4: Job Looking

This super cool job Pinkie had come up with not long after she'd first met him that morning was sure to please him. Pinkie didn't see how he could possibly be displeased.

She was hesitant to come to his house, worried that she might have hurt his feelings 'cause of what she'd said last night, but he didn't seem too upset about it.

"…I'm really sorry about last night. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
"D-don't worry about it. I was just in a bit of a bad mood, that's all."

She still wanted to know what "it" was, but Pinkie Pie didn't wanna bother him all over again.

She also noticed a change in attitude compared to how he acted at the party. He was confidant, much more so than the previous day, at least, and responded to her conversation topics more naturally than he did before. He looked more pleased in his position, and didn't seem as shy, though he did still show tiny signs of it here and there. Well, that wasn't gonna stop her. She'd keep being friendly until he'd abandon his shell for good.

In a sense, of course. If he really wanted her to stop, she would.

What she hadn't expected was Fluttershy to come along. Unless she had a request, or something specific she wanted addressed, Fluttershy didn't tend ta go to other ponies' houses for a casual visit; especially not without planning it beforehand. Pinkie didn't worry about it that much though. In fact, it encouraged her she was able to do that in the morning at all, considering her recent condition.

Returning her mind to happier thoughts, the three kept moving along through the crowded streets of Ponyville.

"Where are we heading to, Pinkie Pie?" Areson asked.

"You'll see…"
"Can't you tell me..?"
"It'd ruin the surprise if I did!"
Pinkie noticed they were extremely close to their destination. Just then, Areson's head turned.

Curious, Pinkie shifted her head sideways, listening in through both her ears.

The CMC were having some conversation near the boutique, dragging a wagon with Rarity's cat, Opal on it. Must 'ave been awesome sauce if even Areson showed keen interest.

"…He's the pony from that party last night, right?" Applebloom remarked.
"Yeah, what's his name again?" Scootaloo asked.

"Well… I'm pretty sure it's… Arson, right?"
"Oh," She blew her awesome sauce theory out her right ear.

"Wow, that's wicked cool!"
"Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle scolded. "Arsony is not cool!"
"Well, it sounds cool."
"No, it sounds like something some crook would do."
"Does not!"
"Does to!"
"Guys!" Applebloom interrupted the two, all three perking their ears towards the group. Areson's eyes slightly perturbed, he didn't make any sudden movements. After a moment, he returned to being casual.

"'Not quite the type of popularity I was expecting."
"I'm so sorry about that; the girls just got a little mixed up, that's all."

He flashed a smile at Pinkie, causing her to blush. He wouldn't ever let her forget that, would he?
"I understand that. Everypony makes mistakes sometimes. Hey,"
He called out to the CMC.

"You say somethin', mister?" Applebloom had calmed both of them down, and was trying to re-set a normal atmosphere with Areson.
"Yeah, tell my friends, bandit and hooligan to give me a call, alright?"
"S…S-sure, we'll do that." Sweetie Belle waved awkwardly as the three walked closer to the building.

"He has friends named 'bandit' and 'hooligan'?"
"Wow, he must run some kind of criminal circuit or something! Wait, is a hooligan a type of owl..?"
The sounds drowned out of Pinkie's ears as they trotted inside. She'd lost track of the conversation after Sweetie Belle mentioned 'Arsony'.

"Wow, you really did confuse those girls, huh?"
"It would probably be better to keep quiet, though," Fluttershy explained.

"True… I did seem to confuse them a bit more then I meant to."
"Ya think?"
It was then Areson's eyes shifted to the location. Dazzling walls, a sense of style and flourish everywhere ya looked, Pinkie knew it like the back of her hoof.
Carousel Boutique.

Where Areson was gonna find a job for sure.

"This is the place you were bringing us to?" Concern was sprinkled in his voice.

