Damn it, Twilight, I love you!

Chapters

Geek Chic Dating
Just Have Faith
Hard Time for Love
Epilogue: The Posh Connection
The problem with eggheads
Bonus Chapter: Cutie Mark Crusaders Favor Time! YAY!!!!

Geek Chic Dating

Hey everyone, Sam Cole here. Thank you all for the props and support for the first chapter of Damn it, Twilight, I Love You! While working on this new chapter, I was hit up by fellow Brony, AndrewClocksinPK, who's work was just included on the Faithful and Strong Charity Album (very cool stuff by the way,) telling me I had inspired him to create a custom Rarelight song. Well, I am happy to post that song here today, for your listening entertainment, and encourage you all to get out there and create, whatever, where ever. Now, enjoy the second chapter. Peace out, Sam.

Geek Chic Dating.

Twilight and Rarity, a match made in heaven it seemed. They both loved the finer things, they both loved the elegance and grace of their talents, and most importantly, they loved each other. Most welcomed them readily, with warm smiles and nothing but praise. But that was not the case everywhere, as one, Miss Rarity, found out standing before their greatest challenge yet, Princess Celestia. The two mares sat at the small table with her in her home, the castle of Canterlot, having a very lovely afternoon tea. The regal princess had insisted on Twilight and Rarity coming out as soon as they could, delighted to talk about Twilight’s relationship.

“So Rarity, you and Twilight are dating I hear,” Celestia teased as she raised her teacup to her lips, chuckling slightly.

“Princess,” Twilight chided, “You heard that from me. Don’t act so coy.”

“Yes of course my ever faithful pupil. Twilight, be a dear and fetch me my reading glasses if you would?” Celestia asked, her smile warm and caring, like a mother’s.

“Of course,” Twilight beamed, kissing Rarity on the cheek before sauntering out to find those elusive spectacles.

With Twilight gone, Celestia turned to Rarity, fire in her eyes, ice treading on her every syllable, “Rarity, I love Twilight as if she was my own. I care for her as much as her own dear mother. And I promise you, you little fillyfooler, if you hurt her, I’ll end you. If she ever cries because of you, if she ever even hints at being unhappy in your relationship, I’ll do to you things no pony could endure. I’ll make Luna’s sabbatical on the moon seem like a cake walk. Try me, filly.”

“Wha....” Rarity stammered.

“I’ll make you Blue Blood’s personal maid for a year. Two if you try doing anything ‘funny’ with my student. I warn you Rarity, I am not to be trifled with.”

“B-B-B-Blue Blood....” Rarity stammered. If her coat was not white before, it would have been now. Rarity began nervously playing with her mane, muttering to herself about the arrogant plot hole that was the prince. Twilight pranced back in, the glasses held within her magical grasp. That lavender mare did wonders for the white unicorn. If Twilight was here, she could face anything.

“Ah, thank you Twilight!” Celestia sang as she took the glasses, all warm and friendly again. “Let me see, oh, here we go. Rarity, what exactly drew you to my pupil?” Celestia said reading Twilight’s letter, “It never made mention here, and I was just wondering.”

“Oh, thats a wonderful question Princess,” Twilight chimed. How does she manage to be cute being a teachers pet? Rarity thought, trying to collect herself.

So with a large breath, Rarity set out on her story. “Please, a proper lady would never. But I do love to tell a good story,” Rarity smiled. “As it was, I was talking with Fluttershy at the spa, trading gossip and the like. I made a comment in passing about how Twilight looked fabulous that morning on my way to the spa,” Rarity said, sipping her tea. If there was one thing she knew from high society, it was how to act brave in front of an important pony. And right now, there was none more important that Twilight Sparkle.

“I looked that good? Really?” Twilight asked, playing with her mane now.

“Of course darling, you were having tea with Cheerilee, and I must admit, right when I saw you, I wished it was me you were dining with. But I didn’t realize that till I found myself still thinking of you, two hours later, and how magnificent you looked. Fluttershy probably pieced it together, but she never said anything. Somehow, all day after that moment, every conversation I tried to have worked it’s way back around to you, Twilight.”

“Aww, Rarity. Thats so sweet!” Twilight smiled. Rarity smiled as well, and giggled. “Um, Rarity?” Twilight finally said.

“Yes darling?”

“Your story?”

“Oh, oh my yes. So where was I... Ah yes, So after that eventful day, I went home and tried to figure out what had made me think of you non stop. I found I had pictures of us all, but the ones I kept closest were the ones where I stood next to you, or of the two of us alone. Like that one time you got me on that blasted roller coaster.”

“Awe, But I love those...” Twilight pouted. Rarity couldn’t help but smile again.

“And I love you darling. I would brave a thousand of those infernal contraptions for you, mi amour. So as I was saying, I found I had, for some time apparently, been ranking my friends. Nothing odd about that really, everypony has friends that, no matter how great, are just closer than others-” Rarity explained.

“Really? You mean I don’t have to feel guilty about liking you more than somepony else?” Twilight asked.

“Of course my student. You are free to choose which friends mean the most to you, who makes you the happiest, and who truly cares for you, to spend your time with,” Celestia explained.

“Oh. Well, I found that pony now,” Twilight giggled. Rarity wanted to be irate about the constant interruptions, but damn it all, Twilight was just perfect.

With a chuckle, the white unicorn continued, “But I found that I favored you so much more than I realized, Twilight.”

“Oh, how so?” Twilight and Celestia asked, though their tones differed. Twilight was more confused, while Celestia was a bit more inquisitive.

“Yes. I had the picture of us at your birthday party next to my bed, and it was the first thing I saw everyday. I never even thought about it, but I had been waking up to your smile for 5 months, Twilight. I had subconsciously decided that I wanted you to be the first image in my mind everyday.”

“What a wonderful tale. May I?” Celestia asked, seeing where this led. Rarity nodded, hoping that it would help things between them now. “I Hope,” Celestia shot at the white mare, “That you felt confused, and did a large amount of soul searching. I would hate if you had decided to just pursue Twilight off of that notion alone.”

“Oh trust me your highness, I did a lot of self discovery. I found that the only times I was truly happy was with Twilight. I found that I had never been happy when dating a colt. But mainly, I found that the longer I tried to tell myself I didn’t love Twilight, that it was wrong of me, the more I fell for her. I finally decided that I loved Twilight, and wanted to try things with her. But that was the trouble. I could not get through. Finally, I just said buck it all, and kissed her.” As soon as the words escaped her lips, Rarity knew she had made a mistake.

“You did what?” Celestia snorted.

“I-”

“Yep. She did. I was in shock, it was my first kiss, and I had never even thought before right then about what qualities I was looking for in a romantic partner. But that kiss, it was, oh Princess, even I can’t find the words to describe it. I would have to say euphoria, which Rarity mistook as shocked rejection. She ran away, thinking she had hurt me. I found her crying in her bedroom, to worry sickened to even speak. All the better for me though,” Twilight answered with a her attempt at a sly smile. But her joyous tendencies dashed that attempt.

“Oh?” Celestia asked.

“Mmhmm. I had a script from Fluttershy that worked better if Rarity was quiet. It was pretty easy to say the lines, and let Rarity know I was not only okay, but really liked what had happened. We kissed again,” Twilight giggled, “Then went back to the party to tell everypony, though they already knew of Rarity’s feelings,” Twilight confessed.

“Well that’s a rather cute story. Oh Twilight, would you be a dear and fetch another pot of tea?” Celestia said looking Rarity dead in the eyes.

“Of course!” Twilight replied, oblivious to the daggers her teacher was staring at her marefriend. Damn It, Twilight! Rarity thought as the lavender mare retreated back indoors.

“You,” Celestia snarled. For the kind ruler that all loved and praised, the Princess was actually quite terrifying. “You kissed her? Without her permission?”

“I-I’m sorry?”

“I hope you designed a maid costume you foal, because-”

“I’m back!” Twilight sang carrying the pot of tea.

“Splendid,” Celestia smiled. She changes moods faster than Pinkie Pie! Rarity thought. So the teacher and student happily enjoyed their visit, while Rarity did everything in her power to keep from shaking with fear. And Rarity was all too ready to leave, while Twilight insisted on drawing out the practice.

“Goodbye Princess, it was wonderful to see you today,” Twilight smiled, hugging her friend and mentor.

“Have a pleasant journey Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia smiled, then waved Rarity over. Pulling the white mare in close, Celestia hissed, “One word. If she says one word, you’ll spend every waking moment with Blue Blood for the rest of your petty life, seamstress.” Letting go of Rarity, Celestia stood tall and smiled warmly at the mares, “Bye bye now, my little ponies.”

As the heavy door closed, two immortal mares burst out in uncontrollable laughter. One, Princess Luna, fell out of her hiding spot just behind the table, where she had been the entire time.

“Hahahahahaha, oh my goodness, it hurts to laugh!” Luna cried, tears rolling down her cheeks from her hearty laughter.

“Did- Did you see, hahahahaha, I can’t believe how well that worked!” Celestia cried, rolling around, fighting for air.

“She fell for it!” Both mares cried together, laughing that much harder. They laughed and laughed, till the door slammed back open, and Rarity stepped back in, a nervous Twilight looking over her shoulder.

“Ha! I knew it! I knew it had to be a joke!” Rarity cried in victory.

“How?” Both mares asked, dumbfounded.

“You were not exactly quiet just now, my dear Princesses. I take it Twilight and I are fine then?” Rarity asked, to a embarrassed nod, “Molto bene. Addio principesse,” Rarity grinned, waving at the now dumbfounded rulers.

“What was that all about?” Twilight whispered as the two walked away again.

“Just a joke between sisters,” Rarity informed as their hoofsteps rang out down the hall.

“I still got it,” Celestia finally managed as Luna burst into giggles again. “Shut up! It was hard keeping a straight face through that!”

Twilight and Rarity, back within the comforts of Ponyville, made their way to Fluttershy’s cottage. They had left their pets, Owlowisious and Opalescence, with the care taker. Reaching her cottage, the two mares made a discovery ponies had known for eons, birds and cats hate each other.

“Oh, no, please Opal, don’t- Owlowis- Oh my... Some pony?” Fluttershy squeaked as the two pets thrashed about. Normally, there was not a creature alive Fluttershy couldn’t tame, from bees to the guard dog of Tartarus itself, Cerberus. But Owlowisious was a very intelligent animal, even by Twilight’s standards. And Opal was, well, she was mostly evil.

“Opal! Stop attacking Owlowisious!” Rarity cried. Her cat shot her a glance, one filled with venom and hate. “Please?” Rarity added meekly.

“Owlowisious, come here please,” Twilight said, happy to receive the nocturnal friend on her back. “Thank you.”

“Twilight, I am so sorry. Opal is too, aren’t you, Opal?” Rarity cooed to her cat. The white monster hissed and spat. “Umm...She’s sorry.”

“Don’t worry Rarity, I never liked your cat anyways,” Twilight smiled.

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing,” Twilight corrected, seeing she had overstepped the joke’s bounds.

“Well, we need to get them to like each other. We can’t very well date if our pets are constantly trying to kill each other,” Rarity sighed. “I love my pretty little kitty,” Rarity cooed, nuzzling the cat. She had meant to continue the thought, but Opal took the chance to slash Rarity on the nose, making the white mare wince in pain. “On second thought, Fluttershy, could you trim her claws once a week?” Rarity asked holding her nose in pain. Twilight laughed and kissed Rarity’s snout gently, making Fluttershy giggle happily.

“Yeah, I can do that for you Rarity. If it’s just Opal, I have no problems. But she and Owlowisious just don’t get along. It doesn’t help that Owlowisious tends to egg her on,” Fluttershy said rolling her gaze to the intellectual owl.

“Hoo,” He replied.

“You.”

“Hoo.”

“You, Owlow- Oh, very clever,” Fluttershy conceded. She had just been outsmarted by an owl. But with this one, that was normal.

So gathering their pets, they left, agreeing to do lunch this week with Fluttershy, and headed to their homes. To avoid the conflict, Owlowisious flew on ahead, and Opal was placed in a carrier, much to the cat’s anger. The walk through town took a little longer than normal, as neither mare was in much hurry right now. Twilight looked to the sky, and let out a large sigh, one of content. And Rarity knew this, she felt the same way. But all too soon, the pair was at the boutique, just talking, with no real goal in mind.

“I’m sorry about your nose,” Twilight said. A few ponies looked on questioningly, their relationship still the talk of the town. No pony was hostile towards them really, but mainly because no pony really cared. Well, some did, but they were few and far between, usually just an old pony stuck in their ways.

“Mmph. It hurts Twinkle,” Rarity said dancing around in mock pain.

“How do you know my foalhood nickname?” Twilight gasped, but her smile betrayed her true emotions.

“Oh, I know ponies,” Rarity smirked.

Twilight giggled, shaking her head, “I love this liberation, this - this dating thing as a whole.”

“As do I, my love. As do I.”

“Dinner tonight at Cafe Alfalfa?”

“I look forward to it,” Rarity whispered in her ear. Twilight felt giddy hearing that, though she really didn’t know why. So Rarity went to work for a few hours, while Twilight went home to study. She had a new subject that in so far, she had not been able to read up about. One trip into the library’s d through da section should clear that up.

“Dates, no that’s the fruit. Dating? Ugh, that’s carbon dating!” Twilight cried in anger. “Spike!”

“What’s up Twilight?” The dragon asked poking his head into the room. “I’m kind of busy down here.”

“Where do we keep the books on dating?” Twilight asked, not looking away from the shelves.

“Right in front of you...” Spike said unsure. “If you mean romantic dating, those are over in the self help section.”

“Thank you Spike,” Twilight smiled as the dragon slipped away again. An observant mare would have questioned why he was wearing safety goggles, but Twilight was in study mode. She would fail to notice a bomb going off unless it touched her books. So Twilight set about the self help section, and found the perfect book.

“The Concept of Modern Dating,” Twilight read, breaking into a large smile. “It’s perfect!” Twilight took the book up to her bed and began reading, every so often stopping to jot down a few notes. By the time she was done, Twilight had a plan for tonights dinner, a very special plan.

Twilight and Rarity took up their seats in the warm night air, opting for a table with a view of the stars. The moon was beautiful tonight, smiling it’s silver rays upon them, letting all the ponies bask in its night time wonders. But one lavender mare could care less, she had a plan for tonight, and nothing was going to stop this plan.

“Rarity, we’re in love, correct?” Twilight asked, looking into her marefriend’s eyes.

“That is for you to decide, darling. But yes, I love you,” Rarity giggled and smiled. “Why do you ask?”

“I wanted to know,” Twilight smiled. Rarity stared at her for a second, then cracked, her polite socialite laugh gracing the air.

“And do you love me?” Rarity asked, though she had a fair guess at the answer.

“Very much,” Twilight smiled. Just as Rarity had guessed. “In fact, I was wondering if you were ready to move our relationship to the next logical phase?”

Rarity would have choked had she been drinking, but thankfully, she was spared that embarrassment. “Twilight?” Rarity asked sharply, but steadied as she continued, “Whatever do you mean?”

“Well, I believe that our relationship is stable, and capable of forward progression to the next level.”

“What?” Rarity asked. She understood the words, just not the arrangement.

“We should become more intimate Rarity, as couples do once they feel they have reached that stage of their relationship.”

“I thought you were talking about that,” Rarity sighed, then laughed a bit. “Okay, what do-”

“Excellent! Here,” Twilight said floating over a scroll. “ I made this for you.” Made? Rarity thought, Who in their right mind makes a scroll for somepony?

But when Rarity opened it, she was left speechless, staring open mouthed down at the parchment that bore only a large circle. “Darling, what is this exactly?”

“Well the guide said the circle represented unending love, and that one such symbol should be given at times like this. It had suggested moving in first, but seeing as both of our homes also serve as our business, not to mention your parents live with you when they stay in town, I thought better of it. Though it did suggest a ring... Oh no, was I supposed to get a ring?” Twilight asked, as Rarity began to see.

“A ring?” Rarity asked, afraid of what Twilight meant.

“Oh, Rarity, please, will you marry me?”

Rarity chuckled, though her mind screamed for a way to talk this situation down, “Darling, I would love to, someday. But-”

"Oh no, was it something I said? Something I did?” Twilight asked, almost leaping across the table to hold Rarity’s hoof.

“Darling, I love you. So I will say this a kindly as I can. You are moving too fast my love.”

“Too fast?”

“Yes. So first, give me the book that told you this,” Rarity chuckled, keeping the mood polite.

“I don’t have it here wi-” Twilight tried to lie, but Rarity’s soft look stopped her, and she produced the book form it’s magical hiding spot. “Here.” Twilight pouted.

“Thank you darling. Now, I love you, but that does not mean I want to jump straight to the end. I want a chance to sit back and enjoy the ride, so to speak. Doesn’t that sound like a better plan, love?”

“I guess, but I feel ready for more than just the words that we’re dating. I want more,” Twilight fussed.

“I guess you have never had a relationship before, have you,” Rarity pondered, then thought about Twilight’s history. Being part of the royal family as she was, it wasn’t actually much of a surprise, her brother a captain, her teacher the Princess, it was a tad intimidating. “Well then darling, we have started doing more. But I guess we can step it up again, seeing how fast our courting went. How about tonight, I stay at your place?” Rarity asked.

“A sleepover? Rarity, I want quality time with you.”

Rarity had to fight the insanely strong urge to smack herself in the face. Twilight was being obviously cute again, and the act of dealing with her would be the death of Rarity yet. “No darling, not a sleep over, a night of just you and I. I’ll make tea, we can cuddle up in some blankets, and read a good book together, til we both fall asleep. How does that sound?”

“That sounds wonderful,” Twilight blushed. Rarity had no idea that she had just described Twilight’s perfect date if she had ever been asked before, assuming Twilight had ever cared before. Twilight looked again to the white mare that said such lovely things to her, talking with such sweet tones and kindness.

Twilight would say she loved Rarity all day, any day, but right now, she felt closer than ever to the mare, like the one sitting across from her was truly the only pony that cared for her in the whole world. And Twilight was alright with that. Was this love? Had Twilight just been saying empty words for all this time, using them without knowing the meaning till right now?

“Wonderful my love, but first, let’s eat. I’m famished,” Rarity joked, as the waiter came around take their orders.

“Oh, may I?” Twilight asked. “She will have the rosemary and sage salad.”

“Ah, You know my favorite dish darling,” Rarity smiled.

“Well, we have been friends for years,” Twilight smiled.

“In that case, Twilight will have a creamsicle dish,” Rarity replied.

Rarity, that’s not my usual,” Twilight corrected as the waiter walked away. “What’s a creamsicle anyways?”

“Fruit and ice cream treat, amour. And I know, but I also know what you will like if you try it,” Rarity smiled, “Like dating me. Trust me, you’ll love it.”

“I trust you Rarity,” Twilight smiled. “You haven’t guided me wrong yet.”

“And I never will.”

“How can you say that? You can’t see the future, only Pinkie can do that, and that’s at random.”

Rarity rolled her eyes, “Darling, please. It’s called romance. Try it, it doesn’t hurt.”

“Oh- oh that was romantic, oh I-” Twilight began, but Rarity held up a hoof.

“Now, now darling. No need to get so worked up. We’re dating already, so just enjoy it for what it is. I enjoy expressing my love, but know that you are a bit reserved in that way, so I-” Rarity began but Twilight just got up, walked over, and kissed her.

“I read that in a book today, it said that was romantic. And that’s how I feel with you,” Twilight blushed.

“What else was in that book?” Rarity giggled, “Please keep reading that one.” Their food arrived, and distraction was made, the two pulling their seats next to each other and sharing their food. Twilight loved the creamsicle dish, and made a game out of guessing which section of the three flavors Rarity would feed her at random. All in all, several couples nearby where peeved, these two making such a show none of them could match.

“Twinkle, tea’s ready!” Rarity called as Twilight finished setting up the blankets and book. A fire gently cracked, it’s shifting light among the only in the darkened room.

“Perfect,” Twilight said admiring her work. A scraping sound, the sound of wood against wood let be known that they had a visitor, and this late too. Twilight peeked around the doorway and spied Spike carrying a warm flask into the kitchen. Twilight squealed and danced for joy. Spike is taking an interest into chemistry! Yes yes yes yes yes yes. Twilight sang mentally.

“Hey Twilight!” Sweetie Belle chimed in her singsong voice, scarring Twilight half to death.

“Of course. Spike was inside, he wouldn’t use the door,” Twilight muttered, calming herself. “What’s up Sweetie Belle?”

“I was just a bit lonely. Is it alright if I stay with you two for a bit?” Sweetie asked.

“Oh Sweetie,” Twilight said, remembering that no matter how much she and Rarity loved each other, their families loved them too, and would want to stay a part of their lives for a long time. Twilight smiled, “Of course. Rarity! Sweetie Belle’s here.”

“Oh?” Rarity said popping her head out of the kitchen. “Is everything alright?”

Spike could be heard muttering to himself, but was mostly ignored. Rarity thought that orange fluid in the flask was Twilight’s in all truth. Unbenounced to her, Spike poured a touch into three teacups, and placed one on the tray. He reached for the second, but found it gone already, along with the third he had mixed, though why he did that was unknown. So in a rush he put a cup of normal tea on the tray, hoping there was a good explanation for this.

“I was just lonely,” Sweetie said, her eyes pleading let me stay.

Rarity melted under the puppy dog eyes of her sister. “Oh Sweetie, of course you can stay. Come here real fast, I need help with the tea.”

“Yeppie! Tea time,” Sweetie sang, bouncing into the kitchen.

“Rarity? I feel like some wine too. Would you mind opening a bottle?” Twilight asked.

“Of course. Sweetie, please take Twilight her tea,” Rarity smiled while she gathered the wine glasses and the bottle.

“Okay. Mmm, this smells really good,” Sweetie said under her breath. She stole a side long glance each way, then took a sip from a tea cup. It tasted heavily of oranges, camomile, and honey. It was very nice. Then she picked up the tray and carried it into the living room.

“Thank you Sweetie,” Twilight said floating her cup up to her. “Mmm, camomile honey, my favorite,” Twilight purred, wiggling into the blankets.

“Huh, mine tasted like oranges too,” Sweetie said taking a second taste to be sure. It was definitely oranges, and maybe a touch of lemon now. Sweetie dropped the cup, as her gaze fixed on a small purple dragon that was poking his head into the room, trying to steal a glance. “Spike,” Sweetie said breathlessly.

“Uh oh,” Spike said backing up, and running as Sweetie chased him from the room. Twilight giggled, thinking how special foalhood was for everypony. Soon Rarity walked in, two glasses of red wine in tow, as she settled in for the night next to her love.

“My tea...” Rarity pouted, looking at the spilled cup. “Darn it. I’ll have to get a second cup now.”

“Don’t worry Rare. I think you and I can do just fine with my cup and the wine.”

“Darling, are you trying to get me drunk?” Rarity joked.

“Maybe,” Twilight giggled, nuzzling the white mare. The book was opened, the fire and blankets more than warm enough, and they had each other. Neither mare would remember when they fell asleep, but they did know it was the best night ever.

"Oh boy Dashie! This’ll be swell!" Pinkie giggled.

"Hehehe, you know it Pinks. With this little addition, they'll be all over each other," Rainbow laughed quietly. The two had talked Spike into the scheme by promising him a load of gems and the chance to help his two favorite mares. In the end, his motives were more pure than theirs. So the two pranksters waited outside the window, listening for the sounds of hilarity.

"Rainbow, you little matchmaker!" Pinkie teased.

"What? Twilight would never be willing to go all the way without some encouragement," Rainbow chuckled. The two friends sat quietly, listening for any sounds of success. Rainbow was so anxious, she could taste it.

"Arg, come on already. Make with the cloppy clop!"

"Here, try this, it's really good," Pinkie said passing a cup of tea to Rainbow, taking a sip of her own.

