Fool Moon, Part 25 (Give and Take.)

You wake up to the sound of muffled curses and scrabbling hooves.
>Your eyes pop open, and you groan in annoyance as you lift yourself off the bed.
>Your head feels...fuzzy.
>You remember the smell, and the running from the thing in the dark, and Rarity...
>You glance over at Rarity, who's stuffing clothes and jewels in the bags she brought with her and cursing to herself.
>She looks...tired.
>You sit up, and she immediately freezes, turning a distressed smile on you.
>"Ah! Good morning, Anonymous. I was just getting our bags ready!"
"Bags ready? For..."
>She gives you a flat, unreadable look.
>"Anonymous, last night you barged into the room, shouting incoherently, and when I asked you what happened all you would tell me was that you were sorry and that we had to leave Canterlot."
"I..."
>"I trust you. We'll leave."
>With that, she sighs and turns back to packing the bags.
>You lean your head back against the bed rest and sigh.
>This was what bothered you yesterday.
>You were fucking up.
>More specifically, you were fucking things up for HER.
>You close your eyes and let out an annoyed sigh.
>She'd wanted to show you Canterlot, the best city in the world, and you'd demanded you leave because of...what, exactly?
>Because you'd been drunk and stupid enough to consider cheating on her with Fleur de Lis?
>Because the dark half stopped you and tried to convince you that Fleur was a monster or something?
>Why the hell would you listen to that furry bastard?
"Stop."
>"Hmm?"
"Stop packing up."


>Rarity pauses, turning and glaring at you with a considerable amount of confused anger.
>"Why in Celestia's name would I do that!? After the fuss you made?"
>You close your eyes and take a deep breath.
"I was drunk. And on top of being drunk, I was acting like a selfish jackass."
>Her snout scrunches up, and she opens her mouth to reply.
>"That doesn't change the fact that-"
"No, forget what I said yesterday. Forget it. I was drunk, and listening to the advice of someTHING that I should have known better than to heed."
>Rarity raises an eyebrow in puzzlement.
>You smile and curl your fingers at her in a claw motion before doing a few quiet growling sounds.
>Rarity's mouth opens in a silent 'o' of understanding, before she breaks down into giggles at your antics.
>You slide out of the bed and make your way over to her, before crouching down so that you both face each other.
"Here's the point I'm trying to make. We came here to have fun, didn't we? Just you and me? You aren't letting Blueblood ruin this trip. I'm not letting...him...ruin it either."
>She sighs.
>"But...still, Anonymous...you were so frantic, and you seemed lucid. If you still want to go..."
>You wrap your arms around her neck and kiss her on the forehead, minding the horn.
"None of that. If I wanted to leave, I'd just go. Stop worrying about what I want all the time. Stop trying to GIVE so much. When are you just going to learn to TAKE, hmm?"
>You pull back, and you both smile at each other.
"So forget what I said yesterday. Forget about Blueblood. We're here for us, and I'm here for you, okay?"


>She closes her eyes and gives a sad little smile.
>"That sounds...nice."
"Doesn't it though?"
>Her smile widens, and you hug her tighter before letting go and standing up.
"So you go get ready for the day. I'm going to unpack your things, clean up, and cook us some breakfast."
>She opens her eyes, and raises one perfect eyebrow.
>"With hay bacon?"
>You freeze.
"With hay. Bacon."
>She giggles at the expression on your face, before trotting to the bathroom.
>You sigh and turn to the fridge.
>The fridge containing that unholiest of all abominations.
>Hay.
>Bacon.
>You carefully reach into the refridgerator and remove some eggs and the bacon, sighing to yourself as you cook up another pair of omelettes.
>It's all you can do to keep from weeping as you watch that accursed bacon substitute sizzle.
>Rarity trots in, drying her hair, and giggles at the sight of you holding back tears over a frying pan.
>She could never truly comprehend your suffering.
>You take both plates of breakfast over to the table, ladling the Sin against all that is Good onto her plate next to her omelette.
>You then sit down and set to eating your omelette, hoping against hope that someday, you may taste real bacon again.
>Rarity looks at your expression and smiles.
>"Anonymous, do you want some of my bacon?"
>You give her the nastiest glare you have ever given another living being.
>"Are you suuuure? It's delicious!"
"You're pushing it, little lady."
>She giggles and goes back to munching delicately on bacon strips.
"So what's the plan for today, anyway?"
>"I think we'll go visit Canterlot's art gallery. There are some things I'd like to show you."


