Archive of Our Own

Rarity stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her hair one last time with a meticulous hand.

She was currently in the school bathroom. Thankfully, the ladies restroom was far more tidy than the mens. Rarity has only heard horror stories from Flash Sentry - and she'd much rather it stay that way, to be honest.

As Rarity re-applied her lip-gloss, she sighed, the sound heavy with the weight of her thoughts.

Well... Ever since school started back up, she's felt a trifle more.. Isolated than usual.

It wasn’t just the lack of social gatherings; it was the feeling that her friends were slipping through her fingers like grains of sand. "Oh, what is wrong with me?" She muttered to herself, frowning at her reflection as she put her lip-gloss away, examining herself in the mirror. "I am absolutely delightful! Who wouldn’t want to spend time with me?"

..Exactly! Rarity is an absolute wonder to spend time with. Or, at least, in her opinion, she is. And let's be honest - when is Rarity ever wrong?!

(Lots of times. But we don't talk about that.)

With a determined huff, Rarity grabbed her phone and marched out of her room. She'll prove those ridiculous thoughts wrong, and she'll go out with her friends right today. 

Yes. Already she has decided that today would be the day to reach out to her friends. After all, they had to be missing her just as much as she was missing them. After all, who could ever live without the Rarity Belle?

As she walked down the hallway of Canterlot High, she spotted Sunset Shimmer leaning against a locker, scrolling idly through her phone.

Rarity’s heart lifted, as she viewed it as an opportunity.

It must be destiny! She thought, as she marched towards the girl.

"Sunset!" She called, waving her arms excitedly. "Do you want to join me at that new café after school? I hear their pastries are simply divine!" She exclaimed, as she stopped when she finally stood right next to Sunset.

Sunset looked up from her phone, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she hesitated. "Oh, um…" She cleared her throat, looking away. "I... actually have plans. I’m busy," she replied, shifting her weight awkwardly. "Sorry, Rarity."

Rarity’s heart sank a little, but she quickly brushed it off. Just a mere bump in the road, nothing more. "Oh, no worries at all! Another time, then!" She smiled.

"Uh, yeah, definitely." Sunset nodded, but for some reason, Rarity couldn't decipher her tone of voice. Sunset gave a small smile, before walking off.

Rarity waved goodbye as Sunset walked away. "..Yes. Another time." she muttered to herself, determination rising within her.

Later that day, Rarity had left the Carousel Boutique - the place she works after school - during her break to head over to that new café. She decided that she would try some sort of drink there, to provide her with more energy for the rest of her work.

...However, as she entered, Rarity found herself looking around, and as her eyes latched onto a certain someone, she felt her heart drop.

There she was, Sunset, inside, laughing with Twilight Sparkle. They were deep in conversation, seeming to be excitedly sketching on a piece of paper, about something that Rarity couldn't quite see.

"I've never gotten to do anything like this before... Oh, this is so much fun!" Twilight grinned, and was met by a laugh from Sunset.

Would of been far more fun with me involved. Rarity found herself thinking, before shaking her head. Stop - it is rude. She told herself.

Rarity then felt a pang of confusion.

Why would she lie to me? Rarity wondered, her expression falling into a frown. Then, she vigorously shook her head. No, no, she probably just thought she was busy at the time! It must be a complete fluke - Sunset just must've gotten in wrong by accident, is all.

Everything is perfectly fine.

The next day, after school, Rarity had no work to do at the Carousel Boutique, so she found herself lounging in her home. Her parents were out, and Sweetie Belle was spending some time with Applebloom and Scootaloo - as she often did these days.

Then, as Rarity scrolled through her contacts, she felt that jolt of determination again. Her outing with Sunset didn't work - so perhaps someone else?

She scrolled down and down through her many, many contacts (after all... Many people must want to be friends with her!) before stopping at Fluttershy. Surely, Fluttershy must have some time to spare? Maybe Rarity could design some sort of dashing outfit for her animal friends.

Once again determined, Rarity pressed the call button, and waited. After several rings, Fluttershy answered, her voice sounding a little too distracted. "Oh, uhm, hi, Rarity." She said softly into the phone.

"Salutations, my darling, I was wondering if you would like to join me for a little outing? Just a fun get-together!" Rarity’s voice was bright, though strangely, she felt a tight knot forming in her chest. Frowning, she shook her head, as if to shake any bad thoughts away.

"Uh... Uhm..." There was a long pause, until it seemed that Fluttershy had taken the phone away from her ear.

Rarity could hear a slight chatter in the background, as if Fluttershy was speaking to someone. They had a rather high-pitched voice, so the only answer could be Pinkie Pie. However, Rarity couldn't hear what they were actually saying.

There was another noise, and then, instead of hearing Fluttershy, Rarity was met with the voice of Pinkie Pie instead.

"Sorry, Rarity, but me and Fluttershy are super-duper busy with some art and crafts right now! But totally another time! See ya later-gator!"

Before Rarity could even answer, the call ended with a click.

Rarity slowly brought her phone away from her ear, and stared at it.

She the knot tighten in her chest.

"...Fair enough." She muttered.

Just busy.

Days turned into a week, and Rarity felt like she was walking a tightrope, teetering on the edge of despair.

But... No! She absolutely refuses to let this get to her! They're probably just pranking her, or something. Or perhaps they all really are just busy.

Or maybe they just don't want to see you in particular.

Hearing that, Rarity paused.

That voice was somehow exactly like hers, but nothing like hers all at the same time.

Rarity clenched her fists. No, this simply won't do! Anyone who wouldn't want to see the amazing Rarity Belle must be horribly ill! She stubbornly told herself.

This time Rarity decided to reach out to Rainbow Dash. Out of all the people in their friend group, surely Rainbow Dash must have some free time on her hands?

So, during lunch, Rarity made her way out towards and past the bleachers, as she spotted Rainbow Dash on the field, kicking a football up and down.

"Rainbow, dear!" Rarity called out, waving as she made her way closer to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash dropped the ball, before picking it up and holding it with a tilt, raising a questioning brow.

"Greetings! I was wondering if you would like to hang out somewhere after school, or.. Any time at all. We could go anywhere! Your choice entirely." She asked with forced enthusiasm and a touch of desperation.

"Uh... Uh..." Rainbow Dash suddenly started stammering, looking left and right.

Rarity blinked.

"Uh... No-can-do! Can’t! Got a, uh.. Football game! Yeah. Anyway... Gotta dash!" Rainbow Dash gave a short-lived grin, before shooting off past Rarity.

Rarity was quiet.

"But there’s no game today…" she whispered, but Rainbow was already gone.

She felt the weight of loneliness settle on her shoulders like a heavy cloak as she stood alone in the field.

She can't really be that annoying to spend time with, right? She does know that she can be quite the theatric person, but... Is that not enjoyable? The emotion? The drama? Do people just dislike it?

...

Or do people just dislike her?

Rarity clenched her fists.

...No! Perhaps Rainbow Dash is speaking about a different football game after school.

Yes.. That must be it!

And, just to confirm her own thoughts (which, by the way, is most definitely right!) she'll follow Rainbow Dash after school.

...

What? It's a normal thing to do.

And, yes, after school, Rarity found herself creeping along the hallways and hiding behind corners as Rainbow Dash swerved through.

Rarity's eyebrows furrowed, as she willed herself to persevere. As Rainbow Dash left through the front doors of the school, Rarity carefully followed after, trying to blend in with the crowd.

Rainbow Dash strutted up to a motorbike, and waiting there for her was Fluttershy.

Fluttershy greeted Rainbow Dash with a shy smile and a wave. "Hi, Rainbow Dash.. Are you ready to go?"

