Wilted Flower

Chapter 5:
Anguish and Comfort

I watched the crippled helicopter turn and make its way back to base, quickly realizing that the mission was going to Hell in a handbasket. My thoughts weren't allowed to linger for long, as another concentration of tracer fire arced into the second Blackhawk, scoring a few hits on the side and a portion of the rotor head. I noticed movement on the hill behind the building, but the distance and the lack of depth perception my night optics provided made it difficult to see what was transpiring.

It was at that very moment I realized, as I maneuvered the helicopter for a better vantage point, that the movement I thought I saw on the hill was actually there. Is the hill splitting in two? What in the... Then it hit me—it wasn't a hill. It was some sort of bunker made to look like the surrounding landscape—and formerly concealed inside was what looked like a giant flashlight, but with multiple cables attached.

“At our ten O'clock! What in the hell is that thing?” I called to my co-pilot, directing his vision to the moving landscape.

“I don't know!” he answered. “Looks like some sort of a weap—”

He never got to finish the sentence, as the flashlight-like device lit up the night sky with a blinding white aura. A searing heat filled the cabin, and I felt as though I was being pulled into a vacuum, with no end in sight. I immediately removed my night optics—tearing them off of their mount and casting them aside, throwing up a hand to shield my eyes from the brilliant light. As soon as it had started, the light winked out—leaving blurred images of everything in my eyes, but luckily they were still somewhat functional.

My head felt tight; a migraine slowly building. My helicopter began spinning out of control, threatening to throw me from the craft, my harness holding me in a tight embrace as the engine faltered and died, sending the heavy craft plummeting to the earth below. I called out for my co-pilot, but when I looked over, all I saw was what looked like his charred remains staining the seat. It took every ounce of energy I had to resist the urge to vomit, as the smell of burning fibers and flesh assaulted my nose—the image and smell forever imprinted in my mind.

I tried in vain to stop the spin, my muscles screaming from the exertion of fighting with the flight controls. I looked at the panel, but all the digital displays were black, and the compass was in a frenzy. I tried to think about what had hit us, looking around to see if the other helicopters in my flight group were experiencing the same effects as I was, but I couldn't see them. I realized that it was most likely an energy weapon of some sort, perhaps an EMP.

This realization came too late though, as my helicopter violently slammed itself into the ground. And then everything went black...

***

"NO!" I screamed as I awoke—my body aching, soaked with sweat, and a baseball-sized lump wedged in my throat. I immediately scanned my surroundings, looking for my rifle to combat the enemies that I knew would soon come searching for me.

Fortunately, they never came.

Instead, I noticed Fleur laying on the floor across from the couch, staring at me with a mixed look of concern and fear. She slowly stood up and made her way to me, calming slightly only after she saw that I had begun to realize I was in her apartment.

"Are you...okay?" she asked with wide eyes, visibly concerned, unsure of what I was going to do.

"No, I'm not. It was a nightmare of how I apparently arrived here. I was re-living the attack on my helicopter," I said as I sat up on the couch, my entire body still shaking as she cautiously moved closer to me, hesitating with each step she took.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked, the fear evident in her voice.

“Aside from just being here with me, I really don’t think there’s much that you could do...which leads me to ask, why were you lying on the floor?”

"I-I heard you screaming throughout the night," she said with worry, a frown playing across her face. "When I came to see what was the matter... I saw you tossing and turning. I’ve...never seen anything like it before. I’ve had nightmares of my own, but I’ve never seen anypony going through what you were. I was so worried about you...so I decided to keep watch over you throughout the rest of the night. I was going to wake you...but...I wasn’t sure what would have happened if I did..." she added as she sat next to me on the couch, resting her head on my shoulder. The gesture caught me off guard, but I didn’t push her away—somehow, having her close was actually helping me to relax.

"You didn't have to do that, but I'm flattered that you did. And honestly, I probably would have attacked you if you had woken me up.” I admitted, causing her to look at me in shock.