>You and Rarity arrive at the art gallery not an hour after breakfast is done, you in your usual outfit, Rarity in some strange, warm looking attire.
>You don't know what the hell it is, but that hat with that sweater are just...
>Well damn. Adorable? Sexy? Adorasexy?
>You don't know how to describe it, but it's wreaking havoc on pretty much every part of your brain.
>"Anon. Ooooh Anoooon. Equestria to Anonymous? Anonymous, do you come in?"
"Bwuh, huh?"
>"You're staring again, darling."
"Can you blame me?"
>She blushes a little, but smacks you with one shoe-clad hoof.
>You smirk at her as the pair of you ascend the steps to the art gallery.
>"Stop it! I'm bringing you here to enlighten you, not give you a show!"
"Can't we do both of those things at the same time?"
>She gives you a wry grin.
>"Perhaps later. Right now, there's something I want you to see. The art gallery's just opened up a brand new exhibit, and it features a painting by one of my FAVORITE artists. You just HAVE to see his work."
>You roll your eyes.
>Art was...well, not your thing. You only payed attention to it when you'd been hired to steal it.
"I'll take your word for it. What's this artist's name, anyway?"
>"He's called Vincent pone Gogh. They say he's mad! I can tell you, it certainly would take a madman to create the wonders I've seen come from his hooves."
>Her passion catches your interest, and you quicken your step to keep next to her instead of behind her.
"What, exactly, has he done?"
>"Well it's rumored that his latest exhibit has something to do with the change-oh, good morning Madame Fleur!"
>You freeze as a certain smell makes it's way to your nose.


>"Good morning, Miss Rarity."
>The elegant unicorn walks towards the pair of you, smiling demurely.
>You freeze at Rarity's side, and the white unicorn elbows you in the leg.
"What th-oh, good morning, uh, Miss Fleur de Lis."
>The mare's grin widens.
>"Please, Anonymous. Just Fleur."
>She breezes over to you, and the smell intensifies a thousandfold.
>You're honestly not sure how Rarity can't notice it.
>It's awful. Thick and musky and pervasive.
>But the more you smell it...the more you come to like it.
>Rarity gives the both of you a confused glance as you recoil from Fleur.
>"Yes...well. We've come to look at the new exhibit. Care to join us, Fleur?"
>Fleur de Lis shoots a glance at Rarity, and for a second you swear you could see pure venom swimming in that gaze.
>A second later, nothing is visible in her eyes but general benevolence.
>"But of course. I'd never pass up the chance to enjoy the company of Equestria's most exotic couple. Are you alright with a little extra company, Anonymous?"
>Her voice gets a little bit husky on the word 'exotic,' and you gulp in fear.
"Uh...yeah...sure."
>Rarity's eyes narrow slowly.
>"Mhm. Well, come along then. The changeling exhibit awaits!"
>You and Fleur both turn to Rarity, shocked.
"What the hell is a changeling?"
>Fleur stammers, and Rarity swiftly answers your question.
>"Oh Anonymous, changelings are just DREADFUL! Monstrous bug-things, that change shapes into ponies! They're so...gross!"
"Giant shapeshifting bugs? That does sound kind of...ugh."
>Fleur coughs.
>"They aren't, er, they weren't that bad."


>Rarity eyes Fleur like she just grew two heads.
>"Weren't that bad? Darling, I was forced to get up close and personal with hundreds of the beasts! They were awful!"
>She shudders at the memories as the three of you trot to the exhibit.
>You notice Fleur grinding her teeth and mumble something, but you can't catch what.
"Why were these...'changelings' in Equestria?"
>Rarity gives a polite shrug.
>"I'm not quite sure. Their hideous queen spouted some nonsense about feeding on love before Twilight's brother sent her flying, but they attacked us entirely unprovoked!"
>Fleur mutters something, and Rarity flicks one of her ears.
>"Say again, dear Fleur?"
>Fleur de Lis' face colors in embarrassment, before she repeats herself.
>"Ah, pardon me. I was just saying they were hungry."
"The changelings?"
>"Yes, them. The, ah, Queen, I remember hearing her say that she and her people attacked to feed themselves. I don't think they were hostile, per se. Just desperate."
>Rarity blinks at Fleur.
>"Darling, desperation is no reason to ATTACK somep0ny. If all those changelings needed was food, they could have simply asked."
>You think back to when Rarity first took you in.
"Sounds to me like these changelings are a bunch of greedy, rude bastards. Even by my standards."
>Rarity smiles at you, and you glance at Fleur, who keeps walking, stone-faced.
>Rarity practically jumps up and down as you approach, grinning.
>"Oh I can't wait to see it! Pone Gogh's greatest work! His masterpiece!"
>You round the corner, and Rarity's face lights up.
>Your jaw drops.
>And you hear Fleur grind her teeth.
>"The defeat of the Changeling Queen! Caught perfectly on canvas!"


