Chapter 23: How’d You Talk Me Into This?

As the couple walk in the direction of Fluttershy’s home, she begins to tell Dusk something.

“Dusk, I’m going to go to Applejack’s now, so I can tell her about why you aren’t at work today.”

“Wait a second, are you going to tell her about that unfortunate little incident last night?” Dusk asks.

Fluttershy hesitates for a few moments before answering. “I... won’t tell them about what happened. I think it would worry them too much, and I wouldn’t want to do that.”

“That is a pretty good reason not to tell them. Alright, See you later Fluttershy.”

“Bye Dusk.”

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Dusk arrives at her house, and waits for her to get home. He remembers the book that he had borrowed from Twilight, and turns straight to the bookmarked page.

Quick Author’s Note:You readers probably forgot about the Past Sins part in C11, well it returns. (Unfortunately?)

-181 of 553-

“How uncanny, Nyx beat the four older and bigger stallions all by herself. Deja vu? Sort of like when I knocked-out those 4 bloody idiots who were trying to force themselves on Shy. I hope, for their sakes, that they had left Ponyville a long time ago.” Dusk states to no-one in particular. He continues reading...

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-195 of 553- 16 minutes later

*facehoof* ‘No Nyx, you silly filly, (I’m sounding a bit like Pinkie right now...) don’t show them your wings, that could have horrible consequences.’

Dusk has always hated it in books, if the character willingly does something very stupid or embarrassing. It always make him cringe at their failure.

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-208 of 553-  13 minutes later

“No Celestia you idiot, do not listen to Spell Nexus. He is only going to make things bucked up for Nyx, use your 100 million year old head to figure out that he is screwing with you.” Says the frustrated Dusk, at the book.

-Meanwhile in Canterlot-

Both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were attending court, to listen to their subjects requests. Just as Celestia dismissed a disappointed red unicorn, she feels a few sharp pains in her head. She puts her hoof up onto her forehead in pain.

“Sister, why is thou in pain?” Asks Luna, in her iconic regal tone.

“I... don’t know my dear sister, but it feels like one of my subjects doubts my rule a ruler of Equestria.” She admits.

“I’m sure that unicorn will be happier again, sister.”

“No, no Luna, not disappointed, but distrustful...”

-Back in Ponyville-

“You need to get your act together Celestia. I hope that the actual Princess, is less oblivious about these sort of things.”

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-224 of 553- 19 minutes later

“CELESTIA YOU MULE, you can’t just away Nyx like that, she is not Nightmare Moon you freaking idiot...”

-Canterlot-

The sun princess feels more sharp pains in her head, which are much more painful than before. She lets out a moan of pain.

“Sister, what is wrong with thou?” Asks the dark blue alicorn.

“It hurts, it really hurts. Luna, I think that I’ll retreat to my room for a bit, I need you to be out there while I’m gone.” Says the strained Princess Celestia

-Ponyville-

“That isn’t right, that’s unjust. You know what book?” He picks up the bookmark and slides it into the open page. He slams the book and says “Rage quit.” Dusk’s eyes were watery, but the floodgates didn’t open.

‘It’s just something in my eyes... I hope.’

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About five minutes later, Fluttershy enters her house with a saddlebag full of apple based foods.

“Hello Dusk.”

“Hi Fluttershy, how’d it go with Applejack?” Asks Dusk.

“It went fine, I think that she has changed a bit, after my talk to her yesterday.”

Dusk is surprised by the result. He didn’t think that Applejack would change her negative opinion against him.

Dusk give Fluttershy a quick hug. “You're the best, Shy.”

She starts to blush a little, “Um, it was nothing Dusk.”

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“Could I ask you something Dusk?”

“What is it Shy.”

“I was talking to Rarity a couple of days ago while you were at work, and she told me that she needed to find a stallion, so she could create a few more design for her shop.” She explains

“Uh huh, I fail to understand what you ask of me.” Says Dusk, in a deadpan tone.

“So I’m wondering, why don’t you come to her boutique, so she could try a few designs on you, if you don’t mind that is.”

Dusk’s answer immediately pops up in his head.

“No Shy, I don’t feel like being a living mannequin, why can’t she ask Big Mac?” Asks Dusk

“She has, but he said that he is too busy at the farm.”

“Caramel?”

“Same reason.”

“Doctor Whooves?”

“He says that he is too busy. He always seems to leave town for the strangest of reasons.”

Dusk tries to think of another possible candidate for Rarity, but can’t think of anymore stallions that live in Ponyville.

‘Why is there a massive difference of the ratio of mares to stallions. [*Ding* dirty thought] Big Mac gets all the mares, nudge nudge.’

“Well, I might be the only candidate available, but I still won’t go. I feel a bit uncomfortable being worked on like that.”

Fluttershy does an excessively sad/adorable face. She has a small sad pout, her eyes are widened and she looks like she is about to cry. It puts Rarity to shame.

“Can you pwease go Dusky?” She says in a seemingly upset tone.

“Nope, I still don’t want to go Shy Shy. That’s not going to work.” He says defiantly.

She steps it up a notch. She makes her bottom lip tremble, and she lets off a small tear.

