“Angel, darling,” said Fluttershy, smoothing a corner of the tablecloth with her wing, “when I told the animals I needed some privacy, I actually meant you too.”
Angel, Fluttershy’s little white bunny, lifted his head from the jar of loose tea on Fluttershy’s tabletop and looked quizzically at the pegasus.
“Yes, you've been an emotional confidante about this whole… situation,” said Fluttershy, interpreting Angel’s nonverbal objection. “And I appreciate that. But this is something I want to do alone. Just me and her.”
Angel shot her a skeptical look.
Fluttershy sighed. “You're right to be concerned, Angel,” said Fluttershy. “But you know better than anyone that I really have been making progress. I'm ready to tell her today. I'm nervous, but… I feel good.”
Angel didn't seem convinced. “Please give me a chance to do this on my own, Angel,” said Fluttershy. “If I lose my nerve again, I'll let you help me next time.”
That seemed to satisfy Angel, who scampered out an open window. With the table set, and a good half hour left before her guest was set to arrive, Fluttershy resumed her reading.
The book proved to be a good distraction; it was an import from far east, written in a language that Fluttershy was still learning to read. Her proficiency had only recently reached the point where she could move from comics to novels - which also meant that she could read them in public without the risk that onlookers would see what sort of books they were. Fluttershy devoured stories about mares falling in love.
The book she was reading now was about a shy filly who falls in love with a beautiful, fashionable mare. Needless to say, the story had her hanging on every word. The importer had assured her it had a happy ending (Fluttershy absolutely didn't have the stomach for sad ones), but she couldn't help but worry whenever something came between the two mares. She needed them to get together.
And when a hoof knocked at the door, she almost didn't want to put the book down. She knew the romance on the pages would end happily, but out here in the real world… who could say?
But she summoned her courage and rose from her seat, slipping the book under a cushion and trotting to the front door. She glanced at the clock on the way to the door, not surprised to see that her guest was right on time.
That was one of the little things Fluttershy loved about her; she was hardly ever late, and never too early. Her other friends had patterns of their own; Rainbow Dash usually remembered appointments fifteen minutes late, and then showed up a few seconds later. Twilight had a habit of showing up early, looking pleased with herself for being ahead of schedule. And Pinkie Pie had an eerie tendency to knock on her door at the very second Fluttershy thought about inviting her.
But nopony was as simply reliable as Rarity. Fluttershy pulled open the front door and revealed her guest, who stood resplendent in a simple pink top and a shimmering blue dress.
“Oh, you look lovely,” said Fluttershy. “Goodness, now I feel underdressed…” Fluttershy was, in fact, entirely nude. She'd considered dressing up, but had worried that more formal attire would give her intentions away. In retrospect, it was silly of her to worry; Rarity opted to wear clothes more often that any other pony in town, and didn't bat an eye when others did the same.
“Oh, darling, you look as lovely as always!” said Rarity, stepping inside. “It's never my intention to make other ponies feel underdressed… I just had an outfit I wanted to take for a spin. I'm glad you like it; the other girls are dear friends, but they don't quite have your eye for fashion.”
“Oh, thank you,” said Fluttershy, leading the way to the table. “If I had your creativity and your way with ponies, I think I could enjoy working in fashion…”
Rarity took a seat. “Well, don't sell yourself short, darling. Creativity comes in many forms, and yours shows in so many ways, from the home you keep to the animal sanctuary you created… and the lovely blend I smell in the teapot.”
“Oh!” said Fluttershy. “Of course - let me just heat up the water.” She trotted to the kitchen, a neighboring room still within sight of her living room.
“Truth be told, darling, I would still love to make you part of my work,” said Rarity, raising her voice slightly to be heard across the distance to the kitchen. “I don't wish to pressure you, but if you ever felt like you'd like to model some of my pieces again, the offer is very much open. My fashions have never looked better than they did on you, dear…”
Even though she was facing away from Rarity, Fluttershy hid her face behind one wing, as she instinctively did whenever she received a compliment about her appearance. Through no fault of her own, Fluttershy had grown out of an awkward childhood into a beautiful, graceful body, with sleek wings and a shapely rump. She didn’t ask to have a body that brought her so much attention, and she often thought to herself that she’d be happier to be homely. The animals certainly wouldn’t mind.
But hearing Rarity praise her beauty felt different. It brought on a wave of embarrassment, of course, but it also made her heart dance in her chest, giving her a high she could ride all day. And while being pretty was an inconvenience most of the time, it didn’t seem quite so bad if it got Rarity to appreciate her.
The kettle boiled, and Fluttershy carefully put her mouth around the insulated handle to carry it to the table. She poured the hot water into the teapot, returned the kettle to the stove top, and came back to the table with a plate of little cakes from Sugarcube Corner.
