Wilted Flower

Chapter 3:
Elegance And Intrigue

As I made my way towards the taxi station, the night's events playing over in my head, I began to think about how I was going to explain my awkward feelings about Fleur to Twilight, and also how I was going to face Slipstream—the flirty mare who seemed to have amorous feelings for me as well. As I approached the station, I saw Twilight sitting underneath a street lamp, engrossed in yet another book. She looked up and yawned when she heard me approach.

"I trust things went well?" She asked with heavy eyes, seeming to already know the answer.

"They did, as awkward as it was," I replied in kind, letting out a gargantuan yawn of my own. "I'll tell you all the details tomorrow, after I've slept half the day away," I added, envious of Spikes long sleeping cycles. It was then that I realized that Slipstream and her taxi were nowhere in sight. "Where's Slipstream and the taxi?" I inquired with a bit of worry.

"For some reason she thought you would be spending the night with Fleur, but I had a feeling you wouldn't want to jump into anything brash, so I waited for you," she said with a knowing smile, putting her book back in her bag. "She left not too long ago with another couple."

Hearing that our ride home had already left, filled me with a heavy weight of dread.

"So how are we going to get back to Ponyville?" I inquired with defeat.

"Well," she replied. "I could always teleport us back if you don't want to wait..."

Remembering all too well what had happened the first time I was teleported, I wasn't too thrilled about the idea—however, waiting for Slipstream to return would probably take too long, causing me to pass out cold from exhaustion in the street. It seemed I had no other option but to take Twilight up on her suggestion. It was that or walk down the mountain, which I was in no condition to do, tired or otherwise.

"Okay," I finally conceded with a slight hesitation. "Lets go for it. I'm tired and I can't wait any longer." I added with another monstrous yawn.

"Just stand still, this won't hurt. Much," she assured me in the same way she had done the first time.

"Oh, fantastic," I deadpanned—closing my eyes tight, tensing every muscle in my body, awaiting the inevitable.

She closed her eyes in concentration, her horn glowing with a purple aura around it, which expanded to envelop my larger human form. I began to feel a cloud of heat form across my entire body—also causing me to tingle from head to toe, followed by a blinding flash—almost exactly the same feeling as when I was attacked a month ago, but in this case not as intense. Here we go again, I thought to myself as there was a brief cracking noise, with the feeling of being pulled into a giant vacuum.

When we finally re-materialized, it took me a few moments to blink the blurriness from my eyes, noticing that we had wound up in the spare bedroom Twilight had prepared for me upon my initial arrival. Thankfully this time, there was no overwhelming feeling of nausea or cramps, but my head felt like it was spinning out of control. I slowly staggered over to my bed—throwing caution to the wind, letting gravity take over and falling face-first onto the mattress, my head luckily hitting the pillow. I think I heard her say goodnight before I was lost to the blissful world of slumber.

***

Upon waking the next morning—my face laying in a puddle of my own drool—I opened my eyes slowly, allowing the view of my room to come into focus. Remembering Twilight teleporting us the night before, I readily checked to see if all my body parts were where they'd been before being sent through time and space. To my relief, everything was where it was supposed to be. I rolled myself over, sitting up on the side of the bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Looking at the clock on the wall, I realized that it was almost noon, and decided it was time to start my day.

Walking out of my room, an acrid stench wafted its way up my nose, causing me to cringe slightly in disgust. I noticed the sweat stains on my flight suit, and confirmed my suspicions after smelling both my armpits, deciding a shower was probably in order. I made my way to the bathroom, and turned on the faucet for the generously sized shower. Stepping in after removing my offensive garments, I looked around only to find Twilight's shampoos and body washes. Better than smelling like low tide, I thought to myself, picking up a bottle of each, and gingerly scrubbing myself down from head to toe. I can see why Twi likes this stuff, I mused. Never thought lavender and lilac could smell so good!

After finishing my cleansing, I stepped out to dry off, only to remember that I had no clean clothes to change into; just the raunchy flight suit I had just removed, which Twilight usually cleaned for me with her magic. I remembered Rarity's suggestion, from weeks earlier.

