't even notice." Fluttershy said worriedly

"Er...maybe she's gone to help...tactfully?" Twilight suggested with a nervous grin. The blank stares of the others was all the confirmation she needed. "Yeah, I didn't think so either..." She sighed. This was going to be a long day...

~~~

The Discussion

The mechanical whir and clack of the sewing machine as Rarity worked was the only noise in Carousel Boutique. Opalescence observed her dispassionately as she finished another pattern. She held it up to the light and sighed.

"Hardly my finest work, put it will have to do." She placed it on the pile of finished fabrics with her magic and started on the next piece. The repetitive task allowed her to muse in solitude. She already felt bad for the way she had brushed off her friends when they were only concerned about her. It was inevitable that they would try to get to the bottom of things, and she would have to spill everything. Her ear twitched as she placed more cloth on the pile. "Oh Opal, they will think I am being so silly. But I just can't help it." If the cat had understood or even cared about what Rarity said, she did not show it, electing instead to examine her claws with an expression of boredom.

"I just need a bit of 'me' time to get myself out of this funk. I think I still have some of that triple-chocolate swirl..."

"Personally," Pinkie added sagely as she burst out from under the fabric pile, scattering cloth everywhere. "I always prefer cake to ice cream when I'm feeling sad!"

Perhaps it was due to years of experience (and near heart attacks), but all Rarity could muster in response to her home being broken into, in a manner that defied the laws of physics, was a raised eyebrow. "Pinkie, did you not see the 'Closed' sign on the door?"

"I didn't use the door, silly! I climbed in through the kitchen window!" Pinkie giggled as she attempted to untangle herself from a pastel prison of fabric which had snared her limbs.

"Oh, of course. How logical." Rarity deadpanned. "Here, let me help you with that." Her horn glowed, and the snaking coils of fashion unfurled themselves from her friend. "Pinkie, I understand your concern for my well being, and I apologise for for my rude behavior at the station. But I would appreciate it very much if I was left alone for a little while."

"Come on Rarity, don't you think that talking about it might make you feel better?" Pinkie pouted as she stood upright. "Keeping all those bad feelings bottled up will only make them worse and worse until they EXPLODE and that's just not fun for anypony!" She rested a hoof on Rarity's shoulder comfortingly. "If you want, I'll pinkie promise not to tell anypony else!" She winked. "You can confide in your old Aunt Pinkie Pie."

"You're the youngest out of all of us, darling." Rarity ducked her head. "You are right...but it's not that I don't want to talk about so much as I don't know how to talk about it. I suppose I- gACK!" Rarity sputtered as she suddenly felt her legs knocked out from under her. Dazed, she realised she was now resting on her fainting couch. Glancing to her left, she saw Pinkie sitting a legs distance away, her hair tied up in a bun and wearing thick glasses, a clipboard in her hooves.

"Don't you worry about a thing, just take your time and let it all out!" The pink menace said with a giggle.

Shaking her head, Rarity resolved not to question it. Attempting to understand Pinkie's ways lead only to headaches. "Well...alright. But not a word of this reaches the others, please?"

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" Pinkie uttered confidently as she pantomimed the familiar oath.

"Thank, you dear. Now, where to begin...well, it all started when I went to Manehatten yesterday. While I was there I...ah..." She struggled to meet her friends innocently curious gaze. "...met somepony. And...I think I may have a crush on this pony."

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT!" Pinkie Pie gasped, leaping out of her seat. "THATS AMAZING! I CAN'T BELIEVE-" She paused, and tapped her chin with her hoof, face scrunched up in confusion. "Wait...what's so bad, or unusual, or surprising, about that? You get crushes on ponies all the time!"

"Well...yes, I suppose I have a bit of a reputation for chasing dreams of romance and coming back empty-hooved." Rarity admitted. "But this time is different."

"You say that every time, too!" Pinkie chirped helpfully. She then looked somewhat guilty. "Er...no offense." She tittered nervously. "I'm sure you'll find the right pony for you eventually! Who knows, maybe it's this one!"

"It's not so different from any other infatuation, I suppose." Rarity admitted as she moved over to her couch. "Except for one, definitive difference."

"Which iiiiis?" Pinkie stretched her neck forward eagerly.

"...It's a mare I have a crush on." Rarity screwed her eyes shut involuntarily, waiting for the rejection, for Pinkie to scream at her or disown her as a friend or-

"Pffttahaaha!"

...Laugh?

Sure enough, Pinkie was rolling around on the floor, tears in hers as she guffawed loudly. Rarity felt her ears droop.

"Oh...yes, I suppose it is rather funny, isn't it?" She muttered. "Go on then, have a good laugh at me!"

Pinkie stopped immediately, and leapt to her hooves, a concerned expression on her face. "Huh? Oh nononononono, I wasn't laughing at you, silly!" She smiled reassuringly. "I was laughing that you thought that was even something to worry about!"

"You...you were?" Hope rose in her chest. "You don't think that...that it's weird?"

