"Happy seventh anniversary, Darling!"
Rarity beams at Anonymous as she saunters over to the bar counter, hops up onto the seat next to him, and orders herself a deep red wine. Anonymous smiles and thanks her, though his heart isn't entirely in it. His eyes look faintly sunken, the look of resignation or perhaps defeat paint the weary creases that appear when he smiles. Rarity doesn't seem to notice as she is all too happy to join in with celebrations with her long-time friend.
"I do apologise that I wasn't there for Pinkie's party, but I trust that it was splendid," she rambles after a sip of her wine.
"Yeah, it was kind of the usual affair you can expect from her. Though to be honest, I prefer smaller and quieter stuff like this."
"Well, I like this level of soirée too, hopefully I can be more than adequate company."
Rarity firmly bumps her shoulder with Anonymous' in what would seem to most is a more boisterous gesture than someone as ladylike as she would do. But it showed her comfort level with him, that even out in public she was here as his friend. Anonymous takes a sip of his drink behind a warmer smile. He enjoys Rarity's company. She was the kind of pony who if you said you've never had high-end wine, tasted 50 different cheeses, talked about the finer culture, all while wearing a large and silly hat then she would show up to your house the next afternoon to invite you on a picnic.
The bar they were in had quite a few patrons who were all chatting and drinking off into their own little worlds. Anonymous and Rarity were no different. The two of them were capable of letting hours pass them by when they began to talk. The balance of differences and similarities would cause them to go on tangent after tangent, so much so that the beginning and end of their conversation were nothing like. It wasn't until the bartender called for last orders that they noticed the time.
"I wasn't planning on keeping you this long," apologises Anonymous, "but you are planning on getting a little more work done before turning in for the night."
Rarity scoffs and gestures dismissively, "I completed everything I needed to do today so that the rest of my evening was free. For you"
"Aren't you sweet. I don't think I'll order another, what about you?"
"Me either. I wasn't here for the drinks."
As the rest of the patrons clamour for their final drink of the night, the two leave the bar. The night is still, distant critters chirp, and the moon lights their way as they walk in step. For some reason conversation goes silent as they walk. Perhaps Rarity was enjoying the silence however Anonymous, realising he has to go home, sighs. Rarity looks up at him and examines his face.
"Are you okay?"
Anonymous seems to retreat inwardly. His face twists in a thoughtful expression as his eyes look about, as if he was searching for something on a shelf in front of him.
"Anonymous?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking about that one."
Rarity nods then waits a moment to give him time to think.
"I think yes. On the whole I would say I'm okay," says Anonymous and he seems sure of that.
Noticing a bench in the corner of her eye, Rarity gestures for anonymous to join her on the seat. Anonymous's gaze is firmly rooted upwards to the moon and stars. In the light from them is enough to accentuate and define the features on his face. Sometimes Rarity finds it so easy to forget how alien he is.
"But there's something else."
"Yeah."
Briefly in his reply, Anonymous looked at her before returning to the sky. Then he sighs much deeper and opens his mouth to speak. No words leave his lips instead he closes his mouth. Rarity sits upright more and sternly examines her friend's face, looking for a clue. Distantly, a crows call can be heard and something about this makes Anonymous chuckle to himself.
"Feels like even the birds are laughing at me," Anonymous comments with a smile toward Rarity.
"No, I'm not laughing at you," Rarity immediately replies as she places a gentle hoof on his shoulder, a show of comfort and Friendship.
Her gaze is intense and Anonymous can tell she means it. Everything about her from posture to expression radiates support. The sternness of it makes Anonymous feel uncomfortable yet grateful. Perhaps it was the alcohol or perhaps it was just time but the need to vent felt like it was at the tipping point. Anonymous knew that if he started it would all come out, like water over the cliff's edge he would not be able to stop the flow.
Rarity worried about Anonymous as it wasn't really the type to talk about himself. Memory was hazy in trying to recall the last time he had one of these heart-to-heart's with her. To make it worse, she was pretty confident that she was his closest friend so she couldn't be sure if there was someone else he would talk to about these things. Naturally she was here for him and she cared, truly. She was worried about how much this, whatever it was, was kept bottled up.
"I wasn't saying that you were. I just feel a little... Silly about the way I'm feeling, you know?"
"If you want to talk about it, I'm here."
Anonymous inhaled deeply, "I guess the gist of it is... I'm feeling lonely."
"Oh, Anonymous, there is nothing silly about that. Everyone feels lonely one time or another. And I'm here for you, and all your other friends are too. You aren't alone and if there's anything we can do to make you feel less lonely, then we want to help."