“Oh!” said Rarity, eyeing the plate as Fluttershy set it down. “It looks delightful! You remembered my favorites, I see…” She levitated a bite of cake to her mouth. “Do you mind? I really should wait for the tea, but I simply can’t resist…” Fluttershy nodded, and Rarity took a small bite, sighing with happiness as she swallowed. “Oh, but I haven’t forgotten, Fluttershy - there was something you wanted to talk to me about? Whatever I can help you with, I’m more than happy to do it - especially when I’m received so graciously in your lovely home.”
Fluttershy sighed. “It's hard for me to talk about,” she said. “I've only spoken to my animals about it. I've talked their ears off, I'm afraid, and it's time for me to open up to another pony…”
“It sounds like it's something serious,” said Rarity, setting a half-eaten morsel down on her plate. “Or… maybe serious is too dire a term? It sounds important, at least…” She somberly raised a hoof. “Whatever it is, I promise to be understanding, and sensitive… and discreet, should the subject merit it.”
“Oh, er… yes,” said Fluttershy. “I think all three of those would be good, probably…” she paused without explanation, and began to pour the tea for Rarity and herself. Rarity watched with a patient, encouraging smile; it came as no surprise that Fluttershy was slow to form words, particularly when it came to difficult subjects. Rarity would give her time to sort out the words in her head, even if it meant enduring a few awkward silences.
Fluttershy, meanwhile, felt the silence growing heavy - with each passing second, she grew more fearful that she would lose her nerve. She thought of Angel, with whom she'd practiced this conversation - and who would insist on helping next time, if she didn't take care of things here and now. The threat of that was enough to spur her forward - perhaps more so than any other factor.
Fluttershy drew in a deep breath, and Rarity couldn't help but lean forward expectantly. “Well,” said Fluttershy, “you know how… some mares… are attracted to other mares? Exclusively?”
“Is that all?” said Rarity - and when Fluttershy’s head slumped in response, the unicorn put her hoof to her mouth. “Oh darling, no I didn't mean it like that! That's wonderful!”
It was wonderful, thought Rarity; most ponies made that sort of thing known much earlier in life, of course, but Fluttershy’s development as a social pony was slower than most, and Rarity - like her other friends - had come to accept that. There were those in Ponyville who suspected that the shy pegasus would never grow into any kind of romantic inclinations, and Rarity had at times been among them. But Fluttershy was an Element of Harmony, and an important part of the community thanks to her work with animals… and if she found fulfillment through those things alone, no one could accuse her of having an empty life.
But now she was ready to seek romance, it seemed, and Rarity couldn't help but wonder if there was any specific attraction that had motivated her to reveal it. “Truly,” said Rarity, “it’s wonderful news, and I'm sure there are many mares in Ponyville who will agree. I'll be discreet, of course, I haven't forgotten that promise - but if you'd like me to make an introduction, or play matchmaker, I'll be only too happy. If I can play a role in finding you a special somepony, it would be an honor!”
“I’m really happy to hear that, Rarity,” said Fluttershy, smiling back at Rarity. If she wasn’t quite as happy as she could have been, she didn’t let it show. “Having your support means a lot to me.” She paused, and pushed her teacup around with her hoof. “Um… it took a lot of courage to talk to you about this… maybe we could talk about something else for a while?”
“Oh, certainly!” said Rarity. “I’m so pleased that I’m the one you came to, Fluttershy - I always try to be a pillar of support to my friends, and you make me feel as though I’ve succeeded. But yes, yes, let’s trot along to other matters. Last time we spoke, I think you mentioned some type of lizard eggs that were in your care? Any developments there?”
And Fluttershy, back in more familiar territory, regaled Rarity with the latest news from her menagerie. The two of them didn’t return to the subject of Fluttershy’s love life, and as Rarity walked back home she found herself regretting it. She would have loved to hear more about how Fluttershy came to this realization about herself, and… perhaps learn if there was any particular mare that made her heart race. Not knowing the answer felt like a vexing little absence, a missing puzzle piece. But prodding Fluttershy for the information would be inexcusable; Rarity respected the courage she’d shown in opening up, and she would let her friend develop emotionally at whatever pace best suited her.
But even with that resolution firmly made, Rarity couldn’t help but make excuses to see Fluttershy again. When a week passed with no news on Fluttershy’s love life - not a passing conversation, or any sightings of Fluttershy with another mare - Rarity found herself insisting on spending time with Fluttershy. The thought of Fluttershy on a date, Fluttershy kissing another mare… even falling asleep next to her… the very idea had Rarity buzzing with excitement. In her imagination, the mare next to her was a hazy, colorless, pony-shaped void - and she desperately wanted to fill it in.
Fluttershy’s and Rarity’s schedules didn’t quite line up, as it happened, but Rarity agreed to meet Fluttershy while she was taking care of her birds - a task which, Fluttershy assured her, was one of her easier ones.