Pinkie shook her head sagely. "Of course it's weird! ALL love is weird! And that's a great thing if you ask me!" She hugged Rarity fiercely, almost knocking the wind out of her. "Besides, it would be pretty hypocritical of me, ya know? I like everypony! Stallions, mares, ponies who don't wish to be referred to as either!" She dropped Rarity unceremoniously on the couch and looked to the ceiling dramatically, hooves outstretched. "And you can have a certified, Pinkie Pie guarantee that no-pony else around town will give you any grief about it, no sir-ee!"

"Not even our friends?" Rarity asked quietly, somewhat intimidated by Pinkie's passionate claim. Though it certainly was heartwarming that she had such support.

"Especially our friends!" Pinkie then glanced from side to side surreptitiously. "Don't tell anypony else I told you this...but I have a biiiiig hunch that two of our friends are actually dating each other right now!"

"WHAT? You're serious?" Rarity was flabbergasted that such a thing had escaped her notice. "Who? When? How did you-"

Pinkie shook her head and raised her hoof in objection. "Sorry Rarity, but that's all I'm saying. I might be compleeeetley wrong, and then if I went around throwing parties for two ponies being together when they WEREN'T together, it would be reeeeally embarrassing and awkward for everypony." She patted the still stunned Rarity on the shoulder. "But hey, do you feel better for telling me?"

Rarity pondered the question. Did she feel better? She certainly felt relieved that Pinkie Pie was supportive, and more confident that her friends would be as well. And yet...

She sighed. "I do feel a little better...but it still doesn't change the fact that I have no idea what to do!" She pawed at a cushion with her hoof in frustration. "All of my experiences with dating have been with stallions! I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to mares...not to mention she probably doesn't feel the same way about me at all."

"But that's always going to be a risk with any crush, isn't it?" Pinkie pointed out as she sat next to Rarity on the couch with a satisfying 'whumpf'.

"Well...yes. But what if she doesn't like mares at all?"

"What if the stallion you like doesn't like mares? It's always a risk, and you'll never know if you don't ask her. If she says yes, then you have an amazing new special somepony!" Pinkie beamed. "If she says no, then you'll be sad for a little while, but she'll still be your friend, and friends are pretty great!"

"But what if she doesn't want to be my friend anymore?" Rarity asked glumly. "What if she thinks worse of me? Not everywhere is as accepting as Ponyville, Pinkie."

"If she treats you any different for that..." Pinkie looked disgusted at the very thought, a look that didn't suit her at all. "Then you don't really want that kind of pony in your life, as a friend or anything else."

The vehemence in Pinkie's voice shocked Rarity. It wasn't like her to be so...angry. "Pinkie, did..." She swallowed. "Did you...lose somepony over something like this?"

Pinkie was quiet. Her eyes refused to meet Rarity's. "You...could say that, I guess. But, it was before I moved to Ponyville." It was clear she didn't want to talk about it, and to see Pinkie's optimistic attitude turn around so suddenly was unnerving Rarity.

"Want to split it between us?" Rarity levitated a tub of ice cream into the room from the adjoining kitchen with a smile. "No cake, I'm afraid."

It did the trick, and Pinkie was beaming again. "Thanks, Rarity!"

The duo swiftly dug in, voraciously spooning the delectable treat away. Normally Rarity would never dare to indulge herself in such a manner, but right now she just didn't care. Sharing food with Pinkie after they had both divulged such personal secrets to each other was rather cathartic.

She'd rather be sharing a hot chocolate though...with some pony else.

Rarity hummed, and paused in her eating. "Pinkie...thank you. This really has helped me feel better, even if I still don't really know what to do. I suppose I owe my friends an apology, and an explanation."

Pinkie eyed her critically. "You don't have to tell them if you don't want to, you know."

"I know, but...I do want to. I'm incredibly nervous and paranoid about doing so, but I feel it's something I have to do." Rarity mustered a hopeful look. "And as you say darling, I'm sure they will understand. You can't save the world with somepony countless times and then disown them over something so silly as a crush."

Pinkie opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

"Um, Rarity?" Came a muffled, barely audible voice. "It's the girls. Um...we wanted to make sure you are ok...if that's alright with you..."

"C'mon Rares! Open up and tell us what's wrong!" Came a muffled, rather more audible voice.

"Rainbow!" Came the hissing voice of Twilight.

"Er, I mean...Oh fair lady, what ails thee? Let us be thy shield in thy hour of need?"

"...Actually, you know what? That's worse. You can go back to being rude."

"What gives, Twi? You're always pestering me to expand my vocaloid."

"Vocabulary!"

"Yeah, that."

"Uh, not that this ain't heartwarmin' and all," Rarity heard Applejack mutter. "But maybe we should give Rarity a chance to say somethin'?"

Rarity glanced at Pinkie Pie. Her muzzle was scrunched up, desperate not to laugh. Rarity allowed a small smile to grace her features. Pinkie was right- her friends wouldn't abandon her, any more than she would abandon them. Channeling power to her horn, she opened the door, causing Rainbow Dash to stumble through and faceplant onto the floor, as she had been pressed right up against the door. Applejack, Twilight and Fluttershy were framed in the entrance, looking bemused.

"Good Morning, Darlings." Rarity took a particular big scoop of ice cream. "You should probably sit down. Shall I put the kettle on?" The triple chocolate swirl vanished down her gullet in the blink of eye. "I have lot to tell you."