"In the... Lonely in the romantic sense, Rarity. Every night I go home to an empty house and while away the time before I sleep in a bed so empty it feels cold. I feel a little dramatic saying it like that but it's been like this for years and years now. A kind of... Ache for companionship."
His head is now in his hands for a brief moment before he drags it back out to rest upon them while looking Rarity's way. He gives a superficial smile though even if it's faint, it irks Rarity. Her brows furrows into a stern and unamused glare which Anonymous picks up on. The smile is now gone and he sits up straight while still looking at her. The to look at one another as Rarity puzzles over her reply.
Anonymous is from another world. Here he is the only one of his kind. Truly he is unique just by being. Rarity found herself kicking herself internally for never realising such a thing. So easy it was to forget that Anonymous was Anonymous. But also what could be done about such a thing, not even he fully knows how he got here. Thoughts swelled in her mind but none of them were ideas on how to fix this, not one suggestion on what to do, nor could she find what to say to take the pain away.
"I'm sorry that you're going through this. I wish I knew what we could do about it. But I am here for you. You aren't completely alone, I promise darling."
And without a second hesitation Rarity throws herself into a hug with Anonymous. He hugs her back tightly, his long arms and large hands enveloping her with ease. The embrace is long and warm. Internally, Rarity tries to will feelings of comfort into Anonymous but she knows even if it were possible, it wouldn't last. It really was little she could do here and that stung.
This hope would never be able to sate any feelings of loneliness but for the moment it was what he needed. It was strange how physical touch could fill a person with warmth, happiness, and comfort. But then again as he had gone so long without it, Anonymous wondered if it only felt so nice due to the starvation of it. He wondered how long it had been since he got to regularly enjoy the touch of another and when he struggled to recall that time the feeling of overwhelming loneliness read doubled its intense and domineering presence.
"I have an idea on what I'd like to do and I think I'd like your help, if you're up for it."
Rarity pulled away from the hug and Anonymous buried the desire to ask for it to go on longer.
"Anything. I'd love to help." Rarity's smile was genuinely warm and inviting.
"Well, don't agree to it yet. Explain what it is first."
She nodded at him and waited patiently.
"I'm not sure how to explain this, actually."
Still she waited patiently and something about that made Anonymous feel as if some kind of pressure was on. So there was nothing for it but to try throwing it out there as it is in his head.
"I want to... If you are up for helping, of course. No is perfectly okay if you aren't comfortable but I thought maybe because it had been so long for me, I might try asking your advice on how... I would try dating, you know, outside my species."
Rarity's face didn't change. She sat there in a stunned and muted silence desperately trying to process the information thrown at her. There was this intense desire to pull away combating her wishes to be there for her friend. Though she was in disbelief, she didn't need to hear it again. Rarity knew what she heard she just found herself unable to fully comprehend.
"Rarity?"
Anonymous was sitting there awkwardly and Rarity wasn't sure how much time had passed as she fought internally over what to say. But she knew she had to reply. But she knew she wasn't going to like what she was about to say. But she knew Anonymous wasn't going to like it. The thought of hurting Anonymous created pits on her stomach. But it needed to be said.
"You're a human."
"Yes?"
The feelings she felt just did not translate into words. Though she felt that statement sums up what she feels, it clearly wasn't enough as Anonymous gave her this quizzical look. His fingers began to fiddle and twitch in his lap as the feeling of awkwardness and regret mounted. The two sat there quietly, privately hoping that the other would know what to say. Both wish there was to be taken back, that they could both go their separate ways home and come back to see each other tomorrow. Only now did the two of them realise that this was a very serious conversation that if not handled properly could damage the relationship.
"I am so sorry, Anonymous darling, I just don't think... It wouldn't be natu--I mean, I'm not sure I can help. With that."
"Yeah. Of course. That's okay. Don't worry about it. You know what, actually, probably just forget I said anything. I must've had a bit more than I thought."
Rarity knew it was a lie. A convenient one. However the idea that he felt the need to make one hurt but she didn't feel justified in those feelings. Who is she to feel bad about being lied to when she couldn't do something as simple as help her friend. But these feelings were intense and sudden, Rarity genuinely had no idea she felt this way. She had heard tales of griffins and ponies or minotaurs but they weren't that common.
"It's getting late. Good night Rarity, take care."
Anonymous got up all too quickly and barely hung around enough time for Rarity to say, "you too," before he was gone. And so now Rarity was left there alone with her thoughts in a mounting feeling of regret. Already she knew she was being an idiot and was getting angry at herself. Was it too late to chase him down and apologise or would be best to leave him for a while? Mentally she was trapped within herself unable to make any decision however her body made it for her, without even realising it she found her way home and to her bed.