>Stunning, was the word.
>A vast canvas, showing a great pink sphere.
>Two ponies, a horned male and some kind of winged, horned, female, locked together, their horns touching, in the shape of a stylized heart.
>A massive, dark shadow is being hurled away from them, shattering a stained glass window.
>The shadow is screaming in terror, hooves in front of it's eyes, as if to shield it from the light of two ponies' love.
>Great, jagged rents are torn in it's legs and wings, and you marvel at the painting, at the terror etched on the face of this nameless demon-thing.
"That's..."
>"Impressive?"
>"Terrible."
>You both glance at Fleur in shock.
"Are you kidding me? That whole thing is fantastic."
>"Fleur, darling, are your eyes hurting you?"
>Fleur freezes, her face draining of color as she realizes she said that aloud.
>"I...err, what I meant to say was that the...the Queen's been painted...incorrectly."
>Rarity looks at Fleur, then back at the painting, then back to Fleur.
>"What do you mean, darling? She looks as wretched as ever."
>Fleur grimaces briefly before turning to you.
>She moves closer, and that scent of hers increases in intensity, clouding over your thoughts with it's stink.
>"Anonymous, you see what I mean, don't you?"
"I...uh..what I mean to say is..."
>You close your eyes and think past the smell.
"Rarity's right. It's a pretty great painting, Fleur."
>Fleur smirks, before moving closer and whispering.
>"Come now, Anon, don't be like that. These paintings are so...boring. How about you and I go some place more...relaxing?"


>That smell is overpowering now.
>You can't really call it a stench, now.
>It's like...like a...like a perfume. You knew it smelled bad, but it just made everything feel so...right.
>Against your will, you feel yourself smiling at Fleur's proposal.
>But then you look at Rarity, who's still enraptured by the painting.
>Your smile drops off your face.
>You aren't that type of guy.
>More importantly, this isn't that type of girl. Mare. Whatever.
"No thanks, Fleur. I'll pass."
>She blinks at you, then her eyebrows lower.
>"No, you won't."
>The smell increases, until all you can smell is HER.
>Rarity, still staring at the painting, sniffs quietly.
>"Can either of you two smell something? It's...foul, whatever it is."
>You look into Fleur's eyes, and she looks back into yours.
>Those pink eyes, so cold, so unlike Rarity's brilliant sapphires.
>Something flashes in those eyes, and she whispers to you again.
>"Come with me, Anonymous. Come with me. Let's you and I enjoy ourselves, hmm?"
>You narrow your eyes at her insistent expression, and at that smell...
"I..."
>You glance at Rarity, who's turning around and eyeing you with concern.
"I'll pass."
>Fleur backs away, looking...horrified?
>Rarity trots closer to the two of you, her lip pursed in confusion.
>"Is everything alright?"
>Fleur glances at her before looking back at you.
>"I...have to go."
>Without another word, the pink mare trots out of the room.


>Rarity watches her retreat with a frown on her face.
>"Hmmph. Some ponies simply can't handle the fine arts."
>You chuckle.
"Guess not."
>Rarity gives you a wry little smile.
>"So what was she whispering to you about?"
>Your chuckle dies in your throat.
"She...erm, well...I'm not sure if I should tell you."
>"Oh come now, Anon, I'm sure-"
"She wanted to know about us, uh...you know..."
>Rarity's face turns beet red.
>"The NERVE of some ponies, I swear! Such a thing isn't...we're not...it's not proper to...ugh!"
>You grin at Rarity's flustered expression.
>She catches you grinning and sighs.
>"Oh stop that! Do you feel like grabbing some lunch and then an airshow?"
"Why, that sounds wondrous, my lady."
>She makes a sour face.
>"Please, don't adopt that mannerism. It doesn't fit you."
"Ah, so you DO prefer marshmallow."
>She blushes, and both of you leave the museum.
>"Well, what do you feel like for lunch?"
"Honestly?"
>"...Yes..."
"Fish. I'd rob somep0ny for fish right now."
>"Very well then, Anon, fish it is!"
"And then another one of those races?"
>"Of course! And then, perhaps, I shall take you to one of Canterlot's premiere eateries for a bit of dinner."
"Sounds divine, dahling."
>She glares at you as you mimic her accent, but follows you out the door with a smirk on her face.

