"Wow ..." Fluttershy whispered to herself as she closed the book.

That was the most romantic story I've ever read she thought. The book clutched tightly to her chest, she threw herself back onto her pillow, the cushion emitting a soft thump in time with a blissful sigh from the pegasus. I wish I had a special somepony to share romantic times with. A clock entered her vision as she lolled her head to one side.

"Oh my gosh I'm going to be late!" she shrieked as she caught sight of the time. With loving care she placed the novel on her bed before dashing out of the room, her wings extending as she ran. Fluttershy glided down the stairs, her natural grace making her hasty departure a silent affair. The ears of a nearby disgruntled rabbit were blown back by the displaced air, followed by an angry glare in her direction.

Despite her rush, Fluttershy's mind soon returned to scenes from the novel she had just finished. She glided towards her destination dreamily as she recollected her favorite chapters. She nearly flew straight into Carousel Boutique in her stupor. She caught herself before colliding with the front door to Rarity's store, alighting in front of it instead and pushing the doorbell. A few moments later the door swung open.

"Fluttershy darling, good to see you!" Rarity greeted with enthusiasm. "Come in, come in!"

Fluttershy smiled and followed the unicorn into her store, her mind still half in the novel.

"Oh I've been meaning to tell you, I just got this new shampoo that you simply must try!" Rarity explained, toying at her hair with a hoof. "It's made my mane beautifully soft and it smells just divine. Go ahead, take a whiff!"

Fluttershy blushed slightly at the invite but accepted the offer, taking a deep breath of the fragrant shampoo. Rarity was right, it smelled fantastic, a strong, sweet scent of lilac. Fluttershy's heart skipped a beat upon inhaling the aroma. She looked at Rarity standing in front of her, posing with a hoof held to her mane, and the tingling sensation she felt earlier grew stronger. She stood rooted to the spot, confused by the sudden strange feelings caused by her friend.

"Well, what do you think?" Rarity asked, raising one eyebrow at the pegasus who had been strangely silent, even for herself, during the exchange.

Fluttershy blinked in surprise as the question pulled her out of her reverie. "Oh, it's gorgeous Rarity!" she finally responded. Just like you a thought in the back of her mind added. Fluttershy blinked again, surprised by the addition her mind had made. What's going on here? she wondered. It must just be the book, I got too caught up in it she tried to shrug the feelings off.

"Isn't it?" Rarity responded. "I'll get you a bottle next time I order darling, my treat!"

"Oh thank you Rarity, that's sweet of you."

"Think nothing of it dear." Rarity smiled.

Fluttershy felt the tingling grow as she caught Rarity's smile. She found she wanted to gaze at it for quite some time, but ended up looking away nervously instead. This is getting very strange she thought. I've never had these thoughts about Rarity before... well ....

There was that one time ....

*

It had occurred during (or more fittingly after) Rarity's last birthday party. Pinkie had thrown an extravagant soiree despite Rarity saying she didn't want to make a big deal. The boutique had been packed with ponies all having a good time. Fluttershy had spent most of the night in a corner chatting to one or two friends. Applejack had provided both alcoholic and soft cider for the occasion. Fluttershy had stuck to the soft stuff until Rarity convinced her to try some of the alcohol.

"Give it a try darling, just don't drink too much and you'll be fine. It's quite fun when you find the right amount," Rarity explained.

"OK, if you say so," Fluttershy agreed nervously. Rarity had never given her bad advice in the past. Once again she was right. Fluttershy found she liked the drink, and also found herself becoming more talkative with it too.

She ended up staying in the boutique long after the other guests had left for the night, enthralled in conversation with Rarity. The two of them sat alone in the store, telling each other stories, laughing and reminiscing while sipping away at some leftover cider.

Rarity had been in the middle of a particularly funny story which had Fluttershy in a fit of laughter.

"So I told him, if he wanted me off the table he should-"

Rarity's tale was interrupted by the giggling Fluttershy who, in her hysterics, lost her balance on her stool and swung forward into Rarity, landing cheek to cheek with the unicorn.

"Boop!" Fluttershy giggled as she made contact with Rarity. She was now slumped over onto the unicorn, her rear still barely on the stool.

Rarity smiled. Might have been one cider too many she thought as she held the intoxicated pegasus.

