Chapter XIII

Rainbow Dash and her unstoppably innocent eyes didn’t seem to have their limits. Rarity carried the heavy bag of tools and the light blue Pegasus hauled the bundle of wood. Rarity didn’t want to go, she would gladly lean out of the side of Sugarcube Corner again if it meant turning and going back to Ponyville. But Rainbow Dash didn’t turn or back off, she lead Rarity through the tall grass and toward Fluttershy’s cottage. The little white building came into view and Rarity’s heart quickened. She didn’t want to see the little structure collapse with time. The bag of tools thumped against her side, she didn’t make her want to repair the house either. Rarity saw the early stages of ruin creeping up on the property. Rainbow Dash stopped in the middle of the yard and surveyed the damage.

“So, where do you want to start? Should we do the chicken coops?” She asked. Rarity looked at the broken coops, the chickens were long gone and repairing the tiny wooden enclosures would soak up a lot of time. Time that would not be spent working on something that really reminded her of Fluttershy.

“Yeah, let’s do those.” They dropped their baggage. Each picked up a tiny house and started to pull off the snapped boards.

“So what’s new with you?” Dash asked as they started their repairs.

“Well, I got a job, at this place called the Straw Purchase.” Rarity answered. A smile opened over her “I’m doing some design consulting.”

Dash began to smile as well.

“That’s great!” Rarity nodded.

“Only thing is, it’s really hard, I’m swamped and I’m having a lot of trouble getting it all done before the deadline.” She looked up at the evening sky. “I’d be there right now, but they won’t let me work on Sundays, no clue why.” Dash picked through the nails.

“So are you enjoying it?” Rarity thought for a moment. Did she like it?

“Well, yes and no. It’s like, I’m so happy to be doing something that’s not baking. But then, it’s really hard and I don’t want to disappoint my bosses.” Rainbow Dash nodded.

“You won’t.” She said reassuringly. “Give yourself some time, it’ll come to you.”

“The other day Spike told me he loved me.” Rarity said after a second of deliberation. Rainbow Dash giggled.

“So what else is new?” Rarity ripped off a board and threw it out into the yard.

“No. This time he was being really serious, like, almost a proposal serious.”

“Oh.” Dash’s voice was quiet.

“And I told him that I always wanted to be his friend.” Rarity said in rising frustration. The Pegasus winced.

“Oh, that must not have gone well.” Rarity ripped off another board and lobbed it angrily into the yard.

“Yeah, it really fucking didn’t.” She sighed and dropped her work. “I don’t know Dash, what was I supposed to say?”

“The truth I guess.”

“The truth hurt him, really bad. It’s not my fault I know, but I feel bad that he’s hurt. He gives so much, Dash, I want so much for him to be happy with something.” The tears burned in her eyes. “I was that something, and I couldn’t give it to him. It’s not my fault, but it was still me, I had to do it.” Rainbow Dash was silent for a few moments.

“Maybe it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Maybe it was just that he fell in love with somepony who didn’t love him back. Back when he was younger, we used to joke it off.” Rainbow Dash played with the nails. “But, well, now that he’s older, it’s really a problem.” Rarity swallowed, the lump still hung in her throat.

“I just want him to be happy.” Rainbow Dash nodded.

“Well, if he’s mature enough to actually love you, then he should move on right?” Rarity had no clue what Spike felt. Part of her believed, or hoped, that he was mature enough to understand the hurt of love. But most of her worried that he had broken upon learning that the only pony he had ever loved just wanted to be friends.

They finished the coops, Rarity wasn’t really sure why, the little chicken homes held no real meaning to her. They set the wooden houses back in their rightful place and Rainbow Dash looked toward the house.

The storm had dealt the fragile house a lot of damage. The windows were broken, the shutters had been ripped off and the thatched roof was wildly unkempt. Rarity watched Rainbow Dash survey the sky, it was getting dark. She hoped that Dash would decide to go home. The innocent Pegasus looked to the door.

“We should check the inside.” She said quietly.

“Why?” Rainbow Dash turned and Rarity took a deep breath. “Look, Dash, I know you want to keep the place up.” Rarity bit her lip; she might as well be honest. “But going in there might be a bad idea, we both have memories of Fluttershy. And I’ll be honest, mine’s not going to like seeing all of those things that remind me of her. I just think it might stir up some hurt.”

“I understand Rarity. But I want to keep it up, for her. It might hurt, but I have to make an effort. It would mean a lot if you could come in with me.” Rarity sighed, there was no resisting Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash pulled a little brass key from her saddlebag and placed it into the lock. As she started to turn the key, the door drifted open.

“Uh-oh.” Rarity said softly.

They stepped into the small house, the interior was dark, and Rarity lit a small lamp sitting on the table by the door. The yellow light flickered over the walls. Rainbow Dash gasped quietly and Rarity drew in a sharp breath. They should never have returned to the cottage

All around them, words and figures written in black marker crisscrossed the walls. Holes gaped in the masonry and the shattered glass of the windows was strewn across the floor. The herbs and medicines collected by the dead apothecary were piled in a heap by the fireplace, a few of the fagots were burned slightly. The entire front room was trashed and stained with alcohol and cheap spray paint. Rarity knew it would be worse in the bedroom. Rainbow Dash turned to her in disbelief.

“Rarity? What is this? Who did this?” Her violet eyes were wide and searching. Rarity read some of the words, she knew every name. Most were fillies and colts, a few were ponies, all were from Ponyville.

“Dash.” Rarity began. “This.” Her eyes followed a trail of broken bottles to the kitchen. “We should go. This isn’t good to look at.”

“But what is this?!” Rainbow Dash pleaded.

“What the fuck does it look like?!!!” Rarity snapped. “It’s a hangout spot, kids come here to fuck around and have parties.” She kicked an empty bottle against a wall, sending glass fragments across the room. “Kids look for abandoned houses to fuck in and drink in and do whatever in. All they need is an empty building.” She saw the cage that had housed Celestia’s phoenix, it was gnarled and broken. “Guess it doesn’t matter who lived here before.” She said angrily. Rainbow Dash had tears in her eyes.

“But why? Rarity why?” She asked in pitiful confusion.

