Chapter 38
Instead of calling everyone together, True Heart and Noble Heart sent the report cards to everyone's houses. If the grades were not good enough, the person would be informed of their option to either take summer school or go through another year of classes. This also depended on how many classes they failed. The letters were in the mailboxes on the morning of prom so everyone woke up with eager anticipation.
Loyal Heart was holding his breath as he fished his grades out of the envelope. He closed his eyes as he pulled the grades out, refusing to read them at first until Proud Heart spoke up.
"Loyal Heart, dear, just read them, I'm sure you did fine. Stop playing with your food, Trust," she reprimanded her son who had tossed some carrots onto the floor.
"Alright, milady." Loyal Heart took a deep breath and let it out in relief when he looked over his card. "I passed." He set the card down and smiled as he moved to help Proud Heart with their son. "Now I can be a father full time."
Love-a-Lot handed Valiant's folder to him. "Mail call!" She said cheerily. "Shall we open them together?"
"Yes and let's get this whole school project over with," Valiant replied as he took his folder.
"Let's do this then." Opening her folder she pulled out the paper. After a moment of reading it she grinned, "Well look at that. I passed with flying colors. How's you do Valiant?"
"Not quite with flying colors, but I passed," Valiant said, smiling.
Love-a-Lot wrapped her arms around him, "It's still good! You are free of school!"
"And after the prom we can finish our wedding plans." Valiant kissed her.
She nodded happily, "I can't wait for that to start." Before she could kiss him however she took a step back. "Excuse me one sec." Striding quickly she headed from the room.
"Alright," Valiant said letting her retreat quickly.
A few minutes passed before Love-a-Lot returned, looking a little wane but forcing a smile. "Sorry about that sweetie. Now I believe we were celebrating our achievement? How about I make us some cinnabuns for breakfast?"
"Sounds great. I'll help," Valiant offered as they headed for the kitchen.
Swift Heart was just finishing brushing her teeth in the bathroom. Standing before the mirror she kept her hand propped on the rim of the sink and glanced into the reflective surface. Grumpy was just starting to emerge from under the covers. She laughed as his arm went up with a groan, making it look like a sea monster rising.
"Is it morning already," he grumbled.
Spitting and rinsing she made her way over to the bed, "Either that or we've been moved to Alaska. Then it could be midnight." Sitting on the edge of the bed she patted his back, "Rise and shine. It's prom day."
"And report cards," Grumpy added as he reluctantly slid out of bed.
"I'll grab them while you get a little more woken up."
"Right, I need a shower," Grumpy said as he dragged himself to the bathroom.
Swift Heart got up and headed for the front door. Sure enough the large folders with their report cards were waiting for her just inside the mail slot. Picking them up she went to the kitchen table and sat. Never one to shy away from a stressful situation Swift Heart opened her folder and looked her grades over.
Grumpy emerged a couple minutes later dressed in clean clothes. He saw Swift Heart staring at her card and asked, "So how'd you do?"
"Fine. I passed. Yours is on the table." Flipping hers over quickly she got up and walked into the kitchen hurridly grabbing a bowl and then searching for her cereal box.
Grumpy gave her a funny look before opening his own card. He looked it over and sighed in relief, "Good I'm done with this stupid school project."
"Thats awesome! Now we can focus on planning that vacation to Hawaii we talked about! Crap!" The full bowl had slipped from her fingers and went crashing to the floor, spilling cereal and milk everywhere. "Damn it." Grabbing a dish towel she bent to start wiping it up.
"Is everything alright, Swift?" Grumpy asked as he got up to help. This time she only nodded, working hard to keep her head down.
Grumpy helped Swift Heart mop up the last of her spill then turned back. "So do you want to burn or shred your text books like you planned?" he asked.
Hearing a thunk he turned and saw Swift Heart slumped against the counter with her ears flopped in front of her face. "We can't, I didn't pass math." She whispered.
"Oh. How bad?" Grumpy asked.
