A little big secret

by Centurion Pike-Wall

Rating: everyone
Tags: Griffons, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Rarity
Length: 5228

Rarity has entered into the world of the Canterlot Aristocracy, a world so different from her humble upbringing in Ponyville. So, imagine her surprise when she finds one of her friends already there.

Rarity, following a somewhat rocky introduction, has become a rather welcome member of the upper classes of Canterlot. Living the dream, she eagerly accepts an invitation to an Opera in Canterlot with her new friends Viscount Fancy Pants and his wife Fleur de Lis. Especially since it means meeting a mysterious and somewhat reclusive Baroness that will also be attending.

Naturally, things grow somewhat awkward when she runs into one of her friends... and definitely not in any way she thought she might.

(Note: This is based on a head-cannon I had circa season four. We hadn't met Rainbow's parents yet, and we didn't really know all that much about many of the Mane 6's home lives. I know this isn't canon now, but I just wanted to put this on paper. Quarantine, man.)

Cover image: https://www.pinterest.com/mdhsoccer/
Prereading: Mosanted

Edit: Holy S***. I did not expect this to blow up like this. Thank you all so much!

Published 2020-05-11 02:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2020-05-11 02:30:02 UTC

Well...

"I really must thank you for letting me tag along!", Rarity said, barely containing a wide smile.

Beside her, Fancy Pants chuckled lightly, readjusting his monocle. "Oh, it is perfectly fine. After all that happened with Jet set, Upper Crust, and that Garden Party, I think just something simple and relaxing would be fine."

"Well, not all the way, dear", Fleur cut in.

Rarity stopped, followed shortly by her companions. "I'm sorry? What do you mean?"

"Ah, right", Fancy said. "Well, it's not actually our box we'll be seeing the opera in."

"It's not?", Rarity asked.

"Non", Fleur said, before casting her gaze over to a nearby clocktower. "Perhaps we should keep moving. The opera will be starting soon."

Rarity nodded, resuming her pace alongside the two of them. "Well, if it's not your box, then whose is it?"

"Why, it belongs to none other than Baroness Silver Rush", he said, before widening his eyes slightly and looking at her. "You, have heard of her, haven't you?"

Rarity tapped a hoof to her chin, not an easy task considering that she was also walking. After a moment, she said, "No, I don't think I have. Would you mind giving me the scoop, as it were."

"Hold on. We're here. I'll tell you inside", Fancy said.

Rounding the corner of the block, Rarity was greeted by a large and fancily decorated entrance. A swirling golden doorframe covered the outside of the entrance, a red silk overhang covering the entire front of the Operahouse. A pair of well-built stallions in suits stood outside, checking tickets of the equally if not better-dressed guests. A white sign showed the list of shows that would be shown in the near future, along with some for the show they were seeing, C.S Pinafore.

The three of them arrived at the door, being confronted by one of the stallions. "Tickets, please."

Fancy pulled the trio of small paper slips from his jacket's pocket and levitated them over to him. "Here you are."

The stallion checked them over, both physically and using a spell to comb over it. "All set, Viscount. Enjoy yourself."

"Thank you", Fancy said. "Oh, and, one more thing. Is Baroness Silver Rush here yet?"

"Yes, Viscount. Up in her box. You know where that is, right?", the stallion said.

"Yes, thank you", Fancy said. "Come, come. The Baroness isn't the most patient mare."

As the trio entered into the lobby, which was just as lavish and well-decorated as the outside, Rarity couldn't help but wonder about what Fancy had said about this Silver Rush. She asked, "So, what sort of mare the Baroness?"

"Well...", Fancy said, before stopping. "Eh, Fleur, dear? You've had more interactions with her than I have. Perhaps you would be better suited to explain?"

"Of course", she said. "Well, I do know her better, true. But, in truth, I have only met her... oh, three times."

"Only three?", Rarity asked.

Fleur nodded. "Indeed. She is something of a... a recluse. She rarely visits Canterlot, and only ever really on familial business. I think, in fact, that the only pony who's had more interactions with her than me would be the Royalty themselves."

