A Second Chance

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Epilogue
Chapter 4

Prologue

As an author, sometimes you write stories that don't get finished. It can be for any number of reasons, with any amount of prior progress, from almost finished to never getting past the first page. And while unfortunate, it rarely matters to anyone but the author.

Unfortunately, Meteorite happened to be one of those it also mattered to.

Because while Meteorite is an OC, she's not just any original character. No, to her chagrin, she's a self-insert OC, in one of those stories where the author apparently decided 'Hey, why don't I throw myself into Equestria for a laugh?' And it bothered her that she apparently fell victim to one of these stories.

Her author knew this bothered her OC, who had tried to 'contact' the author numerous times, but she refused to respond. This was The Rule she told herself to live by. Meteorite had to deal with the story by herself. This was the basis of the story that would introduce Meteorite, and send her off on her way.

That story never got finished.

This caused a few problems. For Meteorite, she's fine; she doesn't even notice the story stopping. She just continued on with trying to adjust to her new life, all the while still suspicious that something is going to happen in the story soon, because otherwise what's the point? But really, only the events reflected by the show itself tend to happen nearby. It gets a little dull during the offseason, but that's life sometimes.

For the author though, the author that still cares about her creation, still thinks about her story as the years go by… it gets harder to ignore the fact that the story and characters she cared about so much had been… well, abandoned.

And so, the author, in her weakness… breaks The Rule.

"Hey Meteorite!"

Meteorite paused mid-gait as she heard the voice call her, but moreso as the sounds of Ponyville seemed to cut out suddenly. She looked to her sides before turning around and coming face to face with the speaker. Well, face to leg, considering the speaker was a human woman. The woman sported a silly grin as she waved. Meteorite sighed as she looked up, but with a smile.

"Oh, hey Alexandra," Meteorite glanced around at her surroundings, now seemingly frozen in time, except for her and Alexandra. "So, I guess we're doing another non-canon thing here?"

"Yup!" Alexandra said, as she leaned down to lightly ruffle Meteorite's mane, "And I need your help!"

"Help with what?" Meteorite asked, as she flicked her mane back into place.

Alexandra looked around settled herself down under the shade of a nearby tree, and pulled out a pen and a notebook. She uncapped her pen as she addressed Meteorite, who wandered over and sat down in front of her.

"Okay so, kind of springing this onto you, but our friends and I, we're going to do a weekly 'creativity hour' kinda thing, and you know what I'm like with being creative."

"Oh yeah, that's… that's not your thing when it doesn't hit you."

Alexandra levelled her gaze. "Thanks," she said dryly. "Anyway! We thought it'd be good to have something to show for it, so here I am! I need you to give me ideas of what to do."

Meteorite flicked an ear back slightly. "You're… asking me for ideas on what to write."

"Well yeah, I need someone to bounce ideas around with. Why not you?"

"Because I'm you?"

Alexandra waved a hand. "Eenh, details! Come on, it'll be fun. Besides, I don't have much time."

Meteorite shuffled slightly. "Well, alright then. When is this 'creativity hour' gonna start anyway?"

Alexandra checked her watch that she doesn't actually have but needs for this scene. "About half an hour ago."

"Uh… what."

"Oh yeah," Alexandra said, with a goofy smile, "This interaction we're having is the 'creativity' bit I'm showing for this week! I just figured I'd get ideas for next time."

Meteorite looked around apprehensively. "Is that… wise? I mean… showcasing… yourself talking to… yourself?" Meteorite paused as a thought hit her. "What about the past couple times we've done this? Have you already shown those to everyone?!"

Alexandra shook her head. "No no no. Those moments were… I guess, private thoughts, really, as I sorted things out in my head. This is just us being silly and stuff!" She lifted her pen. "Come on, let's us brainstorm and have fun doing it!"

Meteorite rubbed her foreleg slightly. "I guess…"

"Okay!" Alexandra cheered as she flung the notebook open to a blank page, her pen poised. "So, pony me, what do you think I should write about next?"

Meteorite shrugged, not making eye contact. "I'unno…" she muttered. "This is kinda on the spot, asking me now."

The pen in Alexandra's hand lowered slightly, her eager attitude now deflating. "Oh come on… that's my excuse for not coming up with anything!"

Meteorite gave her a wry stare. "Gee. I wonder why."

Alexandra raised her hands, "Okay, okay. We're getting nowhere fast like this. Let me ask you this then." She cleared her throat as she looked upward in thought.

The pony waited as nothing came. "Yes…?"

"Shh, I'm thinking."

Meteorite rolled her eyes, as Alexandra continued to be deep in thought, pen nesting on her lips.

"Okay. So. Meteorite. Is there… anyone you wanted to talk to, but never got around to?"

Meteorite clucked her tongue. "Besides Rarity?"

Alexandra shrugged. "It can be Rarity if you want."

Meteorite looked down, blushing as she tapped her front hooves together. "I… wouldn't mind a scene with her." She looked up, with renewed determination. "But! I don't want to be all nervous and everything around her."

Alexandra pondered the request before scribbling it down. "I can do that. It'll most likely be non-canon, but hey, it'd be interesting to try."

"I don't mind. I mean, this is non-canon right now." Meteorite paused. "Does that mean I'll only remember it when we meet up like this, though?"

Alexandra shrugged. "Maybe? We'll se- Oh crap, I gotta go. Time's up!"

"Oh… well… I guess I'll see you later?"

Alexandra nodded as she got up. After a moment's pause, she leaned down and hugged Meteorite. "Be good, alright?"

Meteorite coughed uneasily, and hugged back. "Sure… you too."

Chapter 1

The Carousel Boutique loomed before Meteorite.

Well, Meteorite thought, as she bit down harder on the coin purse in her mouth, this is the closest I've been so far. Maybe I can actually do it today.

It had been a personal goal for weeks, maybe months even, for Meteorite to brave the door of the boutique, but whenever she set out to do so, she had always lost her nerve and talked herself out of it.

She took a few steps forward.

I don't even know what I'm going to do once I'm inside. She shook her coin purse, just to reconfirm there were still bits inside.

She took another few steps forward.

I suppose the idea was to buy something. I… should have enough saved up for something. I'm not sure what though. It's not like Rarity sends out catalogues of her stock.

She stepped up to the door, and swallowed. She tasted cotton.

Okay, I'm at the threshold… might as well dive right in. I'm… I'm just… shopping, after all. … Right?

She laid a hoof upon the door, closed her eyes, and pushed.

The door swung open with ease, causing the bell above to chime. Meteorite opened her eyes, awaiting the inevitable. A few seconds passed, and a slightly dishevelled Rarity with slightly askew glasses poked her head out of a door near the back. Her eyes widened as she made eye contact with Meteorite and disappeared back through the door for a moment. She quickly reappeared, her glasses gone and her mane quickly being brushed, as she made her way over.

"I do apologize!" Rarity said quickly with a forced smile, "I was… preoccupied with some designs." She flicked her mane aside. "But that's neither here nor there. Welcome to the Carousel Boutique! How may I be of assistance?"

Meteorite stared at Rarity, before take a deep breath. With thoughtful movement, she removed the purse from her mouth.

"I-" she croaked, before stopping and clearing her throat. "I… want to buy something."

Rarity's smile twitched. "Well, you're in the right place! Did you… have anything in mind, however?"

Meteorite slowly shook her head. "No… I-" she cleared her throat again. "I don't really know what…" she trailed off, feeling more uncomfortable by the second. She glanced past Rarity and at the room she had come out of. "Uh… look," she said, with more conviction than she had thought she had at the moment, "if I'm… interrupting something, I can come back. I don't wanna make you deal with me if you have something important going on."

Rarity paused, taken slightly aback. "Well, I-" she glanced back at the back room, pensive in her thoughts. She turned back towards Meteorite, her smile now more genuine. "Actually… I do believe I should take a break. I've been getting nowhere, and perhaps I should take this time to clear my head." She stepped aside and motioned away from the front door. "Please, come in…. uh… I'm sorry, what was your name?"

"It's uh… Meteorite," Meteorite answered, stepping forward nervously.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Meteorite!" Rarity said warmly. Meteorite paused, unsure how to respond. After a moment, she took a small breath and smiled.

"Sure, pleased to meet you too."

Rarity stood by her counter, folding the outfit she had just helped Meteorite decide on, after at least twenty minutes of deliberation. Putting it away in her custom shop bag, she lifted up a second outfit towards the purple pegasus standing by, awkwardly waiting.

"Are you sure you don't want this one as well? It does go so well with your particular coloring!"

Meteorite cringed slightly as she rubbed her ear with a hoof. "Uh… I do… but I really don't think I can… afford it… as well…" she trailed off.

"Oh, that's a shame," Rarity said with a smile, "Maybe next time."

"Yeah, maybe."

Rarity folded away the second outfit and lifted the bag towards Meteorite. "Here you are, darling! I hope the rest of your day is just as fabulous as this outfit!"

A chuckle caught itself inside Meteorite's throat as she let herself get swept away by Rarity's words. "Y-Yeah, th… thank you. I… hope so too."

Meteorite took the offered bag, her eyes sweeping up from it and meeting Rarity's own gaze. After a brief moment, she forced herself to blink and hastily turned and headed towards the front door. Placing a hoof upon it, she paused, thoughts clouding her mind. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and lowered the bag as she turned back towards Rarity.

"Uh…" Meteorite said, before audibly clearing her throat, making sure Rarity was paying attention. "Look… I just… wanted to say…" she paused, not exactly knowing what she wanted to say.

"Yes, darling?" Rarity offered as a prompt, "What is it?"

"Well… I think…" Meteorite hesitated, but she wasn't feeling the usual nervousness that held her back. "I think… that… you're just amazing, y'know?"

"..Oh!" Rarity uttered, caught off-guard. "Well, than-"

"I mean…!" Meteorite continued, "you're just so kind and generous and… everything. Whoever gets to be with you will be the luckiest pony in Eq- in the world!"

A heavy silence filled the room. Meteorite was starting to feel her cheeks burn with embarrassment, causing her to avert her gaze and turn around.

"…I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I don't know why I did." Not wanting to feel further embarrassment, she grabbed her bag and quickly left the boutique, the door chime punctuating her folly.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid! Meteorite scolded herself, as she ran down the main street of Ponyville, what the fuck is wrong with me! Why did I do that? Am I retarded?! I must be! God fucking dam-

Her inner rage was interrupted by a throat-clearing behind her. It seemed to be the way to get attention nowadays. Meteorite turned around, her eyes widening in realisation as the bag dropped from her mouth.

"You."

"Heya," Alexandra sheepishly waved. "Sooooo, how did things go with Rarity?"

"Like you don't already know," Meteorite growled.

Alexandra shrugged comically. "Okay, so it didn't exactly go well."

"Oh, understatement of the fucking year!" Meteorite yelled, "Why did you let me go and say something like that?!"

Alexandra threw up her hands on the defensive. "Hey, you know I don't control what anyone says, let alone, you! Besides, you asked me to make you less nervous. If you happen to say something as a result of that, it happens. It sucks, but it can't be helped."

"Oh! Yeah!" Meteorite snapped in mock agreement, "Well done! Way to be fucking impartial there, boss!"

Alexandra frowned unhappily. "Okay, I'm sorry… but well… I mean, so things didn't work out. We can always try again!"

"No!" Meteorite snapped, "I'm tired of it! I'm tired of always being the butt of the joke here!" Meteorite flopped a hoof, affecting an accent of some kind, "'Oh look at Meteorite! See how pathetic she is! Look at the loser fawning over someone out of her league! Isn't it just fucking grand?'"

"Well… she kinda i-" Alexandra was cut off silently by Meteorite fixing her glare at her.

"I'm. Fucking. Tired. Of. It." Meteorite turned around. "I don't care what you do for your little," she mimed air quotes with her hoof, "'Creative Club', but leave me the fuck out of it."

"But!" Alexandra cried out, "I like writing about you-!"

"I bet you do, now kindly fuck off and leave me alone. Wave your fucking magic wand or whatever and make me forget any of this ever happened."

Alexandra stood defeated. "Meteorite…"

"You either do it or I walk away out of whatever magic author bubble you have around us."

The pair stood silently for a moment before Meteorite snorted.

"Fine, then."

Meteorite firmly marched onwards, focused solely on not looking back. After a while she came to a stop, blinking in confusion.

"Wait… where's my bag?" she muttered, looking around before spotting her bag some distance behind her, all by itself. She tutted and walked back towards it.

"I gotta stop spacing out like that…" she mumbled, still distracted by her behaviour earlier at the boutique.

Alexandra watched silently as Meteorite grabbed her bag and walked away from her. She sighed to herself as she turned around.

"Well… shit. Guess I better start aga-" A sudden shuffling sound nearby interrupted her.

That was weird. There shouldn't be any activity nearby while she was still here.

Rapidly filling with both confusion and suspicion, Alexandra silently advanced to the corner of the house she heard the noise from and peered around. Next to some stacked crates, there was a newspaper, trying to inconspicuously hide the fact it was hiding something pony-sized. Also the fact it was being held aloft by magic.

Alexandra cautiously reached out and quickly pulled away the newspaper, revealing a white unicorn failing at trying not to be noticed. Smiling nervously, the unicorn cleared her throat.

"Hello… darling."

Chapter 2

Alexandra stopped for a moment, trying to figure out why she was now face to face with Rarity. Well, not really face to face due to the height difference, but you get the idea.

"…Hi," she replied, after some careful deliberation. There was an awkward pause between the two, with both parties not sure of the other. Alexandra drew in a breath and continued speaking.

"You're not meant to see me," she said, with a hint of an accusatory tone. "How come you can?"

Rarity struggled to think of a suitable answer. "I assure you, I haven't the faintest idea," she said, hoping that was enough to placate the creature before her. "Why… am I not meant to, if I may ask?"

Alexandra frowned, and folded her arms, one hand resting on her chin in thought, as she half-studied, half-glared at Rarity.

"You just shouldn't be able to," she finally responded. "No-one here should be able to." She casted an aside glance, muttering to herself, "Well, except…"

"Except for… the pony you were just talking to?"

Alexandra bit her lip. "Ah, you… heard that, then. How… much did you…?"

Rarity steadied her gaze. "All of it, I'm sure. I was…following the poor dear… er, Meteorite, was it?" Alexandra nodded in response. "Yes, I was behind her a few lengths when you suddenly appeared in front of me. You had your back turned to me, but I dare say I was quite startled, so I hid behind those crates."

Alexandra nodded absentmindedly, apparently looking at said crates, but she was just staring into nothing, mulling over what was just said.

"You were following…" she muttered, deep in thought, "'suddenly appeared'…" she glanced at the main road, re-picturing the scenario that just occurred with new information. Rarity watched her, growing uneasy.

"Is… everything alright?"

"Yeah…" Alexandra muttered after a while. Eventually she spoke again, this time with more finality in her voice. "Okay. So. I'm pretty sure I figured it out. Because I didn't even know you were this nearby, you must've been close enough when I popped in to be caught up in the, 'magic author bubble', as Meteorite put it." She tutted to herself. "This is what happens when I don't properly go into detail about what's happening. Things just happen behind my back. Literally."

Rarity blinked, still not sure what was actually being said. "But everything is fine now?"

Alexandra glanced over at Rarity, and snapped out of her thoughts, suddenly realising she was still in a conversation with Rarity.

"Oh! Yeah yeah, it's all fine," she paused, "well, it's not, but it's not like any of this is going to matter. I'm just happy I figured out why you're suddenly involved now." She glanced at her watch. "But anyway, this took longer than I expected, but at least all the loose ends are wrapped up." She put her hands on her hips, looking at Rarity.

"Well, it was… interesting at the very least, meeting you Rarity, but we shan't meet again." Alexandra flopped her wrist in a half-shrug. "Not that you'll even remember this anyway."

Rarity looked concerned, "Why not?"

Alexandra sighed, torn between answering and just quitting right now. But she made the mistake of looking at Rarity's worried face, and her heart melted.

"Ah… um… look. It doesn't matter. You'll be fine! You'll go back to your normal life and you won't ever remember this weird little interaction happened, because once I'm gone, technically it'll never have happened to begin with!"

Rarity raised an eyebrow, though still heavily confused and worried. "I'm… not sure I like the sound of that."

Alexandra pinched the brow of her nose. "Rarity, please, it's nothing sinister! I promise! It's just… hard to explain quickly."

Rarity frowned. "When one has to deny something is not sinister..."

Alexandra put her face into her hands. "You're going to make me explain it, aren't you?" she said, muffled. She drew her hands away. "I don't even need to, you know! I don't have to resolve this bit! I can just finish this scene right now!" She punctuated by snapping her fingers.

…

Rarity looked around cautiously, before casting back an expectant gaze. Alexandra sighed.

"God dammit, fine. I don't know what else I can write for next week anyway," she muttered.

Clucking her tongue, Alexandra sat down on a nearby chair, using her hand to prop up her head as she looked upon Rarity, wondering what to say. Meanwhile, Rarity furrowed her brow in confusion, and glanced around.

"Where… did that chair come from?"'

"Well, I needed somewhere to sit..." Alexandra responded, purposefully being vague. She gestured to Rarity's left. "I'm sure you wouldn't mind taking a seat as well."

Rarity glanced over and to her shock, saw that her own couch that she used for dramatic flops was placed there, lined perfectly against the alley's wall as if it had been there all along. She cast a side-eye back to Alexandra.

"How did… Are you… You wouldn't happen to be familiar with a certain… Discord, would you?"

Alexandra gave a small, sharp derisive laugh. "Yeah, I can see why you'd think that. But no, I've got nothing to do with him. I'm just…" She sighed and threw her head back against the back rest of the chair, gazing and frowning at the sky.

"God dammit. I've had two weeks to think about this, and I'm still not sure how to explain this to you."

"Two… weeks?" Rarity asked.

Alexandra turned her attention back to Rarity. "Yeah. Y'see, I'm kinda… 'outside' of your reality. As it were. So, I can just… spend time in my reality thinking on how to proceed over here." She gestured to herself. "I'm not really here. What you see before you is um… like, an avatar of myself." After a beat she flashed a smile and gave a small wave. "So… that's a thing, I guess."

Rarity sat for a moment, quietly stunned as she thought this over. She cautiously got up onto her couch while asking her next question.

"So… you spent… two weeks just now… just to respond to me?"

Alexandra paused as she rested a finger on her pursed lips before responded. "Okay, I'll admit, that doesn't exactly leave me looking smart here." She gave a wry smile. "Dammit, maybe I should've taken another week to think about this."

Rarity relaxed slightly with the new tone of the conversation, but was still perturbed. "But I still don't understand. Just who are you?"

"Who am I…" Alexandra mulled over, before widening her eyes. "Oh! Well, shhh-oot, I've been rude!" She placed a hand on her chest. "First things first! My name is Alexandra!"

Rarity nodded. "Well, I am Rarity… but you seem like you already knew that."

"Haaa, yes…" Alexandra admitted sheepishly.

Rarity frowned slightly. "But what are you doing here exactly, if I may ask?"

Alexandra groaned. "This is the part that's hard…" She cleared her throat and sat up straight. "Okay. So. Um." She stared at Rarity in thought, unintentionally making her uneasy. Eventually she held up her a finger. "Okay! I've… got an idea. You know Daring Do, right? The… series of books, I mean."

"Yes, I do," Rarity answered, slightly bewildered by this sudden turn, "Although it's not a particular favorite series of mine. Personally, I prefer-"

"Ah yeah yeah yeah!" Alexandra interrupted, waving a hand to shush Rarity. "That's cool and all, but now's not the time to establish new things!" She noticed the slightly hurtful look on Rarity's face. "…Sorry. I just don't want to spent more time here than I've already have. But yeah, so Daring Do. Imagine Rainb- Ah. Hm. Imagine Twilight Sparkle was reading Daring Do, and she's really enjoying it, right?"

"Of course."

"Yeah, so, she's sitting there and she's like, 'Wow this is great!' but then she gets her own idea for a story about Daring Do, and she starts writing her own story of Daring Do. It's just like a normal Daring Do story; it has the characters, the settings, everything, only, Twilight's writing it."

"So… fanfiction."

"Yeah, and-" Alexandra paused. "Oh. You… You know what fanfiction is."

"It's hardly a new concept, darling."

Alexandra nodded numbly. "Right. Of course. I just… huh." She shook her head. "Well, okay. That makes things easier I suppose." She leaned forward. "Okay so, Twilight's writing her fanf- look, I'm just going to keep saying 'story'. She's writing her story, she's writing Daring Do and everything around her. So you could say that Twilight is in control of what happens in her story, right?"

Rarity nodded. "Yeeess… Where are you going with-"

"I'm getting there. So. Let's say… Twilight needs to think about a scene she's writing. She wants it to go right. She… takes some time away from the story to think it over. But for the Daring Do in the story, no time had passed during that scene, right? Even though Twilight may have taken, say… two weeks to think it over?"

Rarity's eyes darted back and forth in growing concern as Alexandra forcibly connected the dots for her. "Are you… implying that…"

"Yeeesss?"

"This is… a scene being written by… you?"

"Mm-hmm."

"And you're Twilight?!"

Alexandra facepalmed, mumbling to herself. "Yeah. I should've taken that extra week…"

Chapter 3

"No, Rarity. I'm not Twilight."

Alexandra briefly rubbed her temple before lining up her eyes to meet those of the unicorn before her, who was rapidly growing concerned with every second.

"I'm… just a fan, Rarity," she said softly, "I'm… someone who sees this world of yours from their world, and well, I liked it so much I wanted to write about it. About the ponies who live here. About… whatever."

Rarity's eyes darted back and forth, trying to make sense of what she was being told, before she drooped her head slightly.

"So…" she began, her gaze not focused on anything, "you're writing whatever you want about… Ponyville? About the ponies here?" Her head snapped up, pupils dilated, "About me?!"

Alexandra paused, leaning away slightly in fear. Oh no, she's having a mental breakdown. She glanced around briefly. What do I do? Should I… just restart? There's no saving this… No saving Rari-…

She looked into Rarity's eyes, seeing the fear and panic welling up inside. She frowned, gritted her teeth, and knelt down on the ground to be at eye level with Rarity, and placed her hands on Rarity's shoulders.

"Rarity. Listen to me. You are you. I cannot change that. Even if I wanted to, the fact remains that then I wouldn't be writing about you. You are and always will be Rarity, the most kindest and generous of all ponies, and I'll be damned if I change a single thing about you!"

There was a notable silence as Rarity blinked a few times, her body relaxing and her pupils returned somewhat back to normal. She adjusted her position on her couch, visibly embarrassed.

"I'm… sorry darling. I'm not really sure what came over me."

Alexandra continued frowning, crossing her arms. "It's okay…" she muttered. "I blame myself mostly. I worried so much about you having a panic attack that I think I inadvertently talked myself into influencing you into having one."

Rarity reeled back slightly. "So you did do something to me?"