~~~

"...and that about sums up everything I told Pinkie Pie." Rarity finished. Her living room was a complete mess- empty tubs of ice cream were strewn all over the place, and her friends weren't much better. Twilight was sitting attentively across from her on another couch, whereas Rainbow appeared to have calculated the optimum way to lounge across the headrest while covering as much area as possible and looking as undignified as possible. Fluttershy was perched on a large cushion some ways away, and Applejack had elected to sit on the floor. Pinkie Pie was still sat next to Rarity. All of them were quiet, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. They all seemed to be thinking over her story. "Again, I am sorry for being so rude at the train station, and for throwing the schedule out. I know now that I've been over-reacting quite a bit."

"Ah'll say," Applejack chuckled. "You gettin' all freaked out over a crush ain't anythin' new, but beatin' yourself up over the fact it's a mare? That's new." She frowned. "Kinda hurt you thought we'd think of you any different, to be honest." Rarity winced.

Twilight cut in. "Well, it's understandable. You have to realise Applejack, Ponyville is a relatively modern town. You own grandmother founded it barely under a hundred years ago!" She sipped at a mug of coffee she was holding in her magic. "The older settlements- especially Canterlot and Manehattan- tend to be much less forward-thinking about it."

"Yeah! Ponyville may as well be, like, the Gay Capital of Equestria!" Rainbow snorted from her uncomfortable-looking position. "Did anyone ever seriously look at me and think 'Yup, that Rainbow Dash sure is straight'".

Rarity tried to hide her guilty and surprised look to no avail.

"What we are all trying to say is Rarity," Fluttershy chipped in. "Is that you don't have anything to worry about." She ducked her head shyly, her bangs falling across her eye. "...well, in Ponyville, anyway."

"Thank you all." She suddenly remembered Pinkie's 'hunch', and had a devious idea. "So...now that I've spilled the beans...what about the rest of you?" Seeing only confused looks, she explained. "Are you interested in mares? Stallions? Both?" She took another sip. "I've shared, and so have Pinkie and Rainbow. It only seems fair- as a point of curiosity, of course." The gears in her head were turning. This could be her chance to work out which of her friends were dating each other!

Applejack was the one who spoke up first. "Hay, to be honest Ah don't rightly know. Ah'm always so focused on the farm, that nopony, mare or stallion, has ever really caught mah eye." She looked thoughtful. "Though, Ah wouldn't rightly be opposed to either, in theory." She took a swig of the bottle of cider laying next to her. "Who's next?"

