The One When Everypony Finds Outby kleec13ChaptersCutie Mark CrusadersRainbow DashSweetie BelleFancy PantsCutie Mark Crusaders“Sweetie Belle!!!” the youngest Apple sibling yelled as she entered the house. Sweetie Belle’s face also lit up when she saw her friend. There was only one thing that could cause a scream that loud. “You’ve just seen Applejack, haven’t you?” Apple Bloom nodded enthusiastically as the two hugged and jumped around in a circle just as they did when they were younger. “We’re gonna be aunts!!! We’re gonna be aunts!!” they chanted, not worried at all about who could hear them. “When did you find out?” Apple Bloom asked. “Rarity told me when I saw her three days ago.” The energy left the room a bit as Apple Bloom couldn’t help but mention something. “Ya think it’s gonna happen? I mean, they’ve had a loss before…” “Yeah, it’s bittersweet,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “But today’s a gift, as they say. Let’s enjoy the present and be happy.” Apple Bloom hugged her friend turned family member. “Oooh, I love that our sisters married each other!!” she said. “But Scoots. How in Equestria can we keep this from Scoots?” “I thought of that, too,” Sweetie Belle said. “Rarity said we could tell her if Applejack was also on board.” Apple Bloom put a hoof to her mouth. “But I mean… it’s not our kid. Scootaloo knowing before Applejack and Rarity’s friends? That don’t feel right to me.” Sweetie Belle sighed as she realized Apple Bloom had a point. But at the same time, Rarity and presumably Applejack had no problem with it. And though Scootaloo wasn’t related to them by blood, she was also the foal’s aunt in a way. “How about we find a fun way to tell her?” Sweetie Belle compromised. “That way the dust can settle a bit, yet we don’t have to keep Scootaloo waiting for too much longer.” “I like that!” Apple Bloom said excitedly. “Let’s get brainstormin’!” “Sweetie Belle? Apple Bloom? I got your letter,” Scootaloo called out. She never thought she’d see their old treehouse again. What could her friends possibly be planning? But to her surprise, what she saw was far from what she expected of an old, abandoned tree house. Did Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom refurbish it? They must have. Why? Nervous, but curious, Scootaloo climbed up. “Oh Scoots, I thought you’d never show!” Sweetie Belle greeted. “We can officially decree that the CMC is now the AIA!” Apple Bloom finished. “AIA?” Scootaloo asked. “Aunties in Action!” the pair exclaimed. Scootaloo was thrilled for Applejack and Rarity, but also very confused on how this involved her. “But Rainbow Dash is single,” she reminded her friends. “Aw come on,” Sweetie Belle said. “How could we leave you out of our aunt-to-be excitement?” “And besides,” Apple Bloom continued. “Applejack and Rarity can’t rely on only us for foalsitting.” Since Applejack and Rarity got engaged, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom assured Scootaloo that nothing was going to change between the three of them. And it hadn’t. Scootaloo was always grateful for that. “Well, in that case, it’s an honor to be a member!” she declared. Author's Note My first time writing for the CMC as a group! Thank you as always for reading! Possibly to be continued… Rainbow DashRainbow Dash entered the bar excited to catch up with an old friend. “Hey AJ! Good to see ya!” the cyan pegasus greeted. “Hi, Dash. Yeah, sorry I’ve had to cancel a couple times.” “Naw,” Rainbow Dash assured as she bellied up next to Applejack. “I can’t be mad at you for being a good wife. How’s Rarity doing?” “Hanging in there. She was truly excited for us to meet today, though.” “Yeesh, that must be some stomach bug she caught,” Rainbow Dash noted. “Poor thing. Right before her birthday, too.” “Yeah, maybe not the greatest timing on our part…” Applejack muttered softly. “Timing?” Rainbow Dash wondered to herself. “What can I get you two lovely mares this evening?” interrupted the bartender. “I think we both want a hard apple cider, yeah?” Rainbow Dash said, turning to Applejack. “Yes please, bartender,” the farmer confirmed. “You’ve got it!” As the bartender left, Rainbow Dash took out an envelope. “Oh, speaking of Rarity’s birthday, here’s my card. Got a gift card in there, too. To a