Cocoa Crushes

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?