Chapters Inattentive to Others Incentive
I was just going about my work at designing a new fashion line-up for the upcoming week of fashion centered in Manehattan. Nothing unusual, just the same routine I usually keep, well, besides the excess work I do for my close friends, which surprises me sometimes. Who would have thought that somepony like Applejack would need dress work done, certainly not I.
It was with that thought in mind, I heard a sound that I wasn’t in the slightest bit pleased to hear. It started with a, “Look out below,” and ended with an un-lady like, “Unf.” I sighed and turned around.
What I saw, was exactly what I thought I would see. It was Rainbow Dash, again with her complete disregard to my work, with her foal-like actions of not thinking before she did something. I swear, that mare is going to seriously hurt herself one day, and it’s going to make us all upset.
I mean, I know the mare loves to do her tricks and stunts, but I worry about her sometimes. I especially worry about her if it has anything to do with my boutique, which is more often than I would like it to be.
I saw Dash get up from the newly made mess she just made, trying to pick up the mannequins before they fell over again. She then turned to me, giving me a sheepish smile before saying. “Sorry about that, Rarity. I’ll try not to let that happen again.”
I sighed into my hoof, before looking back to her. “It’s fine, dear, really. Just don’t let it happen again, okay.”
She gave me that same salute she always does when I ask her to do something for me. That is, I would have been more than happy to forgive her completely, if it were not the hundredth time we had this conversation.
Ugh, I forgot how much of a nuisance she could be as well, yet, there is that same gleeful smile she always has every time she does this as well. You know, Rainbow is not all bad, she does have some redeeming qualities about her. Such as her unbreakable determination to protect her friends like a valiant knight, or her , and I wouldn’t admit this to her, great sense of humor.
I let those thoughts leave my mind, as a sighed again, looking back to the mare in front of me. “May I ask, why you so rudely barged in here? You know I have a terribly busy week ahead of me, right?” I waited for any excuse Rainbow could throw at me, they would likely be something worth listening to.
I saw her posture falter, add that to the negative qualities, bad posture. She then spoke to me. “Okay, so me and a couple other ponies wanted to play a game of hoofball, you see? Well, the problem is, we’re a little short on ponies to actually get a good game going, so I’d thought I’d come around and ask ya.”
I raised an eyebrow at Dash. Seriously, hoofball, did she even think this plan through? On second thought, brain, don’t answer that, you know exactly what went through your friends head. I can’t blame her for her forwardness, yet another quality I should add to her positives.
Dash rubbed the back of her neck, likely realizing exactly what she just asked of me. “Yeah… I may not have thought this through all the way.” She then laughed slightly, not one of joy, but one of a pony who just realized their mistake. So, like it had no effort put into it in the slightest.
I rubbed the bridge of my muzzle, shaking my head slightly, hoping my body language would convey my current feelings to my uninvited special guest. I mean, yes she can be a complete buffoon that makes every situation into a complete wreck, but it’s just… she’s so alluring .
From that confident grin, to her wondrous heart of gold. It’s all just so, I actually don’t know how to put it, so I’ll just say she’s so Rainbow Dash. The same Rainbow Dash who gets things done when she puts her mind to it, and if someone is in trouble, you better believe that she will be there to lend a helping hoof. She really is one of my heroes. Not to mention that she is not bad looking, not bad looking at all. In fact, you could say she’s rather exquisite.
Oh look at me, I’m like a school filly all over again. Finding myself helpless in front of the ponies I like, and I mean like in that special way. Dear, I must look flustered right now, I hope Rainbow doesn’t notice.
Speaking of Rainbow, I think that’s her hoof waving in front of me. “Uh, hello? Rarity… Come on, Equis to Rarity?”
I snapped to attention, shaking my head to clear my scattered thoughts. “Sorry about that, darling, I must have looked rather silly just then, I apologize.”