“You would...d-do that?” she said in fear, her eyes going wide as she quickly pulled her head back, her voice trembling with each word.

I shook my head. “Not intentionally, no. The nightmare was very...violent. I think it’s best we just leave it at that. I’ve...been through a lot.” I added tensely as she looked at me with wide eyes. I gave her a light smile to reassure her that I wasn’t going to hurt her, as I placed a hand on her shoulder to further reinforce my point.

She let out a sigh of relief when she saw me smile, and rested her head back on my shoulder. “I’m just glad that you’re okay. I’m not sure what I’d do if something bad actually happened to you.” she said, tears beginning to form in her eyes. Seeing her tear up, struck me hard, I was overwhelmed by her concern for me. I began to wonder why she was suddenly becoming more interested in me.

“I’m curious...why me?”

“Why you?”

“Yeah, why me? You could have picked any stallion you wanted, but yet you chose me, the human. I’m not even a pony.”

She hung her head low as she looked at me through half-lidded eyes. “Honestly, I’m still not over the events that happened with Fancypants...”

I nodded silently in agreement, a small pang of jealousy crossing my mind. I understood that she still harbored feelings for him—since they had shared a long and intimate relationship—but I couldn’t help to wonder if she was just looking for comfort from a friend. I wouldn’t know unless I asked for more information.

“I can sense that he meant a lot to you; that losing him was like losing a part of yourself, am I right?” I asked, treading lightly, hoping to avoid opening up a can of worms.

She began to tear up, but took a deep breath to compose herself. “Yes. We had shared so much together, and when he left me for...her, it felt as though he had pulled out my heart and just cast it aside like a piece of trash. I tried talking to him, but he wanted nothing to do with it. It was as though there was something he was hiding from me, and I was utterly devastated.”

Her words filled me with a deep-seated rage for what he had put her through, but it wasn’t my place to get angry at someone I didn’t know. I was still concerned for her feelings, and wanted to do everything I could to comfort her since she had confided in me.

The fact that she had confided in me at all was confusing, and I needed to know why.

“I still don’t understand—where do I fit into all of this?”

She took a deep breath, taking her time to think about her response.

“It’s because you aren’t a pony; you’re not self-centered and arrogant like other stallions—you actually care about me. You’ve shown me nothing but kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for my feelings. Not to mention that you lifted my spirits when we danced, and the dinner we shared was simply amazing. You went out of your way to help me, and I’m grateful for it.”

“But don’t you have friends that you could go to for this sort of thing? I’m not saying I don’t want to help, but I just don’t think I’d be very good at giving the best advice in this situation.”

“I did have friends...”

“You did? What happened?”

“Well, ever since Fancypants left, all the friends I had began to completely ignore me—like I didn’t even exist. I tried talking to them, but they just gave me the cold shoulder.”

“Seems to me that they only cared about Fancypants; not who was associated with him. True friends wouldn’t do something like that.”

She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. “As sad as it is, I do believe you’re right...”

It was time for me to be open and honest with her. I felt a strong sympathy for her plight, and I was genuinely interested in getting to know her better. If I was going to make any headway with building a new life here, it was certainly a good starting point. The more ponies I knew, the easier it would be for me to carry on.

“I can’t say the same for myself. I care about who someone is for their personality. As odd as it feels for me to say this—I enjoy being with you, and I want to be here for you whenever you need me.”

Her eyes went wide with surprise at what I had just said. “Are you saying what I think you are?”

I simply nodded. “Yes. I’ve been thinking about how I’m stuck here in Equestria, and to never be able to get back home. It’s made me realize that I need to make some semblance of a life for myself, if I’m to survive—physically, emotionally, and mentally.”

She wrapped her forelegs around me in a warm embrace, catching me off guard yet again.

Something inside me screamed for me to push her away, but the strange calming and relaxing feeling that her embrace created overpowered that nagging little voice. I caved in and wrapped my arms around her, reveling in her flowery scent and the heat that radiated from her body. I ran my hands along her back, losing myself in the soft, velvety texture of her fur, and she let out a pleasant sigh.

