It's currently lunch period and I'm sitting next to Wallflower in the school garden. She happily invited me to sit next to her, during lunch, from now on, which I am happy for. Ever since the whole thing with Big Mac, which I still don't know what his whole deal is, it has been a little depressing that a friend is upset with me. Well, it has been quite a while. Maybe he calmed down, but I am going to wait for him to approach me. Better to have him decide to come to me to make up. Anyway, Wallflower is excitedly talking about all kinds of different flowers and I'm actually listening. It's cute when she is actually happy, instead of being nervous.

"You really enjoy gardening," I commented.

"Yeah, you could say it's my thing. You know my special talent." She answered nervously, yet excitedly.

"That's great."

"Yeah, if it wasn't for this, who knows where I'd be? It's hard being the only member, but it's also very rewarding."

"And you are able to keep the club despite being the only member?" I asked.

"It seems barely being noticed has its perks too," She said bittersweetly, "Huh, my curse is also responsible for the one thing that allowed me to keep going. Who would have thought?"

"Yeah, I don't quite know how to respond to that," I admitted.

"At least things are better now that I met you," She admitted nervously with a light blush on her face, "Since there's still some time left before class, want me to show you the basics of tending to the flowers?" She offered.

"Sure, it might be fun."

It actually was kind of fun to be honest. We didn't have enough time to do much, but it was enough for me to want to do more. Maybe I should join. It might be a good thing to bring the club up to two members, that way if something does happen, there's a better chance for the club to stay.

After school I was walking through the hall, when my name was called.

"Marcus, Darling."

I stopped and turned around to find Rarity walking right up to me. Right her partnership offer. Looks like we are going to get started on that. Here's hoping it actually turns out well for me.

"Yes, Rarity?" I asked.

"I do hope you haven't forgotten about our new partnership Darling?" She teased before gently rubbing my chin.

"N-no of course not," I began nervously, "Just let me text my dad about this and we can get started."

"Sounds great. I can't wait!" She exclaimed excitedly, "I brainstormed all day about different ideas. Your drawings have been the perfect source of inspiration."

"That's great."

"Yes, and I just know with your help it's only going to get better from here," She answered before grabbing my hand, "Now Darling we better get going. The sooner we get started the better off we all will be."

Rarity and I arrived at her house, and I began to feel nervous, when I realized this was the third time I went to a girl's house. I took a relaxing breath, as Rarity opened the door and led me inside.

"Thankfully, we should be all alone Darling," Rarity told me happily before gently rubbing my chin, "My sister Sweetie Belle should be playing with her friends," She shook her head, "They are always getting into trouble. No matter. Shall we get started?"

I simply nodded nervously at the implications at the two of us being alone. At least with Rainbow, she wasn't the kind to be into romance. With Rarity I could tell she was the opposite of Rainbow in that case and therefore being alone with her at her house could lead to that, especially with how flirty she seems to be.

"Before we get started, could I interest you in something to drink?" Rarity offered me with a charming smile.

"Drink?"

"But of course. What kind of host would I be if I didn't at least give them that?" Rarity explained, "Besides, it's been a while since I had a handsome boy here," She added, giving me a wink.

"Water sounds great right now," I answered nervously.

"Anything for my future designer," Rarity answered before leading me into the kitchen.

Rarity grabbed a cup and began filling it up with fresh water, "I know I already apologized for not believing you were responsible for these drawings, but I feel I must make it up to you."

"You don't have to."

"On the contrary darling. I doubt I would be able to sleep at night if I don't try," Rarity countered before placing ice cubes into the cup, "You are full of surprises Darling."

"What are you..."

"I know I haven't known you for long, but I have heard good things about you from Pinkie and even Rainbow. At first, I figured they were exaggerating, but now I'm sure they were downplaying it," Rarity interrupted me as she walked closer to me.

"I'm nothing special. I'm just a guy trying to get over his social issues."

"Handsome, intelligent, talented and even modest. You are the whole package darling," was all she said before she handed me my water.

I decided it was not worth it arguing. I don't exactly see what she means, but if she feels that way, then who am I to argue?

Working with Rarity isn't that bad. Sure, I am used to doing this kind of thing on my own but sharing ideas with someone else and giving some thoughts was actually a fun and interesting thing. Another thing I had to get used to was Rarity insisting on being close together to the point where our faces were almost touching.

"Rarity, not that I'm complaining, but why are you this close to me?" I asked.

"Because Darling, I want to be this close and catch your talent in action," She answered before actually moving closer, "Besides, I like the smell of your cologne. I don't usually like to mix business and pleasure darling, but I think I can make an exception," She finished battening her eyes at me.

I was stunned by the display of affection to respond. I was distracted by the smell of her fancy perfume, which actually suited her. Rarity is a very beautiful girl, who takes her appearance very seriously. Her elegant well-groomed hair and she uses the right amount of make-up to suit her, despite being one to prefer girls who use less. I took a relaxing breath when she finally separated from me, though it wasn't by much.

"Are you ok Darling?" She asked, concerned.

"Yeah, let's just get back to business."

"Are you sure darling?" She asked me, "We have done plenty of work for now. Why don't we just relax for a bit. Since you are friends with some of my close friends and if we are going to be business partners, why don't we be friends as well," She then gave me a flirty look, "And who knows maybe if things go well, we could be more."

"I... Yeah ok."

"Am I making you uncomfortable Darling?" She asked me.

"A little," I admitted.

"I'm sorry about that. Like I said it has been a while since I had a boy here alone to flirt with a little. Sometimes, I can't help but do some harmless flirting with guys that manage to catch my eye. Well, I intend it to be harmless at any rate. I don't really mean anything too serious about it. Don't get me wrong you managed to impress me enough that I would like to be more than friends with you, once we get to know each other some more and more importantly if you feel the same way. I will try not to make you too uncomfortable, though I can't help it." She explained.

"That's... I guess I can respect you being straightforward with me."

"I care about you to tell you straight up to hopefully help make you more comfortable," she giggled.

"Thank you."

"Well, Marcus this has been the start of a wonderful partnership," Rarity began as she led me out of her house, "and the start of a wonderful friendship."

"Hopefully, also the start of an aspiring business."

"You really need to be more confident in yourself and your talents. Don't worry I will help you realize that," She giggled before walking right up to me, "See you later darling," She then gave me a quick peck on both cheeks before giggling at my stunned reaction.

"I'm sorry to say I might not be able to keep my promise. It's actually fun to make you all nervous, though I will try," was all she said as she closed her door.

After managing to regain my composure I shook my head and made my way back home. Well, I managed to get through that. Working with her was actually kind of interesting and not really that bad. Sure, her flirting and displays of affection were a little overwhelming, but hopefully I will get used to them soon.

Later that night my thoughts began to go to Wallflower. I think we are becoming good friends, but I really want to help her out even more. I pulled out my phone and sent her a text.

Hi. I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out tomorrow after school. I can treat you to lunch and we can just relax for a while.

I hope I don't screw anything up. I am still quite new to reaching out to someone else, but I am determined to pull it off for her sake. Well, my social life is continuing to change, and I think it's best if I try to embrace it and make the best of it. It certainly seems to be changing for the better.

I'm on a roll with these chapters. Here's hoping it stays that way lol.
Next chapter: Marcus spends time with Wallflower and maybe encounter a certain someone.