"Mmm, this is really good. You know, it'd be nice to meet that special somepony, wouldn't it?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah... They would have to be brave though, and really loyal," Pinkie said breathlessly, playing with Rainbow's mane a bit.

"Yeah. I wouldn't mind somepony that could always brighten my day, make me feel special for doing nothing at all," Rainbow sighed, leaning into her friend some.

"Rough with that hidden soft spot," Pinkie mindlessly commented, lifting Rainbow's snout to hers. Both mares smiled deeply at each other, til Rainbow thought of one important detail. Namely, she was straight 5 minutes ago.

"Pinkie, where did you get this tea?" Rainbow asked.

"From inside," Pinkie let slip past her lips as she tried to close in for the kiss.

"You mean the tea Rarity was making?" Rainbow said, playfully batting Pinkie away.

"Yeah, it was."

Rainbow dropped the smile, and spoke dead evenly, "The tea I had our friend Spike slip a love potion into?"

"Oh. OH!"

"Mmph...Oh buck it!" Rainbow moaned, caving into the new overwhelming feelings she had for her pink friend. The potion would wear off in the morning, but it promised one wild night til then.

“Sweetie Belle! Stop!” Spike struggled against the white filly, as she feathered any spot she could with kisses. Spike had lead her to the basement, trying to seal himself away before it came to this, but alas, he was not fast enough.

“Shut up and kiss me dragon boy!” Sweetie cried, nibbling on Spikes ear fins. Had the conditions been different, Spike might have enjoyed this, if it had been Rarity a week ago. But he was over his crush, more or less. Sometimes more of the less, but his loyalty to Twilight was greater than his own desires. But the things going on right now scared Spike, worse than Zombie Ponies From the Badlands 5.

“Sweets, you drank a love potion I made,” Spike rallied, wishing that he could fly. But fate was cruel sometimes, or it just prefered Sweetie Belle. “Sweets, please!”

Sweetie just chuckled, biting his ear a little harder. “Spike. Don’t play hard to get.”

Spike looked around. He knew he would have to answer for this in the morning, but right now, there was no choice. He inhaled deep, and huffed in her face. Sweetie wretched, letting go and falling back unconscious.

“Thank Celestia I don’t brush my teeth,” Spike panted. He slid down the wall, head held in his claws as he imagined the talk he would get in the morning. “Buck me running.”

“Good morning sleepy head,” Twilight smiled at Rarity as she finally rejoined the world of the conscious.

“Good morning indeed, my love,” Rarity smiled, looking up to the lavender mare. Twilight looked different in the mornings, with such a messy mane, it was cute... Wait a second.

“Oh darling, I must be hideous, I forgot my curlers last night,” Rarity fussed, playing with her mane.

“Oh stop it, you look good.”

“Thank you darling. But I do need to wash up. Want to come with me?” Rarity asked rising out of their makeshift bed.

“To the shower? For what?” Twilight asked perplexed.

Rarity really wanted to explain the two different meanings here, but settled on the easy one. “No darling, to my place. I need my tooth brush and hair products.”

“Oh. Sure, let me just check on Spike. He and Sweetie were really quiet last night,” Twilight said stretching, then heading down to the basement. Rarity started to head to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee, but a yell stopped her in her tracks.

“SPIKE! The Hay Happened Down Here!”

"Twilight, I can explain-”

“Upstairs! Now!” With a shuffle and a lot more noise than needed, the dragon appeared, followed closely by Sweetie being carried by Twilight.

“Sweetie Belle?!” Rarity gasped, running to her sister.

“She’s fine, just knocked out. Spike, why is that?” Twilight demanded rounding on the purple dragon.

“I- I’m so- Please, don’t hate me,” Spike pleaded as he dropped his gaze, tears rolling down his cheeks. “I made a love potion last night, that Sweetie drank.”

“Why would you give Sweetie a love potion?” Twilight demanded.

“It wasn’t meant for her,” Spike sobbed, looking up to Rarity.

“Spike? How could you!?” Rarity snapped. Though she hated to see the dragon cry, right now, maybe for the rest of time, Rarity did not care.

“It wasn’t my idea!”

“Oh?” Both mares asked hotly.

“Rainbow Dash and Pinkie paid me off, said it was a prank. I didn’t think it might be something bad until Sweetie...”

“Why would Pinkie and Rainbow want us to drink a love potion?” Twilight asked, bewildered.

“I’ll explain that one later my love. Rainbow’s idea of playing matchmaker if I had to guess,” Rarity spoke. She was much calmer, knowing Spike had a moment of youthful ignorance instead of a fit of betrayal. “Well, buck. Twilight, I need to stay here with Sweetie Belle. Would you mind running to market for me and getting some smelling salts?”

“Not at all Rarity,” Twilight smiled. It had been such a nice morning, and with any luck, they could still salvage it.

Twilight stood in the crowded market place, trying to track down the remedy she needed, when a friendly voice called out to her.

“Hey Twi!” Applejack called, ushering the lavender mare to her stall. “What’s up sugarcube? The datin life all you never thought of?” Applejack teased.

“You have no idea. I just fought with Spike about it. Rainbow talked him into helping her with a prank on us. And things were so nice this morning with Rarity there..”

“Sorry ta hear that. How’s Rares treatin ya, by the way?”

“Oh things with Rarity are wonderful!” Twilight chirped, happy to change topic to a more pleasant field. “Last night was really special. We slept together.”

“Well that’s- y’all did what now?” Applejack began, but then caught on to a grievous error.

“Yep. It was amazing, right there on the library floor too. I think Rarity meant for us to go to the bed, But I was too into the-” Twilight began.

“Yer home. Now. We need ta have a talk with Miss Rarity.” Applejack snorted.

“Rarity ya plot! Get down here!” Applejack yelled stepping into the library.

“What’s going on?” Rarity asked, running downstairs, just as the orange mare came snout to snout with her.

“Yer a disgrace, takin advantage of Twilight like that! You know she ain't never had that before, and you just force it on her so soon after yer little love game!”

"Wha-”

“Ah can’t believe ya!”

“Applejack? What the hay do you think happened?” Twilight asked from behind.

“Ya said y’all slept together last night!” Applejack shot back.

“We did. Right there,” Twilight motioned to the stack of blankets on her floor, the empty wine glasses and the book that still lay open.

“Ya mean y’all just slept in the same spot with each other...” Applejack blushed, turning to Rarity. “Ummm... Ah’m sorry Rares. Ah jumped to conclusions.”

“No worries. Apology accepted.”

“Is it always like this?” Applejack asked.

“You have no idea,” Rarity sighed, but in a happy sort of way.

“Well, try and keep her from spoutin such nonsense, sug. It’ll ruin ya if y’all ain’t careful.”

“I will Applejack. Thank you by the way.”

“Fer what?” Applejack asked, confused.

“Your concern for Twilight. It’s touching to know her friends care for her so much,” Rarity smiled.

“I was concerned...” Spike pouted from the corner Rarity had told him to sit in. “Rainbow said it would make you closer.”

“In more ways than one, but you’re still grounded mister,” Rarity chided. “Till you learn that love is not something you can force with potions or spells, no offence to your sister, Twilight.”

“I’m sure she would agree,” Twilight smiled.

“So then what did ya do, Rares?” Applejack teased.

“That’s different, Twilight was being difficult.”

“I was not!” Twilight rallied.

“You failed to get the hint from a Pinkie-gram...” both mares commented. Twilight blushed, remembering the fateful song.

Pinkie watched the clouds as she waited for the signal, then, the rainbow trail began its chore.

“Hey Twilight! Hey Twilight!” Pinkie sang, bouncing from the window to in front of Twilight, and began her song

“I have a little message for you, from a mare that thinks you’re swell.

She wants to get to know you, really really well.

Her beauty rare, her love is pure,

all she wants is your love as her cure.

She really wants to date you,

love you and kiss you too.

So please, give Rarity a chance,

because all it takes is just one dance!” Pinkie sang, bouncing around more. A very destructive bounce that matched her enthusiasm.

Twilight though, heard none of it, as she watched in horror as the pink blur knocked down all of her books and scientific equipment. She watched as Rainbow Dash wrote ‘Twilight, I love you, Rarity’ with the clouds. The nerve of that mare, picking on her for her close friendship to the white unicorn.

Pinkie, go calm down. I need to be alone for a bit.” Twilight growled.

“Twilight?”

“I love you like a sister Pinkie, but if you ever wreck my library again, I’ll turn you into a newt.”

“Yeah...” Twilight finally said, blushing.

“How in the hay did y’all mess that up Twi?” Applejack asked.

“How was I supposed to know Rarity loved me?” Twilight sheepishly asked.

“Well, have I ever burst inta yer library to shout ‘I love ya?’”

“Well, no...”

“Then I would say that’s a pretty good sign she loves ya sugarcube.”

“I thought so at least,” Rarity giggled. She didn’t want to gang up on Twilight, but somepony needed to say it.

“Hey girls?” Spike asked from his corner, the sounds of struggle gracing their ears. They turned to see Sweetie Belle, trying like mad to kiss the dragon again. “Help!”

“Sweetie!” Rarity chided, pulling the filly off magically, “What in the hay has gotten into you? That love potion wore out hours ago!”

Sweetie struggled, up till she heard that, “It did?”

“Yes. You should have realized that as soon as you woke up,” Rarity sighed.

“Um... I guess I just a drop left in me or something... oh look a moose!” Sweetie cried, creating a distraction to make a hasty escape.

“What was that about?” Spike asked, looking worse the wear. “You know what, forget it. We have a problem.”

“Oh, besides Rainbow Dash talking you into really bad ideas?” Rarity asked in her most condescending tone.

“I’m like 15! Cut me some slack. And no, I made three cups last night-”

“Why would you do that Spike?” Twilight groaned.

“I was supposed to make two cups, but I made a little too much. I just didn’t want to waste it,” Spike confessed.

“And that’s why this was a bad idea. So where are the other two cups of tea?” Twilight asked.

“Love potion y’all say...” Applejack mused.

“Yes darling, do you know something?”

“Follow me ya two, Spike, stay here. This is a grown up thing,” Applejack said.

Standing beneath one of Applejack’s many apple trees, the trio was graced to the sight of Pinkie and Rainbow snoozing, cuddled up nice and tight. And stinking of musk and other subtle pheromones only Twilight knew the names of, though she had no idea why those would be here. None of the experiences of exercise went with romantic inclination, did they?

“Ah found em at sun up, both looking so dog tired Ah let em sleep,” Applejack laughed. “Ah thought all mah friends was comin out, but now...”

“Serves them right,” Rarity smiled, then she nudged Rainbow awake. “Good morning sleepy head. Have fun last night?”

“Rares? Hey girl, hows my uniform coming along?” Rainbow asked.

“As soon as one comes in. What happened?”

“Pinkie happened,” Rainbow smiled.

“Are you two dating as well?” Twilight smiled. “Thats wonderful! I can compare notes on our differing relationship experiences to better understand the concept of homosexual equine relations!”

Rarity laughed, “Twilight, it’s rather uncouth to just say things like that. And I don’t think you’re ready for their notes just yet.”

“Why not?” Twilight and Rainbow asked, again with differing tones.

“Because, Rainbow darling, I can tell what you did last night. Naughty naughty,” Rarity teased. Rainbow flushed, and began to stammer.

“Rainbow!” Twilight chided.

“Darling, I love you. But you have no idea what I’m talking about,” Rarity smiled.

After a minute of blushing and looking at her hooves, Twilight admitted, “I thought maybe you meant they had committed a social taboo...”

“Oh they did, but even I must admit, it must have been so much fun,” Rarity giggled. Pinkie roused, and did something no pony expected, as she slapped Rainbow Dash.

“Hmmph. Rainbow, I am not that kind of mare! I get it if you are, but I will not go another round this morning. Love potion or not!”

“Me? You’re the one that jumped my bones last night, party animal!”

“Well that damn potion was your idea!”

“You stole it and drank it!”

“You knew before we started!”

“You knew too!”

“Girls,” Applejack snorted, “Ah don’t care what y’all did last night. Get off my darn farm if y’all wanna fight bout it!”

“Sorry Applejack,” The pair apologized.

“It’s okay girls. Now excuse me, Ah have work to be done,” Applejack said, bowing to her departing friends. “And no fightin!”

“Rarity, you’re hiding something from me,” Twilight fussed as the door to the boutique closed behind them.

“Oh?”

“What were Rainbow Dash and Pinkie doing that no pony wants to tell me?”

“Oh, that. Twilight, I don’t think now is the time to have this discussion.”

“Then when will it be Rarity? I hate being in the dark about something like this,” Twilight said, moving close to Rarity.

“Darling, I-” Rarity began, but faltered looking into those lavender eyes.

“I think I’m ready to hear about it. I’m an adult in an adult relationship after all,” Twilight whispered.

“Yes, I agree darling, but my sister who is eavesdropping right now is not,” Rarity smiled.

“Oh Come On!” Sweetie cried from the adjoining room.

“Hello Sweetie,” Rarity teased, “I wanted to chat with you actually.”

“Oh, am I in trouble?” Sweetie asked poking her head into the room.

“You fooled Spike, but not me. You have a little crush, don’t you?” Rarity smiled, a most devious smile indeed.

“I- I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Sweetie stammered, before stomping out of the room to her own.

“Ah, foals. I remember my first crush,” Rarity mused.

“Me t-” Twilight began, but Rarity rolled her eyes at the mare, stopping her. “It’s you,” Twilight muttered, defeated. She really wanted to feel even in this relationship, but all she was was the back of the class, where it was hardest to hear and see the chalkboard.

“Yes darling, I know. And I don’t think I need to sit here and reminisce about old stories. My current situation is sooo much better,” Rarity laughed, grabbing Twilight and spilling onto the loveseat, Twilight atop the white fashionista. “Mmm, I like this.”

“Rarity?” Twilight shakily asked, looking deep into her lover's eyes.

“Yes, my darling?”

“I-I don’t know what's going on here, but I really like it...”

“As do I. We can move as fast or as slow as you want, darling. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy, my love.”

“Can we...?” Twilight asked, though she didn’t know how to finish the sentence.

“Yes.” Rarity said breathlessly. Oh, how could I have doubted this mare. She’s learning so fast, maybe she is ready for more.

“Good, you’re hurting my leg. It’s trapped under you,” Twilight whined, shifting around. Moment, gone. Damn it Twilight! Oh, who am I kidding? Twilight, don’t ever change, you adorable little dork. That’s why I love you so. The bell chimed, and Rarity groaned, knowing she had to get up and work. She was still messy, for the love of Luna.

“Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique,” Rarity sang, hoping they were lost.

“Hello Rarity, and Twilight too,” Mr. Cake smiled. So much for them being lost. “My wife and I would like to place an order Miss Rarity.”

“Oh? Is this for a special occasion?” Rarity asked, walking the stallion over to her drafting table.

“Oh yes. Cup and I have been selected for the finals in the Canterlot bake off this year,” Mr. Cake said, barely containing his nervousness. “This is so big for us, and I just want us to look our best, you know?”

“Oh I understand darling. Will you be needing the full ensemble or just some snazzy aprons?” Rarity asked, her charcoal poised and ready.

“Oh just the aprons will work. We will still have to bake in them, and I don’t want to ruin your hard work like that,” Mr. Cake supplied.

“Of course. Something like this then?” Rarity said, drafting out a rough sketch of an apron with sapphires along the trim, two large pockets on the front, and a very nice silk neck band.

“Oh that looks amazing Rarity. But I don’t think I could afford that...”

“Oh don’t worry about it Mr. Cake, it’s the least I can do for you both after all of your help with Twilight,” Rarity said, waving away his protest with a hoof. “I insist.”

“Oh, thank you so much Rarity,” Mr. Cake smiled.

“Not a problem. I always repay a favor,” Rarity smiled. Little did she know how the walls had ears.

“Hey Everypony!” The shout pierced the air, letting it be known Lyra had heard them, “Rarity’s paying back favors, right now! If you helped her win Twilight, she owes ya!” Buck you Lyra. Buck you right in the flank!

“How the hay did she hear us?” Twilight asked.

“I haven’t the slightest clue,” Rarity said through gritted teeth. Lyra loved gossip, she probably would have heard them from Canterlot.

“Rarity, how many ponies did you ask for help again?” Twilight asked, looking out the window.

“Everypony in town...” Rarity mumbled, her walls shaking as the crowd tried to enter all at once.

“So...” Mayor Mare said, looking about, “About that favor...”

Rarity did her best to smile. Not only was everypony in town seeing her with a messy mane, but she was having to keep saying yes to all of these requests. If I ever get my hooves on Lyra, Rarity thought, I’ll destroy her. I’ll rip her to pieces. I’ll-

“Rarity?” The mayor asked.

“Sorry, it’s been a busy day so far,” Rarity dismissed.

“I bet. Would you be able to begin decorating the town hall for my re election campaign party?”

“Of course mayor. You have my vote already,” Rarity smiled.

“Thank you. I don’t think I’ll have any trouble. This is just to thank the ponies for letting me lead.”

“Of course,” Rarity smiled as the mayor left and the next pony plopped down at the desk. Thank Celestia Twilight was able to organize these leeches into a semblance of order.

“Uniform. Now.” Rainbow demanded.

“When it gets in, Rainbow.” Rarity retorted.

“I’m getting my flank chewed for that little stunt I pulled. I messed up the daily planner apparently. So I need my pay off.”

“I can’t make them come in.” Rainbow snorted, and Rarity sighed. “I’ve already made a new suit for Spitfire, she should be next to swap hers out. Just please-”

“I’m getting Spitfire’s!” Rainbow cried excitedly. “Oh my gosh, ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh, Thank You!” Rainbow cried hugging Rarity.

“No problem, darling. Now please stop, you’re filthy,” Rarity squirmed.

“Embrace the dirt,” Rainbow said not letting go. “Be one with it.”

“Ah, no!” Rarity laughed. Her friends were alright sometimes. But they were still jerks too, taking advantage of her generosity like this.

The crowd wound around and through, as Rarity and Twilight saw literally everypony in town, til two ponies surprised them both.

“Um... Hi, Rarity, Twilight,” Fluttershy said, blushing madly already. Pinkie smiled next to her, but remained quiet. That was probably the most shocking part, actually.

“Hello you two, why are you waiting in line? You could have come in at anytime,” Rarity wondered.

“I didn't want to be rude to all the ponies waiting politely,” Fluttershy offered.

“And I had to keep Fluttershy company,” Pinkie finally said.

“I- No, nevermind. That’s just the way you are Fluttershy Darling. So let me guess, you both want to call in a favor?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy nodded furiously, smiling. Pinkie just nodded. After a minute, “What’s the favor?”

“Oh, right. Um, I really wanted to interview you and Twilight, for research,” Fluttershy said.

“Really?!” Twilight beamed, smiling ear to ear. “How so? Are you interested in the socio economic impact of same sex couplings too? Can we trade note? Please?” Twilight begged, leaping across the desk to hug Fluttershy.

“Um, actually, I’m writing a book...” Fluttershy offered, “A romance novel.”

“Really? Since when?” Rarity asked.

“I’ve been writing about 3 years now, I needed a way to make some more bits. I have 4 books already, and this is my first try at a romance novel,” Fluttershy blushed.

“Well I would love to be the inspiration for a character in one of your novels. Right Twilight?”

“Oh yes. That- that’s good too, yeah...” Twilight said blushing.

“Oh thank you girls. I was meaning to ask you all at lunch tomorrow, but I feared with all these incoming requests you wouldn’t want to if I waited too long,” Fluttershy explained.

“Of course darling. And we can hash out the details then. So Pinkie, what would you like?” Rarity chimed, turning her gaze to her pink friend of joy.

“Simple. That stuff with Dashie this morning? Forget it. Please?”

"Oh, shoot, that was prime gossip,” Rarity pouted.

“Rarity.” Twilight rolled her eyes, “Sometimes, I swear. Yes, of course Pinkie, though I still don’t entirely understand what I saw...”

“Good. Keep it that way,” Pinkie smiled.

“So you two are not...?” Rarity pried.

“Nope. Not in the slightest.”

“Mmhmm.”

“Rarity, you promised.” Twilight chided, understanding the body language more than the context.

“I said no such thing yet, my love, but yes. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Rarity said, complete with dainty little actions.

“Good. Hey, we should do dinner tonight girls, my treat!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“That sounds wonderful, thank you.” Both mares said together. As their friends left for the next ponies to enter, Rarity looked to them, and sighed. “No. Not you two.”

“Hi Pumpkin!” Magnum smiled. It was that kind of day.

Just Have Faith

Hey everyone, Sam here with the long overdue third installment of Damn It, Twilight, I Love You! Coming up, two characters have a conversation in a second language in story, though all you'll see is green text. That is just to show that they are not speaking English (Equestrian) at the moment.
Also, to all Military Bronies, I was proud to stand beside you, and salute you in your continued efforts. So welcome the first works form the veteran Sam Cole. Peace out.

Just Have Faith

“Out! Get out! I don't even know who you are!” Rarity cried, throwing down her quill. “And same goes to you big mane! Yeah, you!” Rarity shouted, her anger and rage boiling over. Twilight took her love’s hoof into her own, and got her to calm down enough to sit.

But poor Rarity was to the breaking point. How, how could all of her friends, neighbors, and family take advantage of her like this?! She was close to tears, and the next one through the door almost broke her. She couldn’t see them over the table, but the defined sound of a biped gave it away regardless, Spike had come in to take his turn now. The dragon hopped into the seat, and frowned at the two mares, his little arms crossed over his chest.

“Spike,” Twilight sighed, feeling Rarity’s exhaustion for herself, “How can we help you?”

“Long day?” The dragon asked.

“Too long,” The mare’s replied together.

“I understand. But there is something I need,” Spike said, looking to the unicorn he felt owed him something. “I’m really hungry Twilight. When are you coming home to make dinner?”

“Oh my Celestia! I’m so sorry!” Twilight cried, crossing the table and hugging her friend. “Come on Spike, I’ll make you whatever dinner you want.”

“Thanks,” Spike blushed. “I hate to ask like this, but you were gone all day, and I was getting really hungry...”

“Of course,” Rarity cooed, hugging the dragon as well. “How thoughtless of us to leave you like that, all day! Oh you poor baby.”

“I’m 15...” Spike interjected.

“Baby dragon,” Rarity said squeezing the dragon tight, stopping any more arguments.

“So Rarity, would you like to join us for dinner?” Twilight asked, setting Spike down finally.

“I would love too... Oh damn! Pinkie!” Rarity said, stamping her hoof.

“Huh?” Spike and Twilight asked.

“Twilight, Pinkie had wanted to have us over for dinner, remember?”

“Oh, that’s right! Oh, I can’t believe I forgot about that,” Twilight groaned. She’s cute when she’s pouting, Rarity giggled to herself.

“Well then, I say it’s high time we went and saw her, no?” Rarity asked, heading to shoo away the ungrateful inhabitants. “I’ll invite Sweetie Belle as well.”

“Let me. I know how badly you want to fix your mane,” Twilight said after closing up her notebook, their tracking system for the requests pouring in. Rarity was in no mood to argue that fact and let Twilight handle the houseguests. After seeing out everypony, and setting up an appointment roster, the student went back to the study, to see Sweetie Belle pouring over the favors notes.

“Sweetie?” Twilight asked, getting her attention. “Want to come to dinner with us? We're going to meet Pinkie Pie.”

“Yeah, that sounds like fun. What’s all of this?” Sweetie asked bouncing over.

“Oh, little things ponies are asking of your sister. She has a lot of favors to repay,” Twilight sighed, more to herself than anyone. “I can’t believe how much trouble I was for her. She really loves me.”

“Yep,” Sweetie chirped. “Lots. So when is Rarity going to repay those favors?”

“As soon as she can I imagine. That notebook is filled with the ones she has to do already.”