“Because they don’t give a fuck! Because this whole Goddamn town doesn’t give a fuck!” Rarity shouted. “Because the shitbrained bastards in this shithole of a town don’t give a fuck past five minutes of memory!!!” She threw another bottle against the wall, it shattered and Rainbow Dash cowered back a little bit. “Should have fucking guessed they’d do this, it’s probably the best memorial to have sex in.” Rarity said bitterly. Rainbow Dash trembled and tears hung from her chin.

“W-we should clean it up. For Fluttershy.” Rarity turned on her.

“For what? The kids’ll come back, they’re gonna do it again. Dash, you aren’t going to keep this place from them!”

“But-”

“But nothing Dash.” Rarity felt the tears in her eyes. “Fluttershy’s death means nothing to them. And there isn’t a fucking thing you can do to make them care.” She swallowed. “They just don’t care.” Rarity turned and walked out of the desecrated cottage. Rarity picked up her bag, she was going home.

“Rarity.” Dash’s voice was despairing and the unicorn stopped. “Do you care about her death?”

“Yeah, I do Dash, I do a lot.” Rarity’s mouth trembled and she scratched at the tears running down her face. Rainbow Dash began to sob.

“Why doesn’t anypony else care?” Rarity swallowed, the hot tears blurred the hill before her. She choked and it took her a moment to speak.

“I don’t know Dash. I really don’t know. Things are different and I don’t know anything about Ponyville anymore. Maybe Fluttershy’s death doesn’t mean as much as Celestia’s death, maybe they only care about the recession. Maybe we just hurt more than them because we knew her.” Rainbow Dash’s voice was quiet, nearly silent against the backdrop of the rustling grass.

“Rarity, what happened?” Rarity hung her head, she closed her eyes and felt the grass tickle her face.

“I don’t know. Nothing makes any sense anymore. My life getting fucking ruined, Twilight being queen, Applejack becoming a businesspony, Pinkie Pie being so fucking annoying, Spike proposing to me, and you.” Rarity sighed and turned to face the sad little pony. “Dash, I have no fucking idea what happened to you. Up in Cantorlot, or afterward.”

“I don’t either.” The Pegasus sniffed and wiped at her face. She sat down in the dirt. “I was with Fluttershy in Cantorlot to see if I could meet the Wonderbolts. Soarin’ sent me a letter saying that they were going to be in town and he wanted to see me.” She began to sniffle and Rarity walked back and put an arm around her. “I, well, Fluttershy was up there to buy some medicine I think. That night, she left our room, she said she had to ask the Princess about something. I was in bed, and it was like eight I think. I got up to get a drink, then I remembered that I needed a pass from the Princess to get to the stadium.” Rainbow Dash started to weep. Deep sobs wracked the little Pegasus. “I was outside the door, I heard Fluttershy.” Her violet eyes closed and Rainbow Dash shook with silent sorrow. “The last thing I heard her say was my name.” Her voice broke. “And then it felt like the door opened, but it was the Blast. I hit the wall on the opposite side of the hallway.” She swallowed. “And I just laid there. All I could hear was flame, nopony was talking. It was so quiet.” She trembled. “I think I passed out. When I woke up, the doctors told me that the Princess had been killed. They said it was impossible that I was alive, that the door should have splintered and killed me, or the pressure wave should have crushed me.” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. “I am lucky Rarity. I know that. But on my way back to Ponyville, I realized something.” She looked at Rarity. Her Goddamn eyes shone with tears. “That ponies were only going to remember Rainbow Dash for wanting to be a Wonderbolt. I spent most of my life thinking that that was who I was, or who I was going to be.” She shook her head. “After the Blast, I didn’t want be a Wonderbolt anymore, it doesn’t appeal to me, I don’t know why.” She shrugged. “Doesn’t matter, I can’t be a Wonderbolt anyway.”

“Why?” Rarity asked.

“Because I can’t fly.” Rainbow Dash fluttered her wings gently. “I just can’t, or won’t maybe.” She shook her head. “I don’t know, it’s not that huge of a deal. In fact, it’s helped me put my life back together.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “I feel like you a lot. Like I have no idea who I am anymore. Like the me before the Blast died and I have to figure out who the me after the Blast is.” She smiled faintly. “I’m trying to be somepony that isn’t obsessed over one thing. I’m trying to live a better life.” She pulled at her wings a bit. “Maybe I can donate these to a sick kid or something.” She sat for a second. “I know it’s weird hanging out with me because I drop out of stuff a lot.”

“Dash, it’s fine.”

“I want you to know that I really like hanging out with you Rarity. You’re pretty much the only pony that I see anymore. I’m sorry if I can’t do things, sometimes I just need to be alone.”

“Hey it’s fine.” Rarity gave Rainbow Dash an affirming pat on the back. “You’ve got every reason to have trouble doing stuff. It’s still really fun being with you and I’m glad you stuck around in Ponyville.”

“I couldn’t really go anywhere else, this town is my home, it just draws me back.”

“I know what you mean. There’s no earthly reason for me staying here.”

They walked home. The moon had crept into the sky and the grass rustled under their hooves. Rarity’s face felt puffy from the crying, but it had been good to get it out. Dash looked out over the prairie.

“Where are you going to live over the winter?” She asked. Rarity shrugged.

“I don’t know, I’ll figure something out. Right now all I care about is that job, it’s pretty much my life. It’s really stressful and I constantly doubt myself.” Rarity admitted. Rainbow Dash smiled.

“You got it Rarity. I know you do.”

“It’ll be the same for you Dash. The new you is going to be just as happy and fun as the old one.” Rainbow Dash looked up into the sky.

“I hope so, I don’t want to go my whole life with no purpose or meaning.” Rarity nudged the Pegasus.

“As long as you’re my friend that won’t happen.”

The two mares hugged each other.

The Blast had altered many things, but the friendship between Rarity and Rainbow Dash was not one of those things. Dash had lived up to her Element, even if she couldn’t fly. Rainbow Dash and Rarity still had one another.

The grief of the memory of Fluttershy hung with her for a few days. Rarity visited Dash a few more times and they talked more about their friend. They never went back to the little cottage. And Rarity realized that she had not been the only one fucked up by the Blast. She realized that there was a new Dash just like there was a new Rarity.

After all of the talking and release, it still hurt her inside to look out at the dilapidating house in the fields. Rarity wasn’t sure if she would ever stop hurting when she thought of Fluttershy. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to.

