7 am, Rarity’s Boutique.

Bronze awoke to the feeling of fingers stroking tenderly across her jaw, and her whole body reflexively locked up rigid, utterly confused about where she was and who lay half atop her. Drenched in cold sweat that had dried hours ago, she forced her eyes to open, and looked into the eyes of the mare before her.

Rarity smiled gently at her, leaning in close and placed a tender kiss on her cheek, holding her head in both hands. “Good morning, darling. Are you feeling a little more yourself now? I’d really like to talk if you feel you’re up to it.”

Bronze still couldn’t move. Her arms felt like lead weights, and every breath she took was a painful effort, a near-violent gasp. And she couldn’t look away from those deep, piercing azure eyes. “She… she’s so tired… did she lay with me all night? Did she … oh dear Celestia, what did I say, what did I do last night?!”

As if Rarity saw into her mind, the older mare gave her a quiet smile, and put a finger to her lips, gently tut-tutting as she looked into the guardsmare’s eyes. “No, no more running, Bronze. You don’t need to run, you’re safe now, and I’ll listen to anything you want to say… anything you need to say. I’ll listen, and I promise I won't repeat anything you want to keep secret, even from Dusk. Okay?”

Bronze found she simply couldn't look away. For all of her shame of the memories that still floated in the back of her mind, the strength and kindness in Rarity's eyes had taken hold of her and now refused to let go. She took a breath, and found it came just a little easier, so she tried to speak. “But… what I've done, what I dreamed... why would you ever forgive me? I… I don’t deserve your kindness, Rarity.”

The older mare gave a sigh, and leaned down, cupping Bronze’s chin and forcing her to keep looking into Rarity’s enchanting eyes when she tried to turn away. Rarity was quiet for a moment, her body tightening up against Bronze’s, and her breathing grew shallow for a moment as they lay together. After a few quiet moments, Rarity brushed a stray hair out of her face, leaning in closer. Her voice was soft, and far more tired than before. “Twelve years ago, I made a mistake, Bronze. A horrific, wonderful mistake. The biggest mistake in my life... but also the best. I fell in love as a filly, and had a foal of my own. The stallion betrayed my love, broke my heart, and ĺeft me alone with my dear, unborn foal. I was devastated, and yet, when they asked me to give the foal up, I simply couldn’t. They told me keeping her might… it could kill me. I was too young, and it might make me very ill. But I simply couldn’t. I’d made one horrible mistake, and the foal was my only chance of redemption. Now, my dear little Sweetie Belle is the greatest joy in my life. I still think back to everything I did wrong, and how I brought her into a life filled with lies. I am Sweetie Belle’s mother, Bronze, and it’s my fault her life will be so hard... but every day with her is a joy.”

Stunned, Bronze could only stare at Rarity, but it made so much sense… it answered so many little nagging thoughts, so many half-questions she’d always wondered about. Why the sisters lived together, when their parents were always ‘traveling for work’. “I-what? Why would you tell me something so private?”

Rarity gave a sigh of relief, as if the weight of keeping that secret was something she had to struggle to bear, but Bronze felt her body relax again, and her lips curved into a smile. “Because Dusk trusts you, yet after one tiny mistake, you are tearing yourself apart inside. Because you had a nightmare about doing something wrong, and it’s destroying you. Because you hold yourself to such a high standard, that something you didn’t even do causes you so much pain... Because I understand how badly a mistake can hurt.”

Bronze couldn’t hold it back anymore, and she began to weep again, shaking her head. “But, but Rarity… you didn’t dream what I did… you didn’t … didn’t do what I did. I- Rarity, I just- I… back during our search for the smuggler, I walked through Poison Joke… It… it made me dream such monstrous things… I- I hurt so many ponies just so I could… so I could… to make sure nopony ever got between me and Dusk, ever. I… I killed you. I killed Applejack. I wanted to kill anypony who might get in his way. I practically begged him then and there to mount me in the middle of the forest, right in front of the other guards and the weather team. I was ready to do it, but the guilt of my other thoughts… they were nightmares. I was willing to kill so many ponies just to keep Dusk to myself. I'm a monster, Rarity.”

“No, you aren’t, Bronze. Everything that you dreamed, that you imagined, that you wanted... all of it hurt you. Hurt you so badly you ran alone into the depths of the Everfree to escape it, to avoid it. But you don't need to run. Dusk cares for you, trusts you, even relies on you. Your company, your assistance makes his load lighter. I can't do that for him, at least not to the extent you can. So making sure you can help him is very important to me.”

Confused by Rarity's words, Bronze simply had to ask the mare to explain herself. “How, Rarity? I haven't really done anything but deliver letters to the mayor or talk to the nurses at the hospital. What good does that do?”

Rarity gently laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, it's been quiet besides the parasprites, but you understand when he and Dash talk about military things. It all goes over my head, even when I'm trying my best. I understand a little better when he talks about politics with the mayor, but that's because I simply adore the Canterlot elite and the other nobility. I've only learned a little about politics in the process. You, however, can see into his world. Understand things none of us, even Dash, understand, and offer him advice we couldn't offer. That is how you make his load lighter.”

Her eyes opened to some of how Rarity saw their world, their friendships. A balance of interests, a weird kind of order of how they related to one another and things they shared in common. She was shocked and grew silent, thinking deeply about what she'd suggested.

Rarity was silent for a moment, before breathing out a quiet sigh. “So I will do anything that helps make you feel better, Bronze... please, just talk to me... Let me in, let me help.”

The kindness that Rarity offered her, the support, the understanding... Bronze had expected her to flinch, wince, or to give her some kind of look of disgust. At the very least, to shy away from her. Instead, the older mare slowly nodded, her fingers returning to the tender stroking through her hair and across her jaw. She looked sad for a while, then focused back on the squire again. When Bronze didn’t speak for a few minutes, Rarity filled the silence, her voice was filled with compassion and understanding. “But did you hurt anypony, Bronze? Have you ever hurt anypony? Is it even in your nature to hurt somepony?”

Her chest ached, and she could feel her cheeks wet with tears again, but Bronze thought back over her past, and found so little. There was such deep compassion in those eyes, and she looked so trusting, so kind. “I… they were dreams, Rarity. I suppose… I guess I didn’t really hurt anypony… I don’t think I’ve ever hurt anypony on purpose… I-I cut a stallion bad across the chest with a spear once during training, and he bled a lot, but the medics were able to patch it up before he lost too much blood… and well… there were fights when I went on patrol with the guards sometimes, mostly drunks, and the occasional rogue. Sometimes when I was a foal, with other trainees who were hunting for a way to find a leg up on the rest of us. I… suppose I broke a few noses, or drove one colt face first into a wall. I… I killed a griffon once, protecting my mother, and got my cutie mark in the process... Does… does that count, Rarity?”

Rarity laughed. She laughed so softly, so warmly, her hair cascading around her face as she pulled Bronze’s head into her chest, and stroked her free hand down Bronze’s back, massaging the flesh between her wings. Rarity kissed Bronze's temple before tenderly whispering into her ear. “So you killed somepony while defending your mother? Isn't that why you became a guard, why you got your cutie mark? To defend those that couldn't defend themselves? You really are too hard on yourself. I haven't researched things like Dusk has, but he explained Poison Joke to me months ago, how it can break a pony, ruin their lives, drive them insane. Dusk went on about it for days, on how few live through the experience… You ran from the horrible things it made you want to do, because that’s not who you are. You are a good mare, probably one of the best. If all this guilt about a nightmare is true, it only proves it.” She grew silent, and cupped Bronze’s chin to look up at her again, her eyes dancing with soft laughter and deep respect. “You aren't just some guard, Bronze. You’re a chevalier, a knight with only justice and nobility in her heart.”

Bronze wanted to answer her, but just as the words were finally forming on her lips, a sudden rapid knocking echoed from somewhere downstairs. Her heart skipped a beat until a voice called up from below. “Rarity? I brought the girls along, are ya up yet? I’ll feed ‘em, but if you really want me in this show of yours, we’d better start soon, I got work to do on the farm that’s more important than some fancy rich Canterlot business pony.”

Rarity reluctantly pulled away from Bronze and pulled a robe from the bedside closet, throwing it over her slip and marching to the door. She pulled it open and answered sharply. “We'll be right down, Applejack, and thank you very much for taking care of the fillies.” Turning to look down the hallway, away from the staircase, Rarity's tone was softer, but no quieter. “Sweetie Belle, darling. Applejack and the girls are downstairs, why don't you join them for breakfast?”

From down the hallway, the sleepy voice of Rarity’s filly called back. “Th- you mean Apple Bloom and Scoo-” The filly’s voice was cut off by a deep yawn. “-taloo? Oh, boy! Cutie Mark Crusaders, breakfast makers!”

Bronze could see Rarity pale, and the fashionista called back to the girl. “Well… if you really want to help Applejack with breakfast, I suppose it's okay… just… just make sure you listen to her instructions, okay, honey?”

Sweetie Belle’s singsong voice was far more excited when she replied. Bronze could practically feel the filly’s anticipation in her voice. “Don't worry Rarity! I bet I can show AJ a thing or two about cooking!”

