The entire room was dead silent.

"Rainbow Dash ..." Rarity put a hand over her chest, right where her heart was. "I don't know what to say!"

"Uh," Pinkie made her way out from the crowd. "You could try "YES!" for starters!" This idea was met by approval and applause from the crowd.

Rarity took the box from Rainbow Dash. She picked the ring out from the box and examined it. "It's beautiful ..."

"Uh-huh." Rainbow Dash nodded.

Rarity examined the ring in silence, rolling it around in her fingers.

"Rarity." Rainbow Dash said through a grin which was becoming more forced and faltered. "You're not saying anything."

"I … I don't know, Rainbow Dash." Rarity cupped the ring in her palms. This was met by groans in the crowd.

"WHAT?" Pinkie Pie shouted. "But you love each other!"

"Rarity?" Rainbow Dash said. She said nothing else; the devastation forming in her eyes spoke all she needed to say.

"I want to, Rainbow Dash. But I'm just not sure it's the best idea right now. Things are complicated with Diamond Tiara and Silver Lens, not to mention that awful slime is still loose … I just don't think a wedding is safe right now."

"Of course it's not safe!" Rainbow Dash snapped. "It's never safe! Things are always complicated!" Rainbow Dash took Rarity's hand, curling her fingers around it. "But you can't let that stop you from doing what you want to. Especially when it comes to the person that you love."

The crowd let out a collective "Aww!" of adoration.

"You know ..." Pinkie Pie said. "You could yes now, and then just set the wedding for a later date after all this stuff is sorted out."

"That is an excellent point!" Twilight Sparkle interjected.

Rarity held the ring up in her fingers, rolling it between them. "She's right. I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash. I should have done this from the beginning, and I shouldn't have let all my worries and fears come between us."

Rarity took in a deep breath, holding the ring close to her chest.

"Yes, Rainbow Dash." A tear formed in Rarity's eye. "I will marry you."

The crowd burst into applause, which only doubled as Rainbow Dash took the ring from Rarity, and gently slid it on to Rarity's finger. Rainbow Dash held Rarity's hand for a tender moments, admiring the wedding ring – the wedding ring she had placed on Rarity's finger.

Rarity admired the ring as well, for a few moments, taking notes about its construction and the diamond on it. Rarity disregarded it in favor of grabbing Rainbow Dash by the cheeks and lifting her head up, giving Rainbow Dash a big kiss on the lips.

The crowd went wild.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity continued to kiss with all the passion in their flaming hearts, sliding back and forth on the chair, pushing each other back as they wrestled for dominance. They fell off, Rainbow Dash landing on the floor with Rarity on top of her, Rarity's large breasts crushing Rainbow Dash's tiny-in-comparison chest. A feeling which Rainbow Dash loved – it made her feel so … inferior to Rarity; So controllable, like she needed Rarity to teach her what a proper woman was like by pressing her breasts against her Dash's and showing Dash all the tricks in the bedroom a proper lady was expected to know.

Granted, the embarrassed blush Rainbow Dash had suggested she might not have liked this as much in front of the crowd, who had gone from their previous stunned silence into an awkward silence. Some of them turned their heads and coughed.

Rarity separated from Rainbow Dash, pushing herself up. "Why don't we take this to another room?"

"Make way for the happy couple!" Pinkie began shooing the crowd away, but they needed no coaxing to depart and allow Rarity and Rainbow Dash the room go upstairs to their bedroom.

"Rarity and Rainbow Dash decide they're going to get married … and of course they celebrate it with sex." Twilight shook her head.

"Um, well, Twilight … just because it's not the most, um, seemly way to celebrate getting engaged, that doesn't make it … wrong, does it?" Fluttershy said, taking Rarity's side.

"Yeah." Applejack said. "Y'all don't think Shining Armor and Cadence never -"

"I'm gonna stop you right there." Twilight held out her hand. "Just out of curiosity, what would be a 'wrong' way to celebrate getting engaged, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy thought about it. "Cheating on your partner."

The girls burst into laughter.

"Well … I guess I can't argue with that." Twilight said. She raised her glass of punch. "Bottoms up, to our newly engaged friends."

"To our newly engaged friends." Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie, and Twilight clinked their glasses together and took a swig.

Upstairs, Rarity closed and locked the door to her room. For her part, she was eager to put Rainbow Dash back in the position she belonged;

With her mouth sucking the exquisite milk from Rarity's breast.

Shining Armor grumbled and muttered as he took a brush to the latrine in the castle’s lavatory, while Cadence watched, in part to keep him company, in part to watch over him and made sure he finished the job.

“Ugh.” Shining Armor groaned, pulling the brush away from the bowl and being disgusted by the dark-colored goop dripping off its bristles. “I don’t understand why Celestia is making me clean up all the restrooms.”

“Well, you kinda trample all over Rarity’s rights as a person to privacy and due process. That really upset Celestia.” Cadence said. “I understand you being suspicious after the slime incident, and the fact that there’s another slime running about, but you still went over the line, Shining.”

“Yeah, but after what she did -”

Cadence narrowed her eyes and growled at him. “Mrmm.”

Shining Armor sighed and went back to scrubbing.

Silver Lens walked up to Fluttershy’s cottage. She stopped and ran her hand over her clothes, making sure they were prim and proper before knocking on the door.

The door was opened not by Fluttershy, but by Discord. “Can I help you?”

“Er, yes.” Silver Lens said. “I was hoping to get to talk to Fluttershy?”

“Well, why didn’t you say so?” Discord moved aside and gestured for her to come inside. “Come in, come in.”

Silver Lens entered the building, where Fluttershy was pouring tea on the table.

“Silver Lens! What are you doing here?” Fluttershy asked. “We were just about to have tea. Um, I made it for myself and Discord, but we can share if you want some, and … I can make more if I need to.” She ran a hand through her hair.

“That would be lovely, thank you.”

Silver Lens pulled out a seat while Fluttershy poured out tea for all of them. Discord, floating on the air, floated by and angrily snatched up his cup and saucer, glaring at Silver Lens and proceeding to float around the table in circles.

“So, what brings you around here?” Fluttershy asked. “Aren’t you supposed to be, um, observing Rarity?”

“I figured Rarity could use a little break from me.” Silver Lens took a sip of her tea.

“This isn’t supposed to be some sort of … free complementary counseling session, is it?” Fluttershy asked, holding her cup up.

“No. Well, maybe.” Silver Lens said.

“Oh. Well, I don’t I have anything I really need to talk about …” Fluttershy shifted her head to hide her face behind her hair. As she did. “But I appreciate you coming by to check on me. That’s a very generous and caring of you.”

Silver Lens let out an airy laugh. “Thank you, Fluttershy. It’s good to hear at least someone understands the value of talking to a counselor … that’s something Rarity could stand to learn, especially given your … shared addiction.”

Fluttershy perked up, shaking her hair out of her face so she could focus on Silver Lens.

Discord raised a piqued eyebrow. “This should be interesting.” He muttered.

“Addiction? What are you talking about?”

Silver Lens sipped her tea. “Why … your addiction to breastfeeding, of course.”

“What - addiction? That’s not an addiction.” Fluttershy rubbed her shoulder. “I mean, just because I happen to like being nursed on, that doesn’t make it an addiction …”

Silver Lens waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, Fluttershy, I understand you trying to hide it, but you don’t need to hide it from me. There is no reason to be ashamed.”

“Ashamed!?” Fluttershy narrowed her eyes,

“Just because Rarity doesn’t acknowledge it as an addiction, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.” As she continued to talk, Silver Lens didn’t notice Fluttershy get increasingly angrier, tapping her fingers on the table and balling up a fist. “Your solidarity for your friend is commendable, really, but there’s no reason to suffer just because she is. With my expert treatment plan, you can get the help you need and be free of this terrible, infectious addiction.”

Fluttershy gently set her cup down. She slammed her hands on the table and stood up, startling Silver Lens. “Would you like some?”

“W-what?” Silver Lens adjusted her glasses.

“Would you … like … to try some … of my milk?” Fluttershy asked, speaking in slow, deliberate pauses. When she was done speaking, she gave Silver Lens an unnerving, psychotic grin, her fingers clawing into the table.

Silver Lens looked around, not sure what to say in response. How many responses were there for when someone for this situation?

Silver Lens’ eyes were drawn to Discord, who floated behind Fluttershy with a worried expression. He held up a wooden sign, with black letters reading “YOU SHOULD GO NOW. I DON’T NORMALLY SEE HER THIS UPSET.”

“Uh … why don’t I just finish my tea and leave?” Silver Lens chuckled nervously, lifting the cup to her mouth and proceeding to drink the rest of her tea in one gulp.

Fluttershy seemed to calm down, easing herself back into her seat. “Yes. I think that would be a good idea.” She confidently lifted her own teacup up and sipped, keeping a knowing eye on Silver Lens.