Rarity's eyes narrowed, as she continued watching from a distance, straining her ears to listen closer.

Rainbow Dash raised a brow. "Yeah, but are you?" She smirked, leaning on her motorbike. "I'm sure you can find it in you to trust me on this bike, amiright?"

"Uh..." Fluttershy murmured, and hummed for a moment. "Well.. I'm just not quite sure if it's all that necessary, Rainbow Dash. The store is only just down the road..."

The store?

"Aw, come on! It won't be that bad!" Rainbow Dash said confidently, already strapping a helmet to her head. "You in?"

"Well, I.. I'm just not so sure." Fluttershy smiled slightly.

"If we drive, we'll get there earlier than the others, and then that'll give us some time to look at the animal section...?" Rainbow Dash said with a tilt of her head.

Fluttershy's eyes noticeably lit up, and though hesitating for a moment, she took a step forward. "Oh, well.. I suppose it won't be too bad." She smiled a little, and Rainbow Dash already began to help her put her helmet on.

Rainbow Dash sat in front, whilst Fluttershy sat behind her, holding onto her waist.

Fluttershy tilted her head. "Just please make sure to not go too fast, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I got it!"

Rainbow Dash proceeded to race down the road, towards the city street.

Rarity watched as the figures of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy on the motorbike began to get further and further away.

Surely this can't be true. Surely Rainbow Dash just must have some time before her 'football game' begins, right? And she's just deciding to spend it at the store.

..She did say something about there going to be others, though..

Others, as in.. Their friends?

And not Rarity?

The knot that has formed in Rarity's chest began to tighten further.

Rarity didn't know how long she had been standing there, frozen. But the next moment felt suddenly loud, as if she had just emerged from underwater.

"Taxi!" Rarity heard herself calling out, as she waved a hand daintily.

...

"TAXI!!"

A taxi drove up next to her, and Rarity jumped in hastily.

"Money first." The driver said gruffly, holding out her palm.

"Yes, yes." Rarity sighed, throwing several dollar bills into the drivers hand. "Now, take me to the store, a-s-a-p!" She exclaimed, spelling out the letters. "It is an absolute emergency!" She shrieked.

"Yeah, okay." The driver mumbled, as she began to race off.

As Rarity sat back, pressed up against the window, she began to hug herself, trying to quench her feeling of dread.

No, she must be just overthinking this, is all...! Why would her own friends, that she's spent years with since childhood, want to shun her and abandon her like a dead trend?

Rarity exhaled through her nose. No. She will get to the bottom of this! Detective Inspector Rarity is now in motion!

"Stop here, stop here." Rarity hissed to the driver, as she saw the store come into view, as she huddled herself down against the seat and carefully tried to peek through the window.

"Uh... Is this some kinda stalker situation because I don't wanna get involved as a witness or something..." The driver said awkwardly.

"Great heavens, no!" Rarity gasped. "I am merely... Confirming something."

Rarity carefully lifted her head, trying to peer through the window and remain unnoticed.

Rarity watched as almost her whole friend group - Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight, exited the store, bags in hand. Only Applejack was absent.

"Shopping... Without me?" Rarity whispered.

"Look, lady, I've got other people to pick up, so can you just--"

"Hold on!" Rarity exclaimed, and continued to watch eagerly.

"Jeez, I'm glad we pulled this off." Rainbow Dash huffed, running a hand through her rainbow locks. "I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get Rarity off my tail."

Rarity's heart sank.

"Huh? What happened?" Sunset asked, as they all stood outside the store.

"She wanted to hang out, or something." Rainbow Dash sighed. "Good thing I got her off me, huh?"

Twilight smiled. "Yeah.. That wouldn't of gone well."

Rarity felt as if she had been shocked with an electric wave. Twilight? Really?

All Rarity could do was watch as they all laughed, and began to continue on their way down the road.

Rarity slumped back down in her seat, staring down.

What... What could this mean? Did her friends really dislike her so much that they couldn't even be up-front with her about it?

But... Where did she go wrong?

What about her behaviour could've possibly made her friends be so hesitant to spend time with her?

Rarity looked down at her hands, and didn't like how they began to shake.

"Just... Take me home, please." Rarity muttered.

The driver deadpanned. "I'm gonna need an address, lady."

Rarity slumped lower in her seat.

The next day, Rarity didn't bother trying to ask her friends if they wanted to hang out with her. She didn't seem the point - as they all seemed to be busy.

No - instead, she decided to try the one person who she still had an ounce of hope in.

She decided to visit Sweet Apple Acres, hoping to find comfort in her best friend, Applejack. Applejack has never failed her before, and if she doesn't want to be friends with her, then at least she might be up-front about it with her honestly.

As she approached the barn, she saw Applejack peek her head out from a window. Rarity waved brightly, only for Applejack to slam the window shut.

Arching an eyebrow, Rarity began to quicken her pace to get to the barn.

She saw Applejack run out the door, sprinting towards Rarity. Just as Rarity was about to step through the gate, Applejack but her hands on either side of the fences, blocking her way.

"Sorry Rarity, I can’t let you in. You best be heading back home," Applejack panted, looking at Rarity.

"But... But... But why?" Rarity's eyebrows furrowed.

"Busy."

That word felt like a stab to Rarity's heart.

Busy.

Always busy.

"Just go, okay?" Applejack insisted. "Sorry I can't hang out."

Rarity's bright expression fell. "...Right, yes, of course."

Instead of protesting, she murmured an apology and turned away, the feeling of rejection stinging deeper than any words could express.

Her parents didn't want her. Her friends didn't want her. Applejack didn't want her.

Who would ever want someone as vile as Rarity Belle?

"Even I wouldn't." Rarity found herself muttering, as she walked back home.

Days passed like shadows, and Rarity stopped trying.

She drifted through her life, feeling more and more invisible.

She stopped asking. She stopped spending time with them at lunch. After all, why force them to pretend to be friends with her? The least she could do is give them the space they so wanted.

She spent her lunches in the music room instead, idly pressing at the keys of the instrument she had played with The Rainbooms, when she was their keytarist. They still used to play things - but perhaps this works as a sort of resignation from Rarity.

After all. A keytarist is a rather useless part of a band, anyway.

Nobody needs them.

When they'd finally cross paths in class or in the hallways, her former friends would ask if she was okay, but she’d brush them off with a forced smile.

But days passed.

And slowly, slowly, she stopped pretending.

"Rarity, you've been seeming pretty distant lately, are you--"

Sunset had tried to confront her in the hallways, but Rarity had merely kept walking, ignoring the girl.

"Wh--Rarity...!"

She had heard her call after her.

But never did Rarity stop.

The days at school that seemed to pass by so quickly when she spent them with her friends just seemed to slow down into a miserable and melancholy repeat, like a tape stuck in a cycle.

On the inside, she felt like she was crumbling. The vibrant colors of her personality washed away, leaving behind a dull gray.

She didn't feel like herself anymore.

Every night, she'd lay in her bed, staring at the wall.

You've gotten so bloody miserable.

A voice would ring out. That same voice from before, that sounded both exactly and nothing like her.

You couldn't even find it in you to fight back. Instead, you just watched them. How pathetic you've gotten, hm?

The voice got louder and louder as the days passed.

She didn't know why her 'friends' still tried to speak to her in class and in the halls, or why they would try to find her at lunch and recess. They cannot seriously be so cruel as to lead her on like a lovesick puppy?

Your birthday is arriving soon.

The voice said.

Are you prepared to spend it alone?

"Woo, looks like our hard work paid off!" Applejack grinned, hands on her hips as she looked up and admired the grand spectacle before her.

