Love, Trust and Friendship

Rarity woke the next morning to sunlight peeking through the library windows. The library? she thought blearily. She was wrapped in a blanket, snuggled into a pillow that smelled of parchment, ink and... violets. Rarity's heart sang, her mind buzzing with joy, I'm waking up next to Twilight! Please let it not be a dream.

Rarity heard a yawn from slightly above her, followed by a sleepy, "Good morning," from a voice she knew very well.

"Good morning," Rarity replied, nuzzling her lavender pillow. "It would appear I dozed off... rather heavily..."

Twilight chuckled. "You could say that," she said, "and it seemed far too cruel to wake you. You looked so adorable curled up with me."

"I'll bet I did," Rarity said, shifting so she could look at her marefriend. She gave Twilight a kiss on the cheek. "There's no shame in wanting to get me into bed," she said teasingly.

"That's not what-" Twilight started until she noticed Rarity's smile. She growled and reached her hooves out, pulling Rarity into a hug, nipping playfully at her ear.

Rarity closed her eyes snuggling in, "It's too early for that, darling," she groaned struggling gently against Twilight's hold on her, not really wanting to get away."Besides, I am in desperate need of coffee and a shower. My mane must look dreadful," she said dramatically.

"You look beautiful," Twilight said releasing Rarity's ear. She stroked her back, tracing the curve of Rarity's spine.

Rarity snuggled back into Twilight with a happy sigh. A shower can wait for a little while, she thought. They lay together for a while longer, slowly waking up.

Twilight lit her horn, using her magic to throw open the curtains. Rarity closed her eyes against the sudden flood of sunlight into the library. "Why in the world would you do that?" she moaned.

"The quickest way to wake up in the morning is to get as much sunlight on your body as possible," Twilight said brightly.

"But I don't want to wake up right now," Rarity pouted. "I want to stay here."

"Come on sleepy head," Twilight teased. She lit her horn, grabbing the blanket with her magic, but Rarity grabbed the blanket as well, and they dissolved into giggles, fighting over pulling the blanket off.

Eventually Rarity gave in, letting Twilight pull the blanket off. She knew Twilight's magic was stronger than hers. She could have just ripped the blanket off of them if she had wanted to. Rarity also knew she had to get up anyway.

Rarity climbed off the couch, stretching out the cricks gained from sleeping snuggled on a couch.

Twilight did the same, and Rarity felt a little flutter in her chest as Twilight spread her wings to their fullest.

Twilight folded the blanket and floated it onto a nearby chair. "Come on," she said. "I can smell Spike making breakfast. I'll show you to the guest room, you can use the shower there," she said, pulling open the door to the library.

Rarity followed Twilight out the door, trotting up beside her. She admired the crystal walls as she always did. I could get used to waking up here... with her... she thought happily. The sunlight shining through the windows seemed a bit brighter at the thought.

"Here we are," Twilight said opening the door, bringing Rarity back from her thoughts. The room looked like many of the other rooms in the castle; crystal walls, a bookcase (full of course), a four poster bed and a small fireplace with two chairs sitting in front of it. "Bathroom is through the door at the back," she said, motioning with her hoof.

"Would you like to join me?" Rarity teased, a mischievous smile on her lips. Well, half teasing anyway, she thought.

Twilight laughed. "I think it's a bit soon for that," she said with a playful smile, flicking Rarity with her tail. "I'll get ready and see you in the dining room," she said turning down the hallway, heading off to her own room.

Rarity gave Twilight an admiring glance as she trotted off. One day, she thought smiling to herself. She trotted into the guest room, pushing the door closed with her magic. She headed straight to the bathroom, turning on the water to the shower. She looked around, finding a packaged toothbrush in a cup on the sink along with plenty of towels. She brushed her teeth while she waited for the shower to heat up.

Mouth feeling fresh, Rarity hopped into the shower. Closing her eyes, she felt the familiar loosening of her body under the hot spray, water soaking mane and tail, her coat slick. As she soaped her coat her thoughts drifted to Twilight, imagining her getting into her own shower. Why couldn't you just take me up on my offer? she thought longingly, leaning against the shower tiles. One day...

Rarity's thoughts drift further, Oh the things I will do to you when I get you in here... At least there are no clients waiting this morning, she thought biting her lower lip, sliding her hooves further down her body.