And it certainly wasn’t all that laborious, but it wasn’t the pleasant, relaxing break from dressmaking that last week’s teatime had been. Especially since Rarity insisted on helping out, which meant carrying half the load - mostly birdseed, and a few tools for repairing birdhouses.
“Fluttershy, I must say I’m envious,” said Rarity. “If I could do my work in the sunshine and fresh air, I’m sure I’d find it wonderfully energizing.”
“Oh yes, said Fluttershy, standing on a stepladder as she repaired a bird’s nest. “On days like this it’s just lovely. Of course, rain and snow would make both our jobs harder…”
“I suppose that’s true,” said Rarity. “Oh, darling, I simply must ask - have you had your eye on any mare in particular, this past week? I don’t want to rush you, but… well, I’m terribly excited about the prospect of you finding yourself a special somepony! And given my promise of discretion, I certainly can’t talk to anypony else about it.”
“Oh…” whispered Fluttershy, pausing in her task. “Well, I was really proud of myself for talking about it at all, and after that… I guess I sort of… took a break from thinking about it.”
“I suppose I can see what you mean,” said Rarity, “Thinking about this sort of thing can be stressful. But if you think of your love life simply as a source of stress, you’ll never reach a point where it brings you joy. Let me ask you this, dear: can you think of a time when admiring other mares and imagining yourself with them simply felt good to you?”
“Well, if I’m thinking of a time when I was relaxed,” said Fluttershy, “I suppose our spa trips are always quite nice.”
“Oh, I quite agree!” said Rarity. “A warm bath, pleasant scents, and lots of lovely mares coming and going… I don’t suppose you have your eyes on Lotus or Aloe? I wouldn’t blame you…”
“Oh, my,” murmured Fluttershy. “Well, they’re very pretty, but I never really thought of them that way…” She weaved another twig into the nest. “I suppose another time I felt good about my feelings about mares was… back when the two of us started working with Photo Finish.”
“Really?” asked Rarity. “Goodness, I didn’t think you had many fond memories of that time, Fluttershy.”
“Oh, it got stressful very fast,” said Fluttershy, “But I remember the first evening, when you were showing me pictures of those beautiful, glamorous mares. You had me try on a few outfits and practice some poses, and… You were so patient and understanding with me… I think that was the first time I really thought of mares in that way.”
“Darling, I had no idea!” said Rarity. “I still feel awful about how I pressured you back then. But if you enjoyed it at first… do you think you could enjoy that sort of thing again? If I promised you that I could provide a pressure-free environment, Fluttershy, would you like to do it again? Just some photos, in the boutique. Nothing public, I promise.”
As she spoke, Rarity couldn’t help but run her eyes over Fluttershy’s body. With her back hooves on the stepladder and her forehooves on an overhanging branch, she was practically thrusting her rump in Rarity’s direction. It wasn’t the sort of pose that would fly in a professional photoshoot, and yet Rarity found herself wishing she had a camera handy.
Fluttershy rested her forehooves on the branch in front of her, grateful to have an excuse not to look Rarity in the eyes. “When you put it that way…”
When you put it that way, it sounds almost exactly like what Sakura asked Suzuri to do. Fluttershy hadn’t had much time to read her imported novel, but she had reached the chapter where the fashionable mare had asked the shy one to pose for a photoshoot. She didn’t yet know how it would turn out… and what it might lead to. But she had faith it would bring them closer, and not just because she’d been assured the story ended happily. She needed to believe it.
“That actually sounds nice,” said Fluttershy. “Next week I shouldn’t be quite so busy… if there’s an afternoon that works for you, just let me know and I’ll come by!”
When they went their separate ways, Rarity trotted home with a spring in her step. She’d been hoping to find a model for a new line of clothes, and she’d been dragging her hooves. In her heart, she knew that Fluttershy was the perfect mare for the job, but after last time… she certainly didn’t want to pressure the poor dear into it.
It wasn’t until she got home that she realized she’d gotten away from the subject of Fluttershy’s love life. She’d been so happy to be working with Fluttershy again, she’d completely forgot about it.
Well, one thing at a time. And besides, spending time with Fluttershy would allow Rarity to bring up the topic later on. Who knows - maybe modeling could lead Fluttershy to romance. If she stuck with it, she might do photoshoots with other mares - mares just as beautiful and graceful as herself - and fall in love with her.
That should have been a lovely mental image - Fluttershy and some lovely, slender mare - but something about it didn’t satisfy Rarity. Why was that? She’d been so excited about finding a mare for Fluttershy…
Fluttershy’s heart was racing again as she approached Carousel Boutique. As Angel had reminded her - in his usual nonverbal fashion - she hadn’t actually confessed her feelings for Rarity. Revealing that she was attracted to mares was a start, but it was a far cry from what she really wanted.