Alexandra sighed. "Not on purpose." She drummed her fingers lightly on her arm. "Look, I'm not going to pretend I'm a great writer, but I do what I can to… well, not change anything." She pointed to the streets. "All I want to do is just write about Meteorite and her interactions with the world as it is. What's the point of that if I'm just going to alter the world anyway?"

Rarity glanced thoughtfully at the street beside them, still frozen outside the interaction pocket surrounding her and Alexandra.

"I take it Meteorite knows… who you are, and what you're capable of?"

Alexandra stifled a laugh. "Well, yeah." Her eyes widened, and a panicked tone settled into her voice. "Uhhh, I mean-"

Rarity looked back at her, eyebrow arched. Alexandra's shoulders sagged.

"Oh, what the hell. I'm in this deep anyway. Meteorite's…" Alexandra stopped herself, mulling over how to proceed. "Okay, look. About-" she mentally counted off on her fingers, "-six years ago, six years holy hell," she shook her head, "anyway, six years ago, I had a curious moment about your world, where I said to myself, 'hey, what if I woke up one day here in Equestria and I was a pony all of a sudden? How crazy would that be?! I wonder how I'd react to that!'" Alexandra waved her hand toward the street with a small flourish, "And so… Meteorite."

Rarity frowned in confusion. "Wait, darling. Are you saying… that you're Meteorite?"

Alexandra shrugged with exaggeration. "Ennnh… yes and no. I mean, yes, we are technically the same person. Pony. Whatever. But! Like I said, it's been six years. I've been continuing living my own life in my world, whereas Meteorite… basically had to start a new life here in Equestria."

Rarity's face was aghast. "Oh my, that's… that's… dreadful! I had no idea!"

Alexandra rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah… well, Meteorite doesn't exactly want anyone to know."

Rarity frowned slightly. "Why not?"

Alexandra sucked in some air. "Well… take your little episode just now as the main reason." Rarity blinked as realization dawned on her.

"She doesn't want anypony to panic?"

Alexandra nodded. "Meteorite knows she's in a world she used to view as a fictional world, even without remembering her meetings with me. She's terrified of how ponies will react to finding out the truth… like how I was with you just now."

Rarity put her hoof on her chin, deep in thought. "I see…" She looked at Alexandra. "Can't you just do what you did earlier and calm everypony down?"

Alexandra sighed. "That'd be interfering. I… don't want to do that. Heck, it's bad enough I've been having myself here talking to you this much! This was supposed to be about Meteorite, yet I've had more screen time than her so far!" Alexandra gestured to herself, before blinking a couple times and then she slowly buried her face in her hands. "Oh lord, I've written myself into the same story twice. Why do I even bother?"

There was an uncomfortable silence as Rarity watched Alexandra wallow silently in despair. She carefully leaned forward and patted Alexandra lightly on the shoulder.

"Um, there there, darling. There there."

Alexandra remained silent for a moment, before suddenly getting up, surprising Rarity in the process. She dusted herself off.

"Okay, enough of that; I'm over it now."

"A-Already?"

Alexandra shrugged, putting her hands on her hips. "Well. I've had a week just now. Besides, it was mostly just a gag." She looked over at Rarity. "Sorry if I worried you."

Rarity nodded slightly, still concerned. "You did, I must admit."

Alexandra stared in thought, before turning her attention to the streets. "Well," she barely muttered, "that's just one more thing I messed up, I guess. Sorry."

"It's alright, darling. No harm done."

Alexandra allowed herself a small smile for a few seconds, before thinking some more. "Not to you. I've… messed things up for Meteorite though. That's… That's why I have to start over again. I can't let her go on and think that my mistake was her fault."

Rarity lowered her head as well as her voice. "What did you do?"

Alexandra's shoulders sagged. "I let myself get talked into something by… well, myself." She turned to face Rarity. "Meteorite wanted… to be less nervous, and I obliged. I thought it'd be a fun writing exercise, but all I did was let her say whatever popped into her head and now she's… she's…" Alexandra paused, her voice starting to waver. She took a few deep breaths to calm down before continuing. "And now, either she thinks she's an idiot for not thinking, or she… hates me for messing things up." She looked down, feeling ashamed. After a moment, Rarity released the breath she didn't realise she was holding.

"And that's why you have to reset things," Rarity stated quietly. Alexandra nodded. Rarity sat there in silence, going over everything she's heard that day. She spoke again, still in a hush.

"I won't remember any of this, will I?"

"No…" Alexandra said, shaking her head slowly, "sorry."

Rarity held her chin in her hoof as she thought. The next time she spoke, it was in a loud and clear manner.

"In that case, may I ask you a question? Before you put everything the way it was, I mean. It has been troubling me today, and in fact, is the reason why I was out here at all. If it can be answered, surely you can."

Alexandra looked up, mildly surprised by the request. "Uh… sure? Yeah, go ahead."

Rarity sat up straight and looked Alexandra in the eye. "Meteorite said some things to me earlier. I'm… not sure what she wanted, but I definitely got the feeling it wasn't just polite conversation. So… I ask of you, what did Meteorite want with me, exactly?"

Alexandra froze as her eyes widened, and a hint of a blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Oh. That."

Alexandra glanced off to the side, her mind racing with thoughts.

"W- Well. Y'see, um. The thing with that is-" Alexandra hesitated, lightly biting her thumb. She turned back to face Rarity, with a helpless expression. "Y'know… i-it's not really my place to tell…"

There was silence between the two, before Rarity ever so slightly sighed in defeat. "Yes… of course. You are quite right, my dear." Her head and gaze dropped. "I was wrong to even ask."

Alexandra felt a lump in her throat. Closing her eyes, she sighed as she carefully walked up to Rarity. She gestured to the couch. "May I?" she asked softly.

Rarity looked up, surprised. "Oh! C-Certainly," she said as she shuffled off to the side. Alexandra smiled slightly as she sat down on Rarity's couch carefully, smoothing out her skirt as she did so. She sat there thinking for a few moments, as Rarity watched her.

"Y'know…" Alexandra said, not looking at Rarity, "when I first heard about Equestria, about you, and your circle of friends… Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, etcetera… I liked you all. I still do." She bowed her head slightly and laid her hands in her lap. "But… one pony started to shine above the rest. She... started to grow on me. She was kind, thoughtful… hard-working," a smile formed on her lips, "she was funny, although… probably not intentionally most of the time, but… I liked her. I could see she was a pony that worked hard to reach her dreams, but she put others before her. I respected that about her. I… cared about her, and her goals."

Alexandra looked at Rarity, meeting her eyes. Rarity stayed quiet, but was paying full attention. Alexandra continued.

"I mean, I still feel the same way now, but…" she bit her lower lip in thought, "I guess back then, my feelings were a lot… stronger? I mean, nowadays, it probably helped that we're in separate realities," she said softly with a slight grin. She faced away from Rarity, lost in thought again. "But anyway. That was about six or seven years ago. Around that time… that's… when I threw Meteorite into Equestria." She frowned. "I… I didn't even consider it until it happened. Back then, I was like, 'Oh hah, Meteorite is probably gonna have a crush! Haha, that'll be funny to see,'" Alexandra swallowed. "Except it wasn't. Oh, at first, it was 'adorable', seeing the crush develop and Meteorite trying to deal with it. But now…"

Alexandra dropped her head, shamefully. "Now… it's been six years. And the crush… is now unrequited love. And every time I see Meteorite like that… it hurts. It hurts, and I keep wanting to help her, even though I told myself I wouldn't interfere."

She stopped, before realising she was shaking. She took a few steady deep breaths, trying to calm down. She looked over to her left, her sad eyes meeting Rarity's. Rarity swallowed, carefully considering what she was about to say.

"She's… in love with me?"

Rarity didn't need to ask; she had picked up on it, but she had told herself she had to be mistaken, that she was being conceited to even think that. Nevertheless, it still was a shock when Alexandra nodded.

"For how long," Rarity murmured, "six years? I… I had no idea."

Alexandra sighed and leaned back. "Well. No. You wouldn't."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's just say… this isn't the first time Meteorite has tried to confess her feelings to you."

"It's…" Rarity's eyes darted back and forth, "You've… you've reset before."

"Yup," Alexandra sat back up, looking at Rarity. "Although. First time I've ended up having a discussion with you though."

Rarity was still unsettled. "How… how many times have… you…"

"Not that many," Alexandra admitted, getting up and taking a few steps, her hands behind her back. "Most of the time it's just a passing idea in my head, but regardless… no matter however I think Meteorite should go about telling you, it's always the same thing that stops anything further from happening…"

"W-What is it?" Rarity asked in a low whisper.

Alexandra slowly turned around, a sad smile on her face.

"I can't force you to love someone."

Chapter 5

That evening, Rarity sat pensively at her kitchen table, a freshly made cup of tea in her hooves. She took a sip with careful deliberation, her mind focused on the events of that day. It had been an unexpected rollercoaster of events to be sure, and she was caught up in moment of it all at the time, but now, she had time to be calm and collected to tackle the situation she faced.

Although, first she had to figure out what the situation was.

Somepony out there had secretly been in love with her for the past six years. This in itself was not all that unusual; Rarity had many admirers, and she knew this. This however, was the first one that had something watching over them.

Rarity considered the creature she had met, and took another sip.

The tall creature had called herself Alexandra. The name was an odd sounding one, still feeling somewhat alien to Rarity's mind. However, she seemed nice, and appeared to care deeply, even if her fashion sense was rather… plain. That was weird, given her apparent ability to shape reality to her whim. Rarity thought she at least could've come up with something interesting.

Rarity drank some more tea.

Rarity had wondered if that afternoon was just a feverish hallucination, but she couldn't account for why her couch was in that alleyway. It might've been possible she magicked it there unknowingly, but that seemed like reaching for an explanation. No, the far more logical explanation was an alien being trying to set her up with somepony else.

Rarity gulped down the rest of her tea.

Gently placing down her cup on the table, she rose from her chair and made her way upstairs. She decided she needed to sleep on the matter.

The next morning occurred without much deviation. Rarity awoke from her slumber as usual, she brushed her mane as usual, she made breakfast for her and Sweetie Belle as usual, and she opened her boutique as usual, with the intent to focus on her next line of designs in the meantime.

However, throughout the day, during lulls in both creativity and customers, she found her mind wandering back to the previous day and the purple pegasus. The next time they meet, Rarity would most likely have to quell Meteorite's fear that she had embarrassed herself with her departing words the day before. As she was adjusting the outfits on her mannequins, she realised there was going to be a slight issue.

She didn't actually know where to find her.

It would be safe to assume that the poor dear would not want to return to the boutique on her own. Asking around town would not go well, as there was the risk that word would get back to Meteorite that Rarity was inquiring about her, igniting the suspicion that Alexandra had warned her about. This could prove difficult.

Rarity considered her options as she absentmindedly moved from task to task in her store. She could just leave it until she spotted the pegasus while out and about. It would give Meteorite time to heal from her sorrows, and give Rarity time to think of a plan to set things in motion.

Although…

There was someone who would surely know where Meteorite was right now. And knowing where now wouldn't necessarily speed things up, and would surely help in the planning process. She glanced around her design room, and quickly made sure nopony was in the store waiting, before delicately clearing her throat.

"Hello?" she called out into the open air, trying to not feel silly, "Alexandra darling? Forgive my intrusion, but I was wondering if you could quickly inform me where dear Meteorite would be?" She laughed politely. "I'm afraid in our haste I forgot to ask where to find her!"

Rarity waited patiently for an answer, glancing around for Alexandra to suddenly make an appearance. After a while, Rarity frowned in confusion.

"Hello? Anypony there?"

She was sure she could be heard. Alexandra practically said as much. So why wasn't she answering?

"Why aren't you responding?" Rarity asked anxiously, starting to become upset. "Did I do something wrong? Did I-"

"Are you talking to me, Rarity?" came a young voice from the doorway.

Rarity gasped and twirled around to face Sweetie Belle, looking at her with a troubled expression.

"Oh, no no, Sweetie darling!" Rarity frantically claimed, waving a hoof, "I was… just talking to myself…!" She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Evidently…"

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. "Well… alright then," she said, before walking away, muttering to herself about how her sister seemed to be getting weirder and weirder as time went by.

Rarity wiped her brow and gave a relieved sigh. That would've been tough to explain. Especially since this Alexandra seemed to be incredibly shy to appear all of a sudden. Although… she did say it was up to her now. Perhaps she was forbidden from appearing again? Rarity shook her head clear and approached her full length mirror to briefly check and fix her mane.

Mid-brush, Rarity became lost in thought. Was this something Meteorite had to deal with? Knowing that there was someone out there that could hear her, see her, yet was left unable to prove it if that someone would not deign to appear at all? Alexandra did say Meteorite suspected… even with Alexandra's ability to cover things up if she wished it so. And for six years… it must be eating her up inside to not be able to confide her fears to anypony without sounding crazy.

Rarity finished touching up her mane, though was left frowning. It appeared her only option for now was to keep an eye out for the pegasus.

The rest of the week passed without incident. Rarity had refocused her attention back to her regular activities, with the events earlier that week pushed to the back of her mind, only occasionally remembering her mental note to be on the lookout while outside. Today however, at the market strip, she needn't be reminded.

As she was making her rounds through the crowd mingling around stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruit and various other goods, Rarity spotted her friend Applejack in the distance, setting up her own stall for the day. And beside her, awkwardly helping unloading crates and barrels of apples, was Meteorite.

Rarity paused. She had by now considered a number of scenarios in which she would encounter the purple pegasus, however none of them included any of her friends standing by. Still, Rarity knew she was quick on her hooves and she would not let this opportunity slip away simply because of an unexpected audience.

Meteorite strained herself as she heaved up the last crate of apples to place on top of the small stack, her wings struggling to give her an extra bit of height to complete the task. With the crate now sturdily on top of the others, she let go and allowed herself to drop to the ground, prone.

"All… done…" she gasped at Applejack.

"Whooee!" Applejack cheered, appraising the stacking. "See, Ah knew yer had it in ya! And yer didn't think yer could do it!"

Meteorite didn't respond, apart from turning over and catching her breath, her back resting against a barrel of apples. As one of Applejack's hired workers, she had appreciated being asked to help move their stock into town. It was just that she just didn't appreciate having to do the hard work involved. She eventually got to her hooves, though she almost instantly wished she hadn't when Applejack next spoke.

"Howdy Rarity!" she greeted from behind her stall, "What can Ah do ya for?"

Rarity beamed at Applejack, purposefully ignoring the pegasus next to her.

"Good morning Applejack, darling! I was hoping to see you today. I've been in the mood for some apple pie lately, and your apples are simply divine! Do you think you could pick out some of your juicer ones?"

"Aw shucks, Rarity! Anything fer one of mah friends!"

Rarity smiled warmly at Applejack as the farm pony started going through her stock. She idly inspected her hoof for a moment, before lazily raising her gaze in the direction of Meteorite. Her performance went unnoticed however, as Meteorite was standing still as a rock, head pointed downwards, her gaze attempting to bore a hole into the ground. Rarity frowned slightly, before stealing a glance towards Applejack, who was still distracted with her apples. Rarity decided she'd have to be more direct in getting the pegasus' attention, and gasped slightly.

"Oh! It's you!" Rarity exclaimed, raising a hoof to her chest. Meteorite looked up, somewhat horrified that, yes, Rarity had somehow noticed her and remembered her. Rarity went on. "You're that pony that was in earlier this week! The one that said those nice things!"

Applejack at this point looked up from her search, one eyebrow arched, and glanced between the two ponies. Meteorite was noticeably rigid from fear, her tail even bristling. Applejack wasn't sure what was going on, but silently pressed on with finding the right apples for her friend.

"I must thank you," Rarity continued, apparently blind to Meteorite's internal panic, "it was an unusual choice of words I'll admit, but still, I caught the sentiment behind it. It brightened my day!"

"I-It did…?" Meteorite asked, somehow finding her voice.

"Oh yes. To be perfectly honest, I had wanted to thank you then, but you took off so suddenly! It…" Rarity paused, increasing the drama, "had been quite some time since anypony said anything of the sort, without wanting something in return, of course," she lightly chuckled.

A brief smile crossed Meteorite's lips, before the dark realisation hit her that ultimately, she was wanting something in return, and her gaze dropped back to the ground, growing heavy with guilt.

Oh dear, Rarity thought to herself, I've gone and made it worse it seems. What shall I do now? Rarity was at a momentary loss. She was sure that practiced speech would erase any embarrassment Meteorite might've felt about what she had said, enough to rebuild her confidence in trying to meet Rarity again, but instead the poor thing now seemed to be depressed.

"Here're yer apples, Rarity," Applejack called, holding a small bag of apples towards the unicorn. She glanced over at Meteorite, a concerned frown forming on her face.

"Oh! Thank you, my dear," Rarity exclaimed, suddenly remembering she was there under the guise of buying from Applejack. She floated over her payment of bits and took the apples from her friend, placing them carefully into her saddlebag. She smiled pleasantly at Applejack, before glancing at Meteorite one more time.

"Well, I must be off, darlings!" Rarity announced. She briefly hesitated before turning, "Ciao for now…"

Rarity slowly started walking away, her body on auto-pilot as her mind furiously ran through any possible idea that would encourage Meteorite to meet with her more often, without looking too suspicious on Rarity's part. She couldn't wait for another opportunity to meet; the pegasus apparently knew Applejack well enough to be trusted with their apples, and Rarity simply did not visit Sweet Apple Acres enough to warrant sudden multiple visits on the off-chance of bumping into Meteorite again. Even Applejack would start wondering something was off. No, she had to think of something now, something that would draw Meteorite into her boutique on a regular basis, without fail, like a model employ-

Rarity stopped mid-step, her head whisking back towards the apple stand, and studied the pegasus, currently talking with Applejack. She wasn't as sleek as most pegasi were, but it could be worked with. She trotted back to the stand, a wide smile on her face.

"-fine, Applejack!" Meteorite said, sounding more annoyed than anything. She twirled a hoof, "I just, y'know, had a bit of nerves going on…" she trailed off, not really sure what she was saying. Not that it mattered, because she quickly went wide-eyed and froze as soon as she saw Rarity approaching again, seemingly straight at her.

"I'm terribly sorry girls," Rarity cooed, "but I just had a thought and I was wondering if you could be of assistance?"

"'f course, Rarity!" Applejack nodded, "Any way we can! What do y'all need?"

"Well! You see, for a while now I've wanted to make a few designs just for pegasi, but it's just so hard to find willing pegasi who have the time to model outfits for me as I work on them!" She smiled warmly at Meteorite. "I was wondering if your friend here might at all be interested?"

Meteorite swallowed, both trying to process what was just said, and trying to not collapse from Rarity's smile. Applejack looked over at Meteorite, who didn't seem to be responding, and frowned as she turned to Rarity.

"Ah'm sorry, sugarcube. But Ah don't think that's the kinda thing she'd be interes-"

"Yes it is!" Meteorite shrieked suddenly, startling the other two ponies, as well as several others nearby. Meteorite blinked, seemingly snapping out her mental lockup. "Uh, I mean…" she meekly said, "I'd… love to, but…" she rubbed her neck, looking downtrodden, "I don't exactly… have a lot of free time off the farm…"

Rarity looked over at Applejack, her gaze turning expectantly. The orange pony reached up and scratched her head slightly, a bit befuddled.

"Well shoot, if this is somethin' y'all really want to do," Applejack said, as Meteorite looked up at her, nodding quickly, "then Ah ain't one to stand in yer way."

"Really?" Meteorite exclaimed, her face lighting up.

"Sure! Ah reckon we can manage without ya for a day or two," Applejack said with a wink.

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" Meteorite said gleefully, practically bouncing with excitement. Rarity looked on with some curiosity, seeing the pegasus not being nervous for the first time.

"Well then," Rarity began, "since we're all in agreement, shall I see you, oh say, the start of next week?" Yes, Rarity thought to herself, that ought to be enough time to create a few new designs. "I expect you to be at my boutique no later than eight sharp!"

Meteorite quietened down as she turned to face Rarity but nodded firmly, if a little shakily. "Y-Yes, of course. I won't let you down."

"I'm quite sure," Rarity smiled warmly, as she bowed her head slightly. "Thank you both. I'm not sure what I would've done otherwise."

"Aw shucks, Rair'!" Applejack beamed, "Ain't nothin'! Ah'm just glad Meteorite here can help ya out!"

Rarity nodded, looking over and seeing an earnest smile on Meteorite. Rarity found herself smiling back. "Right, well darlings! I really must go! We'll catch up later!"

Meteorite waved subduedly as Rarity once again cantered away. Applejack gave her a curious look.

"Ah didn' know yer were into fashion."

Meteorite smiled sheepishly, as she pawed at the ground. "Well… it's not just that… I don't know much about it really… but I like it." She looked up at the unicorn receding into the distance. "I… I'd like to be more involved with it, I guess."

Chapter 6

The following days seemed to stretch themselves out, almost as if Princess Celestia was postponing the lowering of the sun on purpose. But eventually, the first morning of the next week began, and Rarity found herself pacing back and forward in her boutique, making sure everything was ready for the day to begin. It was, but she still checked it all again, for the third time.

"Everything's prepared," she muttered to herself anxiously, "I've got my designs, I've got dresses ready to be altered, ready to open, just need for her to show up, but it's still too early for that haha, don't need to be nervous Rarity! You don't need to do anything, you've done all you can, it's up to her to… 'make a move', haha yes, this is just business until then!"

Rarity slowed to a stop and ran a hoof down her face.

"Oh, sweet Celestia…" she moaned, "Why did I think this would be a good idea?"

Rarity shook her head and took a few deep breaths. She'd be lying if she said she hadn't slowly been getting worked up about today in particular, and the fact that she had invited somepony who was in love with her to spend the entire day there. Still, it had to be done. No sense in leaving their next meeting to chance.

Once Rarity had calmed herself down, she levitated her pocket watch to check the time. Quarter to, she noted. She put the watch away, when she heard a faint jingling from her front door. Looking over, she saw a meek-looking Meteorite, poking her head through the slightly ajar door.

"Um… G'morning," Meteorite said timidly, "Hope I'm not too early…"

Rarity waved her hoof up and down, smiling broadly. "Oh ho ho, no! Of course not, dear! Well, maybe a little, but I was just getting ready to start the day myself! Come in, come in!"

Meteorite slowly slunk in, letting the door close behind her as she made her way over to Rarity. Rarity tilted her head slightly as she watched Meteorite; there was something different about her from how she remembered, but she couldn't put her hoof on it. She definitely noticed the submissive behavior Meteorite seemed to have fallen back into though. She'd have to do something about that.

"Well, since you're here now, would you care for a cup of tea first?" Rarity smiled, "We can discuss what you'll be doing today as well."

Meteorite looked up at Rarity with a faint smile, her posture straightening slightly. "Yes please. I'd like that."

Later, as the clock tower in town signalled the hour, Rarity was leading Meteorite back into the main area of the boutique, and towards the staging area.