"Well, what do you know of her from your own interactions?", Rarity asked, growing more intrigued even as they arrived on the second floor.

"She is certainly an interesting mare", Fleur said, tilting her head back in thought. "I suppose the best way for you to figure it out would be to talk to her. We do have a good ten minutes to the start of the opera."

Rarity nodded, turning her gaze away from her friend and to her front. Her mind raced, considering possibilities and potential personalities of the Baroness. She also considered the potential of working something out with her. If she could sell a dress to her, it would certainly be a big potential boost to her business.

Up ahead, she spotted a pair of griffons, one male, and one female. Both wore, surprisingly enough, armor; a polished steel breastplate over a faded blue and red-trimmed jacket, along with a silver helmet with a large red plume. On the front of the helmets, inlaid in bronze, was a crest: Two lightning bolts coming together, the tips connecting at the base of a spear. A sheathed sword rested at the side of each. Gold decals covered the armor, helmets, and scabbards, giving them an appearance resembling statues at museums as opposed to the servants she assumed they were.

The male spotted the trio of them, his beak sliding up a little to form what Rarity assumed was a smile. "Hallo, Viscount."

"Hello, Garan", Fancy Pants said in reply. "I take it the Baroness is inside?"

"Jawhol", he said. He turned behind him, lifting up the flap door. "Baroness. The Viscount and his guests are here."

"Got it. Thank you", A highly accented voice replied.

The three of them entered the box, another mare, this one a pegasus, standing up as they did. Rarity had to admit that she was stunning. She had a dark blue coat, well-groomed and immaculately kept. Her mane was a deep silver, true to her name, pulled into a braid that formed a circlet around her ears before falling down to rest on her shoulder. She wore a simple black and red dress, yet made it look just as classy as any of the dresses Rarity had made for the Gala. Her form was graceful and subtle, yet at the same time appeared to be well-muscled and toned.

The only thing that somewhat ruined the look was her face. It was pretty, no doubt about it, but it wasn't it. Her face had a certain degree of coltishness to it, as well as lacking any makeup. There was also something vaguely familiar about it, especially in her dark cerise eyes.

"Good to see you again, Viscount", Silver Rush said, holding out a hoof to Fancy, who took it.

"You too, Silver", Fancy said. "You remember Fleur, of course."

"Naturally", Silver Rush said, turning her attention to the Prench unicorn. After exchanging another hoof shake with her, Silver Rush finally turned her attention to Rarity.

Rarity noted that, for seemingly just a second, a small sign of panic appeared in the Baroness's eyes. It was quickly hidden, however, replaced by a warm smile and an extended hoof. "You must be this Rarity I have heard so much about. You've made quite the splash in the world of the Aristocracy."

"Oh, thank you", Rarity said, her curiosity outweighed by her giddiness once again. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Baroness."

"The pleasure is all mine", Silver said, smiling. Again, there was something about it that attempted to jog Rarity's memory. Before she could continue, Silver gestured to the four seats in the box. "Well, have a seat. I have sent Gabriel off to fetch some refreshments, but I see no reason why we can't simply relax and wait for the start of the Opera until then."

"Agreed", Fancy Pants said, taking a seat in one of the seats. Fleur sat down next to him, leaving the only seat open next to the Baroness.

Rarity sat down, once again noting the concerned look that Silver Rush sent her. "Is something wrong, darling?", she asked.

"Nein", Silver Rush said, before clearing her throat. "I mean, no. Nothing is wrong."

"Ooook", Rarity said, before deciding to drop the subject. Instead, she settled on the topic that had initially drawn her interest. "So. Fleur told me that you are something of an enigma among the Canterlot elite?"

"I suppose that I would be", Silver Rush said, growing a bit more relaxed. "I'm not in this city often. Between you and me, I prefer the open air of the family estate. Not that Canterlot isn't nice, mind you. But, it's just not for me."

"Open, you say?", Rarity asked.