"Well, it's where we are, isn't it?"
"Oh, yeah, of course. No way you could've gotten lost in thought…"
"Nope, my mind's always in here." She stuffed her hoof on her head for emphasis. "Now, I'm sure Rarity will be around here somewhere…"
"Wait, this is the job?"
"Yup. Rarity's always worrying about where all her supplies and stuff are, so she could use a pony to help get it all organized, ya know?"

"I'll lose my stallion card."
"Don't worry; I've got secret pockets I can keep it in just in case." She winked knowingly at him.

"I'll keep that in mind." He laughed. "I appreciate you doing this for me, but I don't think this is the kinda thing I could do."
"What d'ya mean, you're good at organizational skills and all. I know it's kinda tough, but she'll probably pay you a good amount…"
"True, but it's just, well, let's see how I can phrase this, I…"
"It's not the kind of job that speaks to him." Fluttershy helped him elaborate what Pinkie knew he was trying to say.

"Oh, I understand. What about your cutie mark?" She pointed at it, not having thought of it much since when she first met him. "What's your special talent?"
"Record keeping. Back in Canterlot, I took a few jobs writing down stuff people wanted to keep track of. Occasionally, I'd privately write sentimental speeches for a few ponies for a small fee."

"So you're good at writing down stuff people wanna remember?"
"Yes,"
"What type of stuff do you like working on best?" Fluttershy asked.
"Hm…" Pinke could tell he didn't really think of that much. The only other possibility was that something else was on his mind. "The speeches were kinda interesting…"
"That's it! You could get a job writing speeches for the mayor!"
"Um, I don't know. That sounds a little high profile…"
"You gotta think big! If you don't have asprination, you'll have no determination!"

Fluttershy sympathetically showed disproval at the idea. "I think the Mayor has a speechwriter already."

"Yeah. 'Sides, my credentials are kinda iffy…"
"Oh come on, you could do it!"
"Well…" A word he used quite often, Pinkie noticed. Still, he conceded to the idea.

They were off faster than a rocket, Pinkie taking a moment to greet Rarity as she came to the desk. On their way to the office, a few more ponies were gossiping about this and that, the feeling of gloominess growing from yesterday. Pinkie started to worry about what exactly she was missing.

Inside the office, the mayor looked distressed. So did her office, much messier than usual, her typewriter hard at work on the side. Gradually, Pinkie began to see how dark the shadows looked.

"Oh, good morning you three." Her attempts at keeping her calm were kinda sorta really failing. "What can I do for you today?"
Her grin was silly. So silly that it's falsity practically burst through her teeth. Still, Pinkie overlooked it, knowing her greater goal. "This guy was looking for a job here."
Her professionalism turned right back on. "Really?"
"Yes, ma'am." He also gained an air of seriousness, as if he'd done this many times before.

"What are you looking to do here, sir?"
"Speech writing,"
"I see, I do have one of those, but it would be easier to balance out the workload if I had another writer." She threw down a bunch of application sheets. "Make a list of some of your credentials." She dragged a chair to the table, and sat herself down on it. Areson immediately got to work.

"'You okay mayor?" Pinkie asked. "You seem kinda frazzled today."
A stare rang through the mayor's skull, and into Pinkie's. "You don't know what's been going on?"
Fluttershy looked around for something to distract herself, as if she was trying to distance herself from the conversation. Finding this weird, Pinkie continued with reluctance. "No. All I see is a bunch of ponies looking down about something,"
"They're discussing an event that happened in Canterlot. Something that in our recorded history has never happened before."
Areson tried to look like he was busy with his application, but Pinkie could tell he was also interested in what the mayor had to say.

"Okay, but is it something that should get you that worried?"
"I'm not sure. Quite frankly, I'm not sure about anything anymore. But this pony said some very bold things in Canterlot, and what started as a standard commemoration ceremony became a country-wide phenomenon."
"Not too many ponies read the paper anyways, Mayor."
"After hearing about this, they will. And they already have. Word spreads, Pinkie Pie, ponies have been buying every paper that has written an article about this event. I don't suggest you look into it,"
Pinkie almost expected some sort of threat, or intimidation behind the statement, but her tone was matter-of-fact. The same tone she'd used a minute ago when she was dealing with Areson's application.