sushi place… awkward…” Applejack laughed. “It’s alright. She’ll get to enjoy it eventually. Thanks Dash, I’m sure she’ll be very glad you thought of her.” “It’s a shame, though,” Rainbow Dash said. “I know she loves sushi. You think she got unlucky and ate a bad batch?” Rainbow Dash didn’t want to pry too much, but couldn’t suppress her concern. She was no doctor, but didn’t most stomach bugs only last a day or two? Not most of the week? “No, she hasn’t had sushi in a while,” Applejack said confidently. “We’re… uh… not… sure what happened. But the doctors say there’s nothing to worry about. She’s just gotta stay hydrated and get through it.” The bartender came with the drinks before Rainbow Dash could respond. “Good thing you two planned a low key birthday for her, huh?” Rainbow Dash remarked. “Yeah, we needed to save the bits. Celestia knows we’ll need them.” “Don’t we all,” Rainbow Dash joked. But then she put her wing around her glass and lifted it towards Applejack. “To Rarity,” she said. “To Rarity,” Applejack responded as they both toasted and took a sip. “And to you,” Rainbow Dash continued. “Have you been alright? You’re not the one sick, obviously. But I imagine you’re going through a completely different sort of hard time.” Rainbow Dash recalled the times she took care of Fluttershy when they were kids. She was happy to do it, but it definitely made her sympathize with Applejack now. “It is a different kind of agony seeing Rarity so miserable,” Applejack agreed. “And no matter how much I do to help her, it’s not like I can magically take away her suffering. Today was an alright day compared to the others, but I’m still more worried than I should be.” “I know it can be hard to believe ponies when they say things are gonna be fine,” Rainbow Dash started. “But I know a tough pony when I see one, and you and Rarity are definitely tough.” Even though Rainbow Dash didn’t say things like that often, it made the times she did all that more genuine. “Thanks Dash. But enough about me. How the heck have you been?” As the pair walked home, Rainbow Dash realized the last time she and Applejack talked was after Rarity's early pregnancy loss. She was so concerned about Rarity that she forgot about her friends’ whole baby making thing. Though, perhaps that was for the best. If there was news Applejack wanted to share on that front, good or bad, she’d say so. But the thought made Rainbow Dash reflect on the night’s events. Was Rarity’s stomach bug just a stomach bug…? “Thanks for a nice night, Sugarcube,” Applejack said as they approached her house. It all clicked as Applejack walked away. Rainbow Dash knew she could be wrong. She knew that Applejack might even be angry that Rainbow Dash figured out her secret. But the excitement was too much for those blue wings to handle. “Wait, Applejack!!!” Applejack could barely make out her friend’s rainbow blur coming towards her before she was on the ground from a tackle like hug. “Congrats, AJ!!! You’re going to be the best parents!! I know how much you both wanted it to happen. You almost had me, you clever mare!” “Okay, okay Dash,” Applejack said with a smile as the two got on their hooves again. “Thank ya, friend. We’re very excited. It’s still early though, so keep it on the dl, alright?” Rainbow Dash’s excitement lessened, but she of course understood her friend’s request. “Can I come in, though? Just for a moment?” Applejack opened the door and readily welcomed her friend inside. “Of course." Author's Note This was sort of inspired by when Joey finds out about Chandler and Monica in Friends. Hence the title, though he finds out in a different episode. I considered making my fanfic also about Rarity and Applejack’s relationship with more specific references to Friends, but I think this turned out way better! Sweetie BelleAs Rarity woke up, she immediately wished she hadn’t. To think throughout those long months of fertility treatments, she wished to feel this way. Mild bouts of nausea had come and gone the past week or so, but Rarity suspected that she was now in it for the long haul. Though she wanted nothing less, Rarity knew eating something small for breakfast might make her feel better. And besides, Sweetie Belle was coming over later to bake post Hearts and Hooves Day