"Time for that new wardrobe," I sighed to myself.

Rather than bother Twilight with my laundry, I reluctantly donned the soiled clothing again. I searched through her vanity, and was rewarded with a large, ornate bottle marked Sensual Mare Perfume. Being the adventurous lad I was, I gingerly sprayed my flight suit, trying my best to hide the smell of the previous nights activity. Confident in my new-found odor, I made my way downstairs, only to find the library and kitchen empty.

"Twi? Spike?" I called out. When receiving no answer, except from my rumbling stomach, I made my way into the kitchen and noticed a large pink box sitting on the dining table with a note attached.

Jason,

Pinkie Pie brought these muffins over earlier, and insisted you try some. I'm out looking for a few obscure spell books, and Spike is busy helping the Cutie Mark Crusaders with another adventure. I would have washed your suit, but you were still wearing it when you passed out. I set the coffee maker up for you as well, so enjoy, sleepy-head!

-Twilight

Smiling at her thoughtful and caring note, I opened the box and was overwhelmed by the smell of blueberries. I grabbed an astronomically large muffin, and took a generous bite, savoring the explosion of flavor that assaulted my taste buds. I must thank Pinkie for this, I decided, taking another huge bite of muffin as I turned on the coffee maker, watching in awe as its magic brewed and poured a heaping mug within seconds. After finishing the first, and inhaling a second muffin, practically swallowing my coffee in one gulp, I decided that I should be on my way to pay a visit to Rarity at her boutique for some fancy and comfortable new duds. I left a note for Twilight, letting her know where I'd be if she needed me. Putting on my combat boots, I headed out the door.

***

As I stood at the door to the Carousel Boutique, my mind awash with the previous days events, and Rarity's knowledge of my anatomy at the front of it all. What seemed like hours, was only a few seconds as I sharply knocked on the door, nervousness coursing through my body. I was brought back to reality when a refined, polite, yet dreamy voice answered from within.

"Oh, do come in!" she said with flair. "The door's unlocked!"

I took a deep breath as I turned the knob and pushed the door open, entering the vast expanse of her boutique. There were swatches of fabric everywhere, outfits on a few pony-shaped mannequins, in various states of completion. It looked like a well-organized war-zone.

"I'll be with you in a moment darling, just finishing up out back!" she said as I closed the door behind me, hearing her humming a very beautiful tune. When she came trotting out to the main floor, she stopped dead in her tracks when she realized it was me standing in front of her.

"Oh...Oh my, it's you..." she stammered, a look of shock on her face. "What a pleasant surprise!" she added, shaking off her state of astonishment, smiling brightly. "I assume you're here for that new wardrobe I suggested ages ago?" she asked with a slightly chiding tone.

"You're absolutely right," I responded. "I wasn't sure I'd be staying here this long, and I think it's about time I diversified my clothing options."

"Mm-hmm," she agreed, nodding. "Well, let's get you out of that ratty outfit and into something with more...class? But first I'll need to take your measurements." she added with an air of certainty, scrunching her nose at my wonderful odor, seeming to become entranced by it, and looking me up and down with what I could only describe as intrigue, mixed with aspiration. The nervous feeling I'd had before was getting stronger with every moment, her gossip at the front of my mind.

"Okay, sounds like a plan," I answered as I stood on the short, round pedestal in the center of her shop, extending my arms—having had suits custom tailored back home on my old world.

"Darling, you'll need to take off your suit before I can get the proper dimensions," she pointed out bluntly.

This is when the level of nervousness peaked, and figuratively shot through the roof of the boutique. I tensed up, swallowed hard, and turned the darkest shade of red humanly possible. Rarity noticed my reaction, and looked at me with complete confusion.

