>You look out the moving side of the train, standing back on two feet.
>Why did you ever agree to this?
>Taking a deep breathe you roll off the train and to the floor, your body twisting up as it rolls to a stop.
>Thank god your body’s more durable than an average man’s or you’d be hospitalized for weeks.
>Your bones hold together as you stand brush yourself off, the virus stitching together any cuts and scrapes you’ve earned like they were nothing.
>It’s getting stronger, faster even.
>At least your last meal has left you satisfied.
>Snowflake was a big’un after all.
>Gotta say though, you like the muscles he gave you.
>No you don’t Anon, don’t think like that.
>Nothing this virus gives you will be worth it.
>Nothing.
 
>You walk the long haul back to P0nyville and take a much needed breather.
>Impersonating Snowflake felt wrong, criminal and cruel to the very bone.
>He was just a bystander who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
>Twilight said to focus on the future and forget the past.
>But that’s all you have left of your humanity, and you won’t let that go.
>You step back into the boutique and sigh, taking in the intense aroma of the building.
>It’s not cutting through your sinuses like a red-hot knife anymore.
>By this point it’s almost welcoming.
>”Anon is that you?”
>Rarity calls you from upstairs in her work room.
>Come to think of it, this entire building is her work room.
>She’s just in the disaster area where it looks like a tornado tore the place apart.
“Can I say no?”
>You pick up the light laugh she tries to conceal, “Get up here. I need your opinion on something.”
 
“Dammit…” you mutter.
>”I heard that.”
>Christ, you’re not the only one with super hearing in this place it seems.
>You give a nod to Sweetie Belle in the corner with her two friends, Bow Head and Ms. Chicken.
“You three up to trouble?”
>”We’re thinking of new ways to get our cutie marks!” Sweetie exclaims excitedly.
“So… yes.”
>They’re persistent you’ll give them that.
>Sweetie’s a good friend to them, and to you.
>Who else would’ve showed you the secret backdoor to escape Rarity’s ever watching gaze?
>Not that that’s particularly a bad thing, she’s saved you from a couple embarrassing ‘fly’ problems.
>It’s equally embarrassing for her when you stab at her for looking.
>But she always shakes her head and preserves her dignity.
>Like a mare.
 
>You step over the mess of fabric and into her work room.
>No sign of Rarity except for the faint hum of her heart behind one of those things you get dressed behind.
>Surely Rarity’s told you what they were before but you seem to have tuned it out.
“So what catastrophe have you created this time,” you joke.
>Cue gasp, “I never-“
>She stops at your chuckling, “I should’ve known better.”
“Are you only realizing that now?”
>She peeks her head out, “Alright, are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
>She steps out with her dress waving behind her.
>You’re utterly speechless.
>”So…”
“Wow.”
 
>The encrusted gems shimmer beneath the light granting a near angelic glow.
>”Just wow?”
“I don’t know what else to say to be honest.”
>She whips her waist around to inspect it personally, “I’m not so sure it’s that great. It’s too long at the flank.”
>Anything she makes won’t look as good in her eyes; it’s that way for everyone.
>”Just look at the brocade! The design is no way what I intended.”
>It fits her perfectly and the way it curves would be enough to draw the attention of every stallion in the room.
>Whoa okay Anon take it easy there, just because you’ve got some stallion in your veins doesn’t make you on of them.
>”Can you honestly look at me and say there’s nothing you’d change?”
>You take one last look, scratching in your chin contemplatively for good measure.
“Yes I think I can.”
>She rolls her eyes and ducks back behind the dressing screen.
>That’s what it’s called!
 
>”I also have something for you to try on.”
>Dammit, you were hoping to avoid anymore clothes.
>You walk toward the screen, might as well right?
>She smacks you away as you look behind the screen, “Manners Anon!”
>You rub your arm, more out of good nature than pain.
“What’s the big deal?”
>”One does not walk in on a mare when they are changing.”
“Aren’t most p0nies naked half the time anyways?”
>She humphs in retort, “It is the principle of the matter Anon. Where were you raised without such manners?”
“That’d be New York.”
>”Well then. New York is a vile place that needs to learn some manners.”
>Right on the money actually.
 