Rainbow stretched herself out like a cat on the headrest with a groan. "Just to clarfiy mine, I'm only interested in mares. Stallions just don't appeal to me at all." She then went back to dozing lightly, though by the position of her perked ears, Rarity could tell she was still listening in.

Rarity's mental Gossip Schematic was readjusting itself accordingly. Rainbow: high suspicion. Applejack: Unlikely, but possible.

"Um..." Fluttershy's cheeks were a rosy red. "I like both...but I prefer stallions." She managed to squeak out. Fluttershy: Possible, but still unlikely. That only left...

"And you, Twilight?" Rarity took another sip to hide her smirk. It had to be-

"Oh, I'm straight."

-her? Rarity almost choked on her tea. Pinkie Pie giggled uproariously.

"Wow, you're like, the only straight one here, Twilight!" She suddenly became very straight-faced. "Don't worry- we won't judge you for being different."

Twilight smiled weakly in response.

Rarity meanwhile, was totally lost. 'But...just who is dating Rainbow?' In her confusion, she missed the rather forced smile on the Twilight's face, how quick and emotionless her response had been, or the way Rainbow's eyes had creaked open for just a moment, fixing the back of Twilight's head with a narrow, angry stare.

Twilight finished the rest of her coffee. "So, what do you plan to do now, about Coco?"

"I...whu?" Rarity's heart fluttered, taken completely off guard. "How did you-"

"The reason you went to Manehattan in the first place was to meet with Coco Pommel. You spent almost the whole of your brief time there with her." It was now Twilight's turn to smirk. "At some point during this timeframe, you meet your 'mystery mare'. It doesn't take a genius to figure out."

'No! I'm being bested at my own game! Trying her best her to ignore her inner voice, Rarity grinned sheepishly. "Well...yes, I suppose it is rather obvious." She frowned and looked down into the dregs of her mug. "And to be honest, I don't really know. It took us this long just to meet up as friends, we are both so busy all the time. We've only ever met twice, both very brief occasions. We've talked a little in letters, but..." She sighed. "Truthfully, beyond the fact that she is pleasant, pretty and also likes fashion, I don't really know a lot about her." She looked up again. "I suppose, for now, I simply carry as I am, while trying my best to get more chances to meet up and get to know her. Everything else is up to chance."

"Well, Ah think that's a mighty wise approach." Applejack nodded in approval, a cheeky expression on her freckled face. "Certainly better than pretending to be a country farmer."

"We agreed never to speak of that again." Rarity replied icily. Everyone descended into laughter, and despite her outward annoyance, Rarity felt relaxed. She had been a fool to worry about what her friends thought- in fact, this discussion seemed to have bought them all closed than ever. As for Coco...Rarity's heart did an uncomfortable lurch. Que sera, sera. Worrying about the potential heartbreak of the future would get her nowhere- the only way she could look was forward.

And she would do so with her best friends by her side.

The Confrontation

It was a well known fact that Twilight liked to organise things. While it didn't quite have the same sense of homeliness that she'd been entitled to to in her old library just yet, her private study wing was slowly shaping up, and her particular flair had already begun to make its impression on the room. The castle held many fascinating rooms, and this one in particular was one of Twilight's personal favorites. One wall was adorned with interesting objects she had found, acquired, or even created over the years- Odd mechanical constructs that whirred softly in the background, gemstones and crystals with unusual properties (That particular shelf had a large warning sign: SPIKE DO NOT EAT), jars of various grisly organic curios (She had assured a tearful Fluttershy that they had been obtained only from creatures that had died a natural death), seemingly ordinary everyday objects such as sport balls or quills or even an over sized globe that had been enchanted in some way (Some of which were stored in locked, protective cases), and yet more shelves filled and filled with assorted scientific equipment, arcane tools, and unidentifiable things. She had been lucky that the magic of the Tree of Harmony had somehow saved her personal belongings, despite her old home being destroyed.

The opposite wall was dominated by filing cabinets of fine crystal oak, containing complete records on notes of every experiment she had ever conducted, even the rather crude ones from her days first starting out as Celestia's student (Composing a spell matrix without a Cipher Rune? 7 year-old her had been so sloppy). All of the friendship reports she and her friends had ever sent were here as well, along with records and data relating to Ponyville that she required to run the town (This took up the most room by far).

