A Beautiful Morning [See: Rarity Needs a Date OOC]

[AlisonRose]

It was a time like unlike any other for Rarity, she had big plans lined up for the next few days. She was going to put aside her work and try and find the perfect date to take with her to the event. Luckily for her the small advertisement she had sent around in the weekly junk mail seemed to grabbed a few characters interest. She had been in correspondence with them arranging a day to meet with each one for some early morning activities.

 

The first one that had written her back was of course, Prince Blueblood. Just saying the name in her head reminded her of all the 'fun' times they had at the Grand Galloping Gala but in times like this she was willing to give anypony a second chance, all expense paid trips don't happen very often and Rarity was not going to let this chance pass her by! To make things easier Rarity was having them all just meet her at the Carousel Boutique and they would venture out from there for breakfast or what have you.

 

Dressed in a very simple summer dress and hat Rarity was prepared for almost anything. It was a rather cool morning but not cold, perfect weather as always.

 

Soon Blueblood would arrive and the events of the day would begin.

[Blueblood]

It had been a long time since the Prince and Rarity had first met.  Since that time, they'd seen each other in passing at various Canterlotian social functions, especially as the mare's fashion business and line grew in fame and popularity, but as far as actual conversations went, they were still practically strangers that met in the night.  And argued.  Even Blueblood would admit that the Grand Galloping Gala that year had not been his finest hour; in fact, it may well have been his reputational low point.  That kind of treatment for a national hero does rather attract a lot of bad press.

 

But, that had been years ago.  Since that time, he'd made a conscious effort to rehabilitate his reputation in Equestria, and even to embark on actual self-improvement.  Not an easy thing for somepony with his ego to admit needing, but there you were.  Blueblood had gone through a lot of changes, and wanted to take this opportunity to show Rarity just how much of a different pony he was.  Therefore, this morning, he would lead with the most dramatic and obvious change...

 

 

However Rarity had imagined that their first meeting would go, Blue was willing to bet that it did not involve a stunningly beautiful mare with golden mane and alabaster coat sauntering through the doors of the Carousel Boutique.  She herself was dressed simply to accentuate her figure, with a dark blue jacket and purple scarf, her mane left free of a hat to show off her shining tresses.  The only clue that the fashionista would have to the mare's identity, besides the quality of her looks, would be the familiar compass-rose cutie mark the mare sported on her flanks.

"Good morning, Lady Rarity!"  Bluebelle called out in a voice that rang like a sweet chime.  "It's been a while, hasn't it?  We have a lot to catch up on, I'm sure."  She said with a giggle, just waiting to see the look on Rarity's face...

[AlisonRose]

Rarity turned her head as quickly as she could as soon as she heard the voice. It was familiar, yet different. Without intending to Rarity's jaw hit the floor momentarily before she regained her composure. She took a quick second to rub her eyes, was this morning playing cruel tricks on her or was this really Blueblood?

 

"Blueblood?" Rarity asked softly, still unable to grasp the difference, does she still call them Prince? are they Princess Blueblood now? So many questions ran laps in Rarity's head. "You look so different. Good different, but different." She couldn't put her hoof on it but she was pretty sure that they were Blueblood but not. "We do have oh so much to catch up on that is true." She said with a shy giggle almost to herself as she looked Blueblood up and down taking it all in finally. Full on panic hadn't set in yet but at least the bitter taste of what happened at the Gala was finally leaving the back of her throat. 

 

"Did you have anywhere in town that you wanted to go for breakfast or did you have anything else in mind?" She asked tapping a hoof on her chin, this was the first trial. Could the new Blueblood, NEWBLOOD, come up with a good plan for this morning? Granted they were the first to actually make it this far in the process so it only seemed fair that Rarity would take it a bit easy this morning.

[Blueblood]

Bluebelle couldn't help but giggle slightly in amusement at Rarity's reaction.  Not loudly shocked, but barely concealing discombobulation behind a front of calm reserve.  She knew the pose well; it was her bread and butter for dealing with pretty much anything, including the transformation currently on display.  "Indeed.  I know exactly what you would like to ask me first, but I think that question would be better answered over coffee and pastries at the little cafe I passed on the way in.  Is it new?  This town seems to have grown so much since I was last here."

 

Most of that development could be laid squarely at the hooves of Twilight Sparkle.  When Royalty sets up headquarters in a place, that place does booming business.  After all, Canterlot itself was just a military mountain outpost until the presence of Celestia had remade it into what it was today.  Tossing her mane to catch the sunlight, the alabaster mare turned around to lead the way out into the town square, opening the door for Rarity.  This in itself was a change from her prior behavior at the Gala, and was consciously so.  After all, when a pony seeks to patch things up after a bad date, one can hardly take too much care.  "When I'm like this, I prefer to be called Bluebelle, by the way.  I think it fits better, don't you agree?"

[AlisonRose]

 

Rarity took a second to assess the situation. Bluebelle huh? A cute name that was for sure, reminded her of her sister a bit.