"Fluttershy darling, don't you think-"

"Boop!" Fluttershy interrupted again, pressing her nose against Rarity's. The startled unicorn had no chance to respond before she felt Fluttershy's lips press up against her own. The alcohol in Rarity's own system caused her brain to function slowly. After the initial shock she found herself reciprocating, opening her lips to allow a tongue inside her mouth. The kiss lasted a few seconds before Fluttershy pulled away, giggling again. A bright blush covered Rarity's cheeks.

"You tasted like cider Rarity," Fluttershy laughed.

"Uh, yes, heh ...." Rarity stuttered, trying to process what had just happened. "I think maybe we've had enough cider for tonight."

"Awww noooo," Fluttershy whined in response.

"Yes!" Rarity said with authority. "And I think you better stay here tonight, I don't like the idea of you walking home alone as you are."

"Yay, a sleepover!" Fluttershy cheered.

Rarity couldn't help but grin. "Indeed," she smiled. "I'll show you to the guest room."

"Why don't you show me to your room?" Fluttershy suggested, smiling and looking at Rarity with half lidded eyes.

Rarity blushed furiously. "Uh, no. I think it's best we go to separate rooms!" she responded quickly. "This way!"

"Aw boo," Fluttershy responded, following the unicorn.

*

Fluttershy blushed just thinking about the event. She couldn't remember the whole night very clearly due to the alcohol but she did remember the kiss. It had happened almost a month ago, and neither her nor Rarity mentioned it again, which Fluttershy had been relieved about.

But now, looking at Rarity standing in front of her, Fluttershy found she wanted to do it again. No! she thought. That's ridiculous, I could never do such a thing.

"We'll leave for the spa in just a minute darling," Rarity spoke, oblivious to Fluttershy's deep thought. "I just need to find something before I leave."

The announcement startled Fluttershy slightly as she was whipped back to the present. "Oh, OK," was all she could manage to respond with.

Rarity turned around and began looking for something in the mess of fabric on the floor. Fluttershy's eyes were suddenly drawn to Rarity's flank as it waved back and forth in front of her. When she realized what she was doing she quickly threw a hoof to her mouth to stifle a surprised squeak.

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh she yelled internally. Fluttershy what are you THINKING?!

"Ah, found it! Fluttershy? Are you OK darling?" Rarity inquired, noticing the shocked look on her face and the hoof over her mouth. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Fluttershy's brain almost made audible grinding noises as she racked it for what to say.

"I, ah, I, um ...," she stammered.

"Fluttershy, what's wrong?"

Rarity stood in front of her with her dazzling blue eyes, a look of deep concern on her face. Fluttershy's heart skipped again, and she suddenly knew what to say, or do rather. Without allowing the idea to be reviewed by her conscious mind, Fluttershy slammed her eyes shut, threw her arms around Rarity and pressed her lips up against hers.

Intense déjà vu struck Rarity as she relived the shock from the last time this happened. Her brain fried as she tried to decide how to respond. She felt the warmth of Fluttershy's body pressed up against hers, and a strong tingling in her stomach. Eventually, she closed her eyes and found herself kissing Fluttershy in return, opening her mouth to her tongue once again.

When Fluttershy suddenly pulled away she threw herself to the ground and wrapped her head in her hooves.

"I'm so so so so sorry!" she yelled, shivering under her hooves.

"Fluttershy, it's ok." Rarity responded, resting a hoof gently on the trembling pegasus's head.

"It ... it is?" she looked up.

"Yes Fluttershy. I had no idea you felt this way. I thought it was just the alcohol talking last time since you never brought it up again, and I felt bringing it up myself would embarrass you too much, but, I've always kinda hoped since that night that you might say something again." Rarity smiled.

"R-really?"

"Yes Fluttershy, you're beautiful, kind, and a lot of fun to be around."

Fluttershy felt her heart soar with happiness. "You, you want to be my special somepony?"

"If you want me to be yours," Rarity smiled.

Fluttershy threw herself at the unicorn, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"I must ask though darling," Rarity spoke during the hug. "What made you decide to do something about this today?"

"A book you simply must read sometime darling," Fluttershy replied, mimicking Rarity's tone who smiled in response.

"That must be some book!" Rarity laughed.