But all in all, Rarity felt optimistic when her work went well, and discouraged when it didn’t. It was as if finishing her consulting symbolized her future and would prove that she could still have a good life even without her Boutique. The Straw Purchase idealized moving onward from the past.

The carpet looked great, a smile crossed Rarity’s face, it looked really great. It was the 16th, she had less than a week left but she had managed to find the tables and chairs after axing apart her crates and mining the catalogues out of her belongings. Purchased and waiting in a warehouse on cloud 89, the dining sets were matched and period-correct. The giant sockets yawned questioningly, she still didn’t know where to find the chandeliers.

The usually quiet dining area was filled with painters and the quiet slap slap of rollers against the wall. Rarity was making calls to some friends in Cloudsdale. She was attempting to arrange delivery for the furniture when Posh poked his head into the office.

“When you have a moment, could you show the painters how to take the bulbs out of the lights?” He whispered. Rarity nodded.

After ten minutes, a nasal sounding mare answered her call, only to tell her that she needed a valid delivery license to obtain any sort of inter-town delivery. Upon a request about obtaining such a permit, the pony informed her that two forms (available at city hall) were needed to process a request for delivery permits. Rarity heard the breaking of glass and rushed out into the dining room. One of the bulbs that she had so carefully selected lay broken across the new carpet. A paint splattered stallion held his white cap in his hooves. He couldn’t meet her gaze and stared at the carpet.

“Really?! Couldn’t you have waited for five minutes?! Are you incapable of-”

“What happened?” Posh appeared from the kitchen.

“Broke the light sir, really sorry.” Said the culprit shamefully. Posh smiled, as if it didn’t even matter to him.

“Well it’s not a big deal. Just vacuum it up, my consultant here can get the rest of the lights for you.” He turned to Rarity. “You can pick up another bulb right?”

“Absolutely. I’ll get right on it.” She answered without hesitation.

“Great! Just make sure you uninstall the rest before you go so they can get back to work!” Posh called as he returned to the kitchen.

“Yeah, sure.” Rarity muttered. She grabbed the guilty stallion by the coat and pulled him down to her level. “You better take A LOT off our bill.” She growled.

“Yes ma’am.” He said frightfully. She turned to the other three painters.

“This room is going to be painted perfectly, understand me? If I find a bubble or a chip or so much as a misaligned stroke, you’re doing it all over.” She said menacingly. “You got that?” The four nodded, they understood her. She wasn’t letting ANYTHING fuck this job up, not even incompetent employees…or lenient employers. Rarity the unicorn was going to make the Straw Purchase work, no matter what happened.

The lighting shop had the bulb, but it happened to be the display model, which was not for sale. Both the manager and nervous clerk attempted to explain to the unicorn that there was nothing they could do. After a heated discussion involving threats of potentially lethal retaliation, Rarity walked out with the bulb. She only had time to reinstall the bulb before work, the calls would have to wait for tomorrow.

She started toward the Lone Star. A cool breeze blew through her mane, fall was coming. What about those chandeliers? Brilliance might know, although it seemed a bit out of his league. Rarity looked around, were there any stores in Ponyville that might carry a chandelier? There was that dumb pen and sofa store that had gone out of business awhile back, a doctor’s office, and a few grocers. She was entirely focused on her work until she took another glance at the row of shops beside her. Her heart missed a beat, Audacity was just leaving the candle store. She galloped over to him.

“Hey there!” He saw it was her.

“Oh hey! Good to see you!” The stallion said cheerfully. Rarity giggled.

“Just, um, wanted to say thanks for saving me.” He smiled airily.

“Not a problem, glad I could be of some help.” She giggled again.

“So uh, are you all settled in?” He nodded and pointed to his bags.

“Yup, just getting some candles, I like to keep my house fresh.” He looked around. “Been a bit of a time shopping here, seems I can’t go down the street without somepony noticing me and wanting an autograph. Makes it a bit hard to do much.” She blushed and looked at her hooves.

“Sorry ‘bout that. I, well, never mind.” He laughed a little.

“No problem, I kinda felt like you thought I was coming on to you. It’s cool, I get that a lot. It was really just a matter of time before somepony recognized me anyway.” He tossed his mane out of his eyes and they stood awkwardly for a second. “Well, uh, I better get going.” He said with a nod.

“Me too.”

They parted.

“Good seeing you Rarity. Don’t go hanging out any more windows!” He called jovially.

“Haha of course not!” She watched him start down the street.

“Audacity?” He turned.

“Yeah?”

“You.” Rarity stopped and Audacity stood patiently waiting for her response. She mustered her resolve, it was now or never. “Wouldn’t like to hang out some time would you?” She finished. He smiled, a relieved sort of smile.

“Sure would Rarity.” She was high off of that smile alone.

“How about we go somewhere on Sunday night?” She suggested. He thought for a second.

“I’ve kinda wanted to go to that apple farm and pick some apples, do you think they’re open on Sunday nights?” Rarity nodded vigorously.

“They are!” Audacity grinned.

“Alright then! See you then!”

It was a date, Rarity was going on a date with Audacity! She practically skipped to work. She passed by Sugarcube Corner and it was as if the disgusting confectionary didn’t even exist. At the Lone Star, Sonny gave her the assignment of cleaning the ovens. Even the thought of crawling inside the dank and claustrophobic enclosures didn’t flag Rarity’s spirit. She gathered her caustic cleaners and rags and arranged them by the mouth of the oven.

“Y’goin’ up in them ovens?” Applecrisp asked as Rarity shoved the cleaning supplies into the opening.

“Yup.” Rarity replied as she climbed in. Applecrisp set her rolling pin onto the counter and wiped her hooves.

“Ah’ll come in with ya, there ain’t much fer me t’do.”

“Oh, thanks.” Rarity slid into the oven completely. It was odd for Applecrisp to offer to help her. Not only did they typically work on their own assignments and leave when they were finished, but the job of cleaning the ovens wasn’t particularly enviable.

The black soot clung to Rarity’s nose and she coughed. The only light came from the chimney and the opening. She felt for the bottle of cleanser and squirted some onto the wall and scrubbed at it. She always worked quickly in the oven; there were of course spiders that hid in the fringes of darkness, spiders that no amount of flame could ever kill. In a few minutes, the opening darkened for a second as Applecrisp slid into the enclosure.