"Alright dear, I already have a few dresses ready for you to put on. All I need from you is to stand still, and stand up straight, as I make further alterations. I may require you to move and hold a pose as I do so." She turned around to face Meteorite, "Do you think you can do that, darling?"

Meteorite instinctively straightened her posture and nodded. "Y-Yes… ma'am…"

Rarity fought back a small smile. "Darling, please, call me Rarity."

"Y-Yes, Rarity…"

"Very good," Rarity levitated a neatly folded dress from a small pile over to Meteorite, "put this on, and let's get to work, shall we?"

Meteorite held the dress in her hooves, feeling herself blushing. She may have been here for six years and learned to cope with life as a pony, but clothes still reminded her that she was in fact not wearing any at the moment. What was worse was that she was expected to put it on right there and then in front of Rarity, because of course, why would that be an issue? Still, Meteorite closed her eyes, exhaled the breath she was holding, and slowly started to unfold the dress.

After a few minutes of figuring out the layers of the dress, with some minor assistance from Rarity, Meteorite stood up on the staging area, the dress proudly displayed upon her body. Rarity appraised the look as she put on her glasses.

"How does it feel, darling?"

Meteorite wasn't sure how to respond. She looked down at herself, at the front of the dress, at the slightly puffy sleeves covering the top of her forelegs. She looked back, seeing the dress, feeling the silky fabric of it all over her back. She caught her reflection in the nearby mirror, not knowing until then that she had a faint smile on her face.

"It… feels wonderful," Meteorite said in awe, still looking at her reflection. "Like I'm about to go to a gala…"

Rarity gave a sympathetic smile. "Darling, I was asking if it was too tight or loose."

Meteorite froze briefly, before sheepishly turning to face Rarity. "Oh heh, no, it's… it's fine."

The next few hours passed swifter than either pony had expected, with Rarity working diligently on making sure each dress was perfect before moving onto the next, and Meteorite silently obeying each of Rarity's instructions, her mind occasionally drifting off to a newly founded fantasy of being at a fancy ball of some kind, everypony in awe of her and her dress. Sometimes, David Bowie is there dressed as Jareth, causing Meteorite to suddenly jerk back to reality, and giving rise to several introspective questions.

"Well darling," Rarity began, looking at her pocket watch, "noon is almost upon us. Shall we take a break, hm?"

Meteorite's response was cut off by a sudden jingle from the storefront. Both mares turned to see a brown earth pony mare with a short yellow mane entering, looking around the store. It didn't take her long to spot the two across the room and once she did, she broke into a huge grin and rushed up to the stage.

"Ohmygoshohmygosh!" she gushed, placing her forehooves up on the stage and looking up at the pegasus, "you look amazing Meteorite!"

Meteorite blushed as she smiled and gave a small wave. "Hey Flo…" she greeted. Flo, as she liked to be called, was one of the hired workers that worked and lived alongside Meteorite. Meteorite had initially, and some part of her still does, suspected that her coworkers were OCs like her. But with only the first two seasons to go off on, she couldn't actually prove it one way or another. Regardless, over time she'd gotten to know and befriend them, so that particular issue slowly no longer remained a pressing matter. Meteorite looked at Flo with some slight confusion.

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh come on!" Flo said giddily, flopping a hoof at Meteorite, "You tell me you're going to be modelling for Rarity and I wasn't going to come down on my lunch break to check you out?"

Meteorite rolled her eyes. "Of course."

Rarity meanwhile was watching the two, a little bemused by the sudden interruption. Meteorite caught her out of the corner of her eye, and panicked slightly.

"O-Oh! Rarity! T-This is my friend, Sunny Flora!" Meteorite quickly introduced, "Flo, Rarity. As you already know."

Sunny Flora turned to look at Rarity, seemingly just noticing she was there. "Eeee!" she squealed, hopping from hoof to hoof. "Miss Rarity! I love your designs! They're so gorgeous!"

"Oh! Well, thank you darling," Rarity said graciously. Sunny Flora's eyes lit up.

"Have you ever considered a garden theme?! Oh, what am I saying, I bet you have!"

Meteorite cleared her throat pointedly. "Flo…"

Sunny blinked as she looked back at Meteorite, before turning back to Rarity, laughing awkwardly. "Ahaha, sorry… I guess I got carried away."

Rarity smiled. "It's quite alright, er… Sunny, was it?"

"Oh pft," Sunny began, as she flopped her hoof, "call me Flo! Everypony else does!"

Because you keep telling everypony to, Meteorite snarked to herself, as she rolled her eyes.

"Er, alright," Rarity said with an amount of uncertainty, "Flo it is!"

"Eeee," Flo quietly squealed, as she placed her hooves on her cheeks, her eyes sparkling, "Miss Rarity called me Flo!"

Rarity took a half-step back, her hoof still raised as she glanced back at Meteorite, who could only smile and shrug apologetically. Rarity looked back at the still-idolizing Flo.

"Well, how about I let you two catch up, hm?" Rarity offered as she picked up her sewing kit and stepped past the earth pony. Once Rarity was a few steps away, Meteorite leaned down to her friend.

"Flo, you're embarrassing yourself."

Flo turned to Meteorite, grinning. "Probably!"

Meteorite sighed with a smile, as Flo looked Meteorite over again.

"But seriously, you look so pretty, Meteorite! You're like a princess in that outfit!" Flo gushed. Meteorite felt her cheeks blushing as Flo went on. "And what did I tell you?" she admonished, lightly hitting Meteorite on the hoof, "your mane looks amazing as well! I told you you just have to brush it!"

Rarity's ear perked up from across the room as she slyly stole a side-glance at Meteorite. That's what was different about her today. It wasn't brushed enough to change its usual style, but enough to throw somepony off-track if they weren't paying attention to it.

"Yeah, I know…" Meteorite mumbled, embarrassed as she pawed at the stage slightly.

"But oooh, I'm so jealous!" Flo went on, smiling widely at Meteorite, "I can't believe you get to wear Rarity's latest fashion before anypony else!"

Meteorite smiled despite herself. "Yeah… it is pretty nice." She looked over at Rarity, who seemed to be engrossed in organising her fabrics. "I… wasn't sure how today was going to go, but… it's been nice so far. I'm glad I came."

Flo beamed at her friend when the town clock tower rang twelve, and she glanced back at the entrance.

"I should probably get back to Sweet Apple Acres," Flo said with a sigh, "and grab something to eat before I do."

Meteorite chuckled lightly. "Yeah, probably. See you later tonight, Flo," she waved as her friend made her way towards the door.

"Seeya Meteorite!" Flo waved, before turning towards Rarity, "Bye Miss Rarity! I really enjoyed meeting you!"

Rarity looked up at Flo, and offered a courtesy wave and smile, "Goodbye darling! It was very nice meeting you as well."

Flo simply let out a tiny squeal of delight as she reluctantly made her exit. Rarity kept an eye on the closing door as she walked back over to Meteorite.

"So," she began, "she seems nice."

Meteorite chuckled awkwardly as she rubbed her neck. "Yeah… she is. Sorry 'bout all that; she's just a big fan of your work."

Rarity turned her head and looked at Meteorite over her glasses, with a deadpan expression. "Really. I hadn't noticed."

A small laugh escaped Meteorite for just a moment, before she nervously clamped her mouth shut, her snout scrunching up in the process. "S-Sorry!" she stuttered, hoof over her mouth, appalled at herself, "I wasn't laughing at you! I-I! I just…!"

Rarity removed her glasses, looking straight into Meteorite's eyes. "Darling, relax. It was a joke."

"…O-Oh! Yes! Of course! Aha…" Meteorite spurted out, before she realised she wasn't fooling anyone, least of all, herself. She bowed her head. "I'm sorry… I just… I don't know why I act the way I do sometimes…"

Rarity paused for a moment as she considered Meteorite. "It's alright my dear," Rarity said softly, "We all get like that sometimes. Now come, take off that outfit. We're already running late for our break as it is."

Rarity quietly sat at her kitchen table, her lunch of a small salad with a glass of water before her. Meteorite had gone out into town, hoping to find a café of some sort to eat at. Rarity idly stabbed at the salad with a levitating fork, her mind unsure what to make of Meteorite.

She was nice and friendly, surely. And she genuinely wanted to make a good impression on Rarity; that much was obvious, but she seemed to fall into a state of paralyzing fear if things didn't go right. Rarity frowned as she took a bite. She knew that kind of fear herself, much as she didn't want to admit it. It made Rarity feel terrible about this charade she was putting her through, pretending she wasn't aware of how Meteorite felt.

Rarity decided she had to put her new friend at ease when she came back.

Chapter 7

A short time later Meteorite re-entered the boutique and walked up to Rarity, who was busy assorting a few items. Rarity glanced up at her, this time fully taking in Meteorite's mane, which was now somewhat back to its previous dishevelled state.

"Hey uh, I'm back…" Meteorite said quietly, turning her attention to the outfits yet to be altered. "So um… which dress do you want me in now?" A second later, Meteorite felt a blush coming on at her choice of wording. Fortunately, Rarity hadn't noticed.

"Not quite yet, darling," Rarity said, still assessing Meteorite's mane, "Tell me though, and be honest, how often do you brush your mane?"

Meteorite panicked slightly. "Uhhh…! Um, w-well… uh-"

Rarity held up her hoof, cutting Meteorite off, "Say no more." Rarity turned and gestured towards the floor in front of a mirror, "Come. Sit."

Meteorite silently obeyed, feeling guilty at her lack of manecare. Rarity sat next to her and with a graceful flourish, held a brush aloft in her magic, and began working through Meteorite's mane. Meteorite felt torn between telling Rarity she didn't have to do this, and letting it happen and enjoying the attention. Except for when Rarity found knots in her mane, then she just felt pain.

"I do apologize," Rarity said, seeing Meteorite grimace every so often. A few moments passed as Rarity forced herself to endure the horror that was all the split ends. How could she have let it get this bad?! "You… really should take better care of your mane, you know."

"I know…" Meteorite said guiltily, "Flo keeps telling me I should… I just… it's hard for me. I guess…" Meteorite reflected back on her first years in Equestria, where holding simple objects in her hooves took a lot of time and effort to achieve, and at times often felt impossible. Nowadays, she probably could manage a brush okay. Probably. She glanced at herself in the mirror. Heck, using her wings to hold things was also an option open to her now. Meteorite frowned, lost in her thoughts.

"I'unno…" she mumbled, "I guess I just got in the habit of not doing it, or something."

Rarity frowned slightly, but nodded an understanding.

"Besides," Meteorite said with a sigh, "it's not like it'll do me any good anyway. I work on a farm; it'll just get messed up again anyway."

Meteorite felt the brushing slow to a stop, and glanced at Rarity's reflection in the mirror. Rarity was looking down in thought, troubled. Meteorite turned her head towards Rarity, concerned.

"What? What is it?"

Rarity looked up, meeting Meteorite's eyes with her own.

"Darling," she paused, "Meteorite. Looking after your mane isn't about 'looking good'," Rarity cast an aside glance with a smile, flopping her hoof. "Well, it is, but it's more than that! It's about feeling good as well! When you take care to present yourself well, you're telling the world," Rarity stood up, foreleg poised and head held up high, "'Here I am! This is me! This is who I am, darling!'"

Rarity held the pose for a moment, before settling back down next to Meteorite, who was silently taking in everything being said. "After all, if you don't care about presenting yourself well on the outside," Rarity continued, before gently placing a hoof on Meteorite's chest, "how are you going to present yourself on the inside?"

Meteorite looked down at the white hoof on her, and felt her cheeks burning up as her breathing became rapid. She desperately avoided eye contact and shut her eyes, hoping against hope Rarity wouldn't notice. Rarity had, though, and was fairly certain she could feel a quickened heartbeat under her hoof. She cursed herself for getting too wrapped up in her speech and not thinking her actions though. Her natural instinct was to pull her hoof away quickly, but… decided to let her hoof linger for just a moment before slowly pulling away. After a while, Meteorite felt her mane being pulled at by the brush again, and opened an eye to survey the reflection in the mirror.

"Besides…" Rarity said softly, her attention narrowly focused on Meteorite's mane, "it's just good mane maintenance to do so."

Both mares sat in silence for a while, as Rarity carefully worked her way through years of knotted hair. Meteorite just sat there solemnly, thinking things over.

"Rarity?" Meteorite finally said. Rarity looked up into the mirror, quizzically. Meteorite continued, her voice slightly choked, "You're… right. I do need to take better care of myself. Not just my mane, just… everything. I… hadn't really considered it that way, until you said it." Meteorite looked down, not really knowing where to go from here, "Thank you."

Rarity nodded respectfully. "It's quite alright, Meteorite darling. Everypony deserves to look their best," she gave a small smile, "inside and out."

Meteorite smiled back, a small feeling of self-pride rising up within. She closed her eyes and contently waited until Rarity was finished. Rarity brought forth a can of manespray and gave Meteorite's mane a light coating while shaping it with numerous brushes and combs. When she was done, she smiled brightly.

"All done!" she sang, "There, don't you feel a lot better?"

Meteorite didn't need to look to agree. Still, she opened her eyes and locked onto her mane in the mirror. She turned her head slightly from side to side, taking in how her mane looked. Though there was no way around its large volume, it was now more pulled together with all the loose strands neatly combed in, creating an appearance that was very similar to how it usually looked, but styled. Meteorite turned to Rarity, with an awed hush.

"Thank you… I… don't know what to say," she admitted, feeling a little embarrassed, yet relatively happy. She smiled, turning back to her reflection. "I… don't deserve this, but thank you. Thank you, Rarity."

Rarity smiled silently, taking satisfaction in her efforts. "Think nothing of it, darling. Now, how about we continue, hm?" She levitated up a dress for Meteorite to take. Meteorite blinked at the realisation that she still had a job to do, and smiled awkwardly as she took the offered dress.

"Oh, right, yeah."

The afternoon passed without much interruption, barring a few ponies here and there coming in looking to shop. A couple of mares had remarked on the dress Meteorite was currently modelling, which left Meteorite uneasy about just standing there and ignoring them while holding a pose as Rarity engaged them in conversation about what they wanted, but Meteorite did her best to try and be professional about it.

As the last customer left, Rarity glanced outside at the setting sun, and began shutting up shop.

"I think that's all for today, darling," she called out to Meteorite, "I don't think we can get anything more done for now, so you can stop modelling for me."

Meteorite relaxed her posture and began to get out of her dress, but hesitated. She thought for a moment before turning towards the mirror again, and with a smile began posing in front of it for herself. A few minutes later she noticed the boutique had gotten quiet and spotted Rarity behind her in the mirror, curiously watching her. Meteorite blushed and slowly turned to face Rarity.

"Sorry…" she said, her head drooping very slightly, "I… just wanted to… have one last look at myself before I have to take this off." She rubbed her foreleg with her other, smiling to herself. "I… heh, had fun today…"

Rarity was mildly surprised. She had expected today to be a number of things; 'fun' was not an outcome she had considered to be high on that list. "Oh?"

"Yeah, well, see-" Meteorite began but cut herself off briefly as she struggled to get out of the dress, "I… never really got to wear dresses all that much." Meteorite briefly stared at the dress in her hooves before starting to fold it as best as she could. "I mean, I've been living on Sweet Apple Acres for the past six years, and well, dresses aren't exactly farm attire…"

Rarity briefly blanched at the thought of her dresses being draped through mud and torn apart through various activities she had seen Applejack and her family gone through while working.

"Eh heh, no, they aren't," Rarity managed after regaining her composure.

"And before that…" Meteorite stopped, becoming lost in her thoughts, clutching the folded dress to her chest. A moment later she shook herself out of her thoughts, and glanced at Rarity, giving a nervous chuckle.

"W-Well. Let's just say I never had much opportunity to wear them." She looked down at the dress and offered it back to Rarity. "So… yeah. I… enjoyed today. Thank you, for giving me this opportunity."

It took a few seconds to dawn onto Rarity that Meteorite hadn't come today just to be with her, but to pursue a dream as well. Rarity silently took back the dress with her magic, feeling a tad shameful that she had only expected one thing out of Meteorite. She made an effort to look at Meteorite with a smile.

"You're quite welcome, my dear. I'm… happy that today went well." Rarity felt her smile become more genuine. "You were a good model too! I don't know that many pegasi who are fine with standing still for so long."

Meteorite giggled, blushing. "Yeah… I guess I'm just not much of a traditional pegasus."

Rarity smiled, pleased to see Meteorite now a bit more outspoken. Meteorite smiled back, before uneasily glancing around the boutique.

"So… uh, I guess that's it? I guess I'm done here?"

Rarity frowned, slightly troubled. "I suppose you are…"

Meteorite's ears drooped slightly, as she gave a defeated smile. "Oh well… Still, it was a…" Her smile brightened, "it was a good day. Thanks, again."

"You're certainly quite welcome…" Rarity responded softly as she watched Meteorite turn and head for the door. She felt a lump in her throat, and found herself calling out after the purple pegasus.

"Meteorite!" Rarity shifted her posture from hoof to hoof, "Erm… you know… we still have work to finish. Would… you be… interested in returning next week? I… would appreciate your help again very much."

Meteorite froze in her step, and went wide-eyed at Rarity's proposal. "O-Oh! R-Really? Do… Do you mean that, Rarity?"

Rarity nodded, "I do, darling! So, do you accept?"

"Yes, absolutely!" Meteorite responded, before briefly considering something. "I'll have to let Applejack know though…"

"I'm sure she'll be fine with it."

"Yeah," Meteorite smiled, "Wow… Rarity, you don't know what this means to me!"

Rarity laughed politely, and bid Meteorite good night as the pegasus left the boutique. Rarity walked over and locked up for the night, quietly contemplative.

I'm quite sure I do…

Chapter 8

The small farm cottage lay quiet for the night; its residents all gone off to bed, ready for the next day of work on the farm, as always. Except for one pony.

Meteorite lied still in her bed, staring at the darkened ceiling, her mind using it as a canvas to organise her thoughts. That day had been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, and it was finally catching up with her, now she had time to think to herself. Only, she didn't quite know what to make of it.

She shifted slightly, and turned to look at Flo, already asleep in her bed on the opposite side of their room. She had a content smile on her face, as she peacefully slumbered on her side, hooves under her pillow. But that wasn't anything new. Still, Meteorite smiled for a brief second before turning back to the ceiling, remembering the evening earlier.

"Heeey," Meteorite called out as she entered the cottage, "I'm back!" She made her way towards the dining area where Flo and Silverfire, a light grey stallion, were sitting and talking. Flo turned to face Meteorite, smiling widely and waving.

"Meteorite! Oh my gosh, you have to tell me everythi-" Flo hushed as her eyes grew wide as she took a proper look at Meteorite. She next spoke with a quiet awe. "What happened to your mane?"

Meteorite snickered, as she overdramatically flicked her mane with a grin. "Rarity gave me a do-over after lunch! Isn't it amazing?"

"You look a million times better!" Flo said excitedly, before turning to Silverfire, "Silverfire! Doesn't she look way better?"

The redheaded stallion glanced between the two mares, unsure how to respond. "Uh… yeah! Sure does!" He rubbed his neck, unsure if that was enough. "Uh, you look… rad."

Meteorite giggled, before smiling warmly. "Thank you. I feel 'rad'."

Flo beamed at Meteorite. "Ooh, today must've been just heavenly! You get to see and wear the latest fashion, you get a makeover…" she sighed wistfully, "I'm giddy just thinking about it… too bad it had to end."

Meteorite gave an abashed smile. "Heh, uh, well, actually… Rarity kinda asked me to… come back next week…"

Flo gaped at Meteorite. "WHAAAAT?" she said incredulously, as she stood up suddenly, forehooves on the table. "You're kidding me!"

"Nope!" Meteorite responded, unable to stop herself from grinning. Flo's face scrunched up as she fumed cutely.

"I'm so jealous of you right now."

Meteorite blinked away the memory, perturbed as her inner cynic started voicing doubts she had tried to forget over the years. She turned over onto her side, facing the wall.

Why had Rarity wanted her back? Was it simply to finish up today's leftovers? In that case, why not tomorrow? Meteorite frowned. She didn't really have a good answer. Maybe Rarity was busy with other things? She didn't know. Maybe that's all it really was.

But that's not what's bothering you, is it? the voice inside her pointed out. Meteorite bit her lip. She didn't want to think about it, but she couldn't ignore it anymore.

Things were going too well.

She tossed over to her other side, inclining her head to stare out the open window between the two beds. She stared into the night sky, at the stars, at the space in between.

She had dropped the attempts to rile up the author a few years back, simply because it wasn't getting her anywhere, and there was absolutely no inclination of any kind of response in return. Meteorite finally gave up and decided to accept life as a pony, if only to save her sanity. It took some time to adjust, but she eventually started enjoying herself more once she stopped being scared of people judging her and her actions simply by virtue of being an OC.

But fears never truly go away, do they?

She desperately wanted to just accept the fact that she had managed to score a way to spend time with Rarity, a way that was perfectly innocent with no ulterior motive by some 'hidden' third party.

But of course it'd be perfectly innocent, wouldn't it?

Meteorite let out a sigh that threatened to turn into a sob, but she maintained her composure. A few moments passed as she gritted her teeth, and sat up in bed. A quick glance told her Flo was still asleep before she quietly stepped down out of bed and sitting in front of the window. She folded her forelegs on the windowsill, her snout nuzzled against them as she stargazed.

Was there someone behind the scenes directing this? Of course, by 'someone', she naturally meant herself as the author. But it had been years. So much time had gone by; what she once firmly had believed to be the absolute truth, had slowly turned surreal with each passing day. It just didn't seem plausible anymore that she had been dumped into this world, only to be immediately forgotten until years later, just to be obviously paired up with Rarity.

Meteorite snorted. Well. It was totally plausible to be immediately forgotten. After all, previously she had never finished writing any kind of story ever. Why should she be any different?

Still… why now? Why put things into motion now? She thought back on the past six years in Equestria. Nothing about her time there suggested that now would be a good time to just ignore canon and throw her and Rarity together.

Meteorite shifted a bit. Maybe… Maybe there was a time skip? Maybe… the story was just, 'Meteorite bamfs into Equestria, FEW YEARS LATER, oh hey, it's Rarity'? Meteorite frowned. No, that didn't seem right. Besides, things happened. There was Twilight becoming a princess, there was the new castle… Tirek's attack… apparently the changelings have all become good as well... It didn't make sense for a time skip to happen and have all these things skipped over.

Also, these did not seem like the things she'd write about. These were most likely episode focuses, naturally, but that raised another issue. Either this really was Equestria, and these things were going to happen regardless, or she was inside her own story, and what happened in Equestria was being fed back into this version of Equestria for authenticity.

She… really couldn't see herself keeping up that kind of ruse for all this time. She wasn't even sure what kind of story that'd be. Certainly not anything entertaining. She rolled her eyes at distant memories of certain fanfics she read that were just carbon copies of TV episodes but 'oh hey, my OC is in this scene too'. She was certain she would never become one of those writers, even as a joke.