"Where's this pony now?"
"Not where her was supposed to be, that's for sure. Even the Princess herself seemed surprised about his actions."
"You mean Princess Celestia?"
"The same," Flipping through stacks of papers, she threw them to various tables, desperately attempting to distract herself. Normally the mayor was so well-composed. This was not normally normal for her at all. "Of course, it could just be a publicity stunt, just some pony trying to get attention. But moving along, have you finished, Areson?"
He had finished writing. Which meant his attention had been divided between listening to her story, and signing the application forms. He passed the paper to the mayor, who read off the acheivements aloud.
"You worked for a small department store in Canterlot, you wrote a sentimental speech for a… Is this right?"
"Huh?" What was she talking about? 'Course, nothing would have surprised Pinkie Pie at that point.

"What do you mean?"
"This right here," She drew his attention to a specific line.
"Yes,"
"It says here you wrote a paper for a pony who was saying goodbye to his antique stack of… paper mache scooters?"
"Yes,"
"What was it like?"
"Interesting,"
"I can only imagine," Pinkie giggled as the mayor kept going.
"You've also written one for a mare who wished that waterfalls were made out of pumpkin juice."

Pinkie just had to know this people.
"I'm sorry, Mister Gaeon, but this is simply not sufficient reason for me to hire you. Please excuse me for my curtness, I have much to do."
"I understand. Good bye, Ms. Mayor."
They left again. Pinkie considered heading back to the boutique, but Fluttershy and Areson spoke up first.
"Wow, this really is serious."
"I-I'd rather not get involved in such conspiracy theories. Not after I just got settled here." He sighed. "Better think of another possible job." His eyes moved to the east, Sweet Apple Acres visible in the distance.
"Huh," Her eyes followed his. "They might like some extra work. Applejack's probably there right now."
"Worth a shot," Those wandering eyes wandered right up to the sky. She still couldn't figure out what he was wondering so deeply about.
"That would be a good idea. Applejack could use the help." Fluttershy obviously liked the idea, and so did Pinkie Pie. Such a visit could do much to improve her mood.

"So," Pinkie started as the sound of feet rubbing against the ground echoed. "What kind of chocolate cake do you like?"
"I prefer a double layer cake, with the bottom layer being vanilla.."
"Cool, 'course, I'd rather have triple layer, haha." She smiled, and he let out a laugh. Seeing he enjoyed the topic, Pinkie continued the conversation by asking similar questions.
"What was your last birthday cake?"
"Strawberry. It was a little weird, but it still tasted good."
"Yeah, strawberry's awesome, but I think chocolate's WAY better. What would I do without chocolate milk, right?"
All three of the members laughed now, and the conversation kept going on the rabbit trail Pinkie Pie had started, like everything was right in the world. Pinkie definitely knew this was the place she felt most at home.

"So, have any family back in Canterlot?"
"Only one," His head stayed upright. "My grandmother lives there. My father's back in Manehatten right now."
"What do they do?"
"My grandmother works at a quilting factory. My dad works for some big business corporation, so he was away from home a lot when I was younger."
"Oh," Twinkles of sadness coated her words. "What did you wanna do when you were young?"
"Honestly, I wasn't sure what to do. It's a good thing I found my special talent early; otherwise, I would've been bored all the time. Except when writing, I never felt I served a greater purpose in the world. I didn't think I, individually, could serve something like that. I didn't think I could even fit as the smallest part of a greater plan." His words became deep and philosophical like Twilight's did sometimes. A tint appeared in his eyes, filled with both passion and respect for the topic he was speaking about. "It wasn't until recently I actually found a goal I could reach for; ya know, feel like I could actually do something to help it move forward. That's why I came here."
"What's that?" Fluttershy asked as the sparkling trees became shinier in the horizon. Pinkie Pie knew these questions were even deeper than the ones he fretted so much over on the day of his party. But, he looked lost in them; like his true emotions, and feelings had consumed his soul, and were doing the talking for him.

