Beauty Like Yours Is A Rarity

Normally, this little lakeside spot that Anon had picked out for himself was quiet. Not many Ponies trudged to this section of the forest, being a short hike from the town, and a smidge too close to the Everfree for most Ponies tastes. It even took some hefty convincing of Fluttershy that he was similar to her 'Mister Bear' and needed fish and such to eat, but he did it. He had the spot, he had the means, and nobody had any objections.

Currently laid out on a lawnchair, an idle grill awaiting a fresh catch to his left, his fishing rod stuck into the ground with some rocks to his right. He was relaxed. Comfortable. Naut but softly rustling trees, a quiet lake, a nearly-clear sky, and a pack of coolers in an ice box beside his chair.

The day could not get better. He sips quietly on some light Equestrian spirit, with an alcoholic percentage incomparable to his own world. For the flavor at this point, since a pack of the things wouldn't leave a dent on him. He's dressed in his usual; shorts. Sandals. A big, colorful shirt. Bucket hat.

You wouldn't be able to guess what Anon had been up to before he got dropped in Equus.

If you guessed Fishing, you were right. Everything that was on him came with him, not including his beloved fishing rod. He had to secure a new rod, new lawn chair, new grill; but with enough favors passed around, he eventually got settled. Had his own little place closer to the edge of town and everything. The most notable thing that came with him, was his smartphone.

He fishes (ha) it out of his pocket, checking the time. Nice, early morning. Anon nods to himself, content.

The Phone didn't need to be charged; something about the ambient magic in the air being enough to keep the battery full, like it was always plugged in. That was super cool; if he could get any data. No cell phone towers in Equus. No bars. Still, good for taking pictures of his catches; his phone gallery was full of the Fish, and Ponies he'd caught. If he had a nickel for every Pegasi he caught while throwing out his line, he'd have two nickels. Rainbow-Dash shaped nickels. And a fair amount of pictures of sheepish looking CmC's, caught in the act.

A sound tickles his unbothered, moisturized, happy ears as he tucks his phone away. Anon hears a pair of distant, closing in voices from the path to Ponyville, both easily recognizable. Shifting in his chair to lean and look over his shoulder, Rarity emerged from the bushes, definitely not dressed for hiking, followed shortly by Sweetie Belle.

Rarity had a big sunhat with a fashionable sash tied around it, that ran down under her chin to keep it on firmly; which said hat also seemed intent on collecting every stick and leaf that she came into contact with, nearly turning her into a ghille suit with the amount it collected on the way over. Good thing she had those big orange glasses of hers on, or she might have been able to see where she was going, Anon snorts to himself.

Sweetie Belle wasn't wearing anything that would catch on branches, like the smart little Filly she was. Well, she usually didn't wear much anyway. Most of the Ponies that weren't Rarity, also did not usually wear anything.

Sweetie was probably far more used to the woods than her sister, thanks to her more rural-minded friends and their little escapades.

But out of absolutely ANY Pony he expected to track him down, Rarity was not one he'd been expecting even slightly. This should be interesting.

"Oh, goodness -- it feels like I'm hauling one of Applejacks wagons of Apples with my head. Sweetie Belle, sweetie; do I have anything from this dreadful forest on me?" Rarity mutters quite loudly, trying to peer past the brim and get a look at herself.

Sweetie Belle giggles, carefully using her magic to pluck a leaf from the hat. Then another. Then another. Then another. It takes them a long minute, both of them dutifully either plucking the other clean, or waiting patiently to be plucked. If their white fur and mane style didn't allude one to the fact they were sisters, the way they both so easily locked into a task said it just as loudly.

Anon has enough time to crack open another cold one, sipping quietly, watching the water again.

After several long moments...

"There we go!" Sweetie Belle squeaks, tossing aside a final twig.

"Is that all of them? Delightful. You're a gem, Sweetie Belle. Now, come along. I heard that this is where Anon... aha." Rarity hums, likely noticing him and his chair.

He can hear their hoof steps approaching. At this point, the fishing -- somehow -- is an afterthought, the curiosity of just what Rarity might want bubbling at him.

She trots into view beside himself, opposite his cooler, clearing her throat. Sweetie Belle squeezes in beside her, standing further down his lawn chair, giving him a little wave.

Anon returns the little wave.

"Mister M--" Rarity starts.

"Hey Rares, Sweets. Didn't ever expect to see you out here." Anon hums, nestling his arms behind his head.

Rarity purses her lips, giving him a look.
"You know how I feel about being interrupted, Anonymous."

Ooh, his full name. He purses his lips, making a little zipper motion. This appeases Rarity, who huffs huffily, clearing her throat again.
"Mister Muss." She pauses, expecting to be interrupted again. No? Good. She continues.