“That’s a lot...” Sweetie said, crestfallen. “So she won’t have any free time for like a month...” Had Twilight been privileged to the inner workings of Sweetie’s mind, she would have seen the wheels turning already, but Twilight was more concerned with why Spike was shocked almost white, as the pair of unicorns walked briskly out of the study.

“Oh... Heya Sweets...” Spike muttered.

“S-spike...” Sweetie managed, her expression mirroring the dragon’s.

“Ah, all ready to go?” Rarity asked kindly, stepping into the room with purpose renewed.

“You bet,” Twilight smiled, nudging Sweetie forward gently. “Come on kids.”

“I’m not that hungry,” Spike and Sweetie said together, looking to their specific family.

“You’re going,” The kind yet forceful reply, as only Rarity could say it. “Now, please.”

“Sis, you remember tha-” Sweetie began, til Rarity’s sapphire eyes were upon her.

“Dearest sister, I really think you should join us,” Rarity said through her teeth.

“I don’t have a choice, do I?”

“Not really,” Rarity smiled, “At the very least, you owe Poor Spikey Wikey an apology.”

“What?! But he drugged me!” Sweetie cried, making Spike recoil.

“I didn’t mean to Sweets, honest. It was all a big mistake. I’m sorry it happened to you,” Spike offered, stepping close enough to offer a claw bump.

“I’m sorry,” Sweetie managed, “For falling for your stupid love potion tricks!”

Rarity rolled her eyes, mentally throwing in the towel for now. Her sister would not make this easy on her. But then again, the greater the love story, the harder the work. Twilight had taught her that, the hard way.

“Rarity, come on, we need to get going. You know how Pinkie is with punctuality,” Twilight chided as she and the kids moved to the door, snapping Rarity out of her matchmaker dreams. The white fashionista would just have to let this one go... Nope. Rarity puzzled over the situation the entire walk, and even as she took her seat in Sugarcube Corner.

“Soooo,” Pinkie asked, grinning ear to ear as she took her seat, “doing well?” A general murmur of yes came back as Pinkie served up the first plate of her eggplant parmesan. “Yay! I love happy friends.”

“I’m happy to see you so happy Pinkie,” Twilight giggled.

“I bet she was happy last night,” Rarity whispered, making Twilight giggle and Pinkie glare.

“Ha ha, Rarity. I got my just desserts for that prank,” Pinkie said with a smile.

“No you didn’t. You stopped paying attention to yourself when you said ‘just desserts,’” Rarity retorted.

“Yepperoni! Mmm, I can already taste it too...” Pinkie lulled, drooling slightly at the thought of the new marzipan mascarpone meringue madness she was working on with the Cakes, and that she had a small batch to sample. So dinner, as well as dessert, came and went without incident. Which resulted in a pleased Rarity, who reveled in the flavor she had stolen that fateful night on the train. One would think the memories of that would taint the flavor of the cake for her, but they obviously have never gotten to enjoy the MMMM, in all it’s glory as Rarity had. She regretted nothing. But it was what came after that shocked the fashion mare.

“Rarity,” Pinkie asked when the white mare walked into the kitchen carrying the dishes, “Can I ask you something?”

“What is it Darling? You know you can ask me anything,” Rarity said, walking over and starting to wash alongside her bounce prone friend.

“You don’t- don’t think less of me for what happened today, do you?”

“Oh darling, no. Of course not,” Rarity reassured the poor girl.

“Really?”

“Yes, you were under that damn potion’s-” Rarity began.

“Oh no no no no. Not that, silly. I mean the plan to slip you the love potion so you and Twilight could, you know,” Pinkie said with a devilish grin.

“Oh,” Rarity said flatly. “No, I don’t.” Of course I do. “It was all in fun and games.” Just like you drinking the bloody mix. “I understand.” If you ever try that again, a night time romp with Rainbow Dash will be the least of your worries.

“Oh thank you Rarity!” Pinkie sighed, “I was kind of worried.”

“Ha ha, yes. Just please, let me handle my own love life,” Rarity asked.

“Like you’re trying to handle Spike And Sweetie Belle’s?” Pinkie asked, passing the casserole dish over to Rarity.

“How did you-”

“Oh please, I ship them too,” Pinkie smiled. Rarity had no idea what that meant, and was happy not knowing.

“I was just entertaining the thought,” Rarity commented, “But really I think the little guy just needs some time. I doubt he would have helped you if he wasn’t a tad resentful.”

Pinkie only shrugged, as the tell tale sound of breaking china rang out. Twilight walked in with the last of the remaining dishes, happy to report that Sweetie Belle would not be getting her cutie mark for waitressing, and that she owed Pinkie a few plates.

“Wow, really?” Fluttershy asked, eyes wide.

“Yeah,” Twilight confirmed, floating a slice of bread over and taking a small bite.

“186 favors. All called in at once,” Rarity groaned.

“If it would help, we can do this at a later time.” Fluttershy offered. Whether she wanted the reprieve for them or her, it was hard to tell.

“No no, now is good,” Rarity dismissed, smiling.

“Mmhmm. I can’t believe I get to be the frame work for a character in a novel,” Twilight squealed. She lost control of her excitement whenever she talked about it.

“Well, okay then... Rarity, how would you describe dating Twilight?”

“Mmm, bliss, but with it’s moments,” The white mare lamented.

“Oh?”

“You know how I had to win her over,” Rarity smiled, reaching over and playing with Twilight's mane.

“Oh, I see. Twilight, how do you like dating?” Fluttershy said as she scrawled notes with her wings, a very odd talent yet mesmerizing to watch.

“Well, in all honesty, I truely enjoy the emotional bonding aspect of it, and I really enjoy the physical and psychological effects and benefits. But I wish I had a better knowledge base heading into this,” Twilight sighed, taking another bite.

“Well, I don’t know anypony as smart as you Twilight. You’ll figure it out in no time,” Fluttershy smiled. “So Rarity, would you say it’s different to kiss a mare than a stallion, if it’s okay for me to ask?”

“It’s quite alright. And yes, I believe so. But then again, I never felt as strongly for any colt I kissed. I guess it depends more on who the pony is rather than what they are,” Rarity said daintily, taking a sip of tea.

“Mmm, so earth pony, pegasi, unicorn? It doesn’t matter as long as you love them?”

“Quite right,” Rarity replied, letting Fluttershy write again as she nodded and frowned, making small sounds of concentration.

“Well, okay, so how did you two fall in love?” Fluttershy asked. Rarity told her friend the story she had just told the princess not long ago, and again Twilight sat by happily, soaking up every word.

“I remember that day,” Fluttershy smiled, then frowned as she dwelled on it. “I wanted to tell you to stop talking about Twilight, actually.”

“Sorry,” Rarity smiled. “Why didn’t you?” When Fluttershy just looked at the white mare, her eyebrows lifted, and Rarity got the message. It was Fluttershy, she wouldn’t have said anything, ever.

“So Twilight, same question,” Fluttershy said as she looked back to her note pad.

“Well... it was two days ago,” Twilight said, blushing. “As Rarity laid out the plan for the night. I realized just how much she cared she cares me, how much we have in common, and how much I wanted to make her as happy as she made me.”

“Wait, you didn’t love Rarity when you started dating?” Fluttershy asked, tearing her eyes away from the paper.

“Not as I do now. I would have said it, but I didn’t really understand what love was then,” Twilight informed.

“Too true,” Rarity said as the dinner timer rang out, and she rose to get the food out of the oven. “I’ll get it darling, you keep writing.”

“Thanks,” Fluttershy commented with a chuckle. “You know, I always thought you had to be in love to start dating.”

“I don’t believe so. I think just an expressed desire to learn more about the pony on a more intimate level would be the best place to start. I had no concept of dating though, or intrapersonal relationships, so my situation would vary from yours, and maybe even your characters,” Twilight said as she looked around, feeling something was off. As if a pony she knew was getting into trouble. It was likely, actually, but still...

“So you’re saying they just need to want to explore the possibility?”

“Mmhmm,” Twilight happily nodded.

“I don’t think that will work...” Fluttershy fussed.

“Why not? It’s your story,” Rarity asked from Fluttershy’s kitchen.

“Because, while that’s more along the lines of truth, it makes for really bad story telling,” Fluttershy sighed, shaking her head. “No pony wants to hear about the lavish mare turning her friend to fillyfooling because they were curious. That only works in clop stories.”

“Oh...” Twilight blushed, she had never looked at it that way.

“It could work, with two very well established characters, but I have to start fresh,” Fluttershy said, making another note. “Hmm, do you think Rarity would be the Art history professor or the Victory Era history?”

“Art?” Twilight guessed as Rarity trotted back in with the wonderful smelling quiche in her magic.

Twilight and Rarity laid together on the small love seat in Rarity’s studio, gently napping. It had been a long week to get to this point, and even though 4 pages of favors had vanished, the pair was still pulling almost full time shifts to knock them out. So in this now rare downtime, they took the chance to catch up on their rest.

A gentle feeling though, a slight bit of pressure, awoke Rarity. She purred as she felt the warmth on her ear, as Twilight gently nibbled on the tip of Rarity’s sensitive extremity in her sleep. She was just gracing it with her lips, but it still felt absolutely amazing.

“Mmm,” Rarity let slip, turning her head slightly to let Twilight get a better angle. “Oh,” Rarity gasped as Twilight unconsciously brushed the tip with her teeth, enough to tease the white mare. Twilight had uncovered Rarity’s erogenous zone by accident: her ears, and Rarity was loving it. She reached up and started batting her other ear, lost in the bliss. Twilight flicked the ear with her tongue once, and Rarity almost cried out in unadulterated euphoria.

I should really stop her. It’s wrong of me to elicit such pleasure from her, while she sleeps. But then again what kind of marefriend would I be if I woke her up? No no, she deserves her rest! And I will just have to endure this- oh, oh right there Twilight, yes, Rarity reasoned. It was a little sad that she could be given such pleasure from such a simple act, but sometimes, that’s just how it works. And maybe later, Twilight will let me, mmmm, repay the favor...

Rarity was close to losing control, just as the door burst open, and Twilight awoke with a jaw clenching start. “I-” The intruder yelled.

“GAHHHH!” Rarity screamed as Twilight accidentally bit her ear. Rather hard too, from the sound of things.

“- Photo Finish have arrived!” Photo continued, undeterred. “I have come to zee Mizz Rarity’s latest verks! Come come, I haven’t all day!”

“Rarity, are you okay?!” Twilight panicked, not caring about the intruder, whom was now taking in the situation.

“I’ll be fine, darling,” Rarity said, rubbing her poor ear.

“I’m so sorry,” Twilight said, leaning in and kissing the ear lightly. Normally, Rarity would have loved the cute display. But right now, that was the mouth that hurt her ear in the first place.

“Oh ho ho, I did not know du vere... entertaining, Mizz Rarity,” Photo chuckled, grinning largely.

“It was just a little-” Rarity began.

“Ach, it’s nothing. I too find one’s company to be a great... stress relief,” Photo smiled, eyeing Twilight. “Hello, Lady Tvilight.”

“Hello again Miss Finish,” Twilight blushed.

“Don’t worry, I understand,” Photo whispered to Twilight, and winked. Or at least it seemed she had, she never took of the sun glasses, so it was up in the air.

“So, my ah, my new works, yes?” Rarity asked, slipping off the couch. “Hmm, Oh, yes, right this way. Twilight, could you please go fetch the dress I made for you? I’ll show Miss Finish the draft designs while you go.” Twilight nodded, and departed, after giving Rarity an awkward peck, sensing that something had happened while she was asleep.

Why was Rarity’s ear in my mouth? Twilight asked herself as she trotted the two blocks to the library, and still pondered the question on the way back. Well, that explains the dream I was having about nibbling on a marshmallow...

“I zee, I zee!” Photo could be heard exclaiming as Twilight reached the door, “I must zee zis dress!”

Thinking quickly, Twilight magically affixed the dress, and took a second to check the fit. She strode in, “What, this little thing?”

“AH! Zat dress is fantastisch!” Photo exclaimed. Rarity looked over, a smile gracing her lips as she looked upon the lovely mare. “You must simply bring zis dress to Canterlot! My colleagues vill simply love it! Tomorrow, yes?”

“I, wha- your colleagues- In Canterlot,” Rarity giggled, bouncing slightly.

“Yes. Please, ve vould be honored to have du as vell, Lady Tvilight,” Photo said with a bow. Canterlot ponies took her position very seriously.

“Thank you, I look forward to it,” Twilight smiled.

“Good, good. Please, don’t let my intrusion stop you two,” Photo smiled, as Rarity and Twilight blushed. “Now, I go!”

The train ride was quiet, the two mares falling asleep as exhaustion swept over the pair. But as the train ground to a halt in the royal city, the white mare was quick to recover, her excitement almost tangible.

“Ah! I can’t believe I get to put on a fashion show for the Canterlot elite! Ah!”

“Mmm, quiet down, please,” Twilight groaned. “I was enjoying my dream.”

“And I was enjoying yours yesterday,” Rarity teased as they departed the train and headed into the city, Rarity floating along the dress.

“My dream?” Twilight asked, “The one where I was eating a marshmallow?”

“Mmm, well, til you bit me, it was... rather enjoyable,” Rarity smiled, making Twilight blush.

“You, you liked that?”

“Mmmhmm,” Rarity purred, nuzzling Twilight as they walked. “I always loved ponies playing with my ears.”

“Really?” Twilight asked, grinning. “Interesting.”

With a fair amount of giggling, the pair reached Photo’s studio, and happily made their way inside. The happy couple was quite stunned though, seeing the place so, so...

“Rarity, are we in the right place?” Twilight asked, looking into the nearly empty studio.

“I hope so... Ah, Miss Finish,” Rarity called, crossing the room. “Um, I thought I was to put on a show for you and your colleagues?”

“Du are, for my board of Directors. Now come, come, let’s get zat magnificent dress on ze model!” Photo exclaimed.

“Model? Oh no no no, that dress is made just for my darling Twilight,” Rarity informed.

“Ach, I understand. Ve can alter it,” Photo nodded, pulling Rarity along.

“No, I mean I made this dress for Twilight,” Rarity resisted. “I will not let any pony wear it besides her!”

“Rarity, I understand. Tvilight, is royalty. But I’m sure zhe vill understand,” Photo countered. “I get it, you and her have a little something else going on, but zis is business.”

“A little something,” Rarity snorted, “How dare you? I love her!”

“Love!” Photo recoiled as if the word was flame, “No no no! Zis is career suicide!”

“How?!” Twilight asked, full of vigor, as she and another guest took an interest in the developing scene.

“Love clouds ze mind! Now Rarity’s art vill surely suffer!” Photo cried.

“You were just fine with us yesterday,” Twilight snorted.

“I thought you two were just having a little roll in ze hay! How vas I to know you two vere anything more!”

“Wait, you knew that Rarity was dating a member of the court and royal family?” One stallion asked, pulling out a pen and paper.

“Yes, we’ve been dating a little over a week now,” Rarity snorted. “Sorry, I’m just rather, wound up. Whom are you, misure?”

“Calpain of Equestria Daily,” The stallion smiled. “About a week you said?”

“What, just over,” Rarity absentmindedly said, “And it was my love for Twilight that inspired me to make this dress!”

“I thought it was a collection? You said...” Twilight questioned.

“It was one of my attempts to woo you,” Rarity said rolling her eyes.

“Oh, this is gold,” Calpain smiled.

“Sir, I trust that if this story you’re writing sees print, a certain Celestial body will want to have words with you,” Rarity shot to the reporter. He decided that this was a fine time to scrap the side story and write about what he came there for, a boring old fashion review.

“Ach! Du insult a royal family!” Photo yelled, fear striking her.

“What? No, she knows how hard I had to work to get her to notice my advances,” Rarity said. “Besides, I’m more interested in working. Would it please this little group if Twilight were to mod-”

“Ach! No!” Photo screamed. “No, she will dissuade the critique!”

“What now?” Rarity asked.

Twilight sighed, “She means my presence on stage will affect how the item is appraised. This whole line is now royal, after all, since I hold the only official piece.”

“Yes, vhich means by Equestrian law, you may only zell zis line to members of the royal court,” Photo explained. “It’s an exclusive for the court, and now cannot be tainted. The same goes for du.”

“I’m sorry Rarity,” Twilight said from behind the fuming white mare, “I forgot that law. It never really came up when I was just a student. But now that Shining and Cadence are...”

“It’s alright darling. So then, if I can’t showcase the Nile collection, how about-”

“No no, I’m sorry,” A pony Rarity knew, but whose name slipped her mind, interrupted, “There is no way we can take you onto our label now. Your name is worth too much.”

“What?”

“Your line is an exclusive to the court. We can’t handle you on our label, it will drive down every other designer’s name.”

“I’m sorry, who are you?” Twilight asked the intruding pony.

“So sorry my lady, I’m Vance Van Vendington,” He said. That’s his name! “I’m, just like my compatriots here, am one of the board members of Photo Finish’s studio. We seven ponies decide what is fashion.”

“So if you turn down Rarity...” Twilight mulled over. “Rarity, let the model wear my dress. I can’t let you throw away your best chance to become a fashion star.”

Rarity would be lying if she said she wasn’t tempted. This was it, her golden opportunity, one that if she walked away from, she would never be able to recover from. Oh well, twas a silly dream.

“I thank you all, but this dress, while it did not win Twilight’s heart like I had hoped, is still special. It’s the first dress I made for her in a love deeper than my friendship. I’m sorry,” Rarity offered to the two board members, “But I will not turn my back on Twilight.”

“I hate to zee du choose zis path, Mizz Rarity, but if zat is vhat du vant...” Photo struggled. She really didn’t want to do this, the dress was amazing. But taking it, or Rarity, upon their label could bankrupt their whole line, and she had a business to run. “I vish du za best in your future endeavas.”

“The nerve!” Rarity shouted as she and Twilight walked down the Canterlot streets.

“What?” Twilight asked, having to walk rather fast to keep up with the enraged mare.

“‘Wish you the best in your future endeavors,’” Rarity quoted. “That is the greatest insult of the higher class!” She barked, nearly spitting the words.

“Whoa, whoa, calm down,” Twilight chided, grabbing Rarity's shoulder, spinning the mare to face her. She wasted no time, and swept her loving white marefriend into a hug. “Forget them, we’re in Canterlot, with free time. Let’s do something you want to do.”

“Twilight,” Rarity managed, her anger giving way nearly to tears. “Yes, I know what we can do. There’s a family I have been meaning to see.”

“Who would that be?” Twilight asked, a little perplexed.

“You’ll see,” Rarity smiled as she wiped her moist eyes and began to lead Twilight to their destination. That plan failed though, and Rarity's surprise was rather ruined when she finally caved and asked Twilight for directions to the House of the Family Star.

“Mommy! Daddy!” Twilight cried out, hugging her folks as they answered the door.

“There’s my little filly!” Night said, “And the very welcome Miss Rarity.”

“Hello again, dear,” Twilight Velvet said, hugging Rarity and then Twilight, “And a special hello to my Twinkle! Oh it’s so good to see you!”

“To what do we owe this little surprise?” Night asked as he took Rarity's packaged dress, and set it down.

“We were in town for a little fashion show, but...” Twilight began.

“I messed it up,” Rarity admitted, “I made a dress specifically for Twilight, and stood by the decision that it was made for her alone.”

Night looked confused, then it seemed as if the light came on. “Oh, those damn ‘Articles of Nobility’ laws. Well, what does this mean Miss Rarity?”

“Please, call me Rarity, I think we can be a tad informal, considering,” Rarity said, looking to Twilight and blushing.

“We know, Twilight wrote us. And I’m so happy,” Twilight Velvet sang. “My baby’s finally dating! My baby’s finally dating!”

“He he, yeah,” Night smiled, “At least we don’t have to worry about our baby getting knocked up.”

“Daddy!” Really, Rarity thought, her’s too? That joke is getting old.

“Hahaha I couldn’t resist!” Night laughed in his infections laugh. “But anyways,” He said turning much more directed, “You avoided my question, Rarity.”

“Yes, I suppose I had,” Rarity replied with a heavy sigh. “I have no idea. My line can, by Equestrian law, only be sold to families of the court. But I don’t have nearly the time or resources to attempt such an ordeal.”

“Well, I think you have time,” Night corrected, leading the mares in his life to the study. “The Canterlot fashion monopoly, I mean designers, will make sure you can’t sell with them. You’ll upset the supply and demand for their business.”

“Yes, I was afraid of that,” Rarity nodded. “But that will not weigh me down. I shall rise above their pettiness, their crude insults hidden behind good intentions. Neigh! I will show them all,” Rarity said, standing tall, a new fire in her eyes.

“Hmm, with what money?” Night asked, popping the metaphorical bubble.

“...”

“That’s what I thought,” Night chuckled, walking over to his desk. “Take this,” He said pulling out a slip of parchment, and writing a quick address on it. “He’s a Family friend, and he might just be interested in launching a new fashion line.” The way he said it, you could hear the capital F. This pony was a very important somepony. Rarity graciously accepted the slip, and read it over, her eyes going wide, a smile tugging at her lips.

“Fancy Pants!” She exclaimed. “I know the fellow well. If I had possessed any such idea that he was interested in a fashion line, I would have proposed the idea to him long ago.”

“Well, look at you,” Twilight Velvet chuckled, “She’s already got the big important friends dear. But drop our name still, it will help clear up any... hesitation.”

“I thank you, Mrs. Star.”

“Oh stop that,” Twilight Velvet chided, “Just call me Mom.”

“M-mom...” Rarity blushed. It was awkward, calling the mother of a prince and a Lady of the royal court Mom, but so was calling her marefriend’s mother Mom in the first place. Twilight Velvet pulled Rarity aside to discuss the dress itself, while Night took to talking with his daughter.

“Hey Daddy,” Twilight blushed. It was even more awkward having to formally come out to your parents in a surprise visit, and act like nothing was different.

“Twinkle,” Night smiled, taking up a cushion with his daughter to chat. “I wanted to talk to you, about Rarity.”

“Oh?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, you’re royalty now. You were always meant to be, since you became the Princess’s private protege. And there are some ponies that may try to take advantage of that,” Night said in his second language, Zebric.

“I know.. Wait, you don’t think Rarity would?”

“I hope not, I truely hope. But I want you to be vigilant.”

“Father,” Twilight snorted, not caring for the implications against her friend and love.

“I know, you’re upset hearing this. But I cannot rule it out either. Please, just don’t let love cloud your better judgement, okay?”

“I know, Father,” Twilight sighed.

“She... she doesn’t ask you to do... those sort of things, does she?” Night asked, running the full concerned father gambit.

“Like what?” Twilight asked.

“You know, adult things?” Night blushed, trying not to think of his baby girl being ready for that.

“Oh, well we already do those things,” Twilight shrugged, “It’s no big deal.”

“What?!” Night shouted in Equestrian.

“Daddy?”

“Let me guess, he just asked about our physical relationship?” Rarity called, not batting an eye. “Mister Night, I love your daughter, and am going as slow as she needs. I have done nothing to persuade her.”

“I... Thank you, Rarity,” Night controlled his voice. “How did you know what we were talking about?”

“You’re not the first to worry about that, sir.”

Continuing in Zebric once more, he got to the point. “Then what adult things do you do, Twinkle?”

“Well, we’ve kissed. And cuddle a lot. Oh, and we like to drink wine at night,” Twilight smiled, remembering the night by the fire.

“That’s... that’s it?”

“Yep,” Twilight smiled her cutest smile.

“Honey,” Night called over, “We never gave Twinkle the talk, did we?”

“No,” Twilight Velvet said in very rusty Zebric, lacking Night’s daily need or Twilight’s knack for learning. “She started to correct our biology lesson, so we gave up.”

“I always knew that would come back to bite me...” Night moaned. “Well,” He said in Equestrian again, “Who wants lunch?”

As the love birds, Twilight and Rarity, boarded the train to Ponyville, lethargic after the day's excitement and good food, one question burned up the white mare.

“Darling, what language where you and your family speaking earlier?”