Silver Lens put the empty tea cup down on the saucer, then dashed out the door.

“Huh. I wonder what all that was about.” Fluttershy sipped her tea.

“I don’t know.” Discord said with a tone of false innocence, floating by Fluttershy. The two of them shared glances and broke into laughter, each of them knowing exactly what had gone on.

Silver Lens walked along on Ponyville’s path, holding her clipboard to her chest and wondering where she had went wrong with Fluttershy. Was it wrong of her to want to try treat her patient’s illnesses? Or was something more going on? Something she couldn’t - wouldn’t let herself see.

Maybe she really IS just enjoying it, thought Silver Lens.

Of course, where else would she wander than by Carousel Boutique, when who else should she bump into but Harshwhinny? Silver Lens bumped her forehead onto Harshwhinny’s shoulder, her eyes too focused on the ground to notice Harshwhinny.

“Oh. Sorry, Inspector.” Silver Lens separated herself, rubbing her forehead. “I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

“Never mind that.” Harshwhinny crossed her arms. “It’s been four days since you said you would put Rarity under observation. What has been you conclusion, doctor?”

“Uh … oh.” Silver Lens adjusted her glasses, caught off guard. “Well … I can definitely say ...”

“Yes?”

Silver Lens thought to when Rarity was stabbing a milk carton with a knife.

“She’s unstable.” Silver Lens said.

“Perfect.” Harshwhinny pumped a fist. “That should be all the excuse we need to lock her behind bars where she can’t hurt anyone. Shining Armor will be so happy. You go contact Shining Armor and Princess Twilight. I’ll stay here and make sure Rarity doesn’t go anywhere. Go!” Harshwhinny pushed Silver Lens away.

Silver Lens stumbled and fixed her misplaced glasses.

Harshwhinny noticed Silver Lens wasn’t moving. “What are you waiting for? Go!”

“Inspector, I’m not sure what you’re planning to do is in everyone’s best interests.” Silver Lens said. “It almost sounds like you want to arrest Rarity, and I don’t think …”

“Shining Armor and I will decide what is in everyone’s best interests.” Harshwhinny pointed her finger. “Now go!”

Silver Lens nodded and left.

Sometime later, Silver Lens, Harshwhinny, Shining Armor, and Twilight Sparkle were present and gathered outside Rarity’s house.

“Okay, Harshwhinny.” Twilight rubbed her head in exasperation. “You brought us all here. What do you need us for?”

“I’m glad you arrived. After consulting with Silver Lens, it is my professional opinion that Rarity Belle should be placed under arrest for the safety of everyone in Ponyville, especially her friends and family.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. She calmed down and glared at Shining Armor, placing her hands on her hips. “Did you put her up to this?”

“No! Maybe. Kind of.” Shining Armor said.

Twilight crossed her arms. “I’m not convinced Rarity needs to be arrested for anyone’s sake.”

“Then perhaps we should go inside.” Harshwhinny said with a smirk, twisting the doorknob to Rarity’s house. “I’m sure, if we barge in unannounced, we’ll find her off her guard and doing something which proves her … instability.” Harshwhinny glared at Silver Lens, who hid her face behind her clipboard.

"Mmm." Twilight wasn't too sold on the idea, finding it questionable, but said nothing and joined them in going inside, hoping to keep the situation from getting out of hand.

Upstairs in Rarity’s bedroom, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were lying on their bed in the opposite direction of each other, fully garbed, with Rarity resting her head the foot of the bed and Rainbow Dash having her head propped against a pillow, looking up at the ceiling.

Rarity raised a hand up, examining her nails. “What were you thinking for the venue?”

Dash brought her head down. “Venue?”

“Well, of course.” Rarity placed her hand down and rolled over to face Dash. “Just because we’re going to wait until things are a bit calmer around here before we do it doesn’t mean we can’t start planning for the wedding.”

“Hmm.” Dash pursed her lips. “How about Cloudsdale?”

Rarity glared. “Now, darling, you know that would be inconvenient for some of our friends, not to mention the staff. The photographer, the D.J., … we will hire the same people who Cadence used, won’t we?”

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Eh. I don’t know. We could just elope.”

Rarity chortled. “That would be romantic, wouldn’t it? And it would help us get away from a few … unpleasant acquaintances. But no, I don’t think it would be practical. Despite everything, I do still have a reputation and a business to run. I don’t think I could rebuild that from scratch if I had to start from the ground up ...”

The door clicked.

Rarity stood up from the bed while Rainbow Dash leaned forward.

“Now who could that be?” Rarity asked. “I wasn’t expecting any company today.”

The door opened, and Harshwhinny stood in the hallway, a serious expression on her face.

“Ah, yes. Harshwhinny.” Rarity crossed her arms. “One of the several people who have made it their solitary focus to make my life miserable. What can I do for you today?”

For a moment, Rarity thought she saw Harshwhinny flex a satisfied smirk, but it went away as quickly as it appeared. Harshwhinny entered the room, followed by Silver Lens, Shining Armor, and Twilight Sparkle.

“You know, it’s rude to enter someone’s bedroom uninvited.” Rarity said to Harshwhinny before turning to the rest of Harshwhinny’s company. Rarity placed a hand over her face, gritting her teeth. “Oh, great. Just great. What do you want? What you all here for?”

Twilight rubbed her hands together. “Rarity, we’ve ... heard a few things, and we’re concerned about you.”

“Forget that!” Shining Armor said. “We’re here to take you down and settle this, once and for all.”

“Oh, is that it?” Rarity raised an eyebrow while Rainbow Dash got up from the bed and pounded a fist into her palm, getting ready to fight.

“Is that what this is about?” Rarity asked. “Your little feud, your grudge against me? You’re not even bothering with trying to come up with a flimsy excuse about following some protocol or procedure? Just here to arrest me because you don’t trust me, and that’s that?”

“No!” Twilight said. “No, it’s not like that!” She glared at Shining Armor. “Is it?”

Shining Armor grit his teeth, breaking a sweat under Twilight’s glare.

“I doubt Princess Celestia will be very happy about this.” Rarity said. “I heard she made you scrub the latrines. Maybe after this mess, she’ll wise up and just flush you down one of them and get a captain who will actually do his job competently instead of chasing ghosts and vendettas!”

Shining Armor rose his finger to say something, but was cut off by Harshwhinny.

“We have more than sufficient reason to place you under arrest, Miss Belle.” Harshwhinny said.

“How? Name one thing I’ve done since the last time you were that justifies my arrest.” Rarity said.

“Permitting a tenant to squat without paying rent …” Harshwhinny said, counting off on her fingers.

“Are you … are you talking about Coco Pommel?” Rarity asked, taken aback. “This is my house, and I will allow who I want to live here, with or without rent, thank you very much!”

“Keeping a child here against their will …”

“I don’t know what Suri fed you, but Diamond Tiara is here of her own volition.”

“Exposing a minor to sexual content …”

Rarity’s eyes shifted around. “I’m afraid I don’t remember that one. Explain.”

“There was a recent occasion where your sister Sweetie Belle had developed lactation in her chest.” Harshwhinny said. “The reports suggest she accomplished by using a special lactation powder in your possession.”

“Sweetie Belle did that despite my wishes, not because of them.” Rarity pointed an accusatory finger. “And how do you know all of this anyway? How much does Silver Lens really report to all of you?” Rarity narrowed her eyes at Harshwhinny. “Have you been … spying on me?”

“I am not the one on trial here.” Harshwhinny said. “And my methods are all above board.”

“Yes, of course. Because it’s not like Shining Armor would authorize unsolicited monitoring of me without due cause - OH WAIT! That was exactly what he did.” Rarity flexed her leg, rubbing the area which she had a tracking bracelet on until recent events.

“Rarity …” Shining Armor said.

“Hold on!” Twilight Sparkle said, stomping her foot. “If you or Harshwhinny have been spying on my friend, then I think I have a right to know! She has a right to know!”

“Twiley …” Shining Armor said. “I know you might not understand this, but … it’s for the best.”

“Not understand what? That my paranoid brother hasn’t forgiven my friend Rarity for something she did ten years ago, and thinks it would be better to lock her up and throw away the key instead of giving her the chance to prove herself and redeem herself? In fact, I’d say she’s already shown several attempts at redeeming herself, and you’re just ignoring them because they don’t match with your pre-conceived narrative of her as this criminal mastermind!”

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle.” Rarity said. “It’s nice to know at least someone is on my side.” She gave a pointed glare at Silver Lens. “Really? Nothing? Not even a word?”

Silver Lens meekly hid behind her clipboard.

Shining Armor sighed. “Rarity, I have a question.”

“What?” Rarity asked.

“Where’s the book?”

“What book?”

“The book.” Shining Armor said. “The book with the monsters in it. The one you took from Chrysalis.”

Rarity smirked. “I hid it.”

“Okay. Where?”

“I’m not telling you.” Rarity said.

