74Disclaimer: Reading "A Journey Beyond Sanity" beforehand would be helpful in providing a better idea of Stardust's character. This presents the multiple ideas of what happened if he ended up with a different pony - or something else - altogether instead of someone in particular in AJBS. Enjoy!
"And remember Spike, I want these delivered posthaste. It is a must they arrive to the post before the evening closes. It would be just dreadful to ponder on the consequences otherwise."
The poor dragon, lifting God knows how many packaged boxes of clothing, only nodded, straining to speak with a small confident grin. "Sure thing Rarity... I won't let you down!"
"Good." Rarity beamed satisfactory, opening the door for the struggling dragon to walk through. "Do be careful with handling those; those are delicate specifically chosen fabric after all. I know I can count on you Spikey-wikey!"
Shaking my head as the dragon left, I looked at Rarity in slight amusement. "You know, you could've let me help him."
The fashioner scoffed lightly. "And allow you to sneak off without working on that untamed forest you call a mane? A valiant try, darling, but one I shan't let you get away with so easily." Well, it was worth a shot. The mare then un-subtly began pushing me back into the next room, more than eager to get to work with my hair.
Although sometimes, I ponder why she even bothers.
"Still, can't believe you're taking advantage of Spike's feelings like that."
"'Advantage?'" Rarity suddenly halted, and glanced at me with slightly appalled blue eyes. "You don't think that low of me, do you Stardust?"
"Sorry, should have phrased it better." I grinned humouredly. "I meant Spike has clear obvious feelings for you. And the way you praise and bat your eyelids at him implies you're benefiting from his affections."
"Not at all!" The white unicorn quickly responded, before dragging me into the next room, a dressing table waiting for us. "I would hardly resort to such despicable means for self-gain. You know that. Spike willingly offers his services all the time, who am I to turn down such eager assistance?" Rarity looked at me. "Rest assured I hold no intent on making any benefits to myself regarding Spike's feelings."
"...Glad to hear it." She smiled brightly after my tone of relief, finally releasing me to set everything up. It was admirable, Rarity was often focused on her work as Twilight was. "Sorry for the accusation, I'm just looking out for my brother is all."
"Oh not at all, that fact you regard Spike as family is touching enough." Rarity than sent a weird loving gaze, batting her eyes at me for some reason, smile softening. "Still, I consider Spike's affections to be awfully adorable... And yet, sometimes I feel bad for him. Guilty even."
I nodded. I can guess why. Child crushes for teenagers are always a lost cause. They're cute to witness, sure, but even I have a hard time excusing myself whenever Spike requested I help him earn Rarity's affections. Poor kid, Hell, even Twilight would struggle slightly in busying herself whenever Spike asked for her help as well, or any of ther others. No one had the heart to give the hopeful dragon a harsh reality on life.
"Don't be. It's not his fault he's attracted to you. Even I wouldn't blame him." Blue eyes blinked in surprise, prompting my shrug. "Hell, surprised there aren't many stallions at your front door right now just to see you." What with all that makeup, classy personality and whatnot.
Fake coughing into her hoof, Rarity grinned, but even I could tell she was nervous. For what reason? "That's very flattering of you darling, but we should work on fixing that mane of yours. Do you have a preferred style this time?"
Knowing long ago that battling against this mare for keeping my hair and facial hair how I preferred was a lost cause, I sighed slightly with a small smile. "Surprise me. The results are always brilliant." This time, the mare looked away, a small red hue on her features. Rarity? Blushing? I knew she was bashful at times, but she often took compliments in stride and elegance.
Was she alright?
"You really think so?"
"Undoubtedly." Was my response to the rather meek question. Seriously, what has gotten into her? "Although, sometimes I wonder why you even bother."
Finally, large blue eyes looked at me curiously. "How do you mean darling?"
Well, since we're discussing this. "I mean why always come to me, to fix my mane. Not that I don't enjoy spending time with you, Rarity, but you're a fashioner, let's be real here, not a hairdresser. What's the point?"
"The point, my dear Stardust, is to make you look more presentable."
"But why?"
"So others could see just how handsome our brave Earth Pony really is." Rarity approached slowly upon saying this, tone lowering somewhat and eyes reflecting an emotion I couldn't quite decipher. "The same stallion who fought an Ursaminor, grown up dragon and a hydra. Who gave Spike the credit for rescuing me from those dreadful Diamond Dogs. And who defended my honour at the night of the Grand Galloping Gala. A mane often defines a pony, you know, and I'd rather see the true persona of the stallion who would do anything to help his friends."
I frowned. The atmosphere beginning to feel rather tense, and something was beginning to bubble from the pit of my stomach. There was something about Rarity's meaningful expression that tipped me off. "But you know I don't care what other people- ponies think about me."
She nodded. "And I do."
"But why-?"
My question was cut off by something light brushing against my muzzle, body sent into sudden shock while my brain worked to sink in what was happening right now. Rarity, the fashionista of Ponyville, crush of Spike's, one of my friends, was kissing me. A pony, making out with a human. Granted a human who's in the form of a pony, but a human nonetheless. It should feel bad... Yet, I was feeling something else. Without realizing, my own mouth was kissing her back.
Eventually breaking the kiss, we both breathed in and out slowly, the mare simply responding with a shy yet pleased smile, "That's why. Does that satisfy your curiosity enough, darling?"
"...I think I owe Spike a massive apology." Was my sheepish reply, grinning like an idiot. I'll make this up to the dragon, somehow...
Well, this explained the constant invitations to her place...
With a small giggle, which sounded like it was in amusement, bliss and relief, Rarity proceeded to drag my stunned body towards the table. "Come now. No special somepony of mine will continue treating his mane and beard with such poor care." I didn't even bother fighting back, my body and mind was inexplicably eager to do my 'special somepony' requested.
AN: A new chapter will be posted once every month, pairing of various characters with Stardust each. If you have any plausible pairings for him in mind, please let me know. But as I said, plausible. Meaning not every single character ever made in the show or EQG.
Next time: Flutterdust! Until then!