"Don't worry darling, I've heard all about you from Twilight," she boasted. "Although I was a bit appalled when she told me about a certain thing—a rather uncouth and un-ladylike thing to mention, but I was quite intrigued that you're just like a stallion, aside from those hands of yours," she added, gazing intently at my hands in wonder. "I imagine they are much different than hooves—not scratchy, like dragon claws or gryphon talons. Could you give me a demonstration?" She asked with excitement as she looked into my eyes intently.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt," I replied, flexing my hands to form fists—clenching and opening them several times, then wiggling my fingers in a wave like motion. All the while, Rarity was staring at my hands and fingers with wide, starry eyes, seeming to want more.

"Could I...feel them?" she asked me nervously, unsure of how I would react.

"Uh, sure," I replied nervously, extending my hands palms up, as she lightly touched each one with her hoof, my fingers lightly grazing her hoof, feeling her prickly soft fur tickling my hand back.

"My, my! They are quite dexterous, and soft!" she chimed with a gasp as I lightly squeezed her hoof in my hand, allowing her to feel the pressure of my fingers against her skin. "Lotus and Aloe would absolutely love having you perform massages for their spa!" she added with excitement.

"Uh, I hate to say it," I countered. "But the whole idea of spas just isn't my cup of tea."

"Oh, well that's rather unfortunate," she responded, pouting. "But perhaps you could indulge a lady in a more...personal massage sometime, hmm?" she added, her starry-eyed gaze and smile returning quicker than it had vanished.

"Uh...I'll have to think it over," I replied quickly, in utter shock at what the fashionista had just suggested, my mind going down the "dirty" road again. "Could we just get the measurements over with for now?" I asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Of course, darling. Like I said, you'll have to remove your suit so I can get the proper dimensions."

After kicking my boots off, I slowly and reluctantly removed my flight suit, stripping down to just my boxer briefs. Unfortunately for me, my anatomy wasn't exactly like a stallion, and didn't allow me to hide the telltale bulge. Rarity immediately noticed, and stared at it with another look of curiosity.

I loudly cleared my throat. "Uh...Rarity? Those measurements?" I said firmly, Interrupting her unusual fascinations once again.

She shook her head as she was knocked from her trance. "Oh my, I'm sorry darling. I can't believe I was staring—how rude of me,"

She levitated a measuring tape over to me; deftly wrapping it around my waist and chest, measuring my arm and leg length, and the inseam—using my flight suit as a reference, all while writing the measurements down on a note pad at the same time. This mare is good, I thought to myself, cracking a slight grin.

"All finished!" she exclaimed with pride. "I don't think it should take me more than a few hours to make you a presentable ensemble. You can wait if you'd like—I'd hate for you to have to put that dirty suit of yours back on," she added, a serious look on her face.

"I don't mind waiting," I replied. "But could I have something to cover myself with? I'm feeling a bit exposed in my current lack of proper attire."

"Of course darling, I'll get you something right away," she said with a nod, levitating a section of cloth over to me.

I formed a toga from the sheet she had given me, walking over to her couch, firmly dropping myself down. Although the thought of sex with a talking pony—however taboo, crazy, and downright wrong it seemed—was beginning to seem like a sound, workable option. Rarity's questioning snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Darling, are you hungry? I could make you a sandwich and some tea if you'd like?" she asked with a sincere tone.

"Oh, you don't have to do that. I couldn't impose on you,"

"Believe me darling, I don't mind in the least," she said with pride. "After all, I am the Element of Generosity, and I won't have anyone, especially a guest, go hungry on my watch." She added, turning towards the kitchen, walking away.

I couldn't help but stare at her flank as she sauntered away, suddenly finding myself enjoying the rhythmic sway of her hips, and the way her tail bounced with each step. My daydream was broken minutes later when Rarity reappeared, levitating a sandwich and steaming cup of tea over to me, trotting back towards her work station. I thanked her as I gingerly ate the sandwich, savoring the sweet and tangy taste of the vegetables, flowers and dressing, while the minty green tea was superb. Having gone through survival training, I had eaten much odder things.

"What colors do you like, darling? Oh, and what sort of style are you looking for?" she asked as she set out her design tools.