Climbing to the edge of Rarity’s bed, Bronze swung her feet to the floor as she shook the last remnants of sleep from her head, trying to wipe away the last few remaining tears on her face. Looking down at herself, she realized she was still wearing her jogging pants and shirt. “I… suppose I should head back to Dusk’s and clean u-”

Rarity turned around and grabbed Bronze’s arms, shaking her head emphatically. “What? Oh, no, Bronze, dear. We don't have the time! You can shower here and I'll find you something to wear. We've got so much work to do!”

Realizing she was going to be facing Applejack and the fillies downstairs, Bronze suddenly felt very self-conscious, wiping her cheeks again and trying her best to fluff the wrinkles out of her shirt. “I-I'll try my best, Rarity. I'm… I'm still no good with fillies, though. What do I say when they ask why I stayed here? When they ask why I've been crying?”

As if seeing her for the first time, Rarity cupped Bronze’s chin and turned her head from one side to the other, inspecting her carefully. “You look just fine, Bronze, really you do. I'm a little jealous of your complexion; if I cry even a little, it is simply ruinous. I need so much time to fix my makeup just to look normal again. We’ll get you in the shower after you eat something, alright?”

Bronze gave her a little nod, gripping the bed sheets tightly where she sat on the edge of the bed, fidgeting as Rarity inspected her face. “I… ummm sure, but if Applejack or the fillies ask questions?”

Rarity smiled, and leaned in so close that Bronze could faintly smell the scent of violets that clung to her robe. “Then tell them that after Dusk went to bed, you came over to help me with the show. And Bronze?”

The way Rarity’s words curled into a question, combined with the stroking of her slender fingers over Bronze’s throat, thumb brushing along her jaw, sent a chill down the guardsmare’s spine. “Uh… yes, Rarity?”

The silken mare gently slipped herself into Bronze’s lap, wrapping her arms around the mare’s neck. Leaning in close, she brushed her lips against Bronze’s gently, lightly exhaling into the younger mare’s mouth.

Bronze stiffened up at first, confused why the mare was suddenly being so intimate with her. The smell of violets was stronger now, an oddly intoxicating scent with the light mare in her lap. When she was given a moment to speak, her voice was a whisper, and she struggled to respond. “Ra… Rarity?”

Rarity’s response was to press her lips firmly against Bronze’s, inhaling through her nose. Rarity took a moment to enjoy the unique taste that was Bronze, copper mixed with another metal that she couldn’t identify. Bronze put her hands gently on Rarity’s hips, at first tentatively, then gripping harder. When she began to massage the older mare’s sides, Rarity firmly pushed her back out of the embrace.

Breathing heavily, Bronze looked into Rarity's eyes for a reason behind the kiss, trying to ignore the butterflies dancing in her stomach. As if she understood, Rarity put a finger to Bronze’s lips. “If you need more motivation to try to forget your nightmares, just ask. I'm sure I can find ways to reassure you: that is all they are. Nightmares to be cast aside and forgotten, because by the light of day, they carry no weight at all.”

Winking mischievously at her, Rarity got off the stunned mare’s lap, tail gently slapping Bronze’s legs as she turned to leave the room. Bronze sat there, trying to order her thoughts, when she heard the distant sound of Rarity greeting the fillies and talking with Applejack. It took what felt like forever, but when she finally stepped out the open bedroom door, Sweetie Belle came running up the stairs, grabbing both of her hands and dragging her towards the stairs, laughing excitedly as she began babbling. “Come on, Bronze! Applejack let me chop the bananas up and mix them into yogurt! Then I added some dill ‘cause it's so tasty in honey and we don't have any honey to add to the yogurt so I figured that it’d work as a substitut-”

Halfway down the stairs, a violent gagging and coughing started, and Sweetie’s shoulders slumped as Apple Bloom cried out. “Sweetie!!! What did you do to the yogurt!?!?”

The way the filly deflated struck Bronze in a soft spot, and as the girl tried to sit down on the stairs to avoid the others, Bronze scooped her up and kept walking. “Don't worry, Sweetie, one of my old sergeants insisted everything was better with sauerkraut and made it part of three meals a day for the trainees for months. I'm sure they’re just overreacting.”

As it turned out, the others hadn't been exaggerating just how horrendous the addition of dill to banana yogurt had turned out. However, the way little Sweetie’s eyes watered as Bronze froze up and started to retch the foul concoction up hit that soft spot again, and Bronze forced a smile onto her face, winking encouragingly at Sweetie Belle, before forcing the entire serving she’d been given of the yogurt down. The horrible taste of the yogurt was forgotten almost as soon as Bronze saw the bright smile on Sweetie Belle’s face. She made a mental note to never let the filly cook anything for her again. Eventually, the girls were led out the door and sent off to school, Apple Bloom proudly leading the way.

Bronze was washing the dishes as Applejack and Rarity returned to the kitchen in mid-conversation. “-so if you could go jump in the shower, we'll be waiting for you in the fitting room, dear. I promise, I just want to make sure your gala dress fits properly for Hoity Toity’s viewing.”

Applejack grunted a little ruefully, shaking her head and calling over at Bronze. “Can you believe her? I tell her I don't like skirts, and she tells me she made me a dress! Don't let her push you around, Bronze, she's a big bully once she knows you're sweet on her.”

Rarity, clearly quite offended, defensively crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh, come on, Applejack! I'm no bully! And you haven't even seen your dress yet! Trust me, when you do, it'll totally change your opinion. Both on dresses and skirts!”

Unable to help herself, Bronze had to join in on Applejack’s joke. “Haven't you known her for years, Applejack? What do you do when she's getting too pushy?”

Rarity looked mortified, but Applejack gave her a playful nudge, offering Bronze a wink. “I just remind her about the pumpkin sundress.”

If Rarity had looked frustrated before, it paled in the face of her expression now. Her cheeks had turned burnt-red and her fists were balled at her sides, shaking a little in frustration. “It wasn't orange! It was yellow!”

Applejack’s laughter only grew stronger at how frustrated Rarity looked. Dodging a kick from the older mare, she egged her on just a little further. “Well, everypony at Berry’s grand opening sure thought it was orange!”

Bronze couldn't help it, she joined Applejack in laughing. She could barely picture it, proud Rarity in a bright orange dress, standing out in a crowd like a neon sign. It was just too ridiculous for the normally fashion-aware mare. Rarity grabbed Applejack’s elbow and pulled her in close. “I never had the chance to test it out in the light of Berry's pub! How could I have known that the lighting would do that!?”

10am, Dusk’s Library.

Dusk hadn't worried when Bronze didn’t answer his soft knock at her door. It was just past dawn, and he had work to do for Princess Luna, so he left the mare to sleep, hoping she'd feel better after some rest.

When Barb came home, he'd half-finished the letters, and took time out to have breakfast with the little dragon, enjoying her tales about the two rowdy fillies, still extremely hyper about their newfound friendship and mission. Returning to his desk in the library, Dusk dug out another of the town’s record books, looking for more details on the nurse’s aid and the classical musician.

Dusk was just finishing his notes on the school foals when Barb joined him in the library, leaning against the side of his chair while her tail lashed around, thumping gently against the legs of his chair. “So, Dusk? When did Bronze go out?”

The casual way she asked her question, combined with the distraction of her nuzzling her head in under his hand, meant it took a few seconds for Dusk to realize what she'd said. Shooting up onto his feet, he stopped the idle scratching of her head, looking around for signs Bronze had left, suddenly worried. Had he simply been too engrossed in the study and missed her departure, or had she been gone all night? Guilt stabbed like a knife; she'd been so panicked when she'd left his room. “She's gone? Are you sure, Barb?”

Confused, Barb lifted a claw and gently tapped the side of her nose. “Of course I'm sure. I may not be as good as Winona, but this nose never lies, Dusk. She probably left somewhere around midnight; her scent’s kinda faint, like she's been gone for hours.”

Dusk felt his heart ache as it leapt into his throat, panic rising as he tried to think of where the distraught guard mare would go. “She doesn't really know any ponies around town... well, just Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Mrs Mayor, and a few members of the weather team…”

Dusk went to one knee and put a hand gently on Barb's shoulder, attempting to speak in as calm a voice as he could manage. “Look, I need to go find her. She wasn't herself last night and… and I should have been more attentive. Can you stay here and watch out for her, Barb? Just in case she returns while I'm out looking for her?”

Barb frowned a little, fidgeting in place as she looked back up at him. “Of course, Dusk. I'm sorry I didn't mention it earlier. Is she… are you two okay?”

Dusk could see the worry in the little dragoness’ eyes, and gently hugged her close, his fingers scratching through the scales on her back between her spikes. Putting aside his worries, he smiled for Barb. “She was a little stressed last night and I should have noticed. But I care for her, she… I want to make up for my mistakes.”

Barb lifted both hands so she could hug him back, before rising up to the tips of her feet, and kissing his cheek. “Just…” The little dragoness gave a reluctant sigh and smiled up at him, even as she dropped her weight back to rest on her heels. “I'll be waiting here, Dusk. I hope you find her quickly and both of you come home soon, alright?”

The dragon’s odd behavior and choice of words stuck with Dusk, but he let it be for now, turning to the door, delaying just long enough to say goodbye. “I'll go to Dash’s first. Even if she's already gone to Rarity’s, the construction team might have seen Bronze pass by.”