 

"Well of course!" She said with a rather chipper tone. If Bluebelle was going to forget everything that happened at the Gala and the few other times they had met and start a new then there wasn't much that Rarity could do then accept that and move on herself. Besides, a fresh start sounded nice with the new reformed Bluebelle.

 

"You are right, that Cafe is new. Its only been around for a few weeks now. I'm sure they would love to get some business of ponies such as us." She let out another softer giggle. It was interesting how she felt now, she was rather excited to see where this was going to go with Bluebelle and it was almost as if her excitement to make a special somepony out of royalty was returning as well. Rarity led the way to the new Cafe, Cafe L'amitié. Once there she held the door open for Bluebelle. If they were both ladies Rarity didn't mind showing a little gratitude towards her for the massive amount of kindness Bluebelle had already shown. The two were seated into a booth on one side of the Café away from most of the crowed. The owner herself, a small cream colored unicorn came out from the back to great the two.

 

"Oh my, Rarity and, oh please forgive me. What is your name?" She asked towards Bluebelle as she handed them both menus. According to her name tag her name was Snowball. Her mane was a nice soft white color and clearly well groomed. She had it held out of her face by a few barrettes, its length was about to the base of her neck. Her tail, the same color as her mane, had a bit of a spiral in it akin to Rarity's but in a more princess curl style.  A set of soft orange thick framed glasses sat atop her muzzle. Her cutie mark as a white mug with a saucer under it and a few soft blue snowflakes coming out of it. Her eyes a very stunning shade of ice blue. Rarity had met this pony a few times in her travels and considered her a friend.

"Well Snowball, this is Bluebelle, my date for this morning." She let out a soft giggle to herself. It was still hard to say that she was on a date with Bluebloo-belle.

 

"I'll try to remember that!" Snowball said very excited to have such famous ponies in her Cafe. "What can I get started for you? Some Coffee? Tea?" Snowball took out a small notepad and wrote 'Rarity' across the top. She hadn't quite worked out how to number the tables yet in the Cafe so she just wrote everyponies name down instead.

 

"I would love to have a small cup of coffee please, two cream, three sugar." Rarity said tapping her hoof on the table a few times.

 

"And for you sweetheart?" Snowball looked towards Bluebelle again this time with a huge grin on her face.

[Blueblood]

Well, so far, so good!  A series of mutually polite gestures had accompanied the pair's travels to the cafe, and as they were seated into the booth, Bluebelle allowed herself a sigh of relaxation.  "Ah, such a soothing atmosphere.  One can hardly believe that this is the same town in which so much excitement has happened over the years."  Both the good kind and bad kind of excitement, too, as Blue well knew.  Hopefully, this would just be a pleasant date, without any interruptions or baggage from the past.

 

The mare flashed a charming smile to Snowball as she approached the table, letting Rarity take the lead in introducing them.  "A pleasure to meet you."  She nodded, letting Rarity give her order before placing her own.  "I will have coffee as well, one cream, no sugar."  Rarity didn't know it, but from that point on, Bluebelle was on a time limit to explain herself, which the Princess set out to do as soon as Snowball left to fetch their drinks.

 

"Now, as I'm sure you're dying to ask me... yes, this is a recent change.  A magical one too, obviously.  It's a bit of a long story about how it all happened, but it really started when I was laid up in bed with a really serious illness.  Menin.... something-or-other.  Twilight used a rather large word to describe it, I don't recall exactly."  Blue thought it best not to mention that he had become ill because of a rather epic night out with Auntie Luna trying to connect with the common ponies in Las Pegasus.  No one could remember exactly what happened, and all photographic evidence had been personally confiscated and destroyed by the Princess of the Night.

 

"I sent out a rather urgent and incoherent letter to your friend Twilight, to see if she knew a spell or two to help the recovery process along.  As it turns out, she did!  Unfortunately, I sneezed on her in the middle of casting, which muddled up the spell considerably.  Overnight, I was given the perfectly healthy body... of a mare."  That was the story in a nutshell, but not quite all the relevant information.  "I should point out, that while the spell has proved permanent, the changes have not.  Certain things trigger the switch between genders; I came here as Bluebelle to, well, show just how much I've changed in other respects since our last 'date,' if you will."

 

The coffee didn't take too long to prepare, and in a short time, the drinks were brought to the booth.  Thanking the cafe owner, Bluebelle brought the steaming liquid up to her lips for a sip.  The effect was... surprising, to say the least.  With one taste of the smooth and bitter beverage, the mare's whole body seemed to briefly shudder, and then suddenly there appeared in front of Rarity a very handsome and familiar stallion.  "One such trigger is coffee; the taste of it switches me from a mare to a stallion.  Tea has the opposite effect."  He explained, wondering just what the dramatic mare's reaction would be this time.

[AlisonRose]

 

Rarity hadn't even thought twice that the change was reversible or even related to some sort of mystical illness. Twilight caused Blueblood to now become Bluebelle and have the ability to go back and forth? Was this some cruel cosmic joke that Twilight had played on Rarity? But once she saw the proof her jaw hit the floor. Unable to hold it back as the gorgeous mare that had been before her turned into, well...Blueblood again. She let out a stifled cough before holding a hoof to her mouth trying to not spill out the coffee she had just taken in.