"I...can't begin to imagine how you must feel.” she said in a sweet, comforting voice. “Suddenly losing everything you've ever known, and having your life turned upside-down must be downright frightening. I’m just glad that I could help." .

You have no idea, I thought to myself.

I pulled away from our embrace, looking back into her eyes. "You know, it wasn't until I met you that I felt...stable. Winding up in an alien and unfamiliar land has been very taxing on my mind; trying to cope with such a drastic change is overwhelming. I don't know how to explain it, but I just seem to feel comfortable when I'm around you."

She blushed the deepest crimson I've ever seen, and smiled warmly as she stared back at me. "I...don't know what to say," she said in surprise.

It was now or never. If I were to get past my worries of being intimate with a pony, a simple kiss would be a good start.

"You don't have to say anything," I remarked with a smile, caressing her cheek with my hand, closing my eyes, taking a deep breath, leaning forward...

...Only to be interrupted by a loud knocking at the front door.

I pulled away and sighed heavily in frustration, giving the door an angry stare, and then realized it was probably better that I hadn't made my move. Probably still too soon, I thought as I moved to get up off the couch to answer the door, but Fleur placed a hoof on my shoulder.

"I'll get it. You need to get cleaned up, and I'll make us some breakfast while you do. How about pancakes, eggs, and some fruit?" she asked.

"That sounds wonderful." I said with enthusiasm, nodding my head.

"Okay, then. Now go get ready—I should be done by the time you're finished."

"Okay," I sighed as I stood up, stretching my sore muscles as best as I could. "Wait, what about my dirty clothes?" I asked as she made her way over to the door.

"Just leave them outside the bathroom—I'll take care of them with a cleansing spell."

“Okay.” I replied. That seems to be a pretty popular spell. Probably as common as levitation, I thought to myself.

As I made my way towards the bathroom, she stopped me short, calling me over to the front door.

"Jason, there's a pegasus who's asking for you by name," she said as I turned and walked to the door. "He says his name is Storm Chaser—he met you at the restaurant the other day?" She inquired, a puzzled look forming on her face. I just nodded, and she turned and made her way towards the kitchen.

As I got closer to the door, I noticed the unmistakable forest green color of the pegasus stallion I had the good fortune to meet at the restaurant days ago.

“Hey there chief!” he exclaimed when he saw me, a big smile plastered across his face.

“Hey Storm, what brings you here?” I asked, a puzzled look forming across my own face. “And how did you find me?”

“I’m here in regards to the job interview I mentioned the other day. Shining Armor said he’d take some time to talk to you, since he’s been keen on getting to know you better—being the new creature in town, and all. Seems strange that's he's waited until now to express his interest...”

I scratched my chin in thought. “I assumed he would have wanted to speak with me when I first arrived, but seeing as how I’ve been staying with Twilight since my arrival I can only assume that he’s been keeping tabs on me through her.” I added, figuring my reasoning was fairly on-par.

“Yeah, that's a logical explanation,” he said, nodding his head in agreement. “And to answer your other question, it was Twilight herself who said I could find you here. She said you were off on some big date—and might I say, you’ve hooked yourself quite the mare,” he added with a wink, nudging me on the shoulder with a hoof. “Judging by the looks of you, it must’ve been a wild night!” he added with a hearty chuckle, noticing my sweaty and ruffled clothing.

My eyes went wide with shock and embarrassment at the suggestion he had just made. “What? No, nothing happened!” I exclaimed, my brows furrowing, an edge of anger in my voice. “I got stuck here after a storm broke out, and...you know what, forget about it. And it was a rough night, but not how you think. So just drop the subject, okay?” I added, the stress of my nightmare coming back to the forefront of my mind.

He held up a defensive hoof, and looked at me apologetically. “Whoa, take it easy bud. I’m sorry I took it too far, alright?”

