Intoxicating Scales

"Are you sure I look okay Rarity?" Sweetie fussed. Turning around in her onyx dress with powder blue highlights.

"Of course darling! You are in excellent hooves." her sister consoled, misty eyed. "Now let's do something about your mane."

"Well you always look fabulous," the curly haired unicorn groaned, "You don't even need makeup to look attractive. Stallions fall left and right for you no matter what."

Rarity accidentally tugged her sisters hair with the comb.

"Ow! Rarity! I do want to show up with a mane, thank you."

"Darling, take a deep breath for me, okay?"

Sweetie's chest swelled, puffing on her exhale. "Sorry, I didn't need to be rude like that."

"You didn't, but I know how stressful it is to go on your first date. So I will ignore it out of my eagerness to help. And please dear, don't belittle yourself. You do look amazing."

"I wish you could come with me," her sister smiled, "That way you could whisper what I am supposed to say to make the evening a hit. But I think that would make things an advanced kind of awkward."

Rarity chuckled, "Everypony has that feeling darling. Just do your best, that's all you can do. And you're already friends, which makes things monumentally easier."

"Thanks Rarity." Sweetie said, twiddling her front hooves.

"One moment, I have something that will make you look even more divine." Rarity beamed.

Hurrying back she planted a flower with a blue crystal stem by one of her sisters ears. Its petals unfurled like a tulip, and were a radiant violet, glowing softly. Sweetie gasped when she saw it.

"Rarity! I didn't even know flowers could grow like that! It's beautiful! Are you sure you want me to wear it? It looks awfully expensive and rare."

"Of course dear, what kind of sister would I be if I didn't properly prepare you?"

"You're the best!" Sweetie squeaked, wrapping her long front legs around her sister in a hug.

"It's really no problem!" Rarity choked, "Though I think you should get a move on. Men do have a tendency to arrive pretty early."

"Really? I thought it would be the other way around? Do you think I should've worn the red one?" she asked, pinning around. The black dress she wore was a dark contrast to her porcelain fur, hugging her backside in a way that flirtatiously showed the bare outline of her curves, no doubt would arouse curiosity. It's train flowed to her ankles, highlighted with cerulean. Her light blue eye shadow mimicked what her sister usually wore, but darkened a few shades.

Rarity firmly shook her head. "No. This ensemble is divine darling. Defiantly will have him squirming in his seat."

"Rarity! Well then I'll get going, and tell you how it went once I get back!"

"Sounds good!" Rarity called as her sister charged out the door. Sighing, she trudged back to her room. "I'm sure it will go well. That was my only Drake-Femgratus, so you'll smell like a lady dragon in heat. Perhaps there is another dragon around town?"

Rarity let out an exasperated groan as she finished the final page of the book. "If Twilight didn't have the other half in the library, then where is it?"

Sighing, she trotted of her new bed and into the laundry room where Opal had decided was the proper place to raise her kittens. The feline grunted, acknowledging her entrance as she bathed one of her babies. Topaz slept above on the dryer. Lowering to her knees she petted Opal, cooing compliments on her fur and offspring. They had opened their eyes about a week ago and were becoming adventurous tykes.

She pondered how the date between her sister and Spike was going. Images of him dappered up in dark blue tuxedo caused her to shiver. Thinking of how those pants would pinch his manhood, sent a guilty jolt through her marehood. Light flowing off of his smooth scales and the softness of his eyes caused her to clench her jaw.

"Sweetie will be tremendously lucky, won't she?" she asked Opal. "And I'll always be home, talking to you or Topaz."

Resting her head on her hooves she thought harder, "I suppose that's not entirely true. I could have a decent shot at WolfBane if I play my cards right. Though, it wouldn't feel the same in...that way, you know? I want to feel his scales graze my-"

Opal gave her an incredulous sneer as she cleaned her other child.

"Oh, perhaps not in front of the kittens." she blushed.

Looking out the window, she groaned. It was barely early evening and she had a few more hours she'd spend alone. Considering trotting over to the library to visit Twilight, she decided against it. Though she respected Spike's decision, she didn't want to be right there when they announced it. The thought filled her with ambivalence- pain mingled with happiness for her sister.

Pulling out her notebook as she walked back into her room, she stared at what Twilight scribbled down yesterday. Rubbing her neck and mulling it over. Was it a good idea? Looking at the calendar she winced, noting how much time had passed since the incident. She hadn't so much seen her friend, much less said anything.

Grumbling, she ripped out a pearly white page from the notebook. Levitating a quill over its rich surface.