“Ah got this side.” Applecrisp said, beginning to scrub the stone surface.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Rarity said as she cleaned. For a little while, each scraped at their portion of the stone.

“S’Rarity, whut are you doin’ these days?” Applecrisp asked.

“Pretty much just work here and I work at another place before and after work.” There was a moment of silence.

“Y’ever want to grab a beer with me?” Rarity smiled in the darkness. It had been many on and off conversations, but Applecrisp was finally being social. She had gotten to know Applecrisp a little during the past week. The swamp pony seemed more lonely than anything and Rarity relished being Applecrisp’s first friend in the town.

“Sure, what time?”

“Dunno, pretty much any day.” Rarity thought for a second. She had the Straw Purchase every day and night.

“How ‘bout next Sunday night?” She heard Applecrisp sigh. Rarity realized how douchy it sounded to make a plan for beer two weeks in advance. But there wasn’t any other time she had available.

“Yeah, tha’s fahn.” Fucking hell, just when Applecrisp came out of her shell, Rarity had to lose all of her free time.

“Hey, actually.” She could afford to spend one night off. “I’ve just got like one thing at my other job, if you want to hang out tonight we could do that.”

“Y’sure?”

“Eyeah, I’ve just got to go over there and make one call, you can tag along and then we can walk to Hennessey’s.” Rarity said hesitantly.

“Alraght, ah can do that.” Rarity had just sacrificed precious work time to hang out with Applecrisp. She needed to make that time up. The rest of the day she formulated a plan. She would call Trance tonight, he theoretically could ship the tables and chairs out to her. If he said no, she could drop by city hall on their way to the bar and pick up an application to ship them herself. The chandeliers she would ask both him and Brilliance about, maybe they could go in the same shipment. She wouldn’t be that far behind her original schedule if all went to plan.

The two bakers left the bakery at seven and walked to the Straw Purchase.

“So, yeah, um, you can wait outside, or come in.” Rarity said outside the door. “I’ll just be like five minutes.” Applecrisp waited outside. Rarity walked to the back office, Pish and Posh were playing cards on the desk. They stood and greeted her.

“So what’s on the menu for tonight?” Posh asked.

“Well, I’m actually going out with a friend tonight, but I needed to make one call. Do you mind?” Pish shook his head.

“Go right ahead, just be careful of our game.” The pair left the room and Rarity dialed Trance’s number. As she waited for the dial tone, Rarity realized how awkward it would be to talk to him. She had sort of capped it back on the trip and he had probably realized that she would never sleep with him. The tone buzzed a few times. He was probably out clubbing with Alexander, or at the Crystal Room. She started to hang up.

“Hello?” Came the staticy voice.

“Uh, Trance? It’s Rarity.” She said nervously. There was a pause. She heard Trance take a deep breath. Her hooves started to sweat.

“What do you want Rarity?” He asked with what sounded like a forced calmness.

“Well, I am working for a restaurant here in Ponyville, and well, I needed some help getting something delivered. I thought…you…might be able to help me.” There was no response and she thought he had hung up.

“Why should I?” He said finally.

“Well-” She began. He cut her off.

“You spurn me Rarity. I give and I give because there’s nothing else, no other rational response around you but to give all that I have in hopes that I may be with you.”

“Trance-”

“No, you listen to me Rarity. I own half the city’s nightclubs, I spend my days building an empire. And my nights with indulging in my excess. Any mare in the city would pay an unsightly sum to be afforded the chance to consummate me. ” Trance was poetic, which meant he was either drunk, or upset, or both. “I am rich, powerful, and queer. Only the strongest and most caring stallion is my partner.” He preached.

“Trance look, you don’t have to help me. I’m sorry for using you. We can be done with each other.”

“It was him, I know it was. You’re afraid to cheat on him.” Trance said sadly.

“What?”

“You are with that dragon, the one with the queen. You’re going to lie and deny it, that’s a mare’s nature. But only a fool could miss how much he watched you, how much you brought out of him. As a stallion who has walked the world of love, I recognize a smitten man, and a mare doing the smiting. Your beauty attracts more than ponies it would seem.” He sighed gloomily. “I know that you could never be my sexual partner. You have insatiably high tastes, only a royal dragon and of course a virgin will enjoy you.”

“Trance, listen, it’s not about him, I just don’t want to sleep with you.” He sighed again.

“Of course Rarity.” The line was silent for a moment. “What is it you need delivered?”

“Well, just some tables and chairs, they’re on cloud 89. It’s-”

“I know where it is, where shall I send them?”

“To the Straw Purchase in Ponyville.” He was helping her, again. After everything she had said to him, he was helping her. “Trance, thank you. I don’t know what to say, it means a lot to me. You’re a good pony, I want you to know that I respect you for that.” She said guiltily. He chuckled.

“Stop it Rarity, I repulse you. You know my lusts toward you. This should be the last time we speak, it would be best for both of us. Goodbye Rarity, I hope that dragon loves you correctly.” She hung up. Rarity stood in the office for a couple minutes.

It wasn’t Trance, he was just an inconveniently bisexual club owner. No, it really did make a lot of sense for her to love Spike. He was smart and caring and pretty much the perfect mate. He cared for her and was willing to do anything to prove it. She sighed, she didn’t love him, she had known him for years and never thought to love him. Audacity had breezed into her life and she had immediately fallen for him without hesitation, all while Spike sat alone in a library and lived to serve Twilight. There was a knock.

“Rarity? Ya’ll ready?” Applecrisp asked through the door.

“Uh yeah.” Rarity answered. “Just tying up some loose ends.”

Applecrisp and Rarity sat at the bar, they waited for Quinn to return with their drinks. The bar was mostly empty tonight, a few ponies sat at booths around the room. Rarity felt a little better now that she was with Applecrisp. Hopefully some drinks would get Spike out of her head.

“So this stuff gunna mess me up?” Applecrisp asked. Rarity grinned.

“It’ll fuck you up really fast if you aren’t ready for it.” The blue mare shrugged.

“Ya’ll better not disappoint.” The mint green bartender presented them with a pair of shot glasses.

“An’ thar’s me lucky laedies!” He pointed to Applecrisp. “Ain’t seen you in awhael!”