I let out a long sigh. “Sure. No harm done. Did you want me to meet you at the castle once I’m ready?” I asked, slowly beginning to calm down.

“Yeah,” he replied. “I’ll inform the guards that you’re coming, and to let you in when you arrive.”

“Okay,” I replied, holding out my hand, which he accepted and shook firmly.

“Don’t worry about it, we all have our bad days,” he said with a smirk, waving a dismissive hoof. “I’ll see you soon.” And with that, he headed off towards the castle.

I walked back into the apartment, closing the door behind me. I made my way towards the bathroom, glanced into the kitchen, and saw that Fleur was busy preparing breakfast while humming a beautiful song. I couldn’t help but stare at her lithe form; from her long, slender legs, narrow flank, to her rump. The embrace we had shared sent my mind into thoughts of physical intimacy again—the idea of which was beginning to grow on me. I shook the thought from my mind, regained my focus and finally made my way to the bathroom.

I disrobed and left my clothes outside as Fleur had instructed, stepping into yet another spacious shower—this one being slightly bigger due to Fleur’s taller stature. It seemed that her beauty products were essentially the same as the ones Twilight used, but these had her cutie mark emblazoned on the label. A model with her own beauty line? I thought to myself. This mare is beautiful and successful? Impressive.

I let the hot water flow over me, trying to make sense of the nightmare. Every time I tried to bring the sights, sounds, and smells of the event to light, I suddenly felt nauseous—just as I had done during the incident that had brought me to this strange, yet beautiful land. I shook my head, and focused on the task at hand, struggling to force everything from my mind. I knew from fellow soldiers’ traumatic experiences that I was going to face a long and hard road to recovery, but at least I had ponies—especially Fleur—that seemed to care deeply enough about me to help me through it all.

I finished washing up, and stepped out of the shower, grabbing a very large towel—large enough to be considered a blanket—and dried myself off, noticing that my clothes were neatly folded on a shelf by the door. Fleur must have snuck in while I was occupied with laundering myself and set them there. I was starting to think that she was brought into my life here for a reason, but my thoughts were soon pushed back by the rumbling protest of my stomach. I suited up and made my way to the kitchen, the smell of freshly cooked pancakes and eggs wafting through the apartment.

Fleur had already set the table, and was just finishing up with the second stack of pancakes when I walked in. She saw me and gave me yet another warm and relaxing smile, while looking me up and down.

“I know I’ve already said this, but I must say it again—that outfit looks simply dashing on you. I’m curious as to whom you had make it for you.” She stated with an air of serious curiosity.

I adjusted my outfit a bit to straighten it out. “It was a gift—more or less—from Rarity, Ponyville’s resident fashion mare.” I said with pride, thankful for Rarity’s attention to detail, and keen eye for style. It seemed I was still making a good impression, even for an ‘ugly alien creature’.

“Isn’t she one of those elements I’ve been hearing about recently?” She asked.

“That’s her—the Element of Generosity. Although when she’s not busy saving Equestria, she’s a very good fashion designer, as you’ve noticed.” I added with a chuckle, eliciting a cute giggle from Fleur. I made my way to the table and sat down, diving right into my generous stack of pancakes along with my eggs and fruit, devouring them in near record time, much to Fleur’s astonishment. I apologized for my lack of manners, but she didn’t seem to be bothered one bit by it.

She waited until I was finished eating to speak up. “So, what did that pegasus want to speak to you about, if you don’t mind me asking? He said you had met him at a restaurant the other day?”

“Yes. Well, he essentially offered me a job working for the Royal Guard, and I accepted. I can only hope the interview goes well.”

Her ears perked up and her eyes went wide at my mention of the Royal Guard. “Y-You mean you might get a job working with the princesses?” She asked, her eyes going wide with excitement.

“Well, not directly I would imagine, but something less notable. And that’s considering I even get the job. I’m just worried about how well it’s going to go. After all, what could a human do for the Royal Guard? I’m not capable of magic like a unicorn, nor can I fly like a pegasus,” I explained. “The only thing I could think he’d offer me would be in a logistical sense. Paperwork and such.”