After he left, Barb slumped her shoulders and began to pace, grumbling under her breath.

Dusk could already feel the hum of magic in the air before he rounded the corner, at last able to catch sight of the construction of Dash’s new house. In only a few short weeks, they had already made fantastic progress. A dozen pegasi were gathered around the base of the ground-level cloud, openly arguing back and forth while ten more weaved trails of cloud back and forth by crawling under the existing structure. With the commanding two-story house already half-finished atop the cloud base, Dusk was tempted to hop up and take a look around himself. He'd only ever read about pegasi construction techniques and they so rarely built many homes that the other clans could live in. It would be a fascinating way to spend a day or two… maybe a week if they'd let him. After all, what would it hurt if-

Overhead, Dash’s greeting brought his derailed train of thought to a violent stop. “Hey, egghead! Good to see you finally got time to check out the progress on my new place after putting so much time and effort into designing it! But why'd you have to come today when Rarity's hosting some big blow hard?” An evil grin crawled over her lips and she dropped down to hover before him, glancing at the nearby construction workers before leaning in close, almost nuzzling against his neck as she whispered. "If you're looking for a place to hide, I suppose I could find something for your hands to do in the meantime...”

Shocked back into focus, Dusk reached out and took hold of Dash’s shoulders, shaking his head to refocus on what was important. “Look, Dash, Bronze disappeared from the library last night, and she was really distraught. Have you seen her anywhere? I'm worried about her.”

The shift from silly to serious that cut across Dash’s expression was reassuring, and rather than answer, she pulled her brass whistle from under her shirt, blowing four quick notes Dusk was sure were similar to the danger warning. It was impressive to see how quickly the construction team came to attention, save the few who were still attaching clouds to the foundation under the house. When they had all gathered, Dash wiped her brow and called to them in a commanding tone. “Hey, sorry to interrupt, but you lot were up long before I was. Anypony here see a pegasus mare late last night or this morning? Bronze-brown eyes, brown, brass and copper gold hair and wings? Goes by Bronze Feather.”

There was some muttered discussion, then one of the younger colts was pushed to the front of the group of construction workers, until he stood right before Dash. The colt looked nervous and was scratching the back of his head, and there was a faint scent in the air that teased at Dusk’s nose, but he simply couldn’t place it. “I-I think I did, ma’am, weather captain. Late last night, I dunno, maybe around midnight, na-nah, one in the morning. She was climbing in the window of the weird round house, with all the dresses in the windows facing the street, y’know?”

Dusk was sure the only house in town that was round or had dresses in the window was Rarity’s boutique, but Dash’s reaction kept him from running off. She stepped up and grabbed the colt’s jaw, making him look her in the eye while scowling first at him, then over his shoulder at the foremare. “You’re drunk? Is he drunk?”

The colt might have been around the same age as Dash, but he suddenly looked a lot younger, and quite sheepish. The foremare stepped forward and removed her hard hat, wringing her hands together nervously. “He’s just hung over, Dash, and that's why he's got cloud threading detail. It’s real exhausting work to do ‘cause you gotta weave the clouds together really tightly. Punishment duty for any ponies who show up drunk.”

Scowling, Dash let the kid go, sniffing at the air as her eyes slipped closed. Her scowl deepened and she opened her eyes again, glaring at the foremare, and tapping a foot on the thin air below her foot. “Were any of you not at the bar last night? I don't know how I could have missed that smell until now.”

Instead of being intimidated by Dash’s accusations, the foremare threw her hard hat at her feet and returned Dash’s glare, look for look. “Hey filly, don't you give me none of that. I've never had to do a job this big at such a low elevation. So I give my team a little leniency with the rules. A drink or two to calm their nerves every night so they can go to bed and sleep properly is alright with me. Any of them foal enough to show up drunk get cloud weaving duty for the next week straight. After that, if they got the energy to go get sloshed again, I'll ship ‘em back to Cloudsdale myself and let as many of the other cloud builders know they're drunks. Alright?”

Dash was genuinely stunned for a moment, and simply lapsed into silence, looking over the crowd of workers. At last, she seemed to make her mind up and slowly bent down to fish up the abandoned hard hat at her feet, idly rubbing a grass stain with her thumb before tossing it back at the older mare in a lazy underhanded lob. “You should’ve told me the elevation was bugging you so much. Tell you what, I got a cask of the best local cider you'll ever taste. How about after you finish for the weekend, we have a cookout, and I'll supply you all with something to remember as thanks for putting up with working so far out of your depth?”

The foremare caught her helmet and returned it to her head, scanning over her crew and assessing their reactions. When she was sure, she turned back to Dash, spitting on the palm of her hand and extended it to the younger mare. “Sounds like a fair deal to me, Dash. Nopony caught sauced after this morning’s invited, to make sure they work their hardest. Right, you lot of blighters?”

The crew gave a mix of gruff laughter and rowdy cheering at the backhanded compliment, but appeared more settled afterwards. Dash spat on her palm and returned the mare’s shake before moving to Dusk’s side and giving him a half-hearted shove. “Well? Come on! We better go check out Rarity’s place and see if we can't find Bronze. If she ain't there, we can split up and search for her, alright?”

Dusk gave her a thoughtful look, but turned and followed her at a slow jog as they turned towards Rarity’s place. Her actions with the foremare had been bothering Dusk, and he simply had to ask. “You looked ready to brawl with her until she mentioned how the elevation bothered them all so much. Did you have a similar problem when you first moved to Ponyville?”

Dash hadn't been paying attention to him, lost in her own thoughts, and nearly pulled up short at his question. “Huh? What? I- l” She stopped and crossed arms defensively over her chest but kept hovering along at his side at a slower pace than she had taken off at before. “Nah, I was fine with elevation by the time I moved to work here. It was years ago, I’m sure I've told you all about the race I had with some colts at flight school, right? Well, I probably never said much about what came after. See, Fluttershy was in my class, and was a really weak flyer. Sometime during our race, she got knocked off and nopony had seen her since. I was still so charged up from the rainboom, I refused to wait for a Wonderbolt team to come search for her. I dove under Cloudsdale and straight into the forest below. It-”

Dash’s breath caught, and Dusk reached out gently, squeezing her shoulder. She gave him a brief smile and then straightened her back and continued. “It was about twenty minutes before I realized that I was totally lost, and the trees overhead were so thick that I got caught in their branches and I panicked and tried to fly straight up to freedom. I got so tangled up, I was screaming something fierce when the ‘Bolts finally found me, and a few of them were friends of my dad. When I got home, I had to explain to him where I'd learned half the words I was using. That was the first time he said me and Gilda couldn't hang out anymore.”

“So you understand why they'd be so uncomfortable at ground level for the first time?”

Dash scowled at him, and gave him a punch in the shoulder. “Hey, I'm no softie. I just want my house done, and properly. Gotta treat them okay if I want good work out of ’em.”

A few minutes later at Rarity’s Boutique.

Dusk didn’t bother to wait for a response to his knock, pulling out his key to Rarity’s home and opening the door. “Rarity? Bronze? Anypony here?”

Quiet noises that came from the fitting room caught Dusk’s attention, and he ran to the door, rushing inside without knocking, straight into-

Fluttershy stood just beside the door, a custom-made corset straining near its limits to restrain her generous bust, silk and lace doing their very best to maintain some minute sense of modesty. Crashing directly into the mare, Dusk knocked her over, and off-balance, he fell forward with her, ending up atop of her, his face buried in her chest.

As Dusk struggled to sit back up, Fluttershy started to gasp, but as she caught his eye, she relaxed a little, and helped him sit back up, her voice playful but embarrassed. “Dusk!~ You could have asked before entering!”

Behind him, Dusk easily heard Dash’s teasing joke as she casually leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms over her chest. “My, oh my, Fluttershy, don't you work fast when you see something you want.”

Still tangled up with Fluttershy on the floor, Dusk tried not to blush, realizing just how intimate they might appear to somepony with Dash’s disposition. Beneath him, Fluttershy drowned out any attempt at explaining with a sudden torrent of wailing; there might have been words in there somewhere, but Dusk couldn’t make any out over the suddenly-embarrassed mare’s cries.

There was a sudden rumble of noise as the other door to the fitting room was thrown open and Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Bronze Feather came rushing through to see what was causing Fluttershy such distress. When they saw the two on the floor, they all attempted to talk over one another.

“My oh my, Dusk, I realize my masterpiece looks fantastic on Fluttershy, but we have work to do; leave the poor girl be for a few more hours at least!”

"Aww, why didn't you invite me to this little party? Is it too late for me to join?”

“C’mon Bronze, grab his other hand and help him up while these jokers rub it in and make them both even more embarrassed.”

“I-oh, Dusk… I didn't... Right, sure Applejack.”

That last voice, Bronze’s, was somehow the most reassuring, even though she said the least. Accepting Applejack and Bronze’s assistance, Dusk got back to his feet, before helping Fluttershy up after with Applejack’s help. Still beet red and breathing hard, he tried not to meet anypony’s gaze while he looked at Bronze. She'd stepped away from the group and was lingering by the door they'd come through, watching him and rubbing one arm.