I looked over Dash again, admiring her well defined physique. Yes, if only if I was able to get her to try on some dresses; she would look absolutely stunning. She would radiate an air that would be sure to turn some heads -- my head included.
“Rainbow, dear. If it isn’t too much of a bother.” I made sure to make my voice purr a little with each word, making sure I came off just a bit flirtatious. “Would you mind trying on some dresses for me, I’d simply die from sheer happiness if you said yes.” I gave a little wink at the end, making sure my forwardness to her came off crystal clear.
Seriously, the mare was so dense sometimes. I’ve tried countless times now to make my point clear that I wanted to bring out friendship a little… closer .
I saw her rub the back of her neck again, this time with a small blush on her cheeks. I got her this time. She then looked off to the side, oh Rainbow, it’s no use now. All you can do is confess your actual feelings for me, right here, right now.
I may have been enjoying this just a little too much. A slightly devious smile forming on my face.
“Rarity… you know I don’t like any of that.” She waved her hooves around in a girly fashion, “Fro fro stuff.”
How could she, how could she not notice my advances. It’s just… it’s just inconceivable. How could a mare be this dense, there must be some sort of magic behind it. Either way, that still didn’t make me any less upset at the moment.
I made sure to give her the nastiest glare I could give, one that cut right through any barriers she put up for confrontation. “Fine, just go ahead and leave then, I’m awfully busy.” I turned around, not wanting to look at her a second longer.
She tried to interject. “Sorry, Rare’s. I-”
I made sure to cut her off before she could give me any of her ridiculous excuses. “Okay, it’s no problem at all. It is clear that you don’t want to help me out, so I won’t force you.”
I could have sworn she wanted to speak up again, but her brain seemed to start working, because she didn’t reply back. Instead, I heard her fly off, leaving me to myself and my work. I huffed a angry, “Good riddance,” before going back over to my designs.
I really can’t believe that a mare can be so oblivious, I’ve been trying to make my move to get her to understand how I feel about her, but she just keeps brushing it off. Is this some sort of game, does she find amusement in this? No, Rainbow would never do that, besides, I can easily see past her silly pranks like Applejack can see past lies.
I sighed again, maybe if I just try ever so slightly harder, maybe then she could actually see what I’m trying to convey. You know, I may just have a plan to get her attention, yes, yes I do have a plan that is bound to work. There is no way in Tartarus that she’d miss this for the life of her. Pardon my prench.
I giggled at this, eager to begin my brilliant plan. Well, before I can start that, however, I need to get this line-up finished for the show coming up. Still, I couldn’t help but let some thoughts of my plan slip through into my head while I worked, it was just so perfect.
Inattentive to Others Incentive
Nothing beats a good cloud nap when it comes to relaxing, nope, nothing at all. I yawned just a bit, nothing too much. Sure, the last couple of days have been a bit slow, but that doesn’t make them any less exhausting, I mean, Rarity sure has been acting weird lately, so that definitely adds to me feeling like this.
Seriously, it’s like she’s been put under mind control, or something, I’ve never seen her act this way before. It’s usually dresses this, or fashion that, maybe even a fancy dinner party thrown in there. Yuck, I’m getting sick just thinking of all that snobbish, upper-crust stuff. I have no idea why Rarity loves it so much.
Rarity, she’s been so touchy-feely, and always wanting to get my attention. Sure, I love to get people admiring me, but Rarity is starting to give Scootaloo a run for her money with how much admiration she’s throwing my way.
How long exactly has this even been going on, I can’t really tell. It just kinda started happening, and the times before it all just seem like normal events. Nothing too crazy aside from the occasional villain, but that’s normal by my standards. I don’t live a boring life after all.
Eh, I give up on trying to figure out when she started acting so weird. Probably be better to know what she was like before her crazy side kicked in. Let's see, she was always posh, that’s for sure. She would always go on and on about different fabrics, and what she wanted to make, and how we should help her out by trying on her work.