Dearest AppleJack,

I understand why you are upset, and accept my apology may not have enough fortitude. But I sincerely hope you do know I feel remorse. I hope all has been well with you and your recovery from my foolishness has already begun to overtake you. I can see why you'd still not want to talk, and I don't blame you. But just know I am always here for you if you need me. Worst of all, I know the kind of pain you're going through now and I wish I could swoop in and make everything all better. But I can't. I can only hope that time and love from all of us will assist in the recovery process and heal over the wound.

Respectfully, Rarity

Reading over the message, she puffed hotly. Crumbling it and throwing it aside. "That is defiantly not good enough. You'll just make things worse."

AppleJack,

It is with a heavy heart I compose this message. I understand my words don't have enough fortitude to make up for what I've done. And expect you'd still like silence to remain between us, so this will be my only letter. I entirely respect that.

Just know I feel remorse, if I could take it back I would. Worst of all, I know the breed of pain you're feeling as I have been in similar circumstances. I wish I could swoop in and make it all better. But I can't.

Please know you are loved and appreciated by all around you. Including me. You are an inspiration and an amazing friend I should've treated better instead of being rash. I believe you'd hoped we could become something more serious, and it broke your heart when you realized we couldn't. You need somepony much stronger than I. Somepony who can be what you need, and I am just not it.

The only thing we have in this terrifying existence are the bonds we make. I've ruined so many of mine, I just know I value you and will respect if you'd like this to be the end between us. There are beings just to painful to be around, and as grueling as it is to know I've become one, I will accept the consequence.

Rarity

"No, that's not much better," she moaned, setting the page on her table. "Perhaps I must rest on it. We always find the thing we're searching for once we stop looking for it."

Pulling over blueprints for dresses, she set herself to work. Thinking how she could congratulate a potential new couple tonight.

"I do hope they'll both happy," she sighed, "Even if that means I must separate myself from talking to him from now on. It would just be too painful, and I wouldn't want to intrude on his joy with my destructive emotions. He deserves better than that."

Rarity eagerly poked her head out the kitchen window once she spotted Sweetie trotting home with a smile on her face. She grinned back at her, motioning her head to hurry into the kitchen. Pulling herself back in, she adjusted the fixture of two cups and a pitcher full of orange juice.

Excitedly sitting down, she waited for her sister. Upon walking in the kitchen, Sweetie smugly cantered in, taking the opposite chair.

"Details? Spill them." Rarity softly demanded, pouring both of their cups.

Sweetie chuckled at the display. "We haven't done an orange juice talk session in ages! I missed them. Defiantly too full for the traditional chocolate cake, though it appears that's already been accounted for."

She nodded, taking a sip and waving a hoof towards her as if to pull the words out of her.

Sweetie took in a deep breath, speaking as though this were a business transaction. "Nothing spectacular to report, except the restaurants five cheese ricotta. We're still just good friends, nothing official yet. And-" her voice cracked, returning to its original cadence, "Oh Rarity, I was so nervous! I arrived early and he was just so handsome in his yellow suit! I couldn't say anything for a few seconds before I blurted out, "how are you this morning?" I thought that somehow being college aged would protect me from being clumsy and jittery, but I was all over the place when I talked! He must think I am weird and that it was a mistake-"

Rarity held up a hoof, stopping her. "No matter what age you are, all dates will hold something clumsy. But that's a part of the fun, you know? You wouldn't remember a perfect date, silly things are going to be what you remember. And they are, in fact, the things that make them beautiful."

"You're too good at this, sis. But he was an absolute gentleman. Assuring me he was having fun, telling me I looked beautiful, wondering how I've been and wanting to hear my plans for college. Really liked the idea of me moving out," she said, eyes flashing mischievously, "And said he'd adore if I could set some time aside next Friday. Oh! And me and him will be in the same Creaturalogy class!"

Sweetie went on the describe the intricacies of the date, how their waiter supported Hetro-Species relationships and an inventory of every detail. The thought of Spike's glowing smile raced through her mind. Filling her with relaxation as she played out their date in her mind. The two of them laughing, him salaciously wiggling his eyebrows and talking to her sister about her future- and perhaps even theirs.

"Sounds like you two had fun." she grinned.

"We really did," her sister said dreamily, "I hope you will tomorrow too."

"I beg your par- oh! Yes, my soiree with WolfBane, I-"

"Rarity, don't be humble it's a date. And every pony knows you are head over heels for each other," she giggled, "I can already hear the church bells ringing!"

"Oh stop it!" she tried to looked embarrassed, but only half committed.

"This sounds silly, but um...do you have any tips for me?" Sweetie guiltily asked, "This all still makes me anxious. And I know he's a dragon and probably works differently-"

"Don't worry darling," scrunching her muzzle, she let the lie flow like liquid silver, "I also knew you'd ask, so I picked up a book from Zecora. I'll leave it on your desk."