“Yeah, finally getting some air with my friend here.” She answered. Rarity smiled, Applecrisp was finally coming out of her shell, and she was responsible. Quinn pointed to the shot glasses.

“Waell! Bottoms up!” He said gleefully. Rarity threw her liquor down. The bite of the sharp alcohol slashed at her throat and she coughed once. Shots always killed her.

“That stuff’s got some bite. You-” She looked at Applecrisp, who didn’t appear to have consumed her shot. “Did you?” The glass was empty. Applecrisp nodded.

“Yeah, did ah not do it raght?” Rarity looked at the empty glass. “Ah drank it fast. That how yer supposed t’do it?” Applecrisp asked naively. Rarity was baffled.

“Yeah.” She squinted at the glass. “That’s just really weird.” She clopped for Quinn. “Hey.” She pointed to Applecrisp. “Think you must have given my friend here some defective booze, how ‘bout you bump it up a few proof?” Quinn winked.

“Lemme faend m’Trottingham scotch.” Applecrisp looked around the room.

“S’you play pool?” She asked, pointing to the table. Rarity laughed.

“Sure, but I suck.” The two began a game of pool, halfway through Quinn brought them shots of amber scotch. Rarity lifted hers.

“Alright, now this will kick your ass, never seen it do anything but.” Applecrisp tossed the liquid down. She frowned thoughtfully and cleared her thoat.

“That’s got some bite alraght.” Rarity was dumbfounded, Applecrisp was a virgin drinker, and she put down scotch. After three more shots it became apparent that Applecrisp could hold her alcohol better than her cousin. Yet after an extremely short game of pool, it was evident that she could still play pool like a full blooded Apple. As the glossy black eight ball was swallowed by the pocket, Applecrisp set her cue down on the table and smiled shyly.

“Guess that means ah win.” Rarity shrugged in defeat.

“I’m glad I don’t put money on this.” Applecrisp laughed.

“Well, lemme buy a couple drinks for us, see if that makes y’feel better.” The two resumed the positions at the bar and ordered some beers. Rarity figured she should start a conversation; she was after all missing a night of work for this.

“So Applecrisp, this is gonna sound weird, but I have no idea what your Cutie Mark is.” Rarity said, motioning to Applecrisp’s flank. Applecrisp cracked a peanut and popped the brown nut into her mouth.

“S’ a bayou.” The nut crunched loudly. “Lahk a swamp, but there’s forest.” Rarity nodded.

“So what-”

“Divin’, into the swamp. That’s a main part of our livelihood down in Hayseed.” Swamp diving? How was that a talent? Rarity took a sip of her beer.

“So, you-”

“Dive into the bayou, pretty much whut it sounds like.” Applecrisp said briskly, she evidently didn’t like talking about home. Rarity wasn’t going to push the subject, not on their first outing. She tried to think of another question.

“S’tell me Rarity, how ‘bout yer Cutie Mark? Would imagine it pertains to gems or maybe treasure or something.” Applecrisp asked as she popped another nut into her mouth. Rarity shrugged.

“Yeah, finding gemstones at least.” Applecrisp chuckled.

“So why aren’t ya’ll out doin’ that? Seems like it might pay better than Sonny.” Rarity hesitated, she didn’t tell her story to most ponies; but then, Applecrisp didn’t really seem like the judgmental type and it would be a good way to show honesty.

“Well, I used to run a fashion design studio here in Ponyville.” She explained Ponyville’s boycotting of her business and her subsequent loss of work. The blue pony listened to this with an expression of puzzlement and interest. “So, yeah, basically I work at the Lone Star ‘cause I don’t really have anything else to do.” Rarity decided not to mention her hopes for the Straw Purchase, since she still wasn’t sure how that would end up. Applecrisp finished her beer.

“Hell, y’must hate this town. Wai’d ya’ll even stay here?” Rarity shrugged and ate a peanut.

“I dunno, there’s not a lot of places I’d really want to move to. Plus I have some friends here.” Applecrisp laughed coldly.

“Friends who’d watch yer life go to hell?”

“Well, there wasn’t a lot they could do. They-” Rarity stopped. What friends did she have? She hated and avoided Pinkie Pie for being an annoying little filly, Fluttershy was gone, she wasn’t really sure where she stood with Twilight and she had just broken Spike’s heart. That left Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Applecrisp hated Applejack and Rarity was fairly certain she wasn’t keen on RD. “Well, they couldn’t do much to help me, it’s the town as a whole.” She said carefully. She smashed a peanut and picked out the nut. Applecrisp licked a little foam from the top of her stein.

“Yeah, don’t really know much about this town. Haven’t really cared much, just tryin’ to make ends meet.” Rarity nodded.

“Hey, why’d you back out of the stock deal with Sugarcube Corner?” She asked curiously. Applecrisp laughed.

“They stopped offerin’ it. Talked with that Cake guy, he kahnda made it sound like they weren’t gonna stay afloat much longer.” Sugarcube Corner wasn’t going to stay afloat?

“Wait, he said they were going out of business?” Rarity asked in confusion. Applecrisp shrugged.

“Dunno, he said sumthin’ ‘bout financial viability, then ah just upped and asked him if they had any-” Quinn cleared his throat.

“’Scues me laedies, but the gentl’man over there would like to treat you two to these.” He presented them with a pair of boilermakers. Rarity looked back, a black Pegasus sitting at a booth flicked his head to them and flashed a brilliantly white smile. Applecrisp looked down at the massive foaming drinks before them.

“Well, alraght then, can’t refuse a kindness.” She took a sip of hers. It clearly dealt her a blow and she coughed. “Got some kick this one.” She said with satisfaction. The Pegasus saw Applecrisp take a drink and he rose and started toward them. Rarity didn’t like the way he looked. She turned to Applecrisp.

“Hey, um, it might be a good idea to be careful around this guy.” She warned. Applecrisp looked at her strangely.

“Whut do y-”

“Hey there, I’m Karma.” He was beside them now. The dark stallion smelled like that awful passion candle. “What are your names?” He asked casually.

“Rarity.” Rarity said coldly.

“Ah’m Applecrisp, to whut do we owe this gift?” He instantly focused on Applecrisp.

“Well, I saw that you had a bayou Cutie Mark, I haven’t seen one for a while. I’m from Dodge Junction, so it’s always really nice to see something from home.” Apparently gullibility ran in the Apple line, because Applecrisp seemed to perk up to this.