“Hmm,” Twilight said, being pulled from her thoughts, “Oh, right. We were speaking Zebric.”

“My word. I had no idea you were so fluent in another language,” Rarity gasped.

“Well, I learned because of my dad’s job. He’s the professor of Anthropology at The Canterlot School for Gifted Unicorns. That’s how I got my initial tryout for the school actually,” Twilight explained, wiggling into a comfortable spot next to Rarity.

“My word. Do you use it still?” Rarity asked. “I imagine you do, to be so fluent.”

“Yes, I do. Zecora and I speak in Zebric all the time. Sharing that bond of language is the reason we’re such close friends.”

“Ah, I’m a little jealous,” Rarity joked. “I wonder, does she still speak only in rhymes?”

“No, she doesn’t. And don’t be, I’m more prone to text book style speech, while Zecora uses a lot of slang,” Twilight smiled.

“Hmm, I can see that.” Rarity said.

“The funny thing is Shining, though,” Twilight sleepily said, resting her head on Rarity’s shoulder. “He can’t speak a word of Zebric.”

“Pfft, really?” Rarity giggled, only to look over and see the lavender mare had fallen asleep laying in the sun that was flitting through the window. “Mmm, sleep well, my love.”

Twilight sighed, and Rarity assumed she was already well into a dream. But the lavender mare was still awake, just thinking. She means it Daddy, she has to.

The next day started rough, with Rarity working around the clock almost. She was doing favors again, from the odd job of watching Mr. Breezy’s shop for a few hours, to drafting a new addition to Cloudchaser’s home. So when she had free time that afternoon, she spent it as any mare would. In the spa.

“Thank you for meeting with me Fluttershy,” Rarity commented as the pair trotted back, bee lining it to the hot tub.

“Not a problem,” Fluttershy smiled. “Where’s Twilight?”

“Work,” Rarity replied, short and effective. “Besides, this was always our special deal.”

“True,” Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, I have a rough draft of the start of my novel back home, if you want to give it a read?”

“That sounds wonderful,” Rarity commented, slowly lowering herself into the hot water. “Ah ah ah, oh mmmm,” Rarity purred as the initial shock wore off and the heat washed over her.

“Oh, oh ah,” Fluttershy yelped, doing a small rising and lowering bit, and finally setting down to her shoulders. She reached over and grabbed the scented candles, and started lighting them.

“So Rarity, has Twilight made any moves towards... you know...” Fluttershy asked, blushing madly.

“No- well not really...”

“What is it?” Fluttershy asked, knowing the white unicorn well.

“Well, don’t tell her I told you this, but the other day, she was sleeping next to me, and she started nibbling on my ear,” Rarity smiled, blushing oh so easily.

“Your ears?” Fluttershy giggled.

“What?”

“I never thought of you as an ears kind of pony,” Fluttershy said. “I just assumed you would be much more... direct and commanding. Like wearing one of those sleek black suits.”

“Darling, a true lady would never do such things,” Rarity said, holding her snout high. “Besides, latex and I are mortal enemies. Do you have any idea what it does to your pores?”

Fluttershy blushed, and began to stammer. “I think I need to re work your character a little then...”

“Oh you didn’t,” Rarity playfully scoffed. “A clop story?! Really?”

“Shush,” Fluttershy begged, sinking low into the tub. “Not really. Just a love story with a very tiny, insignificant amount of clop...”

“How much?”

“I- I hint at it,” Fluttershy squeaked. For her, that was probably as bad as reading that Fifty Sheds of Grey novel.

“Oh, I have got to read this,” Rarity smiled, taunting her friend just a tad.

“Oh, but please, don’t tell Twilight,” Fluttershy managed.

“Darling, why wouldn’t I? This concerns her as well,” Rarity mused.

“Well, I kind of hinted that she’s …” Fluttershy mumbled, too low for even an owl to hear.

“That she is what, darling?” Rarity asked. She knew not to push too hard or light, not with Fluttershy.

“That she’s a... snob.”

“Oh Darling,” Rarity sighed, “Is she just one to start or throughout?”

“Throughout,” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Ah. Well, I think it will be okay. But just to be safe, I’ll read it first, okay?”

“Thanks Rarity,” Fluttershy smiled. “I hope everything goes well.”

The two conversed more, covering the ever important topics, like what Rarity had to say about Photo Finish, or a new band out of Las Pegasus that Fluttershy would just love. All in all, it was very nice.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it!” Twilight cried, pacing around her library.

“Twilight, what’s wrong?” Spike asked, rushing in, his head full of images of the last Twilight freak out. All those poor, asymmetrical cupcakes.

“Spike, I tried to shut it out, but what if Daddy is right?”

“Huh?”

“About Rarity?”

“...Huh?”

“Spike, weren’t you paying attention?” Twilight growled.

“I just...”

“Never mind,” Twilight interrupted. “I need you too-”

“Now wait!” Spike yelled, stopping Twilight in her tracks. “What is going on?”

“Spike, Rarity made me a dress, and dedicated the line to me,” Twilight explained as if it was obvious.

“That’s great, she really cares about you,” Spike smiled.

“No! Now she can’t sell the whole line because of that!”

“Huh?”

“And my dad suggested maybe she did that on purpose to make some bits! Spike, what if she did? What if Rarity’s been using me to get ahead in the fashion world? What if-” Twilight rattled on til Spike grabbed her snout, holding it like a sandwich.

“Twilight, listen. Rarity broke my heart. She poured herself out to me. Her soul, to me. Do you get where I’m going with this?” Spike asked, his voice cold and unyielding. “She loves you. And I will not let you break her heart now just because you got a bit worked up!”

Twilight’s ears dropped, and the poor mare sighed, rather awkwardly with her mouth held shut. “Mmmphunhmphhum.”

“Umm...” Spike said, sheepishly letting go of Twilight.

“Thank you, Spike. I- I really owe you one.”

“It’s okay, Twilight.”

“Spike?” The lavender mare asked, meeting Spike’s gaze. “How did you get so smart about love?”

“It’s a gift,” The ego prone dragon smiled, puffing out his chest.

“Spike, I’m going over to Rarity’s. I need to speak with her,” Twilight said moving to the door. “Please, stay here. This is an adult matter.”

The bell chimed, as a lavender mare strode in. Head low, her ears laying flat, her tail dragging. Spike’s words buzzed around her mind, along with her fathers. There was only one way to settle this now, a test of faith.

“Twilight!” Rarity called, seeing the mare out of the corner of her eye, shutting her new book. But as she took the mare in, her expression changed. “Darling, what is it?”

“Rarity, I have something to tell you.”

“Whatever would that be, my love?”

Twilight sighed. I pray I’m wrong. This test will tell me the truth. “I can’t stand the thought of you throwing away your career, Rarity.”

“What do you mean?” Rarity asked, perplexed.

“I want you to be able to sell the dress. I’ve thought long and hard about this. And now, I have officially quit my studies, and renounced my title.”

“Twilight! How could you!?” Rarity gasped. The words hurt, more than Twilight could ever bare. Her father was right. The white mare grabbed Twilight shoulders and looked her dead in the eyes. Here it comes. Rarity’s- “I may be an ignorant welp with my future, but you are much too brilliant to throw away yours! I will not stand idly by and let you rob yourself of your life’s passion!” - Not Using Me!

“Where is my quill?! I need a quill. Twilight, check that drawer there!” Rarity ordered, throwing her shop into a mess searching for the writing tool.

“Rarity-”

“Maybe we can still make the train!” Rarity said grabbing a bit purse. “Come, we’ll ask her in pony!”

“Rarity!”

“What time is it? No time to waste! Buck it, we’ll walk!” Rarity shouted, running to the door.

“RARITY!!!” The yell worked, making the white mare stop in her tracks.

“Yes, my love?” Rarity sheepishly asked.

“Calm down. I didn’t quit my studies. I was testing you,” Twilight said, placing her hooves gently on Rarity’s shoulders.

“Darling- I- I get it,” Rarity conceded.

“You do?” Twilight asked, genuinely confused.

“You were worried about how seriously I took our future, with me doing so much damage to my own yesterday,” Rarity smiled.

“Oh! Oh, no. Ummm...” Twilight blushed. “I was following my father’s advice. He doubted your love, and wanted me to be sure. He thought you might try to use me, to get to the royal class.”

“Really?” Rarity asked, surprised. “I thought I made a great impression on him.”

“Eh, you know dads and their baby fillies,” Twilight giggled. “I’m glad he’s wrong.”

“Me too,” Rarity giggled as she leaned in and kissed the mare. “Or should I say Istihsan?”

“What?” Twilight laughed. “Look at you, trying to learn Zebric!”

“I just thought I sounded like fun,” Rarity smiled.

“Well, I will teach you then,” Twilight said. “Besides, you’re a bit off.”

“Oh?”

“You just said ‘agreement,’” Twilight giggled.

“Not bad for just picking up the book today,” Rarity retorted.

“Here, let me teach my my favorite words,” Twilight said, leaning in to whisper. “أحبك.”

“What does that mean?” Rarity asked.

“I love you.”

Rarity didn’t need any words for what followed, as she kissed the unicorn holding her with soft, tender kisses. Not sloppy, not showy, but real. The kind only those in love know. The world be damned, the future would take care of itself. This night was for making sweet memories and hell of early mornings. These two did not disappoint.

“Mmmph,” Rarity groaned as the sun washed in and illuminated her face. Normally she wore a sleep mask, but she was a tad preoccupied last night.

“Shut up, I’m trying to sleep,” Twilight groaned.

“Darling, please tell me we didn’t-”

“We did,” Twilight groaned, not wanting to hear that list of sins again.

“I can’t believe I let myself do that,” Rarity groaned, rolling over to face Twilight.

“I begged you too,” Twilight smiled. “And besides, you enjoyed it.”

“That, my love, is entirely beside the point,” Rarity giggled, then groaned. “But still, no more. I don’t think my body can take it again.”

“I don’t feel as good as I thought I would,” Twilight pouted, then giggled.

Their bliss was interrupted by a shout from downstairs as a certain filly made a horrible discovery. “Hey! Who Ate My Ice Cream!?”

“Window?” Twilight mouthed, their crime of last night exposed to the world. Two and a half quarts beyond the filly’s private stock, were consumed in their fun, along with all the whipped cream, the cherries, a few bananas, and all of Rarity’s wine.

“Window,” Rarity confirmed, nodding to the escape route. The pair quickly, and not very stealthily, exited the house by these means, and proceeded to run, giggling all the way to the market to buy forgiveness ice cream and some aspirin.

“Hmm,” Rarity groaned while she worked. “I think it needs more...”

Twilight twisted her head, trying to see the dress Rarity was working on better, and could find no fault. “It looks amazing to me.”

“Mmm, thank you, mi amour. But it lacks that... that panache that yours captures so well.”

“I dunno” Twilight shrugged, “Maybe it’s that this one is for just some faceless pony right now. While mine was made with love.” Twilight said as the bell for the shop jingled.

“Why hello there Miss Rarity,” The friendliest voice in Canterlot called. “And Lady Twilight, so good to see you again!”

“Mm, hello Fancy Pants, dear,” Rarity said walking over and hugging the stallion. “So glad you could come all the way down to Ponyville.”

“I would not miss this for the world, my dear,” He smiled, walking briskly into the studio, and examining the dress. He sighed, and muttered to himself, making Rarity very nervous.

“Bully, what was I thinking, coming here,” Fancy Pants sighed, and Rarity almost popped a blood vessel, “I don’t know anything about fashion. I am afraid I need to call in an expert.” He said, turning to Rarity with a grin.

“Oh you’re a riot,” Rarity played it off, “But if you’re asking me, I truly doubt this dress is even worth selling. It’s a little long in the train, too much give around the shoulders, and the neckline is much too low.”

“So you would say...”

“Neigh,” Rarity laughed. “It is not even fit for the marenequin.”

“Then I do believe I shall be seeing you in Canterlot, Miss Rarity,” Fancy Pants smiled.

“I’m sorry, what?” Twilight and Rarity asked.

“Your work is exquisite, my dear, and the simple fact that you hate this line meant only for her tells tales about you,” Fancy Pants explained. “I will not back you for the ‘Nile Collection,’ but a new line, specifically for royalty. And this one, this true Nile dress, I do believe you have made sure this will be forever hers alone.”

“Thank you, Fancy Pants,” Rarity sniffed. “I- I’m so...”

“You’re a lot calmer than I thought you would be,” Fancy Pants teased. Rarity cracked, a grin a mile wide spreading across her lips as she flopped down on the floor, twitching slightly.

“My word!” Fancy Pants cried.

“It’s okay, she does this from time to time. Pinkie calls it a fashiongasm, whatever that means,” Twilight smiled.

“...Good Celestia, you really don’t know, do you?” Fancy Pants asked, looking to her. “Have you never...”

“Never what?”

Changing speeds so quickly that even Rainbow Dash would be impressed, “Nothing my Lady. Please, give my regards to Miss Rarity when she awakens. Tell her I believe she is a saint.”

Fluttershy sat at her desk, head in her hooves, as she mentally ganged up on herself.

Why, why does everything I try to write keep turning into that! Fluttershy anguished silently. She threw open her desk drawer, and pulled out her copies of her first three books, the very ones that made her pen name famous across Equestria. She groaned, reading the titles, and threw them down on the desk with a loud thump The words Fifty Sheds of Grey burned into her eyes. Stupid clop fiction!

Fluttershy grabbed her latest writings, and started to read them, trying to find where she went wrong and it just turned into clop fodder. After ten minutes, Fluttershy realized she was smiling ear to ear, and sitting on the edge of her seat. Ah, she thought, There’s the problem. I need to start dating... Fluttershy admitted, hoping a little affection in life would cure her of this lust, this loneliness, this lack of... Love... Oh, my goodness.

With days of hard work, and much help from Twilight and Fluttershy’s ‘Freaky knowledge of sewing,’ Rarity had a new line, prepped and ready to show off tonight in the Canterlot Royal Hall. This new line, the Skywalker Collection, was the first official royal line exclusive, funded by Sir Fancy Pants Esquire the Third, and designed by Carousel Boutique.

“Bravo Rarity,” Fancy Pants smiled.

“I love it,” Fluer De Lis said, bowing politely. “It makes me feel like I can fly.”

“Thank you,” Rarity smiled, bowing. “It was inspired by a flight spell Twilight once cast on me. I named it after L. Skywalker, the first pegasi to fly around the globe nonstop.”

“Mmm, I simply love it,” Fluer sang, spinning in circles.

Everypony who is anypony was present, and in force, once the show opened proper. All of Equestria’s nobles made a show, wanting to be among the first to get their hooves on this once in a lifetime fashion. The band played, the waiters served, and the guest mingled. Twilight stood next to her marefriend, stunning in her Nile dress. All in all, this was going to be the second greatest night of Rarity’s life, taking a backseat only to when she and Twilight became more than friends.

Forty eight minutes later, seven mares and one stallion sat in the Canterlot castle dungeons, all but one in hoofirons.

“Well...” Rarity chuckled, “That went well.”

Who is this mystery mare? For that matter, who’s the stallion? And just who would dare to throw our dear ponies in jail? The answers... Right now.

Octavia, Shining Armor, and Prince Blueblood.

Hard Time for Love

“Rarity,” Twilight gingerly mewed as the pair, along with their friends and Shining Armor and Octavia, sat in the dank dungeon. “I love you, but you’re a bad influence.”

“What?! You splashed the ingrate. That was all your doings, not mine.”

The pair giggled as Rarity remembered the chain of events leading up to now.

Forty seven minutes ago:

“Ah, you must be this Rarity I’ve heard so much about,” Prince Blueblood called, smiling happily as he swooped in and, rather forcibly, lead Rarity away from the group.

“Ah, your highness,” Rarity said without any degree of favor or enthusiasm, “We’ve, ah, we’ve met.”

“Really now?” He asked, like he didn’t know.

“Yes, at the Gala.”

“Ah, yes, I remember you. And good timing, I have been meaning to speak with you.”

“Oh?”

“I was so very wrong to act a foal that night. How could I make it up to you?” He asked, rather suave.

“My word, you’ve changed,” Rarity laughed. “If you’re sincere, then you need not say anything more.”

“Oh my lady, I am very sincere. Even more so when I ask you to come back to my chambers for a- private fitting,” He smiled, waving his eyebrows. With a whisper, he leaned in and slipped to the white fashionista, “You are a delicate prize, and I must have thee.” No pony around them had heard, thankfully. The last thing Rarity wanted was to make a scene.

“Oh my, oh, no. I’m sorry. I’m actually in a relationship,” Rarity frowned. “I do hope you will understand.”

“WHAT?!” Blueblood recoiled, like he was struck. “How dare you!? I will not let you soily my name, and my mane with your lewd talk and offers! I will have no part of it!” You bastard! Quit lying! I hope you- What’s Twilight doing?

Twilight walked straight up to the loud mouthed prince, and splashed her drink in his face. Thank Celestia I was having a Vodka Cranberry! “What did you just say about my marefriend?!”

“Marefriend?! Good heavens, I was assaulted by a filthy fillyfooler!” Blueblood shrieked. “You all saw that, she assaulted me! Guards, take them away!”

“Like hell you will,” Shining called out as two guards remorsefully lead away the pair, making them stop. “Blueblood, calm down. No pony is getting arrested tonight. Let’s just-”

“Oh of course, you would stand up for your degenerate sister and her filthy love!” Blueblood cried.

His rant would have continued, had Shining Armor not hit the arrogant plot square in the jaw. Shining followed through with another, and watched as blood and a tooth came spilling out of Blueblood’s broken mouth. Rarity had never been one for violence, but right now she could not stop herself from yelling directions to Shining, egging him on. Thank Celestia for Twilight, who had joined Rarity’s fun.

“Kick him!” Rarity yelled, smiling.

“Pull his mane out!” Twilight screamed with a giggle.

“Guards!” A voice rallied as the elite watched in horror, the fight between princes swelling. “Please, stop them at once!”

The guards poured in. Rarity didn’t care that her show was ruined, she was enjoying watching the fight.

“Take them away!” Blueblood screamed, trying to block his face with his forelegs. Three guards dashed in and tackled Shining, and fought him as he tried to get free to continue the fight.

“Girls, we can’t let this happen. They’re takin’ Twi and Rares!” Applejack yelled. “Come on!”

“Yay! Distraction time!” Pinkie sang, somehow reaching out of view and producing a large cannon, her ever present party cannon. The gang, minus Fluttershy, all charged into to the fray, and began throwing punches and confetti. Applejack and Rainbow were tackled and detained almost immediately, while Pinkie avoided capture for a bit, till she stopped by the stage to spray a wave of confetti onto the crowd.

“You!” One of the band cried, leaping off the stage. “You defiler of music! You ruined my music at the Grand Galloping Gala! You forced me to play The Pony Polka! The Bleeding Pony Polka! I shall not allow you to shame music again!” She tackled the surprised Pinkie Pie, and choked her mercilessly.

“Octavia!” One of the band ponies cried, trying to pull her off. The guards though, they were not as kind, as they tore the pair apart, with more tackling. Celestia had recently hired the former defensive line for the Canterlot Hoofball team, the Spurtans. Their form was quite clear, as were the results. So with the seven, Octavia and Shining included now in cuffs, the party trashed, and Rarity’s work forever ruined, they were lead away to the dungeons.

“Ummm....” A squeak next to one of the guards caught his attention. “Could I, maybe, possibly, um...”

“Speak up ma’am,” The guard ordered, making Fluttershy cower.

“Can I go with them? I don’t like to be alone.” The guard should have said no. He should have just walked on. But damn it she was cute. Who could say no to that face?

“Will you behave?”

“Oh yes sir,” Fluttershy nodded, then began running after her friends.

The chamber door groaned as it swung open, as Captain Vigilance of the Guard strode in, wearing a very pained expression. He had come a long ways since moving to Canterlot, finally taking up Shining on the offer to join The Guard, and replacing the stallion when he had to move to the Crystal Empire. But the other pony to follow changed everything. Princess Celestia walked in, and the tension in the room became palpable.

“Twilight, you really did it this time,” Celestia sighed, but her lips kept tugging at an ungranted smile. “You assaulted that poor boy with alcohol. Where did you learn such a thing?”

“Romance novels,” Twilight smiled. “I’ve been reading them more and more lately.”

“Is that where you got that silly idea to test me?” Rarity asked. In all truth, her idea of romance came from the same books, seeing that she had been reading them since she had first learned how. Until tonight, Twilight’s actions had seemed appropriate to her. Had the Princess said nothing about it, Rarity might have never even thought twice about that oddity.

“Um...”

“I should have known. How about we forget the fiction, my love,” Rarity smiled.

“I like that,” Twilight smiled. A cough garnished their attention, as the pair looked to the officer now, who was clearly annoyed with them.

“Well, you two are free to go. Enough ponies saw what happened to not support Blueblood’s story,” CPT Vigilance said to two very relieved ponies.

“Oh, and Rarity, you ever get my student arrested again, I’ll send you to magic kindergarten. Understood?” Celestia asked with a smile, one that spat venom and fire.

“Eeep. Yes, your Highness,” Rarity stammered.

“Good,” Celestia smiled. “I’ll talk to you later about why she was having alcohol in the first place.”

“I-” Rarity began till Vigilance glared at her, making words fall short.

“Miss Applejack, Miss Rainbow. I’m afraid you two are not so lucky.”

“Ah figured. But Ah couldn’t let my friends go down alone,” Applejack smiled.

“Yeah. I’m not gonna be the one to say she didn’t lift a hoof to help,” Rainbow smiled as well.

“You kicked a guard in the nuts,” Applejack shot back.

“We have different definitions of help.”

“Shut it,” Vigilance yelled, tired of these mares already. The guard Rainbow kicked is an old friend. “You two have community service, in Ponyville.”

Applejack cheered and Rainbow groaned. All community service in Ponyville took place at Sweet Apple Acres anyways, so Applejack was getting off easy.

“Miss Fluttershy, you’re not actually under arrest. Heck, you’re not even in irons, so you can leave whenever,” Vigilance shrugged.

“Though I took the liberty to read the notebook you had on you when they took you in. We need to have a little talk about that later,” Celestia filled in, glancing over the guard’s shoulder.

“Miss Pinkie Pie, we’re going to have to confiscate the cannon,” Vigilance continued, checking a list.

“Go ahead. I have party cannons stashed all over Equestria in case of party emergency,” Pinkie smiled to everypony’s horror. The fact that she has ballistic capabilities literally everywhere was really off putting to say the least.

Taking the chance to carry on while everyone was quiet, “Miss Octavia, you are being charged with assault and battery. Thankfully, your manager posted bail.”

“I refuse,” Octavia stammered. “You have no idea what this means. I will have to work for that ingrate Vinyl again! My career cannot survive such atrocities! Please, I beg you good sir, let me stay till I can have the bits wired to me.”

“No, get out,” Vigilance barked.

“Um, Lance, what about me?” Shining asked.

“Oh, that’s my cue,” Celestia smiled. “Prince Shining Armor, You are henceforth summoned to a duel of honor.”

“What?” All 8 asked.

“You are to appear tomorrow afternoon in the Canterlot Garden, for your duel,” Vigilance groaned. He was really being forced.

“Huh?” Shining asked.

“Oh, Shining,” Celestia chided, “Blueblood demands that your unprovoked attack was a direct attack on his honor. He has issued a challenge.”

“You’re joking,” Shining muttered.

“You are being challenged for your rule thusly, of the Crystal Empire,” Vigilance finished, looking like he had sucked on a lemon.

“You’re not joking,” Shining finally managed.

“Mmmhmm. Shining Armor,” Celestia said as Vigilance stepped away to outprocess the group, “Kick his pompous flank. That boy needs a good lesson.”

About twenty minutes later, all the poor ponies were free, as two lovebirds sat around the flower garden, lost in thought.

“I can’t believe this,” Twilight finally managed.