>You cover your eyes as she walks back out, “What in Equestria are you doing?”
“Making sure you won’t hit me for looking.”
>”A lady does not hit, that is something I’d expect from Applejack.”
>You inquire just what a lady does, hands still cupped tightly.
>”Hmm, that’s a good question.”
>She gives you another playful smack, “Something like that.”
“You brute.”
>Cue second gasp, “Don’t tempt me Mr. Anon. I may be a lady, but I’ll defend my honor tooth and hoof.”
>Sure she would, you’d like to see her try…
>The soft growl hits you once more, “I must say your belly is more bottomless than Pinkie’s.”
“Must be the diet, its hard getting used to it you know?”
>”I can’t say I do, but I know just the thing to quiet that little troublemaker. But first, clothes.”
>She has no idea how right she was about the troublemaker.
 
>You slide behind the screen and begin to strip.
>You’re not sure you’ll ever get used to this, and you certainly can’t go out wearing her clothes over your old ones.
>If she wanted to make a change to it there’s no telling how they’d react.
>That’s not a chance your willing to take.
>She hovers a pair of dress clothes around to you, nothing too fancy though, just a button up and her interpretation of slacks.
>Shit you stopped dressing up like this since you had your last job interview.
>Damn how long ago was that?
>Whatever, food for thought at another time.
>You plant your foot atop your old clothes and give them a steady glare so they know just who’s in charge.
>Can’t have them slipping away again.
>At least you don’t have to search for them buck-naked.
 
>You step on out spreading your arms as if you were Jesus Christ himself.
>”Smashing.”
>Don’t change the face…
>”So how does it feel?”
>Like a thousand spiders crawling over your skin.
“Feels great, you did a wonderful job on this. Thank you.”
>”Don’t thank me yet,” she inspects the garments on you. “I haven’t revealed your surprise yet.”
“Rarity you’ve been too kind to me. There’s nothing you need to do for me.”
>”Nonsense. I consider you a close friend and friends do nice things for their friends, no?”
“I’m sorry but your overload of the word friend just boggled my mind what?”
>She shakes her head with a smile, “You’re a slow one you know. That might just be the reason I keep you around.”
“I thought it was my flawless personality.”
>”Don’t push it.”
 
>You laugh as she releases your sleeve, “I guess it’s good enough to work with. Get freshened up and be ready to go.”
“Where are we going?”
>”I told you it’s a surprise.”
>You know better than to try and squeeze anymore information out of here and slip back behind the screen as she exits.
>You consume this newest set of clothes and look down at yourself.
>They’re definitely not that bad, though you prefer jeans to slacks.
>Might have to try that out sometime.
>With your new clothes assimilated you head out downstairs, the troublemakers already gone.
>Opal, the feline menace hisses at your approach.
>You always liked cats, though it seems they don’t like you back.
>Thankfully, you hate this cat just as much.
>Fucking Opal.
 
>You sit down on the couch as you wait for Rarity to come down.
>You’re almost excited at the prospect of the surprise.
>If it’s another pair of clothes you swear to all that is holy…
>”Ready to get going?”
>She steps down the stairs in her dress from before, as much as a shining star as ever.
“Does a lady always make a man wait?”
>”A lady is never late, nor is she early. She arrives precisely when she means to.”
>You furrow a brow at the statement.
“I’m fairly certain that’s wizards, not ladies.”
>”Can a lady not be a wizard?”
“I’m fairly certain the term is witch.”
>”Preposterous. That sounds so negative, maybe Enchantress. That sounds mystifying.”
“It does, but isn’t a wizard.”
>”Hush.”
>Anon 1. Rarity 0.
 