Rarity trotted merrily into the dining room to find Twilight and Spike already seated at the table, an empty place set for her beside Twilight. "Good morning Spike," she said, taking her seat at the table.

"Morning Rarity," he replied, looking up from his plate.

Twilight looked sideways at Rarity. "What took you so long," she asked taking a bite of a muffin.

Rarity tossed her mane, batting her eyes at Twilight. "Looking this good takes effort darling," she teased.

Twilight rolled her eyes as she swallowed. "I said you looked gorgeous when we woke up."

"Actually, you said I was beautiful," Rarity corrected with a cheeky smile.

Rarity was rewarded as Twilight blushed brightly.

Spike groaned. "Enough with the lovey-dovey stuff until I'm done eating. At least then I'll have something to throw up," he complained.

"Oh Spike, I do apologize, I will try to contain myself," Rarity said with mock authenticity, giving Twilight a wink. "So what's for breakfast this morning?"

After breakfast, Twilight saw Rarity to the main doors of the castle.

"I have a few things to take care of at home today. You're still up for our date tonight I trust?" Rarity asked.

"Can't wait!" Twilight replied enthusiastically.

"Excellent. If you don't mind, I took the liberty of picking out a dress for you. I'll have it sent over this afternoon." Rarity offered.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I have dresses Rarity."

"Yes darling, but this is an evening gown, something for a more casual night out, simple, while still being incredibly elegant. I know you'll just love it." Rarity said, a smile plastered on her face.

"You're sure it's nothing too fancy?" Twilight asked dubiously.

"Yes, it's nothing like your last Gala dress if that's what you're thinking," Rarity said reassuringly.

"Alright," Twilight conceded. "If it'll make you happy, I'll humor you."

"Oh good!" Rarity said sounding pleased. "That's all I ask. I'll see you at seven and we'll head to dinner."

Rarity stepped in and kissed Twilight. Mouths opening, tongues sliding languidly against each other. The kiss broke, but neither pulled away. Twilight kept her eyes closed, brushing her lips gently against Rarity's.

"Till tonight then," Twilight whispered against Rarity's mouth, opening her eyes.

"Until tonight," Rarity whispered back. She smiled, biting her lower lip as she turned away.

Twilight watched the smooth swaying of Rarity's flank as she trotted away. How does she do that? I'll have to get her to show me one day...

Twilight turned back into the castle turning her mind to more practical matters. As I recall, there are a number candles to be collected from the library.

"Spike!" Twilight called trotting back through the doorway. "We have work to do!"

Later that afternoon, Twilight sat on her bed in her room looking at the dress Rarity had sent her. She had laid the dress out on her bed beside her, but that was as far as she got. Rarity was right, she really did like the dress, and it wasn't too fancy. It was a simple black evening gown, just like had Rarity said. There were some small, delicate looking clear stones sewn around the neckline and sprinkled around the hem of the gown, but the effect was subtle.

Certainly not Rarity's usual style. She usually sews large gems into everything.

Just try it on. Rarity knows your size, it's going to fit fine.

But trying it on makes it more real. It means I'll be out with Rarity, on a date, with everypony to see us together.

And you know that fact is inevitable, so stop stalling. If you want to be with Rarity, it's going to be public knowledge. And stop arguing with yourself, it's embarrassing.

Twilight huffed out a sigh and got off her bed. After her initial excitement about her first date, some of the anxiety had crept its way back into her mind. The closer it got to seven, the more nervous she got. It felt like butterflies were throwing up in her stomach. She had tried to keep herself busy, Celestia knows she had enough work to do, but she was having trouble focusing with the anxiety pressing down on her.

Twilight picked up the dress with her magic, lifting her forelegs and slipped it on. She used her magic to gently close the single zipper up the back and fasten the button just under her tail.

Examining herself in the mirror, Twilight was immediately struck by how pretty she felt. No, not pretty... sexy, she thought. The dress was thin and hugged her flank in a very flattering way, the hem flowing almost to the floor. Her hind leg peeked out every now and then from a slit in the side as she walked in front of the mirror. Twilight was used to large, fancy dresses for the various functions she had to attend as a princess, but she had never worn anything like this.

I feel like a proper mare in this, not some overdecorated cake.

Twilight made a few more passes in front of the mirror just for good measure, tiny stones twinkling in the light. Looking at herself, and liking what she saw, a thought occurred to her: I wonder what Rarity will be wearing?