They've been planning this whole birthday party for Rarity for weeks. They knew that with their friend's drama and theatrics that she deserved a grand ceremony of a party, and that's just what they were delivering.

But, because of it having to be a team effort, they've all sort of poured their lives into doing this after school.

...Only thing is, Applejack and the others have noticed how weird Rarity's been lately - and not weird in a disgusted way, weird as in a concerning way. She just.. Hasn't been like herself.

Man, Applejack really is worried for that girl.

"Yeah, finally! This parry is gonna rule!" Rainbow Dash's raspy voice exclaimed, pumping the air with her fist.

"Yeah, it's tomorrow, too. I'm sure Rarity will be really happy to see all of this...!" Twilight said with a smile, pushing her glasses up her nose.

"Definitely," Sunset nodded in agreement. "Now, I'm thinking we all head home and get some rest, yeah? We've got all of tomorrow to have fun." She grinned.

"Sounds like a plan." Applejack shrugged, though she was already home, so she wouldn't have to make any trips back to the more bustling area of Canterlot. "I'll see you guys later, okay?"

There was a chorus of responses from the other girls, as they all began to pool out of the door together, laughing and waving.

Applejack sighed, running a hand through her blonde hair as she turned to look at the extravagant decorations.

Rarity's sure to love all this.

It's Rarity's birthday.

The thought of celebrating alone made her feel sick.

School had already ended. At school, no one had even shown any signs of even knowing that it was her birthday. There were no happy birthday wishes, no gifts, nothing.

You're too narcissistic, Rarity. Do you really think you deserve gifts?

"...But--"

No buts, I know you understand. If you managed to drive all your childhood best friends away, including Applejack, I think it's clear what you really deserve.

Rarity's life got more and more mundane by the minute.

Currently, Sweetie Belle had instead chosen to go to play with Applebloom and Scootaloo. She wished Rarity happy birthday quickly, before leaving.

Her parents weren't here.

She was alone.

There was a lot that people could do when alone.

Like...

Like?

Rarity's thoughts were interrupted by a sharp glittery ding from her phone.

Uninterestedly, Rarity opened up her phone, the hope that she had always felt before gone.

Applejack 🍎💖

Applejack 🍎💖

Hey, Rarity! Get on over to Sweet Apple Acres, would you? We all gotta talk to you!!!

Rarity stared at the text, reading it over. She then proceeded to read it again. Again. And again. And again. And again.

She couldn't tell what exactly she was talking about. Was it to speak about the whole situation of them leaving her out of outings, and the like? To speak about their hidden hatred for her?

The voice grew louder, feeding her these horrible ideas of them possibly despising her.

Who wouldn't despise you?

Even you've grown to despise yourself over time.

Rarity left Applejack on read, and turned her phone off.

She needs to distract herself.

A walk will suffice.

Rarity left her house.

The sun shone brightly overhead, but Rarity felt cold and empty as she walked aimlessly along the road. With every step, she felt the weight of loneliness pressing down on her chest. The vibrant world around her seemed muted, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that her friends were better off without her.

They are better off without you. They're happier, clearly.

Why would you want to derive them of that happiness?

Rarity's eyes no longer had that shine in them. The formerly bright, transparent ocean-blue colour was muted to what looked more like a dark, opaque, murky lake.

Why bother?

"Where the hell is she?!"

It was like all hell had broke loose at Sweet Apple Acres.

Rarity never arrived. And it was late now. Really late.

Almost 11pm.

And all the girls were still there. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight Sparkle.

They had all rang and texted Rarity an excessive amount of times, each one more worried and panicked than the last.

At first, they had all soothed each other with the thought that Rarity may have just fallen asleep and was far too tired to have woken up yet - or that she had accidentally left her phone on silent, or something.

Only, Sweetie Belle returned to the barn saying that Rarity wasn't at home.

Even Big Mac had gotten involved, contacting other people that he knew - people that had younger brothers and sisters that went to school with Rarity - to see if they might have any knowledge on it.

"Call the Carousel Boutique, see if she's there." Sunset told Twilight, who nodded worriedly.

Even if she was - Rarity having her phone on silent was strange. Rarity always had her notifications on, and often got scolded in class for it. She always claimed to be ready for any new trends - and that's why she never had her phone on silent.

Applejack felt her heart thump in her chest, as all of them waited, watching Twilight.

"Oh, uhm, hello...?" Twilight said into the phone, and everyone seemed to lean in closer, listening intently. "Yeah, hi, uhm, my name is Twilight Sparkle, I'm Rarity Belle's friend...?" She said, and seemed to be waiting for a response.

...

"Yes! Great! You know Rarity!" Twilight laughed nervously. "Well, uhm, I'm just calling to ask - is Rarity still at the Carousel Boutique, or did she go anywhere else, or...?"

...

Twilight's expression seemed to fall, and everyone else exchanged glances.

"She... She never even went?"

Applejack's eyes grew wide, as she stepped back. Her and Rainbow Dash made eye contact, and the fear for their friend was clearly mutual.

Twilight swallowed. "...Thank you for your help."

She disconnected the call, and put the phone away.

"It's almost eleven o'clock at night - don't you think we should be calling the police by now or something??" Rainbow Dash huffed, crossing her arms. "We all knows she's been acting extra weird lately - and her not going to the boutique after school is crazy for Rarity!" She exclaimed.

"Alright, let's just calm down for a sec. The worst thing to do in a situation like this is lose our heads." Sunset said seriously, looking around at everyone. She then turned to Sweetie Belle - who was sitting on a sofa being consoled by Applebloom and Scootaloo (who had come over after hearing what happened) - the three of them far too restless from the situation to fall asleep. "Sweetie Belle - what about your parents? Could they know anywhere that Rarity might be?"

Sweetie Belle sniffed, shrugging. "Our parents are out of town for work, in a hotel right now... They're not usually home, anyway, so they never really got to know me and Rarity, so they wouldn't know." She mumbled, as her two friends continued to hug her. "They probably wouldn't even care if we called them.."

Applejack looked at all the girls, each of them looking deeply worried.

"...Okay. Noted." Sunset murmured.

Everyone turned their heads as they heard the creaking of a door, and from the kitchen, out came Big Mac, anxiously raking a hand through his long ginger hair.

"Big Mac! Any idea on where she could be?" Applejack quickly asked, already up on her feet and walking over to her older brother.

"Nope," he sighed, shaking his head. "Not a word from anyone, no one's seen 'er. I think it's best if we call the cops 'bout this." He said in his deep voice, speaking more than usual - though understandable for the situation.

"Yeah.. I think we should. I'm really worried about her.." Fluttershy whimpered, and Applejack noticed how her eyes glimmered with tears. Rainbow Dash pulled Fluttershy in for a hug.

"Alright. I'll go ahead 'n call 'em, you girls sit tight 'n don't worry. I'm sure she'll be fine, okay?" Big Mac said in a caring voice, and as he turned to look at Applejack, she felt a loving feeling towards her brother.

Big Mac exited the room, already seeming to type up the numbers 911 on the emergency call.

Right as Big Mac left, in came Granny Smith. Granny Smith had also been involved to check in on the girls - as she's chatted to all of them plenty of times with Applejack bringing her friends over, Rarity even more so with how much time Applejack and Rarity would spend together. So, of course, she's concerned.

"Everythin' okay in 'ere? Any news on 'er?" Granny Smith asked as she creakily walked in.

Applejack shook her head dismally. "Naw, not yet, Granny Smith. Big Mac's callin' the cops for help."

"Oh, deary me.." Granny Smith sighed and shook her head. "If you girls need anythin', then you just come on runnin' up to me, okay? 'N don't be worried, that fashionista is a soldier, I'm sure." She said confidently, prompting a small chuckle from Applejack.