"What am I doing?"
It has been a long time since Anonymous went for a run. Or any kind of exercise really. And despite that, he was pushing himself hard. The dryness of his mouth made any saliva stringy as he opened his mouth to breathe while his chest was locking up and starving for air. His feet stung as they pounded the ground over and over in a bid to get more speed.
Then the adrenaline hit. Anonymous felt it surge through his body and became hyper aware of himself. He felt every stretch of the muscle, the pained vibrations from each footstep, and the thunderous echoes of breathing as his mind quieted. He ran and ran as his body pleaded to stop loud enough to ignore the self-doubt and embarrassment of things.
Eventually though, the body stops asking and does as it pleases. Legs will shake at the knees, lungs struggle to inhale, and vision blurs as he comes nearly to a collapse. With what little energy was left in reserve Anonymous took a seat up by a billabong, under the shade of a coolibah tree. The most he could achieve now was to gasp for air but it felt good. Of a sort.
The autumn day heat was hitting as hard as if it were still the middle of summer and so his body was dripping with sweat. Beside him was his bag with the book he intended to read today but he spent the energy for even that in the run. Without even meaning to, Anonymous fell asleep then and there.
It was roughly noon by the time Anonymous awoke. He looked around the area to find he was still alone, he walked this far away from town for that reason. Save for the single crow who came to drink by the water, there was nobody in sight. Anonymous reached for his bag, startling the bird, and searched for his book when he found a second one. It was one he borrowed from Twilight a few weeks back and couldn’t recall where he placed it. Remembering her asking about it, Anonymous decided it best to return it.
“Alright,” Anonymous stated aloud as he got to his feet, “Might as well.”
"You have no idea how much I need this, darling," Rarity remarks as she heads into the spa alongside Fluttershy.
"Oh yes, um, I've been looking forward to it too," says Fluttershy shyly.
Once inside, the spa ponies immediately begin their treatment. As per usual Rarity's is a much deeper experience than Fluttershy’s who is mainly here to spend time with her friend. Both enjoy their experiences and chat about aimless unimportant matters.
“Ooo! You ‘ave a lot of tension in your withers, Rarity,” states the spa pony in her exotic accent, "Actually, I'm getting tension all over. Are you okay, my dear?"
Rarity can only think of one thing that would be causing it but out of respect for Anonymous she doesn't say. And the mare picks up on that, she continues to move her hooves around in the familiar shapes and circles with some firmness to ease Rarity's body. The muscles tighten and tense under the stress but the mare is able to tease them out with time. The knots, in her body at least, released their hold on her and she felt a steady build of release. As this goes on Rarity stares down the marble floor, though there is little else to look at, and tries not to let her mind wander. For some reason it’s difficult for her to get lost in the relaxing aroma, instead finds her mind plagued with guilt and regret until Fluttershy speaks.
"How have you been, ah, Rarity?"
Somehow her voice felt like a lighthouse on rocky shores, she was a beacon for Rarity's thoughts.
"A little overworked to be honest though I know as I'm self-employed it's entirely my own fault. I've taken on too much work for myself. However I should be finished with most of it soon, I need to wait for a few clients to come down and pick them up. Then..."
"Then?" Asked Fluttershy, prodding her friend gently.
"Then I don't know what to do with myself. Maybe I could--"
"Take it a bit easier on yourself?" Interrupts the spa pony with a cheeky smile as she changes the motion she was using on a particularly tough back muscle. She digs in with a little more force before a satisfying crack echoes in the spine, eliciting a sigh of blissful relief from Rarity's lips.
"Oh, that's a wonderful idea. Rarity, you should take some time off, when was the last time you did that?" Fluttershy asks excitedly.
Rarity ponders for a moment and then as time stretches on further and further without an answer, she somewhat realises how bad that is. Rarity tilts her head a little so she can see Fluttershy on the other massage table, beaming at the prospect of someone else having a holiday.
"Well... I'm not sure what I would do with myself, you know?"
"Relax for a little while," replies Fluttershy.
"Doing what?"
“Just taking it easy.”
“Yes,” Rarity sighs, “But I’m not sure how I could leisure my time away.”
Fluttershy shrugs, "How do you normally unwind?"
"Ze fact that you even need to ask her zat should show her how much she needs some time off," chimes in the other spa pony at Fluttershy's table.
An exasperated sigh can be heard before Rarity realises it’s coming from her alongside the realisation that she hasn't much of an argument. They're all right. And even if they are ganging up on her a little bit, Rarity is aware that they are doing it with good intentions at heart.
