Book two of "Who We Become".
Being a princess means always worrying what everypony thinks about you. So when Twilight overhears a private conversation, she has to come to terms with how she feels about herself, love, and a certain somepony, all whil...
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The Carousel Boutique displayed a 'Sorry, we're closed' sign, which Fluttershy ignored. She was meeting Rarity for their weekly spa day, and after how stressful the past couple days had been, she was looking forward to it more than usual.
"Fluttershy darling, is that you?" Rarity called from her inspiration room. Even though she knew the unicorn called everypony 'dear' and 'darling' she always loved to hear Rarity say it to her. Whenever she imagined what being with her would be like she always called her 'Rarity darling.'
"Yes, it's me," Fluttershy said, walking into the back room. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, I suppose so," Rarity said, although she remained staring at a ponyquin. It had several swaths of fabric draped over it, with many more lying near it on the ground. "I was just trying to decide the color scheme for this order I'm working on, but nothing seems quite right."
"Oh, uhm, I don't mind waiting, if you wanted to work on that first," Fluttershy said. "Or we could skip this week if you want."
Rarity turned to her and smiled radiantly. Something about that smile always made Fluttershy feel so welcome, as if Rarity wanted nothing more than to spend time with her. "Nonsense, I wouldn't dream of cancelling. Besides, I think some time away from the problem might be just what I need to get a fresh perspective."
As they made their way outside and towards the spa, Rarity kept pace beside Fluttershy. That was just another thing Fluttershy loved about her – usually she would lag behind her friends, but Rarity would stay beside her.
"So tell me darling, is anything new happening with you?"
Fluttershy smiled. 'More so than I'd like.' But she couldn't tell Rarity about any of that, of course. "No, everything's been peaceful. How have you been?"
"Oh, I wish I could say the same. I've been simply exhausted with work. I've been trying to get a headstart on my new fall line, but Hoity Toity just placed a huge order which of course he needs straight away. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. It is, of course, excellent for business."
"Uhm, you know, I'm always happy to lend you a hoof, if, uhm, you wanted," Fluttershy said. Happy was an understatement. She'd love nothing more than to have an excuse to spend more time with Rarity, and helping her create something so beautiful was even better. She could imagine hours spent together, creating the perfect dress. Maybe when it was finished Rarity would even ask her to model it. She'd be shy about it, but for Rarity, she'd do it. They'd work until the sun came up before either of them noticed and she'd be so tired she'd just sleep over...
"Thank you for the offer darling, but I think I shall manage." Rarity said.
Fluttershy smiled despite the poor turn of events. 'Probably better this way. If I spend too much time with her I might slip up.'
They mostly talked about Rarity's work on the way to the spa. Fluttershy didn't keep up with fashion trends, but she had always loved the crafting part of dressmaking, so she enjoyed talking about it. When they arrived, Rarity ordered their usual treatment, so they began with a sauna.