"Yeah, she is. Thanks, Granny Smith." Applejack smiled, and waved her off as she carefully walked away.

Applejack let out a deep breath of air, and decided to try and motivate the rest of her friends. After all, this dark atmosphere can't be healthy to stay in at all.

"Alright, guys, let's stay positive, huh? We've gotta keep faith in Rarity - I'm sure she's perfectly fine, 'n there's a reasonable explanation for all o' this." She said confidently.

"Yeah... Probably."

That was all Applejack got, those words paired with a weak smile from Sunset.

Rarity better be alright, or...

...Applejack doesn't know what she'd do.

Rarity had been walking for a while now.

She doesn't know how long. She never stopped to check the time. She just... Kept walking.

By now, she didn't know where she was, and admittedly, the thought scared her. Many people must know that there are a lot of fates far worse than death. And an unfamiliar area just makes those fates all the more likely.

But truly, what was the point anymore?

This... This bland, uninteresting, insecure mess was not the Rarity Belle that she ever knew. This was... A stranger.

When she looked in the mirror, she never recognised herself anymore.

Why bother?

Those two words swirled around her mind like a building tornado, waiting to torment and destroy everything in its wake.

Why bother?

Why bother? 

Why bother? 

Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother?Why bother?Why bother?Why bother?Why bother?Why bother?Why bother?Why bother?Why bother?Why bother?

Why bother?

What was the point.

Why does she continue on in this meaningless existence.

Because, really - all she was actually good for was her dresses and designs.

And even then, recently, she's been feeling lost in that, too.

Pathetic, really.

Then, there was the drama club.

Rarity really enjoyed drama - not as much as her sewing and designing, but drama certainly came at a very close second. She loved the idea of it - pretending to be another person, in the spotlight of a stage in a lovely theatre - the feeling of it is truly breathtaking.

...But then again. Was she even good at it?

Probably not.

Rarity kept walking, not knowing that back in the city, there was a whole manhunt on looking for her.

Rarity kept walking, not realising that there was a police car in the distance.

Rarity kept walking, but this time, she realised something.

There was a car about to speed down the street.

Don't be foolish.

.

But you said it yourself.

Why bother?

.

.

.

What are you waiting for?

Rarity felt as if her body moved on its own, as she stared right at the car and began to walk straight in front of it.

But instead of experiencing the feeling of relief, the feeling of the car ramming into her, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her, throwing her out the way and onto the other side of the road - the grassy shoulder of the road. For a moment, the world began to spin involuntarily, and Rarity gasped. The car continued to speed pass, unaware of the narrow escape.

Rarity blinked blearily. Her head had slightly hit the ground as she fell, and for a moment, all she could see was stars.

There was someone on top of her for a moment, until they hastily got off of her. They were the one who had knocked her out of the way.

"I've found Rarity Belle." The person said in a gruff, manly voice.

Rarity heavily blinked, trying to get a gathering of her surroundings. She was layed down on the sidewalk, and there was... A police officer(?) next to her.

Oh, my. What a mess. She thought.

"Miss. Belle, are you alright?" The officer asked gently, scooting closer as he helped her sit up properly.

"Apologies, but..." Rarity couldn't tell if this was some sort of daydream going on, and she was still walking aimlessly or not. "...What exactly is happening?"

"Ah, you must be confused." The officer nodded, and his tone of voice annoyed her. "It's rather late, you know - 1:30 in the morning. Apparently you were supposed to meet your friends. Do you remember?"

Rarity felt momentarily shocked that it was already so early in the morning. Had she really been just... Walking... For that long...?

"Well... Yes, of course." Rarity said, a tick of annoyance bleeding into her words. But quickly, she scolded herself internally - he is an officer, after all, and deserves to be treated with respect, not treated with Rarity's dreadful snark.

"Right," the officer nodded. "Well, your friends got really worried, with the time, and your younger sister realised that you weren't home. We were called by one of your friends older brothers - Macintosh, I believe his name was, though I think your friends were addressing him as 'Big Mac'."

Ah. That.

Rarity forgot about them asking to go to Sweet Apple Acres. What was that even about, anyway?

"It was your birthday, wasn't it?" She heard the officer ask.

"...Yes. Well, yesterday, it was. Of course, it isn't anymore."

The thought of it formed a lump in her throat.

Her whole birthday, she had spent half of it at school, and the other half, just... Walking around.

Pathetic.

No gifts. Nothing. Just work and walk.

"I can see that you're quite upset right now," the officer said gently, beginning to stand up. "But I'm afraid I'll have to bring you back to the station. It isn't anything to worry about, we're just worried that you may try to hurt yourself further." He said bluntly, and as he finally stood up, he offered a hand to Rarity.

Rarity glared daggers at his hand. She doesn't need it. She doesn't need anyone!

Rarity got up by herself, and the officer slowly retracted his hand.

"Oh. I also have some information to share, even though it was intended to be a surprise." The officer said, and this managed to catch Rarity's attention.

Seeing him fall silent, Rarity frowned. "What is it...?" She asked curiously.

"Your friends had thrown a birthday party for you. Quite the big, extravagant one, too - I thought I'd let you know, just so that you remember that there are people who really do care about you, Rarity." The officer said quietly.

Rarity froze.

A birthday party.

This was what Rarity was so upset about.

She felt so upset, so betrayed, just because her friends were trying to throw a surprise birthday party for her because they care about her.

Rarity felt completely and utterly pathetic.

She is a horrible friend.

"I can see you have a lot to think about." The officer nodded in understanding, and gestured up the path. "My car is right up there. I trust you to not try and run off, and if you do, then you must believe that you would not get far, and once we catch you again, you would have to be handcuffed, and no one wants to have to handcuff you, and I don't think you want to be handcuffed, either." He said in a calm yet chilling voice, and began to walk up the path.

"Y... Yes, officer..." Rarity said meekly, before following him up.

The girls were still awake.

Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo had finally fallen asleep, but not voluntarily. The poor kids were just too tired out, and couldn't keep their eyes open anymore.

Everyone else was still awake, though.

Big Mac had stayed awake in case he got any calls from the cops, but he also stayed awake so that he could operate as a person of authority for the girls, being older than them. Applejack appreciated him. A lot.

A lot of the girls had begun to cry earlier as the night went on. Fluttershy was first, and it wasn't long after that until many of them began to break down, worried for their friend's safety. And so it went on. Even Applejack felt herself tear up at times, but she was determined to stay strong for the others, to stay as a shoulder to cry on, rather than being the one crying.

Eventually, they had all decided on watching TV as a distraction. There wasn't much else they could do. The police told them to just sit back and let them do the work, but it was so hard. The police aren't really people Applejack would trust very much, anyway.

But everyone jumped as suddenly, Big Mac's phone rang loudly.

In an instant, Twilight swiped for the remote and turned the TV off, and Big Mac fumbled with his phone before hastily answered.

"Yup, Mac here, uh--" Big Mac began, but stopped as if interrupted.

.

.

.

It was only a few seconds they waited, until Big Mac shot up out of his seat.

"THEY FOUND 'ER!" He exclaimed.

His exclamation was met by a chorus of cheers and relieved yells, and Applejack already saw a few of them tearing up from the mere relief.

"You've found her! Okay, okay, uh..." Big Mac slowed down, beginning to control his own excitement, as he listened in closely.

All was quiet, as they all seemed to be trying to listen to what was being said on the other side of the phone, but all they could hear a few crackles.

"Oh... God, that's terrible..." Big Mac muttered, raking a hand through his hair.

Another pause.

"Naw, don't worry 'bout it, we completely understand. Tell 'er we've all got 'er back, though. She ain't alone in any o' this." He said into the phone.