cookies. Rarity needed to be ready. So slowly but surely, she walked down to greet Applejack downstairs. Applejack noticed Rarity’s grimace as the smells of coffee hit her. “Aw, Sugarcube. Still can’t shake that nausea?” Rarity glanced at the toaster. “Maybe some plain toast and water will help.” Much to Rarity’s relief, the toast and water along with some rest did indeed help. There was no indication of her rough morning when Sweetie Belle came over. “Alright, you two have fun,” Applejack said as she left to do errands. “I shouldn’t be long if you need anything.” The first few moments as the two sisters brought out the sugar and flour went well. Rarity always loved baking with Sweetie Belle when they were younger and she was glad they could keep up the tradition. But the second Rarity saw the eggs and oil enter the bowl, she could feel her toast coming up from earlier. “Ex…excuse me for a moment,” Rarity said as she rushed out of the kitchen. A startled Sweetie Belle found Rarity breathing heavily outside the bathroom having successfully kept her toast in so far. “A… are you alright?” Sweetie Belle managed to ask. “Sorry to scare you,” Rarity said sheepishly. “I really did think I was better. I should have known baking wouldn’t do me any favors.” Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity, still confused about how suddenly this came about. “We could have found another time if you weren’t feeling well,” Sweetie Belle said compassionately. “I’m… only going to get worse, I’m afraid,” Rarity said, cringing at the thought. Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. “How are you so sure about that?” Rarity wasn’t sure why she was being so coy. There was no hiding it now and she trusted Sweetie Belle could handle learning so early in the pregnancy. But as Rarity was about to cut to the chase, something playful in her wondered if Sweetie Belle would catch on. “Well, how do you think?” Rarity asked with a huge grin. And catch on the little sister did. “Shut up, you are not!!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, clapping her hooves. Rarity laughed and nodded as Sweetie Belle came in for a huge hug. “It’s still early. Only you and our parents know.” “Apple Bloom doesn’t know?” Sweetie Belle asked with a gasp as she and Rarity pulled away from their hug. “I’m sure Applejack will tell her soon. And Big Mac.” “And Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle remembered, realizing how hard it would be to keep this from her other best friend. “Yes, you two can tell Scootaloo soon enough,” Rarity assured. “If that’s okay with Applejack, it’s okay with me." Sweetie Belle continued to beam ear to ear as she couldn’t do anything else but hug her big sister once again. “I’m going to be the best aunt, I promise!” Author's Note This originally was only going to be the chapter with Rainbow Dash, but evolved into more when it wasn’t 1000 words. Fancy PantsDear Rarity, Hello, my friend. It has been too long! My 40th birthday is coming up and if I remember correctly, your birthday was also not too long ago. And so, I would love to see you at my party this Friday along with a possible cup of tea before. As I said, it’s been too long, so I’d love to see just you if you're able. I hope you and Applejack are well. Kindest regards, Fancy Pants Dear Fancy Pants, Oh my goodness, how wonderful it is to hear from you! Yes, I will catch the first train to Canterlot on Friday so we can have some tea before your party. I look forward to it very much. See you soon, Rarity “Rarity!” Fancy Pants called when he saw his friend at the train station. “Hello, Fancy Pants!” Rarity responded as she reached out for a hug. “You look lovely as always,” Fancy Pants observed. “For 40, you don’t look so bad yourself,” Rarity teased with a wink. “Ponies may age, but where I live hasn’t nearly as much. Come,” Fancy Pants said, motioning for Rarity to follow him. Fancy Pants led Rarity to his breakfast nook, where he had tea cups and snacks already set up. “Alright, I’ll get a kettle going. Here’s my tea selection you can choose from.” After the kettle was going and the pair had chosen their tea, Fancy Pants brought a box towards Rarity as he sat next to her. Rarity looked at her friend in amazement. “This is a birthday meeting, if I