For Twenty Bits

“In this gem, you will seek;

What you want, for twenty bits.”

-

Rarity raised a hoof to her chin in consideration. Twenty bits was a bit much, but then it was such a beauty. She floated the bits to the hooded unicorn, and was floated the dark blue gem in return. Rarity leapt with excitement as she looked at the gem. She could see it on her latest outfit - oh, how it would bring out her eyes!

Then she realised she was still in the middle of the market, and that the other ponies were all looking at her. Hanging her head low, she dropped the gem into her pouch, before hurrying off.

-

“How was your trip to Canterlot, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, as they slid into the spa. The warm waters sent pleasant tingles up her spine.

“It was wonderful, Fluttershy,” sighed Rarity, as Aloe rubbed her back. “I met such a gentlestallion while I was shopping. He showed me around some restaurants, and offered to treat moi!”

Fluttershy smiled. “Oh, you are so lucky. How was your date?”

Rarity held her hoof to her head in her usual dramatic fashion. “Alas, I had to finish Fancypants’ suit that day, so I had to turn him down. He did promise to treat me the next time I was in Canterlot, however.”

“I wish I had such luck.”

Fluttershy felt soothed as Rarity held a hoof to her shoulder.

“He’ll see what a fine mare you are, sooner or later.”

Rarity stopped, as if to think. “I found the most brilliant blue gem in Canterlot. I think I’ll sew you an outfit with it, so Big Macintosh can see what a lovely pony you are!”

Fluttershy felt her heartbeat race. If Rarity could-

“I couldn’t!” she exclaimed. It was Rarity’s gem, after all. She knew how much Rarity loved her gems.

Rarity shook her head. “You deserve to be happy, Fluttershy.

It’s the least I can do.”

-

“See you, Rarity!”

“See you, Fluttershy!”

As Rarity was returning to the Carousel Boutique, she turned check her friend was not behind her. When she saw Fluttershy was gone, she let herself slouch.

“Big Macintosh,” she spat. Then she mentally scolded herself.

She wanted Fluttershy to be happy, and she had meant it when she said that.

Even if it means unhappiness for myself.

-

Rarity leaned in to the fabric as she stitched the pattern. It was stressful work; made worse by the thought of Fluttershy cosying up to Big Mac.

No, don’t think about that!

She refocused on stitching the hem of the dress. When she was done, she reached behind her for the blue gem-

-

“Rarity?” asked Fluttershy meekly as she knocked on the door again. “Rarity?”

The sound of hoofsteps behind her made her turn.

“Oh, Rarity, I’ve been so-” Fluttershy stopped when she saw the white filly staring up at her. “Sweetie Belle, have you seen

your sister?”

Sweetie Belle shook her head. “What’s up, Fluttershy?”

“Your sister told me to meet her at time, but she’s not answering the door.”

“I’m sure all she needs is a little…” said Sweetie Belle, as she took a few steps backward. “NUDGE!”

The filly rammed into the door, but the door did not budge.

“Oh, are you okay?” asked Fluttershy, as the filly spun around in circles.

“I’m okay…”

With those words, Sweetie Belle collapsed on the floor. It was then that a thought occurred to Fluttershy, and she turned the knob on the door. The door opened.

“Sorry,” said the pegasus, with an embarrassed shrug. The filly raised a hoof in acknowledgement.

“Rarity?” asked the pegasus again, and again there was no response. She walked to Rarity’s workroom, but the unicorn wasn’t there. She saw, however, the shimmering sky-blue dress Rarity had made for her. Oh, Rarity, where are you…

“Fluttershy…”

“Rarity?!”

Fluttershy hoofed it to the worktable, and started looking up and down. She had heard Rarity’s voice, but where was Rarity?

“Fluttershy…”

Fluttershy peered over the table, but there was no one there. Then she spotted a movement from the floor.

“No…”

The pegasus gaped as she realised the source of the voice. She reached her hoof out to the gem and-

-

When Sweetie Belle entered the workroom, it was empty, save for a shimmering sky-blue dress.