“What? Why not? Rarity, that book is dangerous!” Shining Armor snapped.

“Indeed it is.” Rarity said.

“Rarity … why would you even want to keep that book?” Twilight asked. “After everything its contents did to you …”

“Oh, gee.” Rarity said, tapping a finger to her chin. “Now why would I want to keep something that the Captain of the Guard, who has been hounding me and harassing me, is afraid of? It couldn’t possibly be for leverage, could it? Something to threaten him with and make him back off? Hmm?”

“She’s making an implicit threat against the Captain.” Harshwhinny said. “What are we waiting for? Arrest her now!”

“She’s describing a hypothetical situation, and I don’t appreciate your insistence that we arrest her.” Twilight Sparkle said. “Frankly, if this is how she’s going to be treated, then for all I care, she can keep the book!”

“Rarity has shown a history of lying and manipulation.” Harshwhinny said.

“Yeah, but that hardly proves she needs to be kept in a cell!” Twilight said. “How would you like it if you told one little untruth, and suddenly everyone in the Royal Guard seemed to want you arrested for something you didn’t even do?”

“She’s still shown signs of mental unwellness.” Harshwhinny said. “Silver Lens, didn’t you say she stabbed a milk carton?”

“That only proves she needs to be in an asylum, or at least on some medication, not in jail!”

“Twiley …” Shining Armor said.

Twilight held out a hand for Shining Armor to hush.

“Rarity, step away from the window.”

Rarity had moved to the window, and had one leg out the window, her thigh exposed.

“Why should I?” Rarity asked with a bored expression. “I thought we were past this. I thought we were finally at the point where I would be allowed to make amends. But what’s the point? It’s clear to me now that … none of you are ever going to forgive me. None of you are ever going to trust me again. You’ll keep coming back. You’ll keep hounding me. You’ll keep going, because you’ve constructed all these narratives in your head that I’m somehow the villain, that I did wrong, or that I’m at least not well enough to be trusted by myself. And if that’s the case … if I’m going to be hunted for the rest of my days, always looking over my shoulder, targeted by the head of the very system swore to uphold justice ... ”

Rarity looked out the window.

“What’s even the point of living?”

Rarity fell forward, throwing herself out the window, everyone else in the room in too much shock to stop her, even as Twilight reached her hands out.

“NO!” Rainbow Dash shouted, jumping towards the door with her wings flared.

Rarity’s leg hit against the tile of the roof first, bouncing and displacing shingles. The rest of her body follow, sliding against the roof. She got as far as up to her waist on the roof before Rainbow Dash grabbed her by the arm and kept her from falling any further.

“I got’cha.” Rainbow Dash cried desperately, pulling Rarity up. “I got’cha.”

Rarity closed her eyes, letting out a groan and shaking her head as she was hoisted back into the bedroom. Rainbow Dash adjusted Rarity’s body and carried her, bridal-style, over to her bed.

“You’re safe now.” Rainbow Dash set Rarity down, stretching her across her bed. “You hear me? You’re safe now.”

Twilight Sparkle clapped her hands and turned towards everyone else. “Okay, everyone out. Let the lovers have a private moment.”

“Twiley, she just tried to jump out a window -!”

Twilight gave a murderous glare which made very clear, that if anyone said one more word in protest, she would not hesitate to subject them to long, slow, torturous and painful deaths.

Cowed, Shining Armor, Harshwhinny, and Silver Lens went out the room.

“You.” Twilight grabbed Harshwhinny by the collar. “Later, I want to have a talk with you.” She pushed Harshwhinny aside before guiding Harshwhinny and the rest down the stairs.

Rarity continued to groan, while Rainbow Dash held her hand.

“Ooh …” Rarity brought up one hand to her face. “Why did I do that? … Why did I do that?Sweetie Belle still needs me. Oh! And we were going to get married. I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash … I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“It’s okay.” Rainbow Dash said. “I forgive you.”

“Ugh … ” Rarity removed her hand and looked down at her body. “I think my leg is broken … and my arm.”

“It’s okay.” Rainbow Dash tried to assure her. “It’s okay. The doctors will fix it. They have all kinds of magic in the hospital. We’ll get you fixed up, okay?”

Rainbow Dash got up to get the paramedics, but Rarity grabbed her by the wrist.

“Rainbow Dash … don’t leave me.”

Rainbow sat back down, wrapping her hands around Rarity’s hand. “I won’t, okay? I’ll be right here, and I’ll stay as long as you need me to. I’m … sure Twilight’s going to get help anyway.”

“Mmm. Rainbow Dash?”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry …” Rarity closed her eyes and rolled her head away.

“I know.” Rainbow Dash rubbed Rarity’s hand tenderly. “I know. You said that already.”

“I’m sorry …” Rarity repeated again. She repeated herself again and again, deliriously apologizing over and over …

Until, to Rainbow Dash’s surprise, Cadence entered the room.

“Ugh …” Rarity groaned, waking up in a room she didn’t recognize. She looked around and saw the window had been boarded up, with planks nailed into it. Her right arm was in a sling, and she looked to the left and saw Cadence sitting by her bed on a stool.

“Hey there.” Cadence said with a smile. “I’ll … bet you’re wondering where you are, aren’t you?”

Rarity looked around the room again. “The Crystal Castle.”

Cadence nodded. “After you … jumped, Twilight got me. I brought you here and the surgeons here fixed you, and then brought you here while you healed. I’m going to be placing you under mental institution watch while you recover both physically and mentally.”

“Mental institution watch?” Rarity sat upright, wincing and regretting her decision, clutching at her arm. “Ow. Cadence, you can’t do that! I don’t need to be under watch!”

“Rarity, you tried to jump out a window.”

Rarity bit her lip. She sunk back under her covers.

“I … suppose it wouldn’t hurt to rest for a few days.”

“Glad we understand each other.” Cadence said with a smirk before getting up and leaving. “We’ll be locking the door when we leave. The orderlies will come by and check on you regularly. If there’s anything you need, just let us know.”

Rarity nodded.

Cadence smiled and shut the door, and Rarity could hear the click of the latch as Cadence locked it.

Rarity rested her back against the wall. She began to reflect on her actions. What had driven to such a point? What had compelled her, urged her, to take a drastic measure? What had convinced her it was a good idea?

Rarity turned her head towards the window. For a moment, she thought about going over and inspecting the boarding to see if there was a weak point she could exploit and use to escape this place and Cadence’s watch.

Her arm burned. Rarity rubbed at the tingling skin around her wrist, her flesh remembering what happened, still able to feel the scraping of the shingles against her skin … the bruises … the desperate clutch of Rainbow Dash’s hand as she tried her hardest to keep Rarity from plummeting to her doom.

Rarity looked away from the window. She continued to rub her wrist.

“Guard?”

A Guard poked his head through the door with a cautious, neutral face.

Rarity gave him a warming smile to assure him she would do him no harm, but knowing Rarity’s reputation for using charm to get her way, it only made him more uneasy.

“Could I have a glass of water?”

The Guard was puzzled by this simple request, but after getting over the unexpected innocence of it, he nodded. “Sure … I’ll have to monitor you to make sure you don’t, you know, do something with it.”

“Of course.” Rarity said. “But whatever would I do with a glass of water?”

“You could try to choke yourself on the water, you could break the glass and use it to hurt yourself or others …” The Guard said, before leaving when he noticed Rarity’s annoyed gaze. “I’ll get right on it.”

“I’m not that badly damaged.” Rarity huffed, turning over on to her side and pulling up her covers, careful not to agitate her sling arm. “Am I?”

Over the course of the next three days, Rarity remained remarkably calm and well-behaved for someone who had tried to jump out of a window a mere seventy-two hours ago.

She laid back on her bed, patiently waiting for the Guards to bring her lunch. While she waited, her mind wandered … and as it did, it wandered back to a moment from a long time ago … back when she was still under the direct influence of the Pipe Slime.

Of course, given the way her life was right now, who’s to say she wasn’t still under the influence of the Pipe Slime now? Albeit more … subtle, more … implicit and more shadowy and long-reaching, consequential influence?

Were the others right? Was her relationship with Rainbow Dash … toxic?

She thought back to when she and Rainbow Dash were in front of the cave. They had just sent Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy in to be tainted by the Pipe Slime itself, and were taking the chance to enjoy some private time together. And over the course of the proceedings in said private, Rarity … slapped Rainbow Dash.

Rarity slapped her.

“I slapped her.”

It wasn’t a light slap, either, the kind one gives to a friend at a party in front of friends to let the friend they were being rude or offensive and give subtle discouragement of further inappropriate remarks. No, this was a hard slap. It hurt. It stung. It was punishing.

It was cruel.

It had been a reprimand to Rainbow Dash for trying to Rarity’s sweet nectar before Rarity had given her express permission.