Fleur nodded as she smiled brightly. “Well, I’ll be happy for you, no matter the outcome. You’re such a gentlecolt, and from what you’ve told me about your military experience, it should be easy for you.”

I returned her warm smile. “Thank you. Although there’s a saying where I’m from: ‘Expect nothing, and never be disappointed’. Keeping that in mind, if I do get shot down, I’m not going to be worse off than when I started. I’ll still have my handyman job to fall back on.”

I glanced at the clock on the wall, and noticed that it was still fairly early. If I wanted to make a good impression—whether I got the job or not—punctuality was a good idea. I stood up from my seat at the table, and opened my mouth to say something, before Fleur interrupted me.

“Are you leaving now?” She asked, her mouth turned downwards in a frown, her eyes silently pleading for me to stay.

“Yes. If I’m to make a good impression, I’ll need to be there early.” I said, making my way to the front door of her apartment.

She let out a disheartened sigh as she followed me to the front door, stopping me before I could open it. She retained a sad expression as she looked deep into my eyes.

“I...don’t want you to go, but I know you have to. I just feel that if you walk out that door...I’ll never see you again.” She said as she fought back tears, her head hung low.

I lifted her chin with my hand, stared into her clouded eyes, and smiled warmly at her. “You’ll see me again, I promise. I can’t ignore the way you make me feel, and I want...no, I need that feeling in my life.”

“Y-You really mean that?” She asked, a smile slowly spreading across her lips.

“I do. And this isn’t goodbye, but so long...for now.”

She stepped forward and wrapped her forelegs around me, nuzzling me, and then she softly kissed my cheek. I pulled back slightly, but I was still in the gentle embrace of her hooves. I placed my hand along the cheek she had just kissed, and tried not to let my mouth fall open. Her eyes continued to look back at me, only now they were glistening with a silent joy. If I could be sure of the implications, I would have kissed her right then and there, but hesitation kicked in. That was, until I saw her close her eyes and she slightly parted her lips as she inched her muzzle closer to me. Unable to resist her offer, and feeling her hooves grip me tighter, I finally gave in. I placed my arms hesitantly around her shoulders. I checked to see if she was really intent on kissing me, but her eyes remained closed and her hooves seemed to tug me toward her even more. I let my eyes fall shut as my lips finally met hers.

A jolt of pleasure raced up my back, my heart racing as I lost myself in the gentle feeling of her lips pressed to mine. Somehow, even though it shouldn’t have been physically possible, my lips locked perfectly with hers, and I lost myself in the feeling of our union. I let it linger just long enough, but not wanting to get carried away, I slowly drew back. I opened my eyes and she opened hers, looking at me quite fondly.

A soft smile crept up onto her face, filling me with a silent joy as I smiled back. "I'll look forward to your return."

She kept smiling at me as her hooves finally released me. I placed my hand under her chin one more time. "I'll be back, never doubt that. Be well, Fleur." With that said, I finally headed out the door, turning back to give her one last look and a warm, happy smile.

***

The smile faded from her face as she watched the door close behind him, seeming to suddenly leave the apartment feeling empty—despite all the furnishings and decorations that surrounded her. She wasn’t sure why yet, but she felt deep down that Jason’s presence in her life was just what she needed. She let out a heavy sigh, and let her gaze fall upon all the various items that Fancypants had brought back from his business trips across Equestria. There were tapestries, paintings, vases, and various statues of famous ponies scattered neatly around the living room.

Oh, Fancypants...Fleur thought to herself, bowing her head as tears began to fill her eyes. She slowly made her way to the bedroom, walking over to the nightstand next to her bed. Her eyes scanned the large surface of the bed, and a torrent of sadness washed over her mind as she levitated a photo off of the nightstand, staring at it intently through watery eyes—a happy photo of her and Fancy nuzzling during their first Hearths Warming Eve together. It seemed the more she looked at anything that reminded her of him, the worse her emotions became. The entire apartment was becoming a catalyst for her pain.

