No Two Flakes

By Mist

Chapter II

One wouldn’t really expect a guy like Spike to work at a bakery. No, he had the reputation among the people he associated with to be more likely to sell shifty wares at a bus stop than to work part time frosting confectionary delights. However reputation and expectations aside, it was the truth; he was a baker. Well, baker’s assistant anyways. The guy wasn’t exactly known for this fact though, as many of his peers seldom cared to see him after school ended for the day. Spike had a gruff demeanor and was easy to irritate, so he didn’t exactly win the popularity award at school.

As far as teachers were concerned they couldn’t wait for him to finally graduate or get expelled. Whichever came first they welcomed it. Spike often only gave them more trouble and defied the school rules than improve their reputation as instructors with stellar scholastic performance. He’d been suspended five times in this school year alone, and involved in numerous incidents revolving around fights breaking out; many of which he was the facilitator of. Naturally this meant he wasn’t exactly making honors lists in any subjects, however if they released an award for being the most difficult student to deal with, he may at the very least be a runner up for that. Sadly no such award existed, and I am quite confident that no teacher was advocating adding it to the award ceremony as well. Though humorously if they did do so, I imagine we would all see an increase in delinquency within the public education system, however I’m just going off on a tangent again, my apologies.

Where were we? Ah yes, Mr. Spike and his bakery work. You see, Spike insisted on living independent from his elder sister, Twilight. He wanted her to be able to focus on school without having to worry about taking care of him. This however generated a new problem of Twilight being taken care of financially by programs created by her school. Twilight’s bills were more or less completely paid for through the school due to her extreme academic success and the program she was in. Spike however? Well, let’s just say if he was in such a program he may actually end up owing them money. Naturally this meant that he needed an alternative means of paying his rent, so through a favor from his sister, he worked with Pinkie Pie and the Cake family at their bakery. Pinkie was the assistant manager, and as I already mentioned long time friend of Ms. Sparkle. One could put two and two together to determine that Pinkie pulled some strings so to speak, however I just did that for you, so kudos to me. We seriously cannot spend this entire tale with me explaining everything that you could draw from inference though.

Most of Spike’s classmates didn’t know of his part time job with the exception of the small group he hung around; however they generally didn’t discuss it without him present. Spike wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of his peers knowing he baked for a living so he could afford an apartment. He was especially lucky that his apartment owner cut him a deal and charged him slightly less than his neighbors, which was something he kept under his metaphorical hat.

“You know, you could probably knock out more cakes if you got better at starting a base with each hand.” Said the informative Pinkie.

Spike’s left eye shot in her direction for a second, only really catching a glimpse of her strange polka-dotted apron and for some reason her obnoxious earrings that were shaped like frogs dangling from her lobes. They weren’t the only piece of body jewelry attached to her ears, but they certainly stood out. Pinkie’s get ups generally always appeared as a mishmash of things she probably found at various stores and shopping trips. She also was sporting some kind of cufflink chain on her opposite ear and a big grin plastered on her face.

“If I was any good with my left hand, I’d consider that…” Spike replied as he struggled to finish another cake base, hoping he could get this wrapped up fast enough to go home soon.

“It’s all muscle memory, you can learn anything if you just do it enough times.” Pinkie spoke as she grabbed some dough next to him and began to assist him in completing his order faster.

“I’ll keep that in mind…” He said without really caring.

After a little assistance from the good assistant manager Pinkie Pie, Spike found himself finishing up just on time so he could make his way home. Much to his surprise though, there outside waiting for him was a young girl from his school that he recognized. She was a year younger than him, but they often associated in between classes and at lunch.

The weather was starting to chill up, but there she was in just a T-shirt, denim shorts that probably were just barely violating the “below your fingertips” aspect of the dress code at school. Ironically though, she had a winter cap on that covered only a small bit of her wild red hair. She had always had a lot of hair, so much so that even sixty seconds of hanging around her, you’d be finding long red strands in your clothing for months to come. There was also little doubt that the signature pink bow she always wore was underneath that hat. Quite the enigma she was, too warm to justify putting on a jacket, but not enough to where she could wear a winter hat. Her older sister did always say she was wired strangely though.