“That our relationship has been so destructive to so many?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah. You lost your job. Twice, actually. Shining and Cadence might lose their seat in the Crystal Empire. Rainbow and Pinkie had... whatever happened that’s driving them apart. Those two will barely talk to each other now.”

“Hmm, yeah,” Rarity mused. “We are horrible at this whole dating thing, aren’t we?”

“Let’s get away,” Twilight said, looking at the moon. “I always wanted to see Posh. From the top of the Eiffoal tower. You’re fluent in Fancy, right?”

“Yes I am. And I would love too as well,” Rarity laughed.

“Come on,” Twilight said standing up, and pulling Rarity to her hooves. “Right now.”

“Twilight, what has gotten into you?” Rarity laughed.

“I’m done. I just cause problems for you and Shining and everypony. But I don’t want to go without you either. I- I need you,” Twilight mumbled. “Please tell me you feel the same way.”

“I do, but we can’t just up and leave in the middle of the night. What about Spike?”

“You’re right, we’ll bring him too,” Twilight said.

“Darling, I love you. I would follow you to Tartarus and back, but we should put a little thought into this. How about we both go to bed, attend Shining’s duel tomorrow, and then we can go to Posh, right after they finish.”

“Promise?”

“I promise,” Rarity smiled, and kissed Twilight’s forehead. Pulling the lavender mare into a hug, she sighed. “Damn it.”

“What?”

“I love you Twilight. But you do not make it easy.”

“Well that’s your problem,” Twilight laughed, in much better spirits now than before.

“Prince Noble Blueblood, art thou ready?” Princess Luna bellowed. Shining had persuaded the Sisters Royal to make the duel a private affair, closed to just friends and family, unlike Blueblood, who had tried to invite the press. Discretion was a much more powerful tool for this battle.

“Yes, now quit yelling Aunt Luna,” Blueblood chided.

“Prince Shining Armor, art thou?”

“Yeah,” Shining sighed.

“Kick his flank,” Twilight yelled from the sides, laughing.

“Darling, you are being most-” Rarity began.

“Rip off his baby maker!” Cadence yelled.

“Uncouth,” Rarity sighed.

“No pony insults my family!” Cadence bellowed.

“I’m family too, Cadence! ” Blueblood shot back hotly.

“Gentlecolts, prepare your weapons,” Luna instructed. Shining crouched low, and summoned a strong aura, narrowing it into a thin beam of light purple magic. Blueblood was less subtle, and focused his magic into a giant golden chainsaw, and let it roar into life.

“Oh... Buck...” Everypony said looking at the weapon.

“B-Begin!” Luna commanded.

Shining chuckled and, for a brief second, appeared as a cloud til everypony realized that was just a trail of dust he kicked up as he made for the exit.

“What the hay? Get back here!” Blueblood cried, giving chase.

The streets of Canterlot, what a wonderful place. The shops proudly displaying their wares, the foals laughing and playing games. The princes, destroying the market and trying to kill each other... Wait a second...

“Get back here and fight me!” Blueblood screamed as ponies scattered from his magical assault.

“No!” Shining yelled as he ducked the large death machine and skidded into an alleyway.

“Be a stallion and accept your fate!!” Blueblood cried, thrashing the magical device from side to side, damaging everything in his path.

“Make me!”

“I’ll kill you!” Blueblood cried as he and Shining spilled into a new street.

“Not if I can help it!” Shining cried back. I protected all of Canterlot! Why am I running from one- Shining’s thought’s were interrupted as the large chainsaw tore through a fruit stand, peppering Shining with pulp. Oh... that’s why.

“It will only hurt for a second,” Blueblood cried.

“That’s what I’m afraid of!”

“Stop being such a coward and let me kill you!” Blueblood demanded.

“No, go away!” Shining yelled as he tore into another alley, but luck was a fickle mistress, and she was against him. This was a dead end. Shining turned to see his slowly approaching doom. “Okay, you win. You win Blue, game over. Now calmly put away the giant death machine, and I’ll see to it they take it easy on you for the damage to public property.”

“I’m royalty! They all answer to me. Or did you forget you were a Royal guard?”

“No pony’s above the law Blue,” Shining snorted. It irritated the Captain turned Prince whenever these royals, or any pony, thought they could act as they saw fit, outside the law. His foalhood was spent longing to be a guard, and he still carried with him the sense of honor and duty that The Guard instilled in him.

“You know, I still owe you for that embarrassment you dealt to me last night. No pony shall ever embarrass me again. Not you or that bitch.”

“Stay on topic- No, you know what, forget it. Is this about Rarity at the Gala a couple years ago?” Shining asked, stalling.

“She was the first, and only mare to ever make me a fool. A feat I do not take lightly. She isn’t even royalty!”

“Okay, so why are you gunning for me?” Shining asked.

“Because you are the only pony to ever strike me!” Blueblood screamed, stabbing at Shining, who was lucky to dodge. “No pony makes me bleed my own blood!”

“You’re nuts!”

“And you’re doomed!” Blueblood raised the weapon high over his head for a strike, and Shining saw his opening. Blasting a bubble of magic out at Blueblood, Shining locked the foal in a shield like the one Shining had made to defend Canterlot. But there is a problem with shields.

“Really now, Shining?” Blueblood asked as he stepped forward, out of the magic. “Shield spells keep things out, not in.”

Shining facehoofed, groaning loudly. “Well, I have one more trick up my sleeve.”

“Oh?” Blueblood asked. Shining smiled nervously as he revisited an old tactic, thanks to the Changelings, and hit the arrogant plot with an expanding shield that he was the base of. Had the pair been in the garden where Blueblood could have sidestepped, the plan would have never worked. Nor would it have if Blueblood thought Shining’s magic was a threat at all. It had all been a clever ruse, one that- Oh who the hay am I kidding? This was all luck, pure and simple! Like I had an inkling of a plan! I’m one lucky pony... oh no, Cadence is going to kill me for this...

“Shining!” Three ponies cried as they closed in. His wife, sister, and Rarity. His family, and he was very happy to be able to see them now.

“Hey girls,” Shining smiled weakly.

Cadence rushed him first, kissing him all over and hugging him tight. “Don’t you ever do that again!”

“Not a problem,” Shining laughed.

“Wow,” Rarity lamented, looking back at the damage. “I hope everypony is okay...”

“Oh yes, they are,” A voice from the heavens called out as a ball of sunshine dropped among them, revealing Princess Celestia in it’s wake. “But I am afraid that most of the market district did not fare so well...”

“Oh that’s terrible,” Twilight gasped. “So many ponies out of work...”

“Well, it would not be too hard to redesign the area, maybe lay it out better, to accommodate more stalls and ease traffic concerns through the area...” Celestia began with a smile. “If only we had a design prone pony with the ability to take on such a daunting task.”

Rarity felt the light come on. It was not fashion, but it was a design job in Canterlot, which was what she always wanted. And she would have no fashion orders for a while now... “Your majesty, I would be most honored if you would let me design the new market district.”

“Why Rarity, how generous of you,” Celestia smiled. “Of course Blueblood will pay for the reconstruction himself, but that shall be the extent of his involvement.”

“What?” Blueblood groaned as he tried to sit up. “I shall do no-”

“Nephew,” Celestia smiled. It was a smile Twilight had only seen Rarity pull off before. One that conveyed the conversation earlier was not open for discussion. Blueblood got the message too.

“Rarity, this is wonderful! You have a job again!” Twilight giddily sang, hugging her love close.

“I’ll need you to start as soon as possible Rarity,” Celestia smiled as they all began to leave the alley.

“Oh... Oh shoot...” Rarity said, coming to a halt.

“What is it?” Celestia and Twilight asked.

“Twilight, our plans, for that spur of the moment trip to Posh,” Rarity informed.

“Oh! Rarity, we can go to Posh anytime. How about that as our incentive? A nice relaxing trip just as soon as you finish this job here.”

“Twilight, I- I don’t know what to say. You really are the best marefriend ever,” Rarity cried, hugging Twilight and nuzzling her much to the lavender mare’s joy.

“D’awww. Oh, by the way, Rarity,” Celestia said, cutting off the feelings of love. “Don’t you ever try to care for my student again without a job. She is a delicate flower, you got it?”

“Where does this keep coming from?” Rarity asked.

“Why does Rarity have to be the one looking out for me?” Twilight asked hotly, “I can take care of myself.”

“Darling, you can’t even put on your own saddle,” Rarity chidded.

“Shut up,” Twilight shot back.

“And you wrote the Princess about our relationship before your parents,” Rarity continued.

“Okay, I get the message,” Twilight groaned playfully. “Stop picking on me.”

“Just keeping you humble my love. Besides, you’re cute when you pout.”

Fluttershy sat scared and alone in the dark room. She was told it was an office, but this room was dark, and though no pony was in there with her, there was something else. Something unseen. She sat as quiet as possible, not moving a muscle in hopes that this fear would soon end. The door opened, allowing the only light of the day to flood in, along with the one responsible for said light of day.

“Hello Fluttershy,” Princess Celestia smiled.

“H-Hello P-P-Princess,” Fluttershy managed.

“Why are you so scared? It’s just me,” Celestia asked.

“I’m sorry your majesty! I’ve been sitting in this dark room for hours with something else in here and I’m scared and-” Fluttershy began rambling, finding strength in her leader.

“I’m sorry,” Celestia quickly apologised, knowing Fluttershy well through her letters and Twilight. “Shoot. I am so sorry. Shining ran away from his duel, making it take much longer than expected. I never meant to keep you here so long. Or in the dark.”

“Why is this room so dark? I thought I was in your office,” Fluttershy asked.

“Philomena is sleeping,” Celestia explained, as she pointed to the source of Fluttershy’s fears. The mare sighed in relief, it was just an animal friend, of course.

“So what did you want to talk about your majesty?” Fluttershy asked, fear rising again as she knew this was about her book. The very book she was writing about Twilight and Rarity.

“I read your notebook. It was... Familiar,” Celestia smiled. Familiar? “Please understand, I have been searching for a certain author for years now, ever since I first read Fifty Sheds of Grey! I have wanted to meet the author so badly!” Celestia sang, bouncing a bit and smiling like Twilight in a book store. This is so unlike her! I guess this is how she is in private, much less reserved. It makes an odd amount of sense...

“Wow, Princess, I had no idea-”

“I had a team of guards pouring over everything! I had them trace every lead! I- I’m sorry, I just love your books soooo much,” Celestia smiled, leaned across her desk. “I have a signed copy already, but its in your pen name, and it was mailed to me. So please, would you sign my copy? Pretty please?”

“Absolutely your highness. I’d be happy too,” Fluttershy smiled, taking the book and a pen from the very eager deity . “To Princess Celestia, thank you for the love of my works. I hope I can always keep up to your highest expectations. Sincerely, ‘Butter Shine’ Fluttershy.”

“Eee, Luna is going to be so jelly! Thank you!” Celestia smiled in her rather uncharacteristic manner. If smiles made a sound, this one would be a squee, without doubt.

“It’s nothing, but please don’t tell too many ponies,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Of course,” Celestia nodded. “By the way, how did you come up with this new story?”

“Oh it was inspired by a friend and her new relationship,” Fluttershy smiled, then deadpanned. Had she said too much?

“Really,” Celestia said, though she seemed less warm and happy now. “Who would that be?”

“Oh, it’s a couple in Ponyville,” Fluttershy smiled nervously, “Um- Lyra and Bon-Bon!”

“Are they teachers?” Celestia asked.

“No, Bon-Bon’s a candy maker, and Lyra’s a musician. The college idea was just a writing tool to help the reader relate. Lots of ponies go to higher education after all.” Goddess I hope she buys it! She’s the Princess! She can see through it! I’m in trouble! I’ll be banished. Or thrown in the dungeon again. Or-

“Oh that’s just wonderful!” Celestia smiled. “You’re a wonderful author. Now, I hate to say this, but I do have royal duties.”

“Of course your highness,” Fluttershy sighed in relief. She happily got up, said a quiet goodbye to the phoenix and the Princess, then trotted out happily, back to meet her friends for the train ride home.

Celestia sat in the office a few minutes, filled out this form here or looked over the schedule there. After five minutes, she trotted over to the doors, throwing them open as she yelled. “Hey Lulu! Guess whose autograph I got!”

Spike and Sweetie Belle were rather upset. A trip to Canterlot, and all they did was hang out with the Family Star.

“I missed out on a fashion show for royalty,” Sweetie Belle groaned.

“I missed a hoof fight and a magic duel,” Spike pouted.

“Grown ups stink,” The kids said together as Twilight Velvet came trotting in, all smiles.

“Who wants cookies?” She sang, happy to play grandma at least. It was all she had till Shining started having kids. Because she and Night carried very little faith in Twilight having any now.

“Me! Me! I do!” Both of them sang, all too happy to forget their earlier reservations about adults.

Weeks went by, with Rarity working in Canterlot for days at a time, then working from the Library as she researched designs and concepts for the roads. It was hard, long hours, and very little time to spend with Twilight.

“Honey, where should we go for dinner tonight?” Twilight called over.

“No, I don’t think Pinkie has any,” Rarity mumbled, not even paying attention.

“Rarity, I want to get my ears pierced,” Twilight called over, annoyed that she was being ignored. Again.

“That sounds lovely,” Rarity absentmindedly answered as she reviewed her design. How did they ever handle all these blasted one way streets?

“Rarity, I’m gonna get drunk,” Twilight called over.

“That’s nice dear.”

“I’m pregnant.”

“That sounds good. Shall I cook that tonight?” Rarity asked.

“Rarity, you’re not even paying attention!” Twilight finally snapped.

“What? I’m not?” Rarity asked.

“Honey, put down the plans for one night,” Twilight chided. “I miss you.”

“Darling, I can’t. I have so much work, and this is all such a mess. I’ve had to learn zoning laws, building codes, recent design concepts. It’s all very taxing dear.”

“I get that, I do. But you’re neglecting your family and friends. And... and me,” Twilight finally managed.

“Darling...” Rarity flushed, tears starting to roll down her cheeks.

“Oh no, buck-” Twilight began, trying to cut off Rarity before it happened.

“I’m a horrible marefriend! Of all the possible things that could have happened, this is The. Worst. Possible. Thing!” Rarity cried, throwing herself into Twilight’s embrace. “Oh, I’m worthless. I’m muck. No, I’m lower than muck! I’m the worst pony everrrr!”

“Rarity-”

“I don’t deserve a pony like you! I don’t deserve anypony! I deserve to be an old mare, with no special somepony to cuddle with on those cold winter nights! How could anypony ever love a welp such as meeeeee?!”

“Okay, you’re okay,” Twilight whispered, stroking Rarity’s mane. “I’m sorry. You’re under so much stress, and then I just do something like that! I’m the worst marefriend ever! You’re just looking out for me!”

A voice called out to them, as Spike took a momentary reprieve from his work on the balcony. “You’re both the worst. Kiss, make up, shut up. I’m trying to aim here!”

“Oh darling, Spike’s right. I’m so- Wait, aiming?” Rarity asked as it dawned on Twilight as well.

“Spike! What’s going-” Twilight began, before a twang cut her off, followed by a splash and a yell from outside, as Spike came careening back inside, a large smile on his face.

“You saw nothing!” Spike yelled as he hopped down and ran out the back door. Seconds later, the front door burst open to reveal a soaking wet Sweetie Belle.

“Where is he!?” She demanded.

“Who?” the mares asked, still in their hug.

“Spike just hit me with a water balloon! He’s gonna get it!”

“You just missed him,” Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle growled, and her horn sparked several green sparks as steam rolled off of her coat. “I’m going to go get my cutie mark for making Dragon skin rugs!”

“Don’t kill Spike! He’s useful!” Twilight called after the retreating filly.

“We owe him something nice,” Rarity nodded. “He always knows just how to cheer us up.”

“Yeah. I’m going to get him so many gems,” Twilight laughed as she pulled Rarity to her hooves. “Come on, I’m hungry.”

Rarity was busy these days in Canterlot, but life carried on in Ponyville, as it was prone too. Twilight was happy though, she was spending her time with friends and her nights with Rarity. So when Fluttershy stopped by one afternoon, the student found nothing out of the ordinary. She welcomed all of her friends, even more so the one with a novel in the works that neither Twilight nor Rarity had read yet. Rarity wanted to make it special by reading it together, so Fluttershy was holding it till it was done.

“Hey Fluttershy,” Twilight smiled, sliding the last book in her magical grasp away. “So...?”

“No Twilight, not till it’s finished,” Fluttershy sighed in a friendly manner. “I need to talk to Rarity, is she around today?”

“No, she’s with the Canterlot zoning commissioner today. What’s up?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I had a little question about... Sewing. It’s nothing really,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Fluttershy, you lie about as well as Applejack.”

“Really? I thought I was a little bit better,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Really. Now what’s the matter?” Twilight asked, sitting down and patting the cushion next to her.

Fluttershy sat, and shook her head as she laughed. “I want to fall in love.”

“What? Really?” Twilight smiled. “I’ve been learning so much about love! I’m sure I can help you!”

“Twilight, no offence, but you’re still new at this. And I’m not into mares, I like stallions,” Fluttershy smiled, trying not to hurt her friend's feelings.

“None taken. But in all honesty, Rarity is too. I think I’m her first actual relationship. She just knows how to flirt.” Twilight explained. “And what difference does it make if you like mares or colts? Love is love.”

“Well, you are the smartest mare I know. Okay, why not?” Fluttershy caved.

“Yay! We’re going to have so much fun!” Twilight squealed, clapping her hooves.

A group of ponies sat around Golden Oaks Library as Twilight collected clipboards from them all, twelve stallions in all.

“What’s this all about, Miss Sparkle?” Big Mac asked. “Ah thought y’all needed a hoof?”

“I do. Well, Fluttershy does,” Twilight explained. “She wants to start dating, but...”

“Say no more,” Big Mac nodded. “Ah understand. So how can we help?”

“Yeah,” A pegasus, Thunderlane, asked. “Are we being interviewed to date her?”

“Not at the moment, but it is a possibility if you meet the basic criteria,” Twilight smiled. “Right now, I’m taking a survey of the available ponies in town to compare traits and attributes to better analyze the statistical probability of a match based on their desired relationship outcomes and expectations.”

Without a word, every pony looked to Spike, who was happily reading a comic book in the corner. “She’s looking at what colts in Ponyville want and if it matches what Fluttershy wants.”

“Ooohhhh,” All the colts nodded.

“That’s what I said!” Twilight yelled, stomping her hooves.

“So...” Thunderlane stalled, “Are we going to date Fluttershy or not?”

“Keep asking and the answer is no,” Twilight snorted. “I’m conducting the interviews first, so we’ll be starting alphabetically. Big Mac, you’re first.”

“Damn it!” Thunderlane swore under his breath, the last in line by that method.

Twilight questioned all of the colts, though Thunderlane was immediately thrown out for being rather ‘impolite.’ As she walked out to the foyer, she was greeted by the four stallions she had asked to stay back, and one mare. The stallions were Big Mac, Great Scott, Steamer the engineer, and Noteworthy. The mare was none other than Rainbow Dash

“Rainbow, what are you doing here?” Twilight asked the disgruntled looking mare.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Rainbow snapped.

“I’m helping Fluttershy...”

“No, you’re not. She’s not going to like anypony you hook her up with like this. She’s too shy. She has to meet dates the old way. Dating services never work,” Rainbow snorted.

“But I’ve matched her to these colts based on one hundred fifty three different variables,” Twilight explained.

“You can’t expect to make a quality match like that Twilight,” Rainbow groaned. “She needs somepony that will look out for her, shelter her, love her. Not just use her for... that. She’s- She’s my best friend,” Rainbow admitted, deflated.

“Hmm, gentlecolts?” Twilight asked, “Rainbow has a valid point. Would you be able to do all of that?”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded as the others all agreed.

“Rainbow, I appreciate what you’re doing,” Twilight said walking over to her. “How about you help me set up the dates, and watch over them? Make sure they treat her nice.”

“Yeah, that- that should work,” Rainbow grumbled.

Two mares sat in the back of Sugarcube Corner, watching what was probably the most painful first date ever. Big Mac was the last colt to get a date, and it seemed at first he might be the one. Everypony in town thought those two would make a wonderful pair, but neither of the matchmaking mares accounted for how shy they both were. He was fine, till he actually had to talk to Fluttershy. And Fluttershy was... well, Fluttershy.

“He’s dying out there!” Rainbow groaned.

“Shut up, you’re not helping,” Twilight muttered.

“What’s going on?” Pinkie asked, randomly appearing next to Twilight, making her yelp and drawing far too much attention to herself. “Is Fluttershy on a date?”

“Yes. And no,” Rainbow said as she thrust her hoof into Pinkie’s mouth. “No singing. This is going horribly.”

“Maybe a song will help them get in the lovey dovey mood,” Pinkie smiled, but Rainbow and Twilight’s glare cut her off. “Well I thought it sounded like a good idea,” Pinkie muttered.

“No. This is bad. I’m getting Fluttershy out of there,” Rainbow said standing up.

“Sit,” Twilight ordered, but Rainbow was already walking away.

“Fluttershy,” Rainbow sang as she approached the table, “It’s so good to see you!”

“You’ve been here the whole time,” Fluttershy said, her first words since she came in. “We walked here together.”

“Really? That’s so crazy! You have the best stories. Come on and tell me another,” Rainbow begged, trying to drag Fluttershy out.

“Looks like yer friends are needin ya. Ah’ll be seein ya around, Miss Fluttershy,” Big Mac blushed, all too happy to leave the table and almost gallop out the door.

“Oh, look at that, a free table. Come on Fluttershy, you’ve hardly touched your milkshake,” Rainbow said changing directions and setting Fluttershy back on her cushion.

“Rainbow, I- What’s going on?” Fluttershy asked.

“I just don’t want to see you getting hurt, okay?” Rainbow Dash said, taking Fluttershy’s hoof into her own. “You’re like my best friend. I gotta look out for you.”

“Rainbow Dash, please, I can look after myself,” Fluttershy hissed, pulling back her hoof. “I was having a nice time.”

Rainbow just stared at her, and let Fluttershy crack herself. “Well, I could have been...”

Rainbow shook her head, and snorted. “No, Shy. All colt’s like that just have one thing on their minds! One thing! And you are far, far too nice for that! I’m not gonna let any colt in this town just use you! Never!”

“Rainbow-”

“You’re a good mare, a great mare, and I couldn’t stand it if you were... you know... taken advantage of,” Rainbow pleaded.

“Thank you, Rainbow, but I have this under control. Please?” Fluttershy begged of her friend.

“I-Alright, alright,” Rainbow conceded. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright Rainbow,” Fluttershy smiled. “Now I need to find Big Mac, I owe him an apology.”

“What, really? Ugh, Fine,” Rainbow pouted. “Where did he go?”

“He... I don’t know actually. He went east...” Fluttershy noticed.

“Come on girls,” Twilight sighed as she and Pinkie stepped up. “Let’s go find Fluttershy’s date.”

The girls tried several locations to find the elusive colt, but kept striking out. So they all ran to the one pony who should know, Applejack. But when the four mares found her sitting in the cafe on Mane street, they were in for a shock. There sat the hard working farm pony, with a very taxed expression, talking to Lucky Clover.

“Oh my gosh! Applejack’s on a date too! And nopony freaking told me!” Pinkie yelled.

“Pinkie! First find Big Mac, then get angry at us for forgetting to gossip,” Twilight barked.

“I miss Rarity. She always keeps me in the loop,” Pinkie sighed.

“Later, Applejack just saw us,” Rainbow said. “And she’s waving us in?”

So with no plan, the girls all walked in, ready to ask away for their lost stallion. But the rodeo prone mare was looking for an out. “Girls, you look awfully flustered. How can Ah help ya?”

“Having fun AJ?” Rainbow smirked. “I didn’t know you had a date.”

“That’s cause Ah don’t need ta get the whole town involved every time Ah have one,” Applejack shot back. “No offence Twilight. So how can Ah help.”

