"Oh, of course I'll go shopping with you, Rarity! I've been meaning to go, anyway."
Those were the last words Fluttershy could remember speaking before being wrapped up in a whirlwind of holiday spirit. Rarity had stopped by her cottage early in the morning and laid out her proposal - a day trip to Canterlot to finish out her Hearth's Warming gift shopping for the year. It sounded like a good enough idea, even if Fluttershy wasn't exactly fond of the prospect of such a public endeavor, but... Rarity would be there, right?
From the minute Fluttershy agreed to the trip, she scarcely had time to gather her Bits and don a winter outfit before Rarity was practically dragging her out the door toward the train station across Ponyville. She didn't even get to pay for her own ticket, for Celestia's sake! Rarity chattered at her the whole way up to Canterlot, rattling off suggestions and ideas that flew right over Fluttershy's head. The most she could manage was nodding along and occasionally offering a recommendation, even if Rarity was buying gifts for several ponies Fluttershy didn't even know.
Now, here she was at the station in Canterlot. Rarity was practically vibrating with energy beside her, looking up and down the snowy streets and waiting to sniff out her first "target". Fluttershy followed her friend's gaze, equal parts curious and nervous, before finally breaking the brief silence that had settled between the two of them since disembarking the train.
"So... uhm, where are we going first? I know you were talking about wanting to get new winter outfits for all of us," she tried, raising an eyebrow above one eye while the other was partially hidden behind a curtain of pink mane.
"Oh, yes, of course!" Rarity began, speaking far louder as she tore her eyes away from the rows of stores. "But I don't want to start with looking at clothes. You've got to save the best part for last, wouldn't you agree?"
"I suppose," Fluttershy agreed, unsurprised when her friend didn't seem to notice her noncommittal tone. "But what else were you looking for, again? My shopping list is a lot smaller, so... we can worry about yours first."
Rarity stepped forward, nudging Fluttershy to signal for her to follow along, and took off down the sidewalk away from the train station. She was heading deeper into Canterlot proper, passing several shops and restaurants on the way. "Nonsense, darling. We can take care of your gift shopping first! It'll be easier, if nothing else, but think of it this way - we're getting to it now while we're still fresh!"
Fluttershy knew she could probably poke a hole or two in that logic, and that Rarity dodged her first question, but she didn't bother. Rarity was rarely one to be talked out of a decision once she'd settled on it. So, instead, she just trotted along and did her best to keep pace while constantly looking around at all the ponies trotting up and down the street. Canterlot was seemingly busy no matter the time of year, and the cold weather and occasional snowfall didn't do much - if anything - to slow anypony down. She snuggled up inside her scarf and coat as much as possible, letting the thick fabric protect her from the frigid air blowing past her and any judgmental looks. Nopony was casting such looks, of course, but Fluttershy could never be too sure.
Rarity seemed to be doing much better with her stylish outfit; that, or she was simply better at hiding how much the winter air chilled her. She led the way up the street until coming to an abrupt stop outside of a particular building, thrusting a forehoof into the air to point at the sign hanging overhead. "This one! This is where we'll start! Come on, Fluttershy," she cheered, before grabbing her friend by the collar of her jacket and pulling her inside anyway.
Fluttershy yelped and stumbled inside with Rarity's guidance, and only then did she get a look at where they were. She took everything in from left to right, and quickly surmised that Rarity had picked out a toy store. The shelves were lined with all manner of things that would make perfect gifts for any foal, anything from boxes of building blocks to collections of dolls and action figures. "Ta-da!" Rarity called, the sheer volume of her sing-song voice drawing a couple of stares. Fluttershy felt compelled to try and hide behind her friend even if they weren't directed at her. "You said you wanted to get something for the Crusaders, yes? I haven't received a list from Applebloom or Scootaloo, obviously, but... I can at least give you some pointers for Sweetie Belle."
Fluttershy just smiled, peeking out from behind her mane just a tad, and stepped forward to take the lead for once. She glanced at the pair of shelves she and Rarity happened to be standing between, but quickly decided that none of the fillies she had in mind would be very happy with puzzles. "That's right, Rarity," Fluttershy finally answered, once they were away from the crowd near the door. "I just wasn't sure what to get them. They're always so well-behaved when I watch them, so... I thought I could get them something to show I was thinking about them. I thought about an- Oh! How about this?" Fluttershy glanced over her shoulder to make sure Rarity was still paying attention, which she was, before crouching down and nudging the item she'd spotted.
Rarity peered over Fluttershy's shoulder, then cocked an eyebrow at the suggestion. She smiled, albeit forcefully, and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm... sure they'd love a tea set, darling, but maybe they'd prefer something more, ah... physical? You know how much they love the outdoors." Fluttershy hummed thoughtfully, distracted enough by the suggestion that she only barely caught it when Rarity made an additional comment under her breath. Something about Sweetie Belle and mud.