The spa treatment continues on with idle chit-chat, the spa ponies occasionally chiming in, until both Rarity and Fluttershy are alone in a private sauna for a time. Once the two are alone and sweating it out, Rarity finds herself wanting to confide in Fluttershy but hesitates each time. There's the question of if this is even okay to bring up in the first place. While Rarity believes she has never known Fluttershy to be a gossip, she is also the well-meaning type. And Anonymous may not appreciate others knowing. And then there is the matter of what she might think on the matter. The thought that someone might be uncomfortable, creeped out, or perhaps even disapprove of Anonymous just trying to find a way past his loneliness makes this deep and swirling pit of awful rise in Rarity's stomach.
“Isn’t that thought hypocritical of me?” Rarity thought.
"Rarity? What's wrong?"
Attention snaps to Fluttershy who is sitting beside her with a very concerned expression. Fluttershy's eyes are darting around her face looking for clues but also sternly conveying they will accept no excuses, only fact. Worry and care is there. It brings a faint smile to Rarity's face, to know she has someone who cares about her so much beside her.
"I think I've quite needed a friend today," Rarity slowly utters, "I just didn't realise how much."
Fluttershy embraces her friend. Rarity wraps a single hoof around her and looks down to her shoulder to see big blue eyes staring back up at her, radiating comfort. At the same time it is a physically uncomfortable experience due to the amount of sweat that has pooled on both their bodies now intermingling in this gooey warmth. But it’s easily ignored, the hug is nice after all.
"I said some... Things to Anonymous."
Rarity finds herself surprised how quickly the words escaped her lips without any prompting and now that is too late to take them back.
"He was trying to confide in me,” she continues, “And instead of trying to help him, I think I called him gross. I don’t even recall it properly but I didn’t help him."
As she told Fluttershy, Rarity was recalling that night to herself. Only now was she really understanding how poorly she handled it. They had a good time together, Anonymous started talking about something serious that it obviously been weighing on him for some time, and she felt like she had quickly swept that under the rug before bailing on him. If she could go back she would rather talk with him about it, no matter how she felt.
"Is it something you can talk about?"
“Best not to,” Rarity replies with a faint attempt at a reassuring smile.
“I’m here for you Rarity,” Fluttershy states clearly with a friendly hoof on her friend’s shoulders.
“Thank you, Fluttershy, dear.”
Anonymous reached up to replace the book where Twilight said it belonged when he felt a tug on his pant leg. Looking down, he saw Fluttershy. Bright eyed, afraid yet smiling like always.
“Hey, Fluttershy, how are you?”
“Oh, uhm, I’m alright, how are you, Anonymous?”
“Yeah, alright,” Anonymous shrugs, “A little tired but fine for the most part.”
There’s a small pause before Fluttershy asks, “Are you sure, you look a little pale?”
“Ah, well, that’s probably from my work out a little earlier. It’s been a while since I got some actual exercise and I’m still paying the price for it.”
Anonymous lets out a jovial laugh and stands with an air of confidence. As if all were right with the world. Something in Anonymous’ mind made him feel a strong need to radiate that fact. Fluttershy examined him for a moment then seemed to nod, satisfied with something.
“Could you come with me for a moment?” Fluttershy asks.
Fluttershy holds the door open for Anonymous so, even if he’s nervous, he steps into Carousel boutique and looks around. Rarity doesn't seem to be in the main room but everything else looks as it should. Various mannequins donning their handmade ensembles, all carefully curated while a few incomplete pieces can be seen on a few. Anonymous wonders why. Perhaps it's to advertise, show that the customer can get their own personalised pieces or maybe the atmosphere is just better in the main room when working on a certain dress. But Anonymous is also aware that these thoughts are actually to distract himself from the nervousness he is currently feeling and to try stalling himself from asking why he was brought here.
"Rarity?" Fluttershy calls out.
"Sorry, sorry! I didn't hear the bell," Rarity answers back as she hastily enters the room, "what--"
The moment it took for Rarity to collect herself was almost imperceptible. Almost.
"--Can I do for you two?"
"I'm not trying to put you two on the spot, um, but it is better to talk things out rather than let them stew."
And then Fluttershy leaves. Her sudden disappearance feels like a vacuum, it demands that something be said but as Anonymous and Rarity lock eyes with one another, you could tell that both wish the other would go first. It’s not until a thought crosses Rarity's mind and she pulls her gaze away to prepare herself to openly talk about it.
"I didn't tell her anything, I promise," Rarity earnestly states. Her eyes returning back to look at Anonymous' with an honest expression that is pleading to be believed.