“What’s up, chef master Spike?” She spoke with a grin across her face.

“Piss off, Applebloom…” Spike hissed as he adjusted his jacket and zipped it up.

She fell into place behind him while he began walking home. “Awww, love ya too, buddy.” She reached in and pinched his cheek, which caused him to swat her hand away.

“So, dumbass, what’s new in your world?” She asked as she kept close.

Insults were more or less the nature of their relationship. They’d have back and forths with insults almost all day. Anyone who didn’t know them would think they hated each other’s guts.

“Not much shit for brains.” He joked, nudging her shoulder while the two walked side by side.

Applebloom smirked and leaned in interested as she lowered her usual volume to engage in a private conversation. “So, what are you thinking about getting Ms. Belle for Christmas? It is right around the corner, you know?” She said.

Spike rolled his eyes and gestured for her to keep quiet as if the elegant woman was close by and could hear them talking. “I got a bracelet for her on reserve at the jewelry shop not too far from where I work; the big fancy one. I asked them to hold it for me while I get the cash to pay for it.” He explained.

Applebloom blinked a little bit surprised that he not only legitimately went to get Rarity something, but something so expensive for Spike. “How much is it?”

Spike almost muttered the price under his breath, “$2,400…”

Applebloom couldn’t help but giggle a bit at the price tag. “Spike, that’s more than you make in two months. No way are ya’ gonna be able to afford that by Christmas.”

“Fortunately I’ve been saving up since last Christmas and I’m only short a little bit. I need about $500 more and I’ll be okay. So long as my hours don’t get cut I should be alright.” He replied.

Applebloom slapped him playfully on the back with a huge grin plastered upon her face. “Well, shoot. She’s gonna be all over ya’!”

Spike shrugged sheepishly, not entirely sure that Applebloom was accurate. Truth be told he was nervous that Rarity might not even give him the time of day. She was a beautiful exchange student here in this country for education and he was a high school student who worked a crappy job just to afford a single bedroom apartment. Compared to her, he had literally nothing to offer.

“Who knows?” He shrugged again.

“Again with the self doubting?” Applebloom sighed and gave him a nudge hoping to instill some confidence into him.

“It’s just…” He bit his lip, “What would a girl like her be doing messing around with a guy like me?”

“Hey, if she thinks she’s too good for ya’, then she ain’t right for ya’ anyways.” The country girl reminded. She had probably told him things along those lines for months to no avail. Maybe if she said it enough it would sink into his thick skull was her logic.

“We’ll see…” He replied.

The time was about noon, which is when classes at the community college that Applejack attended had a break for a good hour or so for students to go and get lunch. CCC was a very easy going school for most with a very flexible schedule; however this lunch period was almost universal for students and staff alike. AJ often used it to go and fetch some much needed rejuvenation after a tough morning of learning and attempting to cram facts into her skull in the hopes they would stay there in time for the tests.

In front of her locker, AJ was busy sorting which books she would need for her afternoon classes into her bag and placing her no longer required books into the metal storage. Her eyes drawn to an approaching young woman only a year older than her. She tried to divert her attention away from the light haired slender girl. Her left arm was covered in tattoos of various references to things she adored, which she proudly showed off regularly with sleeveless shirts or even shirts with the left sleeve ripped off entirely.

The most prominent thing though that any would notice about her is her large amount of hair. Her thick hair had partial dreadlocks woven into undreaded hair to create an interesting effect.

In her right hand a short cane that she was hardly using, showing she had been to this place enough times to find it by memory. Applejack realized the pointlessness of pretending to look away only seconds after starting the charade when she saw the cane. She sighed, knowing this was sure to spark an unwanted conversation.