Whatever it was, Fluttershy took Rarity's advice to heart. She stood back up and glanced around, briefly considering making use of her wings to see over the shelves. When she realized how much attention that might bring upon her, even if she saw other pegasi doing the exact same thing, Fluttershy reconsidered. Besides, she'd hate to leave Rarity behind. Instead, she just turned around and nodded at her friend. "You're right! What did Sweetie Belle ask for? Maybe she wanted something that would give me an idea for the other two."
Rarity gave Fluttershy a reassuring pat on the shoulder, then turned and led her toward the next aisle. "Lots of things, naturally, but there's bound to be something here that fits her bill." Rarity trailed off, taking a moment to peruse the new selection of toys in that aisle. It took just a few moments for her to find something that caught her eye, and she levitated it up via her magic for Fluttershy to see. "How about this, dear? It'd be just as easy to get a set of three for all of them to enjoy!"
Fluttershy narrowed her eyes slightly, studying the "toy" Rarity picked, before cocking an eyebrow. Rarity blanched, knowing the look all too well even before Fluttershy spoke. Still, she had to voice her opinion. "I don't think Scootaloo or Applebloom would have much fun with a sewing machine, Rarity."
Fluttershy immediately felt bad for the way she'd worded it, but Rarity took it well. She always did. She just nodded and giggled, daintily returning the item to its shelf. "Yes! Quite right, I'm not sure what I was thinking. Sweetie was just so excited to get one for herself, since I don't often lend her mine, and... oh, who am I kidding? I'll pick it up for Sweetie Belle, it shall be my gift to her this year!"
Fluttershy rolled her eyes with a smile, though she waited until Rarity turned away from her again to do it. Now with one large box floating along in Rarity's magic, Fluttershy took the lead once more until they came across the sporting goods section. That seemed more in line with what she was looking for, and it didn't take long for Fluttershy to find something that would be perfect. With a big grin on her muzzle, she stepped forward and scooped up a set of yard hockey sticks and a ball. A net would've gone nicely with the ensemble, but Fluttershy had already decided she didn't want to carry such a big thing around all day. Besides, she knew the Crusaders well enough to know they'd whip up their own goal in no time. "Here we go," she said, grabbing Rarity's attention away from the croquet set she'd been eyeing. "They'll love this! In fact, some of my critters back home might have fun with the ball, too, whenever the girls aren't using it. What do you think, Rarity?"
Rarity's initial reaction was to grimace, and Fluttershy briefly panicked at the thought of having to continue their search yet again. Thankfully, Rarity recovered her expression into a small smile. "You know what? I think it's perfect, Fluttershy. I was worried about a broken tooth or a thumped head, but... then again, those are already a risk when those three get up to anything together, isn't it? At least this way they'll be having fun before it happens. Shall we?" Rarity asked, indicating the direction of the register. Fluttershy nodded, and the pair of them waded through the gathering of fellow holiday shoppers to the front counter.
The cashier mare greeted them both with a smile, and Rarity responded with a cheerful greeting of her own while Fluttershy hid behind her like a shadow. Once the transaction was complete, with Fluttershy quietly paying for her half of things, the two of them were quickly back outside and on the move. Fluttershy stuffed her gifts into her saddlebags, though she was forced to leave the long hockey sticks poking out of her bags like antennas. Rarity at least had an easier time, merely levitating her boxed sewing machine along in her magic and keeping it held up high to avoid bonking anypony in the head with it. "Alright! Now then, was there anypony else you needed to pick something up for, dear?" Rarity asked, once they were trotting along at a brisk pace.
Fluttershy shook her head, finding herself able to smile a little easier now that they weren't jammed into a crowded store. "Nope, the Crusaders were the last ponies I needed to get something for. I picked up gifts for all of you girls a couple days ago, remember?"
"Oh! Yes, quite right. Must have slipped my mind," Rarity admitted, her cheeks reddening slightly as she weaved around a mare walking the opposite direction. "In that case, I hate to ask this, but... would you be such a dear as to help me carry everything today? I have a lot of shopping I've been putting off, and I simply can't let it wait any longer."
Fluttershy hesitated. She knew where this was likely going... but could she really say no? That pleading look on Rarity's face made it easy to decide - or at least, even easier than it already was. Fluttershy knew she was supposed to be working on not being such a pushover, but this surely couldn't be too bad, right? Right. "Of course, Rarity! I have plenty of room in my saddlebags, after all. What did you have in mind next?"