Everyone knew that Rarity was a gossip. She enjoys chatting about the latest goings-on and drama in people's lives with any and every one who enjoys it too. But never about anything that wasn't already public knowledge. Anonymous smiles inwardly as he remembers one night at the bar hearing Rarity vent over having lost a customer. The two started to gossip about some Manehattan celebrity when the customer gave Rarity the "inside scoop." When Rarity told the customer that she should never reveal something so private, the argument began that left her dealing with the cost of an almost complete custom piece. And despite all the angry objections Rarity voiced aloud in the bar, she never did tell him what the secret was or even the customer’s name.
"I know you respect me more than that," says Anonymous reassuringly.
Rarity let out a sigh of relief then took a deep inhale as she continued.
"I think she might have clued in," Rarity winced, "I was worried about asking for advice just in case she might piece together the rest as we were talking about you earlier... Then conversation changed some so I thought I could casually bring up..."
Anonymous began to worry and his brow furrowed. He got along with Fluttershy, even if the two didn't hang out much, so the thought she might feel the same as Rarity did that night gave his heartbeat pause. Although earlier she didn’t seem partially concerned with much other than getting him here. The longer Rarity took to tell him the more it felt like he was suspended in air, unsure if he would fall or find his bearing.
"I asked her if she ever had animals fall in love with a species outside their own. And her reply, which I quote, 'he is not an animal,' made me realise how insulting such a question was. I am sorry I ever asked such a thing. Even if you weren't there for it."
Anonymous took a seat as Rarity carefully eyed him the whole time, she would angle her head to try and get a better look at his face. Then once Anonymous had let out a deep breath he found himself chuckling slightly.
"I-I don't understand what's funny about that," asked Rarity, visibly concerned.
"You're fine. There's nothing to worry about. I'm not surprised to hear Fluttershy is so sharp but she seems okay too. More importantly, you don't need to apologise for that. I get it. These are legitimate concerns and there's not much point me getting into a relationship anyway."
Rarity began to move towards Anonymous, to try and comfort him but then stopped midway as she wasn't sure it was okay for her to do so.
Anonymous exhaled, "I mean, think about it, doesn't make sense to date outside your species. I mean I wouldn't be able to have any kids."
"Lots of ponies can't," Rarity sternly interjects as she takes a step forward, "or what about those that choose not to. I don't even want children, would you tell me I shouldn't get into a relationship because of that?"
"No, no, of course not," Anonymous backpedals.
"Then it’s not fair to tell yourself that," Rarity presses before Anonymous has a chance to add any more.
The two sit there in silence for only a moment as Rarity thinks on how Anonymous' body language reminds her of last night. She gives a pained smile and finally takes a seat next to her friend, placing a reassuring hoof on his shoulder.
"What other excuses have you got, darling?" She asks.
"Knowing you, you're just gonna come up with reasons for why I can't use them," scoffs Anonymous.
"Yes."
This solicits a small bemused smile from Anonymous.
"I was uncomfortable last night because… the thought of... Myself dating outside my species makes me uncomfortable. But that has nothing to do with this because this is about you, and I want you to be happy. If you're comfortable with it then I think we should find you a mare who is also comfortable."
"We?"
"And not just any mare. I hope you know, I have high standards for you." Rarity continues, cheerily chatting and completely circumventing the serious tone from a moment before.
"You said we, Rarity."
"Right, we didn't get to that part. My apologies, a lady should never get ahead of herself. I'm taking a bit of time off, it's recently occurred to me how much I've been overworking myself and how my priorities have been all wrong, like missing the birthday of somepony I am closest to. So if you are willing to have me then I want to help you find the right mare. I could be your wingpony or something."
Anonymous felt incredibly awkward yet couldn't quite narrow it down as to how. As he sat there thinking about it, leaving the answer to Rarity's question hanging, he knew he wanted Rarity's help. But was it okay to accept if things didn't feel resolved? Even before he brought it up to Rarity, Anonymous was feeling insecure about the whole dating-outside-your-species thing. If anything it was more intense now.
"What if telling her ‘not until we talk a little more’ makes it worse?" asks a deep voice in Anonymous' mind.
"Yeah, I'd appreciate any of your help," answers Anonymous.
"Then there's one thing we need to do first," beams Rarity.
"What's that?"
"You'll need a mock date!"
Even if he was a little strong-armed into it, Anonymous was looking forward to the mock date with Rarity. He was currently waiting outside the restaurant ‘That's A' Moray,’ an Neapolitan restaurant Rarity chose, in formal attire. Dress shoes, dress pants, dress shirt, a vest, and tie. It felt a little stuffy and taking a glance inside most of the ponies didn't seem so dressed to the nines, save for the wait staff.
"Good evening Anonymous, darling," called out Rarity who was also addressed to the nines.