Meteorite sat still for a while, continuing to ponder her existence. Eventually, she stretched her forelegs out, idly staring blankly at them for a moment, before shaking her head and climbing back into bed.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, she told herself, settling back in under the covers. Yeah… so what if I'm getting closer to Rarity? It's my life, I'm allowed to. She yawned, closing her eyes. Besides… she thought sleepily, when have I ever finished anything? If this was a story, I guarantee this'll be as far as it'll go.

With that final thought for the night, Meteorite fell asleep with a small smile on her face, content that she had overcome her existential quandary, if just for tonight.

Back in Ponyville, in a certain boutique, a certain unicorn was having their own internal crisis.

Rarity had been laying in her bed for a while now, her eye mask firmly in place, but she couldn't shake off the creeping uneasiness she had been feeling all night. She tossed back and forth a few times, grumbling in frustration.

"Why. Can't. I. Sleep?!" she growled to herself, before sitting up and angrily removing her eye mask with her magic. She blinked a few times, her eyes readjusting to the dimly lit room. She squinted at her eye mask in front of her, and with a huff, tossed it onto her nightstand. It clearly was not helping.

After a few moments of deliberating what to do, Rarity slid out of her bed, making sure to neatly put the quilt back afterwards, and slipped a nightrobe on. She caught herself yawning, but she knew she wasn't going to get to sleep anytime soon. Locating a candle, she lifted it up in front of her and lit it, as she made her way out of her bedroom and quietly walked downstairs.

The candlelight cast familiar shadows against the boutique walls as Rarity headed for her kitchen, focused only on one thing. A good cup of tea was what she needed. Tea always helped calm you down.

Upon entering the kitchen, Rarity set the candleholder down on the nearby counter as she located her tea box. Lifting it up, she noticed something off about it and shook it slightly. When it failed to produce any noise, she tipped it upside down, its lid flying open but producing nothing else. Rarity sighed. That's right; she had gone through the last of her tea that morning.

Rarity sat down, frowning at the empty tea box resting on the counter. She had gone through a lot of tea lately. Too much tea. Rarity looked around the rest of the kitchen pointlessly, resigned to the fact there was nothing she could do. She'd simply have to buy more tea tomorrow.

On her way back out, through the main area of the boutique, the candlelight briefly reflected off the mirrored staging area, catching Rarity's eye. She paused midstep, swallowing as her eyes danced over the area, almost afraid to rest her gaze on any part of it for more than one second at a time. She sharply turned her head away and shakily focused on heading back up to her room.

Once inside her room again, Rarity raised the candle to her face to blow out the flame, but hesitated. She looked down, thinking, before glancing off to the side at her vanity. With careful steps, she walked over and sat down in front of it, placing the candle down nearby.

She stared into the mirror, her mane in a rare wild state that comes from sleeping, or at least, attempts to sleep. Her thoughts turned towards earlier today working on Meteorite's mane, and immediately regretted it. She looked aside in distaste, almost as if the mirror had betrayed her. But it was too late, and Rarity knew she had to face facts.

She was actively avoiding thinking about Meteorite.

It wasn't that she didn't like her, oh no, Meteorite was quite lovely! But… Rarity wasn't sure how she felt about her. Any feelings she had, she… didn't know if she could trust any of them.

She looked back at the mirror, a stern glare looking back at her. She continued glaring, drawing herself up, as if daring her reflection to break eye contact first.

"I am Rarity," she uttered softly, yet assertive. Her reflection showed no signs of disagreement, but Rarity turned away regardless, and huffed.

This was all that Alexandra's fault.

Yes, she had said that she wouldn't be involved, but Rarity couldn't help but wonder. Her goal was to put the two ponies together, and things were going well. Who could say that Alexandra wasn't hovering around, unseen by all, playing matchmaker? How could Rarity even tell if what she was feeling were her own true feelings?

Rarity frowned as she bit her lip. Alexandra did say she wouldn't change anything about her, and she genuinely seemed to care about her, especially if Meteorite was anything to judge by. But how could she prove that her thoughts and actions were her own? She put her hoof on her chin, deep in thought.

I'd… have to do something unpredictable. Something nopony would think I'd do… right?

Rarity cocked her head slightly as she mulled this over. Eventually, she sat up straight and faced the mirror, clearing her throat.

"I think dresses are ugly and stupid!" she rattled off quickly, before reflexively clamping both forehooves over her mouth in shock. Taking a moment to recollect her wits, she lowered her hooves and took a deep breath before trying again.

"I only sell dresses for the money!" Rarity managed to blurt out before cringing horribly.

Shaking off the dirtiness of her words, Rarity was somewhat satisfied with the results, but couldn't shake the feeling this wasn't enough. She frowned at herself.

This isn't working. It needs to be more than mere lies. She flumped her head against her hoof, wincing slightly. It… has to be something nopony would want me to do.

She stared at her reflection, her head resting against her hoof, hoping an idea would spring forth. She sighed, when her eyes slowly fell towards her hoof in the mirror. Pulling her hoof away from her face, she stared at it, her brow furrowing as she contemplated her next move. Glancing up at her reflection, she suddenly raised her hoof and slapped herself in the face.

The slap stung, but Rarity knew she had moved her head with the slap and softened the blow. No, it had to be a real slap. She steadied herself, and stared at her reflection once more, daring herself to not move an inch as she readied her hoof for another attempt.

Rarity yelped as the slap connected, and she instinctively felt like crying, but she forced herself to remain strong through the pain. She shut her eyes tightly, waiting for the sting to subside. She rubbed her cheek softly.

"Well, I hope you're satisfied," she told herself, feeling miserable.

She sniffed, and opened her eyes to look back at her reflection.

"This was a dumb idea," she whined. Still, she couldn't help but feel relieved by the results. It may have been a dumb idea, butat least it was her dumb idea.

Rarity fell silent for a while, thinking things over. Shaking her head slightly, she got up from her vanity and carried the candle over to her bed, placing it down on the nightstand, while picking up her eye mask in the process. Putting it on, but not yet over her eyes, she got back into bed, and turned to the candle. She paused for a moment, before blowing out the flame and settling back down to sleep.

Maybe she'd pass on buying more tea tomorrow.

Chapter 9

The late-night concerns of both ponies were pushed aside upon waking the next morning, with more pressing matters of the upcoming days demanding prioritised attention instead. Thoughts about each other didn't ramp up again until partway through the next week, when they ran into each other at a stall in Ponyville's market strip.

It had been Rarity who noticed Meteorite first. Meteorite wasn't with Applejack today though; instead she appeared to be idly wandering along the strip, eyeing what was being sold, without much direction. Across her back was a pair of faded purple saddlebags, adorned with clasps shaped like her cutie mark. Rarity watched her cautiously as she silently moved closer to the stall Meteorite had briefly paused at. She was currently invested in a bunch of carrots on the counter.

"Good morning, miss," the stallion behind the counter greeted, "Anything taking your fancy?"

Meteorite looked up at the stallion with a pleasant smile. "Oh, hi, yes! Uh…" she indicated the carrots with a hoof, "how much are these?"

The stallion rubbed his chin with a hoof, thinking, "Those? Well, those'll be one bit each, but I reckon I can let you have the lot for eight."

Meteorite studied the carrots as she appeared to mull it over. Hm… five, six… nine. Nine for eight bits… Not the best price… but eh, what the hell; they look good. She smiled brightly. "Okay, sure!"

Meteorite took out a coin purse and tipped out the contents onto the counter, spilling bits into a small pile. She started counting them out, only to quickly realise she was a bit short. Her ears fell slightly.

"Oh. Uh. Actually… nevermind. I don't have enough… Sorry."

She started to gather up her coins when a white hoof came forth and firmly placed one more bit onto the counter to the surprise of Meteorite, and to the relief of the stallion, because he was about to drop the price to seven.

"I'll cover the rest," Rarity said, smiling at Meteorite, "If that's alright, that is."

"U- Uh, yeah," Meteorite croaked, taken aback by Rarity's sudden appearance, "yeah, sure."

With the carrots now paid for, Meteorite picked them up in her mouth by their stalks, and carefully placed them amongst the rest of her purchases in her saddlebags. Bidding the stallion farewell, both mares walked away together. Meteorite fell silent for a moment, before turning to Rarity.

"Uh… thank you, Rarity," she said, shakily putting on a smile, "but y... you really didn't have to do that. I mean, I could've gotten carrots another time."

"Oh posh, darling!" Rarity dismissed with a flop of her hoof. "It was nothing at all! Besides…" Rarity considered her next words carefully, as she looked at Meteorite, "we're friends, are we not?"

Meteorite nearly stumbled on her next step as her whole body tensed up. She quickly recovered and exhaled, before smiling broadly, unaware her pupils had shrunk slightly.

"Uh! Yeah! 'f course we are! Heh, I mean-!" Meteorite paused as she blinked a few times, dropping the act. She rubbed her head slightly before frowning. "…are we?"

Rarity glanced upwards, thinking. "Well… yes, alright. I'll admit, we've only met a few times but…" she twirled a hoof, "I think you're somepony I'd like to get to know."

Rarity caught the faintest hint of a blush on Meteorite's stunned face as she stared back.

"…R-Really?"

"Well, of course, my dear! You've been friendly enough, and you have an interest in fashion, yes?" Rarity smiled warmly as Meteorite considered these facts, conceding to accept them as presented. Rarity glanced off into the distance, peering at the distant clock tower. She turned back to Meteorite with a cheerful smile.

"Oh! I just had a wonderful idea!" she giggled lightly, "Why don't you join me for lunch today? It'll be a perfect opportunity for us to get to know one another!"

Rarity wants to have lunch with me oh my god what is happening, Meteorite thought wildly, focused on her jaw not dropping. She tried to organise her rampaging thoughts in the seconds she had to respond, but it was all in vain as she ended up just smiling in bemusement.

"Uhh, okay! Sure! Sounds… great!" Meteorite responded, slightly lost in Rarity's visage.

"Very well, it's a date!" Rarity announced without thinking. Her words caught up with her and she quickly backpedalled, embarrassed. "Er, figuratively speaking, of course."

Meteorite just nodded dumbly, staring hard at the ground, trying to hide her deepening blush.

A short while later Meteorite found herself sitting at a café table outside with Rarity opposite her, who was already busy casually looking over one of the menus, and absentmindedly pouring herself a glass of water from the complimentary jug. Now calm enough to think clearer, a tiny amount of worry had begun to set in about foolishly agreeing to this lunch date. She tried to ignore it as she stiffly looked over the menu in her own hooves.

"Hm, what shall I have…" Rarity mused to herself, before looking up at Meteorite, "it all looks so good, doesn't it?"

Meteorite glanced up for a moment, shrugging noncommittally. "I guess. Prices are kinda expensive…"

"Oh, pff-pft!" Rarity dismissed, waving a hoof. "Darling, don't concern yourself with that! I'm treating you."

Had it been anypony else, Meteorite would've readily taken advantage of such generosity without a second thought. But because it was Rarity, it felt wrong to do so. Even if Generosity was her Thing.

"Are… you sure? I mean, I don't mind paying for my own meal…" Meteorite trailed off, suddenly remembering her last purchase, "…with… the money I don't have," she finished flatly, with a resigned sigh at the end.

Rarity looked at Meteorite sympathetically. "Quite sure. I'd insist on it even if you did have money on you. Order whatever you like." She scanned the menu once more. "And no ordering just the cheapest meal either!"

Meteorite smiled weakly. "Well, if you say so, Rarity."

"And I'll have the fruit salad, but uh, can there be no pineapple in it?"

Rarity sat quietly as Meteorite gave her order to the waiter. She had already given her own order, and was now free of distractions from her thoughts. Though, 'free' was a subjective term, as she was feeling trapped by questions she wanted to ask, such as what she knew about Alexandra, but knew that could potentially be dangerous ground to venture upon. Still, getting to know Meteorite better was her goal today and she was going to see it though, no matter what.

"…and, hm, a plate of hay fries as well."

"Very well miss," the waiter replied, writing the order down and moving onto the next table, "I shall return with your orders."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Hay fries? You know those aren't good for one's figure, right?"

"Yeah I know…" Meteorite said guiltily, "I just… I enjoy them. I know I should eat better," she pointedly placed a hoof on the menu's picture of the fruit salad, "and believe me, I already am; I've… had to give up a lot of food I enjoy." Meteorite paused, her gaze drifting off towards some unseen distant memory. "Fries may not seem like much, but it's something I can still have." She broke into a small grin. "Besides, they're pretty tasty."

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize," Rarity responded, feeling slightly ashamed, "Is… it some sort of allergy? Perhaps there's a substitute you can have?"

Meteorite blinked at the concept of ponies trying to replicate the flavour of meat, and shuddered slightly. "Uhh, heh, noooooo. No. It's nothing like that. It's… something I'd rather not talk about."

Rarity frowned in confusion, but decided to leave it alone. As curious as it was, she wasn't here to pry into old eating habits, whatever they were. She considered her next line of questioning when the waiter returned, placing a bowl before Rarity.

"Soupe du jour for Madame," he turned and placed another bowl before Meteorite, "And for you, fruit salad, with no pineapple." He straightened up, returning to his former posture. "Your… hay fries, will be out in a moment."

Meteorite watched the waiter move on from out of the corner of her eye. I don't think he's too impressed with me, she thought to herself, as she diverted her attention to her lunch, and poked around it with a fork clasped in her wings. "Cool, no pineapple." She looked back up at Rarity. "Don't like pineapple," she explained before grinning, "I mean, it's not even a real apple."

Rarity slightly tilted her head as she cautiously smiled. "Was that… a joke, darling?"

"A terrible one," Meteorite admitted, still grinning, "but yes. Although… I bet ya Applejack would've loved it!"

Rarity giggled politely. "Yes, I suppose she would." Rarity returned to her soup, momentarily unaware of Meteorite watching her, longingly.

She made Rarity laugh. Whatever hang-ups Meteorite had about herself temporarily melted away in the growing hope she felt in that moment. If she could make Rarity laugh, anything was possible. That moment proved it, and Meteorite found herself almost wishing she could stay in that moment forever.

"Are you okay, darling?" asked a concerned Rarity, spoon full of soup hovering near her.

Meteorite snapped out of her spell, startled and blinking. "Oh! Yeah! I was just… uh… wondering what kind of soup you were having…" she finished lamely.

Rarity looked at her sadly, feeling pity for her admirer. She looked down at her bowl. "It's tomato soup…" she said softly.

"Oh. That's… That's cool," Meteorite said while looking away, trying to hide how idiotic she felt, "I… prefer minestrone personally…"

Rarity felt terrible. Part of her wanted to come clean with Meteorite and tell her it was all fine; she didn't need to hide her feelings anymore! She had known for weeks now, after all! They could talk it out like two mature adult ponies and discuss the important matters such as how Rarity found out the truth weeks ago and why Rarity had been hiding the fact she knew and was lying to her face this entire time-

"Your hay fries, miss."

Both mares looked up at the waiter who then placed down a considerable serving of hay fries. Meteorite spoke up.

"Oh. T-Thank you. Thank you," she repeated with a smile, a bit firmer and with more assertiveness the second time round. The waiter simply nodded as he moved on. Meteorite stared at the hay fries for a while, before pushing them slightly towards the centre of the table.

"I don't suppose you want any?" she asked, refusing to look at Rarity.

Rarity pulled her attention away from Meteorite for a few seconds to look at the plate. She silently levitated up a few fries. "Thank you, Meteorite," she said with a calmness that disguised the emotions she was feeling right now.

"No problem," Meteorite responded monotonously, eating a few fries before going back to her fruit salad, and Rarity retreating back to her soup. She idly stirred it a few times, thinking about what to say next. Anything, anything at all, just something to take Meteorite's mind off things right now.

"So…" Rarity started, "how long have you known Applejack?"

Meteorite looked up at Rarity, surprised by the question. "Oh! Uh, pfff… about six years now?"

"Really, that long?" Rarity asked, a little surprised herself. "I had no idea you two were that close."

"Well, I mean, it's not like we're buddy buddies or anything." Meteorite smiled nervously, "I mean, she's a good friend and I have nothing but respect for her, and I'll always be indebted to her, but … these days, a lot of the time she's just 'the boss'." She slumped slightly, "I know that's not really fair on her, but it is what it is…"

Rarity nodded slightly, quietly musing. "'Indebted'?" she asked.

"Applejack…" Meteorite smiled with a hint of embarrassment, "kinda saved me."

Rarity went slightly wide-eyed, curiosity taking full hold of her. "Saved you? How?"

"Weeell… let's just say I was not prepared at all in my journey to Ponyville." Meteorite smiled sheepishly, "On the second day here, Applejack… gave me both a job and a place to stay." She thought deeply for a moment. "…I honestly don't know what I would've done otherwise."

Six years ago… Rarity thought to herself, So, that lines up with what Alexandra said. Goodness… thrown into a world with no money or place to call home… and I bet Applejack had no idea just who she is. I should do something nice for Applejack for her kindness.

"That was very kind of her," Rarity said, smiling faintly.

Meteorite grinned slightly, guilt starting to form on her face. "Weeeell… I mean… I kinda had to work for her at first."

Rarity's smile started to wane. "How come?"

"Okay, hear me out, but… I uh… when I first found her apple trees, I was like really, really hungry, and uh… I may have eaten some?" Meteorite slouched slightly, tapping her forehooves together, her voice getting higher and higher, "and Applejack caught me, and I didn't have any money on me, so I had to work off my debt?"

Rarity lidded her eyes. "What a heart-warming beginning to a tale," she said, heavily laced with sarcasm.

"Hey come on," Meteorite protested, "it's not like it was something I wanted to do. I was starving." Meteorite ate a few more fries. "Anyway, back then it was different. I thought I had to fend for myself; it was me against the world, as it were. These days… not so much." A faint smile appeared on her lips as Meteorite got a far-off distance look in her eyes. "I'm just lucky I had friends who were willing to stick by me back then," she said softly, "even if I didn't think they were friends at the time…"

Rarity took a moment to take a sip from her glass. Meteorite wasn't saying much, obviously, yet the words she was saying still felt as if they had weight to them. Possibly years of repressed feelings were starting to surface. Rarity wondered how long exactly Meteorite felt at odds with 'the world'. Rarity began considering her next question, when Meteorite spoke up again.

"Anyway," she said with a nervous but slightly goofy grin, "enough about me. What about you, Rarity?"

Rarity blinked in surprise.

"E-Er, me, darling?"

"Yeah! I mean, this lunch isn't all about me," Meteorite smiled shakily, her small but surprising amount of bravado fading as quickly as it had appeared, "I… wanna know about you too…"

As strange as it was, Rarity had somehow completely ignored the fact that Meteorite was interested in her, and had been for some time. The idea that using this luncheon together to get to know each other would be, well, used to get to know each other, had eluded her. Rarity laughed lightly, a tinge of nervousness seeping through.

"O-Of course, darling! Er, so, what would you like to know?"

Meteorite brightened, not just her expression but her entire posture as she sat upright more, as she focused on what question to ask first.

And then her smile faded as she realised she didn't actually have any questions for Rarity.

"I… I'm not sure…" Meteorite admitted, troubled. A few moments of thinking passed, and she continued. "I mean… you're pretty well known. Ponies know you by name. You have stores across the land. And you and your friends have saved Equestria more than a few times…" Meteorite started to trail off, feeling the gnawing sense of futility growing and eating away at her hope. "Your life is, well, kinda an open book… especially with that book Princess Twilight published a while back…"

Rarity nodded, frowning. "Oh yes, that book…" Though, the book itself was fine. The issue, Rarity had thought, was the onslaught of ponies that took the book's teachings and somehow rendered them unrecognisable. Rarity glanced at Meteorite, who seemed to be slightly lost in her own thoughts before resuming.

"I… just don't think there's any questions left to ask." She shrugged noncommittedly, "Well, without going into inane stuff, like 'what's your favourite colour?'"

Surprisingly, this question appeared to catch Rarity off-guard. "My favorite color?" She repeated, musing to herself. "Hmm… I did enjoy working with palace blue… oh, but that was sooo last year… Possibly daffodil? Or perhaps burgundy? I'm not sure which one appeals to me the most; they all have their uses somewhere…" A faint, bemused smile crossed Meteorite's face as she listened. After a moment, Rarity noticed and inquired, "What? What is it?"

Meteorite shook her head as her smiled broadened. "It's nothing. I just- I forgot you work with colours, pretty much. I…" Meteorite paused as she considered her words carefully, "think it's nice, that you're taking it so seriously."

Rarity smiled as she rolled her eyes slightly. "Well then darling, what about you? What's your favorite color?"

Meteorite grinned bashfully. "Aha, purple?" She looked down at her forelegs. "I mean, I realise it must seem conceited but purple's always been my favourite, befor -" She blinked and frowned. "Huh, no. That doesn't work…" She cleared her throat, shaking her head. "Sorry. I'm not sure what point I was making there…"

Rarity nodded thoughtfully. Before? Before what? Before she came to Equestria? Yes, that would make sense. She… actually, she most likely would have looked something like Alexandra wouldn't she?

"It's quite alright darling," Rarity said, partway through her thoughts, "it's only natural to feel some attachment to one's coloring," Rarity paused before adding, "especially when both one's coat and mane complement each other, such as yours."

A wave of pride lapped at the shores of Meteorite's self-worth as she took in what was said. "They… do?" Meteorite had personally grown fond of her mane's red colouring over the years, and thus both her main colours, but had always thought it was just her preference. "They look… good together?"

"No need to be so modest, darling! Take some pride in yourself!" Rarity said, smiling. Meteorite blinked in response, as if the concept was foreign to her.

Take pride in myself… she mulled over inside her head, carefully examining the phrase as if it had a hidden meaning. Well, I… do, don't I? I… guess? Meteorite frowned slightly. Do I? I'm… not sure anymore. I mean, it's kinda hard to be proud of being a self-insert so why even bothe- Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh. Oh…"

"What is it?" Rarity asked, curious. Meteorite shook her head slightly.

"It's nothing… I… think I just realised something about myself." She stared absentmindedly at nothing until she refocused and saw Rarity looking at her expectedly. She broke into an apologetic smile. "Sorry, it's… personal."

Rarity nodded. "Of course, darling. I won't pry." Rarity quietly wondered to herself if it had anything to do with what she had said.

The rest of the lunch passed without much more conversation, as both ponies quietly mused on their own private thoughts. Still, they left the café in good spirits. Meteorite turned to Rarity as she adjusted her saddlebags.

"Well, thank you Rarity," she said with great sincerity, "I really appreciate you treating me to lunch. Is… there anything I can do in return?"

Rarity shook her head. "As long as you show up to the boutique as promised, that's all I ask."

Meteorite gave a lopsided smile as she casually saluted. "Can do!"

Rarity covered her mouth as she giggled slightly. "Very well! I shall see you then!"