“We can’t find Big Mac,” Fluttershy gasped, rushing in. “Please, it’s- it’s important.”

“Well Ah can’t just sit by here then. Ah’m sorry Sugarcube, Ah’ll see ya around town,” Applejack weakly smiled to Lucky.

“Should- Should I come by tomorrow?” Lucky asked.

“Aha, tomorrow ain’t good sug,” Applejack smiled as she grabbed her hat and threw down a few bits for her drink. “Bye now.”

The five mares walked briskly out, to Applejack’s unending relief. “Holy horse shoes that was bad. Thanks girls.”

“Um...” Twilight began. “We were serious. We can’t find Big-”

“Oh, yeah. Did y’all try the Double Shoe? That’s probably where he’s at these days. He took up a second job slinging cider and sarsaparilla bout a week ago.” Applejack offered.

“Oh. So... where are you going?” Fluttershy asked.

“Ah’m goin home. RD, see ya tomorrow fer our community service,” Applejack nodded.

“Buck off,” Rainbow snorted happily. “You're the only pony to ever pull community service at her own home, you know that?”

“Yeah, Ah got that,” Applejack smiled. “Don’t think it means I get it easy though.”

“Never thought otherwise,” Rainbow called as they headed to the Double Shoe Bar to see the newest barkeep.

A bell on the door rang as the gang of four mares walked into the bar.

“Howdy, welcome to the-” Big Mac started till he laid eyes on the group, more specifically Fluttershy. He liked her, he really did. But being around her made his head get all cloudy and sluggish. Buck. This makes work hard... Unfortunately, Fluttershy suffered the same fate.

“Hey Big Mac,” Twilight smiled. “Fluttershy has something she needs to say to you.”

“Oh, no, that’s alright,” Fluttershy blushed. With her light coat and the intensity of her blush, she was as pink as Pinkie.

“Oh for the love of- Hey Big Mac?” Rainbow asked, stepping in, “Would you go on a second date with Fluttershy since I screwed up your last one?”

“Well, Ah-” Big Mac managed to blush despite his deep red coat, “Girls, Ah’m workin now. Please, buy a drink or somethin. Ah get in trouble fer just chattin.”

“Okay then, four ciders,” Twilight smiled as she magically pulled up four cushions for them to sit on. And there they stayed, till Big Mac was able to say he would go on a second date, much to Fluttershy’s joy and embarrassment. So after a little too long in the pub, they all departed, Fluttershy and Twilight staggering back to the library, whilst Pinkie and Rainbow wandered off to unknown locations.

“Hey Dashie...” Pinkie managed as she tried to stay awake, laying under the canopy of stars. She was a tad bit drunk, and despite popular belief, it was really a new concept for her.

“Yeah Pinks?”

“Do you ever think about that night?” Pinkie asked, groaning a bit as a wave of nausea passed over her.

“Regularly,” Rainbow giggled. “I never thought I was a fillyfooler till then, but after that...”

“I kept telling everypony I was straight afterwards,” Pinkie managed. “But I’ve been lying to my friends for the past 6 weeks...”

“Me too. I was just so...”

“I know. And it was all so-”

“I know. I never meant to hurt you Pinkie,” Rainbow managed, rolling onto her side to look at the pink party machine.

“Is that why you stood up for Fluttershy? To protect her?” Pinkie asked in one of her rare glances into anothers very soul. “You know, from what happened to us...”

“I’m so sorry. I feel like I used you Pinkie, and that’s- that’s not right,” Rainbow sniveled. “I’m a horrible friend.”

“No. You’re an awesome friend Dashie. I’m lucky that my first time with a mare was with a gal like you,” Pinkie muttered, finally looking into Dash’s eyes.

“First time?” Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Play your cards right and it may not be our last,” Pinkie confessed. Ah, the wonders of alcohol. They would have continued their flirting, had they both not passed out soon afterwards.

“Darling, I’m home,” Rarity sang as she dragged herself into the library. Lately, both mares had been staying here, as Rarity had converted the boutique into a drafting and design center, and started her own architecture firm. Usually, the two would chat about their days, and gossip and giggle, and drink a little wine till they both fell asleep. But tonight, she was greeted to an odd sight, that of Fluttershy passed out on their couch. “Oops. Wrong darling,” Rarity chuckled.

“Is that my beautiful marefriend I hear?” Twilight called, poking her head out of the bedroom nook. She looks so darn cute with those reading glasses.

“Why yes it is,” Rarity smiled. “Tell me love, why is Fluttershy passed out on the sofa?”

“She had a bit much to drink today,” Twilight frowned, taking off the glasses and heading down. “I thought if she got tipsy, she would become more chatty with Big Mac, but-”

“Chatty? With Big Macintosh? Darling, I feel I missed quite the day here in Ponyville,” Rarity laughed. “Why don’t I put the kettle on, and then we get to the juicy details.”

So the two love struck unicorns had their fun, as they whiled away, talking about the zoning commissioner with a bad perm, and Fluttershy’s odd request for love. Eventually, the tipsy mare herself woke up, and joined in the conversation, though her first words were along the lines of aspirin and water.

“So I have another date?” Fluttershy asked, wincing as she drank more water.

“Yeah, whenever you’re ready, Big Mac is too. Are you alright Fluttershy? I’ve never seen you like this before.” Twilight asked.

“I’ve never been drunk before,” Fluttershy giggled. Then groaned. “Does it always feel this bad?”

“Only when you have too much,” Rarity cooed as she rubbed Fluttershy on the back. “You might want to work on that if you’re going to be dating a bartender.” Fluttershy squeaked at the implication, sitting bolt upright, before collapsing to the table again in the throes of her first ever hangover.

Rarity was working in town today, drafting a new traffic circle for the intersection Blueblood had ruined. She was not having the best time of it either. She was focused, even as Sweetie Belle and the other Crusaders wandered in, laughing. Apple Bloom took the chance to peek over Rarity’s shoulder at her work as she passed.

“Y’all should look at that building there,” Apple Bloom said through a mouth full of Sweet Apple Acres finest harvest. “Those cross beams ain’t addin no support. Try moving them to these points,” She said, grabbing the pencil and making four hasty adjustments. Rarity just stared at the filly wide eyed. She had been struggling with this for weeks, knowing she wasn’t really an architect, but trying her best. And this filly just walked up, corrected her, and walked off as if it was nothing.

“And she can’t figure out her talent,” Rarity laughed when she was alone. She decided it was time to go see a friend about recruiting a helping hoof. She only managed to catch up with Applejack that evening though while she and Twilight were out for their now daily run. Not the state Rarity loved to be seen in, but this was as good a time as any. Besides, Twilight really needed a break.

“Oh thank Celestia,” Twilight gasped, resting against a tree.

“Good heavens Rarity, ya think ya run ‘er hard enough?” Applejack giggled. She was sitting with Thunderlane, and looked really uncomfortable. Is she on a- No, Applejack? Really? I have been gone too much.

“Oh she needs the exercise. But there is something I wanted to ask you. Could I borrow Apple Bloom after school? She came by today, and corrected a major oversight in one of my blueprints, saving me a lot of time and possibly a few ponies in the future,” Rarity explained.

“Really? Ya need mah sista’s help?” Applejack asked. “Ah’ve had a feelin that lil Bloom there was a good at design. Y’all think she’s a buildin drawer?”

“An architect. Really? Do you not know that word?” Thunderlane asked.

“No, Ah just drew a blank fer a minute, alright?” Applejack shot back. “Ya know what what, this was a bad idea. Ah’m sorry TL, it ain’t gonna work between us.”

“Oh Applejack,” Rarity gasped, “I’m so sorry, I never meant to ruin your date.”

After Thunderlane was out of earshot, Applejack sighed, and smiled. “Ya didn’t ruin a thing sugarcube. Ah’ve been getting asked out daily since ya came out fer Twilight.”

“Really?” Twilight gasped, still not fully recovered. “Wow, why’s- Why’s that?”

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head. “Well, Rarity was the town eye candy fer as long as Ah can remember. With y’all datin now, them colts started turnin a favorable eye ta me.”

“I’m so sorry,” Twilight offered, only to get a large laugh out of the pair of friends.

“Sugarcube, there ain’t nothin wrong with a little added attention,” Applejack smiled. “Ah just wish more of ‘em were keepers...”

“Hmm, good luck with that darling, I think I found the best one in town,” Rarity smiled, but Twilight stuck out her tongue.

“You’re just buttering me up so I forget this was your idea,” Twilight retorted.

“Is it working?” Rarity smiled.

“Yes. Damn it.”

“Well, I’ll make it up to you tonight darling. How does my three cheese tortellini sound for diner?” Rarity asked.

Twilight could only salivate at the thought of the delicious meal coming her way, as she eagerly nodded in approval. She’s got me wrapped around her hoof, Twilight thought. And I love it.

Rarity called the young dragon over to dictate a letter, her first in quite a while, and one very close to her heart.

Dear Princess Celestia,

It will never cease to amaze me how amazing my friends truly are. I do not kid thee when I say I have the most wonderful friends ever. I have affected every one of their lives in some of the worst possible ways, and yet still they stand beside me, love me. Even after I have broken their hearts, asked favors I had no right to ask of them, and got us all arrested, they still stand beside me. And I love them all for it. Especially Twilight. She has been my rock, my lighthouse through the myriad of unending torments. The- (Hey Princess, Spike here. Basically, she’s saying Twilight rocks. There, I just saved you 4 long pages by saying that.) In conclusion, I love my friends that stand beside me as I take that daunting step into life. Even more so my sister Sweetie Belle, for her patience, Spike for his wisdom, and Twilight for her love. That is what love and friendship are truly about. Your’s in confidence,

Rarity of the family Grace.

All in all, though their lives had forever changed, Twilight and Rarity were never happier.

Author's Note

Fluttershy's pen name, Butter Shine, is courtesy of my god daughter, Siobhan. She's 4, and that's honestly how she pronounces it. I thought it was cute, so I ran with it.

Epilogue: The Posh Connection

When all was said and done, it had taken six months to finish the repairs in Canterlot. There were adventures for the ponies of Ponyville, true. Love lives bloomed, and hearts were broken. Sweetie finally confessed how she felt about Spike one day, on a dare, only to be shot down. His logic was irrefutable, that they were like family now, with Twilight and Rarity so close, that anything between them was just plain weird. Rainbow and Pinkie also began dating, roughly four months back, but never said anything till two weeks ago. Pinkie still denied that she was in love and not just fooling around, but it was a step in the right direction. Fluttershy and Big Mac were even making progress, though it took three months before the pair was brave enough to kiss.

So now the family of the Golden Oaks library was in Posh, just in time for the happy couple’s first Hearts and Hooves Day together, and they were loving it. But the big day was tomorrow, and right now it was lunch time. Spike was having trouble with these late meals the Posh loved so much. Rarity loved it, and Twilight was so busy with the magnificence of the city she barely noticed any meals.

“Wow, nice outfit Rarity,” Spike smiled as she entered the room.

“Aww, thank you Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity smiled.

“I always loved that beret and sweater. You look amazing honey,” Twilight giggled as she kissed Rarity on the cheek, heading towards the door. Rarity knew her marefriend well enough to know when the mare was trying to hide something.

“Darling, leave it,” Rarity chided with a roll of her eyes. “I speak Fancy. You don’t need the book.”

“What? But what if I want to learn about the city’s history? Or about some art? Or find the library?” Twilight groaned.

“Then I shall ask,” Rarity retorted. “Now, I saw this lovely little bakery this morning when we got in. Shall we go?”

“Yes, I’m starving,” Spike joked as he leapt onto Twilight’s back.

“Bonjour,” The owner and master confectioner greeted the pair of unicorns and baby dragon. A rather strange owner for being from a pony city, this griffon really stood out. “I am-”

“Gustave Le Grand!” Twilight beamed. “It’s great to see you again!”

“Ah, Ze Lady Twilight, and Miss Rarity, it’s a pleasure. Come come, sit,” Gustave directed as the pair took walked towards a booth in the corner. “Ah, why sit inside? It’s such a lovely day out. Come, my little girl will show you to your table,” Gustave smiled. “Zoe! Please help our friends to a table outside.”

“Oui, papa!” A small griffon smiled, poking her head out from the kitchen. She was lighter in plumage than Gustave, with pretty amber and copper eyes.

“Oh hello,” Spike muttered under his breath, brushing back his spines.

“Oh my,” Rarity chuckled. “Twilight, I think our little dragon is growing up.”

“Don’t say that, it makes me feel old,” Twilight giggled. With the dragon seeing hearts again, he was lead out to a small table out front with his family. After a few minutes, Gustave was outside taking their orders and dropping off a plate of croissants. Spike wasted no time in picking one up and acting as if it were a mustache. Rarity could barely contain her giggles as she watched. Well that, and listening to Twilight try to order in Fancy was pretty funny as well. How does a pony so smart struggle so much with such a simple language? But the small griffon’s eyes were on the dragon, as her chuckle made Spike freeze in horror.

“You are most silly, Monsieur Dragon,” Zoe chuckled, unseen at the foot of the table. “You make me laugh.”

“I... Ah...Hehe, um...” Spike muttered, blushing despite his scally nature.

“Oh Spike, you are too cute,” Rarity giggled. “Monsieur? I think our little dragon would benefit from a guide closer to his own age. Would Zoe like to show him around?”

“Permettez-moi, papa?” Zoe asked, bright eyed and bouncing a bit.

“Oui,” Gustave smiled, and his little girl cheered, grabbing Spike’s claw in her own.

“Rarity, we can’t leave Spike with some stranger,” Twilight panicked, wrapping her forelegs around the young dragon’s shoulders.

“Darling, he eats gemstones, swims in lava, and breaths fire. What on Equis could possibly happen to him?”

“I don’t know. He could break his little arm. Or catch a cold. Or- or something bad,” Twilight managed weakly, but Rarity had a point the lavender mare could not ignore. “Okay, Spike, if you want, you can-”

“Thanks Twilight,” Spike smiled and bolted before she even finished. But he didn’t get far, before his stomach rumbled loud enough to be heard from half way down the street, making him and Zoe stop dead in their tracks.

“Oh my...” Twilight gasped as she looked at the city of Posh from the top of the Eiffoal tower, twinkling in the night below her and Rarity. “It’s so beautiful.”

“Very,” Rarity nodded, nuzzling Twilight. “The city looks nice too.”

“You’re so cheesy,” Twilight laughed, turning to Rarity, and kissing her for the first time on top of the world.

“I love you Twinkle.”

“I love you too Rares. Here, to us,” Twilight smiled, giving her love a glass of champagne they had snuck up there. It was the most wild and rebellious thing Twilight had done since she had stayed up two hours past lights out, reading.

“To us, my love. Thank you darling, for everything.” Rarity smiled, sipping her drink and cuddling with the mare that meant more to her than this city even. More than fashion, more than anything.

“Rarity,” Twilight sighed, “This night has been perfect.”

“That’s how I feel, every night with you.”

Twilight giggled, and hugged the white mare tight, never wanting to let go, lest she wake up from this glorious dream. But this was real life, and eventually they had to return to their hotel suite, to find Spike snoring softly on the couch as he waited for them. Rarity glanced at the clock on the wall, and giggled as she and Twilight climbed into bed.

“Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, my love.”

“Happy Hearts and Hooves Day to you too, Rarity. I love you,” Twilight smiled as she snuggled up close to Rarity, and drifted blissfully to sleep.

“Twilight,” Spike asked, poking his slumbering friend. “Come on, breakfast is ready.”

“Five more minutes,” Twilight groaned, pulling the pillow over her head.

“Shuddup,” Rarity grunted from her slumber, and pulled Twilight in close. “This is my Twinkle.” They would have gone back to sleep, had a polite cough not roused them slightly.

“Madam,” Gustave smiled.

“I thought you said breakfast was ready,” Twilight fussed as she sat up, looking from the griffon to the dragon.

“It is,” Spike smiled. “I never said I made it.”

Twilight stuck out her tongue, and said she and Rarity would be out in a few minutes, after they cleaned up a little. After ten minutes, with Twilight pushing Rarity along to leave her mane as it lay, the pair walked out to find the baker and daughter sitting around, laughing at Spike’s stories.

“Monsieur Spike, you are too funny,” Zoe giggled, blushing like a school filly.

“Ah, Miss Rarity, I was hoping to speak to you,” Gustave smiled as Rarity stepped out. “I had an excellent time yesterday with the young Monsieur Spike, as did my little Zoe. I know from him that this is your first Hearts and Hooves Day together, no?”

“It is, Monsieur Le Grand,” Rarity smiled. “Are you asking what I think you’re asking?”

“If you would like, Spike may come with me today. I could always use the extra help at the bakery on this most lovely of days, and give you two time to... enjoy the day. Besides, my little Zoe seems to have a, what you say, crush,” Gustave teased his daughter.

“Papa!” Zoe blushed harder, and shrank behind her wing.

“Spike, does that sound good?” Twilight asked. Spike’s look made it clear that asking was truly a formality.

“Monsieur, I’m happy that Spike is happy,” Rarity smiled.

“Thanks Rarity! I’ll make you girls something really tasty,” Spike beamed as he and the two griffons got up and headed out, leaving the two unicorns to their very romantic breakfast.

Halfway through their breakfast, a knock begged for attention, and Twilight went to the door. To her surprise, it was a post pony, and he had a very peculiar package, one from Fluttershy. Twilight took it, and raced over to Rarity.

“Is this what I think it is?” Twilight beamed as she tore into the packaging.

“How should I know?” Rarity laughed. But soon, Twilight’s eyes lit up as she found the note within, along with the first edition of Fluttershy’s new novel, Learning Curve.

“Ah! It’s here! We can read it! Finally!” Twilight rejoiced, bouncing onto the bed and patting the area next to her for Rarity to join. Rarity took her time, a small way to tease Twilight, and very effective. The white unicorn slid into place and floated the note in front of Twilight, making her pause to read it first.

Dear Twilight. I can’t thank you enough for what you did for me and Big Mac. He gives me the courage to do this, and I owe this all too you. Thank you. I thought you two deserved the very first edition of the book, and have been planning this surprise with Rarity for a month now. I know how badly you wanted to read it, and Rarity has been super nice in waiting till she could share it with you. You two are such an inspiration, and I hope my story lives up to your love. Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, love ‘Butter Shine’ Fluttershy.

“I thought the timing of this trip was a bit conspicuous,” Twilight giggled finishing the note. “Well...”

“Oh I’m not here to stop you mi amour. Dive right in,” Rarity laughed. This should be good, Rarity mentally squealed, bubbling over with excitement.

“Rarity?” Twilight asked about two chapters in, just as the book just getting to the juicy part.

“Yes mi amour?” Rarity asked, with a nervous smile on her face. Good heavens, what did Fluttershy write!? This is just porn! Well written, extremely graphic porn! Not even Twilight could misinterpret this information!

“Are they... making love?” Twilight asked, referring to the characters in the book.

“Yes, Darling. They are,” Rarity managed. She had never been this nervous, explaining the finer points of mare-mare relations. I should be talking to a professional, not letting a trashy romance novel fill her in.

“Is this what everypony thinks we’re doing?” Twilight asked, setting down the book. Oh goddess, she put down a book. I’m in so much trouble.

“Yes,” Rarity finally managed.

“Oh,” Twilight nodded. “This is so captivating. Fluttershy is a great writer.” Twilight smiled. Damn it Twilight! You got me all worked up over nothing! “So,” Twilight asked, looking around nonchalant, “I must admit, I am a bit eager to explore this. Are you?”

“Darling, I can exp- What?”

“It sounds amazing, and it seems like such a true expression of love. Can we?”

“Darling... I- I don’t know what to say,” Rarity stammered. “Yes, if you are willing, I would love too.”

“Great!” Twilight beamed. “Which one of us gets the riding crop?”

“What?” Rarity asked, thrown off kilter by that request. She pulled over the book and skimmed it, her ears drooping as she saw what Twilight had read, and what she now though adult relations were all about. Oh Damn It Fluttershy!

Author's Note

The story of Twilight learning to date and love is finished, but this world is far from done. Does Applejack ever find love? Or at least a date she doesn't hate... What about the other couples? What did we miss between Fluttershy and Big Mac? Or Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie for that matter. Or the gang's first Hearths Warming Day? Happy holidays everyone, see you again real soon.

The problem with eggheads

Damn it, Twilight, I love you!

By Sam Cole

Inspired by SigneTheSlaske of Deviantart.com

"Rarity sure was happy to see you today Twi," Spike said as he and Twilight trotted happily back to their library treehouse. "She never looks like that when I come over," The small dragon pouted.

“Well you don't bring her rare books on Saddle Arabian fashion she was trying to find. I'm just glad somepony donated a copy to the library today,and just in time for her birthday. I was tempted to hold it till then, but she was so looking forward to that book, I just couldn't resist getting it to her right away," Twilight hummed as she went. She was always so happy to see her friends taking an interest in books.

And what interest, Rarity had stopped in every day for a week reading everything she could about Saddle Arabia, and finally asked if Twilight could run over that specific book if it ever came in. And what luck, two days later, somepony anonymously dropped off the exact edition she needed, and in such great shape. Rarity was so happy to have it, she kept smiling and laughing. But Rarity did seem a bit lonely, the way she kept asking if Twilight would like to stay for tea or get lunch. Maybe Twilight would throw another sleepover for Rarity, that should cheer her up.

"Well I wish I was that book. Did you see how she was hugging it and stuff?" Spike asked as they walked through the door of their home.

"Yeah, she's really taken a liking to reading lately," Twilight sighed as she plopped down in the middle of the floor and began reorganizing the Arabian section. Rarity had torn it apart, must be a huge project Twilight figured.

"Ugh," Rarity pouted inside her shop, the Carousel Boutique. She threw her copy of the Arabian fashion book to the night stand. "That was a complete waste," Rarity sighed, flopping onto her bed and burying her face in her pillow. She had gone through every book Twilight had to spend time with her, yet Rarity could not get a solid handle on the lavender mare. She knew Twilight would be a bit naive when it came to love, but still, could she not put it together? Rarity had even dropped off the book to be given to her, just to see Twilight again, and even with the ball in her court, Rarity failed.

"Mmmph mrmm hmmph umph," Rarity pouted into her comfy pillow.

"Sis?" Sweetie Belle asked peeking into the room.

"Oh," Rarity said lifting her head, exhaustion painted all over her face.

"Again? Come on Sis," Sweetie chided from the doorway, "Just tell her you love her."

"I tried that, remember?" Rarity said, frowning. Two weeks ago, Rarity had burst into the Library, two shots of Applejack Daniels in her for courage, as the white unicorn shouted out 'I love you Twilight!' Twilight beamed and said, to quote 'Yay! I love you too BPFF!' Rarity had stayed for a bit after words, but found her new spot in the friendzone most uncomfortable.

"Ugh, I hope I never fall in love," Sweetie Belle said walking out again, shaking her head. "You need help sis," She cried from down the hall.

Little did Sweetie Belle know, her words had a far reaching effect, one that Rarity would not soon forget. "Help. Yes, I need help. I need somepony that knows Twilight like the back of their hoof!... But who the hay would that be?" Rarity said slumping down in deep thought. She had a new idea, and this time, it was sure to work.

Rarity busied herself around her shop the next day, just mindlessly throwing together a new masterpiece. She used to take such pleasure in her craft, but lately, it all paled in comparison to how she felt about the lavender mare without a clue. So she didn't even notice the sing song alert of the bell above the door, or the pitter patter of little feet, much less the dragon standing next to her, looking over her shoulder at her work.

"Whatcha working on?" Spike asked, making Rarity scream and spin, tripping over her measuring tape and falling over rather hard. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Rarity! I didn't mean to startle you!"

"No no, it's alright Spike, really," Rarity smiled as she straightened herself back out. "So what brings you by today my little Spikey-Wikey?" Rarity asked in her songbird voice.

