Chapter 5

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Dusk and Molly were on their way to Rarity’s shop. They had eaten lunch beforehand so; both ponies were in a good mood. Molestia was curious as to why a stallion would have to visit such an obviously gaudy establishment as a boutique, so she tagged along to find out. Dusk had been unusually secretive about it when asked. This worried the dull-white alicorn.

“Why do you have to be so secretive about this dear? It’s not as if you’re having an affair with some star-crossed lover. Or…are you? No it can’t be. You don’t have the social skills for that.”

Dusk’s ears sagged. “Molly I’m not having an affair nor do I have a ‘fuck-buddy’ as you so eloquently put it. You’re just going to have to be surprised.”

“But I hate surprises…unless I’m the one doing the surprising!”

“That’s just too bad, cause I’m not saying a word.”

Molly pouted. “Fine be a pony-pooper.”

Dusk nocked on the door hearing Rarity’s sing-song voice.

“Just one moment I’m coming darling.”

Molestia snickered. “I wonder if she sounds like that while being plowed from behind.”

“Molly shut up! Rarity is a good friend of mine and she’s very picky about first impressions.”

“I despise ponies that always associate such importance with first impressions. Why some ponies would assume I was some dirty old mare that’s up to no good.”

“That’s because you are.”

Molestia snorted. “I resent that. I don’t look that old!”

Dusk face hoofed. “Please just be quiet for a few minutes so I can talk to Rarity.”

Rarity opened the door with a smile. “Why hello darling how are you today?”

“I’m fine Rarity, I was wondering if you could make something for me.”

“Ah so you would like a commission. What, might I ask, do you want?”

“I need a suit, preferably something in either black or maybe blue.”

Rarity grinned. “Oh is that so? Well for what occasion darling?”

“Um I just want to look…nice?”

“You and I both know that’s a load of horse apples Dusk. So who’s the mare or stallion you’re trying to impress?”

“…Cheerilee.”

“Hmm not terribly surprising although you two would make a good match. Very well darling come inside and we can get started.”

Dusk threw his hooves in the air. “Why does everypony say that?”

“Because it’s as the saying goes: Pegasai of a feather, stick together. You both have similar interests, after all. Oh my word I didn’t see you standing there your highness. Please forgive me for being rude!”

Molestia laughed politely. “It’s not a problem. How are you doing Ms. Belle?”

Rarity blushed. “Please just call me Rarity; Ms. Belle is my mother’s name. I brewed some tea not but a half hour ago, help yourself to some.”

“Thank you, I believe I will. I sense that you and Dusk shall be busy for a while anyway.”

Rarity chortled. “I’m afraid we shall. You can’t rush fashion!”

Molly waited until Rarity and Dusk went upstairs to the workroom before she rolled her eyes. She didn’t understand how Celestia could stand this fashionista. She was snooty, had a fake Canterlotian accent and walked like she had a big, fat plug stuck up her ass. Everything about her screamed princess wanna-be. At least she made good tea. Molly plopped onto the overly soft couch and found a couple magazines were sitting on the coffee table. They were mostly boring fashion ones, but she found a poorly written romance novel underneath all of them and laughed.

After about an hour Rarity had nearly completed Dusk’s suit. The fashionista wiped her forehead with an approving nod. It truly was a work of art. She had decided to make the suit a purple and black striped combo, complete with cuff links that matched Dusk Shine’s cutie mark. Dusk himself was impressed looking at the suit in awe.

“Well that should just about do it. It turned out swimmingly don’t you say?”

“It’s beautiful Rarity. I don’t know what to say…”

“Thank you is usually a start darling. I certainly hope Cheerilee is thoroughly impressed. She’s a lucky mare to have such a dashing stallion pine for her.”

Dusk chuckled. “I’m not really all that dashing.”

Rarity gasped. “Why ever don’t you think so? You are one of Equestria’s national heroes…along with me of course.”

“There are stallions way better looking than me. Take for instance, Big Mac, Braeburn or Thunderlane.”