"Yes", Silver said, sighing contentedly. "While I am able to enjoy myself at them, I've never really had a love for formal events and garden parties and the like. Besides, the aristocrats here are a bit... stuffy, for lack of a better term. Give me the local burgesses any day."

"Burgess?", Rarity asked. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the term."

"It's the rough equivalent of a Mayor. They have a bit more authority than that, but it's the closest in rank I assume you would get", Silver Rush said. "It's a holdover from the days of my Family's forebearers. From the tradition of Commanders and Captains in the Pegasoplian Army."

"You're a descendant of Pegasi aristocrats?", Rarity asked, the concept strangely foreign to her.

Silver shot her a look of minor annoyance. "Not per se", she said. "Pegasi didn't have any formal aristocracy, as the unicorns under Platinium had. Over time, though, many of the military positions became formalized further and further, eventually falling into nepotism. After the creation of the Royal Army and the establishment of the Diarchy, the positions became ceremonial titles only. Gradually, it shifted from Commander and Captain in areas that these families held sway in, to Baron and Burgess. Hence, why most nobles are unicorns, and there are barely any Earth ponies."

Rarity blinked, before grinning sheepishly. "R-right. I, I knew some of that, of course-"

"There is no need to be untruthful", Silver Rush said. "It's somewhat obscure, and I'll admit I only know it because it is directly tied to my family's history."

"I see", Rarity said.

Behind them, another griffon entered. Unlike the others, this one wasn't wearing armor, but instead, the coat that the others seemed to be wearing under said armor. Getting a better look at it showed that, underneath the coat, was a black waistcoat with red trim, white undershirt, and a black cravat. A pocket watch hung from the waistcoat pocket, and he held a bottle of wine in his talons. "Ich brachte den Wein wie gewünscht, Baronin*", he said.

"Danke, Gabriel. Gießen Sie uns ein paar Gläser, oder?**", Silver Rush asked.

As the griffon went off to go perform his requested actions, Rarity asked, "Is that Germane?"

"He he. Ja", Silver Rush said. "My family's land is right on the border with Germaney, and most of the help hail from that fine country."

Any further conversation was halted as the music in the pit below sparked to life. The lights dimmed, and the curtain pulled back to signal the start of the production.

+++++~+++++

The remainder of the evening progressed more or less uneventfully. Rarity had to admit, this particular show was quite good, and the Baroness agreed with her. The wine was excellent, and the two of them talked in hushed tones in between scenes or during the intermission.

The opera was drawing to a close. Suddenly, the unarmored griffon that Rarity recalled was named Gabriel came up beside Silver Rush and whispered something in her ear. The Baroness nodded, let out a sigh, and stood up. She said. "I must apologize, my friends. However, Gabriel here just reminded me of some urgent business I need to take care of. I must go. You have the use of my box for the rest of the night, and Garan and Greta shall escort you back to where you are staying. Goodnight."

With that she and the other griffon trotted off, heading around the upper ring that connected the boxes. True to her word, the two armored griffons remained outside.

Another few minutes passed, and Rarity suddenly felt the wine coming back up. She stood up, pushing past the other two seats, whispering, "Sorry, but I need to visit the little fillies room." She then passed the two guards and raced down the hall, heading towards where she had remembered seeing a bathroom sign.

She sighed in relief as she spotted it, before opening the door and heading for one of the stalls. She slid inside and relieved herself, much to her satisfaction. She flushed and opened the stall, ready to wash her hooves. She stopped midstride by the other pony in the bathroom with her.

It was Rainbow Dash! Her athletic friend had a large duffle bag slung over her side, the strap resting between her wings. Rarity's brain short-circuited, and Rainbow seemingly had the same reaction.

"What are you doing here!?", Rainbow hissed, casting a look over her shoulder.

"Darling, I could ask you the same thing", Rarity said. "How did you get in? Why are you even-" She stopped herself when she noticed something. On the front of the duffle bag was a small patch, displaying the same symbol as on the Guards helmets. "Wait... why do you have a bag with the Baroness's crest on it?"