She was in a simple yet fine dress for dining, the bodice had a grey floral pattern with asymmetrical sleeves while the godet skirt was a matte black. Her hair had the usual fringe, though more loose and layered, while the back was put up. Everything about her attire gave a more relaxed and casual appearance while carrying her trademark elegance.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."
"No, not really.
Rarity waited for a moment then raised a brow in query. Anonymous stumbled over his words a little before leaning in to speak in a hushed tone.
“Did I overdress for this?”
"Not at all. You're looking very smart today, Anonymous," Rarity says.
“I look almost like a member of staff, just give me a bowtie.”
Using her magic, Rarity straightens Anonymous’ tie and pats the shoulders of his vest flat. Neither needed it but the gesture calms Anonymous down. As if any flaws were minor and now were gone.
“Come, darling, I booked us a table.”
With confidence, Rarity moves over to the headwaiter and without a word is ushered in. She takes a glance back towards Anonymous, who is still standing in place, and signals to follow.
Once the three arrive at the table, Rarity pauses before her chair. Anonymous doesn’t notice and takes his seat so the headwaiter pulls Rarity’s chair out for her.
“Oh, I probably should have,” Anonymous says before getting back up.
“No need,” Rarity smirks, “Andre got it. Thank you, darling.”
“It was my pleasure madam. Welcome to the ‘That's A' Moray,’ My name is Andre Blanchet and I shall be your waiter this evening. Will the lady and the gentlecolt be needing menus or shall we have the usual?”
Anonymous looks at Rarity, unsure.
“Yes. Two, thank you. As for drinks, a light red I think. To help Anonymous here relax some.”
With a bow, keeping his posture unnaturally straight for a pony, Andre leaves.
“Sorry about not getting your chair,” says Anonymous.
“It’s quite alright, dear. It’s not important really, I just like it whenever I come here. Andre wishes the place were a little fancier so the two of us always put on a bit of airs here. Watch him with other customers.”
Anonymous looks over to Andre who was paused by another customer and his posture is more relaxed, his smile now casual, and his speech seems less uptight from what can be heard over the din.
“Huh,” Anonymous pauses, then a thought occurs, “Now I’m wondering, Isn’t Andre a Breton name?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“But he works in a Neapolitan style restaurant.”
“You know a parent chooses your name, right? Andre can only choose his career.”
“Mr and Mrs Cake run a bakery, Bon-Bon runs a sweet store, and Roseluck is a florist. Then on an apple farm we have Applejack, Applebloom, Big Mac, and Granny Smith.
“I see your point,” Rarity smirks then leans in to whisper, “His real name is Andriano Bianchi.”
Leaning back in her chair, Rarity gives a conspiratorial wink just as Andriano returns with a bottle of wine. He stands rigid while presenting the label. A quick glance for Anonymous but holds it to Rarity so she may inspect it. Once she nods, Andre begins to uncork it.
“This is the 2020 Hearts & Bones Syrah, made in the far away land of Australia by the Margaret River.”
Just as the cork is nearly out, Anonymous tenses in preparation for the pop but it never comes. Andre continues to talk about the flavour of the summer berries and how it should compliment the meal as he pours a little out in two glasses. Then he leaves it to rest in a cooler Anonymous didn’t notice him bring over.
“Your meal shan’t be long, until then, is there anything I can get you?”
“Not at all, Andre darling. Thank you.”
He bows then returns to his work elsewhere. There’s a small gap in conversation before Rarity decides to break it.
“Now, let’s get into date tips, shall we?”
Anonymous nods.
“So… Let's go over what we have right here. We’re both a little overdressed for such a place but we match. Personally, I think that’s always more important than matching the restaurant. We should look like we’re together, yes?”
Anonymous nods.
“Now, on a first date that would be difficult so just match to the venue… Actually, thinking about it, I wonder how easy it’ll be for you to match your date. The clothes you wear are similar-ish to what we ponies wear but…”
Rarity finds her tongue catching itself mid-sentence. Almost as if it gained sentience and cut her off before she could say something insensitive. Though she hopes that wasn’t the case. That she wasn’t very nearly about to say something that could make things worse between Anonymous and herself. Rarity decides to take a sip of her wine and Anonymous mimics.
“Well, it’s not important anyway.”
Anonymous nods. Only now does he realise how caught inside his own head he has become. Though he isn’t sure when exactly it happened. Sure, he made some small talk about Andreriano’s name earlier but even then he felt as if he were looking out behind someone else’s eyes. A strange displaced feeling washes over him and when Rarity continues speaking, he instead wonders if maybe she had been talking all along and he didn’t notice it.