do recall,” Fancy Pants said. Rarity opened the box to a beautiful corsage for her to wear at the party. She excitedly levitated it to get a closer look, but made an unattractive face as she accidentally got a whiff of the scent. “Excuse me,” Rarity said, her cheeks turning pink. “It’s gorgeous, thank you. My nose is just a bit sensitive these days.” “Oh in that case, don’t wear it just to please me,” Fancy Pants said. “No, I adore it, truly,” Rarity insisted. “I’ll just be careful where I wear it.” Rarity put the corsage aside and took out a package of your own. “I have a gift that was meant for your party,” she continued. “But… if you want to open it now, I won’t judge.” Fancy Pants thought a moment about the suggestion, but he decided to illuminate his horn and open his gift–a cleaning cloth and case for his monocle. “Thank you, my dear. Did you make this fabric yourself? It’s lovely.” “Yes, I’ve never loved store bought microfiber cloths, so I’ve been perfecting one over the years. It’s finally ready to give to somepony else.” Fancy Pants smiled at his talented friend as the kettle went off. “Now, what have I missed in this year and a half?” Fancy Pants wondered when he returned with hot water. “I suppose the biggest thing is why my nose is sensitive,” Rarity began. “We started trying for a baby around the last time I saw you. It was a hard few months, but I’m finally pregnant.” Fancy Pants’s eyes winded in excitement. “Oh, how wonderful! Congratulations to you both. My brother and his wife are also expecting after some difficulty. You’ll see them tonight.” Rarity obviously wasn’t happy that others went through what she and Applejack went through, but it was always good to know she wasn’t alone. “Wow, an uncle to two foals around the same age,” Rarity remarked. “Yes, certainly keeping me on my hooves as I enter a new decade, eh?” “Well, some pony has to,” Rarity said with a giggle. “But joking aside,” Fancy Pants continued. “It’s an honor to see you become a mother. We sure have been through a lot together, haven’t we? I’m so glad we’ve kept in touch.” Rarity raised her teacup. “Cheers to that!” Author's Note Justice for the Rarity and Fancy Pants friendship!
Cutie Mark Crusaders“Sweetie Belle!!!” the youngest Apple sibling yelled as she entered the house. Sweetie Belle’s face also lit up when she saw her friend. There was only one thing that could cause a scream that loud. “You’ve just seen Applejack, haven’t you?” Apple Bloom nodded enthusiastically as the two hugged and jumped around in a circle just as they did when they were younger. “We’re gonna be aunts!!! We’re gonna be aunts!!” they chanted, not worried at all about who could hear them. “When did you find out?” Apple Bloom asked. “Rarity told me when I saw her three days ago.” The energy left the room a bit as Apple Bloom couldn’t help but mention something. “Ya think it’s gonna happen? I mean, they’ve had a loss before…” “Yeah, it’s bittersweet,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “But today’s a gift, as they say. Let’s enjoy the present and be happy.” Apple Bloom hugged her friend turned family member. “Oooh, I love that our sisters married each other!!” she said. “But Scoots. How in Equestria can we keep this from Scoots?” “I thought of that, too,” Sweetie Belle said. “Rarity said we could tell her if Applejack was also on board.” Apple Bloom put a hoof to her mouth. “But I mean… it’s not our kid. Scootaloo knowing before Applejack and Rarity’s friends? That don’t feel right to me.” Sweetie Belle sighed as she realized Apple Bloom had a point. But at the same time, Rarity and presumably Applejack had no problem with it. And though Scootaloo wasn’t related to them by blood, she was also the foal’s aunt in a way. “How about we find a fun way to tell her?” Sweetie Belle compromised. “That way the dust can settle a bit, yet we don’t have to keep Scootaloo waiting for too much longer.” “I like that!” Apple Bloom said excitedly. “Let’s get brainstormin’!” “Sweetie Belle? Apple Bloom? I got your letter,” Scootaloo called out. She never thought she’d see their old treehouse again. What could her friends possibly be planning? But to her surprise, what she saw was far from what she expected of an old, abandoned tree