There was then a few agreements, until Big Mac finally put down the phone, expression encompassing both sadness and relief.

"Well? What were they talkin' about?" Applejack asked eagerly.

"Well..." Big Mac sighed, sitting himself down. "Apparently, an officer by the name of Crimson Mustang spotted her just walkin' around way outta the city. He said he made 'is way over to 'er, but as he did, he said he saw her willingly walk into the way of an oncomin' car."

The sound of that prompted a series of horrified gasps.

She... She really tried to off herself?

Applejack leaned back, what he said beginning to sink in.

Rarity, Applejack's best friend, tried to kill herself by walking in front of a car.

That... How is that true?

The idea almost made Applejack laugh, because that sounded nothing like Rarity. The Rarity from weeks ago would've never even considered such a thing, let alone actually go through with it.

And that just made Applejack feel horrible.

She should've noticed the signs, and she should've been there for her. She should've clocked it right when she started acting weird at school, and she should've confronted her right then and there.

But what made all of this happen?

As Applejack looked back at Big Mac, she began to realise that he had already resumed speaking without her noticing.

"--But they said that they're gonna keep 'er back at the police station 'cause they're worried about her possibly tryin' to hurt herself again."

"Oh... Well, I guess that's fair thinking..." Twilight murmured miserably.

"When will we get to see her again?" Rainbow Dash asked with a frown.

Big Mac shook his head. "No idea."

Rarity was sitting at a table in a room of the station. It wasn't big and grand like in TV shows or movies - actually, it was rather dingy. Rarity was sure she could spice the place up of they allowed her to add her own little dash of flair.

...

...Maybe not quite the time for that.

(Oh, god, she really is losing it. When is there not a time for fashion?!)

Rarity was told by the officer that had collected her before - his name being 'Crimson Mustang' - that another officer with more time on his hands would be coming to have a chat with her.

But she'd been waiting in here for a while, and she found herself wishing that she still had her phone. However, being at a police station, her phone was confiscated for the time being.

Just as Rarity groaned a little and leaning onto the table, the door creaked open.

Rarity turned her head to look, and the door opened to reveal a tall, lean police officer. He carried a notepad, and as he saw Rarity, he smiled. Rarity forced a smile back to be polite, and watches as he carefully closed the door.

"You must be Rarity," he smiled, making his way over to her and sitting in the seat opposite her. "My name is Cobalt Sprint, and I'm just here to have a small chat with you, if it's okay."

It is not okay, and I request you bring me to my friends IMMEDIATELY. Rarity wanted to say, but instead found herself saying "why, of course! There is no trouble at all."

'Cobalt' raised a brow as he tilted his head. "Woah, you're pretty refined for someone your age. I've never encountered anyone so elegantly-spoken, especially someone who goes to Canterlot High School." Cobalt said. However, when Rarity raised a brow, he turned a deep red, jolting. "Oh, gosh, that was rude - I'm sorry."

"Mm, do not worry." Rarity sighed, waving his apology away. "You are right in some areas, honestly. My parents had initially wanted to send me to Crystal Prep, but I had begged and begged for them to let me go to Canterlot High, as that was where most of my friends were." Rarity smiled. "Oh, but one of my current friends actually moved from Crystal Prep to Canterlot in the middle of the year. She's quite a delight, too."

Cobalt smiled softly. "You have a lot of friends, don't you? They all seemed to care about you very much, when we spoke to them."

"Ah, well..." Rarity trailed off. She had been so very afraid of them possibly hating her and abandoning her, and now that she was proved wrong, she didn't know what to feel anymore. She felt as if the whole whirlwind of emotions that had built up was suddenly useless and invalid. "...Yes."

Cobalt exhaled slowly through his nose. "From what I've heard, Rarity, you stepped in front of a car, right? I just want to double-check - was it definitely on purpose?" He asked gently.

Rarity so wanted to believe that it wasn't on purpose. That she just didn't see the flashing of the headlights, or that she just didn't hear the whirring of the tires against the gravel, or that she just forgot to look both ways when crossing the road.

But there was no doubt about it.

Rarity had stepped in front of that car without a second thought.

Rarity exhaled softly.

Every inch of her mind was screaming at her to deny it, to say that it was all an accident, and that she didn't need any help.

...Only, Rarity knew that even with her friends, she'd continue to feel this way.

And she hates feeling this way.

"...Yes. It is true." Rarity sighed, leaning back in her seat. "I am a fraud."

Unexpectedly, Cobalt chuckled. He seemed much less cold than Crimson did. "You aren't a fraud, Rarity." He shook his head. "It was merely a cry for help, and we're listening. If you feel comfortable talking about it right now, I'd like to get right to the core of what caused you to feel like that was the only way out."

Rarity tilted her head, humming.

Right. That.

"Well... I suppose it began when I suspected that my friends despised me." Rarity said with a touch of theatrics, raising a hand to the air - anything to make this serious talk sound less suffocating.

"And why would you think that...?"

Rarity sighed. "Oh, it was all just a big misunderstanding! They were planning something for my birthday, something apparently grand and spectacular - and that's why it took so long. But they had refused to spend time with me after school, as they were busy planning and wanted to make sure it was a surprise. However, their excuses weren't the best, and so I thought they just disliked me..." Rarity mumbled.

Then, suddenly, as realisation dawned on her, all of Rarity's flurrying feelings began to give way to a horrible guilt. They had all spent so much time planning and decorating for her birthday, only for them to spend the night worrying over her endlessly instead of laughing over cake, or whatever it is they had desired to do.

Rarity wishes she could've spend her birthday with them.

Rarity felt a lump form in her throat once again, and carefully dabbed at her eyes. Only then did she realise that Cobalt was speaking.

"--Understandable, so--" Cobalt then paused, seeing Rarity's current state. "...Rarity, are you alright? Do you need a moment?"

"No, no, not at all, darling." Rarity breathed out, and finished dabbing carefully at her eyes, hoping that her meticulously applied mascara and eyeliner hadn't ran at all. "I am perfectly fine."

Cobalt exhaled slowly, seeming not to believe her. They both sat in silence for a few seconds, until he finally spoke up. "..Rarity, I have gone through similar things."

Rarity perked up at this. "...Oh...?"

"You see, for a while now, I've struggled with depression and anxiety," he explained, and Rarity felt her heart twist with sympathy. "I've gone through all kinds of confusing feelings. Thinking that everyone hates me, overthinking, growing more and more insecure." He sighed. "The worst part was when once, in high school, my feelings were confirmed to be true. I had come out to my best friend as gay, and he was completely disgusted by me. He shunned me, and never spoke to me again."

Rarity couldn't stop the gasp that came. "Oh, my... I am so terribly sorry that such a thing happened to you.."

"No, no, don't worry about it." Cobalt smiled gently, shaking his head. "The thing is, after that, I spiraled. And just like you, I did attempt. But what happened after that, is that I got help. And you can still get help too, Rarity."

"...'Help'?" Rarity crinkled her nose, as if it were a foreign word she didn't understand. "I hardly think this is all as serious as to--"

"See, that is what I mean." Cobalt interrupted firmly, yet still with a soft undercurrent. "There are so many people in the world who think that what they went through isn't enough to mean they are truly in need of help. So many people think that before getting help, they need to get sicker. And that's exactly how things tend to spiral out of control." He explained carefully.

"...Oh." Rarity could merely utter quietly.

"And the thing is, with you, Rarity, from what I've heard from your younger sister, I believe there's more hiding beneath the surface. And I really do want to help you reach that - but in order to do that, you need to accept that you need help, too."

Rarity grew quieter and quieter the more he spoke, as she looked down and opted for fidgeting with the rings on her fingers and the bracelets on her wrists.