“Why did you have to go and do something so insensitive? We had so much going for us...” she sobbed, closing her eyes and letting the wave of emotions overtake her. “And now it’s all gone.”

She couldn’t fathom how Fancypants could do something so heartless. Was she meaningless to him? Did all the passionate nights they shared mean nothing to him? All the romantic dinners, and the countless social events they had attended together? She couldn’t help but to think that she was just there to fill a void in his life, until someone new came along. And he had proven that thought to be true the night she had found him in bed with that other mare. Her mind raced with the memories of all the intimate moments they had shared in this very bedroom, and she quickly blocked them out, not wanting to tumble farther into the looming depression.

She opened the drawer to the nightstand and placed the photograph face-down inside, in hopes that not seeing the picture would help her to forget. Closing the drawer, she used a hoof to wipe away the tears from her eyes and took several deep breaths to try and calm herself down. She decided a hot cup of tea might help her to relax, so she made her way into the kitchen, swiftly making a cup of her favorite lavender and chamomile blend.

When she finished, she walked into the living room, heading towards the spacious couch, setting the steaming mug down on the coffee table. She laid herself down on the couch, allowing her head to come to rest on the pillow she had provided Jason with the night before. She took another deep breath to relax herself, and when she did, a musky and sweet odor wafted up her nose, causing her whole body to tingle with tiny pinpricks of mild intoxication. She closed her eyes and sighed softly, a wave of comfort coursing through her entire body. It was almost the same feeling as the buzz she got when she’d indulged in just a tad bit too much wine—but not enough to be considered drunk.

All the thoughts of Fancypants were pushed from her mind as she reveled in Jason’s entrancing odor. Her mind was now awash with thoughts of his kind and modest personality, along with his unusual and exotic form. She thought back to the hug they had shared earlier—the way his hands felt against her skin and fur, and the strength, comfort, and safety of his embrace, and the tender kiss they had shared—the feel of his soft lips pressed against hers. She began to wonder how someone so alien and strange could possibly make her feel such strong emotions.

He’s not a pony—but I can’t help to think that he’s exactly what I need in my life...The way he stood up to that arrogant stallion outside the restaurant, without regard to his own safety was chivalrous, not to mention daring. To think he would have fought for my honor was a bit outlandish, but noble and kind. He’s everything I want in a stallion, but him being a human shouldn’t make any difference...should it?

She lifted her head off the pillow and glanced at the front door, wondering how Jason was faring with his interview, and how soon it would be before she would see him again. Even though he promised her that he’d be back, she still held a shred of doubt in her mind. She didn’t want to get up off the couch and lose the relaxed and elated feeling his scent was creating, but she needed to get away from the apartment—most notably anything and everything that reminded her of Fancypants.

She slowly rose from her comfortable position, and stared at her cup of tea for what seemed like an eternity. She wanted to enjoy its rich and smooth flavor, but couldn’t endure another moment alone in the emotionally depressing apartment. She decided a walk around Canterlot would help to clear her troubled mind, and help her towards a decision about Jason, without memories of Fancypants interfering. Perhaps a stop at her favorite cafe for a pastry and some tea she could actually enjoy would help as well. She gathered her coin pouch, and a few other sundries, placed them in her saddlebag, and walked out the door without looking back.

***

As Fleur made her way through the streets, she could sense the eyes of everyone staring at her as she passed. For some reason, she had a feeling they were quietly talking about her. Her suspicions were confirmed when she picked up on hushed whispers as she passed two ponies—a stallion and a mare, both wearing collared shirts with sweaters tied around their necks.

“I can’t believe she just let him go like that. If he were my stallion, I would have fought tooth and nail to get him back.” the mare said with scorn.

“You’re absolutely right, dear,” the stallion agreed. “And to think, she’s already moved on to another stallion—that bizarre human creature that’s had all of Canterlot in an uproar for the past few days. It’s atrocious!”