house. Did Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom refurbish it? They must have. Why? Nervous, but curious, Scootaloo climbed up. “Oh Scoots, I thought you’d never show!” Sweetie Belle greeted. “We can officially decree that the CMC is now the AIA!” Apple Bloom finished. “AIA?” Scootaloo asked. “Aunties in Action!” the pair exclaimed. Scootaloo was thrilled for Applejack and Rarity, but also very confused on how this involved her. “But Rainbow Dash is single,” she reminded her friends. “Aw come on,” Sweetie Belle said. “How could we leave you out of our aunt-to-be excitement?” “And besides,” Apple Bloom continued. “Applejack and Rarity can’t rely on only us for foalsitting.” Since Applejack and Rarity got engaged, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom assured Scootaloo that nothing was going to change between the three of them. And it hadn’t. Scootaloo was always grateful for that. “Well, in that case, it’s an honor to be a member!” she declared. Author's Note My first time writing for the CMC as a group! Thank you as always for reading! Possibly to be continued…
Rainbow DashRainbow Dash entered the bar excited to catch up with an old friend. “Hey AJ! Good to see ya!” the cyan pegasus greeted. “Hi, Dash. Yeah, sorry I’ve had to cancel a couple times.” “Naw,” Rainbow Dash assured as she bellied up next to Applejack. “I can’t be mad at you for being a good wife. How’s Rarity doing?” “Hanging in there. She was truly excited for us to meet today, though.” “Yeesh, that must be some stomach bug she caught,” Rainbow Dash noted. “Poor thing. Right before her birthday, too.” “Yeah, maybe not the greatest timing on our part…” Applejack muttered softly. “Timing?” Rainbow Dash wondered to herself. “What can I get you two lovely mares this evening?” interrupted the bartender. “I think we both want a hard apple cider, yeah?” Rainbow Dash said, turning to Applejack. “Yes please, bartender,” the farmer confirmed. “You’ve got it!” As the bartender left, Rainbow Dash took out an envelope. “Oh, speaking of Rarity’s birthday, here’s my card. Got a gift card in there, too. To a sushi place… awkward…” Applejack laughed. “It’s alright. She’ll get to enjoy it eventually. Thanks Dash, I’m sure she’ll be very glad you thought of her.” “It’s a shame, though,” Rainbow Dash said. “I know she loves sushi. You think she got unlucky and ate a bad batch?” Rainbow Dash didn’t want to pry too much, but couldn’t suppress her concern. She was no doctor, but didn’t most stomach bugs only last a day or two? Not most of the week? “No, she hasn’t had sushi in a while,” Applejack said confidently. “We’re… uh… not… sure what happened. But the doctors say there’s nothing to worry about. She’s just gotta stay hydrated and get through it.” The bartender came with the drinks before Rainbow Dash could respond. “Good thing you two planned a low key birthday for her, huh?” Rainbow Dash remarked. “Yeah, we needed to save the bits. Celestia knows we’ll need them.” “Don’t we all,” Rainbow Dash joked. But then she put her wing around her glass and lifted it towards Applejack. “To Rarity,” she said. “To Rarity,” Applejack responded as they both toasted and took a sip. “And to you,” Rainbow Dash continued. “Have you been alright? You’re not the one sick, obviously. But I imagine you’re going through a completely different sort of hard time.” Rainbow Dash recalled the times she took care of Fluttershy when they were kids. She was happy to do it, but it definitely made her sympathize with Applejack now. “It is a different kind of agony seeing Rarity so miserable,” Applejack agreed. “And no matter how much I do to help her, it’s not like I can magically take away her suffering. Today was an alright day compared to the others, but I’m still more worried than I should be.” “I know it can be hard to believe ponies when they say things are gonna be fine,” Rainbow Dash started. “But I know a tough pony when I see one, and you and Rarity are definitely tough.” Even though Rainbow Dash didn’t say things like that often, it made the times she did all that more genuine. “Thanks Dash. But enough about me. How the heck have you been?” As the pair walked home, Rainbow Dash realized the last time she and Applejack talked was after Rarity's early pregnancy loss. She was so concerned about