One's Responsibility to Their Family

“Do I have to?”

“Please Rainbow, it would mean a lot to me.”

“But it is so stupid to get all excited for something so small.”

“Small? You call this small? I am finally back to being my true self and you call-”

Applejack had finally gotten sick of the bickering and shouted up the stairs, “Unless you’ve got four hooves and a craving for hay, I’m pretty sure Rainbow is right.” Applejack collapsed back onto the couch, resting her head where Twilight’s hand could reach. She allowed the contact of her nails as Twi tried to ease her friend’s tension.

“They’re just trying to enjoy themselves. I wouldn’t be so harsh, even given recent events.” Twilight started slowly pulling her hand back, but Applejack brought the fingers back.

“I know, but I wish those two could help you instead of bickering. I guess it doesn’t help that I still don’t understand how they got stuck in the same room when they despise each other’s habits.”

Twilight smiled back at AJ, wishing she could do more for her friend then try to distract her. “Well if you must be reminded my apple focused companion, it is simple. Fluttershy is too shy to have another girl be in the same room as her when she’s naked, and Pinkie is too loud for anyone to sleep with. As for why we’re together, I’m pretty sure it’s to be the voices of reason that anyone can go to.”

Applejack sighed and nodded as a tear fell down her face. “Sorry that I’m still distracting you Twilight.”

“You still sure you don’t want to tell anyo-”

Rainbow Dash crashed into the bottom landing of the stairs and sighed. “Presenting the fashionista in all her glory, Rarity.”

Rarity emerged at the top of the stairs and started strutting her stuff down. Her hair was curled to cover on eye that gave her a seductive air. However, that may have also been because of the tight, shimmering, red gown that was pressed firmly against her elegant body. A split up the side revealed her long leg as she posed at the bottom. Twilight couldn’t help but think about how Nathaniel would have possibly had a heart attack just now, especially with the abundance of cleavage that was showing.

“You could have at least put some emotion into the delivery Rainbow. I thought you were a fellow performer.”

Rainbow grimaced as she grabbed the banister. “Performer, yes. Enthusiast of having to help a friend get all fancy just because Fluttershy had work, not so much.” Rainbow hung her head low as she trudged up the stairs for some much needed sleep.

Rarity rolled her eyes and then spun for her other two friends. “What do you think?”

Applejack rolled her eyes and nestled back into the couch. Twilight sighed as she attempted to give Rarity a smile. “I think it looks wonderful Rarity. However, when did you make it? I don’t remember Celestia buying any fabric, and nothing of what I can only assume is a high quality material.”

“Oh it most definitely is. Fine satin was used to make the dress and it feels wonderful against the skin.”

Applejack suddenly perked her head up and glared at the dress. “How much did it cost?”

Rarity bit her lip as she heard the aggressive tone. “Don’t worry Applejack, I’m not that blind when it comes to our finances. Mark bought it for me.”

Applejack scowled at the name. “Just make sure that it doesn’t only take a pretty dress to let that man get what he wants with what is in it.”

Rarity scoffed at her. “Are you kidding me? You’ve never even met him! He is a gentleman. Perhaps a little rough at the edges, but with time he will undoubtedly straighten out and gleam to his full potential.”

Applejack bared her teeth. “I’m just reminding you not to get swept up in gifts.”

“And I’m insulted that you think some smooth talker would be able to convince an outstanding and sophisticated mare such as myself to jump into bed at the drop of a hat. Though I guess you do have some ex-”

“Rarity!”

Rarity jumped at Twilight’s sudden outburst, but then blushed slightly. “Oh. I’m sorry Applejack. I guess I got into the heat of the moment there. Trust me, I won’t make the same mistake you made with Caramel.” Rarity turned her head down as Applejack turned and walked away. The shower could be heard shortly afterwards.

“I swear I didn’t mean to.”

Twilight bit her lip as she passed her friend. “I would sell the dress after the date. I think it would make her feel better about this.”

Rarity nodded as she pulled at it. “I suppose I could quickly tire of such fabric, so I do believe you are right. Will you go comfort her, even tell her sorry for me?”

Twilight bit into her mouth. “I need to go Rarity. Good luck on your date and... congrats.” Twilight rushed away and immediately ripped open the curtain to reveal Applejack sobbing in her clothes.

“Applejack?”

“Why do I keep doing this? Why can’t I just keep my body mine? Am I just some two bit floosy?”

Twilight stepped into the shower and sat down next to her friend. “Don’t let Rarity’s comment get to you. We all know that Caramel played with your heart and that it wasn’t your fault you didn’t see the jerk within. Besides, this has nothing to do with what happened last night. You got raped instead of just giving yourself up.”