"You're too kind. And to think we used to be at each others throats all the time a few years ago."

She nodded, "Now, here are a few tips I've picked up over the years that have drove stallions ballistic. The secret is..."

"Spike?" Rarity purred, nuzzling closer against his bare scales. "You won't leave, will you?"

"Why would you ask that?" he cooed, stroking her stomach.

"I just worry, I always worry."

"Well don't, what good does that ever bring?"

"Yes but, after this...you're hers. Oh Spikey Wikey, I wish we could lay here together forever. But...you must do what makes you happy, and I will never allow myself to get in the way of that. Even if that means-"

"Rarity, don't."

She dragged herself off his bed and onto the crystal floor. Yanking back on her clothes and fixing her mane. "I can't Spike. Goodbye." she choked out.

Walking out into the hallway, she passed AppleJack, who was sneering down at her letter.

"You just thought this would make everythin' okay?" she seethed, "Nothing can make up for destroying somepony like you did me. And not knowin' what a bad pony ya're doesn't make you any less bad."

"Yes, I know dear." she sobbed, running outside, screaming as blinding light crashed down on her.

The boiling heat from the sun seared her hooves, shards of pain shooting through her veins. She turned to go back into the castle, only to be met with an expanse of nothing. The heatwave bore deeper into her, gasping she ran towards her home. Only to feel the ground give out underneath her, shrieking, descended into the opening of the earth. Feeling as though she was trapped inside a kaleidoscope spinning all the colors wildly, every time one out of thousands of patterns turned, it created a cacophony of deafening noises.

Rarity jolted awake, sweat drenched chest heaving as her heart tried to rip through it. Looking around, she sighed, resting back down, nerves still shot. Pulling back her ears once she realized that it was already evening and jumping out of bed.

"For Celestia's sake!" she spat, tripping over a roll of fabric, and landing on the end of a basket full of yarn, propelling them across the room. "What else is going to go wrong today?!"

"Rarity, you okay?" Sweetie popped her head in, "I heard like five small thuds and a big one."

Shaking herself off, she hustled to the mirror. Growling at the ball of periwinkle yarn that she impaled with her horn. Swiftly brushing out her bedhead, she turned to her sisters confounded face. "Has any pony come by today?"

"Fluttershy did, she left a note at the table. We couldn't wake you up, must've been up late working on the Winter Line, huh?"

"Oh- um, yes," a cold stone dropped in her gut remembering she still had to do this. "Though I'm already late for-"

"Of course!" Sweetie squeaked, "The letter has WBF on it! Would you like me to bring it up?"

"Yes darling." she smiled, washing of the makeup she forgot to take off before bed.

Sweetie returned moments later with a small cherry envelope. Opening it, Rarity smiled at the gorgeous soft blue paper and the curvature of his writing.

Rarity,

I came by this afternoon but nopony answered the door. Hope all is well, but if you decided to cancel today I respect that. I came off pretty cheesy the other day, which could've been embarrassing, I do apologize about that. But if all that happened was you overslept and you aren't upset, feel free to drop by my place today. I'll likely still be in pajamas, so feel free to come in those too! Address and directions are on the back.

If you don't stop by, thank you for voluntarily seeing me the other night. Meant a lot to me and I really enjoyed my time with you. I hope you have a wonderful day, and/or life, if this is our last form of contact.

Ever grateful, WolfBane

"What a dear," she giggled.

"Wow, I thought for sure you were going to say gentleman, this must be serious." Sweetie grinned cheekily.

She playfully rolled her eyes at her sister. Tucking her mane and tail into lazy buns before trotting out the door. Champagne pink pajamas fluttering in the light breeze. Pulling out the letter for directions every other turn to make sure she was going the right way. Frowning when she realized it was farther than she anticipated, coasting herself over to a park bench and resting.

"Wow Rarity, um, I really like whatever this look here is." Apple Bloom's crisp voice sounded behind her. "Looks nice 'n breezy."

"You don't have to butter me up dear, I'm still in pajamas."

"Sorry, wasn't tryin' to. Pretty nice pair of 'em though." she said, shyly shuffling over. Wearing a heavy red jacket and black pants.

Rarity's eyes weighed with sympathy, pursing her lips, she carefully spoke, "Haven't been taking it well, have you?"

"Takin' what well?" Apple Bloom asked, attempting to look flabbergasted.

"Darling, you're wearing a puffy coat in late summer and aimlessly walking around the park you used to take Winona to. And it's the day after your friend went on a date."