Rarity that she forgot about her friends’ whole baby making thing. Though, perhaps that was for the best. If there was news Applejack wanted to share on that front, good or bad, she’d say so. But the thought made Rainbow Dash reflect on the night’s events. Was Rarity’s stomach bug just a stomach bug…? “Thanks for a nice night, Sugarcube,” Applejack said as they approached her house. It all clicked as Applejack walked away. Rainbow Dash knew she could be wrong. She knew that Applejack might even be angry that Rainbow Dash figured out her secret. But the excitement was too much for those blue wings to handle. “Wait, Applejack!!!” Applejack could barely make out her friend’s rainbow blur coming towards her before she was on the ground from a tackle like hug. “Congrats, AJ!!! You’re going to be the best parents!! I know how much you both wanted it to happen. You almost had me, you clever mare!” “Okay, okay Dash,” Applejack said with a smile as the two got on their hooves again. “Thank ya, friend. We’re very excited. It’s still early though, so keep it on the dl, alright?” Rainbow Dash’s excitement lessened, but she of course understood her friend’s request. “Can I come in, though? Just for a moment?” Applejack opened the door and readily welcomed her friend inside. “Of course." Author's Note This was sort of inspired by when Joey finds out about Chandler and Monica in Friends. Hence the title, though he finds out in a different episode. I considered making my fanfic also about Rarity and Applejack’s relationship with more specific references to Friends, but I think this turned out way better!
Sweetie BelleAs Rarity woke up, she immediately wished she hadn’t. To think throughout those long months of fertility treatments, she wished to feel this way. Mild bouts of nausea had come and gone the past week or so, but Rarity suspected that she was now in it for the long haul. Though she wanted nothing less, Rarity knew eating something small for breakfast might make her feel better. And besides, Sweetie Belle was coming over later to bake post Hearts and Hooves Day cookies. Rarity needed to be ready. So slowly but surely, she walked down to greet Applejack downstairs. Applejack noticed Rarity’s grimace as the smells of coffee hit her. “Aw, Sugarcube. Still can’t shake that nausea?” Rarity glanced at the toaster. “Maybe some plain toast and water will help.” Much to Rarity’s relief, the toast and water along with some rest did indeed help. There was no indication of her rough morning when Sweetie Belle came over. “Alright, you two have fun,” Applejack said as she left to do errands. “I shouldn’t be long if you need anything.” The first few moments as the two sisters brought out the sugar and flour went well. Rarity always loved baking with Sweetie Belle when they were younger and she was glad they could keep up the tradition. But the second Rarity saw the eggs and oil enter the bowl, she could feel her toast coming up from earlier. “Ex…excuse me for a moment,” Rarity said as she rushed out of the kitchen. A startled Sweetie Belle found Rarity breathing heavily outside the bathroom having successfully kept her toast in so far. “A… are you alright?” Sweetie Belle managed to ask. “Sorry to scare you,” Rarity said sheepishly. “I really did think I was better. I should have known baking wouldn’t do me any favors.” Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity, still confused about how suddenly this came about. “We could have found another time if you weren’t feeling well,” Sweetie Belle said compassionately. “I’m… only going to get worse, I’m afraid,” Rarity said, cringing at the thought. Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. “How are you so sure about that?” Rarity wasn’t sure why she was being so coy. There was no hiding it now and she trusted Sweetie Belle could handle learning so early in the pregnancy. But as Rarity was about to cut to the chase, something playful in her wondered if Sweetie Belle would catch on. “Well, how do you think?” Rarity asked with a huge grin. And catch on the little sister did. “Shut up, you are not!!