“As far as first dates go, something like this is usually unsuitable. These kinds of scenarios can drag on and that can be quite awkward if the two of you don’t click. As a second date, I think it’s wonderful. Which is why I brought you.”
“Wait, you brought me to a place that would be best as a venue for a second date?”
Rarity nods.
“It’s the second date we’re after. The first date will just be to see if the mare is interested so something more casual is best. Something like a cafe, tea house, a bar, or a town festival if one is on. The two of you chat over a drink and depending on how it goes the drink can take ten minutes or an hour. You wouldn’t want to waste time on a mare who isn’t interested in you after all.”
After rolling the idea in his head a little, Anonymous nods.
“Yeah, I get the logic behind that.”
“Doing something interesting and unique is fun and can make a great first impression but they work best on couples who are interested,” remarks Rarity sagely.
“But wait, why would anyone agree to a date if they aren’t interested?”
Rarity shrugs, “Could be she misunderstood it was intended as a romantic thing, sometimes ponies get swept up in things and agree to things they don’t intend to, perhaps she’s a fickle type and is interested one moment but not during another, or she might be okay with dating outside her species only to find she doesn’t feel you connect personal level.”
Anonymous nods and again there is a pause in conversation. This time it feels as if there is more pressure to close it. Rarity fidgets in her seat for a moment before reaching out with her hoof. Anonymous looks up into her eyes to see an earnest companionable smile.
“If a mare can’t see past you being a human to the wonderful gentlecolt I know you are, then it’s her loss,” Rarity says in a comforting tone.
“Thanks,” replies Anonymous as he reaches out to hold her hoof.
“Your meals,” Andre states as he places two plates of fettuccine carbonara down respectively.
Both Rarity and Anonymous quickly snatch themselves away and compliment the meal for Andre. Whose chest nearly bursts with pride. Once he leaves the two to eat, Rarity gives a slight amused chuckle.
“So, another thing. If you do get food, avoid anything that can spill, splash, or wear.”
Anonymous looks down at his meal. The one that is long strands of pasta covered in a white sauce.
“Would this also be better suited for a second date then?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Then why?”
“It’s my favourite,” she beams while taking a small mouthful.
Anonymous finally lets out a soft laugh. With all the noise around the two, it might have gone unnoticed had Rarity not been paying careful attention to him.
“That’s the first smile I think I’ve seen from you this whole time.”
Anonymous nods.
“Yeah, I’m just feeling tense I guess.”
Rarity places her fork down and tries to give another comforting smile. Anonymous looks around the restaurant then down at himself, fixating on his hands only briefly.
“I’m feeling out of place,” states Anonymous dryly.
“You’re the only human in the entire world… I’d assume that’s normal.”
The moment hangs in the air. It’s a small moment in time but it’s enough for the two to think carefully on it. Rarity starts to wonder if what was intended as a light-hearted remark would come across as dismissive or rude. So her heart skips a beat as the tension builds.
Anonymous however remarks to himself on how true that is. He has always felt out of place. It’s become a default setting for him now given just everything around me. Only now he was letting it get to him. Anonymous laughed. Not a soft one, nor loud, but a calm and stable laugh.
“So, what other tips do you have for me?”
Rarity takes a sip of her wine, savouring the flavour as Anonymous takes a bite of his meal while the atmosphere between the two settles into something a bit more comfortable. A bit more like the way they always felt around one another.
“Questions and conversation.”
Anonymous nods behind a mouthful of pasta. A small, almost imperceivable speck, lands on his collar to which Rarity tries to hide her laughter at.
“I’m not really sure what you can ask because it’s always different. But the first few questions about her should be light. You want to get to know her values, aspirations, and experience of course but you shouldn’t dive in too deep at first. Also at first, the conversation is more important than the rapid fire ‘get-to-know-you stuff.”
“Okay, so what kind of things should I be asking first?”
Rarity thinks on this for a moment.
“Asking about hobbies is a classic, but don’t forget to ask about them too. If she likes to read then ask what genres, tropes, and characters she likes.”
“And what did they read last?”
“Exactly, darling. Engage with their interests and listen. I always like asking that once because if the one you’re on a date with can’t reciprocate that then you know that drink will be a 10 minute one.”
“As in, if they don’t ask about your interests in turn?”
Rarity nods.
“I’m guessing it’s a test to see if they’re at least interested in what you’re interested in?”
“Yes and no. Maybe you share an interest or two, great! However there are those that are only interested in themselves. They can chat away about their interests all day but won’t listen to yours, those aren’t worth your time. Then there are those who won’t engage in your interests unless they are too, who I find aren’t worth the time either.”