That thought, and the possibilities it presented evaporated Twilight's anxiety. She gave herself one more pleased look in the mirror before turning away and tapping her chin with her hoof. Now what to do with my mane?

Rarity arrived at Castle Friendship promptly at seven to find an overly excited Twilight practically prancing in place, chattering at Spike, who was looking particularly bored. Don't worry Spike, she thought. I'll happily take her off your claws.

Twilight was wearing the gown she had sent, the fabric clinging to all the right places like she knew it would. Twilight's mane was styled in slowly curling locks, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. "You look simply lovely tonight, Twilight," Rarity said trotting up behind her.

Twilight turned as Rarity spoke, a blush touching her cheeks. Her jaw hung open as she took in Rarity, her simple dark blue dress hugging her flank, tight indigo ringlets piled atop her head. Small pearl earrings just peeking through the curls. "So do you," Twilight managed, her blush deepening.

Spike, who had gone all glassy eyed at the sight of Rarity, mumbled something that sounded like a hello.

"I'll be sure to get Twilight back in one piece, Spike," Rarity said to the little dragon. To Twilight, she gave a gentle kiss on the lips. "Shall we then?" she asked, half turning.

"We shall," Twilight said, smiling brightly.

Rarity's heart melted at the delight that sparkled in Twilight's eyes. All that joy because you're taking her out on a date. And to imagine less than four days ago you didn't even think you had a chance.

"Good night, Spike!" Twilight called back as they trotted off. "Don't wait up!"

If Spike replied, nopony heard him.

Rarity and Twilight walked side by side on the way into Ponyville. Twilight was showing none of her previous anxiety about going out Rarity noted happily. We'll still be discreet for tonight, no need to push the dear too far out of her comfort zone. There were more ponies out tonight than a typical Saturday evening Rarity noticed. Looks like the show will be quite the attraction.

"So where are we going tonight?" Twilight inquired, bringing Rarity out of her thoughts.

"We are going to the Portly Goose," Rarity said.

Twilight laughed, "The Portly Goose? What kind of a name is that for a restaurant?"

"Well, darling, these culinary types always like to call their restaurants something unique. It helps make sure ponies remember the name," Rarity replied.

The Portly Goose, despite the name, was a small, intimate affair a few blocks from the theater. Tucked into the basement unit of a small building, the only indication that it was even there was a tiny sign above the door sporting a plump, white goose.

Rarity and Twilight went in and were greeted at the door by the hostess. Rarity gave their reservation, and the hostess led them to a table near the rear of the restaurant. There were only five small tables in the entire restaurant, but it was tastefully decorated and dimly lit. Only two other couples were seated.

As they say down Twilight said, "Rarity, I didn't even know this place was here, you'd miss it if you weren't actually looking for it."

"That's the idea," Rarity explained. "The chef is taking a break from the Canterlot culinary scene and has extended invitations to his regulars from Ponyville. Its a small clientele, of which I am privileged to be one."

Twilight and Rarity placed their drink order with a solomn grey unicorn waiter.

"So where are the menus?" Twilight asked, looking around.

Rarity chuckled. "There are no menus. The chef makes a new set of dishes every day based on what he finds at the market. Everyone who comes in get the same thing, but you never really know what it is!"

Twilight's brow wrinkled. "What if I don't like it?"

"Darling, that's not going to happen," Rarity said waving a dismissive hoof. "You may have to be a bit adventurous sometimes, but the results are always fabulous."

As if on cue, their drinks and appetizer arrived and their waiter started into a description of the dish. Rarity watched with some amusement as Twilight eyeballed the four neat stacks of food amid a swirl of sauce with some wariness as the waiter finished his script.

Twilight and Rarity emerged from the Portly Goose an hour later onto a darkened street. The sun had set and the moon shone high overhead. Lanterns lit the streets, casting a soft orange glow over Ponyville.

"That was so good!" Twilight enthused. "We need to go back again soon!"

"I knew you would enjoy it," Rarity said smiling at Twilight. The food had been nothing short of amazing and she had a good time with Twilight. The quiet atmosphere had worked quite well at getting Twilight to relax.

"Adventurous was the right word to describe it though. I don't usually go for such... artistic food, but I think I could get used to it." Twilight said. "And you could have at least let me pick up my half of the bill."