Fleur couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Gossip was rampant among the upper-class here in Canterlot, but these ponies were just going too far with their callous comments. It was one thing to prattle on about someones gaudy fashion choices, but to slander someone’s name without thinking was just cruel. They didn’t know about Jason’s kind and caring personality, and the way he put others before himself. She silently wished that he was here with her—he would have no problem with giving these mean-spirited ponies a piece of his mind.

She cast a sidewards glance at the ponies, a scornful look playing across her face. The couple noticed it, and immediately stopped talking, suddenly realizing that the mare they were degrading had heard every callous word. She would have spoken up, but she was too distraught to start a heated argument.

She finally reached her destination after what seemed like miles, hearing more and more gossiping ponies talking down about her plight with Fancypants. She wasn’t sure if she even wanted to continue to the cafe, but she was already out front—too late to just turn around and head back to the apartment. She walked inside, noticing that the business wasn’t as crowded as it usually was. She walked up to the counter, and ordered herself a large cup of her favorite tea and a buttered croissant to enjoy as well. She made her way over to a corner booth and sat down, and began sipping her tea, the relaxing sensation helping her to push aside all the heartless and insulting gossip she had just endured. She was finally able to clear her mind, thinking about Jason, and the future...

***

Rarity trotted with pride through the streets of Canterlot, her head held high, and her saddlebags packed full of designs and a large pouch of bits she received from Hoity Toity as payment for her newest fashion creations. As she made her way down the street, she noticed a sign hanging outside one of the many cafes that seemed to populate Canterlot.

“Hmm. The Vani-Tea cafe...” She muttered to herself, a perplexed look on her face. Even though she came to Canterlot now and again on business, she knew of most of the finer establishments—but this cafe was new to her. She decided to stop in and indulge in some tea, and perhaps a snack, to celebrate her newest fashion line being approved for sale to high-society.

She walked inside, ordered her favorite blend of tea and a cinnamon muffin, and set herself down at a corner booth, sipping on her tea and gingerly nibbling at the muffin. She lost herself in the blending flavors of the tea and pastry, her mind wandering over the days events when she noticed a tall, slender mare on the other side of the cafe. She stared at the mare for a moment: scrutinizing her cutie mark. Three highly-stylized lily flowers: one large gold one, and two smaller purple ones.

Where have I seen this mare before? She thought to herself, trying to recall the distant memory.

The slender mare walked over, about to pass Rarity’s table. Rarity looked up at her and tried to get her attention. “Excuse me, but haven’t we met before?”

Fleur looked at the smaller white unicorn. She blinked her violet eyes; there was something familiar about her. The slender mare walked closer to Rarity. “Why yes, I do believe we have. It was a brief encounter, some time ago.”

Rarity nodded in agreement, eyes scrutinizing the mare further. Then it finally hit her. “Oh, now I remember. You’re Fleur de Lis, the unicorn model that was with Fancypants.” She smiled confidently, at last recalling why Fleur looked so familiar.

There it was…the name that still stung like fiery needles in her heart. Fleur fought the urge to grimace at Rarity. “Please, don’t mention that name!” she snapped bitterly.

Rarity’s eyes widened in alarm; she hoped she hadn’t misspoken. “Oh my, darling, I’m so sorry if I’ve offended you.”

Fleur could see the genuine sincerity behind Rarity’s pure blue eyes. She cast out a sigh and shook her head. “It’s all right, there’s no way you could have known—though everypony else seems to.” Fleur could still feel the stares of the other ponies and recall the hushed gossip she heard them spewing about her.

Rarity glanced at Fleur profusely. “Know what, exactly?” she used her magic and pulled out one of the empty chairs at her table. “Please, won’t you have a seat?”

Fleur sighed again. Could it be that there was still a mare that didn’t know about her and Fancy Pants? Giving a solemn nod, the slender unicorn gracefully sat down at Rarity’s table. “Thank you. Now, let me explain…”