She turned to depart, but only made it a few steps when Meteorite suddenly called out her name. Rarity turned back to see Meteorite still standing there, now looking contemplative. Rarity frowned slightly. "Yes, darling?"

Meteorite hesitated for a moment. "…Actually, I do have a question I want to ask you."

"Oh? What is it?"

Meteorite took a deep breath, before steeling herself. "Do you… do you really want to be my friend?"

"Uh-" Rarity faltered, tripped up by the unexpected question. "B-But of course, darling!"

Meteorite didn't respond at first. Her eyes were shifting slightly back and forth as if studying Rarity for any sort of clue she might be lying. Eventually, a small smile appeared.

"Okay," she said softly, "I guess that's really all I wanted to know." She shrugged slightly as she waved. "I guess I'll see you then, as you said."

And with that both ponies slowly turned and walked away, wondering what the near future will bring.

Chapter 10

"Ah still don't get why ya insisted on paying for the full treatment. Yer know Ah don't care for anythin' more than the basic whatfor."

Rarity kept silent during Applejack's protest as they walked down the hallway of the spa towards their assigned room. When there was a break, Rarity calmly responded with a smile.

"I understand, Applejack, but can I not simply wish to treat one of my very dear friends out of the goodness of my heart?" She looked back towards her friend, "I'm sure you yourself have done similar, hm?"

Applejack looked up in thought. "Well… Ah guess yer right there," she smiled, "Alright Rarity, Ah reckon getting a fancy fussin' won't hurt, as long as it ain't a regular thing."

Rarity laughed politely. "As you wish, Applejack."

Applejack sighed contently as she lounged in the steam room, wrapped in a robe and towels. "Gotta admit Rares, sometimes it feels nice to just sit back an' relax."

Rarity nodded. "Busy week?"

"No more than usual," Applejack said with a grin, "though now Spring is on its way we gotta make sure the trees are ready to start growin' apples again." A few moments later, she sat up slightly. "How's about yer work, though? Did Meteorite help ya out?"

Rarity blinked, taken aback slightly by the turn in the conversation. "A-Ah, yes! Yes, she was quite fantastic! Very lovely mare!"

Applejack chuckled. "Good t' hear. To be honest, Ah weren't sure she'd be much use to ya, but she sure did come back with the biggest smile Ah'd seen on her in a long time!"

Rarity smiled, and felt warmth start to spread through her chest, which she quickly realized she couldn't entirely blame it on the steam. She looked downwards with a slight frown, biting her lip in thought.

"Applejack," Rarity began carefully, "you've known Meteorite a lot longer than I have. What's… your opinion on her? What is she like?"

Applejack furrowed her brow as she sat upright. "What she's like? How come yer askin'?"

Rarity cleared her throat. "I just… found her interesting. I simply wish to know more about her, that's all."

Applejack conceded with a nod. "Heh, she can be full of surprises, sometimes, Ah'll give ya that."

"How do you mean?"

"Well…" Applejack said, a tinge of guilt in her voice, "If Ah'm honest, Ah didn't exactly expect her to stay on as long as she has. Ah mean, she's eager, fer sure! But… it's clear farmin' ain't exactly her kind of work."

Rarity thought back to her lunch date the other day. "Well… maybe she just feels loyal to you?"

Applejack crossed her forelegs, resting her chin on a hoof as she thought. "Yeah…" she said finally, with a smile, "Yeah, Ah can see that. She is pretty trustworthy when it counts."

Rarity smiled to herself, satisfied she had defended Meteorite's honor. "Besides, surely her talents as a pegasus came more into use?"

Applejack suddenly broke into a hearty laugh. Rarity frowned in confusion. "What? Did I say something funny?"

Applejack wiped away a tear. "Ohh, Ah'm sorry, Rare. It's just that… well… Ah don't mean to gossip, but Ah suppose there's no harm now in sayin'…" She leaned in, her voice low, "but when me an' her first met, she didn't even know how t' fly."

"But…" Rarity stared back at Applejack, stunned, "she's a-"

"Ah know, Ah know," Applejack said, waving a hoof dismissively, "but it is what it was. Poor filly couldn't even budge a feather at the time. Still, she took it well enough Ah suppose. Was like she lived her whole life without thinkin' herself as a pegasus."

That's because she hadn't. Rarity looked away from Applejack, staring across the room at nothing in particular as the thoughts in her mind churned together. She must've… Oh goodness, she must've been so completely lost about herself, or what to do or where to go.

"Though Ah'll tell ya one more thing," Applejack continued quietly, "she'll never admit it, but when Twilight got her wings an' was flyin' around herself, ya could tell Meteorite was plumb mad about the whole thing. Ya couldn't help but feel for her."

Rarity glanced back at Applejack. "Hm, yes… I suppose her pride must've been dealt quite the blow…" Rarity rested her head on her hoof. "But isn't she flying now? I could've sworn I saw her fly a few times. Or, at the very least she's able to move her wings."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah, that's the weird part. Y'all remember Tirek? Well it seems after we defeated him, and all the magic got returned t' everypony, apparently Meteorite came to just knowin' how to move her wings. Twi said that the pegasus magic most likely kicked some parts of her brain back into gear or somethin'."

"Hmm…" Rarity mused thoughtfully, "so, she just knew how to fly all of a sudden?"

"Nah. Could barely move her wings, but the fact she could move 'em was such a big deal t' her," Applejack grinned, "she was hoppin' around like a filly that just got her cutie mark."

Rarity couldn't help but smile at the thought. "Well I dare say it might as well have been the case by the sounds of it." Rarity paused for a moment. "Although, it must've been rough, learning to fly at that age."

Applejack shrugged. "Wouldn't know. Ya'd have t' ask Fluttershy about that."

There was a heavy silence.

"Fluttershy?"

"Oh yes, I know Meteorite," Fluttershy said kindly, as she poured tea into Rarity's cup. She moved over to the sugar bowl, "Um, one lump or two?"

"One please, darling," Rarity said, as she sat on the couch, glancing at the many animals that inhabited Fluttershy's cottage. They were all keeping to themselves, so Rarity turned her attention back the now offered cup of tea. "Thank you, Fluttershy," she said, taking it and taking a sip, "So, Applejack tells me you were helping Meteorite learn to fly?"

Fluttershy shrank slightly behind her mane. "Well um, no, not exactly, I mean, yes?"

Rarity sighed internally. "From the top, darling."

Fluttershy sat down on her chair, with her own tea in her hooves. "Well, you see," she said softly, "I was mostly helping her with wing exercises. Helping her get used to moving them," she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone, "did you know she hadn't moved her wings her whole life?"

"Yes, it may have come up before," Rarity responded in a blasé manner. "So, that's all? Wing exercises?"

Fluttershy nodded, though looked down slightly. "She would come by every week for them. But, as she got used to moving her wings and even fly a little, she stopped visiting as often…" Fluttershy paused, contemplative for a moment before looking back up with a small smile, "Though she does still visit every now and then for scheduled appointments, but we mostly just sit and catch up with each other."

"Well, that's nice," Rarity said with a smile, sipping her tea, "so you know each other then?"

Fluttershy nodded.

"I must admit, I'm curious as to what you think of her. I've just met her recently, and I'm not sure what to make of her just yet."

Fluttershy looked at Rarity sympathetically. "Give her some time, Rarity. When we first met, she was almost as shy as I was, if you can believe that!" she tittered softly.

Actually, I think I can… Rarity thought to herself.

"But she is very nice, and mindful of others. She's always been very polite towards me, even when she's upset."

"Upset?" Rarity asked, surprised.

Fluttershy looked around the cottage carefully before leaning in, motioning Rarity to do the same, and then very quietly speaking.

"I don't think her and Angel get along very well."

Rarity made the decision to remain blank-faced. "Ah."

"I just don't understand…" Fluttershy said, sad with confusion.

"Well… everypony has their faults," Rarity said diplomatically.

Fluttershy nodded forlornly. "I suppose so…"

Rarity sipped her tea thoughtfully. "Still, it sounds like you two are good friends."

Fluttershy's face lit up. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely, darling! It certainly sounds like it, plus you helped her out, and I'm sure she's very appreciative of it."

Fluttershy considered this, and beamed. "Yes, I think you're right."

"Though…" Rarity murmured after a moment's thought, "I'm still not quite sure why she came to you for wing exercises. No offense, of course darling, but surely the hospital would've have ponies trained for such things?"

Fluttershy nodded in agreement. "Oh yes, but for some reason Meteorite had refused to see them."

Rarity arched an eyebrow. "She did?"

"Yes, apparently she was very against going to the hospital, saying they'd want to know her medical history and it wasn't worth the hassle going through it 'just for nothing', as she said."

Rarity pondered this. Hm… I guess that makes sense. It would have been difficult to explain a 'lack of history'. Still… that doesn't explain… Rarity looked up at Fluttershy. "But then why did she come see you?"

"Oh, it was Rainbow's idea."

…What.

"Meteorite?" Rainbow Dash questioned, "Who's that? Some new student?"

Rarity, in her school teacher attire, rolled her eyes as Rainbow hovered above. Rainbow looked up and down their current corridor of the School of Friendship, looking for this new student in the passing sea of creatures. Rarity sighed.

"Rainbow darling, no. She's somepony you apparently knew a few years back?"

Rainbow stared blankly at Rarity, shrugging.

"She's a pegasus? Purple and red?" Rarity prompted, to no avail. "She couldn't fly?"

A flash of recognition passed Rainbow's face. "…Scootaloo?"

Rarity gasped. "Rainbow Dash!"

"Though I'd say she's more orange than red…"

Rarity stamped her hoof angrily. "Rainbow Dash!!"

Rainbow's face broke into a grin. "Alright alright, calm down. I'm just kidding."

However Rarity wasn't letting this go. "Rainbow," she hissed, "what if Scootaloo heard you say that about her? She'd be crushed!"

Rainbow cringed slightly as she hovered down to land, a little ashamed. "Yeah alright… sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"Hmph. I certainly hope not!"

"Geez Rarity, I said I was sorry!" Rainbow rubbed her neck, feeling awkward. "Anyway, I know who you're talking about now. What about her?"

Rarity cleared her throat, and adjusted her glasses. "Well, truth be told, I was just curious how you knew her." She glared at Rainbow. "Though it would appear she didn't stand out too much in your mind to remember."

"Hey come on now!" Rainbow cried, "You're being unfair! I meet lots of ponies. So I don't remember them all by name, big deal." Rainbow stood up on her hind legs, her wings flared out to balance, and crossed her forelegs. "Besides, it's not like we hung out or anything."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "So how do you know her, then?"

Rainbow shrugged. "I don't, really. I think the first time I saw her, I was flying over Sweet Apple Acres, and I saw her trying to do some applebucking. And I was like, whaaa? Why is she doing it the hard way?"

"And that's when you found out she couldn't fly," Rarity guessed.

"Yup," Rainbow tapped her chin with her hoof, "I remember trying to get her to at least try to do something about it, because get this, she hadn't even bothered trying to fly her whole life! Like, that's crazy! Even Fluttershy learned to, and she's scared of heights!"

"Yes. That is weird," Rarity said almost monotonous, averting her gaze. For somepony trying to hide her past, she sure has let this one fact slip by…

"She was super weird about it as well, now that I think about it," Rainbow recalled, "Like, she wouldn't go see any kind of doctor about it either."

"So, what happened?"

Rainbow frowned in thought, before her face lit up with a smirk. "Oh that's right! I was pretty frustrated so I just said, 'Ugh fine! Why don't you just go see Fluttershy, then! She helps birds with broken wings!'" Rainbow shrugged. "As it turns out, she was okay with that. Go figure, huh."

"Rainbow," Rarity said levelly, "I would imagine even you would know there's a difference between the wings of a bird and a pegasus."

"Hey, I wasn't exactly serious about it," Rainbow protested, "…mostly, anyway."

Rarity placed her hoof on her chin, in thought. "So, is that all you know about her?"

"Pretty much. I mean, we talked a few times after that, but like I said, we never hung out. She seemed kinda cool though I guess." Rainbow glanced at Rarity. "Why'd you wanna know, anyway?"

"Oh, I'm just curious," Rarity said calmly, "I wanted to know what she's like."

Rainbow frowned. "Why don't you just ask Pinkie?"

"Do I know her?!" Pinkie said excitedly from behind the counter at Sugarcube Corner, practically bouncing over it, "Of course I do! She's been coming into Sugarcube Corner every week for years!"

"Really?" Rarity said with an air of surprise, "I had no idea she was such a frequent patron."

"Yuh-uh! A coffee and a muffin every time! Sometimes she'll try something new I've just baked as well!" Pinkie paused momentarily, thinking. "Although she didn't particularly like my line of spicy pepper muffins… In fact, nopony did… Huh. Oh well!"

Rarity did her best to refrain from showing her distaste at the idea, and forced a smile. "Oh, that's a shame, darling…" Rarity cleared her throat, "So, how close would you say you and Meteorite are?"

Pinkie thought hard, with a serious expression on her face. "I'd say… not close at all! In fact, I have no idea where she is right now!" Pinkie froze with a tiny gasp, "Is she right behind me?" She spun around to face nothing, and quickly became disappointed. "Aw."

Rarity laughed lightly. "No Pinkie, I mean, how well would you say you know her?"

Pinkie turned back to face Rarity, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… pretty well. I know she likes apples, and reading, and muffins, and-"

"Pinkie," Rarity interrupted forcibly, "that's nice, but I meant personality-wise."

"Oh!" Pinkie exclaimed in surprise, before giggling with a snort, "well, why didn't you say so?"

Rarity opened her mouth to retort, but decided this was a battle not worth fighting.

"She's pretty fun to be around," Pinkie began, grinning, "and she always laughs at my jokes, even the ones she pretends to groan and roll her eyes at! Sometimes she'll even joke around back!"

Rarity considered this. "Hm. I must admit, she hasn't really come across like that from what I've seen of her."

Pinkie shook her head. "Oh no no no! She's all super quiet at first, like she doesn't really talk with anypony unless they talk to her first, you know, like Fluttershy!"

Rarity nodded. "Ah yes, that's more like it." Come to think of it, Fluttershy said the same thing herself…

Pinkie bounced past Rarity. "But! Once she gets to know you better, then she starts being more fun!" Pinkie bounced back past Rarity on the other side of her, coming to a stop. "Although sometimes she's all," Pinkie suddenly mussed her mane up into a perfect replica of Meteorite's, and hopped into a chair at a nearby table, "'Pinkie,'" she mimicked, slightly lowering her voice, "'not now, I just wanna be by myself right now, 'kay?'" Pinkie paused, and shook her mane back into its standard poofiness, and shrugged. "I mean, I don't get it, but if she likes sitting and being quiet, sure I guess! She's really good at it though, so I suppose she has to like it!"

Rarity frowned briefly with concern. "Yes… that must be it…"

Pinkie tilted her head slightly, thinking. "Well, either that, or she really misses having a book to read!"

"A… book, darling?"

Yeah!" Pinkie said excitedly. "She always had a book from Twilight's library to read while she had her muffin!" Pinkie frowned slightly. "Then she stopped having a book, riiiiight around the time Twilight got her amazing castle, which is weird, because she still loved reading but she just never had any more of Twilight's books?" Pinkie shrugged, mildly confused. Rarity just frowned.

Yes, of course she also knew Twilight. Did she just end up becoming friends with the whole town before even meeting me at all? Am I going to find out she also became friends with Starlight before me as well?

"Meteorite?" Starlight Glimmer repeated, before shrugging. "Sorry, don't know who that is."

Rarity exhaled a sigh of relief. She had originally gone to Twilight's castle to find… well, Twilight, but neither she nor Spike seemed to be about. Instead, she found Starlight Glimmer talking with her friend Trixie. Rarity had intended to not bother giving in to her earlier curiosity, but Starlight had seen her and greeted her.

"Well, alright. Truthfully, I didn't think you did but was just wondering." Rarity adjusted her mane, satisfied, before fixing Starlight with a side glance. "Just to be sure; purple pegasus? Has a red mane that desperately needs to be tamed?"

Starlight smiled apologetically. "Sorry, doesn't ring a bell."

Rarity smiled as she nodded. "No, it's quite alright! As I said, I-"

"Wait," the previously bored Trixie suddenly interrupted, "this pony you're talking about. Does she also have a cutie mark of a large rock?"

Oh no, not Trixie… "It's a meteor, darling, like her name?" Rarity chastised, her heart already sinking.

"Whatever," Trixie dismissed, "Trixie believes she has met this pony. She is one of Trixie's fans," Trixie said smugly.

Rarity stared at Trixie, gobsmacked. She shook her head clear, before narrowing her eyes. "I don't believe you."

Trixie lifted her head, smirking. "Well, that's just too bad on your part, now isn't it? But Trixie now remembers this, this…" She twirled a hoof, trying to jog her memory.

"Meteorite," Rarity deadpanned, glaring.

"This Meteorite," Trixie continued, not acknowledging Rarity's help, "and Trixie recalls her coming up to her a while back after a show, asking for an autograph." Trixie closed her eyes, very modestly, "The Great and Powerful Trixie was only too happy to oblige. I even gave her a discount."

"You sold her an autograph?" Rarity fumed.

Trixie opened an eye to look at Rarity. "Uh, yeah? It's not all ticket sales, you know." Trixie opened her other eye, mildly confused. "Why do you even care? It's not like I forced her or anything. She didn't even complain!"

"Yeah…" Starlight said, looking between Rarity and Trixie, "I must admit I'm not seeing the issue either."

"W-W… Well!" Rarity started, flustered, "I-It's just that- uh… well, Meteorite just…" Rarity stamped her hoof. "I just don't believe she's a fan!"

"Rude," Trixie sniffed. "But why not? Trixie is very good at what she does. It's only natural some ponies see the raw talent that Trixie displays." Fortunately, Trixie did not see Starlight roll her eyes slightly, and carried on. "Anyway, why don't you ask your friend yourself? Maybe then you'll finally understand my greatness when she tells you truly how great Trixie truly is!"

"All I understand is that you're nothing but a-"

"Alright, alright! Calm down you two!" Starlight shouted, putting herself in-between. She first turned to Trixie, "Trixie, what did I say about antagonizing our friends?"

Trixie rolled her eyes, sighing. "That I 'shouldn't provoke other ponies when it's not necessary'," she said, bored.

"And…?"

"And 'I'm sorry that I've done it again this time'."

Starlight nodded, before turning to Rarity.

"Rarity, what's the problem, really?" Starlight said, concerned, "Why is it a big deal that your friend likes Trixie? I like Trixie. Do you have a problem with that?"

Rarity shuffled slightly, looking down ashamed. "No, of course not darling. I… I'm not sure why I reacted the way I did. You're absolutely right." Rarity raised her head to face Trixie. "Trixie, I apologize. I should not have said that somepony should not be your fan. You are indeed talented at what you do."

Trixie smirked until she spotted Starlight glaring at her. "Oh, uh, Trixie accepts your apology. Trixie supposes it wasn't your fault."

"So, we're all good now?" Starlight asked, looking between both her friends. Rarity nodded, while Trixie looked a little pre-occupied suddenly. "Trixie?" Starlight prompted.

"Oh! Uh yeah, sure…" Trixie muttered.

"What's wrong?" Starlight asked.

Trixie frowned slightly. "I… Trixie was just reminded of something this Meteorite had said to her before leaving."

Rarity hesitated before speaking. "What was it?"

"She said… 'It wasn't your fault'. She wouldn't tell me what though. I at first thought something had gone wrong during the show, but no, it was perfect," she smirked slightly, "as always."

"Huh," Starlight mused, "wonder what she meant by that?"

Rarity walked home in silence, mentally going through everything she had learned about Meteorite. What had started out as a simple enquiry with one of her friends became a chase all over Ponyville, led by none other than overwhelming curiosity.

And it had seemed Meteorite had been all over the town herself in the past, except for wherever Rarity had been at the time. Though, Rarity supposed, it might not be as it seems, especially if any prior interactions they had were… rewritten. In fact, Rarity was now convinced that was the case, and to her surprise, mild as it were, she felt… angry about it? She shook her head, sighing.

Still, no use fretting over lost time. They would eventually have the opportunity to make up for it.

Rarity would make sure they did.

Chapter 11

The following morning found Rarity busying herself with paperwork inside her boutique, shortly before opening hours. To any casual onlooker, Rarity was patiently sorting through forms that would bore anypony, with the exception of a certain princess of course, occasionally sipping from a nearby cup of tea.

But in actuality, Rarity was distracting herself from the impatience of waiting for Meteorite to show up for her second day of modelling, following on from last week. She was being harsh, she knew; after all it was still only quarter to, but that's when she arrived last time! Rarity flipped open her pocket watch and scowled at it, shaking it slightly, in the hopes that perhaps that's all Time needed to get out of its obviously current rut.

She glanced over at the boutique door, her breath bated in anticipation of it suddenly flinging open, but the door stubbornly remained closed. Frowning, Rarity turned back to her forms, their words becoming unreadable scribbles as Rarity paid no attention to what they actually said, instead her mind focused on wondering if Meteorite had forgotten to come, or worse, felt the need to avoid her for some reason.

Her worried thoughts were quelled a few minutes before the hour when the door slowly jingled open. Rarity looked up, perhaps a little too quickly, and saw Meteorite coming in, a smile on her face, giving Rarity a brief wave as she slowly approached. Rarity opened her mouth to greet her, but was momentarily struck silent by Meteorite's appearance.

"…Meteorite! L-Lovely to see you…!" Her gaze drifted up slightly. "Darling, your mane…"

Meteorite blushed as she turned slightly to show off her neatly styled mane. "Do you… like it? I um, had Flo help me this morning," she laughed nervously, "I would've been here sooner, but Flo insisted on not letting me go until it was perfect, heh…"

It wasn't perfect, not to Rarity's trained eye at least, as she could spot all the amateurish mistakes made in the styling, though in that moment she wished she couldn't, because what matter here was not how it looked, but the effort put into it. Rarity met Meteorite's eyes, and smiled gently.

"Darling… I have to agree. There's nothing more to be done!"

Meteorite's face lit up, her smile widening. "Y-You mean that?"

Rarity swallowed as she looked into Meteorite's hopeful eyes, and nodded. "A-Absolutely! You… look stunning, darling."

Meteorite's cheeks immediately became flushed as she broke eye contact, privately basking in Rarity's praise. "Thank you…" she said quietly, unable to stop smiling, "I'm… happy you like it."

Rarity fidgeted slightly, a faint blush on her own cheeks. "Well!" she said suddenly, nervously smiling, "Best we don't dally, wouldn't you say? We're not going to get anything done just standing around here!"

Meteorite blinked, suddenly remembering why she was there and drew herself up, trying to adopt a more professional attitude. "O-Of course!" she readily agreed, saluting and glancing over at the stage from last week. A nervous grin slowly spread on her face. "Um, heh… we'd probably get things done… standing over there."

