Zhou walked along the streets of Ponyville. He wasn’t in town for any reason specifically, he figured he’d just come in and check on things. Today was a slow day up at the farm so everypony was doing their own thing for the day. The same friendly faces that Zhou knew waved and smiled, he returned the gesture as well. However, one familiar pony will definitely give him something to think about by day’s end.

He decided that he would stop by Sugarcube Corner. Something sweet did sound pretty good, even though he wasn’t quite a fan of them. But a cupcake once in awhile was always good. He walks into the building and looks around, spotting Pinkie and one other pony who was waiting for her order of a box of muffins.

“Do you think he will really like them..?”

Asked the gray pegasus mare with a blonde mane and tail.

“Of course! What pony doesn’t like muffins?! I am sure he will love them!”

The mare smiled happily and took the box of muffins. Though on her way out she wasn’t paying attention and bumps into Zhou. She falls back and the box flies into the air. She gasps as the horror as the muffins she had ordered for someone dear to her was about to fall to the ground. Luckily for her, Zhou was quick on his feet and catch the box before it even got close to the floor.Seeing this, the mare smiled widely, her eyes sparkling. Zhou offers his hand to her and helps her up, then holding the box back to her.

“Be more careful next time. We don’t want these tasty treat ruined now.”

The mare took the offered box into her arms and nodded, wrapping him in a one armed hug.

“Thank you so much, sir! I will be more careful! Thank you again!”

She said before making her way out. Zhou heard clapping, Pinkie seemed impressed.

“Zhou coming in to save the day again, huh? Be careful there, hero. You may be getting more attention than you can handle with all your heroic deeds. Especially from the mares.”

She said as she walked up to him and nudged him playfully in the side, raising her eyebrows up and down then giving a little giggle.Zhou laughed lightly and shook his head.

“Naaah, I am good at a few things, but come on. Can you imagine a mare really wanting to be with me? Granted I do find them very attractive. You are pretty adorable yourself, Pinkie.”

The party pony blinked a few times and blushed lightly, turning away from him slightly.

“Oooh..you ol’ charmer…”

She said before she makes her way back behind the counter.

“Anyways, what can I get ya?”

She asked shaking off her blush. Zhou rubs his chin in thought and originally thought of getting a cupcake, but one of those large cinnamon rolls were actually looking pretty tasty. He points to exactly that.

“Oooh good choice, I just brought these out actually!”

She said before reaching under the counter and picks one up and places it in front of him.

“What do I owe you?”

He said before reaching into his pocket.

“That’ll be two bits!”

He nodded and placed them on the counter top, then takes his cinnamon roll and bites into it. Oh god...it was amazing! Still fresh and warm with a gooey center. It was absolute bliss.

“Wow...you made this? I knew you were good Pinkie. But this?”

He said before taking another bite. She smiles at his compliment and fiddles with her hands a bit.

“I actually added a bit more cinnamon frosting than i was supposed to, they just didn’t taste right without the right amount..”

“Well, you did the right thing in my book. Keep doing what you do Pinks. And thanks, I may have to come by again tomorrow.” he said before finishing off his snack and makes his way out, waving to her. Once he was back out on the streets, however, a voice called out to him.

“Zhou, darling!”

Shouted Rarity as she ran towards him and leaped onto him, wrapping arm around his and nuzzles into him affectionately.

“O-oh, hey there Rarity! Good to see you as well.”

She continued to nuzzle into him, not letting go of his arm. Not that he didn’t appreciate the attention. It’s just...where was it coming from? He wasn’t going to lie though, she was pretty, and she smelled really nice…

“Never thought you’d be this excited to see me.”

He said in a rather surprised tone of voice. However, Rarity made herself clear on why she was acting the way she was.

“Well, did help me so much the other day. You helped gather gems for me and you protected me from those dreadful mutts. If that doesn’t deserve affection from me I don’t know what does! I am so glad you are here today!”

She said as she then pulled him along, heading to her home.

“Please, you must come with me! I need a stallion’s opinion on something I am working on, and I know you will do just fine! I will even make you some tea!”

H-Hey, wait!”

He said as he was being dragged along by her. Eventually, she was able to get him to follow her home.

“Now you just make yourself comfortable, I will go and get the tea made. You like green tea if I remember correctly?”

“Y-yeah i do but you don’t have to.”

“Oh it’s fine, I enjoy making tea for my friends!”

She said before vanishing into the kitchen. It was quiet except when she started humming. Zhou just sat there on the couch, still a bit stunned from the sudden invitation to Rarity’s home and her rather close show of affection. He did remember the things he did for her the other day, but was it really worth all that? After a few minutes, she came out of the kitchen with a tray.She sat it on the coffee table in front of them and sat down next to him, taking up her own cup of tea. Zhou reaches down and takes his as well. She was right, he did enjoy green tea very much. And he just couldn’t let a good brew go to waste. He takes a sip and nods, giving her a smile of approval.