"A goal that all ponies could support. One that everypony, if they looked deep enough inside themselves, would know they believed in."
His words were cryptic, but Pinkie thought she understood what he was trying to say. "Yeah, after all, in life, we don't look out for number one. No, we look out for numbers two, three, four, five, six, and all of those other numbers. After all, the first shall be last and the last shall be first, right?"
A breath of jubilation crossed his face. "Right,"
Something about the feeling she got from his eyes was not one she'd felt before. Instead, it was a similar, yet different type of feeling. It made her feel jumpy inside, like thousands of fireworks firing at once inside her heart. But, somehow, it was still different then a feeling she knew. Like some kind of feeling she wasn't sure about.
A feeling she was actually shy about.

"Wow," She couldn't help her voice resembling a shy school filly's. "Rarity was right. You really are handsome. Did you have a very special somepony back in Canterlot?"
Fluttershy shifted back and forth between the two. Promptly, she giggled as she walked farther up the road.

"Thanks for the compliment," He sighed, embarrassed. "But, I never actually found time for such a thing."
"Really?! I figured you would have had at least one at some point."
"I didn't have much time. 'Sides, I don-, well, I didn't really think about such things…" A darkish red covered his face that wasn't related to sweat or sun burn. Pinkie knew; her cheeks had that same look. "Do you?"
"Not much really, I got a lotta things on my mind, ya know?" Her chuckle was half-hearted; why couldn't she be more bouncy? What about him made her so nervous all of a sudden?
Why couldn't she figure it out?

"But no. Besides, I'm a bit overbearing to ponies sometimes."
"I don't think so."
"Oh no, I wasn't insulting myself, I was just stating a fact, that's all."
"I think you're actually a very nice pony to be around."
She hadn't thought of his comment about her being pretty as much more than a nicety. Every word he said was now causing that rush type feeling to dash inside her heart. A bright pink lit up her face, even brighter than her fur coat.
"Aw, thank you. I do my best to make ponies feel welcome around here. You're pretty fun to hang out with yourself."
"You've certainly done a good job of that. This place feels so welcoming. In fact, I feel like it's…"
"Oh Pinkie Pie, Areson,"
Pinkie detected a hint of something else in Fluttershy's voice as she heard her call in the distance, Applejack right beside her.

"I just explained things to Applejack, and she'd love to have you work for her."

Fluttershy was glad she'd come to visit Areson. Although the mayor's comments still weighed heavily upon her, seeing Pinkie Pie and Areson talk made it all worthwhile.

It had been a long time since she'd participated on a day long adventure just walking through town, doing mundane things with the other ponies. Taking this assertive step was something she felt she should have done a while ago.

Now, she'd talked to Applejack, and while her two companions were conversing, explained to her Areson's situation.
"Well, we ain't havin' the most busy time of the year, but if he'd like to come help, we'd be glad to have 'em. You can never have too many workers right?"
"That's true,"
"When they come over, let him know I'll give him the skinny in regards to his potential salary. He doesn't have to be a muscle heavy brute or anything, but he's gotta be willing to work in the heat of the sun, and learn to do the most menial of tasks, even when they get repetitive."

"Oh don't worry; I'll be sure to let him know."

Hearing Fluttershy's call, the two ponies approached her, a quiet yet merry leap in their steps. Areson spoke first.
"You're willing to hire me?"