Spike smiled goofily before remembering himself and straightening up as well. "I came by to see if you need any help. Twilight said you have a huge order to fill," Spike said, puffing up a little, trying to look more like a help and less like a hindrance.

"That's very sweet Spike, but I think it's time we talked about something," Rarity said sitting down. Spike looked rightfully confused, Rarity never wanted to have serious conversations with him. Was he in trouble? Rarity inhaled as she faced the music, the sad symphony of letting down Spike. It had been a long time coming, and if her plans was to move forward, this was the first step. With no time like the present, Rarity set out upon her unsavory chore.

"Spike, you are a very sweet guy, and someday-" Rarity began.

"Oh no no no no. Please, don't do this to me Rarity," Spike pleaded, tears rimming his eyes. Rarity bit her bottom lip, knowing this was hard for him to bear, but it needed to be said. It was Rarity's first step to getting with Twilight after all, remove any guilt it might pose her.

"Spike, I'm so sorry, this is hard on me too. I never wanted to tell you like this, but I think it's time I stopped leading you on," Rarity said putting a hoof on the little guy's shoulder. He was so close to tears, just one word away.

"You're- you're not le-leading me on, Rarity," Spike heaved as he began to cry. Rarity sighed and cursed herself as soon as the little guy started, but it was for the best.

"Yes, I am Spike. I should have sat you down long ago and had this talk, I realize that, and I kick myself every time I've had the chance but let it slip past," Rarity said pulling the dragon into a hug. He sobbed harder, staining the white mare's immaculate coat as he did, but Rarity bared through it, with difficulty.

"W-was it s-something that I d-did?" Spike asked, looking up to the big blue eye he had loved for so long.

Rarity swallowed hard and tried to be brave, saying "No Spike, It's something I've done."

"What- what is it?" Spike asked leaning back to get a full view of Rarity.

Rarity now found it hard to speak as she inhaled and exhaled, summoning all her will to finish this now. "I- I fell in love. With- with somepony. Very special to me," Rarity said, whispering the more she said.

"You- you fell in love?" Spike asked, crying even harder.

"Yes," Rarity smiled, hoping the dragon would leave it at-

"Who is it?" He asked. Damn.

"It's- I love- Oh Celestia, this is hard. I love-" Rarity tried but found the words to heavy, there was no way to say them without crushing Spike. "A mare," Rarity settled on, smiling her kindest smile, hoping that would cool the little guy's curiosity.

"A mare?" Spike said no longer sad but rather confused.

"Yes. A mare," Rarity said letting Spike out of the hug and going limp with exhaustion again, this conversation taking its toll.

"I- I never knew..." Spike said taking his chin in his claw.

"Neither did I, till recently," Rarity said floating over a large pillow for her to lay on.

"So that's why I never see you with any colt. You always seem to hang out with other mare's almost exclusively actually..." Spike mused.

"Yeah, I guess I do..." Rarity thought, playing back her memories to see if that was true.

"And lately you've been spending so much time with Twilight and..." Spike said, then deadpanned, as Rarity did the same. Spike looked over to Rarity slowly, eyes as large as dinner plates. "No."

Rarity just smiled, a type Fluttershy called her Squee smile.

"Twilight! You're in love with Twilight!" Spike shouted, rising off the floor a tad.

"I'm so sorry Spike. I never meant to hurt you! It just happened. I tried to tell myself it was wrong, But it was hopeless!" Rarity pleaded now, talking with both hooves as she animated her conversation.

Spike made several false starts before he finally managed. "No. It's okay. I want you to be happy. And Twilight is a great catch, I'm sure you two would take great care of each other." It was hard for the little guy to say this, but he knew it was the right thing to do. He loved Rarity so much, he only wanted to see her happy, even if it cost him his happiness.

Rarity sighed, and hugged Spike as relief flooded into her for the first time in weeks. Now there was no turning back. "Thank you Spike, that means a lot to me that you're okay with this."

"So does Twilight know?" Spike asked, instantly undoing all of Rarity's joy in one shot.

"No. But it's not like I haven't been trying," Rarity said crestfallen.

"Well, what did you tell her?" Spike asked. Rarity cracked, and spilled the whole story to the dragon, how she had come to realize she loved the lavender mare, to how she had tried so many times to tell her.

"I even donated my copy of Saddle Arabia: Dress Like a Queen to the library so Twilight would bring it over. I had tried to tell her, but I just couldn't seem to get the words out yesterday," Rarity said in defeat.

"Well, I've never known Twilight to be that great at picking up on social cues. She probably doesn't even know you're interested in her," Spike said, leaning back as they continued on. Rarity was struck by a sudden realization then, that her prayers had been answered. She had the one pony that knew Twilight best, it just wasn't a pony.

"Spike! Oh bless you! You can help me find a way to get Twilight to notice!" Rarity cried hugging the small dragon.

"Yeah, sure. That's just what I wanted, to help the love of my life win over the only family I've ever known," Spike said rather dejected. Rarity smiled as she tried to seem upbeat about the idea herself. Really she didn't want to ask this of Spike, but there was no pony better for it than him. Fate was just going to make this hard on him today Rarity guessed.

"Oh, thank you Spike. I will never forget this," Rarity said hugging the dragon again, nuzzling him.

"So how can I help?" Spike said, though the words left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Rarity straightened up and breathed deep, "Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I'm an expert in reading about romance, but not actually..." Rarity professed, shifting her hooves about.

"Ah, I get it. You know how to be swept off your hooves, but have no clue how to do it, right?" Spike said smiling. He was taking a bit of pleasure in knowing that Rarity really had no clue how to get what she wanted.

"Ha ha, yes," Rarity slumped, her eyes pleading to the dragon for help.

"I dunno. I'm just a baby dragon, remember? I've never had a fillyfriend before," Spike said. Rarity mulled that thought over and got an idea.

"You're right. But lots of ponies here in town have. Surely one of their stories will inspire me on how to win the heart of Twilight," Rarity said standing and posing dramatically. Spike rolled his eyes.

"So where are you going to start?" Spike asked, and Rarity faltered again.

"I'll just ask the first couple I find," Rarity said, heading to her kitchen, knowing of one such pair in her own home.

"So let me get this straight pumpkin," Magnum, Rarity's dad, said over his lunch, "You're in love? Alright, who is it? I need to go scare this colt up something fierce."

"Oh, stop it Mag, honestly," Rarity's mom, Pearl, chided. "I think we should be happy for her. So baby cakes, who is he? Is it that nice Apple Family Stallion?"

"Um, no, it's definitely not any stallion in town. Look, the who doesnt matter. I just need help finding out how to get them to notice me," Rarity pleaded.

"Like bucking apples it doesn't matter young lady," Magnum said, putting down his lemonade and wiping his mustache clean.

"I don't want to push ya baby cakes, but I think we have a right to know," Pearl supplied. Rarity swallowed hard.

"It's- oh my- ahem, um..." Rarity floundered, blushing so fiercely the room was warming up. "T-Twilight. Twilight S-Sparkle."

Rarity's folks just blinked, not sure they had heard her correctly. "Pumpkin, did you just say Twilight? As in your friend Twilight, that runs the library?" Magnum asked. Pearl sat down hard, all the color absent from her already pale coat.

"Y-ye-yes," Rarity managed, unable to look her father in the eyes.

"But she's a she," Magnum said. Rarity could feel his eyes burrowing into her.

"Yes. I know Daddy," Rarity squeaked. She hadn't meant to come out, not like this. But in her overzealous attempt to find an answer, she accidentally put it out there.

"Well, um... Honey?" Magnum asked.

"Well, I guess we don't need to worry about you getting knocked up then," Pearl said, and she began to laugh, losing control as it rolled into full blown hysteria, confusing Rarity. Even her dad was joining in the laughter.

"What, pray tell, is so damn funny?" Rarity asked looking at them now with fire in her eyes.

"Oh pumpkin," Magnum said as he tried to catch his breath, "Your mom and I remember when you were little, you always boasted about how you would never love anyone outside the royal family where you belonged so badly."

"So, I've grown up, and I can recognize my feeling now as true and worthwhile," Rarity proclaimed, standing tall. "I refuse to be given that life now, I will make it on my own. And if that life includes Twilight, then I couldn't be happier."

"Baby cakes, you don't get it, do you?" Pearl asked.

"Get what?" Rarity asked hotly.

"You just fell for some member of the royal family. Twilight is a lady of the court, by position and her brother's marriage," Pearl supplied. Rarity blushed all over again.

"Oh. Oh I guess I have now, haven't I?" Rarity said, her light blush turning crimson again.

"Oh pumpkin, we love you no matter what, you know that," Magnum said walking over with Pearl and hugging their daughter.

"And we're glad you trust us enough to tell us and ask for our advise. That means a lot baby cakes," Pearl said.

"So, can you help me?" Rarity finally asked, so much stress she had never even expected melting away.

"Hmm, well," Pearl began, "Yes, I think I can, What won me over was your Dad's amazing Karaoke skills. It was a fun night, I was out with the girls, and there he was, standing tall on stage, singing that dumb song," Pearl said, smiling as the memory came back to her.

"Hey, everypony loves Folsom Stable Blues," Magnum interjected. Rarity and her mom laughed, imagining the stallion singing was quite new to Rarity. But on the plus, she had a plan.

That night, Rarity asked Pinkie and Twilight out for some drinks and songs at the new place, The Double Shoe Bar. Rarity had it all planned out. It was a deviation of her folks, but it should still work just fine. She just needed the moral support and possible distraction of Pinkie if things went sideways.

"Oh my gosh," Pinkie said as they walked in together, "I can't wait. What should I sing first?"

"Pinkie, you have to do these boots were made for trottin. That's your jam," Twilight said as they grabbed a table. Rarity was a bit lost in thought, and didn't even notice that all eyes were now on her.

"Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"Huh, what?" Rarity shook her head, joining the conversation.

"I asked what song are you going to sing?" Twilight asked with a smile.

"Oh, that. It's a surprise darling," Rarity smiled. She was trying to stay cool, calm, collected. But she was failing it miserably.

Twilight smiled though, and together the three had a fun night all around. Pinkie sang her heart out, and every pony loved it. Even Twilight got up on stage and sang, a wonderful time of Respect. Rarity was up next, her hooves refused to stay still as she walked out on stage. The music picked up, and Rarity let it carry her away. This was it, what she had been waiting for.

"Love is in Bloom, a beautiful mare, her dashing friend," Rarity sang. She had changed up the words to be a little more fitting, but hoped Twilight would catch on anyways. Everypony stared, then burst out in cheers. It was quite obvious to everypony in the bar who she was singing to, but Rarity only cared if one pony got the hint.

"Rarity," Twilight hugged her when she stepped off stage. Was this it? "I loved it! So catchy, so hip. You girls are just amazing!" Twilight said pulling Rarity and Pinkie into a hug. No, it's not.

After a full night, the three went back to their homes, Twilight being dropped off first, Pinkie and Rarity continuing on together, living in the same direction.

"Oh Rarity, that was a blast. Thanks for inviting me!" Pinkie said, bumping Rarity who was lost in thought again. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Oh, yeah.. No. I don't know anymore Pinkie," Rarity confessed.

"Is it because of your love for Twilight?" Pinkie asked putting a hoof on the white unicorns shoulder.

"How did you know?" Rarity asked shocked.

Pinkie rolled her eyes, "You sang her song about love, and changed it to be about two mares. D'uh."

"Oh, hehe, yeah," Rarity blushed. This crush of her's would make her a fool before long if this kept up.

"Come on, I'll make you some coffee," Pinkie said bringing Rarity into her bakery. In the kitchen, Rarity and Pinkie found Mr. Cake, up late making some more bottles for the twins.

"Heya girls, have fun?" He asked.

“Oh I had a blast. But Rarity is a bit bummed," Pinkie said walking over and pouring the coffee grounds into the maker.

"Uh oh, everything alright there Rarity?" Mr. Cake asked, looking to her fondly. He tended to act like a dad to everypony nowadays, but Rarity didn't mind.

"I'm in love, and I can't get her to see that," Rarity pouted.

"Her?" Mr. Cake asked a little shocked.

"Twilight. You want a cup?" Pinkie supplied.

"Oh. No no Pinkie, thank you though," He replied.

"Mr. Cake? How did you get Mrs. Cake’s attention?" Rarity asked sinking into defeat yet again.

"Oh that old tale," Mr. Cake smiled. "Well I was a young baker here in town, and one day Cup just walked in to my shop. I was the counter colt on that fateful day, and I struck up a conversation with her. I tried like mad to get her to notice me, but no goings," Mr. Cake smiled, shaking his head a bit.

Rarity perked up. "That's my dilemma now. Please, how did you get her to take note of you?" Rarity asked rising out of her seat.

"He made me a cake," Mrs. Cake supplied from the doorway. "Hello Rarity. So as I was saying, I became a regular, and then one day, I came in for my order, and instead he gave me a big heart shaped cake, with the most beautiful icing roses I’ve ever seen."

Mr. Cake chuckled, "Yep. I was sweating bullets. But lo and behold, when she opened up that box and laid eyes on that bad boy, she was speechless."

"It was the single most romantic thing I had ever seen. Just looking, I could tell how much time and energy he had spent on it. I was sold. I looked up to him and said to myself 'I'm gonna marry him someday.'" Mr. Cake and Mrs. Cake kissed, thinking about everything they had been through. And Rarity was readying another idea.

The next day, Twilight gingerly strolled into the Boutique, getting a rather hasty summons from Rarity. Those were common though, Rarity tended to blow things out of proportion sometimes.

"Hey Rarity," Twilight smiled, "What's up, my BFF?"

"Oh Twilight, I've been working on something special lately, and I was wondering if you would like to get a sneak peek," Rarity said, gleefully.

"Oh Rarity, I would love to," Twilight said taking a seat as Rarity walked over to the pull cord for the stage curtains.

"Twilight, I present for you, my creme de la creme, the Nile Collection," Rarity said pulling back the curtains.

"Oh Rarity, it's beautiful! You really put that book to good use!" Twilight said, and already Rarity felt the moment was close, she had this planned to a tee. "Those colors though," Twilight said lifting a thoughtful hoof to her chin. Rarity perked up, waiting for it. Timing was everything. She had spent all night making this dress in Twilight's colors, to fit Twilight perfectly. It was a white and gold silk masterpiece, to perfectly complement Twilight's natural beauty. "I love it!" Twilight beamed. Rarity knew not to get too excited just yet. Things were going according to plan, but Twilight had a secret talent for ruining those best laid plans. The real test was in the fit.

"Here, try it on," Rarity said floating the dress off of the mannequin and wrapping it expertly around her heart’s desire.

"Oh my goddess Rarity, It feels fantastic," Twilight said turning this way and that looking at herself in the mirror.

"Keep it. I made it just for you," Rarity said, her ace in the hole. This is sure to work.

"I don't know what to say. Thank you Rarity!" Twilight said hugging the white unicorn, making her heart soar. "You're the-" Yes, yes- "best friend-” No, don't you dare Twilight!- “a mare could ever hope for," Twilight said with a smile that made Rarity's treacherous heart melt. Damn. It. All. Why does she have to be so damn cute every time she does that to me?

Rarity sat around moping, Twilight having just left, when a new customer walked in. "Hello, and welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique and magnifique," Rarity said uneventfully. She didn't care anymore. Maybe she would go put on her fuzzy slippers, it was starting to feel like that kind of day.

"Rarity? Is everything alright?" Matilda asked.

"Hello Matilda, and no, I'm having love troubles," Rarity sighed.

"Ah, can't pick out which one?" Matilda guessed.

"Can't get the one to notice me," Rarity pouted.

"Oh hun, what you need to do is write them a heartfelt note. I'm sure the pen can get across whatever your lips can not," Matilda said.

"Darling, you're a genius!" Rarity said shooting up and heading for the door.

"Rarity! My order?" Matilda asked, making a very sorry Rarity come back and tend shop for a while.

Rarity knocked on the library door. Her stomach full of butterflies, her head swimming. This is it, she thought to herself. The sound of hoofsteps neared the door, Rarity’s anticipation growing larger and larger. This was-

“Oh hey Rarity,” Pinkie exclaimed, throwing Rarity for a loop. But it was mute, Twilight could have visitors, this changed nothing. At least it was the friend that knew already.

“Hello Pinkie. Is Twilight home?” Rarity asked, letting her hopes swell again.

“Hey Rarity. What’s up?” Twilight asked peeking around the door frame.

“I have this for you,” Rarity smiled, shaking slightly. She floated the sealed letter across, letting Twilight take it and open it.

“Dear Twilight,” The lavender mare read, “I love you, more than I could ever hope to tell you. I want to be with you.Please, let me have you for a very special evening, on the 8th. 7 o’clock at Sugarcube Corner. I promise this night will change your life,” Twilight smiled, looking up. Yes, yes. She began to look to Pinkie still smiling. No! Damn it Twilight! “I guess she figured out our surprise birthday party, huh?” How? Every damn time? I mean, really!

“Your what?” Rarity asked, now confused.

“Yepperunnie, that’s why I’m here right now!” Pinkie said, bouncing slightly. “How did you figure it out?”

“Pinkie! Remember what we talked about last night after the bar?” Rarity prompted through gritted teeth.

“Pinkie! You blabbed?” Twilight laughed.

“No I-” Pinkie began but Rarity’s glare halted her. “Yeah... I guess I did?”

“Oh well, no harm no foul,” Twilight said. “See you there Rarity.” Twilight’s smile was so infuriating right now, yet it still filled Rarity with happy bubbly joy. As Twilight retreated into the library, Pinkie stepped up, blushing.

“Sorry Rarity. I know what you were trying. Maybe your note wasn’t big enough?” Pinkie ventured.

“Maybe. I’ll try something else,” Rarity pouted.

“Oh, Send her a singing Pinkie-gram!” Pinkie exclaimed, bouncing a bit. In theory, it was foolproof. Pinkie’s blunt nature along with her infectious singing would surely do the trick.

“I think that might work. I’ll double tap this one. You get the song ready, and when you see the new note, let it rip,” Rarity smiled.

“How will I know you made the note?” Pinkie asked. Rarity thought, and looked up to inspiration.

“Look to the skies Pinkie!” Rarity exclaimed, trotting off to find her friend.

“Rainbow Darling,” Rarity called looking to Rainbow’s favorite napping cloud. A sleepy mare poked her head over the side.

“What? Can’t it wait?” Rainbow called.

“I need a favor,” Rarity hollered back.

“No.”

“If you help me, I might just lose a Wonderbolts official uniform next time I fill an order,”

Rarity said looking at her hoof as if checking her hooficure.

Rainbow was instantly in front of Rarity, eyes wide. “Whaddya need boss mare?”

“I would like to have a message spelled out with clouds if you don’t mind,” Rarity smiled. She had come too far now to let a silly thing like nerves stop her. Besides, Pinkie knew, how secret could it be?

“You got it! What’s the message?” Rainbow said saluting.

“Twilight, I need you more than-” Rarity began but a hoof stopped her.

“Whoa whoa,” Rainbow said with a frown.

“Ugh, yes, I love Twilight. I have for a bit, and if you don’t like that fact then tough,” Rarity said turning her nose up.

Rainbow blinked, and shook her head, “No no Rarity. I get that, Pinkie told me, and it’s all cool with me. What I’m saying is this takes a lot of energy and clouds, so make it short.”

“Oh... He he,” Rarity chuckled, blushing again.

"Sis, I'm home!" Sweetie Belle cried out as she arrived from School.

"In here," Came the weak reply from Rarity's bedroom. Sweetie rolled her eyes and went in to find Rarity face down in her fainting couch.

"So what was it this time?" Sweetie asked.

"I tried a note, but Twilight thought it was an invite to my birthday party. I asked Rainbow to write a love note in the sky, but Twilight thought it was a prank. I tried a singing Pinkie-gram, but that's my own fault, I should have known better. Oh horse feathers, I'm out of ideas," Rarity cried.

"What about asking her brother for help? I thought of that while at school," Sweetie said, stroking Rarity's mane. There was an arrogant tone there that normally Rarity would have corrected, normally. But right now, it was fitting.

"Sweetie that's perfect! Thank you!" Rarity cried hugging the filly.

"No- prob- Rare. Need- air!" Sweetie managed.

"Wait, what?" Shining Armor said as Rarity greeted him the next day in Canterlot.

"I love Twilight, with all my heart. But everytime I try to tell her, to let her know, it just... backfires," Rarity unloaded, crestfallen.

"I don’t even- I don't know if Twily likes mares though," Shining said, trying to be polite about it.

"Honestly, I don't think she has ever thought about love one way or another," Rarity said taking a seat.

"If you think it'll work then, as weird as this is for me to say, you have my blessing. How can I help?" Shining asked finally. He really had nothing against it in principle, it was just the thought of Twilight, in love with somepony, that he struggled with. Mare or stallion, they were still talking about his little sister damn it.

"Thank you. That means a lot to me. As for how to help, what would Twilight notice as a symbol of my love for her?" Rarity asked, at wits ends.

"Hmm, oh I know! Try giving her a small piece of Canterlot, her old childhood. I know she gets homesick a lot, though she would never say it," Shining said with a smile.

"Anything ideas?" Rarity asked, not even able to think long enough to try.

"Well, I just happen to have her old favorite book back at our folks. Why don't you come with me?" Shining asked, and lead the way.

At the House of the Family Star, Night Light and Twilight Velvet greeted the two surprise visitors heartily. "Hey there son, what brings you by?" Night asked warmly.

"Well, Mom, Dad, this is Rarity," Shining said.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Star. I'm a friend of your daughter's," Rarity smiled.

"We've heard all about you Rarity, Twilight loves writing about all of her friends. What brings you by?" Twilight Velvet asked.

"I've, um..." Rarity started, but realized what exactly she was about to say and froze.

Shining, living up to his name, stepped in, "She has, feelings, for Twilight."

"Oh? Oh. OH!" Night and Velvet said in harmony as those words sank in.

"So you and our little Twilight..." Velvet asked, smiling awkwardly.

"Not exactly. I love her dearly, But I just can't seem to get her to notice. I've been blunt, I've been coy. I am at my wits end, so I come seeking any help I can get," Rarity confessed. "And it would mean the world to me if you were okay with me dating your daughter," Rarity finished. She was too tired to even get worked up right now, just letting the events unfold.

"Miss Rarity, I thank you for asking our permission. Twilight is a young lady though, her actions are hers," Night said taking his wife's hoof into his own. "But I also realize how much my blessing means to you, and I gladly give it to you."

"Thank you, Mr. Star," Rarity said with a small bow.

"I don't think we could have asked for a better partner for our daughter, Miss Rarity. Your respect is well received here," Velvet said with a more genuine smile. "But you said she fails to notice your advances?"

"Um, yes," Rarity said with a sheepish smile.

"That's our Twinkle," Velvet laughed, and Rarity too hearing Twilight's foalhood nickname. "You probably weren't blunt enough, dear."

"I'm afraid if I am any more blunt though, she will have blunt force trauma," Rarity said as Shining walked out.

"Well just between us," Velvet said whispering a bit and leaning forward, "That's how Night here was. I just had to walk up to him one day and say 'Night, I love you!' Been together ever since."

Rarity felt the crushing agony of defeat again. "I tried that. She thought I was saying I love her like a friend," Rarity confessed.

"Really?" Velvet asked, and Rarity nodded, "You weren't kidding."

Shining walked back in, a small book in his magical grasp. "Here ya go Rarity, Twilight loved this book. It's the first one she ever read actually, all by herself. 'Mystery on Windigo Plateau,' She'll love it."

Rarity took control of the book, placing it in her saddlebags. She said her farewells and thanks, and boarded the train for Ponyville, ready to try again.

Back in Ponyville, Twilight was musing over a recent predicament. She heard the tell tale groan of the heavy wooden door, the scratching sound it made as it dragged across the floor. Spike was home, as no pony else (besides Rarity lately) visited the library unexpectedly.