 

"Oh my, that does sound horrible, and not at all any sort of fun." While it normally wasn't Rarity's boat to judge what was 'fun' for others or not she had to guess that switching genders by drinking liquids had to be on the list of 'not-fun' and would have to consult with Pinkie Pie later to make sure. "But I'll be honest, Blue, I don't really mind what your body looks like. There are more ways to be beautiful." Rarity nodded, Bluebelle had shown to Rarity that even despite having their 'wonderful' night at the Gala that it was clear anypony could change. "What I am more interested in a date, or even future partner is chemistry and synergy. I don't want a date that feels forced. So far you've given that to me. But I have just a few questions to ask you." She said taking a small sip of her coffee. Before she could get any out Snowball had returned to take their order.

"Ready to order there Miss Rarity, and..." She looked a bit quizzically over at Bluebelle-Blood but didn't take stock of it.

 

"Ah yes please darling, I would just like one of your famous short cake slices please." Rarity nodded towards Blueblood. Once their order had been taken and Snowball on her way Rarity returned to the matters at hand.

 

"My first question, and most likely the hardest one, what makes you feel that you are a good choice to be my date or even future partner?" She asked a bit quietly hoping that she had phrased herself correctly.

[Blueblood]

Perhaps it was a little impolite to show such obvious amusement at another's discomfiture.  To be fair, Blueblood had much more time to have gotten used to his new 'situation' than Rarity, and had to chuckle a little at her sputtered commiseration.  "Oh, it's far from the worst thing I've experienced in my life.  Compared to say, being captured by changelings and subjected to dream-tortures, or facing the wrath of raiding caribou, switching genders easily and looking good in both is practically a blessing."  His smile slipped a little at the genuinely horrible recollections, but he submerged them beneath the surface of good cheer.  "Honestly, having been both, I have a hard time with the prospect of giving up either.  That probably makes me exceptional in that case."

 

At this point, Snowball returned, a little stunned at the transformation of Bluebelle back into Blueblood.  Not wanting to go through the whole explanation again, he only gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile, and an order for a croissant and fresh fruit.  It was reassuring for the Prince to hear that Rarity was having a good time so far, but as was only fair, she had questions for him about how well an evening with him would go.  And why, of all ponies, she should go out with him.  

 

"Well... I suppose the best answer would be that I know I could show you a better time than last we met, and to me, showing you a good time would be the best apology for showing you a bad one.  I... really am sorry for that."  Even now, it took a little effort to get apologies out, though that was proof enough of their sincerity.  "But I should probably tell you now, if you're using this date as a means to look for a future partner, you'd best look elsewhere; there was never really a possibility of that.  No reflection on you, of course!  You're a good, kind, beautiful mare, just... not my type of good, kind, and beautiful."  He hoped that wasn't too blunt a way of putting it, but it was true.  Growing up in Canterlot had led to an overexposure to elegantly groomed unicorns, to the point where he was just benumbed to them, as far as attractiveness went.

[AlisonRose]

 

"Well you have for sure already shown me a much better time than the last few." She nodded in agreement. What he had said about being both and understanding was a bit confusing but Rarity didn't put much thought into it. She had started on her short cake before the comment of not being his type came across the table. Rarity's jaw hung a bit, the cake just a few moments from entering her mouth as she just sat there in shock unable to move. Not HIS type? Then what is HIS type? I am Rarity, I am everyone's type! She thought to herself. Even among other mares and even some stallions in Canterlot Rarity was a cut above the rest, not to mention around Ponyville. Rarity did all she could to help everypony reach their highest level of beauty, both physical and other.

 

"No, this date wasn't per say to find a future partner. But if one had presented itself I wasn't going to say no. I appreciate you being so forward about it." Rarity finally able to move took that bite of cake she had on her fork and was once again at peace. The cakes that she had gotten from here were second only to the Sugar Cube Corner. Rarity was sure that Snowball had some sort of baking magic that she either learned or stolen from Pinkie Pie. It had to be. "As you most likely read in the missive I sent out these preliminary dates were not only used for meeting new ponies and catching up with old ones, but its also a way for me to find a partner to take with me for this fancy weekend event that I won tickets to. All expenses paid trip to an unknown city and tickets to an event there for two. But the only catch is that I have to take someone with me." Rarity brushed her mane from her face as she looked at Blueblood deep in the eyes.

 

"No this doesn't mean that I am just using you, or these dates. In all honesty I am having a great time catching up with you and spending time with you. Even if you don't want the position I'd say this date was a success for you. I wouldn't mind a few more future friend-dates if Bluebelle would take hoof to it." Rarity really was enjoying herself. Granted she was still a bit urked at the way he simply brushed her off as not his type but that was to be expected sometimes. Rarity let out a soft sigh as she sipped a bit more on her now cooled down coffee

 

"Forgive me, I have been a horrible date. Are you enjoying yourself?" She asked, the first time this date that she actually worried if she had done the same thing to Blueblood that he had done to her before.