"I.. I suppose it wouldn't hurt..." She said slowly and uncertainly.

"All you need to do is try. It's better than nothing at all." Cobalt grinned supportively. "Therapy is definitely an option, but I'm afraid we'll also have to notify your parents about this and the heads of your school." He elucidated.

"Well, that is to be expected." Rarity huffed.

Cobalt chuckled, until his expression fell. "...But... I'm really sorry, but I have some worries about sending you home to stay by yourself, since I believe your younger sister is back at Sweet Apple Acres fast asleep - not that she would be a valid supervisor anyway, I'm afraid."

Rarity's heart dropped. She'll have to stay here? In a cell?

"B--But--" Rarity stammered. "I... I know someone who can supervise me...!" She heard herself exclaim.

Cobalt perked up, an expectant smile on his face. "Great! Who do you have in mind?"

"My... My friends." Rarity said confidently, a smile on her face. "I know they'll be perfect candidates for supervisors."

Cobalt's smile softened at Rarity's attitude, as he leaned back. "...You know what, I think you're right. They'll definitely be delighted to see you."

Rarity brightened up as he seemed to agree, the murky waters of her eyes slowly beginning to return to its former sapphire-blue colour.

Finally.

She can be with her friends.

Still. Awake.

How could they sleep after learning any of that anyway?

Applejack had bugged Big Mac to just go to bed, but he refused, and said that he'd only sleep once the rest of them did. And that seemed to be a harder task than expected.

Granny Smith had fallen asleep now, but earlier, she had made them all a batch of chocolate chip cookies - something Granny Smith was known for being good at making. However, only a few was eaten, and the rest were placed down on the table full of various foods they had all put down for Rarity.

All of them had remained untouched.

"I'm, uh..." Applejack began, beginning to stand up. "I'm just gonna go grab a glass o' water. Anyone else want anythin'?"

Applejack watched as everyone merely shook their heads, and she nodded in understanding.

Applejack sighed quietly, as she began to walk out of the barn and into the kitchen.

She opened the cabinet, and pulled out a glass.

...

It was a fancy-looking glass. Rarity had gifted it to Applejack as a 'spontaneous present of beauty', at least, that's what Rarity had called it. She always had ridiculous names for things - though Applejack had found it funny sometimes.

Applejack put the glass beneath the tap, and ran the water into the glass.

Rarity would've never settled for tap water. She'd always say that it's 'practically sewage'.

Applejack almost laughed at the thought, but as she turned the tap off, she heard the sound of a door creaking open, and turned around.

Entering the kitchen was Sunset Shimmer, eyebrows knitted together in concern. "You okay?" She said.

"Yeah, pretty much." Applejack muttered, taking a sip of her water, though it did little to cool her dry throat. "What about you?"

"I'm holding up." Sunset shrugged, walking over to Applejack and leaning against the counter next to her. "I mean, we're all worried, but I can't imagine what it must be like for you, I mean... You and Rarity are close."

Applejack scoffed, though it was weaker than intended. "We're all close to her, Sunset."

"Well--yeah, obviously, just.." Sunset sighed. "You and Rarity are best friends. You're way closer to her than any of us, so..."

Applejack exhaled through her nose, looking down at her glass of water. "I just... Feel like I should've known so I could've helped her, y'know?"

"Applejack, we all feel like that. It isn't your fault in particular at all." Sunset frowned.

"Yeah.. Yeah, I know." Applejack sighed heavily, and took another sip of water.

Just as Sunset opened her mouth to speak, the door creaked open yet again to reveal Big Mac.

He looked out-of-breath, yet full of energy at the same time.

"They've brought Rarity back."

Rarity's heart had begun to beat faster as they got closer and closer to Sweet Apple Acres.

Crimson was supposed to be driving her, but Cobalt had kindly taken the job off his hands. That's how Rarity soon found out that the two officers were in a relationship.

Rarity anxiously looked out the window, brushing a strand of curly violet hair behind her ear. She wasn't allowed to ride in the passenger seat, unfortunately, so she was right at the back.

What will your friends think?

The voice said.

If you thought they weren't your friends before, just wait until they find out why you tried to off yourself.

Rarity closed her eyes, breathing in and out.

No. This is supposed to be a positive thing. Her friends really do care about her - and they want to see her.

"Everything alright back there?" Cobalt asked carefully.

Rarity opened her eyes, and smiled politely. "Yes, thank you."

Cobalt kept on driving until they made it past the city area and finally reached the winding country road that led to Sweet Apple Acres.

"When we get there, you can head straight to your friends - I'll just be having a talk with Macintosh, alright?" Cobalt explained, and Rarity hummed in response.

Rarity found herself in a similar position from when she was eavesdropping on them in the taxi that one time - crouched low, peeking through the window every few minutes. She felt almost worried about seeing them - being in such a vulnerable state.

Rarity was usually fine with being vulnerable - but only as long as she could throw in her touch of drama. To make the hurting and seriousness just that little bit more easy - with a dramatic hand to her forehead or a theatric cry, whatever it was, as long as she didn't seem too weak, she was perfectly fine.

That's why this just felt so... Difficult.

"Are you sure you're fine with this, Rarity?" Cobalt asked, and as Rarity turned her head, she caught him looking at her through the rear-view mirror.

Rarity exhaled softly. "Yes, of course, I will be delighted to see them. .. I suppose there is a slight nervousness to it, though."

"I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. No matter what, I bet they'll have your back. Those friends of yours are definitely something else - in--in the good way, of course...!"

Rarity laughed a little at Cobalt's stumbling over his words. For a police officer, he was far less cold and stern than most she's seen before. But in a way, it made her feel more at ease.

Rarity does wonder now how Cobalt and Crimson manage to like each other so much, when they are practically polar opposites to each other.

...

But perhaps it's like how Rarity and Applejack manage to be such good friends.

Rarity saw the outline of Sweet Apple Acres in the distance, and sat up at full attention, taking a deep breath.

Everything is going to be okay.

Cobalt pulled his car up onto the property, and quickly hit the brakes, turning his headlights off.

He got out of the car, and walked round to where Rarity sat, opening the door for her.

Inhaling and exhaling, Rarity unclipped her seatbelt and gracefully stepped out.

She followed Cobalt up to the barn door, and watched as he firmly knocked, his stiff way of knocking a stark contrast to his gentle personality.

There were a few noises inside, until Big Mac - who Rarity knows as Applejack's older brother - answered the door.

Big Mac had a piece of straw in his mouth, but as he looked towards the office and noticed Rarity, the piece of straw slowly fell out.

"Hello, Macintosh." Cobalt smiled politely, clasping his hands together. "We were just wondering if it would be alright for Rarity to stay here for the night. You see, we'd like her to be supervised by someone to make sure she doesn't feel worse later and ends up doing something bad to herself, but she's rather uncomfortable with staying back at the station, so we'd like to know if it would be possible for her to be supervised by you and/or her friends."

Big Mac blinked twice, as if processing all of the sophisticated words that just spilled from Cobalt's mouth. "...Yup." He blurted out, nodding.

Cobalt's smile grew. "Wonderful! Now--"

But suddenly, Big Mac slammed the door shut and ran inside the barn, cutting Cobalt off.

Rarity smiled awkwardly as she turned to Cobalt. "It is normal, do not fret."

Cobalt raised a curious brow, but kept his smile as he looked back at the door.

The noises that followed Big Mac's exit were shocked yells and exclamations, loud crashes, and shrieks.

"..Are you sure I don't need to demand entrance immediately or anything, because that doesn't sound--" Cobalt began, before getting interrupted yet again.