Rarity was left wondering why she had done such a thing. She had never slapped Rainbow Dash before, had she? Even while under the Pipe Slime’s control? Why did she feel the need to punish her this one time? Didn’t she like it when Rainbow Dash nursed her, both with the Slime inside her and without? What made this time different?

No … it wasn’t me. Rarity thought. It wasn’t me. I didn’t hit her. It was the slime … wasn’t it?

Were the things some were saying about her and Dash right? Was her relationship with Rainbow Dash as … toxic as they claimed?

She rolled on the bed, her mind still awash and racing with questions. Why could she control the slime as well as she did? Why did she hurt Rainbow Dash? Was it the slime, or her? Could she be trusted not to do it again?

That’s a stupid question. Rarity thought. We’ve been together ten years now. I haven’t laid a hand on her.

Rarity paused.

Rough play in the bedroom doesn’t count.

The door clicked, and Rarity sprang upright. Two Guards entered the room, one of them carrying a tray with her lunch on it.

“Hi, Rarity. We’ve got your lunch for you.”

“I see. Thank you, darlings.” Rarity smiled at them as the Guard set the tray down on her bed.

Rarity wrapped her arms around herself, clutching at her breasts. Her empty, hollow, weightless breasts … “Oh, for Celestia’s sake, not now.”

The Guards looked at each other. One of them gestured his head at Rarity to indicate the other should ask what was wrong.

“What’s bothering you?”

“Oh, nothing.” Rarity closed her eyes and shook her head. “It’s just I’ve been empty for so long … I’m wanting for my special powder.”

“Your … special powder?”

“Yes.” Rarity said. “It’s … um, it’s … a special powder which … lets me lactate.” Rarity turned her head away from them in embarrassment, before turning back to them and smiling, fluttering her lashes. “Would you two dears be so kind as to help me procure some?”

“Gee, I don’t know … would we have to steal it from somewhere?”

Rarity laughed airily. “Ha ha ha! No, darlings. I can recall the recipe by heart. All I need you to do is bring the ingredients.”

“Well …”

The other Guard slammed his elbow into the Guard’s shoulder, giving a disapproving glare.

“I’m not sure Cadence would approve of us giving you something like that.”

Rarity narrowed her eyes. “Well, what Cadence doesn’t know won’t hurt her, will it?”

“I’m sorry, Rarity.” The Guard said. “We can’t help you with this. Enjoy your lunch.”

One of the Guards left, while the other went into the corner.

Rarity looked down at her lunch. In anger, she gave a backhanded swat to a bowl, making it topple, but she calmed down and reached over, stopping it from tipping over with her palm.

“Hmm.” The Guard said in observation. “Say, can I ask you kind of a weird question? Hypothetically … if we did get you your powder, which we won’t, would you do something disgusting like suck on your own breasts, just to get your fix?”

Rarity squinted off to the side.

“Maaaybe.” She answered. “Still, you shouldn’t ask a lady something like that, darling.” Rarity protectively brought her arm over her chest. “What a lady does with her assets is her own business.”

Rarity gazed down at her lunch, contemplating a situation where she had access to her powder, and she could suckle and feed herself with her milk out of spite so she wouldn’t have to rely on Cadence’s servants for sustenance. Recognizing such a scenario was unlikely to happen, she set about eating her lunch.

Later, much later in the day, night had fallen on the Crystal Empire, and Rarity was lying in her bed, resting her head on her pillow, closing her eyes and attempting to go to sleep.

Her attempt to go to sleep was interrupted by the sound of dripping, one of the worst sounds to be trying to fall asleep to. Most of the time, it meant someone had left a faucet on, and one couldn’t get used to the rhythm and go to sleep ignoring it, because one could never tell how much time there would be between drops.

Rarity’s eyes shot open.

Her room didn’t have a faucet.

Her eyes drifted over to the boarded-up window, where, once she focused, she was quite certain was where the noises were coming from.

“Guards!” Rarity shouted. “GUARDS!”

The Guards burst in, flicking the light on. They reared up, aiming their spears and getting ready for a fight. “What is it?”

“I think - I know there’s something by the window.” Rarity pointed to the window, clutching at her blanket. “I can hear dripping coming from it.”

“Dripping?” The Guards asked. They lowered their spears and went over to the window to investigate.

“It’s completely boarded up.” The Guard said. “How could anything get in?”

The Guards did a thorough inspection of the boarding, running their hands over it, feeling for anything which felt out a place. A loose nail, a spot of condensation.

“We’re sorry, Rarity.” The Guard said. “We can’t find anything. There’s nothing to show any signs of disturbance … or dripping. There’s not a single wet spot on there.”

“I know there was something there.” Rarity said.

The Guard. “It was probably just your imagination.”

“Yeah. Spending so much time locked up in here is making you go stir-crazy and see things.” The guard twirled his finger in a ‘cuckoo’ motion. “Like, cabin fever or something. We need to get you outside one of these days.”

The Guards left, turning the light off on their way out.

“I know something was there.” Rarity said. She laid down and rested her head on her pillow. Perhaps the Guards were right. Perhaps she was imagining things because she hadn’t had fresh air in too long.

But if so, why could she sense - why she could feel there was something on the other side of the window?

The next day, Rarity was reading a book on her bed with a pair of reading glasses. Evidently, she had behaved enough for the Guards to trust her not to try to pop out the lens and make them into in a makeshift glass dagger of some kind.

Cadence herself came by and visited, pulling up a seat and sitting next to Rarity’s bed.

“Hello, Cadence.” Rarity closed her book to give Cadence her attention. “What can I do for you today?”

“I’m just checking on you.” Cadence said. “It’s amazing how well you’ve behaved, Rarity, considering what you did.”

Rarity shrugged. “What can I say?”

“You haven’t fought the Guards, you haven’t tried to hurt yourself or cut yourself, you never refused to eat your food …” Cadence went on. “It’s … pretty amazing.”

“Yes, well … I thought about it, and I decided I don’t want another sling on me. I mean, look at this one.” Rarity pointed at it. “The color is all wrong. It totally clashes with my complexion!”

Both she and Cadence laughed.

“Oh, of course. It’s always about fashion with you, isn’t it, Rarity?”

“It is.” Rarity said. She threw her legs off the side of the bed and stood up. “Now, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll check myself out now.”

“Whoa there.” Cadence said. “Just because we’re talking and laughing does not mean you are free to go.”

Rarity’s face grew sour. “I assure you, Cadence, I am quite fine.” Rarity stood up.

“Where do you think you’re going? Sit. Down.” Cadence’s hand glowed, and she pointed a finger at the floor, using her magic to force Rarity back on the bed.
“Rarity, this isn’t just something you can talk your way out of. It’s not a test where you have to say just the right thing that we want to hear and then we’ll let you go. You tried to jump out of a building. You’re not well. You need help. You need observation. You need to be cleared by a professional before we let you go. Maybe even a review board.”

“I see.” Rarity crossed her arms. “And will this board include Harshwhinny and Shining Armor?”

Cadence looked shamefully away. “I can’t change what happened with Harshwhinny and Shining Armor. But I can keep you here, and I can decide whether or not you’re mentally unfit.”

“And what qualifications do you have to decide whether I’m mentally unfit or not?”

Cadence’s reply was sharp and brisk. “I’m the Princess. The Princess of Love.”

Cadence got up and left the room, exchanging bitter glances with Rarity on her way out.

Rarity sat back in her bed, seething. Her eyebrow perked up, and her body went from tense in anger to tense in fear when she heard the sounds of something dripping again. From the boards.

She could see it this time. It was something slipping through the boarding … something … orange.

“Cadence!” Rarity screamed.

Cadence walked back into the room, adopting a gentler tone when she detected the fear in Rarity’s voice. “What is it?”

Rarity pointed at the boards.

“The dripping again?” Cadence gave a soft smile and shook her head. “The Guards told me. Rarity, you’re probably just imagining things, or … hearing condensation drip off. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for you to be delirious after sliding on your roof like you did.”

Rarity put a finger to Cadence’s lip before making a shush gesture by putting a finger to her own lip.

Rarity pointed at the boards, gesturing for Cadence to listen.

After a few moments of silence, Cadence heard the dripping noises, and she recognized what they were.

“Cadence,” Rarity said, speaking in a loud and melodramatic voice to make sure the eavesdropper heard, “why don’t you go and wait in the hall?”

“Good idea, Rarity.” Cadence said woodenly. “I will go and do that.” Cadence went out into the hall.

“We have got to work on her acting.” Rarity muttered to herself. She turn towards the window.

The boards shook. They rattled as something pounded on them from outside, knocking nails out and out to the floor.

The boards bent backwards as the intruder pounded again, knocking all the nails and planks out, where they fell to the floor with a clatter, the planks banging against each other, the nails rolling around on the floor, a cloud of sawdust rising up from the destroyed wood.

Fleur-de-lis hung outside the window, her slime appendages allowing her to cling to the wall.