[Blueblood]

With care, Blueblood split his Croissant with a knife, slipping a few slices of strawberry inside.  It took no small amount of skill to do so without getting crumbs everywhere, but the Prince was nothing if not a specialist in avoiding being messy.  He took a delicate bite, just in time to catch the drop of the jaw that indicated Rarity's incredulity about her not being his type.  He had to sigh internally at that.  While Blue hadn't come here to make excuses for himself, he might well have pointed out that much of his behavior at the Gala was a convenient way of getting rid of an unwanted suitor.  It is much, much easier for a mare to believe that a stallion is unworthy of her, rather than not fitting the desires/tastes of the stallion.  And as for the many mares in his past that had approached him less with the starry eyes of idealism than the gleaming-gold eyes of materialism...  Well, at some point, he'd simply abandoned all politeness and just went for repulsing them, while having as much fun as he could at their expense.

 

Again, not something to focus on now.  They were both under less pressure, and could start honestly again.  "That's... an oddly specific condition."  Blueblood mused, wondering briefly if there weren't some ulterior matchmaker pulling strings for Rarity behind the scenes.  His cousin Cadence, perhaps?   Though, she seemed to prefer the direct approach, if he recalled correctly.  He shrugged, taking another bite.  "I wouldn't worry too much; this has honestly gone much better than I had feared it might.  And I'd definitely be open to doing so again."  He'd had nightmares about Rarity turning him into a pincushion, sometimes figuratively, and other times (with Twilight Sparkle's assistance) literally.

 

After taking a sip of coffee, Blueblood tried to figure out where to take this next.  He could see that Rarity was slightly piqued at being dismissed as not his type, but would explaining any further actually help?  Probably not, but it might come up later, especially if they discussed what had been going on in their lives.  "So!  I've noticed you've expanded your operations; new outlets in Canterlot and Manehattan.  Quite impressive; I see you being a fixture of the fashion scene for some time to come."

[AlisonRose]

 

Rarity had a huge grin on her face as Blueblood agreed to do this again another time. Then came the talk of her new and improved operations including Rarity For You and the Rarity Express. It was true that she was working rather hard on her business fronts and accepted nothing less than perfect from anything that was sold under her name. 

 

"Well my plan was to help Coco get a name for herself so if I have to go off and attempt to save Equestria with the others again there wouldn't be an interruption in services. So far she has done an amazing job running the stores in Manehatten. I just wish she would take more credit for them and actually let me put her name next to mine." Rarity let out a soft sigh, Coco was too modest when it came to gratitude. "You might not know this but in an upcoming movie Coco is actually slated to be the lead costume designer and will get to design dresses for some very famous ponies, including Rara." Rarity was beyond excited for this.

 

"I hear that you met Rubble Rose. Or that she happened across you." Rarity let out a giggle. She had heard all about the 'curse' that Rubble had. "I've been working on a new line of fashion for her. Some that doesn't lose its shape or get completely destroyed when she sneezes." Rarity had an idea in her head that Blueblood was more interested in Rubble's kind than her own but wasn't going to let the cat out of the bag just yet. "She is a pretty interesting case, but at least now I know two gender swapping ponies." She giggled a bit louder this time. Now was the perfect time to talk about her gender-bending work she had done for Rubble, or even to talk about her young model Valen, Gilded Lilly, who simply cross dressed for the moment. 

 

"But tell me Blueblood, other than this gender-swapping. Whats going on in your life recently, since we haven't really talked about you much on this date." Rarity smiled as politely as possible. Snowball came back with a refill on their coffees.

 

"Can I get you two anything else?" Snowball was clearly still confused about Blueblood but was trying to play it off cool. The store was getting rather busy now but luckily the two still had almost half the cafe to themselves.

 

"Oh, I would like just a single serving of your Rose Petal Tea please." Rarity asked very politely. Nothing cleaned the pallet as good as a nice relaxing mix of herbs, honey, tea leaves, and rose petals.

 

"And for you?" Snowball asked towards Blueblood, trying to be the best hostess ever.

[Blueblood]

Oho, so it seemed that Rarity was training, if not a successor, a lieutenant of sorts in her fashion enterprise.  One whom she was willing to give quite a lot of creative autonomy to as well, which spoke highly of Coco's talents.  Rarity had struck Blueblood very early on as a mare with high standards, in pretty much every aspect of her life, including dates, but this was especially true of her fashion work.  Encouraging another pony to take more credit, however, was unusual in this business, from what he knew.  Much more likely that a high-placed fashionista would grab as much or more creative credit as they were entitled to.  "Coco Pommel... I shall endeavor to remember that name."  He nodded, finishing his coffee as he washed down the last bite of croissant.

 

"Oh yes, Rubble."  Blueblood was glad that there was at least one other pony with his condition, and for that matter, his general attitude towards it.  It made him feel less singular, as well as making it easier to explain to other ponies.  "Prefers the name Dust'n Debris when a stallion.  And I have to say, I'd appreciate getting word when you do complete those designs; I may be in the market for something that I could wear during a transition myself.  Fancy dress is form-fitting these days, but if you change form while wearing it at, say, the Grand Galloping Gala, there's a bit of a scene.  I'm not sure why, but ponies looked more askance at a stallion wearing a dress than a stallion turning into a mare."  It might have been that the tabloids had gotten used to Bluebelle, or simply wore out the story, before the pictures from this latest Gala revived it again.