Rarity squealed with delight, startling Fluttershy enough to stop in her tracks, and lunged across the sidewalk to wrap her up in a hug. Fluttershy huffed and struggled in her friend's grasp, if only to free her forelegs to return the gesture, but she didn't get the chance before Rarity released her just as suddenly as she'd grabbed her. "Thank you, Fluttershy! It really does mean the world to me - I'd been stressing about this trip for ages and I just knew you were the right mare to bring along. Come come, we're burning daylight!"
Fluttershy scarcely had time to reconsider her decision before Rarity was dragging her down the sidewalk once again, and it was all she could do to keep herself from tripping and ending up sprawled out on the concrete while Rarity galloped along like a madmare. She only slowed down to turn and dart into another store, and Fluttershy quickly surmised that it was an accessory shop of sorts. Hats, bags, scarves, and all manner of other personal effects lined the walls and shelves, and it had a distinct "Canterlot" feel to it that made Fluttershy nervous just being near it. The judgy-looking mare behind the counter didn't help. This store was busy as well, unsurprisingly, but it was far less packed - and thus less noisy - than the toy store down the street.
Thankful for at least getting a break for her ears, Fluttershy finally got her forehoof back from Rarity's iron grip and planted it on the floor. Meanwhile, Rarity was already perusing the selection of scarves with a critical eye. Fluttershy quickly took up a position at her side, bringing her far more amateur gaze into the equation and sizing up her options. "Alright, I'll need your help, dear," Rarity began, glancing aside to make sure Fluttershy was paying attention. "I'm getting a scarf for Applejack since her old one is just dreadfully worn out. You've seen it, haven't you? Practically holding on by its last threads, the poor thing. I'd make one myself, of course, but this year has just been so busy with holiday orders that I didn't have time for any personal projects."
Fluttershy nodded along, entirely forgetting the displays right in front of her for the moment while Rarity rambled. Of course, she knew most of this story already - Rarity rattled off most of it during the train ride to Canterlot, after all. Still, the refresher was nice. The only problem was, Fluttershy had absolutely no clue how to get gifts for Applejack. Rarity always seemed to be the best at that. "I remember. So... her old scarf is green, and she's really happy with it even if it's wearing out. Maybe we should get her another green one?" Fluttershy offered, raising her hoof and pointing at one such scarf. It looked like all the rest to Fluttershy's untrained eyes, but Rarity immediately shook her head.
"Oh, certainly not that one, dear! The pattern would most certainly clash with the rest of her usual winter outfit - besides, that shade of green isn't quite right. I was thinking more like... ah! Like this one," Rarity chirped, levitating up another scarf as soon as she spotted it. The shade was different, that much Fluttershy could see, but the pattern was... almost the same? She wasn't sure what Rarity saw in it, but she was hardly about to argue. Unfortunately, even if she was, she barely had time to open her mouth before Rarity spoke up again. "Tsk... nevermind, this one's too coarse. She'd be itching her neck as soon as she puts it on, and I won't have that."
"What about this one?" Fluttershy offered, pointing at yet another green scarf on a different display. It was a similar shade as the last one Rarity looked at, and a similar pattern, and it didn't look to be as rough. By all accounts, Fluttershy thought it was a perfect scarf. "I think she'd like it!"
Rarity looked up at Fluttershy's suggestion, and in mere seconds she'd made up her mind. "Not that one either," she lamented, frowning and shaking her head. Fluttershy had to hold back the urge to scoff at her friend's pickiness, and she knew better than to argue with Rarity when this was her area of expertise. Fluttershy glanced around for another green scarf that fit the bill, but none of them immediately jumped out at her. They all looked the same, for Celestia's sake! Even down to the stitching!
Then Rarity suddenly perked up, pulling one last scarf off the shelf with her magic and holding it up for Fluttershy to see. Fluttershy turned around and squinted at it, and she was fairly certain she recognized it as the first one they'd looked at a minute ago. Whether or not it actually was, she couldn't tell, but Rarity seemed thrilled. "This one! This one will be perfect, Fluttershy! Thank you so much for your help," she crowed, leaving her poor friend befuddled.
"But I didn't really-" Fluttershy began to protest, only to be yanked along by a foreleg toward the next aisle. She cut herself off with a squeak, stumbling along in Rarity's wake and joining her in the hat section. Rows of various headwear lined both sides of the aisle, placed atop plastic displays in the general shape of pony heads. Most of the styles were far too gaudy for Fluttershy's tastes (just like most anything else), but there were a few that she could see herself actually wearing and enjoying. Regardless, she wasn't here to pick out a new hat for herself.