Applejack shook her head as she curled up tighter. “You don’t understand Twilight. You can’t understand.” The hotel room flashed into Applejack’s mind and she flinched at the memory.

Twilight looked down and stood up. “I... I have work to get done. Besides, you don’t seem to want me-” She stopped and looked down at the hand that was weakly gripping her’s.

“Please stay. I don’t think I can be alone now. I need someone I can trust, someone I know.”

Twilight nodded as she sat next to her friend. “I’m not going anywhere.” Twilight squeaked slightly as Applejack hugged her tight and she stroked her friend’s hair until she was fast asleep.

======+++++======

Rarity sighed to herself as she looked up at the restaurant. She had been hurt by Applejack’s accusations and lashed out, something that was beneath her. However, I heard more then enough rumors about me sleeping around while at Canterlot with Fancy Pants. I didn’t need to hear it from a girl who slept with a guy she had only actually known for a week. Rarity took a calming breath as she reminded herself that those rumors were far behind her.

Walking into the restaurant, she noticed something was off. The lights were dim while the waiters quickly and quietly moved through the soft light. She heard the clanking of plates from the kitchen across the massive dining room. And then she placed it. The restaurant was huge, but there wasn’t a single customer.

She heard a slow beating of a drum as it disturbed the near silence of the room. She looked around but saw that everyone had disappeared. “Mark?” The beating continued to fill the room as the drums grew louder and louder. Finally a curtain to the side was thrown to the side and Mark walked out. She couldn’t get a clear look at him though until he entered a spotlight in the middle of the room.

He was in another fine italian suit, but it hugged him tight, showing off his large muscular figure. What was more important was as he smiled at Rarity. His whole presence excited her as he gestured to different corners of the room and instruments quickly joined in the song. It was fast and energetic, the drums now slamming down emphasis as Mark moved.

He continued to conduct the orchestra that now filled the room as Rarity walked towards the middle, entranced by the sudden performance she was getting. And then, Mark opened his mouth. It was strong and confident as Italian started to slowly rise from his diaphragm. Rarity couldn’t understand the words, but she could tell the meaning, and Mark’s gestures toward her caused her to blush and look away. Finally, Mark wrapped his arms around her and smiled at Rarity.

“What did you think?” He quickly remembered to pet the air to cause the orchestra to calm down and play at a more reasonable volume.

“It was absolutely marvelous, even if you were horribly out of tune. However, don’t you think it is a little much for our first date?”

Mark smiled at her, glancing down at confirmation of just how much cleavage the dress showed. He ran a hand gently up her leg before resting it on her thigh. “Why would I ever hold back from treating a goddess such as yourself as I should?”

Rarity glanced back around the restaurant, blushing from the compliment. “Where is everyone?”

“I wanted the night to be about the two of us, so I made certain no one could interrupt us.

Rarity felt her heart flutter as Mark’s strong arms led her to one of the small tables in the room. A waiter immediately came over and lit the candles before extending a menu to Mark. He waved it way and said, “I sent a request for wine ahead of time, and my decision remains unchanged.”

The waiter nodded briefly, but then paused to turn to Rarity. “Ma’am, may I see some sort of identification?”

“Oh. I’m sorry but I’m–”

“Twenty one.” Mark placed a hand on the waiter’s outstretched arm as a cold smile spread over his face. “Now two glasses and be quick about it.”

“But sir,” The waiter became silent when Mark cracked his knuckles. “Of course, right away.”

Rarity turned to Mark as she frowned slightly and looked at her driver’s license. “I’m eighteen. You knew that Mark, or at least that I was underage.”

Mark sighed as he leaned back. “Come now Rarity, do you really think that something as trivial as age would stop me from what I wanted. You must learn to expect certain privileges around me because I won’t be stopping them anytime soon.”

Rarity smiled at him as the waiter returned with two wine glasses. “I suppose I could get used to it.”

Mark took a sip of the wine before asking, “Do you eat meat?”

“Sparingly. I don’t like the flavor, nor do I like the grease.”

“Have you ever had crab?”

Rarity paused before shaking her head. “Don’t believe I can say I have. However, I was leaning towards a simple salad tonight.”

Mark rolled his eyes as he plucked the menu from Rarity’s hands. “We’ll have four king crabs, a garden salad, a caesar salad, and a ribeye steak for me. Does that sound good?”

Rarity glanced down as she smirked. “I suppose if you want to throw some sort of party.”

“I didn’t hear a no.” Mark dismissed the waiter with a wave of his hand. “So, what are some of your interests?”

Rarity spread her napkin out before responding. “I fancy myself a seamstress rivaled by none. However, I don’t get to practice all that often nowadays because of the restraints set from my family’s financial situation. However, I do fancy something I believe you thought you were quite good at.”