 

That led smoothly into the next topic, though Blueblood paused to order a cup of green tea with lemon.  Another good palate cleanser, and one that could demonstrate the transition in reverse.  It had to be actual tea, not herbal, but the color didn't necessarily matter.  After Snowball had taken both their orders, the Prince returned to the conversation.  "Funny you ask that; quite a bit's been going on, personally and professionally.  To take the latter first, I've been trying to take a more active political and diplomatic role.  Having been at ground zero during both the changeling invasions and the caribou raid on the Crystal Empire, not to mention every other magical villain that's been going at us for the past few years..."  He sighed, slumping slightly as the burdens of state and responsibility, put off for a morning, rested once more on his shoulders.  "The world is less stable than it used to be.  We need as many friends as we can get across the world, and not just in high places, either.  I've begun to see what scarcity and hunger can drive a population to do, and I'm trying now, in concert with a few like-minded ponies of wealth and position, to alleviate that situation where we can.  We've started in Whitescar; since a lot of the raiding the Viking Caribou do originates from the fact that they can hardly eat, otherwise.  Opening investment and trade seems to be the best way to stabilize the situation."

 

He stretched out, trying to shake the burden from his metaphorical yoke as he shifted from the professional to the personal.  "As for the other... well!  For one, I've finally found a mare that I have real, and reciprocated, affection for."  Aha!  Here was an opportunity for Rarity to see just what was Blueblood's type, as he was now pulling some photographs from his jacket pocket.  And from what they depicted, the Prince's type seemed to be... Amazon, for lack of a better term.

 

The first picture of the series was a frankly intimidating looking pegasus mare, with stoic expression, dressed in heavy Royal Guard armor, with a tall tower shield across her back.  If the scale with the background objects was correct, she was of comparable size to Big Macintosh, if not slightly taller, with enough solid muscle on her frame to enable her to wrestle a caribou on equal terms.  The second picture depicted the same mare in the somewhat more decorative armor of the House Platinum Honor Guard, the Prince's own personal guards.  A bit more of her frame was revealed, showing that while she was built mainly of solid muscle, her build was definitely carved into a feminine shape.  Just on a larger scale than most mares.  One could get a sense of her wingspan in this photo as well, which was enormous.  It rather had to be, considering the effort needed for her to get airborne.

The third and final picture was actually a news clipping, depicting her and Blueblood dancing at last year's Grand Galloping Gala.  Apparently, this was the incident he was referring to earlier, as the stallion was depicted as wearing a dress that had clearly been designed for a mare.  As for the other mare, it was hard to make out, but there was definitely a crack in her stoic expression, and a small nosebleed as well.  This was when he had discovered that, a: his marefriend had a thing for stallions in dresses, and b: she looked amazing when in a tailored dress of her own.  The flowing white silk made her look a near-Olympian figure, a goddess descended to awe the mortals of Equestria.

 

"Star Crusader."  Blueblood gave her name in the hushed and dreamy tone of the besotted.

[AlisonRose]

 

Rarity looked at the photos in wonder, it was very interesting that Blueblood would be interested in someone like this.

 

"Well I can say she is very pretty, and well toned for sure." Rarity nodded her head pushing the photos back towards Blueblood. Well, if that was the kind of pony he was interested in than it didn't really bother her that she wasn't 'his type.' She giggled softly to herself with that.

 

"I'm glad to see that you and a few others are working together to solve the problem." She was quite interested in this since she had been pen pals with one of these Caribou, but that was a story for another time that wasn't just breakfast and talking. "If you need any assistance from me you know how to get a hold of me." Rarity flipped her mane from her face. It really was nice to see that Blueblood was doing well and doing good things with his power and wealth. Rarity started to fumble with her hooves a bit, she was honestly nervous about all this now. She knew that Blueblood wouldn't be the one that she takes to her special trip, but to know that he had so easily moved on beyond her and found a mare, a guard mare, to be with was something that she never thought would have been possible. Having been around him this time was for sure a much better experience than it was previous.

 

"Well, it was great to catch back up with you Blueblood." Rarity looked outside seeing that it was almost time for her to get back to work. "But alas, I have to get back to the boutique, I have a few clients that I'm meeting with for a fashion show in Canterlot in two weeks." She let out a sigh, she didn't like talking about actual work with ponies but rather the products. "Thank you for your time Blueblood. Maybe we can do this again sometime soon. Oh and if you would like I can get you and your mare friend tickets to the show. I'll be showing off Dust N Debris and his new attire." Rarity bowed her head to him as she waved down Snowball to get the bill.