“Dusk you are infuriating sometimes you know that! I swear you have the LOWEST self-esteem out any pony I’ve ever met. Stop trying to compare yourself to other stallions and be yourself. You are the only Dusk Shine there shall ever be, that makes you a gem all your own.”

“That’s easy for you to say, you’re one of the most beautiful mares in Equestria.”

Rarity blushed while fiddling her hooves. “Oh…my well I didn’t realize you thought that highly of me. You certainly know how to compliment a lady.”

“I’m only telling the truth. Everypony knows how much hard work you put into looking your best.”

“I suppose that’s true darling, however the one stallion I wanted the most to look at me thought I was about as important as a pile of hoof-shavings.”

“I know, but Blueblood is a total jerk so don’t use him as the standard.”

“Maybe I should have used you as the standard…” Rarity whispered.

“What did you say? I didn’t quite catch that.”

“Nothing darling, now where is the princess? I can’t imagine she’s having a very good time. She must be bored to tears. I think it best that we go and see what she’s up to.”

Rarity and Dusk trotted down the stairs to find Molly busy playing with Opal. She had some kind of cat toy levitating above the feline, who was eagerly batting at it. Molestia let the cat have the toy and as a thank you, Opal purred while rubbing up against her leg.

“Done so soon? I thought you would be up there for hours.”

Dusk sighed. “Nope, sorry to disappoint you.”

“I’m terribly sorry for the wait your highness, but I couldn’t quite get the cravat’s color to match the suit. It took a bit longer than I would have liked. Oh and I see that Opal has taken a liking to you…how odd, she usually isn’t that friendly with strangers.”

Molestia licked her lips. “It’s probably because I like pussies so much.”

“Hmm I never took for a cat pony, you majesty.”

Dusk realized where this was going so he intervened. “YES…the princess certainly does like CATS, why she had one in her chambers when I was a colt. Fuzzy boots, I believe was his name. Isn’t that right your majesty?”

“I’ve been alive so long it’s difficult to remember all pussies I’ve had. If you say so Dusk Shine, I’m sure it’s true.”

Rarity cleared her throat. “Excuse me princess but I couldn’t help but notice that you errm…styled your mane.”

“Indeed, what about it?”

“I’m not sure it certainly seems…unique.”

Molestia started to get annoyed. “Just come out and say it! You think it looks drab don’t you?”

“I wouldn’t say that why I’m sure…”

“Cut the pleasantries Ms. Belle. You’re probably thinking: Oh darling it’s soooo dull looking, you really need to spruce it up with more color.”

Rarity snorted. “Now see here I would never be that rude!”

“You’re right; you’d only be that rude without saying it to my face. One must keep up appearances, they’re SO important.”

“I had no idea the princess of Equestria was so uncouth! What happened to the Celestia I know and love?”

“Your precious princess isn’t here that’s why.”

“Have you gone mad? You’re clearly standing right in front of me.”

Molestia poked Rarity in the snout. “I am not mad you overgrown marshmallow! I am not Celestia, I am Molestia and I’m glad to have been separated from her.”

“W-what? That doesn’t make any sense. Dusk Shine you certainly need to do some explaining because I grow weary of conversing with this purple maned harpy!”

Dusk rubbed his head. “Ladies calm down alright. It’s true Rarity, this isn’t Celestia. Her name really is Molestia, but she likes going by Molly. The princess had a spell used on her while she was in heat and it ended up giving birth to an entirely separate pony.”

Rarity huffed. “That certainly explains why she is so terribly uncouth.”

“I may have been split from another pony, but at least I’m true to myself and not some fake gold-digging princess wanna be!”

It was the last straw for Rarity, the insult hit too close to her own insecurities. She tried in vain to put on a brave front but tears mixed with mascara began to roll down her face. The fashonista began to whimper a little until the dam finally broke. She ran up the stairs into her room, slamming the door. Even through the door her sobs could be heard.

Dusk glared at Molestia. “You didn’t have to take it that far. I got the feeling that you didn’t like her, but you didn’t have to act like some spoiled filly on a tantrum. Rarity is very sensitive about her looks.”