"Nonsense!" Rarity huffed. "I'm taking you out tonight. You can get the next date," she said looking sidelong at Twilight, who blushed on cue.

They trotted side by side down the street, turning down a quiet street on their way to the theater. Rarity took a quick look around for prying eyes, finding none, she stopped Twilight with a raised hoof. "Nopony's looking," she said suggestively, turning to her marefriend.

Twilight blinked. "What?" she asked, looking confused.

Rarity stepped close and kissed Twilight. For a second, she didn't respond, but as Rarity brushed Twilight's lips with her tongue, she took the cue, parting her lips, letting Rarity's tongue slide into her mouth. Rarity pulled away suddenly, leaving Twilight sucking in a ragged breath.

"You're terrible," Twilight said with a smile, looking at Rarity with sparkling, half-lidded eyes.

"And unrepentant," Rarity stated, smiling back. "Come on, we don't want to be late for our show."

The pair trotted up the street towards the theater and into the crowd of ponies.

A short while later, Twilight and Rarity were seated in a box on the right side of the theater. They had an excellent view of the stage and the box offered a fair amount of privacy, having only three older couples in it. As they sat down, Rarity turned to Twilight. "So how are you doing, darling?"

Twilight smiled. "I'm having a really good time." Which was true, she was really enjoying her first date. Dinner had been fantastic, Rarity's secret kiss on the way to the theater had been exciting and she was really looking forward to the show.

"No, Twilight," Rarity pressed, her eyes showing a shadow of concern. "I mean your... anxiety. Are you doing OK?"

"Oh," Twilight said, blushing. "I think I'm good actually. Being out makes this feel more normal" she said.

Rarity patted her hoof, "Good, darling. And again, I'm not going to push you tonight, but I'm glad you're warming up."

Twilight felt just a little relieved. Well that's good, she thought. I'm trying not to overthink this whole dating thing. But it's a bit scary when you don't really know what to expect.

A hush fell over the crowd as the lights went down, interrupting Twilight's thoughts. Rarity glanced towards the stage. But just because she doesn't want to push me too hard doesn't mean I can't push myself...

Twilight slid her hoof under Rarity's. Rarity looked at Twilight out of the corner of her eye, giving her a sly smile, turning back to the stage as the curtains opened. Just a bit more, Twilight thought as she glanced around. They were pretty much out of sight of most ponies. Twilight leaned into Rarity, resting her head against Rarity's neck.

Twilight heard Rarity's quiet gasp as her marefriend realized what had just happened. She smiled triumphantly to herself. I did it! I'm snuggling with my marefriend, in public! Sure we're more less hidden, and it's dark, but still! Twilight closed her eyes, feeling Rarity lean into the snuggle. This is how we're supposed to be, she thought happily, feeling Rarity stroke her hoof gently.

Twilight didn't pay much attention to the actual show. She had read the play before, so she remembered most of how it went. Twilight was enjoying just being with Rarity. Every now and then the audience would laugh at some scene and the couple would laugh belatedly to themselves, knowing neither were really watching the show.

During the end of the second act, Rarity let out a small squeal when she saw Eliza come out in her dress for the Embassy Waltz. Twilight giggled at her marefriend's excitement.

"Oh, she looks perfect!" Rarity whispered gleefully. "Just look at how her gown flows, and the jewels! I made her a few dresses for tonight, but this one is my crowning achievement," she said with just a hint of smugness.

Rarity started commenting quietly on the dresses she had made as they came on stage. Twilight listened and agreed that they were all quite beautiful, which they really were. She's so talented, my Rarity, Twilight thought, a feeling of pride in her partner's accomplishments swelling slightly in her chest.

Twilight removed herself from her place against Rarity's neck only after the final scene ended to clap her hooves with the rest of the theater patrons. What she had actually saw of the play had been quite good, after all.

After the play, they worked their way through the crowd and out the main doors of the theater. The lamp-lit streets outside were starting to fill with all the ponies coming out of the show, but Twilight felt better getting out of the crush of the crowd inside. She sucked in a breath of fresh, cool night air, letting it out in a happy sigh.

"Let's go for a walk and get some air, darling," Rarity suggested.

"Sounds good," Twilight agreed. She trotted side by side with Rarity to the park a few blocks away, Rarity chattering about Eliza's dresses. The park walkways were lit by softly glowing lamplight, competing with the light of the full moon overhead, turning the park into a mix of twilight and shadow, peppered with softly glowing flowers.

