CYOA: A Day in Ponyville

You allow Rarity to take charge as she leads you towards her favorite restaurant. Your thoughts drift as you walk along, but you don't allow yourself to get lost in them. Not when there are much more pleasant things around you. You finally glance at Rarity. "What a lovely place you've picked. Do you come here a lot?"

"From time to time. The food is delicious, and it has a nice ambiance." She gestures with a hoof towards the door, where an attendant stands. "Their tea selection is also divine."

"That sounds lovely. I can't wait." You step through the door that the attendant opens for you, taking a quick look around. It smells of freshy prepared meals, along with herbs and spices you can't identify.

Rarity follows close behind you, leading you both to a quiet table off to the side. The windows are set to the side, allowing for sunlight to spill in while giving some measure of privacy to the diners. "Now, darling, we should talk. You want to court me." She turns a hoof on herself. "And I am flattered, dear, surely I am, but we should discuss base rules."

You frown at that. "Rules? Is this necessary?"

She peers at you over her menu. "Yes, it is." She sighs softly, lowering the menu. "You need to understand. To begin, I am not a mare that takes obligations easily." She tittered at the thought. "Well, darling, besides business. Those are full of obligations and I oblige them. But, when it comes to romance, I cannot offer the same solemn oaths."

You push the menu up so you can see her. "What does that mean? Are you saying that I can't expect much from you?"

She shrugs. "I suppose so. The truth is that my heart wanders, dear. When my eyes are on you, I will rain praise and attention! But they will wander, and I may gaze at another. It's not an attempt to be mean, dear, I promise that. You're simply... not enough. Does that make sense?"

You look away, glancing towards the door. A handsome stallion just went in with a bouquet of flowers in his mouth. A pegasus. You shake your head, focusing back on Rarity. "That's a little harsh. How am I not enough?"

She smiles softly, reaching over to pat your hoof. "There's nothing wrong with you, darling. In fact, you're lovely. And I'm sure that many other ponies would be eager for your affections." She leans in closer, her gently scented breath washing over you. "It is me that has the flaw, that wandering eye. I won't make promises I can't keep, so I am warning you now."

You stare at your menu again, only able to process a few of the dishes on offer. "I guess that's fine. If I can't be the only one you love, then that's how it is."

She puts a hoof on yours. "Dear thing." She is quiet a moment. "But if you're sure?" You nod gently. "Then today, we celebrate. I will love you as if nothing else exists, at least for today, hm?"

"Yes, that would be lovely." You force yourself to smile back at her.

The conversation was subdued during dinner, and after, you both shared a kiss.

This has been a surprising day in Ponyville.

The end.