Rainbow once again sputtered, before once again casting her gaze over her shoulder. "I-I, I... Look, now is not the time and place for this. I REALLY don't want to get seen here."

"What are you talking about? I have so many questions, darling... Wait", Rarity said, the pieces falling together in her head like... well, like the pieces of a puzzle. "You're here. You have a duffle bag with Baroness Silver Rush's sigil on it. And she left a few minutes ago. So that means... oh. My. Celestia. Are you-?"

"Yes, my real name's Silver Rush", Rainbows hissed, getting closer. "Tell anyone, and I'll Rainboom you right into a Dragon's den."

Rarity raised her hoof up, going through the motions as she said, "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Rainbow backed up and sighed, looking much more relaxed. "Ok. Thanks, Rares."

"Don't think you're getting off scot-free", Rarity said. "You owe me an explanation."

"I expected as much", Rainbow said sullenly. "Ok. I'll send Gabe and a few others to take you to my place tomorrow at about eleven, ok?"

"Darling, I know where you live", Rarity said.

"Not my Ponyville house", Rainbow said, rubbing the back of her hoof anxiously. "M-my, uh... my family house. My mansion. In the meantime, don't say anything about this to ANYPONY. Please?"

"Got it. See you tomorrow then", Rarity said.

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah, you too, Rares", she said, making her way to the large window on the other end of the bathroom. She opened it and slipped outside the building, taking off at full speed into the night. Rarity just nodded to herself and left the restroom, questions swirling around in her head. One thing was certain, though.

Tomorrow was going to be very, very interesting.

Author's Note

*-I brought the wine as requested, Baroness.
**-Thank you. Pour us some glasses, would you?

C.S Pinafore=HMS Pinafore (C.S stands for Celestia's ship)

Feedback is appreciated.

... Let me explain

Rarity squinted over the dress under her sewing machine, careful to move it in just the right way. She mumbled to herself, careful to keep the dress moving correctly. Her eyes felt heavy, falling over her eyes like shutters. Her eyes suddenly shot open, before sighing. She flipped off the machine, before taking the dress off and examining it. It was mostly done, and she decided that she could finish it later.

She slid the dress onto a hook, before sleepily trotting over to a chair by the stairs. She sat down, sighing and looking up at a clock over on the opposite wall. Ten Forty-five. Another fifteen minutes to when Rainbows... Help, would be arriving.

She still could barely wrap her head around the concept. Rainbow Dash, the least formal and most brash pony she knew, was apparently not only wealthy, but she was an aristocrat! She had spent the whole night after getting back from Canterlot thinking about it. Hence why she was so tired at this time.

She didn't realize that she had slipped into a light sleep until the bell above the door issued a shrill ring. She shot up in her seat, looking around in a panic before spotting Twilight and Pinkie Pie enter the boutique. She stood up, quickly flipping her mane back into place, and asked, "Oh, hello, darlings. What can I do for you?"

"Hi, Rarity", Twilight said. "I was just coming to see how my dress was coming along."

"Oh, yes. Of course", Rarity said, nodding. "I almost forgot. I just got it finished yesterday before I went to attend the opera with Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis. I'll go grab it."

As Rarity went to the small storage closet to retrieve it, Pinkie asked, "So, how was the opera anyway? I heard C.S Pinafore is actually pretty good!"

"Oh, it was a perfectly fine performance", Rarity said, grabbing the dress in her magic and turning back to the two of them. "To be honest, however, I was personally more interested in the other pony we were sharing the box with."

"Who was that?", Twilight asked.

Rarity mulled the thought over in her head. They likely didn't know about Rainbow's secret. Or would it be Silver Rush's? Anyway, it couldn't hurt. "Have either of you heard of one Baroness Silver Rush?"

"A few rumors, but nothing all that substantive", Twilight said.

Pinkie just shook her head and said, "Nope. Was she nice? Did she actually have a lot of silver? Was she another uptight Snobby McSnob-pants?"

