Intoxicating Scales

"But darling, we-" Rarity stammered.

"It's really okay Rarity, come to me once you're ready." Spike consoled, taking his cup and leaving. "Get feeling better, I'm here if you need me."

As the last of his tail slithered around the corner, the tip of a bouncy, hot pink mane peeked around the corner. The mare's sky blue eyes lit up as a grin consumed her face. Carefully trotting in and extending out her arms, tilting her head.

Rarity nodded, accepting the embrace.

"How've you been feeling, Rare?"

"I've been well, just a little confused. I hope I haven't cause a fuss."

The rest of the group entered the kitchen, offering her sympathetic gazes. AppleJack tailing behind them all, but still looking worried. The warmth in her chest began to swell, squeezing the pink mare in her arms until she squeezed.

"Sorry Pinkie. It's great to see all of you again, I do thank you for your concern."

"You don't have to thank us, Rarity." Fluttershy softly chastised, "But I am relieved that you look okay."

Rainbow hovered beside her, squinting around her head.

"Dash, what are you doing?" she insecurely piped, smoothing over her mane with a hoof.

"Just checking to make sure nopony missed anything." the pegasi replied, landing and lighting prodding an area on her head. "Does it hurt when I do this?"

"N-Ah! It does actually, just a little bit. But only when you put pressure on it."

Twilight raised her eyebrows at Rainbow.

"What, Twi? Creatures injure themselves all the time at practice, I think I know how to find secret bumps."

The alicorn smiled, nodding approvingly. "Did you spot anything?"

The blue mare tenderly moved around the unicorns head, scanning before slinking back. "Just a little bump. Could have a concussion depending on-"

Fluttershy's eyes sternly flashed in her direction.

"-If something happened that we don't know about that night." Twilight coolly finished.

"Any surfacing emotions?" the yellow pegasi cooed, trotting over and placing a wing on a shoulder. "That could be very telling to the kind of events."

"I really do wish there was something I could contribute," she moaned, leaning into the embrace. "I feel simply awful for not being able to remember a single thing!"

Somepony cleared their voice, causing heads to turn. "Beatin' yourself over somethin' you can't change won't do nothin'. Neither will belittin' yourself. Pausing, AppleJack met her friends eyes. "Or others."

All was quiet before Rarity allowed a chuckled. "Thank you, 'Jack. I-"

"Sweetie gave me that letter you were composin'. I read it before all this commotion. I think we can agree it'd be best to talk about it later. Just know I'm here for you Rare, nothin'll ever change that. An' if it was okay with you, I think I'd still like to be friends."

Rarity swallowed the lump in her throat, "Even in the face of the, adversity?"

"Come on Rarity! You know what the mare meant!" Pinkie groaned, then bashfully blushed as she played with her front hooves. "Sorry, that didn't help. I've just been waiting so long for this resolution you guys!"

The pink earth pony propelled herself into AppleJack, constricting her into a hug that simultaneously made her gasp and giggle. Twilight caught a notepad falling out of the farm pony's saddlebag, eyebrows rapidly ascending. The two locked eyes for a moment, then nodded.

"I um, had a written response to it actually." AppleJack explained, escaping the grip and taking it back.

"Would you like this to preface the future discussion?" Rarity tenderly asked, accepting the parchment the earth pony tore out.

"I think i'd be helpful," the earth pony pursed her lips, "Though I'd understand with a thonk to the noggin you won't in the talking or reading mood for a little bit."

"A.J.stop being so nervous to talk to her!" Fluttershy burst out, taking in a deep breath as her voice returned to its original cadence. "I know for a fact you both are afraid of what the other's thinking or will say, but you shouldn't. Right girls?"

A chorus of "mhm's" and "yeps" were sprinkled throughout the air.

"You know, I really think we should get you to PonyVille hospital." Rainbow Dash put flatly, "If there is something seriously wrong, nopony's doing you a favor just letting you sit around all day. Even though that is extremely nice, Twi. You've got to work on your stink eye stealth."

"Oh, yes. I do agree that is the best option. Before we go however, you must excuse me. I must use the little fillies room, I should only be a moment and will meet you all downstairs." Rarity said.

Speed walking upstairs, the unicorn glanced over her shoulder. Carefully planting her hooves against the crystals so the echo was subdued. Gritting her teeth and pinning back her ears, she wondered if she'd have enough time. Or if she even knew what she was doing for that matter. What she was going to say?

"Don't be daft," she murmured so low only she could hear. "You know what he meant."

Her muscles felt like frozen lead as she neared the doorway. Even from here the musky scent lingered. But there was something more to it this time. The smell of a new book, freshly cut timber and an alluring scent she only encountered in her favorite cave; fragrant earth mixed seasoned by the sea with metallic overtones. Her marehood somehow felt both light and heavy- blood rushed to her head yet there was a stillness in her body.