Her fist flung out, slamming into the cabinet door and making a loud bang. "Three! Measley! Points! Tender Heart couldn't find any way to just give me three damn points!" She told him through gritted teeth.
"That's not too bad. They're not going to make you go back to school for another whole year, are they?" Grumpy asked.
"No. I can probably take summer school. But I don't want to Grumpy." She looked up at him. "And I don't want to do school in the fall either. I want to go to Hawaii like we planned, and have us time in a nice warm place. I don't want to be stuck in a room learning a subject that makes me feel stupid all over three points."
Grumpy gave Swift Heart a hug and stroked her ears. "Well how about this. Let's go talk to True Heart and Noble Heart about this, see if we can get your summer school thing to go as fast as possible. I'll help you study and finish your work so we can go on vacation," Grumpy offered.
"I just tried so hard. I thought I had it," she whispered as her head fell into his shoulder. She only let it rest there for a moment though before pulling back and smiling at him. "I am super proud of you though. I always knew you were a smarty pants."
"Thanks," Grumpy said. "And I promise we'll get you through this stupid schooling and to Hawaii in two weeks."
Swift Heart nodded and stood. "I hope so. I got the cutest new bikini for it."
Grumpy whistled, "Now I'm definitely going to get you through summer school as soon as I can."
"Somehow I knew you'd say that. Let's go see Noble and True and figure this out. I won't be able to enjoy tonight otherwise."
Playful woke up first and grinned at the sleeping Funshine. He shook her and said, "Rise and shine, Sunshine."
"What if I want to shine then rise? I'm much better at shining," Funshine murmured as she woke up.
Playful giggled, "That's fine too. As long as we can go to the prom tonight."
"Of course we can!" She rubbed her nose against Playful's. "We are going to dance the night away."
"Do you want to get up now or stay in bed?" Playful asked.
"The sun is up. What do you think?" Throwing off the covers Funshine leapt out of bed.
"Alright," Playful jumped out after her. "So should we get breakfast first or get cleaned up?" he asked as he waggled his eyebrows.
"Cleaned up probably. I don't want to be puking over breakfast because you stink." Funshine pinched her nose and waved her hand dramatically.
"I don't stink as much as Champ must after last night," Playful retorted as he headed for the bathroom. Funshine giggled. Hearing Playful's mail bell she moved to look out the Window of the tree house. A star buddy was just leaving and he had dropped off something. Funshine went to the ladder to retrieve it.
Playful emerged from the shower a few minutes later and searched around, "Where's you go, Sunshine."
As he looked around the tree house Funshine climbed back up the ladder with the mail in her teeth. "The mvail es heerrrr" she said around the large folders.
"Report cards?" Playful asked as he carefully relieved her of the envelopes which allowed her to speak properly.
"Looks like it." She replied climbing all the off the ladder. Holding her hand out she said, "I'll open yours if you open mine?"
"Sure!" Playful smiled and passed the folder with his name on it to Funshine.
Tucking her finger under the flap Funshine easliy tore the lip of the envelope open. Looking over Playful's scores she smiled, "Well what do you know. You are a genius after all."
Playful grinned as he tore open Funshine's envelope, a grin that only widened when he saw her grades. "That makes two of us, Sunshine."
Funshine squealed and leapt at him. "Who'd have thunk it. I mean we always knew we were brilliant but now there is proof."
Playful hugged her back, "Goodbye school!" He gave her a deep kiss.
Pulling back she exclaimed, "After prom tonight, let's make a huge bonfire and burn all our books."
"Sounds like fun. I'll bring marshmallows," Playful replied. "So what should we do this summer?"
"No idea. But what do I care? We have the whole summer to decide what we want to do." She told him gaily as she went twirling freely across the room.
Playful spun around and caught her. "So True, Sunshine. We should surprise everyone at the prom tonight."
"Surprise them? How so? What idea do you have cooking in that prankish little noggin of yours?" Bringing up her hand she gave him a gentle noogy.