“That a fact? Never woulda figured anypony from Dodge would want to move out here.” She said inquisitively. The stallion brushed back his mane, a tribal tattoo flashed across his neck and instantly Rarity knew he was a snake. “So whut d’y’do?”

“Yeah? What is your work?” Rarity asked aggressively. He acted like Rarity didn’t exist and kept working on Applecrisp.

“I’m a musician by trade, I travel a lot, I was asked to play at the queen’s inauguration. It’s not a well-paying job, but-”

“Y’love whut y’do.” Applecrisp finished. His face lit up like they had made a connection.

“Right!” Applecrisp smiled a little, Rarity saw a bit of a blush coming on to her face. She was starting to like this guy, Rarity looked for an opening.

“Ah know whut that’s lahk.” Applecrisp said with a shy smile.

He smiled back.

“It’s the best thing to love what you do-”

“Hey.” Rarity interrupted. She shoved her boilermaker toward him. “This is a bit much for me, can you drink half?” That would keep her sober and also sabotage his cool. The stallion flicked his head.

“Sure thing!” He downed all but a third in a single gulp. He turned back to Applecrisp and chuckled. “You know I probably should have ordered something a little less serious for you. I overheard that you’re new to drinking.” He motioned to her foaming stein. “And that’s a little much for you.” Applecrisp grinned.

“Ah could drink it no pro’blem.” He raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

“Are you sure? That’s a pretty stiff drink.” Fucking hell, Rarity had to act. She knocked her glass, spilling some of the alcohol. The liquid splashed over the counter and onto Karma, but Applecrisp had already started to down the intoxicating mixture. Karma recoiled, but said nothing and kept his attention on Applecrisp.

“Oh God, sorry!” Rarity said loudly. “Why don’t you go see if Quinn has any paper towels?” She suggested. Applecrisp thumped her glass down on the counter triumphantly. How she was already done?

“Done!” She proclaimed. Karma clapped for her as he wiped the spilled liquor from his black body. “Whoa nao, that’s some powerful bev’rage.” Applecrisp said, swaying a bit. Rarity searched frantically for a reason to leave.

“I’m impressed.” Said Karma. “You’re definitely a strong mare.”

“Hey, Applecrisp, we should probably get going.” Both turned to her.

“Wai’s that Rarity?” Applecrisp asked.

“Yeah, come on, we’re just having fun! Why don’t you have some of yours? Might loosen you up.” Karma advised. Applecrisp poked him.

“Or ah could drink it!” She suggested. Rarity threw down the remainder of her glass. It scorched her throat and stomach, she had forgotten just how strong boilermakers were. The world spun for a moment, then righted itself.

“No, I’m good.” She said, swallowing back a cough. Karma wiped himself off with a few napkins and Applecrisp started to help him.

“Oh Gawd, did ah do that while ah was drinkin’?” She asked in lightly drunken embarrassment. He smiled nonchalantly.

“No you’re fine, just a little accident is all.” Rarity watched as his smile turned into a grin as Applecrisp ran an innocent hoof over his torso as she dried him off. Rarity started to say something but a hot burp rose up and stifled her, what the hell was in a boilermaker?

“Applecrisp, I’m not feeling too good. Can you walk me home?” She asked desperately. Applecrisp looked up from her unwitting fondling of Karma.

“Uhh, shure.” Karma looked up at Rarity, his dark violet eyes shone with guile.

“Oh you don’t look so bad.” He began. Applecrisp tugged another napkin out of the dispenser.

“Rarity, why don’t ya’ll go splash some water over yer face in the bathroom, ah pay us up and get Karma dried off and we kin leave.” Karma didn’t stop smiling for an instant, but Rarity knew he must be pissed. Thank God, Applecrisp needed to learn about these things and NOT the hard way.

“Yeah.” Rarity stifled another burp. “I’ll just go get some water, be back in a sec.” She walked to the bathroom, she actually didn’t feel good. Her stomach churned and she felt sweaty all of a sudden.

The interior of the bathroom was lit with a moldy yellow bulb above the sink. Rarity splashed some water over her face, she was never going to have another boilermaker. Her head pounded and the rusted mirror showed her eyes as vividly bloodshot. She froze, there was no noise coming from the rushing faucet. She focused on the rushing water. Her hooves felt like they were wrapped in cotton and the coldness of the water faded from her perception. Her heart started to race, he had drugged her, that fucking snake had drugged her. Rarity turned for the door, her vision crossed and she lost her balance. She stumbled into the side of a urinal and blacked out.

She awoke, her head pounded furiously and she lay prostrate across the filthy tile. The rhythmic rattle of the fan and the soft glow of the light made her drowsy and threatened to pull her back into unconsciousness. Pulling herself to her hooves, Rarity dizzily tried to piece together where she was. She was at Hennessy’s, with Applecrisp, oh shit she was still out there with Karma. Rarity opened the door and rushed outside. Sunlight was shafting through the single window in the door. The bar was quiet, Rarity realized it was morning. She looked around, no Quinn, no Applecrisp. A sense of horror descended onto her, Applecrisp had probably left with that stallion. She made her way across the empty bar, unlocked the door and walked outside. The sunlight burned her eyes, it was about time to go to work. Her headache precluded her from anything but a slow walk and she started toward the Lone Star.

Along her walk, she passed ponies on their way to work, a few stopped to stare at the unkempt unicorn that smelled of urinal cake. She paid them no mind; she was too worried about Applecrisp. Fucking hell, she had probably been raped. There, she had said it. Her newest friend, an antisocial country girl had probably been sexually assaulted by a tattooed Pegasus that smelled like cheap cologne. And it was her fault. Rarity began to fear for Applecrisp’s life, what if she had tried to fight back? As she reached the bakery, Rarity saw Sonny and Ana arguing behind the counter. Rarity bolted into the building.

“Did Applecrisp come in today?” She asked quickly. Ana snorted.

“Of course not, little pony called in sick an hour ago.” She pointed to Rarity. “You learn from this, when one slacks, all suffer. You will fulfill all of the demands of the day without her.”

