Chapter 3

Celestia's sun had left the horizon, leaving a pale, orange-tinted sky. Fluttershy timidly knocked on the door to the Carousel Boutique. She heard a voice come from behind the door.

"We're closed for tonight," yelled the voice.

"Um, it's me Rarity."

After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal the fashionable, white unicorn, wearing an inviting look on her face.

"Fluttershy, darling! How are you this evening?"

"Hello, Rarity." the pegasus said nervously. "Um, I don't really know how I feel."

"You mean, there's something bothering you?"

Fluttershy gave a nervous nod.

"Well, do come in. I was just finishing an order."

Rarity led Fluttershy into the Boutique and into her workroom.

"You don't mind if I work while we talk, do you?" said Rarity.

"Oh no, that's fine." said Fluttershy, avoiding eye contact.

Rarity picked up a needle and thread with her magic and continued putting the finishing touches on a dress.

"So, tell me Fluttershy, what has been bothering you?"

Fluttershy contemplated her choice of words. Rarity awaited an answer as she sewed.

"Rarity," she began, "what do you call it when you look at somepony and feel happy, scared, and confused, all at the same time?"

Rarity suddenly stopped mid-stitch and eagerly turned to the timid pegasus.

"Fluttershy!" gasped the ecstatic unicorn, "You're in love!"

"Love?" was all the pegasus could say before being crushed by Rarity's enthusiastic embrace.

"Oh, I always knew this day would come! Our little Fluttershy is growing up so fast!"

"I'm older than you," wheezed the poor pegasus, being crushed by the unicorn's grasp.

Rarity released Fluttershy from her clutches, allowing her to breath.

"So Fluttershy, who is the lucky pony?" Rarity queried.

"Well, I…"

"Mare or stallion?"

"What?"

"The pony you're smitten with, silly. Mare or stallion?"

"Um, mare?"

Rarity began speaking again, clearly in her own world.

"Oh, you have to feel sorry for the stallions in this town; all these wonderful, beautiful mares gallivanting amongst themselves. They must be so lonely."

Rarity snapped back to reality and noticed that Fluttershy was crouching on the ground with her head turned away, almost as if she was cowering. Rarity immediately felt guilty.

"Oh my…I'm sorry Dear. I should've been more sensitive."

Rarity crouched down in front of Fluttershy to make their eyes level. The pegasus looked back at the unicorn, caution still in her eyes.

"Please, tell me, who is it?"

Fluttershy took her time. She still wasn't sure what to think of these new feelings, especially considering whom they were being directed towards. After a short silence, a simple name fell from her lips.

"…Pinkie. It's Pinkie."

Rarity quietly digested the answer.

"How long have you felt this way?" asked the unicorn.

"Well, it just sort of happened today. That's why I feel so confused, because I've never thought of Pinkie that way before."

"Yes, that happens. Sometimes it's sudden, and sometimes it's slow." Rarity said, thinking of the Fire Ruby that resided on her shelf, placed inside of a golden necklace.

"I don't know what to do, Rarity. I just…don't know."

"It's simple, really. You ask her out on a date."

"A…date?"

"Of course. Go to dinner, have a nice chat, get to know each other better, and see if it goes anywhere."

"But…what if she says no?"

"Do you think she would?"

Fluttershy thought back to earlier that day. She remembered how red Pinkie looked and how quickly she left, uttering only a fast goodbye.

"Um, maybe?"

"Well then, I guess there's only one way to find out."

"…Yeah. I guess you're right."

Fluttershy looked out the window and saw how dark it had become. She stood back up, as did Rarity.

"It's getting late. I'd better get home."

She gave Rarity a hug. The gesture was then returned.

"Thank you, Rarity."

"You're very welcome. Good luck, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy left the Boutique. She was still nervous, but she was, at least, sure about what to do.