[Blueblood]

Blueblood was glad that Rarity could see Star's beauty; it wasn't surprising, considering her entire business was built upon finding and bringing out the unique beauty in everypony she met.  He smiled, putting the photos back as he said, "Thank you.  If I think of any way you can help, I shall be sure to let you know.  Although, in an odd way, you have already."  He mused, resting his elbow on the table and his chin on his hoof as he continued, "I know our first date was horrible, but ultimately, it turned out for the best.  Were I not so humiliated, I wouldn't have made what efforts I could to be a better stallion.  And, well, when I saw you come into the Canterlot scene, I couldn't help but reflect that you looked much happier to be there in your own right, than you probably would be as somepony else's plus one.  Especially mine."  

 

The Prince chuckled, watching as Snowball returned with the tea.  This time, he made sure to take his first sip in front of her, so that the cafe owner could see his transformation into Bluebelle with her own eyes.  Not that her confusion was likely to be lessened from that show, but it would at least clear up one question.  The Princess sipped, and sighed happily at the delicate, delicious flavor of the tea.  "You do that very well."  She complimented Snowball, turning back to Rarity.

 

"I would love to come myself, and I think Star would too; at least, I know she would like me to introduce you!  And as one of the few attendees there who might actually be planning a large purchase, well!  I'd be foolish not to."  She smiled, feeling that their get-together was wrapping up.  "Good luck with the rest of your morning.  I must say, I am really glad that we had time to meet, and catch up.  As well as clear things up."

[AlisonRose]

 

Rarity left some bits on the table and with a wave and a huge grin left the cafe. Overall this was a good meeting for her, she not only got to meet a new client but had a great time reconnecting with somepony that she actually considered her friend now. With all that he had said and that they had talked about Rarity was sure that the rest of her day would be smooth sailing. While it was true that Bluebelle wasn't interested in being her full out date for the special event she didn't take offense to that, how could she when this date went so well. She agreed with herself that it could have gone much worse and in fact feared that it would end a lot like their 'date' at the Gala. Luckily neither was true and they were both able to enjoy themselves. Once back to the Boutique Rarity began her work again on the next set of her gender-bending fashion show line up, with an unexpected double in clients she figured now would be the best time while the thought was fresh in her mind.

 

[[OOC: End date with Blueblood  Thank you!]]

 

Another day, another date. This seemed to be Rarity's life right now, not that she was going to complain. It was a touch rainy today however, thanks Rainbow Dash, but Rarity wasn't going to let that stop her. Today she wore a simple blue jacket that had navy blue buttons on it, just thick enough to stop the cold bite of the rain. She also had adorned one of her many hats to keep the rain off her mane and face. Recalling from memory of the list that she had kept of her morning dates, next on the list was none other than Discord. Oh great, what sort of chaos would this morning entail? Rarity kept her hopes high as she threw her curls from her face. To be honest, this would be the first time that her and Discord actually sat down together for any length of time with it just being the two of them. Speaking of Discord, he should be arriving anytime soon/

[RexDraco]

After a fair a few incidents the mailpony had grown used to the discombobulated nature of the spirit's realm. While not advanced madness in the least, there was still a great deal of  anxiety that came with traversing a world one may very well never return from. Mail was sporadic, a treat at best. His letters were oft left with Fluttershy or at Friendship Castle if there was no urgency to them. So when he found it on his doorstep it seemed quite odd of all the mail he did receive, twas an advert. At least it seemed at first. Having received the bit of curious marketing he settled to read it with some afternoon tea.

 

At his main table he floated just above his stool, hindlegs crossed daintily as he held his saucer in his paw and the cup ever delicately floating just over his claws motioning his digits to roll the tiny, porcelain dish he open the letter. "What in the Stars…?" He brows arched, sugar cubes diving into his drink as the sugar bowl floated by. "My, my. This breathes opportunity! I do love a good party!" He was hardly invited to those!

 

He wondered why. He was an exceptional showpony and knew all the social etiquette, even if he did not follow them to the book. He would write back, seeking to partake in this little game. He did not think Rarity would be so -- open minded. Even if she declined he would partake anyway, because he had interest. One way or another he would snoop about. He was a meddler by nature. Dissent and disorder, after all. Parties were just controlled pockets of chaos as far as he was concerned. It was a great surprise that he was penned back with a date and time -- as he sent the reply.

 

"Oh bother is my watch moving fast again." He took out his pocket watch from a space in his feathers and gave the crown a few reverse twists to ensure the stately leisure of the straining arms. "Well I don't want to be late."

 

It was inconceivable to any mortal how time flowed in his realm between Ponyville, or how he flowed in general. For all any pony knew he received the later weeks ago and answered it tomorrow, only for the request to arrive on the day. It was best to just not process the idea. It saved one a headache. Speaking of headgear -- he remembered it was going to be a rainy day according to the forecast, that and his Rainbow Dash senses were tingling. An umbrella hat appeared atop his noggin, his horns managing to not skewer through it. 

 

It took him a moment to brush down his feathers and comb back his mane, but to add he wore the tie gifted to him by the mare. One mustn't forget you need to look sharp when going out on dates. Not that he really saw them beyond having a grand old time with friends. He would appear at the Boutique's front door, raising a paw to knock, but he halted. Blinking he warped inside to the entry way.

