Vampirism

"Hey Rarity, I borrowed some of the stuff you don't use much. Is that okay?"

"Yes. It's fine. What did you use?"

"Some black fabric and an imprint."

"Ooh! Getting a bit stylish, are we?"

"It's already done. Can I model it for you?"

"Of course. Just let me put these things away."

"Alright. I'll go get ready."

Sweetie Belle left the room to prepare herself.

"What do ya' think," Sweetie asked. Her head was tilted to leave her neck exposed in an attempt to entice her elder sister.

"Sweetie Belle...What kind of design is that? I've never seen it before."

"It's a secret."

"Someone's feeling a bit cheeky today, are they?"

"Maybe."

"It's so casual, but there's something underneath it that makes it really compelling."

"I have no idea what that word means."

"It can make a pony bat their eyes."

Sweetie giggled.

"What's so funny?"

"Bat."

"Hardy har har. You're just a little booger today."

"Oh, really? What does that make you? Saint of the drama queens?"

"My my my; that was a good one. Your insults are getting quite creative."

"I've had a lot of practice."

"Obviously."

"You're not looking half bad yourself."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Why, thank you Sweetie Belle. That's very nice of you."

"No problem. I'm gonna' go ahead and read in my room for a bit. Call me down for lunch?"

"I shall."

"Love you, sis."

"I love you too, Sweetie Belle."

Sweetie left the room.

Having read about two thirds of the first novel, Sweetie intended to finish it a little after lunch. She removed the red satin bookmark and continued reading. Unknown to her, Rarity had become suspicious of her sister's overnight personality transformation. She didn't know whether Sweetie had gotten into some kind of trouble and was trying to hide it. After about half an hour, all seemed calm, so she left the filly to her own devices for the time being. Still, she couldn't shake off the feeling something was up.

"Sweetie, it's time for lunch!"

"Coming!"

When Sweetie Belle reached the bottom of the stairs, there was a pizza box on the table.

"Nice," Sweetie exclaimed.

"Sweetie, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"You haven't been in any trouble recently, have you?"

"I haven't been out since Friday."

"Okay. I just wanted to make sure. You seem a bit different today."

"Do I?"

"You've been...Nicer, I guess is the word."

The look on Sweetie's face changed. She began to cross to cross the table on all fours.

"Who knows. Maybe I'm after something."

She was only inches from her older sister's face now.

"And...What exactly would that be," Rarity asked, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"I want to start studying fencing."

Rarity relaxed a bit.

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"I can actually help you there. I may not look it, but I was quite proficient in the ways of the sword when I was younger."

"Really?"

"It's a common sport among the aristocracy."

"I guess that makes sense."

"We can't do it today, but I should be caught up on my work by the time you get home from school tomorrow."

"Okay."

"Would you please get off the table?"

"Oh."

Sweetie Belle leaped off the table, careful not to break anything.

"I'm going back to my room."

"I'll call you when it's time for dinner."

The younger sister returned to the ascension of the stairs.

"She's totally clueless," Sweetie chuckled in her head.