“You know most people would at least say hello rather than sigh when someone they were close to approaches.” The girl commented as she felt up the locker next to AJ’s before leaning against it.

“What is it, Cloud?” AJ grunted, trying to end the conversation as quickly as possible.

Running a hand through her teased hair, the other girl just laughed as she did her impression of AJ’s voice. “Shoot, darlin’, I’m jus’ a tad flustered by how hot and tingly y’all make me, so it’s mighty hard to talk to ya’, that’s all.” Cloud mocked.

AJ hushed her and covered the girl’s mouth. “Damn, Cloudchaser ya’ want the whole damn school t’hear?”

Swatting the country girl’s hand away, Cloudchaser nodded. “Is that would it would take to make you commit for longer than when it starts to look like it’s getting serious? Maybe if everyone knew you wouldn’t be so ashamed all the time…” She pouted and gave a sad lower lip. “Come on, you know what we have is special…”

“Was.” AJ corrected. “Ya’ thought it was special. It ain’t, and it’s over.”

Cloud just laughed. “That’s what you said last time.”

“Ah’ mean it this time. Ah’ got a boyfriend.” AJ grumbled as she slammed her locker shut, hoping the noise would startle Cloud.

“When you’re done fooling around with the boys, you know where to look for me.” She grinned. “And while I can’t necessarily look for you, I can sniff you out no problem.” She tapped her nose as she spoke that last part.

“Ain’t gonna happen, Cloudchaser.” AJ grunted as she stepped away from the alternative girl.

Cloudchaser didn’t even bother trying to follow, instead she just yelled to AJ. “See you later, Ms. Apple!”

AJ cringed for a moment, stopping dead in her tracks, but kept walking only a second later; she hated it when people called her “Miss”.

Cloudchaser and she had quite a long and confusing history. A lot of on again, off again romance that was always kept mostly behind closed doors. Cloudchaser figured it had something to do with AJ’s rather old fashioned and conservative family. Not even her younger sister whom lived in the city with one of her cousin’s even knew about their relationship. AJ always went on about what her family might think if they found out she was intimate with another woman. As much as it irritated Cloudchaser though, she put up with it simply because she had fallen for AJ a long time ago. Even through their four break ups, her feelings never went away. It got easier as well from the fact that AJ would always come back a few weeks later realizing she had made a mistake.

This time was different though, this is the first time that Cloudchaser had heard of AJ being with someone else upon one of their break ups, let alone a boy. Truth be told this was the first boyfriend that she had ever heard of AJ ever having.

“She’ll be back…” Cloudchaser assured herself quietly as she stood there.

She was trying to wrap her head around AJ’s true reasoning. Was her fear of judgment for her sexuality her true motivation? Or maybe it was Cloudchaser’s disability that prevented AJ from getting too attached? No. That wasn’t possible. AJ was too honest and open minded to be bigoted enough to let Cloudchaser’s blindness stop her from being with her. AJ never really made a big deal out of Cloudchaser’s lack of sight anyways.

Her whole life her vision was always poor, but about four years ago it truly started to take a turn for the worse. Her condition reached a point where she was legally blind only a year after that, and completely blind by two years. For the past two years she had spent her life completely without sight. That meant that for the entirety of her relationship with Applejack, she had never once gazed upon her. However Cloudchaser could tell you exactly what AJ looked like. She had studied AJ closely with every chance she got to get near her. Every touch created a new part of the picture she held onto in her head.

Still, AJ was always as stubborn as a mule. With enough persistence though she eventually broke down and let things happen. Cloudchaser knew it was only a matter of time before this whole “boyfriend” phase passed and they would be back together again; ready to break up one more time.

Rainbow and Fluttershy were doing their usual time killing after classes had ended during the off season when Rainbow wasn’t at soccer practice. They always killed at least an hour or two before heading home, and today was no different.

“So I got study time with Twilight tonight.” Rainbow puffed out her chest proudly as she spoke.