"No, she wasn't, and no she didn't", Rarity said, transferring the dress to Twilights aura. "She was actually kind enough to invite me to her family estate in order to work out a few... details."

"What sort of details? Are you making her a dress?", Twilight asked.

"Potentially. Again, it's mostly just to work a few things out", Rarity said. "She's supposed to be sending somepony down to pick me up at around eleven, and I was just finishing up my work before th-"

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

"Ah, that must be them", Rarity said, slipping past her friends to open the door.

Sure enough, on the other side of the door was the same griffon that she had seen last night working for Rainbow Dash. He still wore the same suit jacket and clothes, however also wore a simple black fedora to protect his face. He bowed his head and said, "Guten Morgen, Fraulein. The Baroness is waiting. This way, if you will."

"That's my cue. I must be going, girls. Please lock the door when you leave", Rarity called back, heading out the door. Outside, just in front of the boutique, was a fine carriage hooked up to a pair of griffons in the same armor she had seen last night, albeit not on the same griffons, with a third on the back in a similar uniform to Gabriel. The carriage itself was a thing of beauty; made of what appeared to be oak painted a dark burgundy, with golden rimmed wheels and a rather aerodynamic shape for a carriage. Although that was a given, considering the fact it was pulled by griffons.

Gabriel walked up to the side and opened the door, holding it open for Rarity. Rarity stepped inside, noting the red velvet seats and the container below the seat filled with several bottles of wine and rolls of crackers. Gabriel entered after her, shutting the door and yelling something to the coachgrif. The carriage took off, flying north and soon leaving Ponyville and Mount Canterhorn as a mere speck on the horizon, before they vanished completely.

+++++~+++++

Around an hour later, Rarity was tapped awake by Gabriel. He said, "Ah, you are awake."

"I, I fell asleep?", Rarity asked sleepily, rubbing her eyes.

"Jawhol", he said. "The Baroness doesn't like to be awoken from her naps, so I have grown accustomed to letting her sleep. However, we are here, so I should wake you, lest you fall out the door as I open it. Given the circumstances, I have a feeling that would be bad."

Rarity looked out the window, and her eyes went wide. In front of her was a massive cloud mansion, easily ten times the size of the Carousel Boutique. It was styled in the fashion of an Ancient Pegasi fortress, with high columns, narrow windows, and a parapet lining the roof. A large staircase ran up the front, statues of Pegasi in armor lining the edge of the stairs. A sort of garden was around the base of the stairs, enchanted terracotta pots filled with flowers and small fruit trees.

Rarity scooted over to the other side, looking out the window on the opposite side only to be greeted with the open sky. Looking down, she could make out a sprawling marsh, dotted with trees and places where the waterways collected, below the cloud cover. A small house sat in the shade of a large forest, with a small farm snaking around it like a large horseshoe.

"Before we go any further", Gabriel said, pulling out a small box made of silver. He opened it, revealing a small, carved bone pendant on a golden chain. "You should put this on. It is enchanted with a cloud walking spell. She insisted that this be given to you, as opposed to the Butler casting a spell on you. Something about magic wings?"

Rarity giggled lightly at the recollection, before taking the necklace and putting it around her neck. Gabriel then opened the door and exit the carriage, stopping and holding out a paw for her. She took it, stepping out onto the clouds. After a heavy sigh at her not falling through the clouds, she followed him up the stairs and into the foyer.

Rarity was once again amazed by the interior. A large golden chandelier hung over a red Saddle Arabian carpet. A few mahogany tables stood at various points around the foyer. Several doors lead to various wings of the mansion, with a large staircase leading up to both the second and third floors.

In front of them were two ponies. The first was a pale yellow unicorn with an orange mane, wearing a similar coat to Gabriel. Next to him was a pegasus mare, with a pink coat and a blue mane and tail. The latter wore a simple spring dress, a darker shade of pink than her own coat that contrasted against her coat.