Fluttershy gently gripped his hand with both of hers and pressed in close, inadvertently trapping his arm in her cleavage. Her voice was hardly loud enough to be heard over the others. “I’m so sorry, Dusk. Can you get the others to step out and let me finish trying on Rarity’s new dress? I-I don't think I could handle changing with everypony watching..." Fluttershy looked away for a moment, glancing at Rarity before looking down at the ground, suddenly blushing. "I promise I'll show the dress off for you, if you could just wait, alright?”

Dusk was glad for the easy excuse to get out of the room, even if it meant bringing the others with him when he really wanted a moment to talk to Bronze quietly and see if she was okay. Smiling and nodding at the shy mare, he said, “Sure, Fluttershy. I’m sorry for running into you like that.” Dusk leaned down and kissed her forehead, causing the pink-haired pegasus to let out a surprised noise at the intimate contact. Struggling to not laugh out loud, Dusk untangled his arm from Fluttershy and moved towards the doorway.

When the other mares also began leaving the room, only Dash felt the need to turn back and throw a comment at her friend. “Oh? So you're going to show the dress off just for him? What am I, day-old burnt carrots?”

If Fluttershy answered her, Dusk didn’t hear it, following Rarity and Bronze back out to a small stage, where a dozen small chairs had been placed before the collapsible catwalk. Hanging from the ceiling, a crystal ball reflected any light impacting it in a rainbow of color, though the curtains were drawn and the effect was minimal due to the dim lighting. He was about to ask what they were doing next to spruce the place up when Applejack hooked him around the shoulders and drew him to a stop. She delayed for a moment to check that Bronze and Rarity had stopped and were paying attention, then cupped his cheek and kissed him deeply.

When she let him go, she kept him from speaking by placing a finger on his lips, hushing him. “So Dusk, we've been talking all morning. Bronze told us everything about the Poison Joke and her time with Princess Cadance in the hospital in Canterlot. You didn't have to hide these things from us, you know. Poor Bronze had herself worked up into such a fit last night, she broke into Rarity’s sewing room trying to return the dress Rarity made her.”

Rainbow Dash had stopped near the door, but cocked her head to the side and stepped forward, gently putting a hand on Bronze’s elbow. “Whoa, wait a second. Bronze, you always looked like something was bothering you whenever we hung out. Why didn't you let me know?”

Picking at a small scar near her elbow with a thumb nail, Bronze tried to avoid looking back at anypony, and only briefly glanced at Dash. “I-it’s… Dash, you… you always seemed so carefree. I didn't want to drag your good mood down, talking about the nightmares I kept having.” Looking away again, she quietly muttered under her breath. “And Applejack, I didn't exactly tell Dusk about everything yet.”

Frowning a little, Dash released Bronze and took a little step back, rubbing subconsciously at her shoulder. “I… well… okay. You could have said something though, I really am a good listener, if for no other reason than ‘cause you're fun to hang out with, Bronze.”

Stepping out of Applejack’s strong grip, Dusk took hold of Bronze’s free hand, squeezing it gently. “You didn’t need to, Bronze. Princess Cadance showed me your file when she was making no progress helping you, wanting to make sure I was informed of everything before I got involved.”

Bronze froze at his words, her legs trembling, her eyes going wide and wings tightening up against her back. “You-you knew? And you still invited me back, to be your Vicarius? I- Dusk, why?”

Reaching out with his free hand, he brushed the first fragment of a tear from her cheek with the back of his hand, shaking his head gently. “Because that was the Poison Joke, not you, Bronze. You’re better than that night, and I want you to see that too.”

Bronze finally met his eyes, her lip trembling as she looked at him, then to Applejack and Rarity. She looked trepidatious, searching for something from them all. She seemed to find whatever she was looking for, and exhaled. She stopped scratching at her arm, sniffling unconsciously and wiping her cheeks dry. “Thank you, really. I-I think you all have me convinced, really I do. Sorry for worrying you all.”

Stepping up beside them, Rarity slipped in to hug them both, letting out a happy sigh. “Now isn't that better? It's good to talk, and it's even better to forgive.”

Applejack wandered to where Dash had retreated to wait by the door, leaning on her smaller friend and watching as Dusk talked softly with Bronze and Rarity. “You sure got quiet. I'm sorry she didn't come to you for help first, Dash, really.”

Dash took the brunt of Applejack’s weight, and stepped in to lean against her in return, her arm wrapping around the towering farm mare’s hips. “Hey, it's not like I don't understand. I got things on my mind too. Like the competition. It's on Monday, and I still haven't practiced nearly enough.”

Applejack couldn't help herself, she cupped Dash’s jaw and made her look up before planting a lingering kiss on her lips, unsurprised when Dash pressed into her and gave a tiny whimper. “Dash, if you're just honest with him, Dusk would make more time for you. You’ve already been on a few dates with him, surely you can admit you got feelings for him.”

Turning her head away from Applejack, Dash squared her shoulders and gave a low humph. “Dusk’s alright if you like stallions. No reason you girls can't have your fun with him.”

Applejack watched Dash for a moment before shaking her head, her shoulders heaving with a sigh. "If ya say so, sugarcube. Now come on, let's get to work on this show thing for Rarity 'fore she goes nuts. You know how worked up she gets when big projects are just about to get shown to the public. You get changed, Rarity will never let you out of her sight now. I'll go see if Dusk needs anything from the library." Reaching out and slyly slapping Dash's ass, Applejack chuckled at the startled squawk her friend gave in response, and crossed the room to talk with Dusk.

Rushing back in with Barb slung over her shoulders, Applejack was out of breath as she settled the cheerful dragoness on a makeup table. “I... sorry, Rarity. Stopped upstairs to give Dusk his paperwork and we got to talking about everything that's been happening with Zecora and Big Mac, and we-well, we lost track of time.”

Settling her weight on the makeup table, Barb looked around the small curtained-off stage, giggling gently to herself as she lazily kicked her legs. “Rarity, you made everyone a pretty dress? Do-do you think you could make me one someday too?”

Handing Applejack the hanger with her outfit, Rarity took a moment to adjust her red framed glasses, studying the little dragoness, before suddenly gasping and pulling a notepad from a table nearby. “Why Barb! Of course I can make you something! I'm so sorry I didn't even think of making something adorable for you yet. You're coming with us to the Gala after all, you deserve something fitting too!”

Barb blushed as she suddenly became the full focus of Rarity’s attention, who had switched from writing notes to measuring the little pudgy dragoness, making her shift around and eventually stand up on a free stool so she could get proper measurements of the dragonling from all sides. She got so caught up in remeasuring Barb's hips and tail, muttering something about a design that hid it under the fabric, that when Applejack returned, pulling at the fabric of her vest, Rarity didn’t even notice until she gave a happy sigh. “This is really something, Rarity. The stitching’s even all fancy and shimmers a lil’ in the torchlight!”

Rarity looked up from her notes and nearly dropped them as she cried out in shock. “Oh, no no no no! I should have noticed that before! The stitching is all uneven! I'm so sorry, Applejack! Quick, slip it off and I'll fix it in no time!” Reaching high up to tug the vest off Applejack’s shoulders, Rarity shook her head as she tossed the vest on a nearby sewing dummy and immediately went to work, removing the thread carefully to leave no scar behind. “I'm really sorry, Applejack, dear. I should have noticed the thin stitching before I ever had you try on the vest in the first place. I'm just so embarrassed!”

Watching all of this from her seat before the makeup mirror, Bronze held still as best she could, while Pinkie continued to play with her close-cropped hair, trying to find something that looked better than the long-haired wig. Even dyed by Rarity's magic to copy her natural hair color, it simply felt wrong. Leaning back a little against Pinkie, she watched the giddy mare in the mirror for a moment before speaking up quietly so the others didn’t hear her. “Hey, umm… Pinkie?”

Busy spiking up Bronze’s copper-brown hair with a clear gel and a very thin, short-toothed comb, Pinkie didn’t meet her eyes and stuck her tongue out of the side of her mouth while deep in concentration. “Yeah Bronzie-poo?”

Wincing a little at the way Pinkie drew out the end of her name, Bronze focused on the way her freshly-spiked hair faintly reflected some of the light, practically glowing thanks to the gloss the gel gave her hair. Gathering herself together, Bronze straightened up and put a hand on Pinkie's wrist. “Does Rarity always get this worked up before she shows off her dresses? She just about jumped into designing a new dress for Barb, and I know she redid that stitching at least once this morning before you got here.”

Laughing gently, Pinkie gave Bronze a shrug. “Oh, that? She's just really nervouscited. She can't wait to show Hoity Toity her work, but she’s worried he might not like it. But it's all fantastic, so she really doesn't have any reason to be concerned, really!”

Trying to ignore the butterflies dancing in her stomach, Bronze watched Rarity’s quick stitching of the thread for a minute, her face locked into a serious look of deep concentration. Just as she was finishing, Fluttershy peeked through the curtains hiding most of the stage and gave a tiny gasp. “Oh, dear. Opalescence just seated Mrs. Mayor, Mr. Rich and Hoity Toity! R-Rarity… are you sure I need to be here too? There are so many ponies watching now with Magistrate Guffaw and his assistants. It's not like they really need to see my dress... right?”