"Oh nothing sinister. Ever see Carrie? We don't want that to happen especially with Anger Heart there." As if on cue a cry of rage was heard from somewhere in the Forest of Feelings. "sounds like someone's grades haven't improved all that much," he added.
Funshine nodded, "I doubt he will be very pleasant tonight no matter what we do."
Playful giggled. "Yeah. As for my surprise, well we have a few hours until the prom... what do you say we go down and get really cleaned up for the prom. Get into a tuxedo and a nice dress. Something really fancy."
"Sure. If that's what you want. I don't think I've ever worn anything really fancy before," Funshine admitted.
"Well it's a special occasion. We should dress up special for everyone and each other," Playful whispered in her ear.
Giggling she nodded, "Let's go. I'll drive."
"Alright. But let's stop for breakfast first," Playful scooped her out and jumped up his bedroom window onto the large branch out there.
"I suppose I could be persuaded for a pit stop." Funshine linked her arms around Playful's neck, trusting him to get them safely to the ground.
It only took three jumps for Playful to get them down to the ground. "Prankster elevator at your service," Playful said, smiling, "did you enjoy your ride?"
"Yes indeed. You can put me down now Playful." She teased as she realized he was still holding her.
"As you wish Sunshine." Playful let her down to the ground.
Conjuring a cloud mobile she popped into the driver's seat. "Let's get to shopping and breakfasting then."
Noble Heart nodded as he listened to Swift Heart and Grumpy's arguments about the summer school. "So you want to be able to get through summer school as quickly as possible, Swift Heart?" Noble Heart asked just to confirm.
She nodded, "I was so close to passing that math final. I know the stuff, I swear. I just choke on tests."
"Well your lucky. Our structure doesn't take all summer." True Heart looked down to her notes, "Each week is devoted to a specific subject that the students didn't pass and there's a test at the end of the week. If the test pushes your grade over the 80 you need then you'll be finished."
"If you like we can push the math class up to the first week," Noble Heart offered.
"Pretty pretty please! Grumpy and I had plans and I'd prefer to enjoy them without that final stressing me out." Swift Heart hugged True Heart and then Noble. "Thank you guys! I swear I will pass this time."
"And I'll make sure she does," Grumpy added, moving ot hug the two founder as well.
"I believe it," Noble Heart said.
"Wouldn't want to keep you from Hawaii." True Heart told her with a wink. "You have earned it. I'm sorry the final didn't turn out how you wanted but you did much better on the others then on your first tests of the year."
Swift Heart nodded, "Thanks Truey. Well now that that's settled, we'll get out of your hair."
"Just be sure to drop off your non-math books at the hall," Noble Heart said.
"Sure thing." Swift Heart nodded as she headed for the door.
"I know them too well." Noble Heart chuckled as he watched them leave.
Turning to Grumpy Swift Heart asked him, "Do you think anyone would care if I invited Fauna tonight?"
Grumpy shook his head, "Nope, I think everyone will be happy to see her."
"That's what I was hoping you'd say. Do you want to come with me to ask her or do you have other things to do?" Swift Heart asked.
"I'll come with you. I haven't seen her in a while," Grumpy said.
Reaching out Swift Heart took his hand, "You are just reading my mind today." Before he could respond she dashed off towards the Falls.
One of the new guards at the gate flinched as the portal opened and a pair fo blue blurss shot out. "What was that?!"
"Fauna's friend Swift Heart," the older guard replied. "Don't worry she does that every time."
Swift Heart took them to the Pearl Head, sliding to a stop just outside the cave. Kingblade coughed at the dust she created. "Swift Heart a pleasure as always." He told her between coughs. Seeing Grumpy too he nodded at him.
"Nice to see you too," Grumpy replied. "Is Fauna in there?"
Toadstool snorted "Ha! Is the sun up? Of course she is."
Swift Heart rolled her eyes at him, "Don't need to be so snarky about it," before she and Grumpy darted into the cave, "Fauan! Blue! You home?"