Rarity lit her horn and removed several pins from her mane, shaking her curls free. She floated the pins into a small purse at her side. "Much better," she said with a glance at Twilight. Twilight ran her eyes over Rarity as she shook out of her mane, catching her breath at the moonlight caught in the shining ringlets.

"Nopony's looking," Rarity said suggestively, leaning towards Twilight.

Twilight caught the hint this time, leaning in and kissing Rarity. Twilight closed her eyes as their tongues swirled together. She probed her tongue greedily into Rarity's mouth. Rarity moaned against her lips before pulling away. She gave a look around before smiling back at Twilight.

Twilight let out a giggle and started heading down the path, looking back at Rarity with a smile.

Rarity chuckled, trotting up beside Twilight. "Going to make me chase you are you?" she teased.

"Maybe..." Twilight said, a glint in her eye.

Rarity hopped in front of her. "Then you're going to have to run faster," she said. "Or it will be too easy to catch you," she whispered against Twilight's lips. She kissed Twilight again. Twilight closed her eyes. She loved the feel of Rarity's kisses, But the game has been declared! she thought. She pulled away from Rarity and galloped around her heading down the path. A laugh of delight came from her lips as she heard the clop of Rarity's hooves as she raced to catch her.

Twilight realized she couldn't really gallop in an evening dress, although apparently, Rarity could. She was caught in short order as Rarity jumped in front of her again, stealing another deep, probing kiss from Twilight's lips as her reward. Twilight pulled away again laughing and galloped off down the path.

Twilight could hear Rarity gaining on her again, Stupid dress! she thought. Then she got an idea. Rarity caught up and jumped in front of her again. As she did, Twilight teleported in a flash.

"Hey! No fair!" Rarity protested, stamping her front hoof and looking around. Twilight appeared in a white flash beside Rarity, still travelling at speed, and tackled her, toppling them both to the grass at the side of the path. Rarity let out a squeal and they collapsed into giggles as they rolled to a stop.

Recovering from her giggles, Twilight looked into Rarity's shining sapphire eyes and reached out a hoof to stroke her mane. "I'm glad you said it first," she said, repeating her words from the first night.

Twilight saw something shift in Rarity's gaze. The laughter and joy of the last few moments were still there, but Twilight could see the ache of the last few months surface behind them. Celestia! How I wish I could kiss that ache away, she thought, feeling just a little guilty at bringing it out. Rarity didn't say anything. She reached out her forelegs and wrapped them around Twilight, kissing her instead.

Twilight wrapped her own forelegs around Rarity, pressing her close. Their kiss became more insistent, small moans escaping both of their throats. Rarity started to stroke Twilight's back, tracing her spine towards her flank.

Twilight giggled against Rarity's lips, pulling back reluctantly, "Not here!" she laughed, lifting her head from the grass. She left a trail of kisses down Rarity's neck, giving her a small nip before pulling away.

Rarity leaned her head back into the cool grass and laughed, the sound reverberating in Twilight's head. I want to remember that sound forever, she thought. Or make her laugh like that all the time.

"You dear," Rarity said looking back at Twilight, "are a dreadful tease!"

"Come on," Twilight said as she flicked a blade of grass from Rarity's mane with her hoof, "let's try to make each other look respectable again."

Reluctantly they pulled themselves up from the park lawn and shook their manes and tails free of grass and leaves. Rarity helped Twilight readjust her dress so it looked like they hadn't just been rolling around in the park. Then they trotted off, side by side, towards the park entrance.

Leaving the park, Twilight was feeling light on her hooves. The gallop through the park had the blood singing in her veins. She stopped short when she caught sight of Rainbow Dash's multicolored mane from across the street. She nudged Rarity, motioning with her hoof. "Hey it's Rainbow Dash, let's go say hi!" Twilight said, already crossing the street, leaving Rarity to follow behind.

"Hey Dash!" Twilight called happily.

Rarity followed as Twilight took off across the street. As Rainbow turned to face Twilight, the mix of emotions scrawled across her face told Rarity something wasn't quite right. The momentary flash of hurt that crossed Rainbow's eyes as she caught sight of Rarity told her the rest. Twilight didn't appear to notice.

Oh Twilight, you can be so oblivious sometimes! This is a bad idea, Rarity thought. Let's just hope we can get out quickly...