“I hope you actually intend to study then.” Fluttershy snickered, seldom dipping into those kinds of jokes.

Taking every chance she could to make a lewd comment, Rainbow grinned perversely, “Oh I’ll be studying alright…”

Fluttershy faked a gag. “Gross, keep that to yourself.”

“Oh come on, you know would love some “study time” with Soarin.” Rainbow said Soarin’s name in a mocking high pitched voice trying to mimic Fluttershy.

“Stop it.” She groaned and lowered herself deeper into the neck of her sweater.

Rainbow recognized she probably was pushing her shy friend a bit too far and decided it was best to drop the subject and talk about something else. “So, you going to see your family on Christmas?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “And leave you here? No way.”

Rainbow sunk a bit at that comment, she already felt guilty about the fact that Fluttershy was going to miss seeing her family for her sake. “That’s not necessary. Just go, I’ll be fine, promise.” Rainbow patted her chest as a sign of strength.

“Are you sure? I mean I know your family isn’t coming…” Fluttershy replied.

Rainbow just nodded. “Absolutely. I’m a big girl, I can handle it. Besides that gives me more alone time with Twilight.” A snicker left her mouth at that last comment.

Fluttershy merely rolled her eyes at her perverted friend. “Jumping Twilight’s bones” was a common topic of discussion from Rainbow, despite Fluttershy’s disgust at the lewdness of her commentary. Then again grossing Fluttershy out was also a past time of Rainbow’s.

The two were interrupted by a rather scruffy looking young male approaching. His jacket of poor quality almost in a state of disrepair suggested he didn’t have a lot of money to his name, and his demeanor towards the two showed he clearly knew Rainbow when he offered her a fist bump, which she accepted. “Dashie, what’s up, girl?” He grinned.

Rainbow chuckled and evolved the fist bump into a grab and hug. “Rock! What’s good man?” She responded.

Fluttershy kept quiet observing, it was clear that this man knew Rainbow from her old neighborhood before moving here to Canterlot City. Fluttershy and Rainbow while they attended the same school in high school, it was merely because Fluttershy was just on the edge of the better part of town and Rainbow’s family insisted she go to a better school. Normally these two were in completely different social classes to where Rainbow would have gone as she put it “to the hood school.”

“Haven’t seen you around, homie. I’m visitin’ from back home to get my girl some shit.” He said.

Rainbow shook her head. “Dawg, when are you going to ditch that hoe? She’s drainin’ you man.”

He laughed it off and gave her an eye roll. “I know, I know, but she’s my baby mama now, so not much I can do.”

Rainbow’s eyes opened at that statement. “Oh! Word!? Well shit man, congrats you stupid mother fucker.” She teased as she offered him a hug.

He accepted her hug and the two patted each other on the back in a very “bro” like manner before releasing. “Of course, I’ll never have that problem.” Rainbow teased.

His laughter only grew. “Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re only into the ladies.”

“Well with you off the market now someone’s gotta please ‘em.” Rainbow smirked.

He rolled his eyes and gestured towards Fluttershy without acknowledging her vocally.

Rainbow gestured her head towards Fluttershy before speaking. “This is my homie, Fluttershy. She’s cool, we went to school together.”

He nodded and waved. “You unlucky bitch.” He joked.

Unsure of how to reply, Fluttershy simply laughed sheepishly and nodded trying to not get too into the conversation.

“Yo’ Dashie.” He changed the subject. “Y’all got some of the old on ya’? It’s been a long day, could use a little something-something, ya’know?”

She frowned and shook her head. “Nah, dawg. That ain’t my scene no more. But I know a guy back home on 4th street. He’ll hook you up.”

He nodded and smiled before looking her up and down with a sigh of what appeared to be happiness. “Damn, you’re all grown now. Light did a great job with you.” He complimented.

Rainbow laughed and jabbed him playfully in the shoulder. “Come on; don’t get all sappy on me. I’ll catch you later, alright homie?” She smiled.