"Well, the basics, I suppose. Earthy tones like tan, brown, green. Dark reds and blues, and gray," I answered swiftly, with military precision. "I think pants are in order—dress and casual. For shirts, something comfortable, but simple. Oh and a dress shirt to go with the dress pants," I added, remembering the possible job offer in Canterlot. Besides, looking good is always...good!

"Consider it done, darling!" she beamed, with a wide smile.

I watched in awe as she went to work, setting a pair of orange glasses on her snout—drawing out sketches from the dimensions, adding colors, and manipulating a multitude of fabrics, approving this, disapproving that. Watching the fashionista work was tiring, my eyes getting heavy, drowsiness overtaking me. Must be Twi's residual magic,I guessed, before passing out cold yet again.

***

I was awakened by the feeling of a light prodding on my leg. Slowly opening my eyes, I realized it was Rarity, looking at me fixedly. "Oh, uh. Rarity. Hey," I muttered, blinking my eyes, hazy from waking. "Are you finished already?" I asked while yawning, assuming that's why she had woken me.

"Yes darling, and in only three hours!" she answered proudly. "I think you'll like what I've created for you!" she added with confidence, levitating my outfits over to me. One was a dress ensemble, with a forest green polo-style shirt, and dark tan pants—both made out of a heavy, but soft material. The other three were casual pieces—simple shirts with elements of blue, clashing nicely with darker reds, and even grays. The pants resembled the feel of denim, but slightly softer. She had even managed to make me a belt, as well as some new underwear.

I could feel her staring patiently at me, awaiting my reaction.

"These are amazing!" I proclaimed, removing my haphazard toga, and slipping into a pair of the casual pants she had made. The length was a tad long, but I was concerned about comfort in more...private areas, which was thankfully plenty roomy. The shirts fit well, although a bit tight around the chest. All in all, she had outdone herself in making me a suitable wardrobe.

"I even took the liberty of cleaning your old outfit, using a spell Twilight showed me," she said, levitating my flight suit over to me, looking almost brand-new, save for the sewn-up holes. Won't have to ask Twi to do it now, I thought as I placed it with my new wardrobe.

"I can't thank you enough for this, Rarity," I said, looking into her big blue eyes, losing myself in her beauty. Suddenly, the logical thought of payment came screaming in from left field, breaking me out of my trance. "Rarity, I don't think I can afford to pay you in full right now. This must be expensive," I stated nervously, unsure of how she would react.

"Oh that's fine, darling, it's no trouble at all. Consider this a favor, hmmm?" she said easily. "Perhaps you could indulge me in a massage sometime, to return the favor?" she added with a slightly sultry tone while smiling, making me blush in surprise. Rarity too? What is it with these mares? I thought to myself as I stared at her, in awe at the suggestion she had just made.

Oh, and before you leave, I forgot that Twilight brought this by for you earlier, while you were napping," she added, levitating a neatly folded piece of paper to me, a gold foil seal closing it tight, with my name on the front in perfect cursive.

"Thank you again Rarity," I said in earnest. "These clothes mean so much to me—you have no idea." I added gratefully, putting my boots on and heading towards the door.

"It was nothing, darling. I'm just glad you like them!" she said cheerfully, a proud smile on her face as she opened the door for me with her magic. "If you need more, please don't hesitate to come back!" she added as I walked out, waving goodbye. After walking a while, I remembered the sealed paper she had given me, and I stopped to open it, curious of its contents. I broke the seal, and unfolded it, staring in awe at what I was reading:

Dear Jason,

I wanted to thank you again for lifting my spirits last night—dancing with you was the most fun I've had in quite some time! You don't seem to be like most stallions, and that intrigues me. There's something about you I just can't put my hoof on. I would very much like to see you again, so I would like you to join me for dinner tonight at the Galloping Gourmand, as a formal thank-you. Reservations are for 7 o'clock. I hope to see you there.

-Fleur

I took it all in, a feeling of butterflies in my stomach, again realizing that I was developing an attraction to this mare. And I was feeling good about it. As I began walking back to the library, I looked up at the sun, and estimated it to be around 4 o'clock. Plenty of time to get ready for my date...