“Spike?” Twilight called from the kitchen. The dragon had been avoiding her lately, and it was really starting to bug the spell caster.

With a grumble, Spike called out his guardian, “Yeah Twilight? I’m kinda busy...”

Twilight snorted. She hated when the dragon lied to her, “You are not. I’m your employer. Now what is it?” Twilight demanded.

Spike swallowed hard and came over to her, taking a seat, but avoiding her gaze. “Twilight, I’m sorry. It’s just a friendship thing...” Spike said.

Twilight’s eyes lit up as she smiled, thinking she had a new letter to write. “Oh Spike, let me help. I would love to see you happy and carefree again.”

“I don’t think you’re the one I should ask though...” Spike said solemnly.

“What do you mean I’m not the one? What is it?” Twilight asked, but in a way conveying that there was no other options besides coming clean.

“It’s about love...” Spike said.

“Oh, Rarity turn you down again?” Twilight said placing a hoof on the little guy’s shoulder.

“Big time,” Spike said, holding back the truth somewhat.

“Spike, sometimes a friend is just a friend, no matter how much you want them to be something more,” Twilight said softly.

“How would you know? No offence, but you don’t think about love? Have you ever even considered dating?” Spike asked, looking to her, hoping the answer was no. It was selfish, but the heart will not be stopped.

“Well, Rarity talks a lot about it lately,” Twilight smiled. “And I will start dating, Spike. Stop worrying. You’re just like my mom. When I meet somepony that ignites that Spark in me, then I will plan and consider dating them as a romantic excursion.”

“You just made dating sound like a chore,” Spike huffed.

“And you're 15 bucko. Old enough for a pony, but still a baby for a dragon,” Twilight shot back.

“Point.”

“So what’s up with Rarity?” Twilight asked, still looking to help the little guy.

A normal pony would be torn by the thought of loyalty to family or love, but Spike was not plagued as such. He chose love like he was asked to pick between ice cream or a dentist appointment. “Nothing, she said she wanted to stop leading me on,” Spike said, a half truth.

“That’s probably why she has been so odd lately. Do you realize I’ve seen her everyday this week so far? And she keeps saying the strangest things...” Twilight mused, putting a hoof to her chin,deep in thought.

“Like she wants you to realize something?” Spike asked. He knew Rarity would break through eventually, and he wanted to know if he would be devastated, or if she would. He hated that those were his options, but they were, so cruelly and so sickly, they were.

“Like what?” Twilight asked genuinely.

Spike sighed and shook his head, “Different kinds of love I guess.”

“Oh Spike! I’m so happy you found the right solution to your Rarity problem!”

Spike blinked. Surely she was not this hopeless. No pony, ever, could be this hopeless. It was impossible... “No, she is,” Spike said confusing Twilight and heading upstairs. Before he even reached the top step, Rarity walked in, all smiles.

“Good luck, you’ll need it,” Spike said, his voice full of unnoticed venom.

"Rarity?" Spike called out as he walked into the boutique. Besides his quick glance as she came in the library yesterday, he hadn't seen her at all. But he was relieved to see she was sleeping, out cold on her favorite fainting couch. Sweetie Belle was in the room working on school stuff though.

"Hey Spike. Got a minute?" Sweetie called to the dragon.

"What's up?" Spike asked taking a seat. He looked at the project of Sweetie's, and recognised the problem, long division. But after a few minutes of careful guidance, Sweetie was dividing like a champ.

"Thanks Spike," Sweetie said hugging her friend.

"No problem Sweets. So what's up with Rarity?" Spike replied.

"She's run herself ragged with this whole thing lately," Sweetie said rolling her eyes.

"The Twilight thing, huh?" Spike said.

"How did you know? Wait let me guess, she asked you for help too?" Sweetie pondered.

"Yep. No luck huh?" Spike guessed. Unknown to them, Rarity had woken up, and just stayed there, faking sleep. She took a little joy out of eavesdropping every now and then.

"Nope. She tried giving Twilight a copy of her favorite book, and Twilight was like, really happy, then started reading. Rarity couldn't get Twilight to budge, and finally headed back here in defeat. She's running out of ideas," Sweetie said.

“Yeah, I was there, but didn't stay for that part. Still, you would think Twilight would've noticed something by now...” Spike said.

"I had hoped so," Rarity said, startling both kids.

"Sorry we woke you," they said.

"It's okay, I needed to get up. But maybe Twilight would like to teach me a few spells. She loves to teach after all," Rarity said getting up and fixing her mane before heading out to test this new idea. Rarity had a good feeling about this.

"Okay, so the first thing to remember is focus," Twilight said, sitting with Rarity. She was smiling like crazy, so happy Rarity wanted to try the teleportation spell.

"Focus," Rarity nodded.

"Keep the target in mind," Twilight said, her horn glowing as she teleported up to her bedroom nook. "And execution," Twilight said looking down to Rarity and smiling. Rarity was lost in that smile, those perfect violet eyes, even how cute she looked showing off. So Rarity focused on her target, and teleported, inches away from Twilight's face. Twilight's eyes went wide, her mouth played at a smile. Then a look of shock overcame her, along with a falling sensation for Rarity. The white unicorn had not taken into account that Twilight was standing over the edge of her nook, a good 6 foot drop onto the couch below from where Rarity had teleported herself to.

"Rarity!" Twilight cried running down the stairs.

"I'm fine, just hurt my pride," Rarity said as Twilight helped her get up. This could work, Rarity thought, please let it work.

"Well I'd hate for my best friend to hurt herself right before her birthday party," Twilight smiled. Or not.

It was about an hour til the party, and Rarity was in no happy mood. She had struck out every single time. What would it take?

"Hey sugarcube?" Applejack asked as she and Fluttershy began setting up the decorations in the Sugarcube Corner, "Wanna talk bout what's eatin ya?"

"It's a long story," Rarity said nudging a cupcake with her hoof. She was not supposed to be here yet, but she was bored, and just wanted somepony to talk to.

"The Twilight dilemma?" Fluttershy guessed as she placed another streamer.

"How did you know?" Rarity asked.

"Everypony in town knows, except Twilight," Applejack said.

"Do you have any ideas then?" Rarity asked.

"Sing her a song?" Fluttershy guessed.

"Skywritin?" Applejack said.

"Tried them both."

“Ah know. Ah thought that one was cute,” Applejack smiled.

Rarity slumped back to her spot, her energy well and truly spent. Everypony just let her be, and soon the party was underway, Rarity only moving when a certain lavender unicorn came in.

"Hi Rarity," Twilight said with a light hearted laugh, her new dress making the mare look like a goddess, "It's good to see you. Thank you for being such an awesome friend lately. I wanted to get you something special, but I kind of gave you that book already." Twilight laughed. Goddess she was perfect, her laugh, her voice, everything. Rarity had come to know Twilight better this week than she knew herself it seemed, and it only made her love the lavender mare more. The fact that Twilight got homesick, she loved cheesy mystery novels as a foal, and still did apparently. That she can recognise love, but never even bothered to think about her finding it for herself. All these reasons, flaws and strengths, made her who she is, Twilight, the one Rarity wanted more than her next breath.

"So what would you like for your birthday?" Twilight asked. Rarity remember the words Twilight's mom had said, not blunt enough. Buck it, Rarity decided.

"You," Rarity said reaching out and pulling Twilight in. Rarity closed her eyes as she pressed her lips into those perfect lavender ones. Twilight was shocked, she was being kissed! And by her closest friend! It was so unexpected, Rarity just stealing a kiss like that. Twilight lost strength, her knees gave out, and she sat down hard on the floor, her mouth still firmly pressed into her friends. Rarity's tongue pushed against Twilight's lips, and out of instinct Twilight opened her mouth enough for Rarity's tongue to dance inside her mouth, their tongues playing together in a beautiful display. Twilight's eyes fluttered, and her front legs gave way, her weight pulling her into the kiss even more. For such a small action, it made Twilight feel utterly, for lack of a better word, fantastic. This kiss was something else. It was alive, it was energy. It was Electric. Rarity's hoof on the back of her head eased, and then slipped down to her shoulder. Twilight felt Rarity's teeth on her lip, pulling it out slightly as the kiss finally ended.

"You," Rarity said breathlessly, "I want to be with you. Damn it, Twilight, I love you."

"I-I-I, R-Ra-" Twilight muttered, her lips twitching, and it began to sink in for Rarity that maybe that had been too much. Blunt force trauma, population, Twilight. Rarity backed up a step, tears flowing freely.

"I'm so sorry," She cried as she turned tail and bolted out of Sugarcube Corner.

Rarity cried and cried, hugging her pillow tight and sobbing harder than ever. "She hates me! She was so appalled she couldn't speak! Of all the possible outcomes, this is the worst possible one!" A knock went unanswered, as the white unicorn didn't care anymore.

"Rarity?" A familiar voice asked. Twilight's. Rarity wanted to speak to her, apologize, but she couldn't. Not now, not ever. "Rarity, can I come in?" Twilight asked, and after a second she came in anyways.

"Oh- T-Twi-Li-light," Rarity sobbed, not even carring how she looked.

"You left before I could say anything," Twilight said looking around and pacing the room.

"I'm so sorry," Rarity cried.

"Did you know that was my first kiss ever?" Twilight asked, examining a little trinket. Rarity's quite sob was an answer in itself.

"I was wondering," Twilight said sitting on Rarity's bed, coming nose to nose with the white unicorn, "Did you mean to take off before I could get my second kiss ever?" Rarity made the fastest recovery in pony history, snapping to, and looking into the beautiful eyes yet again.

"You- You don't hate me? You liked it?" Rarity asked, hope rising uncontrollably.

"Yeah, I did. A lot," Twilight said leaning forward and kissing the white unicorn. Not a damn thing on Celestia's green world was more important than this, right now. A kiss that was special because it was theirs, and no pony else even seemed to exist. There were no prying eyes, no friends milling about. It was just them, as it should be.

Rarity cleaned up, and went back to her party now, full of joy and contentment with her best- no, her marefriend, walking tail in tail.

"How did you know what to say anyways, Darling?" Rarity asked as they stopped outside the Sugarcube Corner.

"Oh, Fluttershy gave me a script. Apparently everypony in town knew how you felt about me," Twilight said with a mock glare.

"Ha-ha, yes, I think I asked everypony in town how to get you to notice. I even went to Canterlot and talked with your brother and parents. They approve by the way," Rarity said as they kissed again briefly.

“Did you ask the Princess?” Twilight joked.

Rarity playfully tapped her forehead, “That’s who I forgot. Silly me.” They shared a laugh, all the stress just gone.

"I'm happy, Rarity. The fact that everypony is behind us helps, and seeing how hard you tried just to let me know how you feel, it's beautiful," Twilight said.

"We will have our challenges, but together, we can handle them," Rarity said as they stepped in together. And though everypony had already been watching them out the windows, it was still their special moment.

Dear Princess Celestia,

A friend's love is valuable, irreplaceable, unique. But the love that lays beyond that is even more so. Forged in your trials and tribulations, tested by time already, A friend that loves you, may very well become more than your friend. Rarity also learned a valuable lesson about never giving up, trying all possible solutions, and no matter how daunting the path ahead, never lose sight of your goals. Because of that, I am happy to report to you now that Rarity and I have taken our friendship to new heights, and are now marefriends. It's different, but also very, very nice.

Your faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle.

PS: Singing Pinkie-grams are not the way to ever let somepony know how you feel about them. Period.

Bonus Chapter: Cutie Mark Crusaders Favor Time! YAY!!!!

Bonus Chapter! Cutie Mark Crusaders Favor Time! Yay!!!

“Girls!” Sweetie Belle cried, running up to her friends. “Hey, Apple Bloom. Hey Scootaloo.”

“Howdy Sweets,” Apple Bloom smiled and looked to her hooves. She never did keep eye contact these days. I wonder why...

“Hey there! So,” Scootaloo began with a wild look in her eye. Judging by the circular saw she was pulling along in her wagon, it was a dangerous cutie mark attempt. Sweetie Belle cut her off in favor of sanity.

“I need some help!” Sweetie interrupted, making Scootaloo stumble over her words and glare. “Rarity needs our help...”

“Miss Rarity? What does she need from us?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I’m not modeling another dress for her. No way. No. End of discussion,” Scootaloo spat, backing up.

“No, nothing like that. My sister has a lot of favors to repay, and I want to help her. Like a good sister,” Sweetie explained. “Besides, maybe something on this list will get us our cutie marks...”

“A cutie mark in cleaning gutters and fixing cabinets, whoopie...” Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

“Hey, there’s some fun things on this list!”

“Like what?” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo asked, with differing levels of enthusiasm.

“Like throw Time Turner a bachelor party,” Sweetie said scanning the page.

“A party cutie mark? Yeah, I like the sound of that,” Scootaloo grinned. “What’s a bachelor party?”

“I dunno. Besides, that’s not til tomorrow, so I guess we should work on the rest,” Sweetie said, searching the pages for any relevant jobs. “Oh, here’s one! Help Roseluck.”

“Help her with what?” Apple Bloom asked.

“It doesn’t say...” Sweetie shrugged. “Oh well, Miss Roseluck in really nice. I bet she has a nice little job all picked out for us.”

The shop bell rang as three fillies trotted in, smiling big. It had taken bribing Scootaloo to get her to smile, but that was beside the point.

“Miss Roseluck?” Sweetie called out.

“Mmm, back here,” Came the haughty reply.

“Um, girls...” Apple Bloom started, but Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were already heading back, and found the floral prone mare lounging in a lawn chair, a tall and rather odd device next to her gently giving off sweet smelling smoke.

“Oh, girls. Sorry, I thought you were a customer! Um, yeah, don’t mind this,” Roseluck smiled. Scootaloo and Sweetie were confused, but oddly enough, not Apple Bloom.

“Oh, cool hookah Miss Roseluck.”

“Thanks. How do you know about these?” Roseluck asked as the other two crusaders tried to figure out what Apple Bloom had even said.

“Zecora has one too,” Apple Bloom said. “She said Ah can try it when Ah turn 18. Ya know, if Ah want.”

“So what is it?” Scootaloo asked.

“It’s a water pipe for tobacco,” Roseluck said. “It mellows the smoke, so it’s more enjoyable.”

“Oh.” The pair said.

“So ya’ll needed some help, Miss Roseluck?” Apple Bloom cut to business.

“Your’s? Not that I recall,” Roseluck laughed. “But I guess you took over for Miss Rarity. Well, what I wanted is not really anything you could help with...”

“Well what is it then?” Scootaloo asked.

“I wanted to get Rarity’s help redecorating the shop, and with correcting the ledger.”

“Well, we can decorate, can’t we girls!”

“Yeah!” Rang out the famous last words.

“How? We were in a flower shop, for pete sakes!” Scootaloo cried as she dragged her way to the wash bin.

“Another attempt, another day covered in tree sap,” Sweetie moaned as she began to scrub on the sticky mess in her fur.

“At least ya’ll didn’t knock over the hookah and burn yer hooves steppin on them darn coals!”

“At least she was able to put out the fire before it spread,” Scootaloo sighed.

“So Sweets, what next,” Apple Bloom asked.

“Hmm, Mr. Greenhooves wanted Rarity to go get his glaucoma medicine from Zecora,” Sweetie Belle read off. “That sound easy. And we can get you something for those burns, Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom blushed, and stammered agreement. So the gang hopped into the wagon, and let Scootaloo pull them to Zecora’s. Sweetie sat behind Apple Bloom, holding on to her the while. Dang, she’s burning up. Like, really really really hot. I wonder if she’s getting sick?

“Hello my dear little friends. What has brought you around the bend?” Zecora asked with a laugh as the three pulled up outside her home.

“Hello Miss Zecora.” They all sang.

“We’re here for Mr. Greenhooves weed,” Scootaloo said like asking for a cup of sugar. Her friends, and Zecora herself, were rightfully upset.

“What do you mean, dear filly? I sell no drugs, do not be silly.”

“He sent us here for glaucoma meds. That’s what my brother calls his weed...” Scootaloo offered.

“You have a family?” Apple Bloom asked, her turn to lose tact.

“Back off, Bloom. He’s a step brother.”

“You have a family...” Apple Bloom was still struggling with this idea.

“So, Miss Zecora, You have real medicine?” Sweetie asked, hoping to forgive this bad trip already.

“Yes my filly, come and see inside my tree. I always love hosting, especially you three.”

“Scootaloo has a family...” Apple Bloom muttered as she walked in and sat down.

The three fillies visited with the zebra a bit longer than needed. They enjoyed her stories and she their honesty and company, and Apple Bloom the burn salve. So it was no wonder when they looked again, and saw it was already dark outside, and they had to turn back. Sweetie stopped though, and hung back for a second.

“Miss Zecora, may I ask you something?”

“What is it little one? I hope this is all in good fun.”

“What do you know about love?”

“I know about it, the most I can say. I ran from mine, and so here I stay.”

“You ran from love?” Sweetie asked.

“It was an arranged marriage of our tribes. I ran so that I could let my own destiny abide.”

“Wow. I ask because I um, I don’t want to be in love,” Sweetie chuckled. “I’ve started to, um, fall, I guess, for some guy.”

“Mmm,” Zecora said. “Well, I see the trouble here. But alas my filly, you need not fear. Your heart made this decision, I say you should trust it’s conviction.”

“But- But he’s a jerk! He drugged me!”

“Really now? Who is this ungrateful sow?”

“Well, it was an accident, really. He was pulling a prank on Rarity and Twilight.”

“Ah, for now I see. So why avoid these feeling like they are a bee?”

“Cause he’s still a smelly, stupid head that belches fire all the time! And he’s greedy! And brave, and really kind and helpful...” Sweetie started, but melted under an odd feeling. Zecora smiled, and tucked away the old bag of truth speaking powder she had sprinkled on the filly.

“So you love this dragon colt? I think you are too hasty, trying to bolt.”

“What? But you ran away!” The poor filly was so worked up, she failed to realize that Zecora had figured out her hearts desire.

“Mine was not my right to choose. But this dragons love, I think you should not lose.”

“But-”

“Sweetie Belle! We gotta go!” Scootaloo cried.

“Oh, shoot. Bye Zecora!” Sweetie sang as she ran out and hopped in the wagon. Apple Bloom was already in the front again, and leaned back into her friend as she took the seat. “Quit it.” Sweetie laughed.

“Ah, things abound are not what they seem. That little farm filly plays for the other team.” The zebra laughed as she took a seat, and began her nightly ritual, looking up words in the thesaurus and dictionary. It was hard work speaking in rhyme.

“Turner! Turner! Turner!” The assembled stallions cried as the actor from Trottingham slammed back his drink. The Double Shoe Bar was loaded with already drunk and rowdy ponies, tonight's party topping both of those fields.

“Eeyup! Way ta go, Brit,” Big Mac Smiled as he slapped the colt on the back lightly.

“Ummph. Thanks farm colt,” Time replied, poking fun at his friend. A light slap from Big Mac was still pretty rough.

“Well pardner, we all got ya something special. A sexy little treat,” Big Mac grinned ear to ear. “Rarity set us up nice. I heard we got three strippers here tonight.”

“Oh hell, you know I don’t want any of that, I love my gal Derpy... Bring them out now before I walk away!” Time joked. The lights dimmed, and three fillies walked out on stage. A pin could be heard if it had even dared to fall.

“Hey everypony! Are you all ready to have some fun!?” Sweetie Belle cried out.

“Yes...” One pony dared answer. The crowd turned on him fast, and began to flog the ever loving hell out of the poor guy. Foals are well looked out for in Ponyville to say the least.

Realizing that this was a good time to change tactics, the Cutie Mark Crusaders slowly slipped out the back, then began running like they was no tomorrow.

“What the hay was that about?” Scootaloo asked.

“I don’t know?!?” Sweetie cried. “Bloom?”

“Dunno, don’t care. Ah vote we forget bout this one,” Apple Bloom called over.

“Agreed.” The other two panted.

Spike worked his long hours these days with less complaints. It kept him from thinking, really. About Rarity, and his mishap with Sweetie Belle. So when a small knock rang out in the library, the dragon hesitated to answer the call. But he soon found he had nothing to worry about, as the small earth pony filly walked in.

“Howdy Spike,” Apple Bloom smiled. “Got a minute?”

“What’s up Bloom?” Spike asked.

“Ah need yer help.”

“Oh? How so?” Spike asked.

“Well, this is kinda hard to admit, but I’ve fallen in love,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah need to just tell somepony... Well, some dragon.”

“Oh, love,” Spike sighed, “I’ve had it up to my ear fins in love lately, so please don’t ask any advice.”

“No no,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah just wanted to talk.”

“Okay, okay. So, who is it?” Spike calmed down.

“Well.... That’s the tricky part...”

“Snips?” Spike guessed.

“No.”

“Snails?”

“Oh goddess no,” Apple Bloom wretched, “He eats his own boogers!”

“Hmm, Featherweight?”

“No, Listen, it-”

“That one guy, I’m forgetting his name,” Spike hummed in concentration.

“Gray coat with black mane? Kinda chubby?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yeah!”

“No. And his name's Truffle Shuffle. Listen, the pony I like is Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom shot before Spike could continue. Spike’s eyes lit up, as he turned to his new best friend.

“Apple Bloom, forget what I said. I wanna help you!”

“What? Ya do? Why?” Apple Bloom asked.

“It’s a long story tha-”

“The love potion?” Apple Bloom cut off.

“Wha- How? Never mind. Yes, that,” Spike huffed. “Sweets has been acting odd ever since. So maybe if I help her fall in love, she’ll forgive me and we’ll be cool again.”

“Hey yeah, that should work!” Apple Bloom said. If the kids had ever heard of famous last words, they would have known that sentence was near the top of the list, right after ‘here, hold my cider.’

“Okay Bloom, you got this,” Spike whispered as he peeked around the corner, spying Scootaloo and Sweetie talking about the list. They were checking off all the ones they had done, and it sounded like they all were grim failures and, oddly enough, messy.

“Ah don’t know... I’m startin to think maybe I’m just infatuated with Sweetie Belle...” Apple Bloom sighed. “Ah’m too young to be in love.”

“No! I need this! You need this!” Spike argued.

“What about Sweetie?”

“Yeah, her too,” Spike waved it off. “Now don’t get cold hooves on me. Lets go!” Spike cried as he pushed Apple Bloom out from the corner, and into Sweetie’s line of sight.

“What are you yelling about over there?” Sweetie asked.

“Ah- uh... Ah mean...” Apple Bloom stalled.

“Grr,” Spike growled, poking his head out. “She likes you!”

“Well duh. We’re friends,” Sweetie rolled her eyes.

“No! She ‘likes’ likes you!”

“Yeah, we’re- wait. Apple Bloom?” Sweetie recoiled, and it stung Apple Bloom.

“Way ta go Spike! Now she hates me,” Apple Bloom cried, trying to run away, but Spike held her tail.

“Just explain yourself to her. If you’re such awesome friends, it won’t do anything to your bond. And if she likes you back, it’s a win win.”

“Apple Bloom, I don’t hate you,” Sweetie Belle reassured her friend. “I just- I’m a bit shocked.”

“And Ah just realizin Ah might not be in love...” Apple Bloom offered.

“Not surprising. It looks like some dragon is trying to play matchmaker!” Sweetie barked, rounding on Spike, shifting the attention from her friend.

“Hey, yeah.”

“Just who do you think you are?” Scootaloo asked.

“Hey, wait. I’m just here to help A-” Spike began.

“Just cause you sorta helped my sister, does not mean you get to play matchmaker for everypony in the Grace family!”

“Yeah!” Her friends joined in.

“I-”

“Just get outta here You love potion making troublemaker!” Sweetie cried as Scootaloo and Apple Bloom joined in the one sided war. It’s easier to forget my feelings when he makes me mad, Sweetie smiled. The girls knew this was a ploy, and bless them, they went along with it. Cutie Mark Crusaders always stick together.