 

"I almost forgot myself and knocked." He was dripping wet. Despite the umbrella cap he was much too long for that to matter.

 

The umbrella cap vanished as he stretched out and gave himself a squeeze, coiling up as if he were a towel. Rolling up like a curtain his body seemed to contort and shrink. He was dripped dry,  and snapped our before floofing out due to the process. "Hmm." He smoothed his feathers down, floating just off the ground. "Good morning. Bit dreary today, don't you think?" He gave a chuckle, adjusting his tie.

 

He really liked it and appreciated the gift but wouldn't say much about it. Dishonest with himself he regularly puffed out his chest to show it off, forelimbs folded behind his back.
 

[AlisonRose]

 

The first thing Rarity noticed of the chaos noodle was that he was wearing the tie she had made for him. 

 

"Well hello Discord." Rarity started looking up at him with a grin. "Ah yes, Rainbow Dash said she had to get the 'morning storm' out of the way and 'couldn't change the weather just for me' but its fine, I quite like the sound the rain makes as it hits the windows while I work." Rarity let out a soft sigh and closed her eyes as she listened for a moment. She had been thinking about this morning all day, what would they do, where would they go, was there going to be a huge crowed taking pictures of them making tabloids about them? Either way she was going to push all thoughts to the back of her head and let this morning play out as it willed itself to.

"Had you thought about what you wanted to happen this morning?" She peaked her eyebrows at him, surely he was the avatar of chaos, he had thought about several things happening but Rarity was only interested in where he had thought this pre-date would go.

[RexDraco]

Summer showers weren't generally a bad thing. Sometimes staying inside during a storm could be comforting, or even productive. There was something soothing about this sort of weather, not that Discord would know. Weather occurrences were just a bit to typical. Rain fell down. Why not have it fall up, or have it rain chocolate milk? A bit sticky but it was at least delicious. While there was no non-interference clause with the weather, as it wasn't something as horrifying and terrible as warping reality -- he suppsoed he shouldn't go around making Rainbow Dash's work even harder. After all his pink clouds were a little too obvious and were not an easy clean up. He'll leave it be for now.
 

The spirit would make sure that his feathers were properly smoothed down, goatee at proper coif before turning to Rarity as she went on about the weather. "Well I wouldn't mind changing it for you." While he said so with a gentle tone, there was a tickle of mischievousness behind it.

 

One knew full well he would do it for the sake of causing such roguery. And if an Element of Harmony did bequeath such a thing who was he to deny it? The way he slinked around her when he made the he suggestion did infer, given the chance, he would stir up a bit of trouble. While not out to harm any pony or cross a line that would potentially anger his friends... he did still love to play pranks. Definitely a danger if he and Pinkie Pie were left to their own devices together. There would be a deluge of chocolate milk! After he made a good circle around her he moved to settle in front of her, leaning back in the air. Always one to be dramatic he let out a long sigh. 

 

His claw settled against his dark brown coat as his paw waved dismissively. "But if you prefer to be wet and frizzy," Think of the humidity! "Perhaps we can go for a little stroll. Staying inside during such weather seems a bit dreary don't you think? Besides the rain brings out all sorts of interesting things." He gave a wink before blinking out of existence for a moment.

 

When he reappeared he had galoshes on his hinds and a yellow raincoat and cap to match. Lowering to the ground he stood in front of Rarity. When he stood at his full height it was sometimes a bit surprising given his coily and bouncy nature. When standing flat on the ground he did certainly have a confounding build. How he stood balance on a hoof and talon of different lengths was beyond comprehendible, so was the different length in his forelimbs. He was a discombobulated mess to be sure, but he was him. If he was anything but what he was now he would no longer be Discord, a draconequus, whatever such entailed. Discord was Discord and there really wasn't anything strange at all about him, at least when compared to him. He had a range of predictability in that he was unpredictable so it was quite easy to counter any of his games or insufferable temptations.

He manifested an umbrella as he leaned forward so it would catch his tilt like a cane. His forepaw/claw leaned heavily against it, that red tail curled behind him to counter balance. "I think the park would be lovely. You aren't very far from it either. Have you ever seen the fountain during a shower? Water on water, the way it warps in the air as they collide in a maddening attempt to escape gravity." He did have some peculiar aesthetic, but such a thing did sound pleasant.

 

He tossed the umbrella back, catching it in his tail as the handle hooked over the front knob, pushing it open. It wasn't a heavy shower, thank goodness, and it did abate some of the heat. He twirled and back-stepped, his parasol warping back into his paw. The canopy popped open with but a flick of his wrist and he dipped his head, the door being held open for the mare by his tail. The moment he opened the door there was a gentle, earthy scent in the air that made a pony remember there was much more than just living and working indoors. The muted pitter patter had amplified with the opened door: the rhythmic trickling of rain almost hypnotic.

 

"Oh, and I have a lovely idea for a dish I wanted you to try. Perhaps we could also pick up a few things in market while we are out." After a long walk a snack would be dandy.