Some scuffling noises came from the couch and a few seconds later, Fauna, hair looking rumbled and cheeks all rosy popped, her head up over the back. "Hey guys! What are you doing here?" She smiled at Grumpy and Swift Heart.
"Just came for a visit," Grumpy said.
"And to invite you to Prom. I know it's short notice but its tonight and I figured if you and Blue weren't busy you'd want to go."
"Well lucky for you we aren't busy anymore," Blue's voice sounded from on the other side of the couch.
Fauna was resting her chin in her hand and moved it to cover a smile. "I'll do my best to get a dress."
"Think we should ask Renegade and Nova too?" Grumpy offered.
Blue's hand shot up now and flicked at them, "Yes. I think you should. Most definitley. They are at his nest. Go interrupt them."
Fauna shook her head laughing, "If Nova says yes. Tell her I'll take her shopping with me. I know she doesn't have anything to wear." Fauna blushed and turned away briefly to presumably smack Blue. "Stop it."
"Clearly we have outstayed our welcome. See you later tonight. Come on Grumpy," Swift Heart took his hand and they sped away.
Nova and Renegade were just napping in their true forms when Swift Heart and Grumpy arrived. "Guess we're not the only ones worn out from school," Grumpy whispered.
"It's gotta be a lot of work learning all those spells." She whispered back. Nudging Grumpy she said, "Your turn. I interrupted the last couple."
Grumpy nodded then bent down, "Hey Ren, Nova, wake up," he said loud enough to get their attention.
"Huh?" Nova raised her head. "Oh hi Grumpy, Swift. Why are you here?" she asked as Renegade stirred awake.
"We came to invite you guys to our prom," Swift told Nova. "Morning Ren."
"Morning Swift," Ren replied, "What's a prom?"
"You got me," Nova said.
"It's a big dance that high school students have to celebrate the end of the year. It's usually for seniors and also signifies their graduation and moving on with their life," Swift explained.
"So like one of the seasonal festivals we have here?" Renegade asked.
"Yeah something like that," Grumpy said.
"But the guys wear tuxedos and the girls pretty dresses," Swift Heart added.
"Fancy clothes I guess," Nova surmised.
"Where can I get a tuxedo?" Renegade asked.
"I'm sure either Blue or Grumpy could help you with that." Swift Heart offered while exchanging a look with Grumpy.
Grumpy sighed, "Yeah I can help you with that. I should get a new one myself."
"What about a dress?" Nova asked, standing up and stretching out in the nest.
"Fauna already agreed to go with you. She needs one too." Looking proud Swift Heart added, "I have had mine since we decided to throw a prom and I cannot wait to put it on."
"How long until we can go?" Nova asked.
"I'm sure you could go now. She's not doing anything super important," Swift Heart answered.
"Is she with Blue?" Nova asked eyes hooded.
"Yup." Swift Heart wiggled her brows at her.
Grumpy groaned, "But like she said, feel free to interrupt them."
"I'll wait a bit," Nova said. "We took some tough magic exams today so I just want to rest for a bit." She nuzzled her future mate, Want to stay or go get a tuxedo?"
"I'd like to stay here, unless it takes a long time to get a tuxedo." Renegade turned to Grumpy.
"Depends on how picky you are. I prefer the whatever is fastest method."
"And you're such an expert? The only time you rented a tux was for Loyal and Proud Heart's wedding." Swift Heart chided him making him scowl at her.
"And I was out of there in 10 minutes flat."
"Well I'll go now then." Renegade stood up then nuzzled Nova back, "I'll see you later, Nova."
"Have fun Ren," Nova replied, rolling over to her other side.
"Do you want me to go with you boys or can you handle it yourself?" Swift Heart asked them.
"I should be able to handle it. Do you think I can, Grumpy?" Renegade asked.
"You'll have me. We'll be fine." Grumpy flicked his hands at his girlfriend, "You can go home and get ready or whatever."