“I get what you mean. Like I don’t need someone who likes reading but if they refuse to even talk about it, it makes it harder to relate.”
“Yes. I’m always looking for a gentlecolt who is at least willing to meet me halfway. If they hate it then fair enough, but I love indulging in other people’s passions and I want a stallion who will do the same. I mean, I only found an interest in sport after dating this stallion one time.”
“You?” Anonymous asks with a raised brow in mild surprise.
“No. Not like sports like Dash is into or anything. I mean, I found I enjoyed going on a light jog every other day. It’s a uniquely refreshing feeling when you wash all that sweat and fatigue away.”
“Okay, I thought for a minute there you were going to tell me you loved hockey or rugby or something.”
“Not to play but cheering on a friend or lover? There’s a sense of pride in that, darling.”
The two now sat with their meals finished, both also onto a second glass of wine. The restaurant was winding down a little by now. There were still some patrons here and there but it’s no longer as packed as when they first entered. Andre also came by to drop off complimentary desserts. A slice of cheesecake.
“I love the desserts here and Andre knows I won’t order one myself.”
“Why so? You’re not dieting or something, are you?”
“Take a bite,” Rarity says as she lifts the first piece to her lips.
Anonymous does. The biscuit base lightly crumbles with a faint taste of apple, the cream cheese is soft and rich, while the mango curd on top tastes fresh. Anonymous remarks how all three feel distinct yet work together as if they were balanced and mixed. Then there is a tingle in his mouth as the overbearing sweetness hits.
“What the--I can feel it in my teeth.” Anonymous comments with a hand over his mouth to cover up any expressions of revulsion.
“Andre’s own creation. I resent that little devil for making me enjoy this so much.”
Anonymous’s brow furrows in confusion as he realises even though he found it far too sweet, his body lifts another forkful into his mouth.
“It’s so nice right up until that overload.”
“At last, someone else who understands my suffering.”
The two leave the restaurant, the remainder of the wine bottle in hand, and step out into the twilight hours. There’s distant critters chirping as both the sun and moon light their way while the two change shifts over the horizon. They walk in unison for some time, not really saying much of anything.
"You do know, even though we only had the two each, you walking with that bottle makes us look drunk," Rarity says aloud, a bemused smile on her face.
Anonymous nods then waits a moment to give himself time to think.
"Are we okay?" says Anonymous.
His tone is cool and flat but the undercurrent of seriousness can be felt somehow. Anonymous's gaze is firmly rooted upwards towards the stars slowly blinking into the sky’s canvas as Rarity notices, in the corner of her eye, a bench. Rarity pauses, thinking carefully on her feelings and how she’ll reply.
“Yes,” Rarity finally replies, succinctly, “We are unless you feel otherwise.”
Now it was Anonymous’ turn to think. Though it wasn’t any longer than the pause Rarity had, for her it felt twice as long. Her chest was pounding hard enough she could feel the pulse in her throat, as if she could keep count without touching an artery. She might have too, just to see if she could. Only all her attention and focus was on Anonymous. She examined every facial feature, each stern line, and definition on his face to see what he was thinking about.
“Yeah,” he nods, “Just wanted to check.”
Rarity breathed a sigh of relief as discreetly as she could before noticing they were at her home.
“Here, you enjoy wine more than I do.”
“Thank you for tonight,” says Rarity.
“Honestly, I should be thanking you. Hopefully my next date goes well,” Anonymous chuckles.
“Anonymous, darling.”
“Yeah, Rarity?”
“Sometimes I forget how alien you are.”
“What… Really?”
Anonymous looks genuinely puzzled. Rarity breathes deeply.
“Make sure they see that… The mares you take on dates. Then you’ll find somepony special.”
The two stare into each other’s eyes for a long moment. The breeze has chilled rapidly yet neither notice as they try to decipher the other’s mind through their eyes.
“Thanks, Rarity,” Anonymous stamps out after a moment of hesitation, “I’m glad I have you on my side.”
And again the silence draws out. Which frustrates Rarity more and more when it happens. The two used to talk for hours on end about important things, nonsense, and everything in between. But now each exchange was punctuated by these hesitations as the two decipher the other so they’ll know what they’re allowed to say next. One of Rarity’s hind legs twitches from the nerves and it takes an effort of concentration to stop it.
“Does it still feel like the birds are laughing at you?”
“Even now,” Anonymous grins.
“Well, I’m not. I want you to be happy.”
There’s an anger behind her tone but a softness behind her meaning. Her stubborn seriousness has Anonymous feeling somewhat guilty for the light-hearted grin. He softens his stance to match her serious attitude.
“Thank you, Rarity. I mean it.”
“You’re welcome, Anon and good luck.”