“Just do your job for now Rarity, we promise we will work this sick day business out.” Sonny said calmly. Rarity just nodded and went into the oven room. She didn’t care about work, she didn’t care about the random sick days, she was afraid of what had befallen poor Applecrisp. Throughout the entire day Rarity wondered and fretted over what could have happened to the tipsy and unassuming Apple pony. She almost didn’t go to the Straw Purchase. But she had no way of finding Applecrisp and she was desperately behind on her work.

Pish and Posh were touching up some spots on the freshly painted wall.

“Hey there Rarity!” Pish said cheerfully. She flicked her head in recognition and went into the office.

She had to draw up the floor plan tonight. She sat down with the yellow legal pad and ballpoint pen. Seven tables, forty two chairs, a 40sesque layout, go. She drew a few X’s, those were tables. Applecrisp probably wouldn’t have known it was going to go bad until the very end. She scribbled some L’s, those were chairs she supposed. She would have followed him so trustingly, he had built his rapport in just a few minutes. She thought he was from her hometown; that had made him trustworthy. She swiped the pen across the page, ripped it off, and threw it into the trash. She started again. Applecrisp was just starting to trust ponies it seemed, she was almost like a filly in that way. Rarity angrily tore the next page off of the pad and threw it into the trash. Applecrisp had gone to that bar because of her. She threw the pen against the wall and hurled the pad after it. She sat for a few seconds, her breath was fast and she bit her lip. Goddamn it, why couldn’t she have protected Applecrisp? Why did she have to be so vulnerable?

Posh stuck his head in.

“Sorry to interrupt you!” He whispered. “Just need to get some paper.” He saw the torn pages and the fluffed pad laying on the floor. He looked at her. “Rarity, what’s wrong?” She frowned from an oncoming sob.

“Nothing.” Posh picked up the pad and laid it on the table.

“You’re going to stick with that story?” He asked quietly. She looked at the wall, he could easily see the tears in her eyes.

“I, think I may have gotten one of my friends hurt. We were at a bar, and I, she was there because she was starting to come out of her shell.” Rarity related the previous’ night’s events. Posh listened to the entirety of the tale. Finally when it was finished, he said softly.

“I’m really sorry for that Rarity, I hope she’s all right. I hope that more than anything.” Rarity was crying softly. The tears ran down her face and she didn’t care if Posh saw. She was too worried for Applecrisp.

“Hope’s not going to heal her from what happened to her.” Rarity said bitterly. Posh nodded in recognition.

“That’s true, but hope asserts that maybe she wasn’t hurt. I am hoping that she was protected from this stallion.”

“Goddamn it! I was supposed to protect her! You can’t just hope that I did something that I didn’t! It happened because I failed her.” She cried angrily.

“Maybe it was out of your hooves. Maybe it wasn’t your burden of protection.” He offered. Rarity stood up, she had to go home, she wasn’t going to fall to pieces in front of her boss.

“I think I should go home now.” She said, trying to sound calm. She pushed by him and walked out of the office. He followed her.

“Rarity, I’m sorry, I know you wanted somepony to listen. Forgive me for preaching to you.” She turned as she exited.

“I don’t want somepony to talk to, I want somepony to tell me my friend is ok.” She said dismally.

Rarity didn’t sleep at all that night, she kept worrying over Applecrisp. What had happened to her? Rarity had failed her, she was supposed to be a friend, but all she did was make things worse. That seemed to be a recurring theme in her life.

The next morning she galloped to work. Sonny informed her that Applecrisp had not called in sick, in fact, she hadn’t called in at all. Rarity waited for Applecrisp in the oven room. The first few hours passed with no sign of the blue mare. Rarity started to worry more with each passing second. God, had she taken her life? Rarity began to consider the possibility of her friend’s suicide. What if Applecrisp had been so traumatized that she couldn’t go on? The door creaked open and Applecrisp shuffled into the oven room. The swamp pony seemed tired and tried to avoid making any noise as she pulled a tray from the cupboard. Rarity rushed over to her.

“Applecrisp! Are you all right?! What happened to you?!”

“Ah’m fahn Rarity. Ah’m sorry ‘bout ignorin’ ya’ll back at Hennessy’s. That warn’t a respectable action, and I hope y’kin forgive me.” Applecrisp said softly. Rarity was discombobulated.

“But, you, what happened to you Applecrisp?” She questioned in bewilderment. The Apple pony sighed and rubbed her head in shame.

“Pretty much whut could be expected. Kahnda saw ya’ll tryin’ t’get away from that fella.” She cleared her throat. “Ah shoulda trusted y’er gut, but ah really liked him, he seemed like he cared.” She shook her head. “Ah kin never tell when ah’m bein’ takin fer the ride. Anyway, guess it was mah fault for drivin’ y’off.”

“Applecrisp, he drugged me! I passed up back in the bathroom that’s why I didn’t come out!” Rarity explained in shock. Applecrisp snorted.

“Makes sense, he warn’t no gentleman ‘bout anythin’. We left after a bit, he said he really liked me.” She shook her head again. “Can’t imagine how dumb ah was bein’ about it all. He started to get really touchy. Ah ditched him and walked back t’mah place. Ah didn’t want t’go t’work yesterday t’face ya’ll.”

“Did he hurt you? I mean, did he-” Applecrisp shrugged.

“Not really, he took a few punches to settle down, but he warn’t no gator ‘bout it.” She shook her head. “Rarity, listen, ah’m sorry, it was mah mistake. Ah’m new here, but ah shoulda trusted yer gut. Ah can’t blame ya if y’don’t want to go out with me no moar.” Rarity was speechless.

“I was so scared for you Applecrisp! I felt like I had left you defenseless out there! If anything, it’s my fault what happened!” Rarity said in amazement.

“Ah’m a big girl Rarity, ah can take care of mahself. Ain’t yer place t’take care of me.”

“But still-”

“It’s mah responsibily t’protect mah self. Not yers.” She said decisively. “Now, kin y’forgive me fer bein such a bull ‘bout it all?”

“If you’ll forgive me for abandoning you.” Applecrisp snorted.

“Not a chance, ah don’t forgive wrongs that don’t happen.”

“Well neither do I, so I think we’re both out of luck.” Rarity said with a grin. Applecrisp smiled a little.

“Kin we call it a mistake? Jus’ move on?”

“Yeah. That sounds great.”