Looking up from her stitching, Rarity’s face twisted through expressions of fear, shock, and horror, before settling on a pleading look directed to the busty mare. “But- but I need you Fluttershy! Your dress displays your connection to nature,” and softly under her breath to not freak the shy mare out, “and your grace and kindness.” Her voice turned slowly more pleading and frantic as she returned to full volume again, her eyes quavering and watering a little. “Plus, I'm supposed to show ALL our dresses as Dusk's guests. So please stay. Please, PLEASE, PLEEEASE!!?”

Bronze could see the hesitation in Fluttershy’s eyes, the momentary flare of panic as she tried to look for a reason to wiggle out of the situation, but Dash surprised Bronze by walking over to Fluttershy, her wings relaxing and spreading thanks to the wide slits in her dress giving her full freedom of movement. “Oh, come on, Fluttershy. I admit, I was a little reluctant about the whole idea when Rarity said ‘Gala dress’, but I gotta admit, she did such great work on my flight suit, so I had to give her the benefit of the doubt.” The short dress flowed around her knees, light and breezy, and hardly seemed to interfere with her movement at all.

Fluttershy glanced up at Dash and blushed deeply at the taller mare’s confident grin and firm grip. Looking back down at her hands, she poked her pointer fingers together, and mumbled softly. “I-well… I suppose, Dash…”

Unable to help but smile at the tender way Dash offered support to Fluttershy, Bronze leaned back a little and smiled up at Pinkie. “They're old friends, aren’t they?”

Giggling a little, Pinkie pushed Bronze to straighten her head again, before leaning down over her, raking her fingers though the very short spikes of Bronze’s hair, sending a shiver down her spine and making her tremble. “They are! Dash was a real big help to me and Rarity’s mission to get Fluttershy to bloom!”

Nodding a little, Bronze was about to congratulate them on how much progress they’d clearly made with Fluttershy’s shyness, but stopped when she heard Dash continue to encourage Fluttershy. Cupping Fluttershy’s chin, Dash made her look up into her eyes, leaning in close to drift her lips across Fluttershy’s, her wings wrapping around the smaller girl to hold her gently with their feathery touch. “Tell you what, Fluttershy. I’ll escort you onto the stage, ok? Hold your elbow and everything, alright?”

Blushing darkly at the near kiss, Fluttershy at last relaxed and rested her head on Dash’s shoulder, her voice calm as she slipped her hands around Dash’s hip. “If you're okay with sharing the spotlight, Dash, then I'd better be able to stand up in front of a crowd.”

With Fluttershy settled down, Rarity returned to her stitching, having been working on it the whole time while watching Dash and Fluttershy’s talk. As she looked back down at her work, her jaw dropped and she wailed in horror. “Oh, dear Celestia! What have I done!”

Hovering by her side, Applejack stiffened up immediately and put a hand on Rarity’s shoulder. “Sugarcube? What’s wrong? You nearly finished the stitching, right?”

Instead of simply answering, Rarity snatched up the tool and began ripping through the freshly-stitched thread, openly hysterical. “No, Applejack! I had the stitching perfect before and then I ruined it and now it's time to go on stage and I haven't even got time to go check Dusk’s suit!”

Bronze had been watching for just this, worried she'd seen it coming the whole time. “Rarity, I can go check Dusk’s suit, Princess Cadance made a big deal about straightening Shining’s suit and grooming it as much as possible, so I picked up a little. It's fine really, just fix the stitching and we ca-”

Rarity’s sobbing had grown louder as Bronze tried to talk, and she shook her head. “But I haven't given him the cufflinks I had specially made. It wouldn't be the same!”

Cupping Rarity’s jaw, Applejack crouched down beside her and tried to help settle her down. “Now hun, they're just cufflinks, right? It's nothing that important.”

Outraged, Rarity stormed up out of her chair, clutching the vest tightly in her hand, squeezing so hard her knuckles turned white. “Not important? Not important?! Is Bloomburg just a tree?!”

Rearing back from Rarity’s words, Applejack’s cheeks turned dark red and she puffed up placing balled fists on her hips. “I-I well, I never, Rarity! You know perfectly well Bloomberg is the best baby in the orchard!”

Both mares turned their backs on one another, so insulted by the others’ words they needed a minute to cool off. Outside the curtains, Opal’s voice turned worried. “I- oh, there must be something wrong backstage. Just-just give me a moment to go check with Miss Rarity, and we will start the show any second, really.” Crashing through the backstage door, the feline rushed to Rarity’s side, on edge, her tail violently twitching while her back hair puffed up. “Rarity! What's the matter? Hoity Toity is waiting!”

Rarity was so worked up, she simply refused to break from her dramatic pose, her nose in the air, but she continued to sob. “Oh, it's simply hopeless, Opal. I rushed everypony together and don't even really have a theme except ‘The Gala’. Dear Celestia, I can't even get the stitching right on Applejack’s vest!”

The noise from the other side of the curtain grew louder as the waiting ponies grew restless, and muffled or not Bronze was sure they wouldn't wait much longer.

“No time like the present, I suppose.” Cutting free of Pinkie's still attentive fingers, she crossed the small curtained-off room and took a firm grip of Rarity’s shoulder, turning her to face the squire. “Hey, Rarity? I'm sorry about this.”

Huffing at the sudden interruption, Rarity turned to face Bronze and looked just about to say something when Bronze’s firm-handed slap caught her on the jaw, measured expertly to be just soft enough to shock without leaving a bruise. “Snap out of it! Dusk used his clout to get these important ponies here just to see your work, so don't embarrass him now!””

The echo of the impact of palm on cheek lingered in the air. Everypony fell silent, and Rarity’s eyes went wide while her fingers lifted to her cheek. Worried she'd gone a little too far, Bronze hunted in Rarity's eyes for some hint that she was better. Very slowly lowering her hand from her cheek, Rarity picked up the vest and shook her head, letting out a sigh. “I-I'm sorry, girls. I guess I got a little worked up. Can-can we still do the show?”

Laughing gently as the tension between them broke, Applejack swept Rarity into her arms and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Of course we can, Rarity. If you're sure you can get the stitching fixed.”

Shaking her head, Rarity kissed Applejack’s lips very briefly, and grinned up at Bronze. “I should have left it alone, it was already perfect. I can fix it, if somepony feels up to going on stage first?”

Hopping in place, Pinkie giggled and waved an arm over her head. “Me, me! Ohhh! I'll go first, Rarity!”

Fluttershy's obvious relief was followed by leaning her weight into Dash’s arms and a slightly too loud whisper of, “Oh, thank you Pinkie.”

Taking advantage of Fluttershy’s lowered guard, Pinkie skipped to her side and gave her a deep and solid kiss, breaking it off and giggling as she wiped off a tiny string of saliva that linked their lips. “No problem, Fluttershy! But you're next, so be ready!” Pinkie gave a wink to the now deeply-blushing pegasus before turning to leave.

As Pinkie skipped towards the curtains, Rarity looked up just long enough to send out her magic and bring light to the white globe while she also activated the record player, filling the hall with soft, elegant music. As Pinkie disappeared onto the stage, Rarity continued to stitch, looking at Bronze from the corner of the eye. “Dear, I simply don't have time to spare, can you fetch Dusk from the dressing room upstairs? Take the little white box of cufflinks with you, and make sure he has them on properly before you and him come downstairs, alright?”

Shocked at how calm she sounded now, Bronze could only nod at her, snatching up the box and reaching for the wig. “I-of course Rarity. I'll be right back.”

Clearing her throat, Rarity responded before Bronze could lift the wig. “Thank you dear. And leave... leave the wig behind. I think Pinkie did a fantastic job with your beautiful, natural hair. Show it off, it really suits you.”

As Pinkie swept dramatically through the drapes, Barb shot up, grinning uncontrollably. “I might not have a dress to show off, but that doesn't mean I can't be a part of this show!” The realization that she could take part and even maybe steal a little of the limelight for herself powered Barb to dash between the other ponies and out onto the edge of the stage behind Pinkie, moving off to the side while the gleeful pony continued down the catwalk.

Putting on her best proclamation voice, and trying to measure her volume for the small room and crowd, Barb was worried but determined to do her best, however little experience she had with talking in front of crowds. “He-hello, noble mares and gentle stallions. Y-y-your first mo-model for today is Pinkamena Diane Pie, whose boundless energy and love of a good party is echoed in her Gala dress. A-ah-”

Scrambling to try and remember how Rarity had described the dress, Barb froze up, until Applejack’s hand slipped through a gap in the curtain and squeezed her shoulder, carefully whispering to avoid being heard or seen by those watching Pinkie pace around the catwalk. “Frilly blue white and pink, modified ball gown for easier dancing.”

Her memory sparked by Applejack’s whisper, Barb squeezed the hand on her shoulder in thanks and launched back into her stage voice, at last getting a feel for how to project over the crowd. “Fashioned as a modification on the traditional ball gown with a few inches of the hem shortened to lighten the dress and make it easier to dance, the vivid selection of light blues and soft pinks is perfect for projecting Pinkie's good-natured love of a party, and a splash of white to balance it all out leaves a lovely affair easy on the eyes. Top that all off with a modest assortment of ribbons and bows, and the lady looks as playful and lively as she is!”

Applejack’s hand had disappeared from Barb's shoulder as she spoke, but the dragoness felt more confident than ever by the end. As the guests gently clapped, it was clear some of the ponies that had come with Hoity waited to see his reaction before joining in.