[AlisonRose]

 

Rarity knew what he meant by 'change it' and with her luck he would simply make it rain pink floppy fish or something. Rarity couldn't risk angering Rainbow Dash, but then came the part of the frizz, oh did she hate frizz. Rarity narrowed her eyes at him and ruffled her muzzle.

 

"Don't you dare change it mister." She spoke, "I actually find the rain relaxing the way it is. Besides, if we are going for a walk at least the rain will keep us cool." Rarity moved to the front window of the Boutique and turned the sign from 'Open' to 'Closed' with a little note saying that she would be back soon and not to fret. "Well then darling, where did you want to walk to?" She stretched out her front legs and arched her back. She was clearly ready for whatever today had in store, or so she thought.

 

"And might I say that yellow is not a color for you." She let out a soft chuckle. "Your pallet seems to be rather eclectic but you should try out something in a more red or blue. Something like a garnet, jam, or currant for the reds. Lapis, cobalt, and admiral for the blues." She nodded her head a few times as she trotted over to the door and opened it. She would gladly make him a set of storm clothes if he had none other than the atrocious ones that he had on now.

 

"Well then," Rarity started, "shall we?" she said with a grin on her face and a hoof waved out the door. She was going to give him a fair shake that was for sure but she would be on her guard for any of his 'tricks' or 'jokes.'

[RexDraco]

Spoiler

 

 

The spirit would give a sly grin at her admonishing him. He could not help his nature, the cheeky beast grinning, eyes pinching up as he floated about. Nothing would be wrong with a bit of chocolate rain, though can one imagine what it would do to the water supply? Well aside from make it delicious. Though he hadn't the foggiest that Rarity liked the rain. He would think such a promp and primp pony wouldn't dare partake in any aberrant weather! It gave him cause to laugh. So he learns a little bit more about her, hmm? The rain was -- nice, were he to admit it, though he never would aloud. Thunder was on his list of things that didn't need to exist, the rowdy sound only doing to irritate his sensitive hearing and sense of balance. The sudden booms really did to obscure his ability to keep at a level float.

 

Luckily with the gentle rains outside there was no need to worry about the sounds. It would be too embarrassing any way! 

 

At her comment he pressed his paw to his raincoat. "And what is wrong with yellow?" How rude he was rather partial to yellow, and not because his main forelimbs were! "Jam? That is hardly a color, more so a dessert."

 

Okay maybe that was the reason. He wasn't troubled by her observation, he just liked to think he was much better when it came to colors. After all there was none brighter and more fantastic than the spirit of chaos. He looked down to his outfit, questioning. Spinning around, as if chasing his tail he would ponder. Well if he were to match Rarity for the day blue would be more fitting. There was no need to call attention to himself with reds. Lapis would do, and he right did look like a proper gentlepony in the new shade. So it was fitting... you win this round little fashionista pony. Adjusting his rain hat he moved over to exit out. The first thing he did was glance up to make sure there was no lightning or thunder. He moved to the side to let Rarity step out.

 

He had remembered something a friend had told him. While begrudged to do so the spirt lowered to his hind legs and would walk along. He had been told that being on the ground made you closer to ponies. He folded his forelimbs over his chest and led her toward the park. He was glad it wasn't a great distance. Walking was difficult for him... annoying. Though he wasn't too annoyed. At least he was with a friend. Though he was not very good with small talk. He tended to go off on tangents that were unappealing to the usual crowd. He reached out his paw to poke her hat. 

 

"I've gotten this week's fashion magazine. So you've got something new coming up? You know if I could make a suggestion you should start doing custom work for ponies like me." He wasn't a pony, no? "Well half pony. Finding shoes to fit size one hooves is very difficult!" He raised his goat leg and hobbled forward, grinning. "I hear they are promoting your new line in Canterlot. Or was that a dirty rumor. If you ever need a partner I have some lovely fashion designs in mind." He was a big tease, but if Rarity did ask he would probably help.

 

He was a brat not a monster. 

 

Entering the park was like entering a whole other world, but this time it was not the magic of the draconequus. Many ponies stayed in best they could, but a select few seemed to enjoy a walk in the rain, umbrellas and raincoats in spades. It was not something anypony could market, because there were not enough words to describe it. Komebori -- it was the way the sunlight seemed to dapple through the trees on a sunny day, for even with the cloud cover Celestia's sun was as bright as ever, rays and speckles of it painting the cobblestone paths through the dense park. As the rain fell pon the earth the scent of petrichor filled the air. Because much of the rain evaporated in the air before it hit the ground, the few precious that did would create a rhythmic tapping, like the dancing of faeries upon the surface of a pond. Everything seemed to have taken a soft sheen, glistening against what bit of sun they could grasp as the filtered light passed through the silver clouds above. The distant rumble of thunder caused the spirit to stiffen, wings flexing out as he glared at the cloudforms behind them. Snorting he continued forward with her.

 

"You know this is perhaps the first time I really spend my time with you intimately." Typically he was with the group, and more so, just with Fluttershy. Not having a group to address his ego would probably help keep him calm, but it wouldn't make him not weird.