In the center of it all was Twilight's desk, where she currently sat, idly doing some minor paperwork. Everything about her screamed perfection. Perfect posture, perfectly attentive, notes and files organised neatly on the desk, her quill not wasting a drop of ink every time she dipped it.

Rainbow watched her from the doorway, her expression shrouded. Leaning against the wood frame with an air of seeming indifference, she watched as Twilight worked, oblivious to her surroundings.

She cleared her throat, and the illusion was shattered. Twilight flinched, and her eyes darted about wildly for the source of the noise, settling on Rainbow. Her expression immediately became one of guilt.

"Oh...Rainbow Dash, I didn't hear you come in." She said quietly, ears flat against her head.

"I noticed." Rainbow replied coolly. There was an uncomfortable silence. Rainbow unfolded her forelegs and dropped to all fours with a sigh. "Twilight, I know you don't want the others to know about us. I understand why, even if I don't agree." Angry tears formed in her eyes. "But can't you understand how this makes me feel? All my life, I've been proud of who I am. But now, I have to hide it even from my best friends? Because you want to save face with a bunch of nobles?" She gazed at the ground, refusing to meet Twilight's eyes. "Are...are you ashamed of me? Of us"

She felt a wing encircle her, soft down pressing against her. As much as she hated to admit it, Twilight's wings were bigger than hers. Said alicorn had moved from her seat and was now hugging her, tears in her own eyes.

"This past month with you has been one of the best things that's ever happened to me." Twilight confessed truthfully, resting her head atop Rainbow's affectionately. "I could never be ashamed of that! I want to tell everypony- our friends, the Princess, my parents..." Her voice wavered. "If I was still just Celestia's student, and you were still just the local weather manager, it would be different."

Rainbow still stared stubbornly at the ground.

"But we aren't. I'm a Princess, and you're a Wonderbolt. If word gets out about this...about us, it could ruin both of our careers and reputations. I grew up in Canterlot, with the Princess as my guide- other than her and a few exceptional individuals, the place is an adders nest, constantly waiting for the next scandal, the next pony to bring crashing down from her pedestal. Who knows what sort of nasty headlines they'll come up with?"

Rainbow could feel her hair becoming damp as Twilight continued, and she felt her anger fading- slightly.

"And you grew up in Cloudsdale. I'm sure you have some horror stories of your own." Twilight pulled away, and Rainbow forced herself to look up. Twilight looked a mess- her carefully constructed facade was crumbling; her eyes red and puffy, her mane starting to frizz. A side that only Rainbow was trusted enough to see. "I know you think I'm just being silly, that I'm having one of my paranoid episodes. Maybe I am. I'm sure that our friends and respective families would be happy for us." Her voice became pleading. "But I just...I'm afraid, Rainbow. I can face Tirek any day of the week compared to this!"

"So...we just don't tell anypony, ever?" Rainbow muttered half-heartedly.

"...no. I promise Rainbow, we will tell them eventually. Just...I'm not ready yet. Please."

Rainbow sighed. "You know I can't stay mad at you for long, Twi." If it was a well known fact that Twilight liked to organise things, it was even more well known that she tended to suffer from panic and anxiety attacks. Rainbow was hardly most ponies idea of a patient individual, but she knew she had to try. For Twilight.

She kissed her, and already she could feel her marefriend's tension lessen. Pulling away, she looked at Twilight. She was blushing, embarrassed- both from the contact, and for her outburst. 'Be patient, Dash. She's never been in a relationship before'. "This is kinda getting heavy, huh?" She took Twilight's hooves in her own. "We'll figure it out. Come on, let's go get you cleaned up and do something fun."

Twilight nodded absently, then shook her head in protest. "The meeting...the paperwork-"

"Cancelled. You're taking the day off, and we are going to chill. I'll get Spike to make some nachos and we can watch a movie or whatever."

Twilight protested weakly as she was dragged along, but Rainbow saw her smile. Things would be ok. Relationships were a journey, not a destination. Or something. She'd never been one for proverbs.