Now that I think about it, she’s actually been acting much the same, it’s just a couple new traits added onto her, ain’t that just great? It’s actually kinda funny that she’s acting this way, in a way, since we always seemed to be opposites on just about everything. I’m the athletic, and you can’t forget, awesome showpony who kicks major flank, while she’s just a fashion business mare. Those two careers never seem to meet eye to eye.
I mean, it’s not like I don’t like her or anything. In fact, I really like Rarity, she’s one of my closest friends, it’s just she’s throwing me for a loop lately. At first, yeah, we were more distant and didn’t talk too much outside of our friendship duties. As of right now, She’s really been growing on me, and I mean a lot.
I heard a shrill whistle come from below me all of a sudden, and honestly, I already knew who it was, but I went to greet her anyway. Even if the sudden break in my relaxation ticked me off just a bit.
“Yo, AJ. What’s up?” I asked, curious as to why she rudely interrupted my nap time.
Applejack smiled up at me, and asked in a pretty polite tone of voice. “Nothing much, RD. I was just passin’ through, when I suddenly saw a familiar cloud up above me. Thought I’d give ya a holler, and ask if ya wanna help me out on the farm, is all. So, are you up that?”
I really didn’t want to do anything, but relax up here on my nice, comfy, cloud bed. Applejack already knows I hate doing work around the farm, it’s just so boring, and repetitive. Just to mess with her a little, I put my hoof to my chin, and faked deep thought.
I then took a dramatic pause, making sure to put my friend on edge. When it looked like she just about had enough of my antics, I replied with a nonchalant. “Nah.”
Applejack’s look from my answer was priceless, she was taken aback, and had her eyebrow raised. Oh, ya should have seen it, it was great.
“What do ya mean, nah?” She gave me a stern look, and that only made me laugh even harder. Man, she’s so easy to mess with. It should be against the law, or something.
I decided to fib, just a little bit. She wouldn't be able to tell, would she? “I’ve been really busy lately, and all I want to do is take a nice nap up here, away from any farm work that might get in my way. I may even hit up Sugarcube Corner later, to congratulate myself on my hard work.”
I then turned away from her, laying on my cloud bed once again. She’ll get the hint, Applejack’s really good at that.
To my disappointment, it seems Applejack didn’t take the memo. I guess I can scratch her taking a hint off the list of traits she has. “I know you're speaking out your rear there Dash, besides, I can’t exactly let you leave my farm, anyway.”
That struck me as weird, even for AJ. She wouldn’t try to keep me hostage, would she? I’d like to see her try, I’d get out of it faster than you could say, "apple cider is awesome."
I then turned back to her, once again losing my relaxation to my pesky, farm pony, friend. “And what exactly do you mean by that?” I made she to gave her a harsh raised eyebrow, that always seems to get ponies talking.
Applejack spoke up, I knew It’d work. “What I mean is, Rarity asked me to keep ya on my farm, until she could finish making a surprise for ya, Dash. Said it was real important that you didn’t go bargin’ into Ponyville until later this evening.”
Now I knew Rarity is being extra weird lately, not wanting me to come into Ponyville until a certain time. Practically getting the police to make sure it doesn’t happen. What is she, my mom? Then again, Applejack said it was meant to keep me from ruining a surprise she was making for me, or something. Never mind, scratch that weird business, now I’m hyped for that sweet, sweet reward.
I then decide to fly down from the cloud I was relaxing on, if I was gonna get a surprise from Rare’s later, I need to make time fly. What other way to get time to fly, then to do boring farm work, right?
“All right, AJ. I’ll help ya around the farm for now, but only because it’ll make time go by faster.” I didn’t want her thinking I was doing this because I wanted to.
Applejack chortled at me, giving me a wide grin. “I knew that’d get your flank movin,’ girl.” She then turned around and started walking to the farm.