“I despise her Dusk. She is just like all those nobles in Canterlot, always trying to play nice with their proper etiquette and silver tongues. All she has is her looks with nothing but hollow desire inside.”

“I can’t believe you’re saying that. Rarity is one of the most generous ponies I know. Hay, she’s the very element of generosity!”

Molly shook her head. “Just because a pony is generous doesn’t mean they…”

“I’m going to try and comfort her. While I’m doing that I hope that you come to your senses. I’m your friend Molly and I’m willing to forgive what you just did, but you have to apologize to Rarity.”

Molestia watched as Dusk went upstairs to console the blubbering marshmallow mare. She sighed, rubbing her temples.

“Dusk just doesn’t understand, I won’t allow Rarity to try and snatch him away. She has eyes for him…ooooh yes but that mare hasn’t truly sorted out her own feelings yet. Poor Dusk would have his heart broken, all because that silly filly doesn’t even know what she wants.”

Dusk Shine knocked on Rarity’s door softly expecting to hear her sobs, but instead heard something else. It sounded almost like…running water? When he got no reply he waited another twenty seconds and knocked again. This time it elicited a reaction, the water stopped. Dusk gingerly opened the door to find Rarity in the middle of the room. Her mane was sopping wet and hung loosely around the shoulders. He also noticed that she wasn’t wearing any makeup, which strangely made her even more beautiful at least in Dusk’s opinion. The white mare looked like she was lost in the fog of sadness but let out a dainty squeak when she saw Dusk at the door.

Dusk blushed. “Oh I’m so sorry Rarity I didn’t mean to barge in on you when you weren’t decent…I’ll just leave.”

Rarity rushed over and placed her hoof on his back. “No…it’s alright I’m in far better shape than I was a few minutes ago. My makeup was running off anyway so I thought a good, hot shower would clean me right up and help my clear my mind.”

“Rarity, I’m so sorry about Molly she shouldn’t have said such hurtful things.”

“I said some hurtful things as well darling, so she is not solely to blame. She did, however make me realize something.”

“What exactly would that be?”

The fashionista sighed. “I need to try and be myself a bit more. Yes, I am proud of maintaining my appearance that much is true but I should have more confidence in how I look naturally…like Applejack. If the whole incident with Blueblood has taught me anything, it is that I was looking for a stallion that cared too much about appearances. By extension, I was too. I need a companion that will love me for the Rarity underneath the hair spray and mascara and…I need a stallion I can love for more than his looks.”

“Wow…I never knew you felt that way. I feel like such a foal right now.”

“Please don’t be hard on yourself about this darling. I kept all of this bottled in, the rest of the girls didn’t know about it either. It’s been difficult as of late with all the orders I’ve been getting and I've grown so very lonely, since Sweetie left to be with our parents for a bit.”

Dusk wrapped Rarity in a gentle embrace. “It’s ok. I’m here for you now. I promise.”

Rarity sniffed. “Dusk…you have no idea what this means to me.”

Rarity tightened her embrace nearly hurting the purple unicorn. It felt wonderful to be held by another, like this. She was so close to Dusk’s coat that she could smell the wonderful mix of lavender and a hint of sweat that clung to him. Rarity broke the embrace and stroked his cheeks with her hooves. Dusk was surprised but didn’t offer any resistance. She had gone this far so she decided to throw in all her cards. Rarity pulled the stallion towards her and gave him a long, passionate kiss. Dusk’s eyes widened like saucers and such was his shock that he fell on the floor.

“R-Rarity what are you doing?”

Rarity blushed slightly. “I’m sorry darling but I couldn’t help myself! You’ve been such a gentlecolt and I’ve been so lonely I…”

“I’m sorry Rarity but I can’t do this.”

“Yes, of course you have Cheerilee on your mind. But…maybe you could forget about her. Maybe…you could give me a chance?”

“This isn’t a good idea and you’re not in the right mind now. Why don’t you get some rest and we can talk tomorrow?”

Dusk started to trot towards the door but Rarity grabbed his hind leg.

“NO! Please don’t go Dusk. I’m sorry for what I did. I don’t…want this to ruin our friendship.”