"Ah, Hallo Gabriel", the Mare said, a warm smile on her face. "And you must be Rarity, no?"

"Ah, yes. I am. And, you are?", Rarity asked.

"Oh, where are my manners?", she said, before grinning. "I am Baroness Firefly, wife of Baron Blitzwing. And, of course, mother of Baroness Silver Rush."

"Right", Rarity said, still growing accustomed to her friend having that name.

"All due respect, Baroness", Gabriel said. "But her excellency wishes to meet with this ponyage post haste."

"Well, don't let me stop you", Firefly said, shrugging. "I'm just going to stretch my wings. You have a good day, Miss Rarity." With that, the two of them walked past them, heading for the door.

"Right this way", Gabriel said, motioning for Rarity to follow him.

She followed him up the staircase to the second floor, before turning to the left and entering one of the doors. This lead to a long hallway, lined with busts and paintings of various pegasi, many wearing circlets or helmets. Near the end of the hallway, and past several other doors, was a simple wooden door with golden inlays. "This is the Baroness's drawing-room", Gabriel said.

"She draws!?", Rarity almost shrieked.

The door opened, and Rainbow Dash opened the door. She was wearing a purple bathrobe with a fluffy white lining, and also wore a deadpan expression. "No, I don't. That's just what it's called. Now, come in, before the Butler has an aneurism."

"Isn't Gabriel your butler?", Rarity asked.

"No, he's my Valet", Rainbow said. "The butler is a yellow unicorn. Now, are you gonna come in or not?"

Rarity simply nodded, following her friend into the room. It was a simple, almost spartan room. A simple table sat in the middle room, a few chairs around it, along with a small desk on the opposite wall. A small window shot a ray of light onto the desk, revealing the dust that floated above it.

Rainbow slumped down onto one of the chairs, sighing. "Yo, Rares. Want some coffee?"

Suppressing a yawn, Rarity said, "Yes. As, as a matter of fact, I would."

"Trotish or Equestrian?", Rainbow asked.

"Eh, Equestrian?", Rarity asked, somewhat unsure of the difference.

"Gabriel!", Rainbow called. The griffon entered, before bowing and awaiting his commands. "Ein Trab und ein Reitkaffee. Bringen Sie Sahne und Zucker mit*."

After the griffon left, Rainbow sighed. "Anyway, I assume you have a lot of questions. So, ask away, what do you want to know?"

"Why didn't you just bring your own dress to the Gala?"

Rainbow adjusted herself in her seat, raising an eyebrow. "Of all the things you ask, you ask that?"

"It is not the only one, but it is the first", Rarity said. "So, why? If you can afford all this, then why didn't you provide your own dress?"

"Well, if I recall I didn't ask for one. You wanted to make one for me as you did for all the others, and who was I to stop you?", Rainbow asked.

Rarity opened her mouth, only to clamp it shut and put her hoof to her chin. She said, "Ok, that is a good point. Now, onto my second. What's your real name?"

"My real name is Silver Rush", Rainbow said. "But, you can call me Rainbow if it makes you more comfortable."

"Why do you even have all of... of this, anyway?", Rarity asked.

"You mean the two identities and the magic disguise?", Rainbow asked, to which Rarity nodded. Rainbow sighed, sitting up in her seat before leaning back. "You want the long version or the short version?"

"Long, if you don't mind."

"Eh", Rainbow shrugged. "Fine by me. Alright. Anyway, I was obviously born here, and named Silver Rush. I actually didn't spend all that much time in Cloudsdale."

"Really?", Rarity asked. "Then why did you end up there and meet up with Fluttershy?"

"Well, when I was a foal... I was... a bit of a brat", Rainbow said rubbing the back of her head. "Like, Blueblood level brat. However, unlike when whatever kind of home life that he had, my parents had enough sense to try and get me out of it."

"So that's how you met Fluttershy?", Rarity asked.