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, clapping her hooves. Rarity laughed and nodded as Sweetie Belle came in for a huge hug. “It’s still early. Only you and our parents know.” “Apple Bloom doesn’t know?” Sweetie Belle asked with a gasp as she and Rarity pulled away from their hug. “I’m sure Applejack will tell her soon. And Big Mac.” “And Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle remembered, realizing how hard it would be to keep this from her other best friend. “Yes, you two can tell Scootaloo soon enough,” Rarity assured. “If that’s okay with Applejack, it’s okay with me." Sweetie Belle continued to beam ear to ear as she couldn’t do anything else but hug her big sister once again. “I’m going to be the best aunt, I promise!” Author's Note This originally was only going to be the chapter with Rainbow Dash, but evolved into more when it wasn’t 1000 words.
Fancy PantsDear Rarity, Hello, my friend. It has been too long! My 40th birthday is coming up and if I remember correctly, your birthday was also not too long ago. And so, I would love to see you at my party this Friday along with a possible cup of tea before. As I said, it’s been too long, so I’d love to see just you if you're able. I hope you and Applejack are well. Kindest regards, Fancy Pants Dear Fancy Pants, Oh my goodness, how wonderful it is to hear from you! Yes, I will catch the first train to Canterlot on Friday so we can have some tea before your party. I look forward to it very much. See you soon, Rarity “Rarity!” Fancy Pants called when he saw his friend at the train station. “Hello, Fancy Pants!” Rarity responded as she reached out for a hug. “You look lovely as always,” Fancy Pants observed. “For 40, you don’t look so bad yourself,” Rarity teased with a wink. “Ponies may age, but where I live hasn’t nearly as much. Come,” Fancy Pants said, motioning for Rarity to follow him. Fancy Pants led Rarity to his breakfast nook, where he had tea cups and snacks already set up. “Alright, I’ll get a kettle going. Here’s my tea selection you can choose from.” After the kettle was going and the pair had chosen their tea, Fancy Pants brought a box towards Rarity as he sat next to her. Rarity looked at her friend in amazement. “This is a birthday meeting, if I do recall,” Fancy Pants said. Rarity opened the box to a beautiful corsage for her to wear at the party. She excitedly levitated it to get a closer look, but made an unattractive face as she accidentally got a whiff of the scent. “Excuse me,” Rarity said, her cheeks turning pink. “It’s gorgeous, thank you. My nose is just a bit sensitive these days.” “Oh in that case, don’t wear it just to please me,” Fancy Pants said. “No, I adore it, truly,” Rarity insisted. “I’ll just be careful where I wear it.” Rarity put the corsage aside and took out a package of your own. “I have a gift that was meant for your party,” she continued. “But… if you want to open it now, I won’t judge.” Fancy Pants thought a moment about the suggestion, but he decided to illuminate his horn and open his gift–a cleaning cloth and case for his monocle. “Thank you, my dear. Did you make this fabric yourself? It’s lovely.” “Yes, I’ve never loved store bought microfiber cloths, so I’ve been perfecting one over the years. It’s finally ready to give to somepony else.” Fancy Pants smiled at his talented friend as the kettle went off. “Now, what have I missed in this year and a half?” Fancy Pants wondered when he returned with hot water. “I suppose the biggest thing is why my nose is sensitive,” Rarity began. “We started trying for a baby around the last time I saw you. It was a hard few months, but I’m finally pregnant.” Fancy Pants’s eyes winded in excitement. “Oh, how wonderful! Congratulations to you both. My brother and his wife are also expecting after some difficulty. You’ll see them tonight.” Rarity obviously wasn’t happy that others went through what she and Applejack went through, but it was always good to know she wasn’t alone. “Wow, an uncle to two foals around the same age,” Rarity remarked. “Yes, certainly keeping me on my hooves as I enter a new decade, eh?” “Well, some pony has to,” Rarity said with a giggle. “But joking aside,” Fancy Pants continued. “It’s an honor to see you become a mother. We sure have been through a lot together, haven’t we? I’m so glad we’ve kept in touch.” Rarity raised her teacup. “Cheers to that!” Author's Note Justice for the Rarity and Fancy Pants friendship!