Rarity glanced over to the stage, slightly confused before finally getting it, eliciting a surprised chuckle from her. "Yes, I suppose that is quite true!"

Both ponies walked over to the stage, both lost in their own thoughts. Meteorite being pleased that her humour was received well by Rarity, and Rarity noting that Meteorite appeared to be becoming more comfortable around her.

As well as she should! They were friends, after all, right?

The day proceeded surprisingly calmly for both mares; the light flirtatious banter of that morning was pushed aside as Meteorite focused on the dresses she was told to wear, and Rarity focused on refitting and adjusting them. Although Rarity had intended on pushing to find out a little more about Meteorite, she instead found herself engaging in idle chitchat with her. And to her unexpected delight, Meteorite appeared to happily engage back.

Maybe not today, Rarity thought as she smiled to herself. Today, we can just be two friends who enjoy each other's company.

The rest of the day not filled with pleasant conversation had been otherwise interrupted with a number of customers coming in and out of the boutique at a steady volume, or at the very least certainly more than Meteorite had seen last week. Enough that by the end of one transaction that afternoon, she was prompted to speak up about once Rarity got back to her.

"A lot of customers today, huh?"

"Has it been?" Rarity responded, slightly absent-mindedly, "I suppose so, now that you mention it. Still, it is the beginnings of Spring after all! Many ponies want to look their best for their special somepony!"

There was a heavy pause as Rarity's words hung in the air. Meteorite's suddenly solemn stare was met with Rarity glancing away and refocusing her attention back onto her work, trying to disguise her anger towards herself.

Why did I say that, why, why, why?! We were having such a lovely time!

Rarity heard a low murmur from Meteorite, followed by a soft sigh. "Well," Meteorite said with force cheerfulness, "I… suppose that would bring in a lot of customers…"

Rarity frowned as she apparently struggled with a stubborn hem, when she was actually furious that she had inadvertently caused Meteorite to swallow her feelings. Rarity's mind raced through ideas about how to deal with this situation, and ultimately she was faced with the decision to either let this be and continue on as per normal… or prod further now that the subject was out in the open.

Rarity took a deep breath, and prodded.

"So…" Rarity began casually, internally loathing herself for what she was about to say, "Hearts and Hooves Day is coming around soon. I'd imagine you'd have a lot planned, hm?"

Meteorite jerked back reflexively, drawing a foreleg up without thinking. "U-Uh! Um! Actually... no… not really," she admitted, her ears falling flat.

Rarity blinked as she lifted her head up to face Meteorite, looking surprised. "Really? I must say darling, that is hard to believe!"

"I-It is?"

Rarity nodded, gesturing towards Meteorite. "I mean, you are a rather attractive mare, anypony can clearly see that!" Rarity noted Meteorite's cheeks turning a deep red, before carrying on, "Are you saying there's nopony in your life right now?" Rarity mentally kicked herself, because she knew the answer and thus was just torturing the poor dear for no reason. She decided to not wait for a response. "At the very least, there must be somepony you have your eye on, no?"

Meteorite's pupils shrank as she hurriedly glanced away, suddenly becoming very interested in the ceiling. "Uhhh! Well! Uhh!" Her lips trembled as she tried to think of a way out of this. For some reason, outright lying never occurred to her as an option. "…maybe?"

Rarity's heart fluttered softly, surprising her. She hadn't expected a noncommittal half-answer to feel like a confession of love, but there it was. It slowed her down slightly in her line of questioning, but she now had a nice, warm feeling while she was doing it, and in fact, it even spurred her on to make sure Meteorite would feel the same way.

"Aha!" Rarity said victoriously, "There is somepony, yes?"

Meteorite nervously glanced back at Rarity, before quickly returning to inspect the ceiling. "…Maybe," she reaffirmed.

"Okay, so, this 'maybe' pony," Rarity carefully worded, "do they like you?"

Meteorite let her gaze slowly fall back down as she heavily considered Rarity's question. An ear flicked back as she stared off into the space in front of her. A slow smile spread on her lips as she quietly responded. "Yeah. I think she does."

Meteorite's eyes quickly went wide as she covered her mouth with a hoof, but she realised it was too late and instead quickly resumed her pose, her body stiff, and hoped Rarity hadn't noticed her faux pas. Which Rarity hadn't, until Meteorite reacted the way she had.

What was that for? What did she sa- "Ohhh…" Rarity said quietly as she realized, then once again, louder, "Ohh! Oh, I see…" she said slyly with a wink, "It's a mare."

Meteorite gave her a brief guilty look, but refused to say anything more. Picking up on the message, Rarity hummed slightly as she attended to the hem of Meteorite's dress. "Well," she said eventually, "I think that's wonderful."

Meteorite hesitated, surprised by the response. "Y-You do?"

"Of course, darling!" Rarity responded, looking at Meteorite with a huge smile. "Finding love somewhere unknown, or with somepony unexpected, somepony who truly cares about you no matter what," she sighed happily, "it's so romantic…"

Meteorite found herself caught up in Rarity's words, as she was left with a sense of calm warmth and a smile. "Yeah, I guess it is."

"So," Rarity said with a smile as she restitched the same stitch for the third time, "I guess the question is, this mare of yours… does she know you… like her?"

There was a sudden silence, causing Rarity to look up to see the smile fade from Meteorite as she looked back. Meteorite swallowed as her gaze drifted off to the side, and whispered, "I don't think so."

Rarity felt deflated as all her excitement was instantly drained from her. She attempted to say something encouraging, but all she could think was how stupid she had been, pushing as far as she had.

"W-Well… y-you never know, darling…"

Meteorite shook her head slowly. "No… I do. Besides…" she chuckled sadly, "now that I think about it, I'm… I think I'm not even sure I want that anymore."

Rarity sat upright, concerned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean…" Meteorite looked at Rarity, smiling sadly, "well, me and… her? We're… friends. I…" she looked down at her hooves, pensive, "I'm not sure I want to risk what we have with some stupid fantasy that'll never happen."

"It's not stup-" Rarity shouted, before catching herself and calming down, "I mean, it's not a stupid fantasy, darling. Have you even tried asking her? She could surprise you!"

Meteorite frowned and spoke sternly through her nervousness. "And what if she says no? What if… she laughs at me? What if she… never wants to see me again?" She shook her head. "I'm sorry… Rarity… but I value her friendship too much to risk it."

Nononono, Rarity's mind raced, she's going to block any chances we'll have! I… I need to do something! Tell her how I feel! Except… she's going to want to know why , and that'll reveal how I know about her feelings, and she's going to think Alexandra had something to do with it and she'll be right but for the wrong reasons and and-

Rarity closed her eyes and grimaced ever so slightly, before resuming a calm persona. "Very well. I suppose it is your decision, after all."

Meteorite slowly nodded. "I suppose it is…"

The following hours passed in silence, neither pony feeling up to talking, apart from general directing from Rarity. Rarity had wanted to press further but had no idea how to without giving herself away, so she resigned herself to the fact that maybe Meteorite was right in not going further.

I suppose it is for the best, after all, Rarity thought dejectedly, we would be moving too fast for any sort of lasting relationship to occur. Perhaps, a year or so later we can see how things are between us. I just wish she didn't already have spent six years waiting already…

The door jingled as somepony came in to the boutique, knocking both Meteorite and Rarity out of their somber thoughts.

"Hello, Rarity?" called Cheerilee, before spotting her and trotting over with a smile.

"Oh, Cheerilee!" Rarity greeted, "Welcome! What brings you here, darling? Something chic, perhaps?"

"Oh, I wish," Cheerilee sighed briefly, but still smiling, "I was actually hoping you had some spare scraps of fabric I could have, for my class to use for arts and crafts next week."

"Oh!" Rarity said brightly, clapping her hooves together. "That's a wonderful idea! Yes, I'm sure I have some for you! Be right back, darling!"

Cheerilee and Meteorite watched as Rarity cantered off to the back of the boutique, before turning to face each other. Cheerilee was the first to speak.

"Oh! You're… wait, don't tell me, it's Meteor, isn't it?"

"Meteorite, actually," she smiled, "but close enough."

"Oh, forgive me. It's stressful enough making sure I don't forget my students' names," Cheerilee laughed politely, covering her mouth with a hoof. "Say, I thought you worked on the farm with Applebloom? What are you doing here?"

"Oh, heh, I'm just helping Rarity out with some modelling."

"Oh, that's lovely," Cheerilee beamed. A few moments later, Rarity came back, magically holding a stack of assorted cloths.

"I do hope this is enough…" Rarity trailed off, noticing the two ponies before her. "Oh my goodness! I'm so rude! Cheerilee, this is Meteorite! Meteorite, this is Cheerilee!"

"Ah, thank you," Cheerilee said, "but we've already met once or twice before."

A slight tic on Rarity's eye went unnoticed by all present. Of… course. "Ah, my apologies!" Rarity floated over her gathered cloths. "So, will this be enough?"

"Oh my, yes!" Cheerilee said happily as she opened one of her side saddlebags for Rarity to fill up, "Thank you so much, Rarity! The children will have so much fun next week making all sorts of Hearts and Hooves displays!"

Rarity resisted the urge to glance over at Meteorite and merely smiled.

"It always warms the heart to see them get into the spirit of the holiday," Cheerilee continued, before subtly coughing and muttering to the side, "as long as they don't get too into the spirit." A few seconds later Cheerilee returned to her sunny disposition. "But anyway! I think the worst I have to fear this year is a few fillies and colts being embarrassed by their first kiss."

Rarity chuckled. "Ah yes, I remember my first kiss. It wasn't exactly what I had dreamed it to be like."

Cheerilee giggled in response. "No… I must admit mine was a bit of a disaster too."

Both of them fell silent briefly, before Cheerilee looked over at Meteorite, followed by Rarity. Meteorite shifted uneasily, pawing at the floor.

"Uh… I… uh… can't really say myself. I never had a first kiss."

With impeccable timing, both Rarity and Cheerilee's jaws dropped at the same time. Rarity's glasses slid askew.

"W-W-What?!" Rarity shrieked, causing Cheerilee to cover her ears. Meteorite cringed slightly.

"I… just never really had the chance…" Meteorite meekly explained. She looked up, thoughtfully, "I mean… I suppose the closest I got were these two g-" she shook her head, mentally adjusting her past, "these two colts who gave me a box of chocolates and a rose between them once… buuut, looking back I'm pretty sure they were just taking pity on me."

Cheerilee just blinked in disbelief, while Rarity was too stunned to speak.

"So… you never had a first kiss?" Cheerilee asked, a tinge of sadness in her voice.

Meteorite shook her head again. "Nope. I suppose it's my own fault really… Back when I was younger I thought…" Meteorite stopped, sighing at the memory, "I thought your first kiss had to be, y'know, special, with someone you really cared about. Not… just… anyone…" Meteorite hung her head slightly. "So I didn't really bother with dating… boy, that was a great idea, wasn't it?" Meteorite sighed again. "Oh well… that's life, I guess."

"Well… don't be discouraged," Cheerilee said with an uneasy smile, "I'm sure you'll meet somepony someday! Right, Rarity?"

Cheerilee turned to face Rarity, who was still flabbergasted by Meteorite, staring at her. Never had… wanted it to be special… not just anypony… they took pity on her…

Cheerilee frowned slightly. "Rarity?" Still getting no response, Cheerilee poked Rarity slightly, snapping her out of it.

"Oh, what, what is it? O-Oh, yes, absolutely, darling!"

Cheerilee gave Rarity an odd look, but quickly dismissed it. "Well, I should be going, girls! It's been… nice."

"Well, today was… something," Meteorite admitted, once both her and Rarity were ready to call it a day. Rarity nodded solemnly.

"Yes… it started out rather pleasantly too. I… do hope you won't be adverse to… maybe coming back again sometime?"

Meteorite tilted her head slightly, confused. "I thought you finished all the dresses I had to model today?"

"Well, yes," Rarity admitted, waving a hoof around slightly, "but, I may need your help in the future, darling." She paused, before giving her a smile, "Also, I quite like having you around, you know."

A very faint blush crossed Meteorite's cheeks. "You do?"

"Mmhmm," Rarity nodded, "so… if I need you again?"

Meteorite took a deep breath as she considered the question. "Sure… Sure! You can count on me, Rarity!"

Rarity smiled. "I had hoped as much."

And, Rarity thought as she and Meteorite were saying their goodbyes for the day, I think I've come up with the perfect plan for our perfect first date…

Chapter 12

Rarity had it all worked out.

She had spent the last week drawing up the perfect way to spark a relationship between her and Meteorite, all without Meteorite ever knowing that Rarity had known about her feelings all along. Well, truth be told, she came up with the plan the afternoon Meteorite had left the boutique, but Rarity did spend the rest of the week drawing up and creating a dress just for Meteorite in secret.

And now it was Hearts and Hooves Day, over a week later, and Rarity was cantering towards Sweet Apple Acres, a silly grin on her face as she revelled in how perfect her plan was.

It's almost time! Rarity thought to herself giddily. First, I'll run into her, begging for her help, saying I need her help today, and she should say yes, then when we're at the boutique I'll tell her I need her to model my new dress in public, oh but she won't have a date, I'll pretend to be her date, then we'll go to The Golden Lea, we'll have a lovely time, I'll 'accidentally' have too much wine and confess my feelings to her, she'll suddenly realize we can be together, and then we can share our first kiss, which will be her first kiss, just as she had always dreamt it as a filly! Rarity tittered to herself. Oh, it's just as romantic as my novels, if not more so if I do say so myself!

A short while later, Rarity crested one of Sweet Apple Acres' hills, shielding her eyes against the afternoon sun as she scanned the landscape for a familiar shade of purple. Fortunately it did not long to spot Meteorite in the distance, walking along a path with another pony. Smiling to herself, Rarity shook her mane a few times to give it a dishevelled appearance, and then broke into a gallop down the hill.

"Meteorite!"

Meteorite, and the dark blue stallion with her, turned around to see Rarity charging, before skidding to a stop before them. Meteorite stepped back, a foreleg lifted out of concern.

"Rarity?! W… What's the matter? What's going on?"

Rarity marched up to Meteorite and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Meteorite! I need your help!" Rarity shrieked dramatically, "I've been all over town asking for help nopony else has been able to come to my aid!"

Meteorite gulped as she stared into Rarity's pleading eyes, just inches away from hers. An involuntarily squeak escaped her mouth as she nervously glanced over at her co-worker, who was cautiously watching the scene unfold, not entirely sure what was going on. Rarity followed her glance and drew back, placing a hoof on her chest.

"Oh goodness!" she exclaimed, "you're not busy, are you? I know today is Hearts and Hooves Day but-"

"No!" Meteorite trilled, "Not busy! Well-" she hesitated as she started to calm down, "I mean, yeah I still need to finish up stuff for today-"

The stallion held his hoof up. "Miss Meteorite," he interrupted, stealing a glance at Rarity, "if Miss… er, Rarity, was it? If she requires your assistance immediately, then the rest of us are more than able to cover your duties for today."

"Oh well, not immediately," Rarity said playfully, waving away the notion with a hoof, before returning to face Meteorite, "but I do need you tonight."

"Tonight?" Meteorite questioned with a confused look.

"Oh yes! Please, come by the boutique after hours. I really can't say more right now, but it's very important that you'll be there!"

Meteorite blinked at the sudden secrecy, and glanced at the stallion, who then gave a sharp curt nod.

"Uh, sure! Definitely!"

"Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity said with an air of relief, already fixing her mane, "I honestly do not know what I would've done otherwise!" She began to turn back towards the hill. "Well, I really must head back to prepare, darling!" Rarity acknowledged the stallion with a smile. "I do apologize for the interruption. It was nice meeting you, err…"

"Steel," the stallion said firmly, "Steel Gaze."

"Steel, then," Rarity nodded, before waving goodbye to Meteorite, "See you tonight, darling!"

Meteorite awkwardly waved back at Rarity, already disappearing over the hill. Steel glanced at the hill before turning back to Meteorite.

"So, that was the Miss Rarity I've been hearing about?"

"Yeah…" Meteorite said wistfully, still staring at the spot Rarity had been at.

Steel studied Meteorite for a few moments, before drawing in a deep breath.

"Come along Miss Meteorite," he commanded quietly, but with a firm enough tone to shake Meteorite of her reverie, "we still have tasks to complete before you can go see her."

With the final customer of the day leaving Rarity's boutique with a smile, Rarity slowly closed the door after them, her hoof lingering on the door as she considered the next phase of her plan. Only now, she realized she had failed to specify a time for Meteorite to arrive. Still, something inside told her Meteorite would show herself soon. Perhaps even arrive fashionably late. Yes, that is what she'll do, just to keep Rarity on her tippy-hooves.

Rarity sharply turned away from the door, and with her magic brought forth a dress-covered mannequin, previously hidden away from public eye. She studied it all over inch by inch, with a harsh glare, almost daring any detail to be out of place.

This was the dress Rarity had been secretly making for Meteorite; using measurements she had taken during the two days she had modelled to fit her perfectly. The dress ran through hues of maroon and lavender to evoke visions of the sky as night approached, adorned with tiny golden studs, lining the hem.

If she had to be honest with herself, Rarity had some difficulty downplaying the intensity of the original design. She had initially envisioned something grander, something that truly spoke to the essence of Meteorite… but she begrudgingly admitted that such a piece might be overdoing it for a first dinner date, as well as the fact it almost definitely would have tipped Meteorite off that something was going on straight away. Oh well. Perhaps I can make it a reality sometime after tonight.

A sudden knocking at the door startled Rarity with a yelp, and she quickly stowed the mannequin back to its hiding place behind the staging area. Quietly clearing her throat and composing herself, she called out with a hint of a singsong to her voice.

"The door's open, darling!"

A moment's pause before the door slowly creaked open and Meteorite shyly entered, uneasy about being in the boutique when it was meant to be closed, despite having been invited to do so.

"Come in, come in!" Rarity urged, prompting Meteorite to approach further. "Thank you so much for coming by, darling!"

"Heh, no problem, happy to help," Meteorite said, slowly smiling before glancing around. "Though uh, I'm not exactly sure how…"

"Oh, of course! Allow me to explain, darling," Rarity said, placing a hoof on her chest, "You see, fashion is such a frightful world sometimes," she paused, giving Meteorite a sly wink, "and I don't necessarily mean the outfits themselves." That got an amused smile out of Meteorite, so Rarity continued. "Trying to stay ahead of the competition can be such a headache, so you have to take advantage of whatever opportunity you can find, yes?"

Meteorite nodded, and that was Rarity's cue to reveal her secret dress. She levitated the mannequin in front of Meteorite.

"This is a dress I have been making on the side. I feel it is ready for the world, but…" Rarity trailed over, dramatically biting her lip, "I'm not entirely sure the world is ready for it."

Meteorite blinked as she looked the dress over, trying to figure out what could possibly be wrong with it. "Oh, well, I think it looks nice," she offered with a sincere smile.

Rarity smiled back, as she lidded her eyes slightly. "Thank you darling, I do too. However, I fear I cannot rely on the opinion of two ponies, especially when one of them is moi."

Meteorite conceded with a nod, before furrowing her brow. "So… how do you want me to help?"

Rarity flashed Meteorite a grin. "I'm glad you asked, darling! I want to know how the public will react to this dress, and with today being Hearts and Hooves Day, tonight will undoubtedly be one of the busiest nights of the year. Sooo…" Rarity moved near Meteorite, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "I was hoping you could go out tonight wearing this and seeing what ponies think, hm?"

Meteorite became increasingly concerned, both by Rarity's proximity and Rarity's idea. "Uh… y-you want me to… what? Just parade myself around town asking everypony what they think?"

Rarity laughed, smiling broadly. "Oh no no no, darling! That would be ridiculous! And arouse too much suspicion. No darling, I feel this task requires a tad more… how shall we say, subterfuge." Rarity looked around before leaning in close, making Meteorite nervous though hanging on every word. "I have a table booked for tonight at The Golden Lea. I want you to use it for your own date tonight. That way you'll blend in with the other couples and-" Rarity stopped herself as she drew herself back, her face now awash with horror as her hooves flew to her face. "Oh no!" her voice wavered dramatically, "I just remembered; you're not seeing anypony!"

"Thanks," Meteorite said dryly after a beat, before drooping her head slightly, "but yeah. I was about to mention that…"

Rarity sharply turned away, sitting on her haunches as she crossed her forelegs, one hoof up to her mouth as she nervously bit it, muttering to herself.

"Oh, what have I done? Rarity, you are such a fool!" she looked up at Meteorite, "Darling, I am so sorry! If only I thought a little harder I could've avoided dragging you into this!"

"Hey… hey, it's okay!" Meteorite said, trying to sound soothing, "It's no big deal, really! It's just an honest mistake!"

"No, I simply must…" Rarity's theatrics tapered off, her confidence in her plan faltering as Meteorite's words reached her. She's… she's trying to console me. A sharp pang of guilt shot through her heart as her conscience pointedly reminded her she was in the middle of tricking a very lovely mare into going on a date with her.

"You simply must what?" Meteorite asked, concerned.

No, I cannot make this decision by myself. She has to be okay with it.

Rarity quietly stood up, and faced Meteorite. "My apologies, darling," she said subdued, all dramatics vanished from her voice and actions, "I misspoke. But… an idea just came to me. I would like to make it up to you, if you would allow it." Rarity followed it up with a smile, tinged with a hint of guilt.

Meteorite frowned in confusion slightly. "Allow what?"

Rarity turned to the mannequin, and slowly ran a hoof along the dress. "There is a way you can still assist me… if also I were to… masquerade as your date." She ignored the shocked gasp, and bowed her head, "It is pretend of course, but I promise I'll make it worth your while." She turned to look at Meteorite, who was staring at her wide-eyed, and her mouth was slack with shock. Rarity pressed on. "However! It is entirely your decision. I understand completely if you are uncomfortable even the slightest with the idea, and do not wish to carry on." Rarity closed her eyes, awaiting the response, hoping against hope it was a positive one.

Meteorite stared at Rarity, too stunned to even blink. Here she was, proposing the ide- oh that was a bad word to use there- the idea of the two of them going out on a date, fake as it was, on Hearts and Hooves Day of all days. Meteorite groaned internally as she realised she had to answer now. She had to tell Rarity 'No, I don't want to go on a date with you,' because that was the right response, wasn't it? It had to be. It was the right thing to do. She had to be the responsible one, because she knew, she knew nobody would want to see them together. She didn't have the right to be madly in love with one of the Mane Six. She was an outsider. That's why she had avoided her for so long already, anyway, wasn't it, right? It was only because she had a moment of weakness that caused them to form a friendship, after all. She had to be even stronger now to maintain that friendship and make sure it never went any further.

Meteorite swallowed hard. She had her answer.

"Okay," she whispered. Rarity's eyes opened, with a faint but surprised smile on her face.

"Really, darling?"

Meteorite nodded weakly, but smiled. "I said I'd help, and if this will help… then sure."