Pfft, yeah right. I’m not gonna let that comment slide without one of my own. “You're just jealous of my flank, ya know you wished you had it.”
She seemed to be done with her snide remarks, but somehow she still had a comeback for me. “Yeah, sure Dash. I’m very jealous of your flank.” I could feel the sarcasm from here.
Not wanting her to get the last laugh, I quipped in. “You’re darn right, ya are.”
We stopped our little conversation there, probably because I was too good for her. I’ll add that to the number tally of how many times I’ve owned Applejack.
* * * *
Okay, this was a lot more boring than I thought it was going to be. I feel like every little bit of my body is crying out in pain over how much I’m not entertained by this. How in the world does Applejack do this everyday, no wonder why she’s such as silly pony. If I’d have to do this everyday of my life, I too would go a little insane.
No, Dash. Remember why you are doing this. When you’re done here, you’ll be able to get that surprise Rarity is whipping up for you. Just keep that in mind, and this’ll go by way faster than it is right now.
I kicked the trees harder and faster, making sure to get as many apples out of them as possible. There is no way I’m gonna make this little distraction make me look like any normal pony, I need to put my all into being the best at apple bucking. Even better than the apple bucking mare herself.
My efforts must have paid off, because AJ was now looking at me. A concerned look on her face. What, I’m a too good for you. Admit it, I’m better at this than you.
“What in tarnation are you doing, Dash?” That little statement caught me completely off guard.
“What does it look like I’m doing, I’m givin’ ya a run for your money.” I then gave her a confident grin. She’ll get my point.
“Is that what ya call it?” She gave me a blank stare. “More like you’re pounding my trees into sap, quit it; you'll ruin everything.”
Eh, she wouldn’t understand something awesome, even if it hit her in the head. I then turned away, doing my work like any normal pony would. Sheesh, why did I bother to do this, any way. Oh, yeah. For the reward, Dash, for the reward.
“Besides, Rainbow. After these next couple of trees, we’ll be done, and you can be on your way to see what Rarity has for ya.” Now it was Applejack’s turn to give me a smug grin.
Aw, yeah. Almost done with this crummy work, then it's time to relish in whatever Rarity has planned for me. I can already imagine it in my head, it’s going to be so awesome.
We did the rest of our work quickly, me making the last couple trees go by extra quick so I could be out of here already. I was about ready to die from excitement; I needed to let all my energy out. After the apples fell from the last tree, I swear, I made the most girly squeal that I’ve ever let out in my laugh. Curse you, exited body, making me look all sappy, and stuff. Hope Applejack didn’t see that slip in my character.
“Alright, Rd. That just about covers it, you can head off now. I can get the rest of this sorted out, no problem at all.” AJ gave me a smile that showed she was thankful for my helping hoof.
“Yes!” I did loop de loops in the air to show my excitement. “I’d love to gloat some more, but I got a surprise waiting for me.
I took off at my top-speed instantly, making my way to Ponyville. I was going to see this surprise, and I was gonna love it. Yes, this is gonna be a great day, and it's all thanks to Rarity. I got to make sure to thank her extra when I get there.
Inattentive to Others Incentive
I let myself hum with cordial delight, as I added the finishing touches to my little project I was working on for my very special guest, who should be arriving any minute now. I’ve been working on this so very hard, I hope this is what it takes to make that dense mare understand what I’m trying to convey to her; my feelings that I wish to express.
Does she even like mushroom portobello steak? Well, if she doesn’t, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it none-the-less, and understand why I’ve made it for her. There’s no way she can not understand my emotions, especially after all that went into this special night.
I’ve stuck signs all over Ponyville, all pointing towards my boutique. I've left a trail of rose petals, all leading into my candle lit room where I’ve set up a dining table designed for two. If she doesn’t see the romantic gesture in this act, then she seriously needs to see a psychiatrist. That level of obliviousness is not healthy.