Pinkie pirouetted one last time before returning to the edge of the stage, dipping down so she could kiss Barb on the top of her head. As a red blush darkened the scales of her muzzle, the pink party pony stood back up and grinned at the crowd. “And your announcer for today is the lively little lady lizard, Barbara, baby dragon extraordinaire!”

Still feeling a little woozy from Pinkie's unannounced affection and heaping helping of praise, Barb tugged at the neck of her dress and gave a nervous giggle of delight. Trying to balance herself and buy a little time, Barb used her tail to support her weight as she leaned back a little and continued to gently giggle to herself. Her time to cool off and more ended when Dash stepped through the curtain alone and grabbed a thick handful of the deep purple cloth, pulling it aside to reveal a still mostly-shadowed Fluttershy, hesitating a few feet from the catwalk.

Dash’s glance turned to Barb, and had said more than words could. Puffing up her chest, the dragoness stood up tall again and gripped her tail spade like a microphone. “Next, we have the gallant Rainbow Dash, leader of Ponyville’s Weather Team, escorting the…” “Oh no, umm… not shy, not shy… umm… oh! I got it!” “Demure Fluttershy, Ponyville’s hard-working veterinarian, and deeply empathetic animal lover. Mother to nearly 30 homeless critters, she's nearly as easily startled as they are, but if we're gentle and soft spoken, she’d be sure to come out and say hello, right, Fluttershy?”

Walking out of the shadows and into the light projected by Rarity's magic from the many-faceted ball over the catwalk, Fluttershy really was just as cautious as a frightened deer, or a skittish rabbit. Taking one small step at a time until she was a few feet from the curtains, she practically glowed in her dress, and gave a tiny wave with one hand at the mayor and other guests.

Dash released the curtain behind Fluttershy’s back as she waved, stepping up beside her much quieter friend and taking her arm, giving her cheek a kiss. That seemed to finally overcome Fluttershy’s reluctance and together they walked to the end of the catwalk.

Realizing she was already behind, Barb squared her shoulders and lifted her tail to her lips again. “Fluttershy is dressed in a completely custom-made ball gown by the Lady Rarity, including a corset to aid in maintaining a lady’s modesty, while not interfering with her freedom of movement in any way, including full use of her wings. While longer than the modified dress for dancing we saw before, this is a full, sweeping gown that just touches the ground and flows to match Fluttershy’s gentle nature. The vibrant green layers of the dress are complemented by handcrafted leaves and flowers to highlight her harmony with nature. Her link with animals is symbolized by the teal-blue butterflies, one on her bust, and its twin in her hair. Lastly, an emerald armlet on her left arm is one of the few faintly gaudy touches of flair to compete with her beautiful skin and eyes.”

The moment Barb finished describing Fluttershy’s outfit, the pink-haired mare gave a tiny curtsy and backed off the catwalk, returning backstage, leaving Dash alone upon the stage. Turning her attention to Dash’s flowing dress, Barb started again. “Dressed for freedom of movement, Rainbow Dash’s dual-layered dress lets her show off both on the dance floor and while in the air, the second layer protecting her privacy when the wind blows back the outer dress, revealing the shorts below that match the outer layer. Vibrant rainbow hues have been used to go with her truly memorable hair and tail.”

When Dash had finished strutting for the crowd, she suddenly backflipped in place, spreading her wings wide open, racing backstage in full flight, really displaying the freedom of movement the outfit offered. For a moment the watching guests were quiet, then Hoity suddenly sprang up and began to excitedly clap, laughing with glee. “Marvelous! Fantastic! She flies as swiftly as a Wonderbolt!”

Dash’s excited overreaction backstage was joined by a cry of delight from Rarity. Worried they might be getting too loud, Barb turned to the crowd again trying to drown out the mares. “With four dresses down, the designer herself is next to come to the stage, accompanied by Miss Applejack, her dear friend and a local farmer.”

Silence hung in the air when Barb waved her hand back towards the heavy curtains, and for a moment nothing happened. Growing nervous at the silence, Barb straightened up and lifted her voice again to try and get them to do something. “Lady Rarity and Applejack!”

Still the curtain remained unmoving, Barb began to sweat and tugged nervously at the collar of her dress. Shifting her feet, she nervously looked around again, about to try a third time, when the playful music shifted abruptly to a softer tone and the drapes were thrown open from the middle, held wide by the soft glow of Rarity’s magic. Arm in arm, Rarity and Applejack stepped through the open drapes, the magic holding the curtain suspended behind them.

Unable to keep from staring, Barb felt her jaw drop as Rarity stepped into the light of the glittering disco ball, stunningly beautiful under the brilliant glow. She'd applied her makeup subtly, mascara to bring out her eyes, darkening her lashes and adding contrast between them and her light eyes. Ruby lipstick matched her softly-blushing cheeks.

Lost in watching Rarity, Barb didn’t even realize how long she'd been silent until one of the three main guests had cleared their throat, the sudden noise a shock in the otherwise-quiet room. Finally realizing that she'd dropped the ball and had been staring, Barb nervously scratched at her neck scales and adjusted her dress again. “I-I-Oh, wowie! Err, um sorry, everypony. This is Rarity’s dress, a traditional ballgown, in noble purple hues that complements her hair. She has a nearly sheer pale purple shawl, good for a colder night, or a peaceful walk through the garden. With tall heels and tiny diamonds on her fingers, necklace, and layered in her hair and tail’s spiral loops, the designer’s work is filled with small accents that mirror her cutie mark.”

When Rarity and Applejack reached the end of the catwalk at their very carefully-measured pace, Rarity curtsied incredibly low, all without any support from Applejack, who had bowed beside her shorter lover. Finally finding her head clearing up, Barb pressed on with Applejack’s ‘dress’. “By amazing contrast, Applejack's outfit is leagues more casual, set almost entirely in rich, earthy tones. Let's start with a long skirt that goes down to her ankles. Her shoes are a custom-made design that alters her normal western boots with a more polished, slender style. A silken white dress shirt under a brown vest with elaborate embroidery matches the skirt, and a light brown jacket based off a mare’s twist of the classic stallion’s tuxedo jacket tops it all off. A heavy and dark green sash at the waist, with mostly simple jewelry like the fine gold buttons on the vest and jacket, and dark green gloves act as a final accent to finish her outfit off.”

For the second time, the crowd rallied, standing up and excitedly clapping at the bold contrast between the mares’ style. Again, Rarity and Applejack curtsied and bowed in turn before leaving the stage. As they left, Barb realized that the watching ponies were still standing and clapping, as if they thought the show was finished. “But wait, everypony, we still have two last outfits to reveal. The first is a stallion’s suit while the last is a vibrant red dress.”

The excited crowd quickly began to whisper and mutter between one another, gossiping openly. As the delay carried on, Barb began to wonder what was taking Dusk and Bronze so long. She was getting worried and was about to look behind the curtain when the door to the hallway opened and Rarity swept in, accompanied by Pinkie, Applejack, Dash and Fluttershy. Mingling in with the crowd, they started to gently talk with the crowd, Rarity quickly becoming the center of attention, with so many questions swiftly being thrown out for her to answer.

Barb gave a sigh of relief, and leaned back towards the curtains, relaxing a little while waiting for Dusk. The soft sound of whispers carried from behind, just loud enough for her to overhear.

“Wait, Dusk. Rarity gave me these cufflinks for you.”

“Wha-oh, sorry, thanks, Bronze. Want to hel-”

“Oh-oh my. Dusk, did…?”

“I never knew. Do you think she made them herself?”

“I don't know. She never said anything about them to me. C'mon, let's put them on, everypony is waiting for you.”

“For us, Bronze. They can't wait to see you too.”

They went quiet again, and Barb began to worry again. “Just what is taking them so long?!”

Barb gently pulled open the curtain and froze as she watched Dusk and Bronze’s kiss break. She felt her tail stiffen up. Huffing, she took a step into the opening she'd made, but froze as suddenly the room behind her went silent. Distracted by so many ponies going silent all at once, she looked back over her shoulder to see why. Escorted into the small chamber by some unicorn mare Barb didn't recognize, Princess Cadance swept into the room, her massive wings folded against her back while ducking her head to avoid scraping her horn on the door frame. Looking around at how silent the room had gone, the princess blushed momentarily and gave the crowd a small wave. “Oh dear. I am really sorry, everypony. I didn't mean to interrupt.” She bowed to the suddenly kneeling ponies, and gave the unicorn who had escorted her into the room a light nudge. “Moonlight! You know we could have just waited for the show to finish instead of interrupting everypony!”

Rising to his feet shakily, due to age more than weight, Magistrate Grandiose Guffaw didn’t need to order a path to be cleared, his aides were still at his side and moved to quickly make way for the elderly stallion. While he didn't kneel like the others had, his bow was very low, and the way his body trembled under all that off-balance bulk, Barb was sure he'd end up flat on his face. Stifling a snicker of laughter, she lowered the curtain she'd been holding and walked to the edge of the stage nearest Princess Cadance so she could hear them talk.

Guffaw’s voice carried clearly, despite his drawl and quivering jowls. “Now now, Princess. We'd never hear of that! Besides, you've arrived just in time, there is a free seat beside me, and Magistrate Dusk Shine is about to show off his Gala suit.”