“Finally!” Fleur exclaimed, her tail wriggling as she writhed and slithered her way inside. “I thought she’d never leave us alone!”

Fleur dragged in her tentacles from the window, resting her tail on the floor. “Now we can have a private moment … just between you and me.”

Fleur slithered towards the bed.

“I’ve been looking all over for you …” Fleur whispered. “I’ve been wanting to have some private time together with you … with just us … and we can take turns drinking milk out of the other’s chest …”

“Sounds lovely.” Rarity nodded before turning head towards the door. “CADENCE! NOW!”

Cadence burst into the room, her hands glowing with blue magic. She fired out a blizzard gusts from her palms, coating Fleur in snow and ice. Fleur shivered and seemed bothered by the ice crystals and frost forming around her hair, but her slime remained agile and mobile.

“It didn’t work.” Cadence said with disbelief. “It didn’t work. It’s supposed to work! It’s supposed to freeze her!”

“Chrysalis must have cast a spell on the Citrus Slime to protect from the freezing weakness.” Rarity quickly deduced. She rubbed her chin. “The slime is still mostly liquid, though, so it would be weak to … quick! Shoot her with a lightning spell!”

“I can’t do that!” Cadence protested. “I could kill her!”

“Fine!” Rarity said. “If you would rather stand here and let her ravish us, have it your way!”

Fleur raised up her tentacle menacingly at Cadence. “You interrupted mine and Rarity’s private time.”

Cadence bit her lip. “I’m sorry, Fleur-de-lis. Please forgive me.”

Closing her eyes and looking away, Cadence fired bolts of lightning with her magic, striking Fleur-de-lis and electrocuting her, the electric charges spreading through the slime. The sound of smoke and charred flesh permeated the room, the lightning flashing a blinding light.

There was a disgusting squelch noise, and the slime exploded off Fleur-de-lis’ body, spraying all over the walls and floor, painting them with little orange flecks. Fleur laid in the center of the room, resting on her hands and knees, covered in black soot, and thin smoke coming off her body, but she was alive.

Cadence swirled her finger, using a spell to gather up all the droplets of slime. She manipulated them, coalescing them into one huge orb which she levitated into the air. “Whelp, I’ve got to go find something to do about this before it causes any harm. Stay here.” Cadence pointed a stern finger at Rarity.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Rarity said, looking at Fleur. Cadence carried the sphere of slime out of the room, holding up the gelatinous mass with her magic.

Fleur shivered and curled up, wrapping her arms around her legs as she sniffed and cried.

“Fleur?” Rarity asked, getting off the bed and approaching, gingerly reaching a hand out.

“Get away!” Fleur snapped at her, tears flying from her eyes.

“Fleur …” Rarity said.

“I said get away!” Fleur snapped. She turned away, crying into her knees. “You don’t want to be near me … I’m … I’m a monster.”

“No, you’re not.” Rarity said.

“How would you know?” Fleur snapped, turning towards Rarity with a fist. “You don’t know what I’m feeling right. You don’t have any idea what I’ve been through!”

“Actually, I can say, without a doubt, that I am one of the few people in Equestria who know exactly what you’ve been through.” Rarity said. “That gurgle feeling in your chest … the rich, creamy milk filling you up in more ways than one, never feeling whole unless you had something to take the excess off you. The question, deep down, about whether or not you enjoyed it … that feeling of power knowing you all had to do was stick your tentacle in someone and they would be completely under your control … wondering how much of was the slime whispering into your ear, and how much of it was your own idea?”

Fleur-de-lis sniffed. “Yes …”

Rarity sat down next to Fleur, putting her hands on Fleur-de-lis’ shoulder.

“I … almost kinda liked it.” Fleur said.

“I know.” Rarity rested her head on Fleur’s shoulder. “Believe me, I know.”

“Ooh … I’m a monster.” Fleur-de-lis groaned. “Fancypants is going to hate me.”

“You’re not a monster. Fancypants has been worried sick about you. All the time you’ve been infected, all the time you’ve been gone … all he’s wanted to know is if you would be okay.” Rarity said. “He’ll be relieved to know that you’re unharmed.”

“What … do I do?” Fleur asked, sniffing and wiping away at her tears. “It’s not like I can just hop back into my life like nothing’s happened!”

“No.” Rarity said. “But you can have friends you can rely on who will support, like Fancypants. Like myself.”

“Fancypants is more than a friend …”

Rarity cupped Fleur’s chin and made Fleur look at her. “Which is why he’ll be the first to forgive you … after me, of course.”

Fleur giggled.

“If you ever need someone to talk about your … experience, I’m here for you.” Rarity assured her with a smile. “In a way, Fleur-de-lis, I envy you. If I had had someone to talk to, someone who knew what I was going through and could relate to it … things might have gone differently. My friends and I would have still trusted each other like we used to without second-guessing everything I have to say … instead of hiding all our reservations … and I might not be where I am today.”

Rarity sat there, continuing to rub Fleur’s shoulders in comfort. While Fleur rested her head on Rarity’s shoulder, Rarity stared off into space, reflecting on recent events in her life.

Unseen by Fleur, Rarity clenched her fist, making a vow to herself.

On my word, once I get out of here, I will start making amends for all my transgressions. I’m not innocent in all this. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve lied. I’ve obfuscated and used half-truths. Well … it’s time to stop lying. From now on, I will tell everyone the exact truth, for good or for ill, with no dilution or censoring.

Rarity looked at Fleur-de-lis.

And … I’m going to help those around me who need my help. Maybe I’ll start a group for people in mine and Fleur's situation. Ha ha!

Rarity continued to comfort Fleur, giving her a shoulder to cry on until Cadence returned.

“I must say, Rarity, I’m impressed.” Cadence said, the three of them going to a desk. “Comforting Fleur-de-lis the way you did … not a lot of people who have been through the days you’ve been having would be able to do that.”

Rarity shrugged. “What can I say?”

“Caring for and empathizing with others is a sure sign of good mental health.” Cadence pulled out a quill. “It’s a remarkable sign of improvement.”

“So … I’m free to go?” Rarity asked.

Cadence nodded. “Yes. Fleur-de-lis will need to be checked out a bit more thoroughly, just to make sure there’s not any consequences from the slime, but you’re both free to go.”

Fleur and Rarity exchanged smiles with each other.

Cadence slammed her hand on the crystal desk, making them both spring to attention.

“On one condition.” Cadence said. “You and Fleur both come back regularly to check in for mandatory evaluations.”

“But of course, darling.” Rarity said.

“Excellent.” Cadence handed Rarity the quill and tapped a paper on the desk. “If you’ll both just sign here showing your voluntary agreement to cooperate to my terms and conditions, and you’ll be on your way. I’ll let your families know you’ll be coming back home.” She smiled at Rarity and left the desk.

Rarity sighed the paper for herself before handing the quill to Fleur.

“Do you think Fancypants will be happy to see me?” Fleur asked as she signed her paper.

“Darling …” Rarity draped an arm over Fleur’s shoulder. “He’ll be elated.”

Fleur shrugged, uncertain. “I hope so …”

Fancypants laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling as he waited for the agonizing hours to pass by. Cadence had sent him a letter saying Fleur-de-lis was on her way home, and she would arrive by train. It was hours ago when it had arrived. How long did a train take?

Fancypants tapped a finger to his head. If he was less despondent, he’d be less questioning. In a better state of mind, he knew how long a train took to get to Canterlot from the Crystal Empire, but each hour he waited felt like ten.

He heard a knock on the door.

“Coming!” Fancypants declared, putting on his monocle. He opened the door and gasped when he saw Fleur-de-lis, standing with a demure, reserved posture.

“Hello, Fancypants.” Fleur-de-lis said. “I’m … I’m back.” She turned away from him. “I’m … not sure if you can forgive me for what I did while I was … infected. I destroyed your house, I attacked Rarity and Rarity’s friends, I didn’t listen to anyone … so if you don’t want to see me right now, I understand … dang it, Fancypants, say something.”

Fancypants was silent. He spread out his arms and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her body, pulling her close in a tight embrace.

Fleur gasped. She gave a smile, even though her eyes were watery, and she returned the hug.

And that was all that needed to be said between them.

Rainbow Dash, Coco Pommel, Sweetie Belle, and Diamond Tiara crowded the foyer of Rarity’s house, gathered around at the door, awaiting Rarity’s arrival with a big welcome planned for her. Sweetie Belle held up a cake with a lit candle, with ‘welcome home’ written on it in frosting.

“Okay.” Rainbow Dash made a shush gesture. “Everyone be super quiet. I want this to be a surprise for her. A good one.”

Rarity walked up to the front of the house. She stopped and looked up. Something was missing. She needed a grander entrance for her return.

“Hmm.” Walking around to the side of the house, Rarity waved her hand out, opening the window to her room with her magic.

“What is she doing?” Diamond Tiara wondered, seeing Rarity’s silhouette in the window.