But then, working with Rarity would offer her plenty of opportunities to… flirt? Fluttershy instinctively hid her face at the thought, despite being completely alone. How do ponies flirt? If she knew that, she probably wouldn’t have gotten to this age without a single marefriend…
Fluttershy pushed open the door to the Boutique. Despite the CLOSED sign on the door, the store - like most businesses and dwellings in Ponyville - wasn't usually locked after hours. It did have a bell that rang when it swung open, though, and the sound called Rarity from behind a row of hanging dresses. “Fluttershy!” she said, “So lovely to see you! You'll have to excuse me a moment, darling… I'm a bit new to photography, and I need get a few things set up before I can start shooting. Just make yourself comfortable…”
Fluttershy curled up on one of the padded seats set up around the Boutique, watching Rarity work. “Goodness,” she said, “it looks like you've put quite a bit of thought into this…” Rarity's setup was fairly modest, but appropriately professional: in a corner of the Boutique there was a patterned backdrop, a bulky camera, and a dressing dummy between the two, presumably serving as a stand-in for Fluttershy herself.
“Oh, it’s nothing much, dear,” said Rarity, busying herself with the camera. “Coco Pommel, you remember Coco, she put me in touch with a photographer who was purchasing a larger studio space and newer equipment. He was happy to find a buyer for his old gear, and in exchange, I get to try my hoof at fashion photography… without bankrupting myself in the process. A word of advice, Fluttershy dear, don't look up the price of professional cameras unless you have a fainting couch handy.”
Fluttershy laughed. “I'll keep that in mind,” she said. “You… you didn't buy all this just for me, did you? I mean… if I quit on you again, then all that money is going to waste...”
“Darling, darling,” said Rarity soothingly, meeting Fluttershy’s worried eyes, “I told you, these weren't expensive - and besides, I've had them for months. I've been wanting to give photography a try since…” Rarity realized that she didn't actually know how that sentence should end. She paused, descending into her memory to dig up the truth. “Well, to be honest, ever since you and I worked with Photo Finish. I just felt like I handled that so poorly, and I think I was looking for a chance to do it properly. You know, I think the two of us could…”
“Yes?” said Fluttershy, rising slightly from her seat.
“Well…” Rarity paused again; her mind felt like a tangle of words and complex emotions, and she couldn't find the right thread to pull. She wanted to say the right thing, something that would encourage Fluttershy and keep her close… but everything she could think to say sounded… not quite right.
“Well, I… think of you as my closest friend, Fluttershy,” said Rarity. “And… I so rarely feel I have enough time for anypony. When I begged you to model for me with Photo Finish, it wasn't just about my career, I… I wanted to find a way for the two of us to spend more time together. But I pressured you, and then I grew jealous when I didn't have you all to myself…”
Rarity put her hoof to her face, sighing. “I'm sorry, dear, I don't know what I'm saying.”
“No, I... think I know what you mean,” said Fluttershy. “I wanted to spend more time with you too. I also think of you as my dearest… er, closest…” she went silent, unsure of her words. “I couldn't handle what Photo Finish had in mind for me, but… if it's just you and me, then I know I'll love it.”
For some reason, Rarity felt like she was about to cry. She hid her face behind the camera, letting the feeling pass, and turned to Fluttershy. “I think I'm ready for you, dear!” she said. “There’s a blue dress hanging on the changing screen - why don't you start with that one?”
Rarity woke up to the smell of cinnamon, something she couldn't account for. The potpourri on her dresser was decidedly a citrus blend, and none of her scented candles - even if they were cinnamon-scented - would provide a fragrance so fresh. The wafting smell lifted her from bed and drew her down the hall, where Fluttershy was diligently at work.
“Oh!” said Fluttershy, lowering the flame underneath a small pot on the stovetop, “I'm so glad you're up, Rarity! Breakfast is almost ready, and I was worried I'd have to wake you up… you were sleeping so peacefully, it would have been a shame…”
“You made breakfast?” mumbled Rarity. Her half-open eyes and half-awake brain began to work at the puzzle in front of her. Her eyes supplied a clue as they passed over the kitchen’s garbage can: paper boxes triggered a memory of ordering a delivery meal halfway through the evening.
Goodness, she hadn't intended to keep Fluttershy that late, but setting up took longer than she'd anticipated. And Fluttershy was so wonderfully engaged with the process of modeling, nothing like how she'd been when Rarity had pressured her. She’d asked to see the photos, she'd suggested poses and angles… and before they were halfway through the shoot, it was dinnertime. And by the time they were finished, it had been so late that Rarity had offered to let Fluttershy spend the night. And now, for the first time since she moved out of her parents’ house, Rarity had someone making breakfast for her.