I took a step back, evaluating, and admiring my work. This is just so perfect, Rarity, there is no need to worry about her not understanding. She’s not mentally deficient, after all. I sighed, imagining the her beauty once again, a small blush crossing my features. Oh, dear. I really do need to stop daydreaming, it’s warping my perception of reality. I shook my head to clear my mind, focusing back on the presentation I crafted.
Any second-guesses on the finer details would have to be canceled, for I heard soft hoof steps coming from the other room.
“Yes!” I squealed to myself, but not too loudly as to alert Rainbow Dash.
I made my way to the other side of the table, taking my seat, and getting myself into the mood. I wonder what she’s going to say, more importantly, I wonder how she’s going to react. Oh, I simply can’t wait, can’t the mare go any faster? When she gets here, she’s going to fall head over hooves for me, just you watch.
My ears swiveled a bit as I heard a faint voice call, “Rarity?”
I replied to the voice with a purr, wanting to get her attention. “Yes, dear?”
Step by step, closer and closer. The sound of Dash’s hooves draws towards me like a moth to a flame. Oh, this is so romantic, I’m simply melting in my skin. Wait, is that her outline I see? Why, yes it is. Rainbow is right there, staring at me.
Oh, my mind can't handle any more of this, the anticipation is killing me. My euphoria is about to make me burst into a thousand sparks of endearment. Ugh, can't she go any slower? Her steps are becoming so lethargic. I swear, even though she’s the fastest pegasus I’ve ever met, she still always winding up late, or taking her sweet time.
I see her face now, she has a quizzical expression. Oh, I’m sure it’s nothing bad, she’s just overwhelmed by her surroundings, is all. Yeah, that’s it. Nothing less, nothing more. I’m sure she’s bursting at the seams with the same emotions I’m feeling.
I give her the most flirtatious look I could possibly give, and prompted her to take a seat parallel to myself. “See that mushroom portobello steak there, darling?”
She nodded her head and said to me with a stutter. “Y-Yes.”
Oh, she’s so cute when she’s flustered, but I’m sure she’d hate it if I pointed that out to her. “It’s all yours, I made it just for the two of us.”
“R-Really?” She asked me shockingly
“Yes, dear. Really.” I giggled lightly at her antics. Oh, Rainbow, you’re such a goof sometimes.
She didn’t even utter another word to me, she took her seat quickly, and began to dig into her meal. I usually would have told her to eat with a little more grace, but I was too caught up in the moment. Watching her enjoy the meal I prepared to her brought great joy to my heart, I simply couldn’t describe how wondrous it felt.
Seeing her enjoying herself, I decided to dig into my food too, albeit, with more femininity. Using my manners, I used my fork and knife to properly dissect the meal before me, taking small bits, and making sure not to make a mess of myself.
I used a napkin to daintly pat my mouth of any bits of food before speaking to Rainbow. “So, how is it? Does it taste alright?” I already knew the answer, I just wanted to hear it come from her mouth.
She stopped gorging herself for just a moment, letting the last of what was in her mouth sink down into her stomach. “It’s amazing, Rare’s. Seriously, this is one of the best meals I’ve had, we should let you take care of the grub at Pinkie’s parties from now on!”
I died today, that single comment sent me to a heavenly place. She loves my cooking, by Celestia, she loves my cooking. That’s a humongous relief, and one that made me feel like the greatest mare in Equestria.
It took a moment for me to recover from that compliment. Allowing myself to calm my nerves once again, I let my mind wander towards a more seductive mental state. Exiting my seat, I made my first couple of steps towards Dash, making sure to put a little sway in my hips as I did.
I made my way next to Dash; she was now paying close attention to me. Good, glad that this little action of mine has got her in my grasp. Leaning up to her ear, I said in the most romantic voice I could put on. “That’s not the only surprise…”
Dash's head shot up into the air, a full on crimson red crossing her face from ear to ear. Oh, that got her, that got her right where it counts. She gets it now, she finally understands what I’ve been trying to show her.