Swift Heart scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Yeah we'll see if you're saying oh whatever later when you see me."
"Want a lift, Grumpy?" Renegade offered.
"Depends, are you good at flying with someone on your back?" He eyed Renegade suspiciously.
"He's fine, he's carried me around before," Nova spoke up. "Now can you guys head off, I'm still trying to get some sleep."
"Alright, let's go then." Grumpy muttered as Renegade knelt and allowed Grumpy to hop on to his back.
"Hold on," Renegade said as he spread his wings, flying off towards the portal back to the Forest of Feelings.
Once on Earth Grumpy instructed Renegade to land somewhere secluded before shifting to his human form. "Now stick close to me in there. I really don't want to spend more than a half hour doing this."
"How could it take any longer?" Renegade asked.
"You've never gone shopping with a girl before. They want you to try on everything and think things over and see what you look like and then the sales people join forces with them and they start pulling things you don't even need," Grumpy shuddered.
"I hope Nova can survive her trip to get a dress." Renegade thought about it then sighed as they headed towards the nearest tuxedo rental store.
Once inside the shop a clerk came right over to them. "Hello gentlemen..." It was clear he was stumbling over how to address Grumpy. "What can I do for you today?"
"He needs a tux." Grumpy pointed to Renegade. "Very good. Right this way to get measured then we will talk about styles."
"Styles?" Renegade was a bit taken aback as he was led to a set of mirrors where the clerk could measure him.
"Yea, jacket style, pant cut, color, tie color. What event is this for anyway?"
"Our prom." Grumpy told him, "And he doesn't know what color his date is wearing so tie color doesn't matter."
Renegade held his arms out as he was measured, "Any advice or suggestions, Grumpy? he asked.
"Dude I don't know." He sounded frustrated already. "He isn't used to wearing much of anything so I guess get him something comfortable and not too trendy."
The clerk didn't seem offput by the attitude, "Alright a good old fashioned classic it is. Maybe with a little pin-striping on the vest for some pop?" he checked with Renegade.
"What's pin-striping?" Renegade asked, confused.
"This." He showed Renegade a pant suit with faint white lines running down the fabric.
"Looks neat, I'll try that." Renegade smiled and nodded.
"Perfect. Measure him make sure it fits and then get me a tux with a light blue vest and tie and a short cut black jacket with three buttons. Here are my measurements." Grumpy handed the man a paper. "I'll meet you out front." without another word he headed for the dressing room.
"Well he's efficient."
"He doesn't like to beat around the bush." Renegade nodded. "So is it easy to get a tuxedo on?" Renegade asked.
"He wasn't kidding? You really haven't done this before." The clerk shook his head. "Don't worry kid, I'll walk you through it. I'll even make sure your tie is a clip on."
Layla shivered a bit as she stepped out of her hotel and swept her gaze around the street. As he had been almost every day this week, Glacial was waiting for her under the lamp post just across the street. His hood was up, protecting his head from the snow but she saw him nod to her nd she smiled and crossed the street to join him.
"Thanks for meeting me again, Glacial," she said.
"Not like I had any other options." He said dryly as his mouth twitched in a little smile. "Besides, If I recall you considered heading back home today yes?"
Layla nodded, "I am. We're having a celebration back home soon and I don't want to miss it."
Glacial nodded as well, "Sounds like a good time for a return."
"That and I feel better after spending a week away," Layla added. "Do you have a phone or address I can use to keep in touch?"
This got an actual smile out of the stoic polar bear. "I have recently seen the advantages of human technology. I can give you my cell number if you wish?"
"Thanks." Layla dug a pencil and notepad out of her pocket, "I didn't bring my phone with me, I wanted to cut off contact," she explained as she handed them to Glacial.
Scribbling down the number he returned them to her. "It works for ze best. It's about time I returned to my friends as well."
Layla accepted the pad and smile. "I'll see you around then, Glacial. I'm going to take one last look around before I head home."