“I hope it's okay,” said Fluttershy. “I didn't use anything you were running low on, or anything expensive. Mostly just oats, a little bread and butter…”
“And cinnamon,” said Rarity, sniffing the air again. “It's more than okay, darling. It's certainly above and beyond what I'd expect from a guest; you must have woken up at the crack of dawn to do this.”
“I'm an early riser,” said Fluttershy. “And it was the least I could do, after you paid for dinner, and gave me the bed for the night, and took a chance on having me as a model again…”
“Fluttershy, it’s you doing me a favor with the modeling. Of course you'll be compensated - oh dear, we haven't discussed your fee. Well, I'll make sure it’s worth your-” Rarity paused as something occurred to her. “I gave you the bed?” she asked. “But I woke up in my bed just now…”
“Oh, well… yes,” said Fluttershy, dipping her head to let her long pink locks conceal the blush in her cheeks. “You went to sleep on the couch, but halfway through the night… you must have wandered back to your bed…” her voice dropped to nearly a whisper. “I didn't mind…”
There was more to the story, in fact. Fluttershy didn't mention how Rarity, climbing into her bed, put her forehoof around Fluttershy’s shoulders - or how she’d leaned her head into Fluttershy’s neck, gently nuzzling her as she drifted back into deep slumber. And Fluttershy likewise didn't mention how she, waking up at her usual early hour, just lay in Rarity’s embrace, feeling the warmth of her body and the rhythm of her heartbeat.
“I’m terribly sorry about that,” said Rarity. “I suppose it’s understandable that I’m in the habit of seeking out my own bed when I’m half-asleep, but nonetheless I apologize for forcing you to share it.” And yet Rarity found herself feeling comforted by the thought of sleeping next to Fluttershy. She pictured herself resting beside her, sleeping soundly while the pegasus awoke and trotted off to make breakfast. Waking up to Fluttershy’s smile and a meal made with care… it was a nice way to start the day.
“You don’t need to apologize, Rarity,” said Fluttershy, setting down Rarity’s breakfast - a piping hot bowl of oatmeal, a plate of fresh, cinnamon-dusted toast, and a glass of spring water. “I often let my animals share the bed with me, but there’s something really different about sleeping with another-” she stopped herself, backing away from the table. She couldn’t believe she’d almost just said… what she just almost said.
And Rarity picked up on the unintended implication - but she thought it best to let it slide. “So Fluttershy,” she said, a bit more loudly than was necessary, “Our little one-on-one photo shoot yielded wonderful results. I’m sure a seasoned veteran would have gotten you in and out in half the time - or perhaps less, if I’m being brutally honest with myself - but it was a treat to spend the evening with you! And it got me this wonderful breakfast which I really shouldn’t be allowing to get cold…” She levitated a spoon into the oatmeal and brought a steaming serving to her mouth. “Mmm!”
Fluttershy, grateful that Rarity changed the subject, brought her own breakfast to the table. “I’m happy we got to spend time together too, Rarity! It used to be that I was only comfortable when I was with my animals... but since you and the girls have helped me be more social, sometimes I feel like my job is a little lonely…”
Rarity’s sympathetic look made her pause, and she raised her forehooves in front of her face. “Oh, I’m making it sound like you made my life worse… but I think I was always lonely, I just didn’t think of it that way because being around other ponies never made me happy. But now, spending time with you is… really special. I kind of wish it didn’t have to end with just breakfast…”
“Well, perhaps it doesn’t!” said Rarity. “I can take a day off from the Boutique, particularly if I do it to build a stronger professional relationship with my star model.”
Fluttershy laughed. “Wow, you make it sound so official. Is it really okay to close the Boutique, though?”
“I’m not expecting any high-profile customers,” said Rarity, “and if any locals were planning on dropping by… well, I’m sure they’ll come by another day. What about you, darling? Can you take the day off, or do your animals need you more than my customers need me?”
The answer to Rarity’s question - whether Fluttershy could take the day off or not - turned out to be “sort of.” The animals around Ponyville were fairly independent - more so than Rarity’s cat Opal, certainly - but whenever they needed something they couldn’t do for themselves, they knew to come to Fluttershy. And so she ended up having “office hours” of a sort, where animals came to her with their problems.
And ever since she’d created her animal sanctuary, her “office” was the miniature waterfall at its center. She lay on the stone beside the falling water, listening to the animals and speaking softly to them. And today, standing at the base of the waterfall, Rarity was there to see it - to see how Fluttershy, her hair swaying in a summer breeze, communed with the natural world. For the first time, Rarity felt like she truly understood just how special Fluttershy’s connection with animals was. In the past, she’d seen her chat with animals and even stare down the occasional beast - and in a world where other ponies’ talents included supersonic flight or pyromancy, Fluttershy didn’t seem to stand above the pack.