"Of course I am. Salary will be thirteen bits an hour. You'll be hauling apples Big Mac recently bucked into carts back near the orchard, and bringing them back to the barn. The first shift'll be two hours long."
"Got ya. 'Your Apples taste good?"
"You're darn tootin'!" She cheered with enthusiasm. "I guarantee there is not a single apple in this whole entire world you'll find juicier then ours."
"'Good luck keeping me away,"
"'You really wanna work here, sugarcube?"
"I do,"
"Just making sure. Now, let's get started!"
Areson started to make his way to the orchard, Pinkie Pie following close behind him. "You mind if I watch him, give him some helpful tips if he has any trouble?"
"Uh, sure, but bringing wagons from one place to another is pretty self-explanatory."
"True, but you never know." She let her right eyeball protrude from its' socket momentarily. "Well, gotta go, see ya later!" She dashed off, making sure to keep in line behind Areson.
"She got up to speed quickly."
"No kiddin'. Just a second ago, she was blushin' brighter than Princess Celestia on the Summer Sun Celebration."
"Well, you know Pinkie couldn't stay like that for long." Fluttershy assisted in arranging the apples near the barn as they talked.
"She likes that guy, doesn't she?" Applejack placed a cart of apples on a table, rattling the table as she did.

"I'm not one to be presumptuous, but it sure looks like it. You should have seen them earlier."
"Funny, first Twilight, now Pinkie Pie. Kinda funny, don't you think?"
"I guess so…" Her hooves shook against another one of the barrels, an unnerving thought coming back to her mind. "I hope Pinkie Pie doesn't leave, though."
"I doubt she's gonna sprout wings and a horn anytime soon, sugar cube."
"True," AJ's sarcasm made her laugh for a moment, but her mind stayed stuck in the unsettling gossip she'd heard from the other townsponies. "I kinda wonder what Twilight felt was so special about him, though. Not to sound mean, or anything."
"No, I know what you're saying. She sounded like there was something really special about him. Ponies from Canterlot have moved here before, I mean, Twilight herself's an example of thatc."

"Mmhm, it is strange…" She gazed down at the ground, her mind whirling with thoughts that didn't just didn't seem to make any sense to her. "It's funny, normally, he doesn't much like talking about his personal life. Though he seemed a little more confidant in himself just now."
"Probably 'cause he was talking with Pinkie Pie." She tossed several tops onto the barrels. "After all, they have gotten pretty close. Maybe Pinkie's got a crush just trying to get him to open up a bit. If there's anyone he was gonna do that with after all, it's her."
"You could be right. But, I just wish I knew why he was so mysterious…" She let herself fall out of Applejack's conversation as she kept topping the barrels. As the clang sound in the background gave an atmosphere to the turmoil inside of her, she remembered the story from Canterlot ponies had been talking about.

She had to mention it.

"Did you hear about what happened in Canterlot?"
Applejack promptly dropped several wooden circles onto the ground. Her eyes went down to the ground and then back at Fluttershy before thrusting them back on her back. "Yes, I did."
"Doesn't it seem a bit strange?"
"Yup. But if something really was wrong, I'm pretty sure Twilight would let us know, busy as she is. She's been here for less serious things in the past."
"But, you aren't even the least bit worried..?"
Her mouth let out a sigh, another clang ringing through the barn shaded area. "I am worried. But, I'm not gonna start taking this seriously unless I have good cause to do so. Does that make sense?"
"Yes. But, what exactly happened?"
"Oh, you haven't read on it," Applejack breathed another deep sigh, making Fluttershy feel guilty as soon as she made the effort to continue speaking. "It was at the ceremony for this royal guard guy who was getting a promotion. During his acceptance speech, he took the timec to…"
"We're back!"
The scream was shrill, yet still sounded far away.

Looking towards the sound, Fluttershy, glad to escape the conversation, ran up to try to meet with them.
"But, you're only a little more than half-way there."
"Getting past the half-way mark is a milestone, ya know?"
Areson looked like a mess, the sun having coated his mane in beads of sweat. His hooves were shaking under the pressure of walking as his tongue hung out of his mouth. Drooping down, she noticed that same sweat dripping in small puddles on the ground.