Right now, her desination was Nacho City, Movie-Night-With-My-Girlfriend-Land.

~~~

"I didn't ask for this, you know." Daring Do grunted roughly as she surveyed the chaos of the landscape around her. Alien spacecraft descended from the sky in waves, firing lasers upon the valley. "I wanted to inspire adventure...not darkness..." Her pith helmet cast her face in shadow.

"You can do this, Daring! I believe in you!" Cried her handsome and bland assistant, Band Wagon.

"Thanks babe," Daring said nonchalantly as another alien ship exploded randomly. "You always know what to say." Then they made out, explosions framing their silhouettes against the burning sky...

"Twilight?"

"Yes, Rainbow?"

"I understand what you meant about this movie now. This is the worst thing I've ever seen. It's insulting." The two were cuddled up on a sofa in one of the many lounge rooms, a towering bowl of cheese, nachos and salsa on a small side table in front of them. "They seriously made three of these? They got nothing right!"

"Effects are decent, though." Spike added as he munched his way through a mouthful, sitting on a purple cushion on the floor. He was the only other pony (or rather, dragon) who knew that Rainbow and Twilight were dating. "Though...you'd think they could have a least done better than glue some wings onto Daring."

"Yeah, like actually hiring a pegasus actor." Rainbow grumbled.

Twilight laughed. "Maybe you should audition, then."

"Not if it means I have to play tonsil hockey with that dude."

The credits rolled and Twilight flicked the lights back on with her magic. "Well that was a waste of 2 and half hours." She nuzzled Rainbow affectionately. "But I'm glad I wasted them with you."

"Heh. Who wouldn't be?" Rainbow's face was almost as crimson as the streak in her hair. She wasn't that used to all the "mushy-stuff", as she called it. "So, are you feeling any better?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry I've been so difficult lately, Rainbow."

"And I'm sorry I haven't been patient about you being difficult." Rainbow reached for the nachos, but whined as she couldn't quite extend herself that far. "Let's just enjoy the rest of today while we can, yeah? We'll worry about all the serious junk tomorrow."

Twilight smiled at Rainbow's efforts, and levitated a nacho over to her. "You're right. Besides, the next few weeks are probably going to be frantic, what with Winter Wrap-Up, and now Rarity-"

"Huh?" Spike perked up from where he had been attempting to ignore most of the sappy conversation. "Did something happen with Rarity?"

"Oh yeah! She has a crush on-" Twilight clamped her hooves over Rainbow's mouth in horror.

"Rainbow!" She hissed.

"Wow guys." Spike deadpanned. "Way to break it to me gently." With that, he went back to eating.

Rainbow and Twilight shared a confused glance.

"Uh, Spike?" Twilight inquired tentatively. "Aren't you...upset? I know that you-"

Spike raised a scaly brow. "It's not exactly the first time. Remember the Trenderhoof incident? I was there for all of that, you know." He sighed, dunking a particularly cheesy wad into the salsa dip. "Besides...I've known for a while that me and her is never gonna happen. I don't like it, but it's just something I have to deal with. A pony and a dragon? As if." He waved off Twilight's concerned look. "I'll be fine, Twilight. I'm made of tough stuff."

Twilight gazed at him critically. "You know Spike, it isn't really species that separates you- its age. Exactly at what rate dragons mature isn't certain, but mentally I'd say you're perhaps a year or so older than the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Could you see one of them dating an adult pony?"

"What? NO!" Spike looked disgusted. "That's...that's messed up!" He looked thoughtful. "So...what you're saying is...?"

"Duh! That you should quit your moping and find somepony your own age!" Rainbow interjected. "Uh...not that I'm saying you were moping," She added hastily at Twilight's reproachful glare. "Not saying that at all." She shook her head. "But yeah- go find a yourself a nice filly- or colt. The whole of Ponyville is your Otter!"

"Oyster."

"Yeah, that thing."

Spike looked contemplative. "Maybe. It'll give me something to do other than helping Twilight file all those papers." He yawned. "Not that I don't like helping you, Twi-MPELCH" He was interrupted by his own belch of green flame, which coalesced into a letter in front of him. Curiously, it did not not bear the royal seal like most of the letters they received.

"Who's it from, Spike?"

Spike grabbed it out of the air, and unfurled it carefully with his claws. Confusion spread across his features.

"It's from...Coco Pommel?"