The door burst open, the handle flinging against the wood of the barn, and out pooled all of Rarity's friends.

Twilight, Sunset, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack.

All at once they ran out, forcing themselves through the door, and in an instant Rarity found herself wrapped in a big, warm hug by all of her friends.

They were all shouting words that Rarity couldn't decipher through the noise, but what Rarity was really thinking about was how she missed this.

This.

Just them, as best friends, showing care for each other.

"I see you all have a lot to talk about...!" Cobalt shouted over the noise, a big happy grin on his face. "How about you girls head on inside whilst me and Macintosh have a chat?"

The only thing she could hear was another whirlwind of her friend's chatters, as they all ushered her inside the barn. Rarity fought to hold back tears.

They care about her.

She wasn't missing out on anything.

She was just... Delusional.

Rarity squeezed her eyes shut, as she tried to walk whilst her friends huddled around her.

Rarity was led to the main room in the barn - and as she saw the decorations, she couldn't help but gasp, covering her mouth in shock.

There was a banner, a long table of various types of food (most of the sweet things half-eaten, most likely by Pinkie), a magnificent cake, and the most extravagant decorations Rarity has ever seen that hasn't been done by herself.

Rarity gazed up at the marvelous spectacle, her mouth hanging open slightly.

"You all... Really did this for me...?" Rarity said, her voice an uncharacteristically small whisper.

Twilight had an arm around her that she had been using to guide Rarity to the main room. She tilted her head, eyebrows knitting together with worry. "Well, of course, Rarity...! We're all your friends, we'd never let you spend your birthday alone."

Rarity's gaze drifted to the ground. "..Well, I--I knew that, of course."

Rarity felt Twilight's grip around her tighten a little, though it seemed more comforting than anything.

The group of them made their way over to a sofa by the back wall, and as Rarity sat down, she noticed another sofa in the corner, where Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo all layed fast asleep

Poor girls. Rarity thought, her heart clenching at the sight.

"So... Rarity," Sunset began, and Rarity could sense where the conversation was going. "We.. We heard what happened. The police told Big Mac and he told us. Just... Why would you want to do something like that to yourself?"

Rarity remained silent.

They'll think you're pathetic if you tell them.

"Rarity..." Rarity's downcast gaze was brought up as she felt a hand place itself over hers, and she saw Fluttershy looking at her with kind and gentle eyes. "...Y--You know you can trust us, right...? We're your friends.. I--I don't want to impose too much, but..." Fluttershy flushed a little, looking away.

"No, I understand. It is unfair to all of you for me to keep such secrets." Rarity said simply, exhaling gently. "You see, I..."

Everyone looked at her, patient and understanding, as Rarity began to speak.

"..I suppose it began when you all started making excuses of why you couldn't spend time with me after school - a--and of course, I do understand now that it was because you were planning all this, and I am grateful - truly, please don't get me wrong, I don't want any of you to feel guilty--"

"Rarity, you're rambling." Rainbow Dash reminded.

"Oh. Right, yes." Rarity nodded, and decided to focuse on the comforting feeling of how Fluttershy still had her hand on hers. "Anyway..."

"...I just began to feel rather... Isolated. Being involved in things just seemed to be an integral part of my life, as I felt as if I had to be the center of attention at all times. It's silly, I know." Rarity mumbled.

"It's not silly! It's, like, completely the opposite of silly!" Pinkie exclaimed in her high-pitched voice, in what sounded like her attempt at reassurance.

Rarity smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Pinkie." She said, before continuing.

"But, yes, I did begin to feel rather lonely. I had thought that you all had just grown to dislike me, thinking I was perhaps a little 'too much'--"

"You'd never be too much for us, Rarity." Applejack's firm voice interrupted. "After all, your flair brings somethin' fun to our group, and we'd never wanna do without it!"

Rarity felt her eyes swim with tears then and there.

"We'd never wanna do without it!"

"..Thank you." Rarity whispered, nodding. "But I suppose it just sort of... Escalated, after that. That was why I had rudely began to ignore all of you at school, and stopped spending time with you. My loneliness had brought in other feelings, and memories, and well..."

Rarity smiled sadly, looking up at everyone. "I suppose we all know what happened then."

"I know, sugarcube," Applejack said gently, pulling her into a tight hug. "We all just wanted it to be a surprise. We swear we didn’t mean to hurt you or anythin' of the sort. We care about you, 'n we want you to feel loved. You’re not alone in this, okay?"

In that moment, in Applejack's arms, the floodgates opened. Rarity’s breath hitched as the dam of her bottled emotions broke free.

Rarity began to soak Applejack's shoulder with her tears as she buried her face into it, and as she did so, she felt her friends envelope her into yet another hug.

"I just felt so… lonely," she cried, her voice muffled in Applejack’s shoulder. "I thought if I disappeared, it wouldn’t matter." She said meekly, her voice small.

"Don’t you ever say that again!" Applejack pulled back to look Rarity in the eye, her expression fierce but tender. "You matter more than you know. You light up our lives, Rarity. You’re special, 'n we all need you."

There was a chorus of agreements from the other girls after Applejack spoke, and Rarity smiled tearfully.

"I'm.. I'm sorry for not reaching out. Everything was just so overwhelming, I--I didn't know--.." She stammered, eyes downcast.

"Don't even worry about that, Rarity!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, crossing her arms. "What sucks even more is that you spent your birthday without your friends..." She sighed, shaking her head.

"Actually," Sunset chimed in. "I don't think that's a problem. Why don't we just celebrate it today?"

"Oh, really, you don't have to go through all the trouble of--" Rarity began, but was quickly cut off.

"Nnnope! It's been decided!" Pinkie Pie grinned.

"Once we all get a good night's sleep, we'll give you the birthday you deserved...!" Fluttershy said in a soft voice, but with a bright smile.

Rarity smiled, feeling tears prick at her eyes yet again. "I truly don't deserve all of you as friends."

"We're just glad your okay, Rarity." Twilight smiled, adjusting her glasses. "I know it's easy to feel isolated - but just know, that if you ever need to talk to anyone, we're all here for you."

"Right!" Rainbow Dash nodded vigorously. "We need our fashionista back in motion - so no hiding away, got it?" She joked.

Rarity nodded, smiling. "Of course."

"Alright, now I think it's finally time for some shut-eye." Applejack said, standing up and stretching. "So, for rooms, uh... We've got this sofa here, which fits about two people--"

"I'll take it!" Rainbow Dash quickly exclaimed, raising a hand. She then put that hand around Fluttershy. "You wanna bunk with me, Shy??"

Fluttershy smiled, a slight pink hue on her features. "Oh, well, okay.."

Applejack raised a brow at them, but shook her head fondly. "Alright, there's that, then.. We've got a spare room for guests, two can fit there. Anyone want that?"

"Oh, uhm, me and Twilight can go there. If--If she wants to." Sunset smiled awkwardly, itching the back of her head.

Twilight smiled back. "That would be okay."

"Okay, then, uh... Huh." Applejack looked at Rarity and Pinkie Pie, scratching her head.

"I'll sleep in the bathtub!" Pinkie Pie grinned, and Rarity almost choked on air. "Besides, the atmosphere is great for Gummy!" She beamed, pulling out her small alligator plush.

Applejack raised a cautious brow. "An' are you... Sure about that...?"

"Yup. Dead sure!" Pinkie Pie said in her attempt of a deep voice.

"Okay..." Applejack nodded, and then turned to Rarity. "..What about you..." She said, though it sounded like she was speaking to herself as she tried to think of a place to put Rarity.

"Ah, uhm..." Rarity began to flush a shade of light pink, but spoke anyway. "...I am required to sleep in the same room as at least one other person."