He nodded before walking past them and shooting another wave at Fluttershy. “It was nice meetin’ y’all!”

“Likewise…” Was all Fluttershy could force out. Something about that scene felt strange to her. She waited until Rock was completely out of earshot before voicing her complaint.

“What was that all about?” She asked.

Her athletic friend gave a dismissive hand gesture. “Just a guy that used to hang out with us back home.”

“What did he want?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Grass… Errr… Weed.” Rainbow corrected herself knowing Fluttershy may not be familiar with the term “grass”.

Fluttershy blinked. “You sell that?”

“Used to. Life was harder back then, when my family needed money I chipped in where I could.” Rainbow stopped in her tracks and faced Fluttershy. “I haven’t since I moved here though. I told you, I cleaned up my act. I’m not like that anymore, I wanted to go straight. I have a good life here and no way am I about to fuck it up by getting expelled for selling drugs. If I was sent back home, my homies would beat my ass something fierce for being so stupid. A lot of people had to break their backs just for me to get here. I’m not about to fuck with that.” She explained.

“Rainbow, I’m not judging. I was just surprised. I know you came from a different place from here, you don’t have to justify it to me.” Fluttershy reassured.

Rainbow nodded and fell back into place next to her friend as they walked. “Anyways, I couldn’t deal with you around anyways. You’d make us look mad suspicious.”

“Why’s that?” Fluttershy protested.

“Oh come on, they’d take one look at you and know something was up. You’re too innocent looking.” Rainbow teased.

“Maybe that is why we’d look less suspicious? No one would expect us to be dealers.” Fluttershy giggled as she played with the idea.

Rainbow just rolled her eyes.

“Hey, I got some stuff I gotta take care of, so can I catch you later?” Rainbow changed the subject.

Fluttershy blinked, but nodded. “Yeah, okay. I’ll catch up with you when you get home.”

Rainbow smiled and patted her friend on the shoulder.

Soarin had probably been practicing as hard as he could to stay in shape for when soccer season started back up. Many days out of the week he would be running halfway across the city just to keep his speed up. The last thing he needed was another reason for Rainbow to bust his chops about falling behind her in some capacity. While Rainbow was a worthy opponent the last thing he wanted was to lose to another girl, as he’d never hear the end of it from his friends. You see, Spitfire Blaze was a close friend of his whom always accompanied him who was more than a match for him at soccer. Thankfully she played on the women's team otherwise he’d have to deal with being shown up by her regularly.

Everywhere Soarin went, Spitfire was not too far behind (or ahead depending on how you look at it). Many would assume the two were an item, however they would be wrong. Spitfire qualified as what many would call “one of the guys”, and showed little interest in Soarin beyond teasing him and as a rival.

Now naturally, the two trained together as well if that wasn’t evident enough. Seriously, what did I tell you about having to spell things out for you? We’re going to be here a lot longer if we need to constantly stop the forward motion of the story to explain things that you could draw from your own inferences.

Anyway, today was not an exception to the two training together. Just closing in on the end of a long run, Soarin was huffing and puffing to keep his pace up with his rival as the two darted towards his apartment complex only a half mile away.

Spitfire was leading by a nose or two of course, but Soarin was not going to be outdone by her so easily as he picked up enough speed to close that gap just an inch or two more. He was determined to not have to listen to her gloating followed by some comment about him being a slowpoke and how he’d lose to her six year old cousin if he didn’t step up his game. His heart was beating at full speed, his lungs screaming as he pushed himself harder and harder, trying to get that victory that he wanted so badly.

“Come on! My grandmother runs faster than that!” Spitfire called as her spiky short hair flicked and danced in the wind while she accelerated. Its unique bright orange color made her stand out in a crowd, but her choice in haircut probably added more of a standout than that. She had a rather masculine haircut, and dressed about the same.

Her wardrobe today consisted of a pair of sweatpants and a team hoodie that she got from the school catalogue.