She barely caught Apple Bloom's flinch. "I've been feelin'-"

"I know how you felt about Sweetie dear. It is heart breaking. I know what it's like to watch the one you're in love with be carried off by another."

Apple Bloom stood like a statue, anger bubbled on her face before her bottom lip trembled and she let out a light sob. "I know 'm just bein' silly lettin' it affect me like this. I feel so stupid."

"Don't be dear, everypony's been there." she consoled, offering her a place beside her. "This will pass."

"It's one've those dumb college aged things, right? Like the voice in'a back of your head tellin' you you're never good 'nough and you're stupid 'n ugly? Oh who'm I ki-"

"Yes," Rarity murmured, stroking her back.

Apple Bloom sniffled, wiping away a few tears that escaped. "Wait, really? That was just wishful thinkin', but thanks. It really does make me feel better." Her shuddering went down exponentially, sighing, she hugged her.

Rarity allowed the embrace for longer than usual, knowing the mare likely still had tears rolling down her face and was still composing herself.

"So AppleJack will be okay?" the earth pony asked, "I still don't know what's wrong."

"She's just letting off steam darling. Give her time and just be kind to her."

"Thanks Rarity, you're the best." Apple Bloom said, picking herself back up and jumping down. "Was I really that obvious though? Or did Big Mac tell you?"

Grinning, she replied coolly, "The details from earlier and my intuition point me toward it. That and I've been exactly where you are too. You should get home though, AppleJack could use the company I'm sure."

Apple Bloom chuckled, "Doubt it. Rainbow 'n Fluttershy've been over there non stop this last week. If anything, I think she wants a break."

"Oh? That- thank you for telling me that." Rarity gasped, feeling an enormous weigh lift from her body. "Now I must get going posthaste."

"Hm? Oh! You still heading over to W.B.'s place or heading back? Fluttershy was talkin' about it when I left."

"W.B.? That is less of a mouthful. And I've yet to go over, because-"

Apple Bloom eyed her up, "Pajama party? Outfit would make a lot more sense." she stated saucily.

Rarity blushed, nodding. "Y-yeah."

Once the two trotted well away from one another, she couldn't help but fantasize what his house would look like. Would it smell just as good as him? What kind of pajama's was he wearing?

"Would he let me stay the night?" she airily asked the path, surprised to hear herself vocalize the thought. "Honestly, we've only been on one date Rarity!"

Though the new bed was a blessing on her back, she couldn't help but feel heavy again at the thought of walking back that night, sleeping alone after the date. Groaning as she passed small bushes of oleander.

"Of course he wouldn't want me sleeping at his place this soon, I-"

"How do you know I wouldn't?" a silvery voice chastised her behind a large blue hydrangea bush. "Sorry if I spooked you, I'm almost done trimming here. I didn't think you were coming so I'm covered a skosh in dirt and fertilizer. Something wrong? And for the record, if you wanted to sleep over, that would be fine by me."

Rarity was stunned however, as she continued to pace forward her eyes were met with an explosion of flora. Bushes of all kinds lined a small path coming up to it, before encircling a small garden. Towering trees surrounded them, almost distracting her from the smaller, fruit covered ones poking behind bushes, which coated the area in a tangy aroma. Mixed with the fragrant perfume of the flowers littering bushes and in beds around them. In the middle a cloud column stood, almost entirely covered in glittering blue ivy with sharp leaves, arching over to reveal an alcove.

The earth below her was a mixture of colors- the word kaleidoscopic came to mind. Whipping her head around she discovered a new kind of plant with every inch she took it.

"Are you still there?" WolfBane's concerned voice piped off.

"Y-Yes, I'm here. I apologize, your cour caught me off guard. It's beyond stunning. Literally had me breathless for a moment. Did you plant all of these? There's so many! I've never seen half of these."

With a giggle as sweet as honey, the pegasi emerged from the bush. Twigs, leaves, and dirt clinging to his mane. She chuckled warmly at his baggy blue pajama shirt and shorts. He shyly glanced down at them.

"I'll change into another pair. Celestia knows I live in these. And it looks."

"A true bachelor." she teased, then pinned her ears back. "Though you do wear more than those, right?"

"Have you already ate?" he smiled, motioning her towards the alcove.

Following him inside, her eyes widened when she spotted the twirling staircase. Ascending them, she couldn't help but look at his ass. Blushing at her brashness, she watching the smooth pajamas brush over his graceful curves and firm buttocks.

"I haven't dear, I apologize. My blood sugars low if we could move a bit slower...?"

"O-Of course! Are you really okay? Perhaps some french toast?"

"That would be divine."