"I apologize for intruding on your... I believe you called it 'Ensuring The Fish Remain Fearful' time, but I've something to ask of you." Rarity begins again, as Sweetie Belle gets settled, watching the water.

"I'm surprised you remembered. Didn't I mention that in passing weeks ago?" Anon chuckles.

"Of course I remember, Anon. We might not agree on where the energy of passion should be placed, but I can respect the... consistency, of your choices." Rarity huffs, glancing over the lake. He wasn't all that different from Spike, really. Like a bigger Spike, if he didn't have a job. A different diet and a different mindset from Ponies; but still a good individual. That's why she felt she should at least give this... rather outlandish idea of Sweetie's a shot.

"Huh. Well, if you're willing to hike out to find me like this, must be important. Lay it on me, Rarity." Anon pushes, drawing Rarity's attention back to himself. He'd offer her a cooler, but that wasn't her style. She was a Wine gal, and he didn't have any of that in his icebox... he does have juiceboxes though. He pulls a pair of them, holding them out.

Sweetie smiles, quick to grab one up, squeaking in thanks. Rarity hesitates, clearly about to say no... but the hike might've kicked a little more out of her than she expects. She glances back and forth, ensuring nobody or nopony else is around (Spoiler: there isn't) before taking it. Anon watches the two juiceboxes float around in a blue and lime colored magical grasp.

"Mm. Thank you, Anon. Not my usual, but... goodness, I'm not sure how you find enjoyment in all that trudging through trees." Rarity sighs after nearly downing the juicebox in one. Damn.

"I'm a nature guy." He shrugs simply. "Love the outdoors. Good, uh... source of inspiration for natural beauty. While I might enjoy just looking at it, I'm sure you can relate to using it as inspiration."

"Very true." She nods, placing the juicebox on the grass, refreshed. Sweetie Belle still quietly slurps on hers, eyes flicking between them. "Now... about my question. and spare me some patience, if you don't mind? It's a bit of an... odd request." Rarity sighs softly; Anon can already tell she's preparing 'The Big Blues', the way she's working her own mane with her hooves. Her big, tear-dappled wobbly eyes. Hardly a Male in existence that can resist it. He's seen it done to Spike a thousand times.

"If you do the eye thing, I'm gonna go back to fishing." Anon warns, holding up a finger. Sweetie Belle glances over, making an 'Oop' noise.

Rarity pauses the nervous stroking of her own mane, stomping her hoof down, huffing.
"Excuse you! The 'Eye' thing? I haven't the foggiest what you mean." She protests, outright lying.

"...Right. Well, don't flap those eyelashes, keep those eyes dry; and my patience, and the floor, are all yours." Anon hums, reaching over to take a sip of his drink.

She scoffs playfully, but relents. "...Very well. Though I'm still most uncertain of your insinuations." Rarity clears her throat, trying to tilt her head back and look presentable. She's oddly nervous; there's a crack in that confidence she usually struts around in.

"I... would not ask you this, if I had any other options." Rarity begins. Strong start, saying that he's her last resort. But, he said she had the floor. Anon doesn't interrupt, watching and listening quietly.

"The girls are all busy. And... there's nobody else I can ask. Spike would, gladly, but... I can't take him." She continues, sighing. Alright, now he's getting interested. He sips.

"You remember the Gala, don't you?" She asks.

"Mmhm." Anon nods. Hard not to. He got roped into going, and mostly slaughtered the edible parts of the buffet table.

"Despite the... generous amounts of chaotic behavior, one of the Nobles found time to be smitten by my dress, and asked me about it. They passed word along... and I was invited to Canterlot, to discuss my work with them." Rarity continues.

"Hey, congrats. That's big for you, yeah? Need me to watch the Boutique or something?" Anon raises his drink in a little cheers. He was pretty sure her big thing was wanting to move to Canterlot; so that was pretty big for her. Sweetie lifts her own juicebox to join in on the cheers, Anon tapping it with his drink. Rarity rolls her eyes, bemused.

"Not quite, though the offer is appreciated. No, I already had the meeting; It went well. Stupendously well, even." Rarity affirms, puffing her chest.

"Hey, good to hear." Anon congratulates. "So whad'ya need from me?"

Rarity purses her lips. Now or never, Rares.
"During... the meeting, it was established that the event would be attended by Nobles and their Partners. Not business Partners, but Romantic Partners. It's an entire event themed around Princess Cadance, and Love. With decorations, catering and outfits planned to match."

"Right. So you've got a solid theme to work with; knowing you, I doubt that's the issue." Anon nods along. She was really beating around the bush with this one.