“And thus…” Soarin huffed, trying to speak while keeping his run going. “The smack talking… Begins…” He wheezed.

“You better believe it!” Spitfire grinned as she seemed to be completely full of energy still.

Sure enough the finish line that they had set of the gates to the apartment complex was reached by Spitfire first by only a few seconds. Those few seconds were still viewed as a considerable victory on her part though. Soarin came in just behind her and halted to a stop before resting his hands on his knees while he hunched over inhaling and exhaling deeply to catch his breath. “Damn it…” He uttered between breaths.

“Looks like you’re second place again.” Spitfire spoke as she lightly jabbed him on the shoulder.

“What… Ever…” He panted.

His friend offered him a helping hand to get him back up all the way, which he accepted. Taking her hand, he pulled himself up and started gaining his energy back slowly.

“Thanks.” He commented.

Spitfire just nodded and let go of him while the two walked across the parking lot to his building. “So, how many mistresses will be visiting you this holiday season?” Spitfire grinned.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He smirked, faking confidence.

“You’re probably swimming in the ladies, Mr. Captain of the team.” She replied.

“Yeah, totally.” Said he.

That probably couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality was that Soarin put on a show for the team because that was expected of him. The captain of the team was expected to be the big ladies man, and be swimming in adoring females. The truth was though that Soarin couldn’t talk to a girl he liked to save his life. He would stammer, freeze up and be unable to get a word out.

There was one girl in particular he had his eyes set on, but given his nature only his eyes would be set on her because there was no way he could ever gather the courage to actually ask her out or hardly talk to her. His mind fell back onto her long silky pink hair, her light teal eyes and her smile most of all. Though she hardly smiled due to her reclusive nature, she had an excellent smile.

Fluttershy was her name, and he had admired her from afar for some time, though by the look of how things have gone that far away admiration would have to be what he settled for.

“So are you going to be free this weekend?” Spitfire asked, changing the subject.

“Nah, I got some school work to catch up on before the break. You know how it goes.” Soarin replied as they entered the building and started making their way up the stairs.

“Awww, lame. I wanted to pal around with you at the mall. No biggie though, if your grades drop too much you’ll be kicked off the team, so I guess that’s important.” She justified to herself out loud.

He just nodded in agreement even though he was telling a fib.

Reaching his door, Spitfire nodded in acceptance that they would part ways here. “Well, I guess I’ll see you when I see you then. Peace out!” She waved as she ran in the other direction. How she still had energy to run was beyond him.

Entering his apartment, he quickly kicked off his shoes and left them near the door untidily (as always) and trotted through the kitchen, quickly grabbing a Gatorade before making his way to the living room and plopping down on his cheap couch, covered in stains from soda and snacks from all the games that he invited his friends over to watch.

Twisting the cap, he took a sip of the grape flavored drink before speaking his thoughts out loud. “This weekend… This weekend I’ll tell her.”

There in the bathroom of the mall stood a tall Rarity adjusting we make up before heading out. The last thing she wanted was people to see her with sloppy make up. Gazing at the mirror she turned a few times to get a good look at herself from different angles. She fluffed her thick hair with her hands as she admired its appearance. Her hair was a deep purple, and somewhat wild. It was naturally wavy and she had complimented it with some curls at the end. She was always known as the girl with the ever changing hair. She’d dye it a different color at times and completely change her style from time to time, but this style with this color was her comfort zone. She found herself coming back to it frequently.

Puckering her lips, she checked her lipstick before she was satisfied. She smiled and grabbed her expensive bag.

From its inner pocket she retrieved an iPhone and turned it on to check her messages. There was only one from her manager at the clothing outlet she worked asking if she could come in on Sunday. She gave a simple “Sure” as a response. Truth be told, Rarity didn’t exactly need the money, but she enjoyed working in an environment that allowed her to help others put together a wardrobe.