"S-Spike?" she waveringly conjured, peaking into the doorway.

"Rarity?" the drake piped up, sliding off a large bed and pacing over to her. "Something wrong?"

"I am afraid I don't have much time to say what I need dear. The girls are taking me to PonyVille Hospital soon and-"

"Rarity," the dragon sternly breathed, "As much as I'd like to hear what you have to say, if your well-being is at sake, I think this conversation can wait until later."

The unicorn froze, only able to stare at him. "Dear, are you worried I may bring something up that you don't want to hear?"

"I think everyone is afraid of that from anyone, but yes. I'm sorry, Rare, I haven't been feeling well lately and- think we could talk about this once I know you're okay? I'm worried about you, and what sounds like a head injury isn't something I want to mess around and wait with."

"So you were listening earlier," Rarity sighed.

"I'm sorry, Rare. I'm just uncomfortable knowing that I'd be getting in the way of your healing. And what if it is serious? You may not be able to be around for much more than the conversation. Please don't be upset. I will go up there with all of you and perhaps we could have this conversation once I know you're safe and well taken care of?"

"I suppose that's fair," she grumbled, plodding out.

Groaning, Rarity tossed on her side. The hospital bed rough in contrast to the puffy pillow that she sunk deeper to with any movement. Gold evening light bled into the room, causing her to squint and rub her eyes. Her hooves met the edge of grainy cotton of her head bandage, which uncomfortably tugged on her fur.

"It's only a precautionary measure for that slight scraping," she'd been told, "Memory problems are extremely common with head injuries. But we think it would be best if you stayed overnight for testing." Puffing hotly when she contemplated how much of this her insurance would cover while stretching.

"Phase one complete, I don't see why they had to give me something to make me so drowsy," she complained, gaze falling on the table beside her.

The sight instantly warmed her heart; balloon and flower bouquets, and two pies all accompanied by cards. Somepony had even been kind enough to bring her a brush and a book. She did a double take when she realized what book it was. Mare Amare: Onyx Sunrise.

Giddily gasping, she fetched it up, pausing before opening it.

"But WolfBane's the only pony who knows my affinity for this series- and the only one I know with a copy of this book?"

Carefully prying it open, a note fell out.

Rarity,

I hope by the time this reaches you, you're feeling much better. Everpony else isn't sure what happened, and neither am I. I apologize terribly if I did something wrong that justified leaving before I woke up. We both know I am not as well versed socially as you. I went out looking for you and was relieved when one of your friends told me that you were safe. If there's anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask. I remember you saying you'd like to borrow this, which you may. Or if I did something wrong, you can keep it, I know how hard they are to find.

WolfBane

Rubbing the back of neck as she finished, she was unsure what to feel. Setting aside the book, she read a few of the cards. Most contained the usual "get well" semantics, but was surprised to find additions from the Cake's and many others from around town.

Puckering her lips once she found AppleJack's- a card with a note inside of it. Softly inhaling, she unfurled the parchment.

Rare,

I have had some time to consider what happened, and as much as it hurts, I think you're right. I got so caught up in my own loneliness, I convinced myself that my rashness was the right thing to do at the time. It's no news to you I can be proud. And when I was faced with a situation I wasn't strong enough to handle, it was easier to become bitter before I realized I needed to get better.

That's not to say what happened still doesn't hurt. It does. But I forgive you as I understand the impulsiveness behind the decision. That and I don't think Equestria can survive a rift between us- if that's a sign I don't know what is. Just because the both of us mad a mistake, it doesn't make either of us bad.

When you're ready, AppleJack

Smiling, she set the note aside. Feeling a weight lifted off of her, she began to gripped a pie with her magic when a note fell out behind it. Puzzled, she pulled it up, immediately feeling light headed.

Dear Rarity,

I understand what you've heard pertaining to me and Sweetie's relationship is troubling. We have not slept together and I just don't know if I can. I know it is selfish, and I am not sure why I am this way. I accept I may have already broke Sweetie's heart with my actions recently. I'm unsure how to make up for what I did.

If you aren't too enraged at me, I could use some help. That or I won't bother either of you anymore, I understand why you'd be upset.

Regrettably, Spike the Dragon.

Titling her head and a chill overcame her blood once more, she strained her brain to think of what event this pertained to. Unable to come up with anything, she scrunched up her muzzle in thought. Was the reason she went to the castle something to do with this?

Her ears pricked up upon hearing footsteps in the hallway. Gulping, she set the note aside, pulling up blankets over her and faking sleep. Her brain active as a swarming beehive.