It worked out. Somehow, in the horrible crapshoot of possible scenarios, it had worked out. Applecrisp was safe, a miracle in and of itself. And the Apple pony even felt equally sorry for the events at the bar. They were still friends. Rarity and she talked a little bit over the course of the day. Applecrisp suggested that maybe they meet at one of their homes, instead of Hennessy’s, which suited Rarity just fine. Applecrisp was still her friend, she hadn’t made things worse. Rarity inwardly squeed with joy to this truth.

She reviewed her notes in the way to the Straw Purchase. There was the matter of the board, and of course the chandeliers. Oh what would she do about the chandeliers?

Posh greeted her.

“These came while you were out.” He said, motioning to a stack of crates that lay in the center of the bare room. The tables and chairs had come and Rarity couldn’t help but smile; Trance was an awesome pony. There were ten crates in all, sitting in a neat five by two pattern. Rarity picked up the crowbar that lay atop the first crate and wedged it between the boards. She cracked open the container and peered inside. The rich scent of antique leather emanated from the interior. A pair of beautiful antique chairs were packed in hay before her. She pulled them out and stood them up. They were classic 40s Equestria, dark cherry wood, tightly stretched leather, and stuffed to the degree of exploding if torn.

“Say, those look really good.” Posh said as he inspected the other boxes. “Are the tables from the same set?” Rarity nodded. He opened another box and peered inside. “They look superb!” He turned to her and asked a little softer. “How is your friend? We were really hoping that she was ok.”

“She’s fine, nothing happened to her.” Rarity said quietly. Posh smiled.

“I’m very glad, my dad and I were praying she would be safe.”

“Thank you for understanding. I was really worried was all.” Rarity frowned. “I’m sorry for always coming to work upset or angry. I don’t really mean to, there’s just been a lot going on in my life. Promise I won’t let it happen again.” The stallion smiled.

“Rarity, it’s fine. Your work has been wonderful, and my dad and I are always here for you.” The door to the kitchen opened and the grey stallion joined the pair.

“Wow! These are perfect!” Pish said, inspecting one of the chairs.

“Just like how you remember them?” Posh asked with a laugh.

“Hey now! I’m not that old!” Pish said with a grin. “I can still match you in Hearts.” He gave the stack of crates a testing kick. “I know it’s your job Rarity, but these look pretty heavy. Would it be ok if we gave you a hoof with unpacking them? We could probably get it done tonight if we worked at it.”

“Well.” She said with reservation. “If it wouldn’t be a great inconvenience.”

“Of course not, we have nothing else to do.” Posh said, already starting to move the first empty crate.

As they unpacked the crates, Rarity found herself amidst friends. Pish and Posh were vastly different from any bosses, or even any ponies that she had ever known. The pair joked, poked fun at one another, and never seemed to work at anything. To them it seemed that life wasn’t something to worry over.

“You know Rarity, I’m impressed with how this is coming along.” Pish said as they arranged the chairs. “I’m thinking that we could do some sort of classical grand reopening, like it’s the 40s.”

Posh aligned a row of chairs.

“Yeah, we’d give the speech, but it would be as if we were really opening the Straw Purchase.” He explained. “You’d still be introduced as the design consultant, but it wouldn’t be stated like you were redoing something, but creating a whole new dining experience. Does that make sense?” Rarity didn’t even think there was going to be a grand reopening.

“Um, you’re having a grand reopening?” She asked anxiously. “Like, you would be giving a speech?” Pish nodded.

“Of course! It’s not every day that one hires a professional designer to make over their restaurant. We want this to be an occasion to celebrate. Posh has drawn up some posters and we’ll see if we can’t drum up some support for the new place.” Rarity’s heart began to race. The deadline was now a true deadline. She thought of the missing chandeliers. And the unfinished menu board.

“A-and you are planning on the 21st still?” She asked nervously.

“Yep, if that’s still when you’ll be ready. Are you thinking you’re still going to get it done then?” Posh asked. Rarity couldn’t, but she had to. Come hell or high water, she was going to be ready then.

“Yes, that will be when I’m done.” She affirmed.

They arranged the furniture and broke down the crates. They packed the dumpster full of the fragmented crates and returned to the restaurant. It was about nine and Pish treated them to a plate of Hydrox cookies.

“So Rarity, where are you living these days?” Posh asked as he took a bite of the soggy cookie.

“Um, the fields out behind my old business.” The unicorn replied. He raised his eyebrows.

“Do, you have a house out there?” The cookie stuck in her throat.

“Um, no.” She answered.

“Where do you live?” She swallowed, but the chocolate particles remained.

“Well, I have some crates I sleep on.” She admitted.

“What are you going to do when winter comes?” Pish asked. Rarity tried to think of an answer. “If you want, you can sleep here.” He suggested.

“Dad! We have a guest room!” Posh interrupted. “I’m sorry, Rarity, we should have offered you a place with us. If you’d like, we’d love to have you stay with us.”

“No no!” She refused. “I’m happy where I am.”

“But what about winter?” Asked Posh. “You’ll need somewhere to go.”

“I’m going to be staying with a friend.” Rarity could probably stay with Rainbow Dash.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.” Pish said. “I wasn’t about to let our key designer sleep out in the snow. But of course you have a plan.” He surveyed the room appreciatively. “You have a plan for everything it looks like.”

“Speaking of which, what’s the idea for the chandeliers?” Posh asked. “You should probably have them delivered within the week so we can schedule them for installation.”

“Um, yes, of course, I’ll make sure they get here soon.” She said emptily.

“Say, what do they look like? I’m eager to see what you dug up.” Posh asked. Her web of lies came dangerously close to collapsing.

“It, well I don’t know. I have this catalogue, and it has a good selection. I’m going to place the order tomorrow, and see when I can get them in.” She explained carefully.

“I just hope you can get a fast delivery, I would imagine they must be very hard to transport.” Pish noted.

“I think they must use like some giant chariots or something.” Posh offered. Pish agreed and the two started discussing delivery methods for the oversize lights. Rarity felt her resolve weakening; she had no chandeliers, no transportation for them, and less than a week to find both.

She left the Straw Purchase that night with the tumor of doubt growing in her mind. She knew she wasn’t going to make it, but she had to. She had no means of accomplishing her task, yet she had no room to fail. It was an immovable object meeting an unstoppable force.