But right now, seeing how the animals came to her, how every species from chipmunks to rattlesnakes to grizzly bears trusted her - it was jaw-dropping. Her kind words and gentle nature were powerful here; she was like a nature goddess, benevolent and beautiful. Rarity levitated her camera from her saddlebags and held it steady, hoping to capture Fluttershy’s unearthly beauty with a candid shot.
The sound of the camera shutter made the little red bird perched on Fluttershy’s upturned hoof turn its head in surprise, which in turn made Fluttershy raise her head and look down at Rarity. “Oh, darling, I’m so sorry,” she said, lowering the camera, “I’ve gone and interrupted your work, haven’t I? But the way you looked… oh, words can’t do it justice, darling! I just had to capture it!”
“I didn’t know you brought your camera,’ said Fluttershy. “Do I look okay?”
“‘Okay’ doesn’t begin to describe it, Fluttershy!” said Rarity. She raised the camera again, centering it on Fluttershy. “I can’t believe I’ve never seen you like this before! Your kindness, your beauty, the… the love you have for all the creatures around you… I’m only an amateur when it comes to photography, but if I can capture an image that makes the viewer feel even a fraction of what I feel when I look at you right now… heavens, it’s just - my heart is racing, darling, I don’t think there’s a word for what I’m feeling…”
Rarity paused, closing her eyes and letting out a long, slow breath. Here, the sun was warm and gentle; here, the breeze was fresh and cool. Here, far from sewing machines and rolls of fabric and piled-up orders for new dresses, Rarity’s mind felt clear. And with a clear mind, she realized that there was a word for what she was feeling.
“Stay right there, darling,” said Rarity, trotting up the terraced stone. “There’s just one thing I want to add to the picture.” With her magic, she held the camera at the spot where she’d been standing, still pointed at Fluttershy. And she put herself into the frame, kneeling by the reclining yellow pegasus, gazing into her beautiful blue eyes, coming closer and closer until at last - at last - their lips met.
Fluttershy was shocked for a moment - but she had spent so much time imagining this moment, it didn’t take her long to melt into the kiss, putting her forehooves around Rarity’s neck. She heard the camera shutter click, capturing what it could of the moment… but there was so much more to it than what the camera’s lens could see. Fluttershy was soaring, riding on a cloud - both things she’d literally done, but she’d never before felt the emotions those expressions were meant to evoke.
Rarity pulled back from the kiss, searching Fluttershy’s expression. “Darling, I hope I haven’t offended,” she said hastily. “Just because you confided your feelings about mares in general doesn’t mean... “ she sighed, still smiling. “I just saw you there, looking... sort of ethereally beautiful, I suppose is how I’d describe it… And, well, I don’t know if you’re a fan of romantic literature, Fluttershy, but the moment just seemed… perfect…”
Fluttershy returned Rarity’s smile, but stayed silent, content to live in this moment as long as it would last. But Rarity had more to say. “And… the truth is, Fluttershy, I think I’m in love with you. I feel like maybe I’ve known it for a long time, but… well, I suppose you might not have been ready for anything serious until now. And perhaps I wasn’t either. Fluttershy, do you feel the same way?”
“I do, Rarity!” gushed Fluttershy. “I do, completely! Oh Rarity, I was worried I wasn’t strong enough to be honest about my feelings… I was worried I’d never be strong enough… But now that I know you love me too, I… oh, Rarity, let’s make love!”
“Oh!” gasped Rarity, stumbling backwards on the terraced stone. “Well, I… it’s a bit…” she swallowed a quick gulp. “Right here?”
“Well, the animals won’t mind,” said Fluttershy, wearing a deep red blush. “But a beautiful and cultured mare like yourself would probably be more comfortable in a bed.”
“Er, yes, that’s true…” said Rarity. “Your cottage is closest, so if you’d escort me there, we could… Well, you know…”
Fluttershy laughed, feeling the weight of long-kept secrets lifting from her shoulders. She put her wing around Rarity, leading her down the path that led back home.
“Ah, well… this is it,” said Fluttershy, crawling onto her bed. “I, uh… I still want to, it’s just… I’ve never done this before, not with anyone…” She smiled nervously from beneath her curtain of pink hair. “I’m not even that good at doing it… myself…”
“Oh, darling,” said Rarity, climbing onto the bed and sprawling herself out beside Fluttershy, “This isn’t about experience, darling. This is about feeling good. Growing closer together, exploring our feelings and desires.” She stretched her body, separating her legs, exposing the pussy beneath her shining white fur. “What do you desire, Fluttershy? What do you want to do with me?”