"Are you alright?"
"Sweaty," The apples bobbled up and down in the cart behind him. "'Been better, but I'm still goin' strong…"
"Oh, he's just peachy. Hehe, peach. Anyways, don't worry, you only have to finish a two hour shift after all."
"Thanks for reminding me," His back arched further downwards under the pressure. He collapsed, the apples scattering all over the place and tripping Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

"S-sorry about that," He said, struggling to get the words out. "I'll make up for it."
"No, that was fun. Wheee! I love tripping all of a sudden."
"Applejack will be kinda upset, though."
"Don't worry; she'll know it was just an accident."
"Okay, thanks," Areson finished.

Pinkie Pie headed back with Fluttershy to Applejack where they quickly explained the situation.
"I shoulda known, he's just not built for this kinda work. He's better suited working at someone's desk, not out in the fields. I'll let him finish today's work, but I'm gonna suggest he get another job."
"This doesn't really seem like his forte anyways," Fluttershy pointed out, leaning her sweaty body on the fence.

"Are you sure..?" Another crash rang through the fields as Pinkie Pie's words quickly fell to silence. "Yeah, you're pretty sure.
After the shift ended, he decided that's all he wanted to do for the day. As he received his impressive pay check, Applejack gave him her suggestion, and he accepted the advice gracefully.

"Like I said," He said as they were once again walking in Ponyville. "I'm just not cut out for this kinda work."
"Aw, that's okay, my other job is still open."
"The boutique?"
"Yup, you'll have a lotta fun working there. Trust me."
"I'll take your word for it," He half-chuckled. Fluttershy had begun to notice his better mood more and more recently. Had he grown more adjusted to Ponyville? Or was it just Pinkie Pie that made him feel better? "Thanks for helping me through the first part of the work."
"That was nothing. Seriously, if you need help, I'll come running, fast as I can."
"You don't have to do so much for me."
"No, I don't…" She admitted, a new emotion taking hold of her voice. Fluttershy looked over at her curiously, her face angled downward. Due to the sun, she couldn't tell whether the color under her cheeks was actually there. "But I do it anyway. It's the right thing to do, after all."
"Yeah, it's hard to do the right thing sometimes…"
"Doesn't apply to this case, though. This was easy."
"Yeah, not this case…" For a few seconds, silence prevailed. Fluttershy hadn't made an effort to re-enter the conversation. She could tell they were comfortable on their own. But, she followed anyways. She was already starting to miss chatting with Pinkie Pie. She almost felt like her attention was diverting somehow…
No, this wasn't the same as Twilight. This was different.

Just not that different.

For a moment, she pondered over Areson's cryptic statement. She wondered what implication he was making by saying that.
"What about your family?" He asked her, shifting the subject.
"They live on a rock farm not far from Ponyville. Now, I hang with the Cakes at Sugar Cube Corner."
"Yes, you should come sometimes. The Cakes are a real delight."
"You mean the ponies, or the food?"
"The ponies,"
"Oh; Just making sure,"
After a few more minutes, they'd finally reached Carousel Boutique.

"Good afternoon girls, and to you to, Areson." Rarity greeted them. "What can I do for you?"
"Good afternoon, ma'am. I was wondering if I could apply for a job in helping you manage your rather busy schedule."
"Managec?"
She sputtered out the word as if the thought never occurred to her. Fluttershy began to feel worried.

"Like, keep track of made dresses, clients, and stuff like that."
"Hm, I don't have such a worker here… It would be useful to let me know when everything was going to happen at the drop of a hat… Alright, I'll give you a trial run." She placed an application form and a note sheet on the desk. "Sign in this application, and keep these notes with you. They explain which names refer to what dresses, as well as which clients are ordering what. You'll also use it to write down new orders that come in to the shop. Does that make sense?"
After finishing the application, he nodded.
"Alright, sit at this desk, answer any customers who come in. After an hour, I'll pay you for your work, and then ask if you want to go full time starting tomorrow."