Rarity winced, remembering this was the same window she had tried to jump out of, but she carried on. Reaching her magic around, she felt around the room, sticking her tongue out in concentration as she tried to grab what she couldn’t see. After knocking a few things over during her blind rummage, her face lit up when she felt what she was looking for.

Being careful not to drop or spill, she levitated the item out from the window and brought it down. The bowl of her powder.

Rarity stuck her fingers up, picking up a small sample, and placed it on her tongue. She swallowed and waited for her breasts to fill up.

“Come on. What’s taking so long?” Rainbow Dash asked.

To everyone’s surprise, the door swung wide open, and Rarity reached in, grabbing Rainbow Dash by the shoulders and pulling her close.

“Oh my.” Coco Pommel said, realizing what Rarity’s intentions were. She covered Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle’s eyes.

“Hey!”

“I’m sorry, children, but you two shouldn’t see this.”

"We're legal adults!" Sweetie Belle protested, but Coco remained firm.

Rarity tossed Rainbow Dash against the door, landing her on her rump, and pinning her.

“Hey, what’s the big idea here?”

Rarity silenced Rainbow Dash by pulling her dress down and stuffing her veiny breast into Rainbow Dash’s mouth, forcing her tip onto Rainbow Dash’s tongue. Rarity took her hand and squeezed herself, squirting several jets of milk into Dash’s throat.

“Mmm …” Dash moaned when Rarity finished and pulled away.

“Oh, darling … you have no idea how much I’ve been needing that.” Rarity said as she pulled up her dress. She blushed and chuckled, noticing Coco Pommel standing inside the house and looking at her, trying to determine if it was safe to take her hands off the two girls’ eyes or not.

“Heh heh. I apologize, darling. I got a little carried away.”

Coco Pommel nodded and removed her hands.

Rarity moved to go inside, but Rainbow grabbed her by the arm.

“I have a surprise for you too.” Rainbow Dash said. “Later, when we’re alone. Right now, go and say hi to everyone.”

“Hello, everyone.” Rarity said as she and Dash entered. “Oh my. I see a big welcome was prepared for me.”

“Yup!” Sweetie Belle presented the cake to her. “We even made you a cake! I baked it myself.”

This was cause for Rarity to grow concerned.

“Don’t worry.” Coco Pommel assured her. “I supervised.”

“Well, it looks lovely.” Rarity took the cake, and everyone followed her into the kitchen where she set it down on the table. She retrieved a knife and began to cut a slice off the cake.

Rarity noticed she was earning stares from Coco Pommel and Sweetie Belle.

“What?” Rarity asked. “Do you think, just because it was made for me, I’m supposed to dig in and eat it with my bare hands like an animal?”

Coco and Sweetie Belle looked at each other.

“Kind of, yes.” Coco said. “Sorry. I guess you learn bad habits when you grow up in a poor neighborhood like mine.”

“That’s how I’d do it.” Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity rolled her eyes. “So uncivilized.” Rarity set the slice on a plate before noticing everyone was standing around. “Well? Grab a plate. I’m not going to eat this whole cake by myself. I’d lose my voluptuous figure!”

Everyone laughed before fetching plates for themselves.

Once they were all served and eating, Rarity looked down at her plate, regarding the half-eaten slice of cake on it. She looked towards Sweetie Belle.

“Sweetie Belle, join me on the stairs, would you?” Rarity asked.

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. “Uh, okay.”

Though puzzled by Rarity’s odd request, Sweetie Belle followed her sister onto the steps, where Rarity sat down on the stairs and patted the stairs, gesturing for Sweetie Belle to sit next to her.

Sweetie Belle sat down. She ate another bite of cake before asking the obvious question. “What’s up?”

“Sweetie Belle …” Rarity said, resting her plate in her lap. “While I was at the Crystal Empire under Cadence’s watch, I made a promise to myself. That I would start helping those I saw in need, quit lying, and speak the honest, whole truth.”

“Okay.” Sweetie Belle said. “What does this have to do with me?”

Rarity rested her arms on her lap. “You say you’ve been infatuated with Scootaloo for some time now, yes?”

“Yes? Why?”

“Why is that?” Rarity asked. “What is it about Scootaloo that draws you to her? That makes you love her and want to be with her?”

Sweetie Belle sat her fork down on her plate. “Uh, well …”

“It’s not because of me, is it?” Rarity asked. “You’ve modeled several of your behaviors after me, after all. I have a relationship with Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo is a lot like Rainbow Dash, or tries to be, anyway, so then … it makes sense that you would try to start a relationship with her, patterned after Rainbow Dash and I.”

Sweetie Belle looked down at her plate before looking at Rarity despondently. “Rarity … what are you trying to tell me?”

“Just to be clear, I’m not trying to tell you to stop your pursuit of Scootaloo.” Rarity said. “But I want you to be sure you’re chasing after her for the right reasons. I want you to be sure that it’s Scootaloo that you want, and not just a mirror of my relationship with Rainbow Dash.” Rarity placed a hand on Sweetie Belle’s shoulder. “While I can certainly try and make a guess, I can’t ultimately know for sure what it is you want and decide that for you. Only you know, and you have to decide it for yourself.”

Sweetie Belle looked at the floor. She nodded. “Okay. I understand.”

“Good. I’m glad you do.” Rarity patted Sweetie Belle on the shoulder before standing up. “Chin up, Sweetie. There’s someone waiting out there for you … even if Scootaloo might not be the one.”

“Hey.” Rainbow Dash walked into the room. “If you’re done with your little lecture with Sweetie Belle, I’m ready to give my surprise for you.”

“I think I am.” Rarity said. “What is this surprise you’re so eager to give me?”

“Come on.” Rainbow Dash said. “Let’s go upstairs for it.”

“Ooh, mysterious.” Rarity cooed, walking up the stairs, Rainbow Dash following behind her, leaving Sweetie Belle alone on the staircase to contemplate what Rarity said.

Rainbow led Rarity to their room. “You go first.” Dash gestured.

“Such a gentleman.” Rarity entered the room. “So, what is this big surprise?”

Rainbow Dash closed the door and locked it behind them. “Well, after you got sent away for the Crystal Empire, I figure you could stand to do something really special to welcome you back home.”

“And what would that be?”

“Well … I figured out something special, so I …”

Rainbow Dash lifted her shirt up, peeling it off over her head, unclipping her undergarments to expose her enlarged breasts, which were spilling milk from their tips.

“Took some of the powder.”

“Ooh.” Rarity rubbed her fingers in anticipation. “I like this idea.”

Rainbow Dash braced herself against the wall. Rarity leaned over and bent down to place her mouth on Dash’s teat and prepared to suck her for all she was worth.

“Mmm …” Rarity said between gulps of milk, the white fluid dripping down her cheeks. “After we finish this … we should go find Spike.”

“Spike?”

“Yes. Mmm … I need to talk to him.”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “Okay. I’ll go get him … after we’re done here.” Rainbow Dash cupped Rarity’s cheek. “And no sooner.”

“Hmm.” Rarity smiled and nodded in agreement.

Long after they had finished their session, Rarity was left waiting by the door to the Boutique, waiting for Rainbow Dash to bring Spike to her. It was getting late. The stars were coming out.

A knock Rarity recognized as Rainbow Dash’s banged on the door.

Rarity opened the door, finding Rainbow Dash and Spike outside.

“Well, it took me a long while.” Rainbow Dash said. “But I found Spike. He’s all yours.” Rainbow Dash waved and went inside, passing both of them.

Rarity crossed her arms and rested against the door. “Hello, Spike.”

Spike stood with his hands in his pockets. “Hello.”

Rarity turned her head and smiled. “I’ve been needing to talk to you about this for a while, haven’t I? … You’ve needed to hear this for awhile.” Rarity closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “Spike … darling … I know you have feelings for me. And I’m flattered that I would catch your eye in that way, and I want you to know that no matter what, I deeply appreciate your friendship … but … I don’t think it would-”

“It’ll never work out between us.” Spike said. “You’re with Rainbow Dash now. I know. You’ve been hiding her in your house for a long, long time. There’s no way I can compete with that.”

Rarity smiled apologetically. “I’m glad you understand. I’m sorry.”

“I knew.” Spike said. “I guess I always knew. But still … just hearing it, out in the open like that … still kinda hurts.” Spike cringed.

“You’ll get over it.” Rarity said. “You’ll have to heal, and you’ll get over it.”

“Yeah, probably.” Spike said. “See you around, Rarity.”

“Good night, Spike.”

Spike waved at her and left, walking off into the night. Rarity closed the door and let out a deep breath. It might have hurt to do, but a burden had been lifted off Rarity’s shoulders.

Spike walked along the road, staring at the ground. He raised his head up when Sonata Dusk came bouncing up to him, skipping on her feet, her breasts jiggling around in a pleasing way.

“Hey there, sweet boy.” Sonata Dusk greeted him. “Why so glum?”