>She grabs her bag and you hold the door open for her.
“So do I get to know my surprise yet?”
>”You’ll see when we get there.”
>Not even a hint, shame.
>You walk beside her blindly and try to guess where you’re going.
>It’s definitely not Twilight’s place, you’d pick up on that like yellow snow.
>Dash and Pinkie are hanging out with Applejack so that eliminates them.
>And Fluttershy’s still looking for her bear.
>You’re going to have to confront her about that one of these days.
>What to say though? Oh yeah, I kinda maybe ate your bear and stuff, we’re cool right.
>Yeah, that’s not going to happen.
>In fact it’d be better if you didn’t tell her altogether.
>Two birds with one stone.
>What if you ate a bird?
>Do Pegasi count as birds?
 
>Oh wait Rarity’s talking.
>”I can’t believe that Snowflake would just up and leave like that. I know it must’ve been hard on him with those wings, but I always knew he was a gentlecolt deep down.”
“Maybe he saw a brighter future elsewhere. I read in one of those Seaddle magazines that’s there’s lots of opportunities opening up.”
>”I guess you’re right.”
>Yes! Finally reading has been an instrumental part in helping you lie your way out of something.
>Oh, that’s not a good thing is it?
>”I thought it’d have been nice for Rainbow Dash to see a friendly face when she leaves for the Wonderbolt Academy.”
“Did she get her letter finally? I thought I’d have heard her cheers from across the town.”
>”Well she hasn’t yet, but sometimes a mare just knows.”
>True. If Snowflake got in then surely Dash would.
>She’s the fastest Pegasus you’ve seen around.
 
>A part of you wonder what might you obtain from her if you…
>It’s a painful thought, but not one that readily escapes you.
>The only part that’s holding you back is your rational mind and if you let that get away from you.
>Some things are best not thought about.
>Rarity finally stops and looks to you, “Surprise.”
>A restaurant. That’s certainly something.
“Do I get to change the name?”
>”Don’t be like that. I spent the last few weeks trying to place a reservation so you try and enjoy yourself.”
>A regal stallion opens the door for the two of you, his oiled mane definitely saying a lot about this place.
>You haven’t even taken a step inside yet and you’re already impressed.
“If you think I’m paying for this…”
>”Make good conversation and you won’t have to worry.”
>She drives a hard bargain.
 
>Another waiter, just as spruced up, seats you at your table.
>He lists their specials but the names might as well be in Hebrew for all the good it does.
>Rarity thanks him and orders two drinks for you.
“Why can’t they just call things by what they are like fish or salads?”
>”Its part of the experience.”
>A part of the experience is feeling like you know nothing? Sign me out.
>But Rarity spent a lot of time and work into this night.
>It’d be rude to disappoint her.
“It seems like you know more about this place then I do, what do you recommend?”
>”This is actually my first time here. I’ve been searching for an excuse to come here.”
“Nice to know that I’m an ends to a means.”
>”Don’t be like that, I also thought you’d like coming here too. As for what to have…”
>She sets down your menu and points to one of the many sections, “How about the Griffus cod and mushroom risotto?”
“They serve fish here?”
 
>Rarity nods, “It’s a part of the Canterlot Outreach Program. Not every creature in Equestria is vegetarian you know.”
>That’s good enough for you.
“I think I’ll have that then. Good eye Rarity.”
>She smiles and looks back to her own menu, “My pleasure.”
>That smile of hers is almost as infectious as Pinkie’s.
>”So many choices…”
>You look around at the other customers who’re chatting lightly amongst themselves.
>Upper P0nyville society it would seem.
>The bar seems crowded enough; you hadn’t even noticed it until now.
>What type of restaurant has a bar?
>Actually a lot now that you think about it.
>Whatever, water under the bridge.
 