"I have time for that as well. One last cup of coffee as well?" He pushed off the lamppost.
Layla nodded, "Sure, I could use a hot drink."
"Then let's go and if we get some food as well so be it." Thinking about a good smoked fish sandwich he licked his lips.
"I'll have to leave after the coffee," Layla said as they headed down the street. "I don't want to be late getting home."
"A pity. But I assume we will be seeing each other again?" Glacial asked her.
"Of course." Layla smiled.
"Then we will do breakfast then to make up for you rushing away today." He assured her as they moved down the street.
"We will." Layla replied.
In the time it took for Glacial and Calm to say goodbye, Nova had pried Fauna way from Blue and the two were now dress shopping in one of Fauna's preferred Earth malls. "So do you even know what color you want Nova? That usually narrows things down."
"Not really hmm..." Nova scanned around the store before spotting several pink dresses. "How about these?" she asked, moving towards the pink dresses.
Fauna crinkled her nose at them. "If that's what you want." Picking at a hot pink one she saw it was covered in rhinestones and sequins. "Ughh" she whispered under her breath. "Pick a few and we'll try them on." Seeing some red dresses in the next row Fauna wandered the short distance away.
"What's wrong with pink?" Nova asked as she pulled one of the dresses out to give it a better look.
"It's just my least favorite color. Much to girly for me. Too frilly and soft," Fauna explained.
"What makes pink girly?" Nova asked as he put the first dress back then added, "I need something with less stuff on it."
"Humans. Whenever they have a baby girl they surround her in pink things. Pink equates to girly which to them means fragile and sweet. I am neither of those things." She told the unicorn. Returning with several red dresses on her arms she looked for some light pink ones for Nova.
"Well I didn't grow up around humans and it's better than non-stop green and brown." Nova examined the dresses that Fauna brought over before she picked up one with a long light skirt and a bejewled strapless sweetheart top.
"Fair enough. Looks like we have a good haul to start with. Let's try these and then if we don't like any we can get more," Fauna suggested.
"OK." Nova nodded and took the other dresses Fauna had brought over for her to the nearest dressing room.
After a few minutes, Fauna emerged in her choice. It was a bright red chiffon gown whose skirt went all the way to the floor. However the front was slit to her thigh allowing her leg to move through the flowy skirt. Starting on the bodice and moving up to the top the fabric was sliced, allowing a more sparkly silver fabric to show through. The silver fabric faded to a few scattered red and silver gems on her right shoulder and cascaded on a sheer sleeve to her wrist. Looking at herself in the mirror Fauna looked pleased. "Well that was easy, this dress is awesome."
"That's nice," Nova called from inside her dressing room, "Can you help me in here. This is a lot more complicated than the other stuff I've worn."
Swirling her skirt out of the way Fauna slid behind the door to Nova's room. Seeing the problem, aka Nova stuck halfway in the voluminous skirt, Fauna grabbed hold of the top. "Alright, now just wiggle your arms up and keep going till your head is through."
Nova followed Fauna's instructions and finally gasped as her head broke through the top, "Finally. Why do you wear these things?" she asked.
"You'll find out when you see the look on Renegade's face," Fauna replied.
"If you say so," Nova replied.
"Trust me. Plus it's nice to feel all done up and pretty every once in a while. Does wonders for a girl's confidence. Alright now hold the heart shaped part over your boobs to hold it in place while I zip it up," Fauna instructed.
Nova held the front over her breasts, "Do guys have just as hard a time getting dressed?" she asked.
Fauna laughed as she slid the zipper up, "No way. They jump in a suit, pop a tic tac in their mouth and are good, takes all of five minutes. We take all afternoon." She straightened the strapless top of Nova's dress a little, "Alright girly, come look at yourself in the full length." She held the dressing room door open for Nova.
Nova stepped out and took a look in the mirror. "Wow, that's interesting," she said, turning around to get a look at herself from other angles, "I'm not used to wearing something so... fancy."