“Hey, Sonata.” Spike said. “What are you doing out here so late?”

“Oh, I just got lost on the way home again.” Sonata Dusk said. “This may come as a surprise to you, but I have a terrible sense of direction.”

“Not as surprising as you think.” Spike said.

“Anyway, you still haven’t answered my question.” Sonata said. “What’s got you down, Spike?”

“Oh, nothing …” Spike said. “I just came from a friend’s house, and we had a talk. We … said some things that needed to be said, but … I don’t know … they were all true things, things I needed to hear, but ... it still stings a little bit.”

“Oh, you poor boy.” Sonata Dusk took Spike’s hand, placing one hand over it. “Why don’t you tell Sonata Dusk all about it? As a bonus, you can walk me home along the way.”

Spike looked up, considering whether or not he wanted to open up to Sonata Dusk about this. He decided he did. “Well … it all started with …”

Rarity let out another deep sigh, relaxing after finishing with her dirty business with Spike. She walked through the foyer, ready to begin preparing for bed, to brush her hair and teeth …

Rapping came from the door.

“Now who could that be at this time of night?” Rarity asked. She went up to the door and opened it, surprised to a see a fuming Suri and a stern, serious Filthy Rich standing outside her door.

“Hello.” Rarity said after getting over her initial shock. “What can I do for you, Mister Rich?”

“Rarity, let’s get down to brass tacks.” Filthy Rich said. “I’m here to retrieve my - our daughter.”

“I see.” Rarity said. “Just a minute. Diamond Tiara! There’s someone at the door for you!” She shouted into the building.

Rarity crossed her arms. “If she wants to leave, I won’t stop her, but what makes you think she’ll go with you?”

“She’s my daughter.” Filthy Rich said. “That’s reason enough.”

“While she’s here?” Rarity pointed to Suri. “I don’t think it will be.”

“How dare you.” Suri said. “I’ll have you know that I am just as loving -”

Rarity laughed.

“As Filthy Rich, and care about Diamond Tiara-”

Rarity snickered.

“Just as much, and am looking forward to-”

Rarity chortled.

“Restarting a new life with her.” Suri said, gnashing her teeth at Rarity’s laughter.

Rarity guffawed. “Oh, don’t make me laugh. Wait a minute, you already did! But really now, darlings, do you really think Diamond Tiara is going to come home with you? I’ll bet you don’t even care. You’re just pretending to be be mad to stay on Filthy Rich’s good side.”

“Who’s at the door for me?” Diamond Tiara asked, entering the room from down the stairs. She halted when she saw Filthy Rich and Suri. She crossed her arms. “What do you want?”

“Diamond Tiara …” Filthy Rich spoke in a level, but serious voice. “It’s time to come home.”

Diamond Tiara huffed. “No. I don’t wanna. I want to stay with Rarity”

“Diamond Tiara, there’s enough fun and games. It’s time for you to come home.” Filthy Rich said, a bit more forceful.

“I’m not playing any games.” Diamond Tiara said. “I’m staying with Rarity. As far as I’m concerned, this is my home, and I’m not going to set foot in your house while she’s still in it!” Diamond Tiara pointed at Suri.

“Diamond Tiara-” Filthy Rich began to speak, but Diamond Tiara turned around and walked back up the stairs.

Filthy Rich hung his head, while Suri stood there befuddled, biting her lip.

“ … I see.” Filthy Rich said. “Suri, I can’t deny it’s been lovely having you around the house these last few days … but for the sake of our daughter, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

While Suri’s jaw dropped, Filthy Rich turned and left.

“You …” Suri fixed her jaw and glared at Rarity. “No, you. This is somehow your fault. It has to be. You - you’ve been brainwashed Diamond Tiara or something.”

Rarity chuckled. “Is that what you think?”

Suri raised up her finger. “Yes, and if wasn’t for Diamond Tiara being under your control, I’d-”

“You’d what?” Rainbow Dash asked, leaning over the handrails of the staircase, her wings flared out. She cracked her knuckles.

Suri was scared into silence. She lowered her finger and backed away from the door, giving a forced chuckle before turning and running away before Rainbow Dash decided to pounce on her.

“Well, glad that’s over.” With no more apparent threat to Rarity around, Rainbow Dash let her guard down, showing she was tired. “Rarity, would you come to bed already?”

“Right away, darling.” Rarity closed the door.

“Although …” Rarity tapped a finger to her chin, thinking about Suri. “Hmm …”

“What?”

“Nothing.” Rarity said. “I’ll be right with you, darling.”

The next day …

“What? No. Rarity, I get that you’re trying to get into this ‘help everybody’ thing, but that’s a terrible idea.”

“I have to try to get through her, Rainbow Dash. I have to try. You won’t begrudge me one try, will you?”

“Grr. Fine. But don’t expect me to be there, and don’t come crying to me when it all goes south.”

“Thank you, darling …”

…

A few hours later, Suri Polomare received a card inviting her to lunch at one of the finer restaurants in Ponyville.

“Hmm. Seems a bit fishy, but I won’t say no to free food.” Suri said, examining the card.

She found the restaurant it listed and walked in. She walked up to the register. “Reservation for Suri Polomare?”

“Ah, yes.” The attendant said. “Right over there. The purple-haired lady said she was expecting you.”

“Purple-haired?” Suri questioned, but she didn’t think too much of it. Lots of people in Equestria had purple hair.

Though when she arrived at the table, she wasn’t expecting to find Rarity sitting there with bowls of food laid out, even if perhaps she should have been. After all, several Equestrians had purple hair, but of those, how many of them besides Rarity had reason to invite them to lunch?

“Oh, it’s you.” Suri growled and crossed her arms. “I don’t know what game you think you’re playing, but I’m not falling for it.”

“I’ve already put in an order for you.” Rarity gestured to the food.

Suri looked at the food before glaring at Rarity. “And it doesn’t have anything in it that will make me throw up?”

“What? This isn’t a private meeting. You think I would do something like that at a restaurant, with dozens of potential witnesses?” Rarity gestured to the other restaurant-goers.

Suri continued to narrow her eyes at Rarity, but she pulled out a seat and sat down. “You’re lucky I can’t say no to free food, or I’d be out of here.”

“Oh, I know you can’t.” Rarity said. “After all, it’s hard to pay for your food when you’re a talentless hack who steals from others, and your sugar daddy is about to kick you out.”

Suri stopped the bite which was about go into her mouth. “What do you want, Rarity?”

“I want to talk to you.” Rarity said. “Let me start with a question. Why do you think Diamond Tiara resents you so much?”

“Because …” Suri said. “Because … she’s … an ungrateful …” Suri threw her fork down and rubbed at her temples, unable to even convince herself of her life. “Because I left her. I left her, and I didn’t look back. I didn’t write. I didn’t call. I did nothing to try to include myself in her life.”

“Well.” Rarity said. “I’m surprised to hear you admit that so readily. This conversation is already going much better than I expected.” Rarity said. “So, tell me, why do you think she’s unwilling to let you try to be part of her life again?”

“Would you?” Suri asked.

“Good point.” Rarity said. “Now, how do you think you could make it up to her and repair your relationship?”

“Make it up to her?” Suri asked. “Okay, one, that assumes I even want to make it up to her. Two, there is no making it up to her. I wasn’t part of her life for years, and I didn’t come until after she was almost an adult. And it wasn’t to go see her, either. It was … it was to lounge in with Filthy Rich after my business collapsed again.” Suri placed a hand over her forehead. “Don’t you dare tell her this, but I can’t manage my business without Coco Pommel helping me.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I’m not that good at business smarts.” Suri said. “Oh, sure, I can be underhanded and devious, and steal and cheat … but when it comes to things like budgeting and buying the right amount of materials, I’m kind of terrible. Anyways, the only way to make it up to Diamond Tiara would be to travel back in time and start all over again.”

“Hmm. I have a friend who might be able to help you with that. I’m not sure she would approve, though ...”

“Let me guess.” Suri said. “Your little Princess friend? ‘Ooh, look at me, I’m Rarity, I’m so smart with my business, and I never have to worry about anything because I’m best friends with a Princess’!”

“My business has never collapsed the entire time I’ve had it, and I never needed Twilight’s help to do that. It was all me.” Rarity took a sip of her drink.

“Humph.”

“I’m not saying I didn’t have a few close calls along the way.” Rarity said. “But most of the time, I was able to lift myself without having to ask Twilight Sparkle for any … favors.”

“Well, goodie for you.” Suri said. She leaned back against her chair. “Like I’m going to take advice on how to handle a business or an estranged child from a big-breasted floozy.”

Rarity chuckled, taking Suri’s insult in stride. “Suri … I’m trying to help you.”

“That’s funny, because for the record, I don’t remember asking for your help or needing it.”