"Yeah", Rainbow said. "Rainbow Blaze, the guy who I said was my uncle, actually just works for my parents as a courier. I was given a magic earring, they came up with a story about me being his niece, and boom! I spent a year in Cloudsdale. They tricked me by saying that they were renovating my wing of the mansion, and the bits that they sent with me for him was my allowance. After that, of course, I found out their plan and that the bits was his pay."

Rarity nodded and said, "Huh. Obviously, it worked."

"Yeah. I got my cutie mark a few months into my visit, and stopped being such a jerk", Rainbow said, before blushing and giving a slight chuckle. "Well, as much of a jerk."

"I see", Rarity said. "So, why'd you come to Ponyville?"

"A few things. Course, I wanted to be near my best friend. You've only been around other Aristocrats for a few months, so you have NO idea how boring and stuck up noble daughters are. I also wanted to be a bit more independent of my family, which they fully supported. And, besides that, I also wanted to keep a bit of a low profile."

"From the nobility?", Rarity asked, which earned her a nod. "Whatever for? Fancy Pants, Fleur de Lis, and several others are rather nice!"

Gabriel entered the room again, holding a pair of mugs and small cups on a silver tray. He set it down on the table, before retiring from the room. "Danke, Gabriel!", Rainbow called after him. She picked up her cup with her wing, taking a big sip, and let out a sigh. "Ah, that's good. Anyway. Rares, remember what you told me about what happened at the Wonderbolts Derby? With the stares?"

"Of course. Very uncomfortable", Rarity said.

"Yeah. Now, imagine that at all times. The stares, the condescending questions, the chatting behind your back about 'Rustic' hobbies? I do want to join the Wonderbolts, for the record. Beyond that, I don't want to mess up my parent's reputation. My older brother-"

"You have an older brother?", Rarity asked.

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah. Dusk Raker. He's currently in Trottingham with his marefriend, but he's the 'Public Heir', if you will. Anyway, I don't really want my family to be attached to the 'Rebel' who wants to join the Wonderbolts."

Rarity took a sip of her own coffee, before asking something that had been bothering her for a while. "Then, why have you never told our friends."

"I have reasons for each", Rainbow said. "Applejack has a bit of a bias against the upper class, and I thought it might affect our relationship."

"Relationship?", Rarity asked.

Rainbow cocked her head in confusion, before her eyes widened in realization. "Not that kind of relationship. Our friendship, let's put it that way. Anyway, Pinkie can't hold a secret to save her life, and would blab it to the world. I don't have a real reason for hiding it from Twilight, but I just have a feeling that she might tell the others. And I didn't want to tell you because you're really into the upper class, and I thought you might blab too."

"And, what about Fluttershy?"

"Oh, she knows. I couldn't exactly hide it from her for all that long, and she agreed to keep my secret", Rainbow said. "So, you can see my points?"

"I can understand it", Rarity said. "But I think you might be underestimating our friends."

"We both know I'm right about Pinkie", Rainbow deadpanned.

"Ok, that's fair", Rarity said. "But, still, I still expect that it won't be as bad as you think."

Rainbow took another sip of coffee, before setting it back down on the table. She said, "You're probably right. I can tell them in a few days, ok? I told them I was visiting my parents, and wouldn't be back for a few days. Now, in the meantime, to business."

"Business!?", Rarity balked. Rainbow snickered, and Rarity realized that she was kidding with her. "Oh, ha ha ha. Very funny, Rainbow."

"Oh come on. You gotta admit I got you", Rainbow said, grinning. "But, in all due seriousness, I do wanna get a dress. I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind either."

"Perhaps... first, I mean, we can do that later. Perhaps...?"

Rainbow asked, "You want me to show you around?"

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble", Rarity said.

"Alright. Let's go", Rainbow said, standing and heading for the door. Rarity followed, eagerness welling up in her. She had a feeling that this was gonna be the start of a new understanding between her and Rainbow Dash. Or, well Silver Rush. Not that it mattered much. They were still friends, afterall.

Author's Note

*-One trotish and one Equestrian coffee. Bring cream and sugar in case.