"Hey guys..." Rainbow said looking just a bit awkward as Twilight and Rarity trotted up.

"Dash, are you going to introduce me to your friends?" asked a cheery opal colored pegasus with a pink and white mane standing beside Rainbow.

"Uh.. sure. Guys, this is Spring Step. Spring Step, this is Twilight and Rarity" Rainbow said recovering a bit.

"Princess Twilight?!" Spring Step gushed, eyes wide as she pushed past Rainbow. "Princess, its so nice to meet you!" After a moment's hesitation, she glanced at Rarity adding, "And you to Rarity."

"Pleased I'm sure," Rarity replied with just a hint of sarcasm.

"It's nice to meet you to," Twilight said. "Are you two..." she started, obviously trying to find a tactful way to continue.

Spring Step laughed. "Yes Princess, Rainbow and I are out on a date. We've hit a few spots for drinks, the last place had a great band playing!" She looked at Rainbow, "What was the name of the place?"

I think someone has had a few too many drinks by the sound of it, Rarity thought. Rainbow Dash up to her old tricks.

As Rainbow opened her mouth to answer, Rarity spoke up, "Well actually ladies, we were just on our way home. It was-"

"Wait Rarity," Twilight interrupted. "Rainbow Dash, I actually wanted to ask you about the other day. You took off and you seemed upset... I just want to make sure everything is OK."

Rainbow got an irritated look on her face. "Like I said, everything is fine, Twilight. I just had somewhere else to be."

"You were obviously upset," Twilight pressed, "and I haven't seen you since. I just want to know whats wrong."

No, no, no, not the time, Rarity tried to break it off again, "Twilight, I don't think now-"

"I said I'm fine," Rainbow said through gritted teeth, ignoring Rarity.

"No you're not!" Twilight pushed, her brow creasing in frustration, "Why are you lying to me?"

"Twilight..." Rarity said pleadingly, but Twilight was fixated. She had found a problem that she thought needed to be solved. Oh dear, you beautiful, oblivious thing.

Spring Step had started to look uncomfortable, eyes wide as she watched the scene unfold in front of her.

Rarity watched Rainbow's anger surface in a flash, feeling helpless to stop what Twilight had set in motion. "Fine!" she shouted at Twilight. "You want the truth? I've liked you for a long time and now you're with Rarity and I missed my shot."

Twilight cringed under Rainbow's words, her ears flattening against her head. There it is. Rarity thought looking around. A number of ponies had stopped what they were doing to look at the scene.

Spring Step recovered her confusion. "Excuse me?" she huffed at Rainbow, eyes narrowing. "Is this a conversation you really want me to hear?"

Twilight looked confused, "Dash, what are you talking about?"

Rarity had to get Twilight out of there, quickly. "Girls, this is not the time or place to be having this discussion."

Rainbow didn't seem to hear Rarity, her gaze was fixed on Twilight. "You shouldn't even be with an earth pony!" she all but spat. "You've got wings, you should be with a pegasus."

Despite her better senses, Rarity gave into irritation. "Excuse me, but I am not an earth pony, I'm a unicorn," she said glowering.

Rainbow looked at Rarity. "Same thing, you can't fly and you'll just hold Twilight on the ground. She deserves to be free, to fly free," she said contemptuously.

Rarity tried to control her temper. "Twilight was a unicorn first Dash, and shes still getting used to her wings. I would do nothing to 'hold her down' as you suggest."

Her stand off with Rainbow momentarily broken, Twilight seemed to notice the loose crowd at that gathered to gawp at them. "Rarity..." she squeaked, "everypony is looking..."

"And how is she supposed to fly trotting on the ground next to you?" Rainbow continued.

Spring Step broke in, apparently having had enough, "Dash, I'm leaving and you better be coming with me." She turned on her hind hoof and trotted off.

Rarity had to get Twilight out of there. "Rainbow Dash, calm down, you're making a scene," she said, trying to soothe her own anger and bring Rainbow down to somewhere she could be reasoned with.

But Rainbow Dash wasn't playing along. "No I won't calm down," she shouted, "Twilight wanted the truth. You're not good enough for her!"

Rarity couldn't fight the anger. "And you think you are?" she threw back incredulously.

Rainbow tilted her head back, looking down her nose at Rarity. "Obviously. At least you can be sure I won't switch teams and go back to stallions," she said, her tone oozing smugness

Rarity's anger flared again and she clenched her teeth, about ready to tear a strip off of Rainbow, when she heard a strained voice behind her.