"Well of course not. Neither am I really. Could you imagine me running around kicking butt in this thing?" Fauna gave a twirl that made her skirt fly out. "I do have to say though Nova, that color works for you."
"Thanks. Can I just shift it into my true form until this prom thing?" Nova asked.
"Not in that dress you can't. Go on in and take it off before you wreck it." Fauna pointed to the dressing room. "What's wrong with you all of a sudden? Normally you like experimenting with your human form. And you were totally into this prom thing a second ago."
"How I dress or look was never a concern," Nova said as she headed back into the dressing room. "This just feels like a lot of work without a point, fells too much like some of Aurora's lessons."
"Again, wait till you see Renegade's reaction," Fauna answered.
"Right."
Returning to her own dressing room she carefully removed the dress, smiling at it before putting it on the hanger. "And I can't wait to see Blue's face when he sees this." She murmured before redressing in her normal clothes.
Nova emerged a minute later, her chosen dress in hand. "So where should I keep this dress until tonight?"
"I can take it back to the royal caves and you can meet up with me there to get ready if you want." Fauna offered as they went to pay.
"Thanks Fauna," Nova smiled as they headed for the checkout.
"I can try to do your hair too. Nothing fancy but I know how to work my way around a curling iron and straightener thanks to Cheer." Fauna handed over her family card to pay for the dresses.
Nova reached up to her relatively long silvery hair, "I'll take your word for it. Mane styling isn't really a thing in the grove."
"Again, not something I'm surprised by. Remember I am the only pegasus who can take on a human girl shape," Fauna reminded her.
"And I'm the only unicorn who ever does," Nova added.
Fauna bit her tongue. Thunder had told her recently she should be more patient with Nova and her brother. She figured now was a good time to start. "Well let's get these dresses home. You can do whatever you have to do and meet at Blue's place an hour before sundown. Oh, and you can borrow one of my swim suits to wear. Swifty said we'd need them later."
Nova looked up and down Fauna for a moment, "I don't think they'll fit, you're better built than I am."
"It's worth a shot. But if you like we can get one for you here." Looking over Nova she seemed to reconsider her offer. "Truthfully you're right. I think any bottoms I have would slide right off those twiggy hips of yours."
Nova sighed, "Still twiggy. So what kind of store would sell swim suits?" she asked.
"Swim suit stores." Fauna muttered. "Let's go find one." She led Nova back out into the main fairway of the mall.
Nova kept her mouth shut as Fauna led her through the mall until they found a store. "Nice, they're having an end of the school year sale."
As they entered, Fauna finally seemed to notice just how quiet Nova was being. She took a few moments to word her question before she finally just outright asked Nova, "Why are you being so quiet?"
"I'm just thinking about what everyone's been telling me lately, that I need to stop practising and training all the time and just 'have fun' once in a while," Nova replied.
"Oh really? Whose everyone?" Fauna asked.
"Aurora, White Fang, Ren, Confidence Heart and Love Heart," Nova said.
"Well if White Fang is telling you that you need to be having fun, you'd better listen and do it." Fauna told her teasingly. "And I bet they are right. You know if you focus too hard on trying to be different from your kind, you might just end up more like them then you planned. It's good to let loose and enjoy new things."
"Huh, I never thought about that." Nova admitted, "So what, spend more time shopping then?"
"Honestly, you're shopping like a guy right now," Fauna smirked.
"Like a guy?" Nova was a bit confused.
"Finding the first thing you like and getting it. It's okay to take your time and try on multiple things. That's half the fun of being a girl. We get lots of cool things and styles to wear. I mean come on, Barbie was popular for a reason." Fauna told her.
"Barbie?"
"Fashion doll kids play with."
"Ahh." Nova turned to see they were at the sport's store. "I'll give that a try. How many kinds of swimsuits are there?"
Fauna shrugged, "I dunno. Usually it's either one piece or two."
"Let's find out then." Nova headed into the store and began scanning for the girl's swimsuits.