“Asking? No, you didn’t. Needing? I’d beg to differ.” Rarity said. She looked to the side. “You know, it’s funny … a long time ago, I met a friend. We’ve … fallen out of touch since then, but when we talked, we were … discussing how to get cute boys, and she said she heard that if you drank plenty of milk, you would get big breasts.” Rarity examined her cup. “Now, I don’t know if that’s true or not, but that’s what I did. Every breakfast I ate under my parents’ roof from then, I always made sure to drink double glasses of milk. But whether the milk did it or not, you can’t deny I certainly … developed well.”

Rarity took a sip of her drink before noticing Suri giving her a dumbfounded look. “What?”

“Rarity … I’m pretty sure I was the friend who told you that.” Suri said. “Remember? We met once before the competition in Manehatten? Remember that?”

Rarity’s eyes widened in surprise, but she recovered and chuckled. “Well then … I guess maybe I have you to thank for my voluptuous chest, don’t I?” She raised up her cup. “A toast. To rediscovering long lost friends and tracing back unexpected developments.”

Suri shirked in her chair. She passively clinked her glass to Rarity’s.

Rarity smirked. “You still don’t think they’re natural.”

“Not really, no.”

“Would you like to feel them?” Rarity teased. “It might change your mind.”

Suri’s cheeks turned an extremely bright red. “I’ll … pass, thank you.”

“Suit yourself. You don’t know what you’re missing.” Rarity took another swig while Suri chuckled awkwardly.

Rarity set her drink down and stood up. She walked over to Suri and tossed a stack of papers onto the table, along with a pen.

“What are these?” Suri picked up the papers. “Adoption forms …?”

“I mean it, Suri. You need to think carefully and seriously about how you’re going to handle the situation with Diamond Tiara. I’ll get the bill. Waiter! Check please!” Rarity ran off.

Suri was left alone to contemplate the adoption papers. She lifted them up to her face, thinking about the significance they had, and the impact they could make on a young girl’s life.

Why did Rarity even have these in the first place …? Suri thought. Hmm … was she … no, couldn’t be. Surely not. Surely she wouldn’t go that far …

Would she?

It was there Suri realized, if she wanted to make up with Diamond Tiara, and perhaps Coco Pommel, she needed to be willing to go that far as well.

Rarity returned home and went up to her room, where Rainbow Dash was lying on the bed.

“How’d it go?” Dash asked.

“Much better than expected.” Rarity said. “I do believe I got through to her.”

“Great. Hey …” Rainbow rolled over. “I’ve been thinking … maybe we should try to stop using the powder and wean ourselves off it.”

Rarity was appalled. “Stop? But you love my milk! And I love it when you suckle me for my milk!”

“I know, I know.” Rainbow Dash said. “But still … we are kinda … addicted to it.”

“Addicted?” Rarity squealed. “We’re not addicted! Silver Lens has filled your head with nonsense.”

“Rarity …” Rainbow Dash said. “You were in the Crystal Empire for three days, and the first thing, the very first thing you did when you got back home was to shove your breast into my mouth. Not that I mind, but still.”

“We are not addicted.” Rarity insisted. “Neither of us are addicted. You’re not addicted. I am not addicted.”

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow said. “Prove it. Act like you’re going to some of the powder, and then don’t.” She gestured her head at the drawer where the powder was kept.

“Fine. I will. And I’ll prove to you that I am not addicted.” Rarity said. She got onto the bed and laid next to Rainbow Dash. She pulled out the drawer and the bowl of powder, and scooped a spoonful. She made to lift the spoon to her mouth and stopped. Her hand shook, her mouth open and ready to consume the fine powder, but she resisted and put the spoon down into the bowl.

“There. See?” Rarity asked. “Not addicted. Not addicted or dependent at all.”

Rarity crossed her arms, smirking at Rainbow Dash in satisfaction. Her mouth twitched. She tapped her fingers on her arm. She crinkled her nose and looked to the side.

She dashed towards the drawer, despite Rainbow Dash reaching out to stop her, and grabbed the spoon. She lifting it up to her mouth, shoving it and swallowing all of the powder on it, tears flowing from her eyes as she realized Rainbow Dash was right.

“I … I am an addict.” Rarity realized. “I am addicted.” Rarity turned around and nestled her head into Rainbow Dash’s chest. “I’m sorry … you were right, Rainbow Dash. I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” She wailed. “You were right.”

“Hey, hey, it’s okay.” Rainbow Dash assured her, rubbing and patting Rarity on the back. “It’s okay. We can fix this. We can go get help, okay?” Dash lifted Rarity’s head up by the chin. “You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not your fault. We’ll go over to the support group tomorrow, okay?”

Rarity nodded, her sparkling tears dripping onto Rainbow Dash’s chest. “Okay …”

The day after, Rainbow Dash brought Rarity to the support group meeting.

Rarity stood outside the entrance to the building where the meeting was taking place. She hesitated to go in, even as Rainbow Dash strolled up to the entrance.

“Hey.” Dash noticed Rarity’s refusal to move. “Come on. I know these people. They’re not gonna hurt ya.”

Rarity rubbed at her wrists, still nervous. She went inside.

Rainbow Dash led her into the meeting room. It was set up the way one would expect the meeting to be, with a circle of chairs set up, most of which were occupied.

“Hey, guys.” Rainbow Dash waved.

“Hello, Rainbow Dash.” Chorused through the room.

“Where’s Silver Lens? She usually comes with you.”

“Eh, she couldn’t make it today. Here’s the new member I told you about.” Dash gestured to Rarity. “My fiancee, Rarity. Have a seat, Rarity.”

Rarity sat down at the empty seat.

“Hi there, Rarity.” A familiar woman said.

Rarity squinted at her. “Blueberry Bite?”

“Yeah, it’s me.” Blueberry Bite answered. “You remember me?”

“Yes. One tends not forget the face of someone who aimed a shotgun at your face. What are you doing here?”

“Well, this may come as a surprise, but I used to get into a lot of mischief when I was younger.” Blueberry Bite. said. “Got into drugs, alcohol, all kinds of bad stuff … needed a group like this to get me back on a good track. Now, I know you, but the rest of us don’t, so, Rarity, why don’t you start by introducing yourself and why you’re here today?”

“Hello, everyone.” Rarity waved. “My name is Rarity Belle, and … I have an addiction to breastfeeding my partner.”

Everyone in the shifted uncomfortably.

“Oh, now, well …” A man said. “Just because you have an interesting kink doesn’t mean y’all have an addiction.”

“Except … except it does.” Rarity said, tears forming as she remembered what happened in the cave all those years ago. “You don’t know the story behind it. You don’t know what’s gone on. I … I have to do it. That’s what makes it an addiction. If I don’t, I feel incomplete … I get crabby and cranky, and I need my fix. I need to stuff my breasts - my disgusting huge breasts into Dash’s mouth and make her work and squirm for every drop of white poison inside my spheres.”

Rarity crossed her legs, putting a hand over her face.

“I need it. I need it, and I want it to stop. I’ve hidden it this whole time, for ten years, because I was afraid of what my friends would say and think … that I would be ostracized and alienated. .And now, because I hid it, that exact thing happened, and people - people whose jobs are to help, to protect … have been after me. Because of something I did years ago. Because of what I did when my mind and body were completely my own, because I did something sexual ...”

Rarity placed her face her into a palm. The room stayed quiet, giving her the time she needed.

Rarity removed her hand and took in a deep breath. “My name is Rarity Belle, and I’m a victim lashing out a world that doesn’t understand me or my pain.”

Rarity curled her fingers against her forehead. The entire room sympathized with her.

Author's Notes:

Suri Polomare of all people getting a redemption seems ridiculous at face value … or at least, it did, until the S5 finale happened.

Rarity seems to keep getting off easy, maybe? I mean, the entire point is that she’s being unfairly targeted by Harshwhinny and Shining Armor, but she’s not completely blameless.

Sonata/Spike may seem a weird pairing, but it’s what I done did.

Suri’s ‘advice’ to Rarity in the past about drinking a milk based on an anecdote I once heard which may or may not be true.

I forgot a tidbit explaining that Suri was perpetuating a vicious cycle, doing to Rarity and Coco what her own mentor did to her. But having left it out by accident, I think the finished story works better without trying to attribute her nastiness to being someone else’s fault in a poor Freudian Excuse.

Silver Lens’ originally going to be part of the ‘addiction reveal’ scene in the bedroom, but as she’s not on good terms with Rarity on now, I left her out.
Blueberry Bite is a Miscellaneous OC from the prequel story of A Poison Most Intimate. She had a few dealings with Rarity there.

This chapter was proofread by SpikeSupreme17 and gunstarx on Fimfiction. Give them a big round of applause!

Also gunstarx wanted to see Fluttershy breastfeed Silver Lens. I won't be doing that, but I won't discourage anyone reading from doing so...

8/9/2016: Added in a small line of Sweetie Belle protesting about Coco pommel covering her eyes based