Dusk smiled sadly. “I don’t either, that’s why I have to leave now. It’s for you own good. Goodbye Rarity.”

With a defeated sigh, Rarity let go of his leg and slumped to the floor. Dusk grabbed his suit and made his way down the stairs to the front door. Molestia noticed how sad he looked.

“Dear, what happened?”

“I’ll tell you when we get back to the library.”

“Did she hurt you?”

“No worse, she tried to comfort me.”

Molly growled. “That fool, I knew she couldn’t resist why if I…”

Dusk placed his hoof on her lips. “Shhh that’s enough. Rarity is in a rough spot right now and though I believe she took some of your advice to heart, we need to let her rest. She’s a strong mare, she’ll get over it. She just needs time.”

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Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville

“Molly I’m going to go take a shower…I need to clear my head.”

“Take as much time as you need dear.”

Molestia trusted her instincts and knew she was right all along, but then why did she feel so awful? It pained her to see Dusk in such a state and the more she thought about it, the more she regretted her outburst with Rarity. She struck the floor with a hoof, determined to make it up to the white-coated mare…at some point. With a sigh she cantered over to the couch wishing that she had a bottle of wine. Her reverie was broken by a knock at the door. She opened the door to find Pinkie outside with a basket in her mouth.

“Hmmlo Mmmly Im brmtt ommfr smmm mrrrffins!”

“Hello Pinkie, umm might I suggest you take that basket out of your mouth before we start a conversation?”

Pinkie dropped the basket. “Oh yeah that would help! Hi Molly I came over to cheer everypony up with some delicious muffins. Pastries always help me get through the day!”

“Yes I bet they do. How in Equestria did you even know we were in need of cheering up?”

Pinkie giggled. “My Pinkie sense told me. Twitchy legs and dry mouth always means ponies are sad. Oh oh and I’m the element of laughter so it’s my job to make ponies smile! But…I also got the sign the somepony was being a meanie pants.”

“That would be me I’m afraid. I said some hurtful things to Rarity.”

“Rarity is such a drama queen but she’s pretty sensitive. Everypony can be a meanie pants sometimes, but so long as you apologize it’s ok.”

“I don’t know how to make it up to her.”

“That’s easy Molly; you just bake an apology cake!”

Molestia rubbed her chin. “Huh…well that might just work. The only problem is I have no idea if she even likes cake though.”

“Everypony loves cake! Rarity likes buttercream by the way so you can make a scrumptious chocolate buttercream cake.”

Molestia looked inside the basket to find half a dozen, freshly baked muffins. They were so fresh that steam was rising off of them. Three of them were chocolate chip and three were blueberry crumble…her favorite.

“These muffins…how did you know?”

“I really wish you’d stop asking me that Molly. I just know silly.”

“Err right Pinkie sense, got it.”

“Mhmm you bet. I also made chocolate chip, which is Dusky’s favorite. I have to go back to Sugarcube Corner because I’m on my break right now, so I gotta get going.”

“Very well, thank you for the muffins.”

“You’re welcome! Oh…and make sure you’re there for Dusk he probably feels really bad right now.”

“Don’t worry dear, I intend to.”

Molly watched Pinkie bounce down the street, off to make more of Ponyville’s sweet delights. Dusk came downstairs looking a bit better than before, but he still had a rather solemn look on his face.

“Dusk would you like a muffin?”

“Huh? When did you get those?”

“Pinkie stopped by and dropped these off. She said she made the chocolate chip ones just for you.”

“Yeah I’ll take one. She can be strange at times and I still can’t figure out how her Pinkie Sense works but she always manages to help us out when we need it most.”

“That’s the impression I got. Why she even baked me my very own blueberry crumble muffins! I didn’t think anypony knew I liked those.”

“So when are you going to apologize to Rarity?”

Molly clicked her tongue. “I think I’m going to bake a cake, as an apology of sorts. However, it’s best if I wait a few days to let her cool down.”

“That sounds good, you know she likes buttercream.”

“That’s what Pinkie said.”

“I’m…not surprised. Just so you know, I’m glad that you came to your senses concerning Rarity.”

“Me too Dusk, me too.”