Rarity beamed at the response. "Oh darling, I'm so happy about this!" With a huge smile, she magicked the dress off the mannequin and thrusted it at Meteorite to take. "Put this on! You're going to look simply wonderful in it! I just know it!" When Meteorite took the dress, holding it close to her, Rarity giddily giggled for a moment before she put a hoof to her cheek.

"Oh! That's right! If I'm going, I must get ready myself!" Rarity turned away, but paused to address Meteorite first, smiling warmly. "I won't take long, darling."

Rarity found herself and Meteorite locking eyes, their gaze lingering a tad longer than Rarity had intended. She forced herself to smile brighter, before tearing away and focusing on heading upstairs. Meteorite held the dress tightly, watching Rarity until she was no longer in sight. Her gaze dropped down to the dress, before looking to the side at one of the many mirrors around her, and at herself. She sighed sadly as she closed her eyes.

Twenty minutes later, Meteorite had pulled herself out of her self-pity and into the dress Rarity gave her, and was currently inspecting herself in the mirror. She had to admit, it did look great on her; well, all of Rarity's dresses did, but this one especially. She allowed herself a smile as she practiced a few poses, including an attempt at a curtsy. Eventually, she came to a standstill, as she stared at herself with a sad smile, slowly placing a hoof upon the mirror.

"Why are you so neurotic, you silly pony?" she whispered under her breath. Her reflection didn't give an answer, either because Meteorite already knew, or most likely because Meteorite could hear somepony coming down from upstairs.

She turned around and sat to appear as if she's been waiting patiently, but as Rarity came into full view, Meteorite couldn't help but stare, stare at Rarity's dress, almost as pure white as she was, though there was a mint green tinge to it, adorned with gold bracelets. Rarity flicked her mane and batted her eyes, bringing attention to the golden earrings she wore.

"Well, what do you think?" Rarity asked, striking a pose. "It's not that exciting I know, but I couldn't very well draw attention away from you now, can I?" She paused and studied Meteorite for a moment. "And you do look very lovely indeed! How does it fit, darling?"

"I…" Meteorite stood up, tearing her attention away from Rarity to look at herself in the mirror again, "It fits great! I… I like it a lot."

Rarity appeared in the mirror next to Meteorite, her smile slowly fading as her brow furrowed. "Yes… but there's something not quite… right." She pursed her lips, thinking. Suddenly she raised a hoof triumphantly, startling Meteorite. "Aha!"

Meteorite watched as Rarity floated over a kit of some sort, and it wasn't until several items were pulled out that her eyes widen. "Makeup?" she asked, a little nervous, though a tiny bit of excitement creeped in. "Rarity, I… don't… know how to apply makeup."

Rarity grinned. "Well luckily for you, I do."

The journey to The Golden Lea was oddly silent. Rarity led the way slightly, happily humming to herself, her purse floating by her side. Meteorite was on her other side, keep pace but was otherwise preoccupied.

But not by the eye shadow, mascara or lipstick on her face, although it was a strange sight to see in the mirror after Rarity had applied them to her. It almost didn't seem real at first, a curious thought to have about wearing makeup, she realised, considering she was a magical flying horse.

Nor was she preoccupied by her dress or the purse Rarity had insisted she take with her, held in place under her wing. Meteorite protested at first, saying she didn't even have anything to carry in it, but Rarity had made the point that it was more an accessory rather than a practical carry bag.

Meteorite wasn't even preoccupied by Rarity herself, and the warm smiles she kept throwing her way as they left the boutique, almost as if she was intent on breaking down Meteorite's already floundering willpower to keep her distance.

No, Meteorite was preoccupied by the uneasy tightness in her chest.

It was a feeling she had felt years ago, when she was younger, in another world. It was the feeling she had whenever she had to attend formal events she didn't really care about, but had to look nice. Her clothes had to be proper. She had to behave.

Yes, Meteorite knew this feeling well.

It was the feeling of being forced to present herself as something she wasn't comfortable with.

She wasn't fancy, yet here she was, all gussied up to look her best for tonight, because tonight was important because she had to pretend she was on a date with Rarity just so everypony can gawk at her in her fancy dress.

The feeling grew tighter and Meteorite was finding it harder to breathe.

Rarity glanced back, her expression becoming worried. "Darling, are you feeling alright?"

Meteorite jerked out of her thoughts, her eyes widening as she focused on Rarity, and forced a smile. "Oh, yes! I'm great! I'm fine!"

Rarity frowned, thoroughly unconvinced. "Are you absolutely sure?"

Meteorite opened her mouth to lie again, but instead took a deep breath as she bowed her head. "No…" she muttered, "I… I'm not. I've not done anything like this before… I… I'm not sure how to act…"

There was a brief silence as Rarity carefully walked back over to Meteorite. "Darling, you don't need to 'act'," Rarity said softly, as she cupped her hoof under Meteorite's chin and lifted her head until their eyes met. "Just be yourself, Meteorite."

Meteorite allowed herself a small, weak smile. "I'm pretty sure that's a terrible idea…"

Rarity blinked with method care. "Really. That's a shame. I quite like what I've seen of you." She slowly slid her hoof away as she turned around and continued walking, leaving Meteorite standing as she was, her cheeks blushing as she watched Rarity walk away.

W-Wait. Was that… flirting? Was Rarity… flirting with me?!

After a few steps, Rarity paused and turned to look at Meteorite, her eyes lidded. "Are you coming or not, darling?"

Meteorite swallowed as she kept eye contact with Rarity and slowly nodded, her hooves taking steps forward she wasn't entirely aware of.

…No. No, it's… just my imagination. It's just Rarity being Rarity. I'm imagining things because… we're pretending to be on a date…

Meteorite found herself frowning as she carefully watched Rarity, before shaking her head clear.

No, don't read anything into that… There's no reason to be suspicious. There's a completely logical reasoning behind this; she needed you to have a date so she volunteered. And… you had to have a date to model her new dress… for some reason that made sense at the time.

Meteorite slowed her pace slightly. The tightness in her chest was fading away, only to be replaced with a feeling of dread. She took a deep breath before stomping her hoof forward, picking up the pace.

No, don't do that. Don't be 'that' character that reads something suspicious in something innocent. And this is innocent! It just… doesn't sound it.

"We're almost there, darling," Rarity announced, pointing at the restaurant within sight. However, Meteorite just kept her eye on Rarity.

No… Don't ruin this night, Meteorite… even if there is something behind all this… just… don't ruin it, please! Just… don't think about it and enjoy it for now. You'll never get this chance again.

Meteorite nodded, forcing a smile.

"Wonderful."

"Table for two, under the name Rarity."

Meteorite's eyes wandered about The Golden Lea. It was a lot fancier than she was expecting for a Ponyville establishment, especially with a maître d' on staff, but then again, of course Rarity would know where the high end restaurants would be. She glanced at Rarity, who had been watching her with a smile. Meteorite shrank back slightly, with an embarrassed smile.

"Ah, yes, we have your table," the maître d' announced, looking up from his book. "Right this way, ladies."

A moment later, they were at their table a short distance from the entrance, and Meteorite couldn't help but giggle a little and smile when the maître d' pulled out the seat for both of them.

"Thank you, darling," Rarity said graciously.

"Yes, thank you!"

After the menus were given out and the maître d' had returned to his post, Meteorite looked over her menu before glancing up across the table at Rarity, already picking out her order.

Just be yourself.

Meteorite closed her eyes briefly and exhaled quietly, returning to her menu.

A short while later, both mares had left their orders with the maître d', although Rarity had to assist Meteorite with the pronunciation of hers, which only left her feeling embarrassed to be there with Rarity.

"Don't worry about it, darling," Rarity dismissed with a wave of her hoof, "you did better than some attempts I've heard."

Meteorite hesitated for a moment. "Applejack?"

"Now now darling," Rarity chided softly, "it's unbecoming to gossip about one's employer." Rarity glanced aside for a second while sipping a glass of water, "But yes. Also, Rainbow Dash," Rarity frowned, "and Pinkie."

Meteorite chuckled softly, covering her mouth. Rarity smiled at her.

"Well, you seem to be feeling better now, yes?"

Meteorite gave an unsure smile. "I… think so." She laid her hooves down on the table in front of her, thinking. Her mouth hung open for a moment as she tried to put her feelings into words. "…I just don't think I was… ready for something like this tonight."

Rarity paused as guilt ran through her again, but eventually gave a sympathetic smile as she nodded. "Yes… I suppose you're right. I do apologize for springing this onto you so suddenly."

Meteorite shook her head. "No, it's… okay," she smiled, "you needed my help, so… I'm here to help."

Rarity smiled wavered as the guilt of lying to Meteorite grew stronger within. She grabbed her glass of water and peered intensely at it, wishing that the water were suddenly the wine she ordered earlier.

Why am I feeling so terrible? I'm not doing anything wrong! I'm helping her get what she wants!

She glanced up into Meteorite's wide trusting eyes and kind friendly smile, and another wave of guilt hit her. Ngh! It's no good! I can't think clearly while she's… looking at me like that! Eyeing the back of the restaurant, Rarity took a big gulp of her water, and cleared her throat.

"Excuse me, darling," Rarity said with a huge smile, grabbing her purse and getting up, "I'm… just going to go to the little filly's room! To freshen up. I'll be back in just a moment!"

"Oh, o-" Meteorite managed to get out before Rarity quickly left the table, "-kay… huh."

Did I say something wrong? I… don't think I did.

Meteorite let out a sigh, glancing around the restaurant at all the other tables, every one of them occupied by at least two ponies. She started to wonder how much she was going to stand out, being by herself.

Or maybe that's the idea? Rarity left me to draw attention to myself and therefore the dress? Meteorite adjusted herself in her seat, perturbed. No… that's a terrible idea. Who would want to wear a dress worn by somepony who got stood up on Hearts and Hooves Day? Besides. Rarity would've told me that was the plan, right? Of course she would. …Right?

Her musings and doubts however, were interrupted by a voice behind her, seemingly by the entrance of the restaurant, increasingly gaining volume over the din of everypony else dining.

"What do you mean you have no tables left?! Do you know who I am?!" came a stallion's voice. Meteorite blinked out of her thoughts, and leaned back slightly, swivelling her ears towards the disturbance.

"No sir," came the maître d's voice, "but I do know that you do not have a reservation with us tonight."

"Preposterous! I don't need a reservation!"

"You do if you want to eat here tonight, sir," the maître d' replied, surprisingly calm as ever, "all our tables for tonight were booked at least over a week ago."

"Harrumph!" the pompous sounding stallion harrumphed, Meteorite feeling quite bemused at the fact he actually said the word. "You can't be serious! Surely you have had cancellations!"

"No sir!" the maître d' replied, a bit of mirthful pride in his voice, "Everypony tonight has ensured they've not missed their chance to dine at our fine establishment!"

"Honnnneeey," a mare's voice whined in a singsong fashion, "why aren't we being seated yet?! You said we'd get in!"

The stallion grunted. "Nevermind! They clearly do not want our business! We'll find somewhere else!"

"But…" the confused mare started to say, her voice fading away, "we don't have a business…"

After a few seconds of the noise level returning to the usual background noise, Meteorite couldn't help but chuckle to herself for a while.

Ahh… always nice to see comeuppance like that.

She smirked to herself as she waited patiently for Rarity, glancing around the place in idle boredom. Her gaze swept across the very full restaurant, and her brow furrowed as the deep sense of dread slowly returned.

Something's not right here… How did we get this table if every table was already booked last week? Meteorite folded her forelegs and nervously bit her hoof as she thought further. If this table was booked last week… then that means… what exactly? Why would Rarity book this table for Hearts and Hooves Day, well in advance? She's not seeing anypony… She glanced aside, a little bitterly, at least, I would think I would've noticed if she was…

And then, in the dimly lit reflection of the restaurant windows, Meteorite saw herself. Sitting at the table. Fear struck her heart.

It… can't be me. Right?! There's absolutely no way somepony as wonderful and successful as Rarity would ever be interested in m-

And suddenly, six years' worth of fears and suspicions came flooding back into her. Meteorite buried her snout into her hooves, panic gripping her. Oh noooo… something's up… oh no nonono, oh god no, please don't let this be what I think it is please, please… oh god…

Shutting her eyes tightly, Meteorite breathed heavily into her hooves, trying to calm herself down. I'm mistaken… that has to be it… I'm hideously wrong and I'm overreacting… Yeah, that's… it. Has to be. It can't be a shipfic, right? The world's not contriving to pair me and Rarity together. …right?

She lowered her hooves from her face, and glanced across the restaurant, spotting Rarity making her way back to their table. Meteorite tried to smile at her.

…fuck. I'm going to have to find out, aren't I?

"Ah, terribly sorry about that, darling!" Rarity exclaimed as she retook her seat, "I do hope you weren't too lonesome!"

"U-Uh, no! No no, I was… fine," Meteorite said as she flopped a hoof.

"Oh! Well good," Rarity said pleasantly, before taking a closer look at Meteorite, concerned. "Darling, are you sure you're alright? You're… looking a little pale."

Meteorite swallowed, staring into Rarity's eyes. Or, the facsimile passing as Rarity if her fears are correct. "Yeah!" Meteorite shrilled as she planted both her hooves down on the table, "I'm fine! Just… nervous! About tonight, heh!"

"Oh darling," Rarity said with sympathy, placing her hoof on Meteorite's, "no need to be nervous!" She offered a concerned smile. "Let's just… enjoy our time tonight."

Meteorite wanted to yank her hoof away, but fears or not, she couldn't bring herself to reject Rarity's caring touch and smile. She drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes, calming down. "Sure… I'll try."

But, as lovely as spending the evening with Rarity sounded, she needed to be sure. She needed to stop her fears from constantly nitpicking at everything that might be out of place for 'no discernable reason'. Meteorite waited for a moment, creating a lull in the conversation before glancing around as obviously nonchalantly as she could. "So… lots of ponies here tonight."

Rarity blinked. "Uh, yes! Yes, there is! I mean, it is Hearts and Hooves Day, after all."

"Haha, yeah…" Meteorite gaze dropped slightly before facing Rarity with a hopeful smile. "You must've been lucky getting a table tonight then!"

Rarity smiled, a touch of nervousness setting in. "Oh, yes! Yes, I must've been!"

Meteorite slowly nodded, her smile frozen on her face as her gaze bore into Rarity's. Her brow furrowed as she slightly tilted her head, still smiling. "So like, when did you book it? Like, after you asked me to help or something?"

Rarity nervously fidgeted, smiling wider as she subconsciously wrung a napkin in her magic. "Uh, yes! Yes, that's right!"

In the instant that followed, a split-second that seemed to last minutes, the restaurant became silent for Meteorite. She drew in a deep breath.

"Huh."

Rarity started to feel herself wilt under Meteorite's gaze. "Darling, is something the matter?" she asked, still sporting a totally not nervous smile.

"I… don't know," Meteorite stated simply, her emotions now carefully reserved, "I just know that while you were gone, I overheard the maître d' say this place was fully booked for a week."

Rarity's smile disappeared in fear for just a second, before returning. "W-Well! I suppose t-there must've been a cance-"

"No cancellations," Meteorite interrupted.

"…Oh," was all Rarity could think to say, as her gaze dropped to the table. Meteorite took this time to breathe in calmly, preparing for her next question.

"Why are you lying to me, Rarity?"

Rarity's head shot up, hoof to her chest in protest. "I-I'm not l- I'm not-" she hesitated as she saw Meteorite looking at her, her expression becoming upset as her body started to shake.

"I- I don't care w-what it is," Meteorite fought to say, her voice wavering from trying to stay strong, "just… tell me I-I'm wrong. Tell me… it's not what I think it is, please."

Rarity opened her mouth to respond, but words failed to come out.

Say something! Say something to comfort her! She needs you! She's practically begging you to lie to her! Why… Why… can't you…

A wave of shame washed over her as she looked down, unable to continue looking Meteorite in the eye. "…I'm sorry," she whispered.

There was a sniff, followed by the scraping of a chair against the floor. Rarity looked up to see Meteorite standing up, forehooves still on the table and avoiding looking at ~~Rarity~~ Not Rarity.

"Meteorite? What are- Where-"

"I'm… I think I'm going to go…" Meteorite said quietly, her voice carefully avoiding any emotion, "so… I'm going to."

Rarity reached out. "Darling, please! Don't go! I- I can explain!"

Meteorite hesitated and looked at ~~Rarity~~ Not Rarity, hurt in her eyes. "Okay… do it."

Rarity paused, glancing at fellow patrons already looking their way. "W-Well… I can't say it here..."

"Right… of course not." Meteorite stepped down and turned away. "I'm sorry, Rarity, I… I really have to go. I… don't want make a scene." Without waiting for a response, she quickly made her way to the entrance, only pausing to lock eyes with the maître d'.

"Sorry," she whimpered, before running out.

"METEORITE!"

Meteorite could hear Rarity calling after her as she ran down the streets of Ponyville, tears and mascara flowing down her face, but she didn't want to deal with her anymore. She didn't want to stand there and interact with… with herself as the author, using Rarity like some sort of cheap puppet.

"Meteorite! Please! Let- me- explain!"

Meteorite gritted her teeth, and slowed down to a stop. How dare you… even continue on with this façade?

A few moments later she heard someone huffing behind her.

"Well- I- must say- I didn't think- you'd actually stop…"

"Go on then," Meteorite spat out while breathing heavily and wiping away her tears, refusing to turn around, "what's your explanation, Rarity?"

Rarity flinched at the spiteful way Meteorite was saying her name. "Darling, I really think you should calm down first…"

"I'll calm down when you tell me this 'explanation'," Meteorite huffed before muttering under her breath, "not that you actually will."

Rarity swallowed, before drawing herself up. "I've met Alexandra."

Stillness filled the air as Meteorite stiffened, both fearful and confused by the admittance. Very slowly, she turned around, with an extremely wary and afraid look in her eyes.

"What did you say?" she whispered.

"A few weeks ago, I encountered this…" she waved a hoof in a circular fashion, "being who called herself Alexandra. You… know her, yes?"

Meteorite eyed Rarity carefully, her mouth agape slightly before refocusing on trying to sort out the dozens of new thoughts in her head. Alexandra? Okay, obviously me… but… when did I start using 'Alexandra' over just 'Alex'? Meteorite blinked out of her furrowed confusion. "Yeeeeah…" she carefully admitted, "I know her… But… what do you mean, you 'encountered' her?"

Rarity tried to smile sympathetically. "I realize this must be a bit of a shock to you-"

"You don't say," Meteorite interrupted. Rarity bit her lip and pressed onward.

"Yes of course… but, yes, I met her the same day you and her had an argument."

Meteorite eyed Rarity suspiciously, and pointed at hoof at her. "Okay, first-"

"You don't remember the argument, darling," Rarity helpfully added. Meteorite dropped her hoof slightly, feeling less sure of her grasp on things. She dropped her hoof back to the ground firmly.

"E-Explain," she said, trying to sound firm in her demand. Rarity nodded solemnly.

"It was the day you first came to my store. After you left, I followed you because I suspected there was more to what you were saying. And then… there she was, talking to you. You were…" Rarity cleared her throat as she flopped a hoof and glanced aside, "upset, to say the least. Then something happened between you two, and you left, unaware she was ever there." Rarity's gaze dropped as she pawed at the ground slightly. "Then she caught me spying on you two…"

Meteorite listened as she stared at Rarity intently, trying to spot any signs of deceit. "Then what?" she asked carefully.

Rarity looked back up at Meteorite, a small smile on her lips. "Well, the poor dear was rather confused about why I was there, just as I was with her… annnd after some prodding she explained who she was, and who you were, and… why you were in my boutique that day…"

Meteorite's breath caught in her throat as she froze on the spot, now realising she'd been found out. For a while. Rarity looked upon her with sympathy.

"I do apologize for pretending to not know how you felt, but I had to!"

"You… had to," Meteorite said numbly.

Rarity nodded vehemently. "Yes! She was going to change everything back to how it was before because your first attempt at…" she cleared her throat, "'wooing' me, didn't go so well."

Despite the mascara down her face, a blush of embarrassment shone through on Meteorite's cheeks.

"So," Rarity continued, "I insisted on letting things remain as they were."

Meteorite stared at Rarity in confusion, her cheeks still burning. Sitting down, she finally gathered enough wits to continue ask a simple question.

"Why?"

Rarity smiled as she stepped forward. "Because…" she said softly, "everypony deserves a second chance at love." She momentarily looked into her purse, and took out a handkerchief, using it to clean Meteorite's face, still smiling. "And despite tonight being utterly disastrous, I still think you're worth it."

"Y-You do…?" Meteorite whispered as she blinked away her lingering tears.

Rarity smiled as she placed her hoof under Meteorite's chin and gently lifted so their eyes met. "I do…" she whispered back, before leaning in, kissing Meteorite.

Meteorite's eyes went wide, not knowing what to do or how to respond, but she eventually settled on closing her eyes and kiss back as well as she could, losing herself in the moment. Some might describe it as feeling like an eternity, but for Meteorite, it was the long-awaited end of one.

Chapter 13

Both mares silently faced each other. They had not spoken a word since their kiss, but subtle glances and head nods led them away from where they had confessed their love, well, where Rarity had, and towards a nearby bench where they could sit peacefully, mostly away from prying eyes.

Rarity smiled patiently as Meteorite's brow furrowed as she made several attempts to say something. For once, Rarity had noted, Meteorite didn't seem nervous at all, and in fact, the only thing keeping her quiet was that she had too much to say but had no idea what to start with.

"I must say," Rarity began, "I had no idea I could leave somepony so speechless with a kiss."

Meteorite blinked a few times as she blushed, unable to stop herself smiling. She made few more attempts to speak, but again seemed to be mentally held back, much to her frustration. Rarity spoke up again, though this time concern crept into her voice.

"I… I do hope that it was…" Rarity bit her lip slightly, "Did I meet your expectations for your first kiss?"

Meteorite sat upright, surprised at the question. Not long after, her expression melted into a loving smile as her cheeks continued to burn.

"Oh Rarity, it…" she said softly, pausing momentarily as she thought, shaking her head slowly, "I could not have begun to even consider the feelings I felt in that moment." Meteorite was unable to suppress a giggle. "It was beyond imagination."

Rarity smiled back, happy that she was able to fulfil the one part of her plan she truly cared about. A moment later, she was surprised when Meteorite reached out for her hooves, but stopped.

"May I?" Meteorite asked, looking Rarity in the eyes.

Rarity nodded, curiosity getting the better of her as she placed her hooves on Meteorite's. For the first time since the kiss, Meteorite shook with nervousness, but she smiled as she fought through it.

"Rarity… I love you."

Rarity's heart skipped a beat. She had known of course, they both knew she knew, but knowing beforehand didn't matter, did it? Rarity understood in that moment that it wasn't a confession, but a declaration, a declaration that Meteorite wasn't afraid to show her feelings anymore.