"Glad you can agree on the obvious, Darling. No, the issue is... I may have been a touch overzealous in my promises. Not that I offered to take on too much work -- you know me much better than that, and no workload is too much for myself. No, I..." She trails off again. Normally, the playful flirt came natural to her. Bat her lashes, lean close, hoof on their chest, and mutter something about being a weak little mare, and how big and strong of a stallion they were.

Unfortunately, her usual wiles, like batting her big blues, played little effect on Anon. Whenever she needed help, he still offered it no matter how she asked, of course -- he was undoubtedly a gentleman. He was just a... lazy one that couldn't be swooned. He'd watched Sweetie Belle, kept her out of trouble; favors had been plentiful between them, so that wasn't the issue. Perhaps he was just... Rarity's thoughts trail off, distracting her.

Anon sips quietly, waiting for her to speak. His feet rock back and forth, sprawled across a lawn chair. She can't help but look at his garish fashion, those socks defying the natural form of his sandals. It was really hard to imagine him stepping up to the role... but his exotic stature might help negate. Maybe --

Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes. This was taking way too long.
"Rarity needs you to be her date!" She blurts, before covering her mouth with a hoof.

Rarity sputters, spinning to glare at Sweetie Belle. "Sweetie Belle!" She hisses, betrayed. Sweetie Belle glances away sheepishly.
"PRETEND date, Sweetie -- let's not forget to clarify, lest we allude falsities to our dear Anon, here. Please." Rarity quickly covers, waving her hooves. Anon still has yet to respond, sipping quietly. He's pretty sure he saw this kind of trope on TV before. Rarity was probably expecting some kind of reaction, the way she's staring at him.

"...Did you promise you were bringing a date or something?" Anon asks, mostly just confused.

"I-I overpromised. By, erh... quite a bit. Said that my own partner would be delighted at the idea of attending. And... how much they would help with the event, and showcasing my dresses." Rarity continues, sighing heavily, rubbing her temples with her hooves. "Honestly, I don't know what overcame me to make such claims. Probably just to enjoy how surprised they looked, that such a workaholic like myself landed such a willing partner."

"Alright, I can see the problem. But you need me for this... why? You know the fashion sphere isn't my deal, for one; and I'm sure there's plenty of guys who'd love to 'pretend' to be your date." Anon asks, incredulous.

"Listen, Anon. Darling! I'm to meet with some of THE most NOTABLE of Nobles in Canterlot for a Princess Of Love Themed Dinner Meet. There is not a single free Stallion that I could ask in this town, that wouldn't get caught up in a messy game of feelings, and end up hindering me more than helping me. Everyone I could ask is busy. You, Darling, are my LAST resort, recommended by Sweetie Belle, that I know could actually help me with this without making it... weird." Rarity exclaims, exasperated; she's even scooted closer to his chair.

He wonders if he should be offended by that, being her last choice. Then again, he was about the most opposite of what she'd be looking for out of the situation... and she did still ask him nonetheless. Put extra emphasis on how he wouldn't be weird about it, either.
"Not asking me because you want to try and show off how foreign and exotic of a 'Partner' you bagged?" Anon asks, grinning, taking a loud sip.

"W-well, no, that wasn't my intention... but it certainly wouldn't hurt. The Nobles are quite interested in the oddities they don't normally see in Canterlot." Rarity affirms, looking a little more hopeful as he continues to talk about it. "You'd need to wear something of my own craft, but I'm sure you figured that already."

"Yeah, figured as much. Just don't make the pants too tight. When is this whole thing happening, anyway?" Anon asks, setting his drink down.

"Three days from now." Rarity sheepishly admits. Not a great heads up, but she'd spent most of it trying to find other Ponies to ask. "The Outfits are ready, transportation is scheduled... I'm just lacking my supposed Partner."

Anon's face scrunches in thought. He pulls out his phone, checking his calendar.
Tomorrow, he was fishing.
Day after that? Fishing.
Wouldn't you know it; he was fishing after that.
...Yeah, he could give up one of those precious fishing days. It'd been a while since Pony shenanigans interrupted his usual schedule, anyway.
"Eh, I've had worse warnings. And you just need me to... well, pretend to be your Partner, ham up your works, help you out and make a good impression?" Anon clarifies, sitting up in his chair.

"Look good, and make me look good, Darling. That's all I ask. In exchange --" Rarity finds herself cut off again, huffing.

"No exchange, I'll help you out." He waves dismissively, grunting quietly as he pushes up to his feet. This seems to override her initial upset of being cut off again, tilting her head curiously.