What Fluttershy wasn't counting on was repeating the same back and forth they had in the scarf section all throughout the store. First Rarity couldn't decide what kind of hat to get Twilight, then she pulled Fluttershy into the aisle full of hoof mittens and wing warmers to get something for Rainbow Dash, and then she went for the bags and purses to find something for Pinkie Pie. The last gift seemed a little out of place, at least to Fluttershy, but Rarity insisted that Pinkie needed a new way to carry around her party supplies. Just like with the scarves, Fluttershy just couldn't bring herself to argue with- or even question- Rarity's ideas. That left her where she was now, trotting alongside Rarity on the way back outside.
But, unlike when they walked in, Fluttershy was doing more than just carrying her own shopping. She had Applejack's scarf wrapped around her neck, a new tophat snug on her head (since Rarity ended up buying a hat for somepony else anyway), a pair of wing warmers and a set of mittens for Rainbow Dash, and a set of saddlebags for Pinkie Pie laid over her own bags that were still bulging with her Hearth's Warming shopping - and that was all on top of her regular winter outfit. Fluttershy looked ridiculous, but she couldn't bear the thought of complaining. Rarity was working just as hard trying to decide what to get everypony, after all...
Back on the sidewalk, Fluttershy shuffled along and tried her best not to drop anything. She felt hot under all those layers, even on the snowy streets of Canterlot, but seeing the massive smile on Rarity's face made it worth it. At least... for now. Noting that Rarity wasn't immediately darting off for another store, Fluttershy felt a glimmer of hope and stepped a little closer. "Was there anypony else you needed to get something for? I've still got the rest of the day free, so..." she trailed off, fully expecting Rarity to take up the slack. Naturally, she did.
"Oh! Yes, of course there is! But she's right here with me, and I can't let her see her gifts early. I'll just have to make a separate trip of my own so as not to ruin the surprise," Rarity answered, reaching out with one foreleg and tugging Fluttershy into a hug. She squeezed once, then huffed and shook her head. "No, that won't do. Come a little closer, darling," she instructed, making Fluttershy blush as she put her other leg around her to complete the embrace. Fluttershy tilted her head back to avoid knocking the tophat off, then leaned into the hug as best she could. Rather than risking her balance and lifting her fores, she simply extended her wings and wrapped them around Rarity's withers. A few moments later, the fashionista pulled away. "Goodness, you're positively toasty! Lucky you."
"Y-Yes... lucky," Fluttershy mumbled, before turning toward the train station back across town and 'raising' her voice back to her usual quietness. "I haven't been on a shopping trip like this since... oh, I guess the last time was also when we went together, wasn't it?"
"Indeed it was! You're just the perfect shopping partner, dear. I really don't know where I'd be without you always coming along to help! Probably still staring at those scarves, utterly paralyzed with indecision!" Rarity put a hoof to her forehead, dramatic as ever, before turning to lead the way back down the sidewalk. "Since you've plenty of time off today, and since I closed up the boutique ahead of time, I think I'd like to repay the favor."
Rarity trailed off, a little grin slowly stretching across her muzzle as the two mares started to trot back the way they came. Fluttershy cocked an eyebrow, trying her best to look casual despite the bead of sweat running down the side of her head. "Oh? You don't have to, Rarity! I just like getting to spend time with my friends, especially so close to Hearth's Warming... it's nice."
Rarity scoffed at Fluttershy's meek attempt to decline, shaking her head firmly. "Nonsense! You've been such a big help, it's only right that you're rewarded; that's what good friends do. I was thinking we would stop by one of those lovely little cafés near the train station for a quick bite to eat before we head back down to Ponyville - there's one in particular that a good friend of mine recommended and I've been dying to try."
Fluttershy started to zone out a little while Rarity kept rambling on about the place she had in mind. Just like on the train, her brain stopped comprehending once Rarity got into the realm of trends and fame and the like. She felt bad for not listening, but it just sailed right over her head. Fluttershy just smiled and nodded, thankful that at least she could appreciate the sound of her friend's voice. Today was a long day, and it was shaping up to be even longer - especially if Rarity got any more gift ideas while they enjoyed their tea in that café she had in mind. But that was okay. Fluttershy could stand being out in public just a little longer. After all, it was for a good cause.
In the meantime, Fluttershy could be proud of herself. Proud of how she handled today, primarily, but also in general. She'd come a long way from the nervous little thing she used to be, and Hearth's Warming always seemed to be the time of year to reflect on her progress. She used to spend the holiday alone, holed up in her cottage, but ever since meeting her five new friends... well, there had been plenty of opportunities to make new traditions. She never would've imagined herself being where she is today, walking the streets of Canterlot on a holiday shopping trip with one of her best friends, but she could honestly say she was glad to have been wrong back then. It was stressful sometimes, and Rarity's decision-making process was sometimes dubious, but Fluttershy loved it all the same. In fact, she was looking forward to doing the very same thing this time next year.