"Rarity..." Twilight pleaded quietly.

Rarity felt guilt crash on her like a wave of cold water. Giving into baiting while Twilight was suffering. I need to get her out, now!

"We're leaving Dash," Rarity quipped. "If you insist on continuing this foolish scene you may do so on your own." She turned back to Twilight.

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash yelled at her.

Rarity looked at the fear stamped on Twilight's face. "Twilight," she said, "let's go." But Twilight wouldn't look at her. Horse Apples! shes panicking. "Twilight!" she said again, more forcefully, but Twilight was looking at Rainbow Dash. Rarity became vaguely aware of Dash shouting something behind her.

All at once, Twilight's horn lit and in a flash she was gone.

Rarity, eyes wide, took two quick steps to where Twilight had been. "Twilight!" she called, even though she knew Twilight was gone. Nowhere nearby I'd bet. Rarity stood very still as she felt her rage ignite. Eyes flashing, she turned on Rainbow, closing the distance between them. "Now you've really done it," she spat in Rainbow's face.

Rainbow pulled back slightly, "Me? Hey-ow!" She was cut off as Rarity seized her mane with her magic and dragged her into a side street.

Rarity turned seething eyes on Rainbow Dash, releasing her mane. "Yes you!" she exclaimed, stamping her front hooves on the ground in frustration. "If you had any regard for Twilight's feelings you would not have went completely off the rails in public like that. She was nervous enough about going out tonight as a couple, she hasn't told anyone Dash! Only you and Applejack know about us for bucks-sake!"

Rainbow Dash wilted under Rarity's anger, pulling back from her as much as she could with a wall behind her. "Well... she said she wanted the truth-"

Rarity cut Rainbow Dash off angrily, "Yes, Dash, the truth! Not an angry, jealous rant!" She poked Rainbow Dash in the chest with her hoof, "You can say whatever you want to me if you somehow think I've stolen her from you, but Twilight did nothing to deserve what you just did."

"Hey, I-" Rainbow Dash started, once again trying to defend herself.

"Dash, you pretty much outed her in front of half the town!" Rarity scolded.

"Well it's not like she could keep it a secret forever!" Rainbow Dash threw back, finally getting a word in. "Everypony would find out eventually."

"Yes they would, as I've been telling her," Rarity scoffed. "But if you gave a damn about her, you would respect her trepidation. She doesn't know what to expect. Twilight needs reassurance and patience, not a Luna-damned sign pointing at her in the town square!"

Rainbow cringed, ears folding against her head. Finally getting through to her, Rarity thought.

"I'll share some small part of the blame for tonight," Rarity said, some of the acid leaking out of her tone. She fixed Rainbow with a level gaze. "I shouldn't have given into your baiting. I'll assume, for the sake of our friendship, that you didn't actually mean any of those things you said." She poked Rainbow in the chest once more, saying "But sometime soon you and I are going to have a talk about how we're going to deal with this."

Rainbow looked away. Silent for the second time in one night, it must be a special occasion, Rarity thought bitterly.

"Now if you'll excuse me," Rarity said turning away, "I have to go find her and see if I can undo whatever damage we've done."

Rainbow found her voice again, "OK, fine, I'll help you look, it'll go faster-"

The last thing Rarity wanted right now was to spend any more time with Rainbow. "No, you've done quite enough tonight. Why don't you go find your date and see if shes willing to keep you company."

Rainbow's eyes went wide. "Oh buck... Spring Step is going to be pissed..." she said, looking towards the street. "Rarity..." she started.

"Just go Dash," Rarity said wearily. She suddenly felt very tired, her anger fading.

Without another word, Rainbow Dash took off straight up into the sky, a gust of air and rainbow trail fading behind her as she curved over a building and out of sight.

Rarity closed her eyes and took a deep breath, shaking off the last of her anger. Focus, Rarity, you need to find Twilight. She needs you. Darling, you better have teleported back home, or its going to be a long night...

Rarity headed back out onto the street, meeting the eyes of a few awkward bystanders who had likely heard some of what just transpired between her and Rainbow. To their credit, they quickly turned away, but Rarity could hear the gears of the rumor mill starting to turn.

Teleport all you want darling, but the truth will find you eventually.