"Really?! You will?" Rarity exclaims, surprised. It definitely wasn't something even remotely close to his norm, but she'd been met with so much resistance, she'd all but resigned herself to a shameful admittance or an excuse that would slander her word. "Well, I absolutely cannot accept not paying you back in kind, Anonymous -- you certainly must allow me to at least pay you for your efforts, or something!" Rarity retorts, stamping her hoof.

"You wouldn't pay your Partner to be there, Rares." Anon rebuts, starting to stretch. He'd been sat for a while, needed to get springy again.

"Obviously, but you're not my-- hrm. Feels a bit... rude, to point it out so heavily." Rarity huffs.

Anon chuckles, throwing her a playful grin. "Pretend date, no feelings caught, I get it. Still, wouldn't be right to try and squeeze you about this when you're basically asking your last option for help." If she'd come to him about the idea earlier, maybe he'd have taken a six-pack or something in exchange. Didn't feel right to take anything from her when she basically came to him as her last resort. She was a good sort; didn't deserve that.

"I'm not going to let you get away with doing this for nothing, Anon. This is a big deal for me, and you're doing me a massive favor! So I must recompense you. That is non-negotiable, I'm afraid." Rarity states firmly, unbudging. Despite being the Element of Generosity, she was particularly bad at receiving acts of Charity from those she actually needed help from.

"Alright, alright." Anon reaches down, slapping his socked toes with his fingertips in a looong stretch. He knew that tone; she wasn't gonna budge. "Uh... Canterlot has some good places to eat, I'd bet. Buy me some grub after the whole Love-Dinner thing; I doubt either of us will find a chance to eat until it's over." He relents, before standing tall again, pressing his fists into his lower back. That's the spot.

Rarity taps her chin, humming. "...Very well, Anon. That sounds like a fine and thankful way to round the evening. I've scouted a few locations for potential meetings with Nobles, so I think I can recall a few that would... cater to your preferences." She grins, that familiar Rarity-Confidence swelling again now that she had things secured.

"So, we leave for Canterlot in two days so we have time to set up, and the event happens in three? What time do you want me to swing by to get fitted?" Anon guesses, but tilts his head as Rarity shakes hers.

"We've the morning and afternoon to set up only, I'm afraid; so it will be quite the busy day. I know I asked for your help during the event, but... I may need your heavy participation in the days leading up to it, as well. I sincerely hope that I haven't rudely sprang that on you now that you've agreed, Darling." Rarity informs; Anon sees that crack of concern forming again.

Anon hums, crossing his arms.
"Dunno... let me check."

He pulls out of his phone, dramatically scrawling the calendar. Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes; she knows he's not up to a damn thing.

"...Giving up three whole days of fishing." Anon hums bluntly, throwing a hefty stare at Rarity. "I don't know..."

Rarity taps her hooves together, sweating -- until Anon grins.
"Just messing with you. Fish aren't going anywhere; honestly, they haven't been biting lately either. Want me to swing by tomorrow morning, get measured?" He offers, tucking the phone away again.

"You cannot do that to me, Darling, or you're going to ruin my foundation. Wheugh." She huffs heavily, relieved, nearly sprawling on the ground -- she catches herself, though. A pretty white coat like hers simply cannot get stained by the grass. Green was not her color. At least, not with this getup. "Tomorrow, bright and early would be perfect, and we can get you measured and fitted. I've already got a suit half-crafted for you -- one of my prior attempts to get you into something less... dreadful. No offense."

"None taken, as usual." Anon chuffs. She was never quiet about her feelings towards his taste in fashion, but she's sewn up his belongings enough that he's learned to just take the disgruntlement. Makes her happier.

"Delightful. I'm terribly appreciative of this, Anon; I shan't forget it anytime soon. Come along, Sweetie Belle; we'd best get you home." Rarity calls, rising to her hooves and trotting for the path.

Sweetie quickly chases after her sister, waving to Anon before the pair delve back into the brush to return to Ponyville. Anon can still hear the odd 'Oop' or 'Oh Dear' as they become distant and quieter, likely needing to repeat their whole pluck-clean process once they got back.

The quiet, low-wind rustling of the trees and near-still water of the lake are all that's left for Anon. His rod sits quiet, unbothered by fish, his grill idle, his chair now Anon-less.

He picks up their drank juiceboxes, tossing them in his icebox as he starts to pack.

Maybe it was a good thing the Fish weren't biting -- he shudders at the idea. As horrible of a train of thought that was, Anon hadn't gotten up to much at all in the last while, Ponyville being pretty quiet. Which meant something probably problematic would rear its ugly head soon enough. He actually had some energy to burn, too. Maybe this little Canterlot jaunt might even be fun, and help him avoid the latest mess, if he was lucky.