Gently laughing, Cadance took the old stallion’s hand and gave it a tender squeeze. “Oh, get up, Guffaw. You were one of my teachers in school, you don't need to bow down for me! I still owe you so much for all your help in my youth.”

With that settled, the old stallion escorted the young princess to a seat right before the stage, while his attendants adjusted the empty seats so she was right between the magistrate and Hoity Toity. Only after she sat did the three key guests return to their chairs, followed at last by the rest of the audience. Just as the crowd settled down, a new source of magic flowed out and started a new song. Soft like the one Rarity had came out to, two flutes sang out, teasing and inviting. As the curtain drew open one last time, Dusk and Bronze emerged together, her hand resting in the crook of his arm, her eyes worried, hunting, scanning the crowd; his peaceful, his free hand gently patting hers. Together, they stepped out onto the catwalk, and Barb felt herself shiver as the light of the glowing orb overhead came in contact with his suit.

Almost unconsciously, Barb lifted the spade of her tail to her mouth again, her eyes wide and watching every move he made. “M-magistrate Dusk Shine’s suit is a custom job by Lady Rarity. Designed on the lines of the traditional four-piece tuxedo, the darker outer layers, the jacket and the pants represent the calm night sky, deep blues nearing black with a myriad of tiny, intricately cut, blue-white rhinestones, each designed to glimmer like a star at night. Beneath that, a lighter shade of blue for the vest, with even smaller stones embedded here that are fainter in their glimmer. Finally, the dress shirt underneath is yet a lighter shade of blue, and as you explore, the hues grow even brighter, until the last peak of daylight can be found level with his belt buckle. Where there is normally a jacket pocket in this style of suit, the lady has chosen to instead place an emblem of his cutie mark. While the stallion is not normally one for jewelry, he always wears a sunstone earring her majesty Princess Celestia gave him when he graduated from Starswirl University, the gem engraved with his teacher’s cutie mark.”

Barb paused for a moment, and something she’d never seen before caught her eye and made her breath catch with an audible gasp, loud enough that she realized Princess Cadance had looked up at her for a moment, a worried look in her eyes. Forcing herself to continue again, Barb blushed under the young princess’ scrutiny. “How-however, in deference for Lady Rarity’s sense of taste, he has chosen to don a pair of clearly custom-made cufflinks. Gold-edged, they seem to symbol-symbolie… resemble Lady Rarity’s cutie mark on the left wrist, while the right is Applejack’s. Both have clearly been crafted with great care for detail and accuracy, including real diamonds on one, while the apples of the other appear to be rubies, unless Princess Cadance’s jewelry has confused my sense of smell.”

Finally looking past Dusk at Bronze, Barb kept going so she didn’t have to look at Cadance again, hoping the princess would forget her by the time they finished. “Accompanying him is his left hand, his Vicarius, Bronze Feather, squire to Captain Shining Armor of the Royal Guard. For a change, she has put aside her armor and allowed Lady Rarity to try her magic at creating something more casual for the guard. Thus we have a red silk dress, slit cut on the one leg up to the knee, teasing a view of her bare calf muscle. her very short bronze-copper hair has been spiked and now the guard is ready for a fun night out. Short heels were used to add a saucy air to the normally tame mare.”

Struggling to think of anything else to say, Barb was relieved when they made it to the edge of the stage, and Princess Cadance catcalled up at Dusk. “Just like your brother, you clean up very well, magistrate. I see your marefriends are already leaving their mark on your sense of dress.” Looking back over her shoulder at Rarity, she winked, playfully. “We approve.”

A rising tide of laughter rippled through the room, and Rarity dramatically put a hand to her head, half-swooning before Applejack caught her. Hanging in Applejack’s arms, she called over the continued laughter. “You honor me too much, dear princess! I couldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for all those years of work you put into trying to make him presentable.”

As the laughter finally died down, Dusk squeezed Bronze’s hand again, the faintest of a smile curving his otherwise stoic face. “It’s true, Princess Cadance, if it were not for your years of hard work, I don’t know if even Lady Rarity’s greatest efforts could have succeeded in making me presentable.”

Cadance joined in their laughter, and rose to stand. She was tall enough, even standing on the ground to wrap an arm around Dusk’s hips, tugging him close and winking playfully at Rarity. “Well then, thank you, dear Lady Rarity. It’s good to see after so many years all my hard work has at last paid off.”

For a while, everypony in the room enjoyed the light jokes and soft conversation picked up again. At some point, when Barb wasn’t paying attention, Dash, Fluttershy, Bronze and Applejack had gone back into the room behind the curtain. Princess Cadance was examining the golden cufflinks on Dusk's suit when Rarity broke free of the questioning nobles, and walked over to Barb’s side, plucking her up into her arms and rocking her gently. “Thank you Barb, you did a fantastic job. I promise, I’ll get more of those sapphire flakes you love so much next time I go to Canterlot.”

Overjoyed by the affection from Rarity, Barb relaxed at last and nuzzled into her cheek, grinning openly. “Really? You will? Do… do you think you could get me the ruby flakes too?”

Laughing gently to herself, Rarity looked up, and gave a small wave to Hoity Toity and Guffaw as they left together, most of their entourages following after attentively. “Tell you what, you say farewell to the rest of my guests, and I’ll make sure to get them both, darling. Alright?”

Delighted, the little dragoness hopped free of Rarity’s arm and thumped her chest with a fist. “No problem, Rarity! I’ll make sure to see everypony out!”

Rarity took Princess Cadance’s arm, unable to help but laugh. “Oh, princess! You couldn’t have showed up at a better time! Today went so well! Hoity even promised he’d have a contract ready within the week! How ever can I thank you?”

The towering princess laughed gently, stopping when the curtains blocked what remained of the crowd from sight. Cupping Rarity’s chin, she playfully waved a finger before her eyes. “No need to thank me, dear. Just keep up the hard work. You wouldn’t believe how often I’ve had arguments with both him and his brother about what to wear and when. You don’t even want to know how many times I forced Dusk to return to his room to shower and change before his private classes with Princess Celestia when he was a foal.”

Their shared laughter was interrupted when they turned and were instantly confronted by all the others, gathered around Dusk, carefully studying the cufflinks on his suit, save Bronze, who had poured herself a glass of water, and was quickly moving to grab a second. Stepping out of Cadance’s arm, Rarity stepped up beside Applejack and squeezed the larger mare’s hand between both of her hands. “Well? What do you think, love? Too much?”

Applejack gently squeezed her hand in return, straightening up and grinning as she gave Dusk a little nod. “You did a good job hiding all this from me, Rarity. A little too fancy for my tastes, but Dusk pulls it off, even if the cufflinks make me a little self-conscious.”

Pinkie rushed over, leaping into a hug that ended with her arms wrapped around Rarity’s neck, snuggling in tightly and giggling with glee. “Oh, Rarity! We did it! We really, really pulled it off! Oh, I was so super nervous, but then everypony got so excited! And then Dusk and Bronze came out together and all my hard work on her hair paid off so well, plus Dusk’s suit looks so good, and those cufflinks are really dashing and show how noble a stallion he is, plus it also shows how he is in a relationship with you and Applejack, and she started blushing and it was just so cute!”

Struggling to straighten up under Pinkie’s weight, Rarity didn’t notice Dash staring at Dusk for a long moment, before the pegasus made a soft ‘hrumph’ noise. She moved to join Bronze, grabbing a glass and pouring herself some water, topping off Bronze’s drink and leaning against the wall. “You held up well, still got butterflies?”

Bronze quickly downed her glass again and knelt down against the wall, hugging her knees. “I… I'm fine, really. Just-just feeling a lil’ woozy.”

Dash shrugged and looked out the window and up towards the distant sky. “After Rarity’s done with us, let's get outta here, we should take a flight. I really need more practice before the Young Fliers’ Competition, and Fluttershy’s no challenge.”

Straightening up, Bronze laughed and shook her head. “I-wha? Dash, you could lap me easily.”

Shrugging lazily, Dash kicked the wall behind her half-heartedly. “So give me the chainmail. That would even things up, right?”

Thinking for a moment, Bronze gave her a grin. “I suppose it would be a lot better challenge. But you should get your own armor sometime, I need to start training properly again myself, Dash.”

Meanwhile, Fluttershy held both of Dusk’s hands, turning them from one side to the other, back and forth time and time again, so she could watch the way the light sparkled off the cufflinks, her cheeks a brilliant red the whole time. Dusk nearly jumped when she finally spoke up, surprised after she'd been so quiet for so long. “You looked so calm up there, Dusk, even with so many ponies watching your every movement, and then Princess Cadance started teasing you, and Rarity joined in, and you still kept your calm.”

Dusk wanted to blush and try to laugh her off, but her grip on his hands was surprisingly strong and kept him from pulling away. “Well, it’s not like I wasn’t caught off guard by Princess Cadance’s presence. She-”

Suddenly wrapping an arm around his neck and tugging him back into a hug, Cadance laughed gently and mussed up his hair. “I what, Dusk?”