"'Got it,"
"Then, let's get started." She dashed upstairs, and Areson took over matters at the desk. He looked at the sheet she'd given him, and appeared to be trying his best to make sense of it all. Fluttershy couldn't help but feel sympathy.

"Wow, that does look super duper complicated."
"Yeah, I'm not used to being thrust into things like this."
"Well, ya know Rarity, when she's on the job, she makes sure to learn everything she needs to know."
"I do?"
"Well… You will know her,"
Fluttershy giggled, continuing to watch him go through the list over and over again.

A customer came into the shop soon afterwards.
"Welcome to Carousel Boutique," Professionalism came back in his voice as the customer walked up to the counter.
"Is Miss Rarity here?" Her voice was casual, clearly marking her as somepony who frequently visited the boutique.
"Yes, I'm the pony she's hired to take new orders, and make her aware of them as soon as I can. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I want three specially made gowns, two with diamond jewel patterns, and another with a ruby one."
"Right, two ruby patterns, one jewel."
"Um, no… The other way around."
"Oh, sorry ma'am," He promptly corrected the mistake in his notes.

"Don't you think this place looks a little dull?"
"You'd like green better?"
"No… Just saying…" The mare made various muttered comments before leaving the store.
"He doesn't seem to be doing so bad, Pinkie."

"Of course he's doing great. Once the thought came to mind, it seemed like such the perfect job, I just had to tell him." Fluttershy couldn't help but agree with her on that account.

"Rarity, we just got a new order for two custom made diamond jewel and ruby gowns."
"Two rubies, and two jewels?"
"No… One ruby, one jewel."
"Then why did you say 'and'?"
"I didn't… Oh, scratch what I last said by the way, it's two jewels, and one ruby."
"Are you sure..?"

"Yes, that's what my notes."
"Alright, thanks for letting me know. I'm already as busy as it is."
Their dialogue was rushed and hurried, like two new business partners still trying to adjust to each others' company. But after that slight hiccup, the two carried out their jobs as if they were born to do work together. By the end of the period, Rarity looked distressed to see him go.
"You may think you came off as slightly amateurish, but I think your fast, on-the-fly thinking is perfect for this job! Would you like to work for me full-time?"
He looked up and down, considering the possibility. "Yes, I would."
"Great," She grabbed a paper from her bag, signed it, and handed it to him. "This is the pay I will give you for one day of work, and some rules you have to follow. Sign at the bottom next to my name when you're sure you comply with the terms."
Areson followed the instructions, and officially became an employee of Rarity. It came so fast, Fluttershy herself hardly believed it. With that, she took a moment to re-visit the events of the past two days.
"Looks like as of now, you are officially a Workhorse!" Pinkie Pie said, triggering a period of laughter before Areson spoke up. "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Aw, I did my best. You did all the working though."
"Still, I wouldn't have even considered the Boutique had it not been for you."
"Well, I…" Fluttershy noticed the two looking into each others' eyes, shy smiles on their faces. A banner wouldn't have made the nature of the interaction more obvious. A happy sigh escaped her lips. "I just do what I can." Pinkie nervously scratched her hoof in the dirt. "You know, being the best friend I can be to everypony."
"Yeah… friend," Areson repeated the words to himself, quite happy to hear them. "Thank you for that."
"No, thank you for being mine" Pinkie skipped over to the other side of the street. "Well, I'll see ya tomorrow."
"Yeah, see ya…" Pinkie Pie bounced merrily away. Satisfied, Fluttershy glanced back at Areson. He shifted left and right, and let out a deep breath. Taking out a scroll, he wrote down something she couldn't fully make out from her angle of vision. However, the one word she saw that she could decipher confused her, and would continue to do so for the rest of that day.

Susceptible.