Fluttershy hid her face - although her smile didn’t fade. “I… I don’t know…” she peeked at Rarity’s marehood, and squeaked in fear. “Whatever you think we should do…”
“Mmm, in time you’ll figure out what you like,” said Rarity, stroking her belly with her forehoof. “For now I can take the lead. To tell the truth, most of my experience is with stallions… but I think I can show you a good time regardless. You’ve certainly earned it, darling… you must have spent so much time wishing… yearning… but a body like yours deserves to be pleasured, and praised, and touched…”
Rarity reached out to Fluttershy, pulling her close, and brought her lips in for another kiss. Their first kiss, as wonderful as it was, had been tentative, cautious… but Rarity made this kiss a forceful declaration of her intentions. Her tongue slipped between Fluttershy’s unsuspecting lips and plunged into her mouth, claiming every inch of it as the unicorn moaned and began to writhe against her. Fluttershy didn’t have the confidence to reciprocate - she stayed mostly still, letting Rarity plunder her mouth. Soon Rarity’s back hooves were intertwining with hers, sending tingles through her thighs… and finally Rarity lifted one back hoof and brought it to Fluttershy’s virginal slit.
Her lips were still locked with Rarity’s but Fluttershy managed to gasp as Rarity stroked her marehood. She’d never imagined that a hoof could be so smooth and so soft… Rarity’s hooficures were mostly for the sake of her beauty, but they also made her hooves into such gentle implements of pleasure…
Slowly, Rarity worked her hoof between Fluttershy’s lips, parting them with slow strokes - and then moving towards her belly, arriving at the sensitive nub of her clit. Rarity stroked the little love button with the cleft of her hoof, until Fluttershy’s legs were kicking at the air - and she couldn’t help but return the passion in Rarity’s kiss.
Rarity took a moment to enjoy the ferocity she’d inspired in the timid pegasus, wrestling against her tongue and stroking her clit. Then she pulled away, her face flushed, and gazed at Fluttershy until she opened her eyes. “Don’t stop, please…” gasped Fluttershy. “More, more, it’s so good…”
“Your kiss is a delight,” said Rarity, “But I need my mouth free, darling. I’m glad you like what I’m doing with my hoof, but my tongue is a far more… precise and nimble tool.” She leaned her head towards Fluttershy, whispering in her ear. “I need to taste you, Fluttershy…”
Rarity turned her body to the side, bringing her face to Fluttershy’s nethers. With more experienced partners, she might have put her marehood against the other mare’s face as well - but she wanted Fluttershy’s experience to be wholly enjoyable, free of pressure. She knew the poor girl would feel guilty if her “performance” wasn’t up to par… and there would be plenty of time to train her to pleasure another mare later on.
Rarity breathed in the fragrance of Fluttershy’s marehood, feeling her own pussy growing slicker as the smell hit her senses. Mares just smelled better to her than stallions; Rarity had always admired mares more - from the fragrance of their hair to the shape of their bodies - and that admiration had been part of her drive to go into fashion. It had certainly exposed her to plenty of lovely, charming, and talented mares - but stallions were far more forward, more inclined to make the first move. It was so much easier to fall into a relationship with a stallion when her life was already so busy.
But now, with her mouth less than an inch from Fluttershy’s pussy, she knew that finding a mare - finding the perfect mare - was worth the trouble. She closed the distance, drawing her tongue across Fluttershy’s slit, making the pegasus shudder. Her tongue was warm and slick and flexile - all things that made it far better than even her smooth, gentle hoof. She set into the rhythm she remembered from her last time with a mare - the sweep up and down the vulva, the flicking at the clit that grew faster and stronger over time.
“Oh, oh, Rarity, I can’t - you have to slow down!” yelped Fluttershy, her whole body quivering. “I’ve never felt like this before, I… I don’t know if… oh, oh, oh…”
Rarity felt a little cruel, tormenting Fluttershy with her unrelenting tongue. But her whimpers were so cute, so hot… she needed to hear more. She needed to hear what it sounded like when Fluttershy came. She probed deep into Fluttershy’s folds, digging her snout into the soft yellow fur of her belly, licking up her sweet, musky fluid.
“Rarity, Rarity, I’m close, I’m, close,” gasped Fluttershy. “Aah, it’s too much, it’s too much, Rarity, I feel like I could explode… ah… aahhh~”
A gush of fluid hit Rarity’s tongue as Fluttershy’s body spasmed and her pussy clenched, pulsing with powerful tension and release. Rarity didn’t let up, hungrily licking at Fluttershy’s folds as she cried out, filling the empty air around her cottage with wordless squeals of delight. When she came down, panting, Rarity finally pulled her muzzle out from Fluttershy’s crotch and gazed into her eyes.
“I… I’ve never…” Fluttershy struggled to catch her breath. “Nopony has… ever made me feel like that before, Rarity. Thank you…”
“You’ve made me feel amazing things too, Fluttershy,” said Rarity. “What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t find a way to reciprocate?” She shuffled her body on the bedsheets, bringing her face to Fluttershy’s and gave her a quick kiss. Fluttershy was shocked to find the taste of her own marehood lingering on her lips… but it was all part of the wonderful, sexy newness of this whole experience, and she cherished it as she would cherish any other kiss from Rarity.