Fluttershy audibly squeaked and nearly released Dusk’s hands, resisting the urge to jump at how silently Cadance had snuck up on them both. Laughing at Cadance’s playful game, Dusk shook his head. “I was about to say, I grew up watching Princess Cadance tease Shining Armor in a lot of similar ways.” Lifting one of Fluttershy’s hands, he kissed her knuckles, shocking her into finally letting go, so he could put an arm around Fluttershy’s hips. He felt her stiffen up at his touch for a moment before relaxing, and he grinned up at his former foalsitter. “ I suppose I’m late for my checkup, aren’t I Cadance?”

Shaking a finger before his eyes, the princess bopped him on the nose. “I suppose so, but I just got here. Now when you’re done talking to your cute marefriend, we should go, as Nurse Redheart’s probably furious with us both by now.”

Leaning into Dusk’s arm, Fluttershy almost began to pout. “What? You’re here for Dusk again, Princess Cadance? But he’s been much better lately… Right?”

Stepping forward, Cadance put a hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder, clearly trying to comfort the younger mare. “No, you’re right, Fluttershy. Nurse Redheart’s reports on him have been far better in the last few months. But I’ve been giving him checkups for the last five years, so I wanted to make sure she hasn’t missed anything, alright?”

Reassured, Fluttershy leapt forward almost as energetically as Pinkie often did, and tackled the princess with a hug. “Oh thank you, Princess Cadance! And if you need somepony to keep an extra eye on him for you, just let me know, ok?”

1pm, Ponyville Hospital.

Cadance’s strong grip moved across Dusk’s shoulders, and her thumbs turned down into his shoulder blades, grinding in deep, slow, hard circles at the tense muscles of his back, hard enough to make him hiss, groan and catch his breath. It helped distract him from the persistent pain, but didn’t affect the pain itself. Finally he simply had to speak up. “I’m sorry, Cadance, that feels great, but it really isn’t helping. The pain is still there.”

The princess gave a grumpy sigh and lifted her hands to his neck, moving the focus of her massaging there, far more careful now to avoid doing harm as she worked. She frowned as she straddled his back, working his muscles gently. “It’s okay, Dusk. Is it at least distracting? Because anything that takes the pain off your mind is better than you simply using more of the tea to numb it.”

Dusk winced, but Cadance’s massage did feel good, and loosened up his neck muscles, happily twitching his tail in delight. “Mummm… well, I suppose you’ve got a point. I wish one of the mares knew how to give a massage this good.” His eyes slipping closed he rested into his pillow, mumbling under his breath. “I should ask Bronze if she knows about these kinds of things…”

That got Cadance’s attention, and she paused for a moment, unable to help but grin to herself, before leaning in whispering beside his ear. “Oh? You and Bronze are getting along then? She’s handling things okay? I thought she’d be a little resistant to seeing you shirtless.”

Dusk chuckled a little into the pillow, and gently shook his head just enough to let her know. “No, Bronze has come a long way, Cadance. We just had a date yesterday, and she-- URG!!”

Cadance’s grip had turned from careful massage to suddenly forceful grip, and her knee pushed into his shoulders, while her voice hissed. “Dusk, you didn’t do something to make things worse, did you?”

The threat in Cadance’s voice was a shock to hear, and Dusk kept still, carefully measuring his breath while she practically growled at him. “No, I’ve been really careful with her, Cadance. Rarity pushed her to try on a dress, and then suggested we have the date because of how cute we looked together. Things got tense when we got home afterwards. She’s still feeling a lot of guilt for her dreams while the Poison Joke was in her system, but Applejack and Rarity spent this morning doing everything they could to reassure her that it wasn’t her fault, and she really seems to be feeling a lot better.”

Releasing him totally, Cadance slumped off of Dusk’s back and into the empty seat beside the table, her voice a little distant, clearly shocked. “Wait, this wasn't the first time she got Bronze to wear a dress? And to go on a date? Like dinner together in public, and everything?”

Shifting just enough so he could watch her, Dusk smiled at the overprotective mare and reached out, placing a hand on hers. “Not quite, we just had dinner at Rarity’s place and Sweetie Belle was our waitress, but Bronze handled it all really well. She was cute, flustered occasionally, but seemed so happy and relaxed more as the date continued.”

Cadance gave a sigh and reached over to squeeze his hand, finally relaxing a little. “I’m impressed, I thought it would take months, years even before she talked to anypony openly about what she’d dreamed, let alone the two mares that were central to her nightmares. You’ll have to keep me updated if she develops any new issues, but I’m proud of you Dusk. I think you three did her a lot of good, helping her work through a lot in such a short time.”

Embarrassed a little, Dusk laughed and shook his head, curling up back into the pillow. “Thanks, Cadance, but I clearly need to learn a lot more about psychology, the way ponies think is still confusing to me.”

Cadance laughed back at him and plucked up the clipboard, reading it carefully again as she answered him. “You know, Dusk. The more I learn about ponies’ minds, the harder it is to understand them.”

Relaxing and stretching out again on the bed as Cadance read, Dusk gave a little shrug at her. “I suppose. Everypony in this town can be crazy sometimes.”

Cadance lowered the clipboard to rest on the desk and glared over at Dusk as he lay shirtless, face down on the exam table. “You should just let Fluttershy know, Dusk. The painkillers? The tea? Barb’s just as good as you are at keeping track of things; she had a good teacher for obsessing over small details, Dusk. If we can’t find the source of your pain, you’re going to start growing immune to the drugs over time, or worse, you might even become reliant on them for basic everyday functions.”

Dusk had an argument ready for her, he really did, but as he turned his head to look up at Cadance, it died on his tongue and he buried his face into the tiny hospital pillow. “I know Cadance, really I do. But Fluttershy’s just starting to come out of her shell, and I don’t want to scare her back into it again.”

Crossing her arms so she could rub at her elbow, Cadance turned away from him, shaking her head a little. “Alright, I understand, Dusk. But… but perhaps I should bring you back to Canterlot soon, I have a much better crystal for focusing my magic there. Maybe I could find the source of your pain that way…”

Dusk turned to look back towards her again, trying to calm down a little again. “I… I suppose I’m due for some time in Canterlot soon. But, Cadance, you’ve checked my magic for infection, you’ve checked my muscle structure and my bone structure, what more do you think you can find with another exam?”

Cadance turned back to him and walked to the table, gently playing her fingers through his hair. “Dusk, you're the awesome little brother I never had. I don’t care if it takes a thousand more exams, I just want to do everything I can to take care of you.”

“An-and my sperm count?”

Dusk couldn’t help but blush at having to ask, but Cadance tensed up as well, and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “I’m sorry, Dusk. I simply couldn’t find any record of a stallion with such an odd blend of conditions. For now, consider it a minor blessing. So many herds would give anything for even half your chance of siring a colt.”

Dusk gave a gentle sigh and nuzzled up into her hand. “I-I suppose, you’re right, Cadance. The truth is, a few months ago I might not have cared so much, but maybe someday in a few years, if Rarity or Applejack really wanted a foal, I’d be happy to have one as well.”

Cadance laughed gently, and pulled over a chair, sitting beside him as she continued to gently rake her fingers through his hair. “That’s sweet to hear, Dusk. You know, for years, I feared you’d never have any other friends besides dear little Barb and your books…”

Dusk couldn’t help himself but laugh a little. “Oh come on, I made a few other friends, right? I got along with Minuette, Twinkleshine… um… Lemon Hearts… err… oh, there was Moon Dancer for a while and… well… Lyra too, right?”

Cadance shook her head and leaned over so she could rest her cheek on top of his. “Dusk, you had classes with them. You were never really good friends with any pony at school besides me and Sunset Shimmer, and I think that’s only because you looked up to her.”

Dusk went quiet, thinking about his time in school and the fillies he’d managed to throw together, but Cadance was right and he gave a little sigh. “You know, you’re right Cadance. I owe a lot to you and Barb, a lot really. Oh, and remind me to give Moonlight Dreamer my new letters for Princess Luna... “

“Good to hear, she’s been waiting for ages for your new reports. Now then, if you could do me a favour, Dusk, I need to take Barb back to Canterlot, so do you think you can hold yourself together without her help for just a few days?”

Dusk’s breath caught in his throat, and he felt his heart aching for a moment. “You… need Barb?” A thousand questions rushed forth, but somehow, he already knew her answer.

Placing a hand on his shoulder, Cadance sighed gently. “Dusk, I don’t think Philomena will last more than a month, maybe two at the most. Keeping her alive has started taking its toll on Princess Celestia. You can feel it when you pass her in the castle. Celestia’s simply exhausted, and she won't last much longer.”

Author's Notes:

After far too long of useless dithering and making no progress for weeks, at last, I've finally finished this arc! I don't know if it was the time of year, the content of the last part of just my own mental block but this part was a real mess to work through and kept getting me stopped up.

A huge shout out to my editing team for doing extra sweeps through the chapter, and the related profiles in the last 24 hours to make sure we caught as much of my mistakes as possible. You guys all do a great job and make some damn funny suggestions.

For those wondering, the profiles for Twist, Silver Spoon, Snips & Snails, Hoity Toity, Grandiose Guffaw, Mr. Rich, Cuddles, Octavia, Fancy Pants and Fleur Dis Lee have all been uploaded.

Hope you all enjoy, and see you next time, in Feeling Pinkie Keen!

Save me!