"You are the most beautiful mare I know…" Meteorite continued, her heart beating faster all the while. Her eyes drifted for a moment as she reconsidered her line. "The most beautiful being I know… I…" Meteorite took a breath and swallowed, "I don't just mean your beauty either, but… everything about you is beautiful… you're just incredible in… every way…" Meteorite began to waver, and looked down as her cheeks flushed a bright red. "I can't… help but be drawn in by you…" Meteorite confessed softly, "I just want to be with you always… you make me smile just by existing…"

Rarity didn't respond right away, she couldn't respond, how could she to something like that? Rarity took a moment to recollect herself, unwillingly tearing one hoof away from Meteorite's to place on her chest, and in that moment realized it wasn't just Meteorite that was shaking, but her as well. Her other hoof gripped Meteorite's tighter, as she took a breath and exhaled.

"Well then," Rarity began, her soft whisper cutting through the silence, "if being around you makes you smile, then I suppose I have no choice but to stay with you."

Meteorite looked back up, her wavering smile threatening to widen as tears formed in her eyes. Rarity smiled as she tutted, bringing out the handkerchief again with her magic, and wiped Meteorite's tears away. "Meteorite darling, you simply have to be more careful while wearing mascara."

Meteorite sniffed as she giggled happily. "I-I'll try to remember that in the future."

The handkerchief hung mid-air between the two mares, as Rarity gazed into Meteorite's eyes.

"You know, I'm very happy I got to know you…" Rarity whispered, "I think you're wonderful, and I would like to get to know you even more…" She broke into a sly smile. "Hopefully this time I get to hear it directly from you…"

Meteorite tried to smile at that, but her smile and gaze dropped slightly, deep in thought.

"Is… something the matter?" Rarity asked, concerned. "Did I… say something wrong?"

Meteorite shook her head. "No… No. I just…" Meteorite glanced aside, frowning. "I'm just… concerned about this… Alexandra you've apparently met." She clucked her tongue. "Could… you tell me more about her?"

Rarity blinked. "Why, certainly! What would you like to know?"

Meteorite turned back and met Rarity's gaze with fierce intensity.

"Everything."

"…Huh."

Rarity glanced over at Meteorite as they walked down the streets of Ponyville, illuminated by the light of nearby houses. She had been recounting her experience with Alexandra a few weeks earlier, detail by detail, and all the while Meteorite listened quietly as a perturbed expression grew on her face. Rarity cleared her throat and offered a smile before continuing.

"And so, after that, I've not heard from her again." Rarity hesitated before glancing aside, muttering quietly. "Even if I had tried reaching out to her the next day."

Meteorite blinked as she snapped out of her thoughts, looking back at Rarity. "What?"

Rarity smiled guiltily. "I ah, well… I didn't exactly know where to find you at first… so I ah… I tried calling out to her."

An incredulous smile slowly formed on Meteorite, forcing her to bite her lip. "And uh… what happened then?"

"Nothing! No response whatsoever!" Rarity stopped and crossed her forelegs, "What's worse is Sweetie Belle nearly caught me talking to myself!"

Meteorite suddenly burst into laughter, sometimes crossing into bouts of sniggering. Rarity, though shocked at first, found herself taken in the fact this was the first time she heard Meteorite truly laugh, unrestrained by fear or worry. After a few moments, Meteorite attempted to force herself to stop, though a few snickers fought through.

"I'm, hee, sorry Rarity," she apologised with a huge smile, "I'm not laughing at you. I just," her smile broke into a grin, "I've done that so many times myself, and… yeah… I'm pretty sure there's been a few ponies who've heard me yelling at the sky."

Rarity's hoof flew to her mouth, hiding her quick smile. "Oh darling, that must've been… frustrating."

Meteorite nodded, her grin slowly fading. "Yeah… it… really was."

They fell silent for a moment, each momentarily caught in their own web of thoughts. Rarity shook out of hers first and reached over and took one of Meteorite's hooves in hers, eliciting a curious blush from her.

"You know," Rarity spoke softly as she recalled her encounter, "it really did seem like she cares a lot for you." She fluttered her eyelashes briefly, "As do I."

Meteorite's blush deepened as she nodded. "I-I know. I just… I think I need time getting used to that."

Rarity arched an eyebrow, as she spoke with an almost sultry tone. "Hmm? Which one, darling?"

Meteorite giggled as she nervously placed her other hoof on Rarity's. "Both," she reaffirmed with a playful smile. "But… I think I'll be okay… Again, with both."

As the night rolled on, the two mares eventually found themselves outside the darkened Carousel Boutique. Rarity quietly pushed the front door open, before turning around to face Meteorite, who was fidgeting slightly.

"So… I guess this is it for tonight?" Meteorite asked.

"Well… it doesn't have to be…" Rarity admitted, "would you like to come inside?"

Meteorite smiled uneasily. "Yeah, but… on the first date?" She rubbed her neck upon reconsideration. "Even though it technically wasn't really a date…"

Rarity smiled slyly. "Well… if it wasn't really a date, then it can't very well be a first date then, can it?"

Meteorite inhaled sharply, staring at Rarity. "Ooooh…" she exhaled quietly, "you're going to be testing my willpower a lot, aren't you?"

Rarity let out a faint giggle, before dropping the act. "I'm sorry, darling. But seriously, would you like to come in for some tea? Or coffee, perhaps?"

Meteorite considered it for a moment, and then smiled. "Okay. Yeah, I'd like that."

Epilogue

Hearts and Hooves Day passed, and Ponyville spent the next few days slowly sweeping away the various decorations strewn about the town, everypony done with the holiday until next year. Everypony except Meteorite who, now with her bottled up feelings finally free, was feeling emboldened by the joy and spirit of the holiday, and was gaily cantering down the main street of Ponyville. She paused briefly by Rose's stand, curiously eyeing the flowers on offer. She admittedly didn't know much about flowers to look at or, in a few moments of tempted curiosity, taste, but she picked a bouquet she thought looked nice and hopefully, Rarity would too.

Meteorite walked away with her gift, however only managing a few steps before she spotted the small purple dragon a few feet in front of her, staring back. His large eyes flicked to the bouquet for a moment, his tiny claws fidgeting together.

"You're… off to see Rarity, aren't you?" Spike asked, his voice trying not to crack as he looked away.

Meteorite's heart sank, suddenly heavy with feelings of guilt, of feeling like a homewrecker, barging her way into what was canon. She glanced at the bouquet nestled in the crook of her foreleg, briefly considering flat-out lying and claiming it was just a snack, but no. It was a tired trope, and Spike didn't deserve having his intelligence insulted like that.

"Yeah…" Meteorite said quietly, "I am."

Spike nodded glumly, unable to look at Meteorite. They both stood there for a while, not knowing what to say next. Finally, Meteorite gently placed the bouquet down on the ground and lowered herself to be face to face with Spike.

"Hey," she said softly. "Look, if… if I for whatever reason upset Rarity, you have my permission to kick my flank all across Equestria."

Spike scoffed as he crossed his arms, but appeared to consider Meteorite's words. He turned his head to face her, fixing her with a stern glare. "Yeah well, that's not gonna happen, is it? Because you're not going to upset her, right?"

Meteorite faintly smiled as she shook her head. "No, sir."

Spike still glared, but it seemed to soften slightly as his arms uncrossed, falling to his sides. "Well… good." His gaze drifted away for a moment. "As long as she's happy…" he mumbled.

Meteorite swallowed before rising back to her full height. "You're a good one, Spike. I respect you."

"Pft, yeah," Spike scoffed lightly, "I'm still gonna hold you to that promise, you know."

I don't remember saying it was a promise but, "Of course," Meteorite said, giving a sympathetic smile, "I mean, I don't exactly want a vengeful dragon after me, after all."

A few moments after they had said their final pieces and parted ways, Meteorite watched as Spike walked off in the distance. Her ears dropped slightly as she frowned.

"I hope he'll be okay," she said to herself.

"He'll be fine," came a voice off to the side.

Meteorite blinked as the background noise of the town was crushed beneath a sudden silence, and even the air itself seemed to halt. She slowly turned her head to see a figure, somehow both familiar and foreign at the same time, sitting on a nearby bench, smiling serenely. And without a moment's notice, lost memories suddenly returned to Meteorite with full force, filling in the blanks she hadn't realised were missing. Her eyes went wide with recognition, before narrowing sharply.

"Alexandra," she hissed, before her memories had finished trying to line up the facts she knew. She momentarily hesitated. "Wait. Wait, so… ohh. So that was the moment Rarity was talking about."

Alexandra nodded, still smiling. Meteorite eyed her cautiously.

"You know, I should still be mad at you."

"I know. I'm sorry, I really am."

"S'okay…" Meteorite grumbled, "I mean…" she bit her lip, considering her next thought. "Did you… know, me and Rarity would end up together?"

Alexandra's smile grew slightly, even though she shrugged. "I had an inkling, but nothing definite."

"An inkling."

"Well, it's like what I told Rarity; I wasn't going to interfere." Alexandra then rolled her eyes and sighed. "Though, the two of you damn well frustrated the hell out of me towards the end there! I so wanted to get it through your thick skull that Rarity liked you, dammit!" She balled her hands into fists, but then held her hands up open, exhaling. "But, no. It had to be done by you two alone. I wasn't going to do anything about it."

Meteorite scoffed lightly, before frowning in thought. "So wait. If you're not 'interfering', why are you here then?"

"Oh, well," Alexandra said somewhat flippantly, "I figured I might as well show up for the epilogue."

Meteorite blinked as her ears fell flat. "Epilogue?"

"Yup!" Alexandra said cheerily, "Story's over! You got the girl- well. Both of you got the girl," she winked, causing a slight blush on Meteorite, "and this feels like a good time to go out on."

Meteorite glanced around. "It… does? I mean… no offense, but I really don't think ending on you and me talking is a good way to go."

Alexandra cupped her cheek and chin with her hand, a sly grin on her face. "Oh dear… you're right I think."

Meteorite raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "What are you up t-" Meteorite paused, suddenly hearing the sounds of hooves hitting the ground rapidly approaching in the distance. Alexandra continued to grin.

"If only it wasn't just you and me unaffected by this!"

Meteorite turned to the fast-approaching sounds, staring into the frozen town waiting for something to happen. Suddenly, from a nearby junction Rarity came galloping, skidding to a halt, frantically looking one way then the other, before spotting Meteorite and Alexandra looking back at her. Wide-eyed, she ran over as fast as she could.

"Darling!"

"Rarity?" Meteorite questioned, not used to others being around while Alexandra was here. Rarity ran up to her, and the two of them embraced in a comforting hug.

"Oh, Meteorite darling! I was so concerned! All of a sudden, everypony just stopped moving! But then, I remembered that's what happened when-" Rarity glanced over, "-she was here, so I waited for her to appear but she didn't so I thought to find you and then I heard voices in the distance and so I came running!" Rarity took a moment to compose herself, breaking the hug and clearing her throat, before facing Alexandra fully. "Miss Alexandra."

Alexandra chuckled lightly. "Miss Rarity," she greeted back.

Rarity glanced over at Meteorite briefly, concerned. "Darling, what's going on?"

Meteorite opened her mouth to respond, but unable to quickly think of what to say, Alexandra answered instead.

"I just wanted to thank you both."

Both ponies turned towards her. "Thank us?"

Alexandra smiled, turning to Rarity. "Rarity, I just wanted to say that… you've managed to do what I didn't think was possible, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't know what the future holds for you two, but whatever it is, I can trust you both with it."

Alexandra then turned to Meteorite, her smile growing slightly sad, slightly confusing the pony. "And you, Meteorite… I'm very sorry that I felt I had to interfere when it's clear now that it wasn't really helping. I hope you can forgive me for that."

Meteorite glanced at Rarity before trying to wave it off coolly. "Pf, yeah, no worries. It's all cool."

Rarity nodded. "Yes, no forgiveness is needed. You were only doing what you felt was the right thing to do."

"Besides," Meteorite shrugged, "you kinda helped us get together anyway by screwing up."

Alexandra blinked. "…Huh. Didn't think of it like that."

Meteorite giggled slightly, prompting Rarity to join in. Alexandra smiled at the pair, before standing up, catching their attention.

"Before I go," Alexandra began, "I have an offer for you Meteorite."

Meteorite frowned slightly, hooking her hoof around Rarity's. "You're going? What offer?"

"Yeah…" Alexandra sighed, "think it's best I go soon. But anyway! My offer is simple. Once I leave, things will go back to how they've been, or… you can continue remembering our meetings, like Rarity had. Your choice."

Meteorite's breath caught in her throat as she considered the option before her. She felt Rarity squeezing her hoof slightly, offering her support. Looking up at Alexandra, she swallowed.

"Honestly… I don't want to forget you ever again. Yeah, we had our fights, but… I'd rather have that than nothing at all."

Alexandra smiled. "Same…" She stretched for a moment, before taking a few steps. "Well. Time to go. You two have a great life, you hear?"

"Will we see you again?" Rarity asked.

Alexandra paused, considering the question. "Probably not… you two don't need me around anymore," she shrugged, "not that you needed me much to begin with anyway."

She took another few steps before Meteorite called out.

"Follow up question. Will you see us again?"

Alexandra slowed down, pausing by the junction Rarity came out of. She turned around, her only response being a wide grin, before ducking out of view, returning the world to its former bustling activity. Meteorite and Rarity glanced at each other.

"Figures," Meteorite snarked, rolling her eyes. Rarity laughed lightly.

"You know…" Rarity began, "it only really just occurred to me that the two of you sound very much alike."

"What?" Meteorite said disbelieving as she walked over to where she dropped her bouquet, "No we don't."

"You absolutely do!" Rarity protested, "Identical!"

"Well, if you say so," Meteorite dismissed, checking the bouquet making sure it was okay. "I couldn't hear it." She walked back over, with a smile on her face. "Anyway, more importantly! I bought these for you. I hope they're good enough. I don't really know flowers that well."

Rarity took the bouquet, breathing in the scent. There was a small pause as she glanced at Meteorite before returning to the flowers, her brow furrowed. Eventually, Rarity looked at a now slightly concerned Meteorite, her eyes lidded.

"Well, the important thing is you tried."

Meteorite's face fell, which made Rarity unable to hold her façade and broke into a reassuring smile. "I'm kidding, darling! I'm happy you made such a thoughtful gesture." She caressed Meteorite's cheek with a hoof, before kissing her lightly.

"Really?" Meteorite asked, slightly breathless.

Rarity nodded, before clucking her tongue.

"Well, not entirely." She trotted off towards Rose's cart, before turning back with a wink. "Come on, I'll show you which flowers to get next time."

~The End~

Chapter 4

Rarity stared with wide eyes as she took in the full implication of what was just said. Her mouth felt dry.

"O-Oh…" she managed to croak out. She dropped her gaze to the ground, unable to shake a tiny feeling of guilt. "I'm… sorry."

Alexandra blinked at the apology, and then frowned slightly. "Jesus, Rarity," she admonished, moving closer, "don't apologise! It's not your fault! It's just…" she twirled a hand, "…one of those things… that happen. I guess."

Both of them fell silent, lost in their own thoughts. Alexandra eventually turned her attention back to Rarity, studying her for a moment.

"I dunno…" she muttered with an air of defeat, "maybe I should… just give up the whole thing. I spent ages trying to give Meteorite a shot, but it just… feels wrong now; having spent the last… god knows how long it's been, sitting here explaining things to you." She paused, considering her own feelings of guilt. "It's… not right, trying to find a… loophole around your feelings." She scoffed slightly. "Heck, I know Meteorite wouldn't want that."

Rarity remained silent, but nodded her acknowledgement.

"So… I dunno…" Alexandra continued, "I guess I'll just revert things back to how they were, and… you don't have to worry. I won't try to… pair you up with Meteorite again." She sighed, as she rested her head against her open palm. "And… I dunno… I guess I'll dial back Meteorite's love for you slowly over time… so you don't have to worry about that. Also, so she can move on with her life."

Rarity found herself frowning slightly. Alexandra didn't notice as she drew herself up, steeling herself.

"Guess it's time I've admitted it to myself properly… I've always joked that it was unlikely that you two would ever end up together…" She idly kicked a small pebble aside. "Never really believed it though…" She turned to face Rarity directly, and forced a smile. "Oh well. At least I got to talk to you Rarity, so that's something. I'd rather it was Meteorite instead of me, but…" she shrugged, before extending a hand out, "anyway. Thank you for being here and listening to me rambling on."

Rarity tentatively lifted a hoof to the offered hand, which Alexandra shook. Alexandra's smile became slightly more genuine for a moment as she turned to walk away.

"Goodbye Rarity. It was nice meeting you."

Rarity opened her mouth to respond, but hesitated. She had dozens of things she wanted to say, but they were all fighting for dominance and as a result the words ended getting caught up in her throat. As Alexandra got further away, Rarity started to panic and blurted out the first thing to come to mind.

"WAIT, DARLING!"

Alexandra halted, and looked back over her shoulder in confusion. "What?"

Rarity was now sitting on her haunches, tapping her hooves together. "I uh…" Rarity's mind raced for anything to say. Suddenly a thought occurred to her, and she blinked in surprise of the simplicity of it.

"I have a request, darling!"

Alexandra turned to face Rarity fully, confusion on her face. "Sorry?"

Rarity twirled a hoof. "You said earlier that um, Meteorite made a request with you, yes? I would like to make a request of my own!"

Alexandra stared at Rarity, before jabbing a thumb towards the street. "Rarity, I'm about to put everything back to how it was; your request isn't going to matter!"

Rarity nodded fervently and jumped down from her couch. "Yes, and that is why I must request that you do not!" She stamped a hoof to punctate.

"Y- You don't want me to?" Alexandra folded her arms, frowning in confusion. "Rarity, I can't do that! I can't leave things as they are! Meteorite is hurting bad and it's my fault! I told you this!"

"I understand, darling," Rarity said sympathetically, "I just feel that… perhaps there's another way?"

"What are you… getting at, Rarity?"

Rarity smiled nervously. "Well. You wanted Meteorite to, 'have a shot', yes?" She fussed with her mane slightly. "I… could perhaps allow that?"

Alexandra stared at Rarity. "What."

"Ah, don't get the wrong idea! I'm just saying; she may just need a second chance? You know, without erasing the first chance?"

Alexandra eyed Rarity warily. "Hang on." She closed her eyes, and then opened them an instant later. "Okay, yes, this is still the same scene and it's still me writing it…" She looked at Rarity again. "What?! But- you- how- why-"

Rarity frowned slightly. "I do have an open mind, you know."

"I don't disput-" Alexandra paused briefly, "Okay well, good to know. But, why do you care?"

Rarity glanced aside, as she rubbed a hoof against her foreleg. "I just… I don't believe a pony's love should just be erased… Love is a sacred emotion. Yes, sometimes two ponies are incompatible with each other, but the important part is that they've tried. After all, darling! Is it not said that 'it is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all', hm?"

Alexandra stood stunned. So stunned, that she had to sit down while thinking over what Rarity had just quoted.

"Jesus…" she murmured, "that'd completely slipped my mind…" She stared ahead for a while before turning to face Rarity and speaking softly. "You'd… You'd really give it a shot with Meteorite?"

"Absolutely, darling! She was lovely this morning when buying her outfit. Although…" she tapped her chin, frowning, "she was rather… how to put this… vulgar, earlier when she was talking to you."

Alexandra cringed. "Okay yeah, but you don't understand. Where she's from, where I'm from, that's… almost second nature to us. Please, don't hold that against her. After all, she doesn't do that when talking to anyone here, so y'know, that has to count for something? Right?"

"Hm…" Rarity's frown softened slightly, "I suppose so."

Alexandra gave a sigh of relief, thought it was short-lived as a thought occurred to her. "Wait," Alexandra said suddenly, "you're not going to remember any of this! Why are we even discussing this?"

"Oh, yes, you are quite right." Rarity played with her mane as she thought it over. "Very well! I have a part two to my request! I want to remember everything we've discussed here as well!"

Alexandra stared at Rarity before slowly putting her face into her hands and sliding them down her cheeks, groaning. "You're really asking a lot of me here, Rarity. I can't let a main ch- a native of this world know I've been here!"

"Why not?"

"It… It'll affect things! You'll know things you shouldn't!"

Rarity lidded her eyes. "Well yes darling, that's the idea."

Alexandra stared at her for a moment, before exhaling a sigh. "Fiiine… might as well. What have I got to lose?"

"Excellent darling!" Rarity lifted a hoof, "so do we have an agreement?"

"I guess…" Alexandra said, reaching down with her hand. Suddenly she pulled back and shouted. "No!"

Rarity pulled her hoof back as well, shocked. "What? What is it?!"

Alexandra balled her hands in front of her. "Meteorite!" she snapped, almost accusingly.

"What about her?"

Alexandra knelt down in front of Rarity, meeting her eye to eye. "She's not going to believe you."

Rarity blinked. "Sorry?"

Alexandra pointed to the streets. "I've not interacted with Meteorite like this in the six years she's been here, at least, not in any manner that she remembers. Meteorite out there right now, has no idea I've been here at all. But, she suspects I'm here."

"I… don't understand."

Alexandra swallowed. "Okay, so, Meteorite has been spending her life in Equestria trying to 'catch me out', to prove that yes she is my creation and I'm a horrible person for it. She's mellowed over the years, but if you suddenly start showing interest in her out of the blue, she's going to think that you're me trying to mess with her."

Rarity reeled back slightly. "Why… would she think that?"

"Because that's how I was back then!" Alexandra stewed, "I didn't trust myself at all!" She blinked as her expression softened into a nervous smile. "Please don't hold that against her…"

Rarity squinted at Alexandra slightly. "Hm…"

Alexandra's shoulders sagged with defeat. "Just say the word," she mumbled, "I'll go back to my original plan and reset everything."

"Hmmm…" Rarity continued, "No, I shan't think so. Thank you for the warning. I shall be… discreet."

Alexandra swallowed. "You're really going to do this, huh?"

Rarity nodded. "So, do we have an agreement now?"

"I suppose we do…"

Once again they shook hand and hoof, this time with more meaning behind it. Alexandra got up.

"Well, it's all in your hooves now, Rarity. Once I'm gone, it'll be all up to you to make this happen."

"Yes, of course."

Alexandra took a deep breath and turned to the main street and began walking. Just before she disappeared past the nearby house, she stopped and turned back.

"Rarity?"

"Yes, darling?"

Alexandra paused to think. "If… it doesn't work out, please let her down gently. That's all I ask."

Rarity nodded solemnly. "You have my word."

Alexandra smiled softly before resuming her exit.

And suddenly the world around Rarity deafened her with the sounds of ponies in the streets and nearby buildings suddenly bustling with activity. She yelped and covered her ears out of shock, before regaining her composure. Glancing around, she noted that, yes, she did remember what just happened. She also noted that her couch was still in the alleyway with her. She grumbled as she marched back to the street, now having to magic her couch all the way back home.