Since Fauna had multiple suits already she stuck with Nova to help her, "What are you thinking? Do you want to be covered up or a little scandalous?"
"Tough one. I guess I'll try a few on and see how I look," Nova answered as she set her bag from the dress shop down and started to scan through the swimsuits.
"Yeah grab whatever one looks good. I'd help but i think our taste is a little different. I love greens and browns." Snickering at Nova's face she gave her a little elbow nudge.
"I'm definitely going to avoid those colors." Nova turned back to the racks and picked out a few suits, one and two piece.
After Nova had a good selection they went back to the dressing room. This time she actually took her time to decide on which style she liked. "I think I like the two piece style better." Nova said as she looked in the mirror.
Fauna laughed, "Most girls do. Unless they aren't confident in their bodies."
"No lace though, it tickles," Nova said, tossing one such suit aside. "Now what kind of color should I go for?"
"Personally I liked the purple and white one the best," Fauna offered.
"I'll put it in the maybe pile for now," Nova replied as she picked up a pink and yellow two piece suit to try on.
"Do you even know what tonight is going to be like?" Fauna asked her.
"Dancing and stuff?" Nova guessed.
"Mostly. I just wasn't sure if you knew what a prom was. But yes dancing and hanging out, and then a pool party afterwards."
"It's something to do with the end of their school thing too right?" Nova asked before putting the pink and yellow sit back on its hangar, "Not this one."
"Yup. They want to celebrate the end of the school year for most of them. A few have to do summer school but for the most part they are free of being stuck in a room." Fauna tossed a zebra stripped one over the wall for her to try on.
"Well Ren and I finished some magic exams so this feels right." Nova held up the zebra striped one. "Do I have to pick just one or can I get a few?"
"You can get a few." Fauna told her. "Looks like I'm the odd one out then. I haven't done much of anything lately."
"Well when you put it like that..." Fauna drawled. "I'm not sure everyone would agree with you. I know my deception pissed plenty of people off."
"I thought they were mostly mad at the Magi for keeping your survival a secret," Nova said as she grabbed a black bikini to try on. "Whose mad at you exactly?"
"Oh no one in Care-a-Lot. Just the usual suspects back home. Tonar has been in rare form since I came back," Fauna explained.
"You're grandsire on the council right? I got the impression you two couldn't stand each other," Nova said.
"Oh did you? Makes sense since we can't stand each other." She affirmed for Nova.
"Well at least he can't do anything about you being alive right?" Nova asked as she disappeared into a dressing room.
"He can let me know in his passive-aggressive way that he doesn't care either way if I had lived or died, just as long as I stop breaking his family's hearts," Fauna told her. "I just ignore him now."
"What did you ever do to him?" Nova asked, still in the dressing room.
Fauna found something to fiddle with as she spoke, "I survived and my mom didn't."
"Wow. What an ass," Nova deadpanned as she emerged from the dressing room.
"I like that one." She nodded in approval, "Makes you look like you have a butt. And as far as Tonar goes it's whatever. I've learned to live with him."
"Thanks," Nova turned to the mirror. "I hope your other grandparents treat you like family."
"You've met Silver Foot. Do you really think he possess a mean bone in that body?"
"Not after seeing him with Ren," Nova smiled. "I think I'm gonna wear this one tonight."
"Good call." Fauna checked her watch, "Looks like we have just enough time to get home and start getting ready."
"Should I wear this out then? I guess I'll be wearing this instead of undergarments," Nova said.
"No change back. I won't be wearing a bathing suit instead of a bra. The straps would show. Same with yours. And that would look beyond stupid." Fauna told her. "I'll bring them for us to change into."
"Thanks for the tip," Nova said as she vanished back into the changing room to retrieve her original clothes. "At least I get why humans enjoy wearing clothes now."
"Fun right?" Fauna reiterated.
Nova emerged in her original outfit, "Yup. Mind if I change in the caves? I want to surprise Ren."
Fauna shook her head. "Come on let's go then."