Saying it out loud made her feel wildly humiliated, thinking that this was how she had to live for the time-being.

"Oh, got it." Applejack merely nodded in understanding, and grinned. "Well, I guess you can bunk with me, huh? Best room in the whole barn!" She gave a rather enthusiastic thumbs-up, and Rarity couldn't help but smile. Genuinely.

As Rarity began to stand up beside Applejack, she saw Big Mac walk in.

"Officer just left," Big Mac explained, obviously referring to Officer Cobalt Sprint, the man that had taken her back here. "He just wanted to ask some questions 'bout how I knew Rarity 'n stuff like that. Nothin' to worry about."

Big Mac then turned to Rarity, and she began to realise just why Big Mac was known for being such a good big brother just from his expression. "You alright there, sugarcube? We were all really worried 'bout you. D'you need anythin'?"

Rarity smiled gratefully at him, shaking her head. "No, but thank you dearly for asking."

"Got it," Big Mac nodded. "But if you do need anythin' in the future, you don't gotta worry 'bout askin' me 'bout it." He said, before smoothing his long hair over. "Now, I think it's time me 'n you girls finally hit the hay."

There were tired murmurs of agreement, as the others began to stand up too.

"Yeah, hard agree." Applejack said, stifling a yawn. "C'mon, Rarity, you follow me. You've been to my room millions o' times anyway." She muttered, and began to lead the way.

Rarity turned around, waving to the rest of her friends, before following the cowgirl up the stairs.

The violet-haired girl continued following Applejack until they reached her room, the two of them entering, as Applejack locked the door behind them with a soft click.

Realisation that Rarity had no change of clothes with her began to dawn on her. She supposes she'll just have to wear these clothes now.

"Woo, its been a day." Applejack sighed, stretching her arms. Applejack then turned to look at Rarity with a strangely soft glint in her eye. "...You sure you're okay, though?"

Rarity moved her arms to hug her figure. "I believe so, now that I've been able to speak to all of you again." She smiled. That smile quickly fell, however. "The police clearly don't think so, though."

"Oh, right, the cops," Applejack nodded, eyebrows furrowing in what looked like confusion. "Hey, why'd they bring you back, anyway? I thought they said they were keepin' you back at the station 'cause, uh.. Yeah." She trailed off.

"Right, well," Rarity began, flipping a lock of her violet hair to the side. "Apparently they think I am in need of supervision, because they believe I could not go without attempting for one night." She resisted an eye roll. "So, of course, I refused to stay in a mucky old cell and asked if I could be brought back here."

Then, saying that, Rarity began to feel a little guilty.

"I.. I do hope I didn't intrude, though. I apologise, I really should of thought before--"

"Naw, sugar, don't even worry 'bout that!" Applejack shook her head adamantly. "I'd rather you be here than anywhere else."

Hearing Applejack's words made Rarity pause.

"I'd rather you be here than anywhere else."

Rarity felt a lump form in her throat yet again, but she was sure that with all the crying she's already done today, she couldn't cry any further in the same day.

"...I'd rather you be here than anywhere else, too." Rarity said quietly, but meaningfully nonetheless.

Applejack grinned. "Thanks, Rarity."

The two of them stood in silence for a few moments, until Rarity spoke.

"You know, I did miss this." Rarity smiled gently, folding her hands in front of her. "Just... Us. You and I talking, and chatting, and taking up space." She said quietly.

Applejack smiled back.

"I... Missed that too." She said.

The two of them looked at each other quietly, a mutual understanding rising between the two of them, until Applejack chuckled.

"Man, we've got a problem with 'prolonged silences'." She mumbled, hands on her hips. "Now, we've only got one bed, so... Are you fine with that? 'Cause if not, I'm fine with sleepin' on that bean-bag over there." She said, pointing over to a rather big bean-bag in the corner.

Rarity shook her head adamantly. "Oh, no, absolutely not. I have no intention of kicking you out of your own bed." She said disapprovingly, crossing her arms. "I am perfectly fine with sleeping with you--sleeping in the same bed as you." Rarity quickly amended.

Applejack laughed out loud, a big, toothy grin on her face. "Jeez, what happened to your silver tongue, huh?" She joked, striding towards the light-switch beside her door as she kicked her boots off. "You hop on into bed."

Rarity nodded, and sat on the bed, carefully taking her heels off. She neatly drew the covers back, and layed herself down, trying to take up as little of the bed as possible. Thankfully, she has experience with sharing beds from sleepovers, so this shan't be too difficult.

Rarity watched as the lights flickered off as she heard the sound of the switch clicking as Applejack shut the lights off.

Rarity heard the light trodding of Applejack's footsteps as she made her way over to the bed, the next sound being the crinkling of the bed covers as they were reeled back, Applejack sliding herself onto the bed.

Laying here now, her head against a pillow, Rarity realised just how exhausted she was.

And as she vaguely saw Applejack's face in the darkness of the room, she noticed how tired she looked, too.

"...You promise to stay here all night, right?"

Rarity heard Applejack say, and it slightly shocked her hearing how unusually quiet her voice sounded.

"..."

Rarity breathed in, and out.

"..I promise." She smiled a little.

Applejack's eyes were already beginning to close - just showing how exhausted she was. Rarity felt bad that they were all up so late just worrying about her - but it also made her feel a sense of warmth, knowing how much they cared about her.

...Now, Rarity couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging that had been missing for far too long. Somehow, this felt even better than before all this happened, where everything felt like all sunshine and rainbows, and she had never thought that something like this would happen.

Rarity thought about what Sunset said - how they could give her the birthday she 'deserved' when they all woke up. Admittedly, Rarity felt rather excited at the prospect of it - and was already thinking about a wish to make when she blew out the candle on her birthday cake.

She recalls the faces of her friends, when they had all spent so much time together - and Rarity knows now that that's going to continue for a long time.

Each smile, each laugh, reminded her that she was loved and value.

She doesn't know what she'd do without them.

But thankfully, she knows she stuck with them.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

She knows that with their friendship built a bond stronger than ever - a bond that made Rarity want to keep living on and on and on so that she could keep making memories with her friends.

As the night continued to wind down, the starry sky along with the white light of the moon casting a glow down on Sweet Apple Acres, Rarity found herself daydreaming about more memories she could make with her friends. And those thoughts lit up, as she knew that she wouldn't get shut down again.

You're thinking ridiculously, you know that?

That venomous voice suddenly returned.

Do you really think they'll want to stick around for long with a mentally sick freak like you?

Rarity closed her eyes, exhaling through her nose.

Quiet.

She found herself, well... 'Thinking' back.

I don't have to listen to you anymore.

She thought confidently.

And the voice quieted down.

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Rarity felt a renewed sense of hope. She realized that she didn’t have to face her struggles alone. With her friends by her side, she could tackle anything that came her way.

Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash...

Applejack...

She'll never be alone again.

With that, Rarity felt a sense of peace wash over her. She was no longer alone in her struggles, and she had the unwavering support of her friends.

Rarity knows that often, it gets worse before it gets better.

But again. At least in the worse times, she won't be going through it all by herself.

The night continued with Rarity drifting in and out of sleep, each time she vaguely woke up, her thoughts being content and never upsetting.

Rarity felt a sense of belonging that filled her heart to the brim. She was ready to embrace the future, hand in hand with her friends, knowing that together, they could weather any storm. 

And in that moment, she knew she would never let anything hold her back from happiness, because she never knows what moment could be her last.

Instead, she would embrace every moment, every friendship, and every opportunity to shine brightly as the beautiful, unique Rarity she was meant to be.

Even if her outlook on herself changes, or other people's view on her changes.

She'll still stand proud.

And keep on living.