>The waiter comes back and you both place your orders, hers far less imposing of a choice than your own.
>”Tell me Anon,” she says as the waiter leaves, “How are you liking it here?”
“In Equestria, P0nyville or your place?”
>”Any and all of the above.”
>You sit up in your chair and rub your neck.
“Can’t say I know much about Equestria, but I’m rather fond of the town. Where I come from,- Nevermind, it’s not appropriate dinner conversation. Needless to say, this place is better.”
>”It can’t have been that bad where you’re from. It gave us you didn’t it?”
>Marshall law, chaos, street-held executions, constant fear of both the infected and Blackwatch.
>But then there was you. Something more unnatural than the lot of it.
>And you have to keep that part of you locked up as much as you can.
“For what that’s worth,” you mutter to yourself and take a sip of your water.
 
“That place is behind me now and I’m not exactly looking forward to going back anymore. After all, with a place like this who needs all that baggage?”
>She smiles and looks to the crowd, “I wish more p0nies could see it that way. I fear that many of us take it for granted.”
“Let me assure you that I really do appreciate all you’ve done for me. It’s more than I would’ve expected from another person or p0ny in your case.”
>She nods and sips at her own glass.
“I’m still puzzled though. When I was face down in the dirt why did you help me?”
>Surely the sight would have frightened her.
>”I didn’t see the strange creature that some others saw. I saw someone in need of a helping hoof, and that’s what I did.”
“But after that, you gave me a bed, clothed me, fed me. No person I knew would’ve done that.”
>”I guess that’s what makes this place so special.”
>You mirror her smile.
“I guess it is.”
 
>The waiter plates your food and you begin to dive in, slowly of course.
>You’re in front of company after all.
>”Do you have any plans later tonight?”
“Me? Nah, just thinking about hitting the hay early tonight.”
>”Oh alright then.”
>You finish your bite, a tad intrigued.
“Was there something you wanted to do?”
>She waves her hoof, “It was nothing really, just thought about taking a walk near the forest. The moon’s so bright tonight and you’ve been great company.”
>As much as you’d like to join her you’re actually rather fatigued.
>The whole jumping off a moving train and walking back to P0nyville took it out of you.
>”A rain check then?”
 “It’s a date,” you click glasses with hers.
>”I’ll hold you to that.”
“Wouldn’t expect otherwise.”
 
>You catch a whiff of cologne, smelling his cheap add-on before actually seeing him.
>He’s a unicorn, taller than most you’ve seen, hair styled back, the whole nine yards.
>And here we go.
>”Excuse me ma’am, but I think you owe me a drink.”
>”And just why is that?” Rarity asks.
>”Because when I looked up at you I dropped mine.”
>You can’t help but chuckle as you try to hide your smile.
>Your laughter manages to get a few snickers from Rarity, leaving one dumbfounded stallion.
“Sorry sir, but that sounds like a personal problem.”
>The buttflustered stallion purses his lips as he tries to find something witty to say.
“Don’t try too hard now, save some energy for the other mares you won’t score.”
>He goes beet red and trots off without another word, Rarity trying her hardest to stay quiet.
“Refill please.”
 
>You walk close to Rarity as you leave the restaurant who’s still trying to keep a straight face.
>You look back to make sure no one’s watching.
“It’s alright to laugh now there’s no one around.”
>She tightens her lips and shakes her head.
>”That was so bad,” she says softly finally regaining control of herself.
“You can’t say it wasn’t a little funny when he started going red.”
>”So mean,” she tries not to giggle again.
>That’s all you need to know.
“I may not feel like walking around town, but may I have the privilege of walking you home?”
>”But we’re going to the same place.”
“Then I guess you really don’t have a choice.”
>”Fair enough.”
 
>You look at the moon shining clear in the night’s sky.
>”Admire Luna’s work? It’s one of the reasons I admire these walks.”
>A part of your mind tells you that it’s just the light from stars thousands of light years away.
>But the other part beats it over the head with a baseball bat and tells it to enjoy the moment.
>You like that part much better.
>You stop by a lamp post, temporarily halting your journey home for a lasting look.
>”What’re you thinking about Anon?”
“Nothing, just pointless stuff.”
>”Try me.”
>You give one last look to the moon and then back to her.
“I was just wondering how this night could be anymore beautiful.”
>And it really couldn’t.