“It’s very good Rarity, thank you for making this for me.”

She lets out a small gasp of happiness when he told her that.

“Oooh good! Now then, about a matter I need your help with. I chose you because I believe you are the right stallion for this. I..well I need an opinion on a new line I am working on.”

Zhou can’t help but laugh lightly after putting down the glass. He puts his arms out to his side in a ‘look at me’ fashion.

“Do I look like someone who you wish to take fashion advice from?”

She looked him up and down, granted he definitely needed a wardrobe upgrade in Rarity’s eyes, but that isn’t what she needed from him.

“Well, it isn’t so much as advice..it’s more of a male’s likes and dislikes.”

She blushed heavily at what she was about to tell him.

“I am making a new lingerie line and...I want to show them off to you...with me wearing them!”

Had he been drinking tea at that moment, he would have spat it out.

“You want me to...what?!”

He asked with his own heavy blush. Seeing Rarity in such revealing articles of clothing would just be...wow! He liked the idea for sure, but why him? Couldn’t she get someone more professional and not someone who’d ogle her like a piece of meat? He knew how he’d react to that situation.

“Rarity...you don’t want me eyeing your body like that...trust me.”

Rarity lowers her head and pins her ears against her head, then looks back up at him.

“You are right, Zhou. I don’t appreciate it when random stallions eye me in such a vulgar way. But...I feel like I can trust you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t ask you of this. Professionals aren’t always honest, but as a friend, I know you will help me. You are a healthy stallion. Your opinions will help me no doubt.”

She gets up and closes the windows of her shop and locks the door to prevent any entry.

“I am going to go and slip into the first set. Please don’t hold back whenever you see it.”

After she had left to go change, Zhou sat there with his head down, his eyes widen with a bit of shock. He could feel his heart getting ready to explode out of his chest.

O-Okay...calm down. She trusts you with this. Don’t act like a babbling idiot when you see her. Keep it together...keep it together!!

After a few minutes, she comes out and stands before him. His eyes still locked to his hands that rested on his thighs.

“Zhou...please look at me…”

She slowly lifted his head to see her wearing thigh high stockings, lacy and tight fitting panties that hugged her nicely, and a bra that was revealing, but not too revealing. And it had a see-through veil that split open in the middle of the front. She spun around to give him a full view. He most definitely liked what he saw, there was no doubt about that.

“Well..?”

He takes in a deep breath and gains his senses back.

“Honestly Rarity, I am sure you look stunning in everything you make. But since this is for your customers. I could definitely see this selling off the racks quickly. For me, though, it’s the thigh highs that sell it for me. I can definitely see a pony like Fluttershy wearing something like this. Perfect for somepony with her shy nature.”

She blushed heavily at his comment but then listened intently to what he had to say about the outfit. She needed in agreement with his assumption about a pony with a shy personality would definitely want to wear this for their partner.

“Yes, thank you for sharing. Now then, I will be back once more. I have a few more to show you.”

He sat and waited again, this time however, she came out in a black and purple bustier, VERY form-fitting and a black dangerously revealing pair of panties, the bustier connected to the black and purple striped stockings. This nearly made his heart explode yet again. The poor guy was having to deal with an erection from all this. Luckily the clothing he wore prevented that from being seen.

“Oh wow...I can tell you right now. Lots of stallions will go crazy if their partners wore that to the bedroom. In fact, I would take you right n-I mean...oh geez…”

He buries his face into his hands after those words. A heavy blush forming across Rarity’s face as she knew exactly what he was about to say. This went on for about an hour. Outfit after outfit. Eventually the onslaught stopped, he laid there on the couch nearly dead from the mini heart attacks he had. He slowly sits up and looks over to Rarity who was coming down the stairs fully clothed. Zhou stood up and got back to his senses.

“Thank yo, Zhou...you really helped me out with the final designs on these.”

“I am just glad it’s over...too much excitement for me in one hour, thats for sure. I need to get outside and get some fresh air.”

He was on his way out when Rarity grabbed him by the wrist and pulled herself closer to him, hugging him gently.

“What you almost said earlier...I don’t think it would be such a bad idea...should you get to know me better. It was amazing how you have such will power, I caused you so much stress when I was showing off to you. But you still refrained. I’d really like to get to know more about you, Zhou. You are sweet...caring and protective. Please, don’t be a stranger, come see me anytime.”

She said before leaning up and kissing his cheek lightly.

“Be careful out there, Zhou.”

Once they said good bye and he was on his way. Thoughts were swirling in his mind.

She is a lovely mare don’t get me wrong...but what about Applejack? She has known me way longer and I really like her to…

Yep,things were about to get very complicated for the earthbender. VERY complicated.

Author's Note

A little love rivalry is always fun!

May the darkness grant you peace.