“Pwetty Pwease Dusky?”

Dusk is unfazed, “Shy, trust me, I’m not going to work. There is no way I’m going to the Boutique.”

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Dusk and Fluttershy both arrive at the Carousel Boutique. Fluttershy is more cheery than usual, while Dusk is slightly annoyed at the situation.

“Fluttershy, how the hay, did you talk me into this?”

“I don’t know, I’m just good like that.” She answers in a strangely assertive tone.

As the two walk into the store, they are greeted by the fashionista. “Oh hello Fluttershy and Dusk what can I do for you today?”

Fluttershy begins to speak, “You know how you needed a stallion to help you with your designs, well I convinced Dusk to help you.”

“*gasp* Oh my Celestia Dusk, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you. You won’t regret this Dusk.” Rarity is giddy with excitement.

“I probably will regret this...”

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Rarity had brought both Dusk and Fluttershy into the room where she designs her various clothing. She brought Dusk up into the centre of the room, and started measuring him. She decides to start up a conversation to make things a little less quiet.

“So, Fluttershy, what is it like with Dusk living in your home?”

“Oh it’s wonderful, he is so good to me. I don’t think I deserve somepony like him.” She responds.

“Trust me Shy, you are the sweetest pony that I have ever met.”

“Aww, thanks Dusk.”

Rarity gasps for the second time in 10 minutes. “So are both of you in a relationship now?” She excitedly asks.

“Is it really that obvious? That’s not really a bad thing you know.” Confirms Dusk.

“Now I’m going to have to be even more careful than usual. I don’t want to hurt her coltfriend too much.” Worries Rarity.

“Wait a second, so you weren’t going to be as careful before, and now, because Fluttershy is my marefriend, you will be more careful. I don’t know if I should be relieved, or worried.”

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“I’ve finished the measurements Dusk,” She magics a sewing needle, thread and some black fabric, “Now it is time for me to start sewing.”

Rarity begins her work on Dusk, who is worried about the needle being so close to him. “Oh no, I hate needles. Rarity, I really hope that you are careful with- AGHH, that hurts.” Dusk was pricked by the needle.

“Oh sorry Dusk. I’m used to working with mares, and I forgot that stallions have a slightly different physique.”

“Huzzah for me. I’m looking forward to more pin pricks...”

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Rarity has finished half of Dusk’s suit, and he isn’t really enjoying the experience that much. He has been pricked more times than he cares to count and he hates constantly standing in the same spot.

“Dusk, I’ve wanted to bring this up before, but why do you have new injuries on the side of your body, and your back?”

Both Dusk and Fluttershy are look up, worried about if they should tell her what happened. Dusk looks at Fluttershy and looks at her with a frown that asks ‘Should I tell her?’ The yellow mare thinks about it for a bit, and shakes her head.

“Uhm.. Rarity, we’d rather not tell you, it’s a personal matter.” Answers Dusk

“Oh... OK Dusk. I’ll respect your word. At least they won’t affect the suit too much, and I can work around your wing.”

“Thank you Rarity.” Sincerely thanks Dusk.

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About an hour later, Dusk’s suit was nearing its completion. In Dusk’s eyes, Rarity has just made him a simple black tuxedo, with a white shirt underneath and a black tie.

“Now Fluttershy darling, I need you to exit the room for a little bit, until I call you back inside.”

“Umm... OK, but why, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“It’s a surprise. I’m sure that you’ll love it.”

“OK Rarity, I’ll get out the room now.”

Rarity waits until Fluttershy exits the room until she tells Dusk her plan.

“Dusk, I’m going to quickly finish your suit, and then appropriately style you mane, so when Fluttershy enters the room, you can show her how fabulous you look.”

“Um, sure Rarity, but why?”

“You should sometimes make yourself look more presentable towards her. I’m sure that she’ll be amazed.”

“OK, if you say so.”

Rarity quickly finishes the suit then makes Dusk follow her to her vanity. She pulls out her rather large make up box.

“Whoa Rarity, I don’t want to wear any make up crap.”

Rarity facehoofs Dusk, “Of course I’m not going to use my products. I just need to get the brush out.”

She magics the brush, and starts to brush Dusk’s mane, as it begins to straighten.

About a minute later, his short mane is straightened. He looks in the mirror.

“Hmm, not bad Rarity, so should we call in Fluttershy?”

“Nearly.” She brings an unknown bottle of something towards Dusk and sprays.

“That’s a good smell Rarity, what is it?”

“Well, this particular bottle of aftershave is called-”

Dusk silences her, “That’s all I need to know, send Shy in.”

“OK Dusk, I’ll get her.”

She walks out of her room, to get the mare in question.

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Dusk hears Rarity from behind the door, “So Fluttershy, I would like you to meet the new and improved...” She opens the doors. “...Dusk!”

Fluttershy eyes seem to brighten at the sight of him. She is amazed at Dusk’s new look.

“Wow... Dusk, you look stunning.” Says the somewhat shocked Fluttershy.

“Um... Thanks.” Next Chapter: Chapter 24: Let Me Tell You A Story Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 8 Minutes