At only twenty, Rarity had the appearance of a woman. As a result, she reeled in customers with ease. She tried to keep the flirting on the light side though, as she didn’t like people to think she was being disingenuous. She didn’t enjoy the idea of playing with others emotions, and took a strong personal stance against it. Back home, she was always told she was gorgeous, so it was little surprise to her that here would be the same.

Leaving the bathroom, she made her way to the mall exit. With her thoughts focused on getting home, she walked somewhat absentmindedly outside. With the holidays coming up, her thoughts traveled to the fact that she would be spending this year here in Canterlot City instead of back home. Her family was traveling somewhere lavish probably, but due to the fact that she was committed to getting a jump start on her mid-term project there just wasn’t any time to take a trip in the middle of her upcoming downtime. School was going on break soon, but Rarity would make the most of that free time to create something that surely would net her the spot of first in her class that she had sought after. There was no way she was about to go home until she was the best there was, her future as a fashion designer depended on it.

It was starting to get late, and the late winter months had decreased the amount of daylight to the point where it was dark outside by nearly 5PM. With the decline of daylight, the streets seemed to empty for the most part, and soon the streetlights would kick on.

Canterlot City was a relatively safe place at night though, however an incident would occur now and then, and tonight one was about to unfold.

Yawning, Rarity covered her mouth as she strutted to get home quickly. She could hear her expensive boots sloshing in the damp snow but soon would hear another set of them behind her. She paused when she felt a hand placed upon her shoulder. Flinching, she tried to peek to get a look at who was there, only to hear a deep male voice threaten her. “Don’t turn around.” He spoke.

Rarity gulped and nodded. “Alright then… What do you want?” She replied.

“Do exactly as I say and you won’t get hurt.” He commanded.

Rarity nodded; sure that he saw her nod. She was positive that his eyes were not about to be taken off of her.

“Step into my office over here.” He gave her a nudge to point her to the direction of a nearby ally. She quickly figured out that “office” was just a metaphor.

“I don’t want any trouble…” She spoke gently, being careful with her words, so not to anger him.

“If you shut the hell up, and do as I say there won’t be any.” He replied.

She nodded again and began stepping into the alley. Once the two were concealed by the darkness of the alley, he turned her around and revealed he was brandishing a knife during this entire encounter. Though the knife was small, the scruffy individual definitely looked like he knew how to use it and that he had probably done so before. He was donning what Rarity would consider “peasant” clothes, but right now she figured wasn’t a good time to do a fashion assessment.

“Alright, give me your money.” He demanded as she shook the knife to increase his intimidation over her.

“I don’t have any… I pay for everything with cards; I rarely carry any bills…” She admitted offering him her wallet from her purse.

He dug through the wallet and grunted before throwing it back at her. She caught it, and placed it back in her bag. “Are you serious? Spoiled rich brat doesn’t have a dime on her?” He growled.

She shook her head. “I promise I haven’t a single quid on me.”

He hissed. “You better have something besides that fucking accent to give me.”

Snatching, her purse he dug through it before pulling out her phone. “Well looks like you were holding out on me.” He said as he gripped it.

“I didn’t think you’d be interested in my phone…” She spoke meekly.

“What other surprises are you hiding?”

“Nothing, I promise.”

He took a step closer, his blade shining in the little light there was in the alley. Rarity took a step back cowering in fear. “Just take it; I don’t need it that badly…” She lied.

“Those are some nice earrings.” He commented as his eyes focused on her diamond earrings she had brought from back home.

Author's Note

In the original planning stages, we weren't sure if we wanted to make Fluttershy and Soarin's crush mutual. Ultimately we went with it because we felt it fit the story better and fit the personality we wanted for Soarin. He was one of the few characters that stayed relatively consistent through planning stages right up into the final story that you are reading. Fluttershy actually had to undergo a few minor changes as we wanted to portray that this was an older Fluttershy who has been toughened up a bit by the influence of Rainbow Dash on a regular basis.