“I’m sorry I can’t… do the same thing for you,” said Fluttershy. “I want to be good at, um… eating pussy… but if I tried now, I’m sure I’d be awful at it. Do you suppose Twilight has a book about it?”
“It wouldn’t surprise me,” said Rarity. “But if you truly want return the favor, Fluttershy… and help me climax… there is something you can do right now.” Her smile turned playfully sinister. “But I warn you, you may find yourself ascending…” she drew herself closer to Fluttershy, interlocking their limbs, “...to the same heights of carnal pleasure I just sent you to. If you think your heart can take it…”
“Oh, goodness, Rarity… I really don’t know…”
Rarity laughed. “Goodness, darling, I was being dramatic. You can’t take me so seriously when I get like that…” She leaned her head to nibble at Fluttershy’s ear, forcing a soft yelp from the pegasus’ throat. “But I will make you cum once more, darling,” whispered Rarity, ”and your body will shake with rapture, and you will scream my name…”
Rarity began to grind her hips against Fluttershy, sending a shiver through her body. Fluttershy hadn’t realized it until now, but when Rarity had nestled herself against her, she’d lined up their respective marehoods - and now Rarity’s grinding was touching her lips against Fluttershy’s, making their clits rub and swipe against one another.
“Oh, I can’t…” moaned Fluttershy. “Rarity, I’m not ready… I came so hard…”
“Oh, hush, dear,” said Rarity. “You’ve been so brave this past week, pushing your boundaries… confessing your feelings… just be brave a little longer. Be brave, Fluttershy darling… let your body do what it wants to… and it will reward you with such transcendent pleasure…”
Fluttershy tried to take Rarity’s advice, letting her body relax… and she felt her hips start to move, meeting Rarity’s motions with rhythmic movements of her own. And suddenly, the building tension and the powerful sensations in her core didn’t feel so overwhelming. She was in control - at least halfway. She was taking charge of her own pleasure… and providing Rarity with the love she had longed to give her. There was more to love than scissoring, of course - but having the most intimate parts of their bodies in such close contact was a revelation.
“Oh, darling, you’re good at this… so very good…” groaned Rarity. “Who would have guessed there was such passion beneath your shy smile… oh, I’m a lucky mare, so lucky… Fluttershy, darling, you’re going to make me come…” she gasped, clutching at Fluttershy with her forehooves. “I’m going to come so hard, darling, my pussy is so very wet... I’ll absolutely gush…”
“Oh, Rarity, I want to feel you come,” gasped Fluttershy. “I want to make you come…”
“Mmm, shall we come together?” offered Rarity. “Wouldn’t it be just lovely… terribly romantic… tell me, dear, are you close? Please tell me your sweet little pussy is pulsing with love and just ready to pop, darling, dear… I so want to come with you, Fluttershy, won’t you let me come with you…”
“Oh, I’m close, I’m close,” Fluttershy moaned, feeling her legs begin to kick. “I can’t hold it back, oh, oh-”
Rarity pulled Fluttershy closer, grinding herself deeper, giving her little love button everything it could handle - and then she came too, her pussy flowing with femcum as her pulsing, throbbing marehood released the aching knot of tension she’d built up. Holding each other with all their strength, they came together, crying out until their mouths found each other again and they joined in a kiss.
When their lips parted, Fluttershy - still coming down off the full-body climax she’d experienced - was mumbling, babbling: “I love you, I love you… Rarity, Rarity… I’ve loved you for so long...”
“I love you too, Fluttershy darling,” whispered Rarity. “I hope I was worth the wait.”
“And you, you’re just like Sakura!” said Fluttershy excitedly, jabbing her hoof at a section of the text that was - like every other section - entirely unreadable to Rarity. “Just like her, you’re… you know… effortlessly beautiful and graceful in everything you do…”
“Well, that is a terribly flattering characterization,” said Rarity, leaning her head onto Fluttershy’s shoulder. “But I’ll have you know I put dreadfully large amounts of effort into looking this good. Of course, making it look effortless is what I was going for…” With her magic, she lifted a pillow that had fallen to the floor and used it to prop herself up. The two of them hadn’t left the bed since they came together; neither of them could think of anything better to do than lie there in each others’ embrace.
But when the silence became a bit tiresome, Fluttershy grabbed the book from her nightstand and began to explain its parallels to their budding romance - and Rarity, in spite of her love for Fluttershy, was a bit skeptical.
“And this Suzuri character, this plain girl - that’s how you see yourself? But you’re gorgeous, darling, you always have been!” Fluttershy just made an agreeable hum, nuzzling her face against Rarity. “So how does the story end?”
“I haven’t read that far,” said Fluttershy, “But I’ve got a good feeling about it.”