THAT NIGHT.
"YOU MEAN THEY SERVE MEAT HERE!?"
>Rarity rolls her eyes at your excitement.
>"Yes, you barbarian, they serve meat here!"
>Your jaw drops in excitement as you stare at the restaurant in front of you.
>You almost bolt then and there, before you remember today's purpose.
>Make her happy.
"Are you...are you okay with meat? Like, with me eating it? And the restaurant?"
>She smiles up at you.
>"Anonymous. This is one of Canterlot's premiere establishments. I never would have chosen anywhere else to spend tonight. It just so happens they're used to serving griffons."
>You frown.
"Marshmallow, today's YOUR day. I don't want to-"
>She rolls her eyes.
>"Honestly, Anonymous, I'm Rarity."
>She turns and grins at you.
>"EVERY day is my day. Now come along."
>You smile and follow her as she leads you inside.
>A well-coiffed earth pony greets you immediately, taking your cloak and Rarity's scarf before seating the both of you at a booth.
>Roses, candles, wine, the works. This place had it all.
>A waiter makes his way over to you as the pair of you sit down.
>"Good afternoon, sir, madam. May I take your or-"
"MEAT."
>"Ignore him, please. He'll have the crispy salmon with miracle glaze and water. I'll have your creamy vegetable grautin with a maretini."
>The waiter recoils from you, but swiftly jots down Rarity's order and scurries away.
"Why don't I get alcohol?"
>She grins at you from across the table.
>"Because you're a scary monster-thing, and nop0ny wants to see that drunk, darling."
"...Ouch."
>"I'm simply being honest."


>You glare at her from across the table as you food arrives, ferried to you swiftly by a terrified waiter.
"That seriously hurt. Cut me deep, you did."
>She chuckles at you.
>"Come now, Anon. Tell me you have a thicker skin than that!"
>You smile back at her, and prepare to retort when your plate slides under you.
>TALK IS FOR LATER.
>FISH IS FOR NOW.
>You start tearing into the juice-glazed salmon like an animal, sawing off pieces and shoveling them into your mouth.
>At some point, bread arrives, and you start eating those roll by roll, much to Rarity's amusement.
>"At some point, I REALLY must teach you how to eat properly."
"Mmmfgh fgghfnaffin."
>"You have a bit of...well, everything, lodged in your throat."
>You swallow.
"Nevermind. The food. It's...it's fantastic."
>She sips her maretini.
>"I told you, didn't I?"
>She forks a bit of vegetable grautin into her mouth and chews slowly, before swallowing and grinning in triumph.
>"Even if I'm taking, I always make sure to give a little back, Anon."
>You hear a light giggle from behind you, and Rarity's triumphant grin grows a little more subdued.
>"Anon?"
"Hmm?"
>"About...Fleur didn't ask you about us, did she?"
"...It doesn't really matter what she asked, Rarity. The answer was no. It'll always be no."
>"But still, I know you've been a bit...frust-"
"Don't finish that thought. I'm doing fine. More than fine, I'm perfect. That...that doesn't have to happen until we're ready. Until it's...proper."
>She gives you a soft smile from across the table.
>"I love you, Anon."
"Love you too, Marhsmallow."
>You both lean across the table and give each other a soft kiss.

Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyqo4VaGcLY
BACK AT THE ROOM.
>You flop down into the bed and sigh, arms behind your head.
>You felt...full. Full of love, full of happiness.
>Full of delicious, delicious salmon.
>You shrug out of your shirt and cloak, tossing them onto the dresser as you get ready for bed.
>Rarity trots into the room, levitating a toothbrush as she carefully cleans her teeth.
>Her hair is down, freshly dried but unstyled, to your surprise.
>You sit up in the bed as Rarity crawls up onto her side, still brushing.
"Something on your mind?"
>She ignores you and finishes her tooth brushing, before tossing the brush into a waste basket and spitting until a small levitated cup.
>"You could say that..."
"What's wrong? Sad we're going back to Ponyville in the morning? We could always stay later, if that's what you want to do."
>Her eyes shift to the side as she curls her hooves under herself, sitting comfortably on the bed.
>"Well...no, it's not that, Anon."
"Then wha-"
>"It's....well...this."
>You feel a tug around your neck, and before you know it, you're dragged along the bed towards her, where she lunges forward and catches your mouth in a kiss.
>This kiss is....forceful, aggressive, even, full of a passion so unlike the calm, cool mare you know so well.
>You pull back to breath, shocked, but not displeased.
"Rarity? What the..."
>She pants, her mouth open, and stares at you with passionate, hungry eyes.
>"I don't care what they whisper about anymore. I don't care what they think. You told me to take what I want, Anon."
>She leans in, placing a hoof on your chest.
>"What I want is you."