I saw her get out of her seat, taking a couple of steps back away from me. Oh, there’s no need to be shy here Dash. You’re in good company.
“What exactly do you mean by that, Rarity?”
I’m not going to lie, that little comment made me just the slightest bit peeved; don’t tell me this wasn’t working. I mean, I’d swear to every single holy being to ever walk Equestria and beyond, if it was like that.
I pointed my hooves around the room, expressing exactly what I meant by this. “Just look around you, Dash. Isn’t it clear?”
She looked around to where my hoof pointed, taking note of every little detail inside the room and out. That was when her face lit up like a firework display, okay, now I got her for sure this time. She has finally come to realization of exactly what’s going on.
“I thought it looked a little off, but I think I finally understand why ya got this place all spruced up like this.” She gave a me a confident smile. Oh, I love that look on you. “You must be expecting some suitor or something, and ya got more grub for when he comes around. You just want me to help ya out with making sure things go perfect, cuz ya know I’m great with relationships.”
And just like that, my mind snapped. Any sane part of me left was obliterated on the spot. I’m even sure my right eye twitched a couple of times, cementing that my brain just officially decided to take vacation, and let the rest of my body try to assert itself back together.
I felt the temperature inside me rise, as my rage grew stronger and stronger. I wasn’t sure if I was even Rarity any more, I was under the impression that I was frustration incarnate.
“Are you being serious!” I shouted at her, not in control of my own voice anymore. “I’ve been working myself to the bone to get this all put together, all in the thought that you’d appreciate it for what it really was, and this is the ridiculous excuse you give me?”
I took a deep breath, cutting my voice in again before she could speak up. “This is the most absurd thing I have ever had happen to me, Dash. I can’t believe you, I simply can’t believe you. Do you really want to know why I’ve set this all up? Well, do you?”
I didn’t give her time to answer that, I was going to let her know exactly why. “It’s because I was trying to show you that I care for you deeply.” I went up to her, and started poking my hoof into her chest ruffly. “I’ve been trying to get you to understand that I wanted to get to know you more, to be closer to you. I wanted to start something, a relationship, something that could make us both happy.”
I growled to myself, trying my hardest not to slap her as hard as I could right now. “I set this all up as a last ditch effort to get you to see what I’ve seen all this time. I spent all day setting this up, making sure it was as obvious as possible, yet you treated it like some kind of joke ”
I felt myself tearing up, I just couldn’t hold it in any more. She broke me, she broke my heart and fed it to a hungry furnace. “I-I… I simply can’t believe you, Rainbow Dash."
I wiped away some of my tears before looking back to her with seething anger. “Leave, get out of here! I don’t want to look at you any moment longer, I just want you out of my sight.” I turned around, not letting her have the right to even see me at the moment. “I don’t want anything to do with you right now, just… just… just leave already…”
I didn’t even get a reply after my little display of resentment. I think she got the memo, and took off, leaving me exactly like I asked her to. It was for the best, because I was now on the floor. My eyes leaking out all of the stored up water that laid behind their dams.
I must have laid there for hours, I couldn’t really tell time anymore. All I knew was that I eventually got up and began to fix up the place, putting away all of the hard work I put into making this what was supposed to be the best night ever. Well, I was certainly wrong about that, now was I?
I really, really can’t believe her. Even after all I’ve done to make sure this would go off without a hitch, even after I made my advances so obvious even a rock could tell what was going on. She still found a way to completely miss the point of all of this. I don’t want to see her face for at least a couple weeks, months even. I’m not sure how well my stomach could handle it.
Ugh, I need sleep. I need sleep more than any creature that’s ever lived in Equestria. Let’s just hope my dreams are better than today turned out to be. That’s the least I can ask for after all that just transpired.
Rarity, you were such a fool. You should have seen this coming, but you didn’t. You were just a love struck fool.