Mark leaned a shoulder onto the table as he stared at the woman. “That doesn’t really narrow the list by much, though I will admit that I couldn’t sew a hanky even if my life depended on it.”

Rarity laughed momentarily. “I meant singing. With how busy Nathaniel always is I assumed he never had the time to learn anything outside of his post. Something I would imagine carries to you as well.”

Mark felt a twinge of annoyance as he heard his sniveling brother’s name, but quickly dismissed it. “I bet your’s would outshine even the most elegant voices of our time. May I hear it?”

Rarity crossed her arms and pushed her breasts up before turning her head away from him. “Perhaps if you weren’t being so rude as to answer my question with another question.”

Mark took a sharp breath in as he stared at the magnified cleavage, but quickly tore his eyes away to mumble thanks to the waiter and his food. “I see no harm in letting you know. My grandfather thinks that talents and hobbies are an important form of stress relief. I may not be able to sing, but give me Shakespeare and I can move even the most cynical critics.”

Rarity’s eyes lit up, but Mark was annoyed further as she asked, “What is Nathaniel’s talent? With how hard he throws himself at life, I would imagine his talent to be quite extravagant to compensate.”

Mark calmly broke a crab leg open as he thought about it carefully. He glanced back at Rarity as she slowly ate one of her salads. “He never learned one. He decided to simply make himself better at fighting. He’s rather pathetic like that. I wish I could help him, but he refuses to become interesting.”

Mark placed a hand on Rarity’s arm. “However, such thoughts are merely a useless distraction around someone such as yourself. Now, let us enjoy ourselves.”

Rarity nodded as she picked up one of the crabs. “You’re right.”

Mark enjoyed the near silence of the dinner as they exchanged small talk throughout. It was becoming obvious to him that he had pressed all the correct buttons, but Rarity still seemed to have a small interest in Nathaniel, something he couldn’t get rid of. But then Mark felt himself being examined himself. Mark was used to the reaction, but he couldn’t help but smile. She’s trying to decide wether or not I’m worth it. How very silly.

Mark glanced up as the waiter offered him a menu. “I’ve seen it before. Please, give it to Rarity so that she can make her decision.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “You don’t want to simply order for me again?”

Mark forced a blush onto his face as he glanced down. “I’m sorry. I guess in my hopes to impress you, I got carried away.” Mark couldn’t help but smile internally when Rarity smirked and sipped her wine.

“I suppose I can’t fault you for that. I will have the creme brulee. What about you?”

Mark grinned. “A simple piece of apple pie with plenty of cream on it. I had some recently and have been craving it ever since.”

Rarity bit into one of her fingers but then shrugged to herself. “I have a friend who will bake an apple pie to put all others to shame. She’s been feeling kind of blue lately, and I can’t say I’m proud of myself for having caused some of it. Would you possibly like to come over and give her an excuse to make some?”

Mark had to stop himself from getting too excited at the thought of trying to get Rarity, Applejack, and him alone. No, that won’t happen right now. However...

“I can do you one better. Halloween is coming up and I would be honored if you and your family came. I would even be willing to donate costumes to you for your friends to wear. However, I must stress that we have some very big people from all over the world in attendance. I hope that doesn’t turn you away.”

Rarity smiled at Mark before putting fingers to her lip and adding a false panic to her voice. “Oh my, a chance to be amongst the elite? Well, it would only be rude of my to say no, so I suppose I can stomach their presence.”

Mark was silent for most of dessert feeling satisfied. He had Rarity in the bag and a chance to see some of his favorite things in the world almost naked when Halloween came around. I would call this a win.

However, when the two left the restaurant Mark found himself stopped by a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I believe this is where we split up.”

Mark smiled down at Rarity and put a hand on the back of her head and embraced her in a deep and passionate kiss. Rarity let out a small moan as Mark’s tongue intertwined with hers. When they finally separated Mark whispered into her ear, “We don’t have to.”

Rarity stepped away from Mark before shaking her head. “I’m not that type of girl, and I’m insulted you would think that.”

Mark blushed as he ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry Rarity, I didn’t mean to offend. Can’t blame a guy for trying though.”

Rarity smiled coyly at him. “I suppose that you were just a little too excited then. I forgive you, but just for tonight. I’ll see you at Halloween, and thank you for the wonderful evening together.”

Mark took in a deep breath of air as he clenched his fists. These girls are starting to annoy me. Mark scowled slightly at Rarity’s small ass as he tried to calm down. It was impatience that screwed you over with Applejack. You don’t want that again, do you? Mark turned away, thoughts of Applejack in skintight short shorts and Fluttershy in a nurse’s outfit dancing in his head.