> Quit Dragon Your Heels
>  by SuperGiantRobot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Spike
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


 


...I'm going to have quite a bit of work on my hooves with this new book!" said Twilight Sparkle, as I ran to catch up with her.

"I'm trying my best, Twilight; I can't move as fast as you with theses dinky little legs and pulling this big book," I replied, pulling a red wagon behind me, the axles squeaking under the weight of the huge book within. Is it my fault dragons grow slowly?  I grumbled to myself as I finally caught up with her. One of these days I'm gonna finally start growing up, hopefully leg first. I sure hope it's soon; I’m tired of not being able to keep up with the others.

Twilight smiled back at me. "I'm sorry, Spike, but I've been waiting ages for this..."

"...and you wanna get it back to the library so you can read and catalog it," I finished. "I know, I know. I dunno why you couldn't just have it delivered; the post office is pretty far away from the library and this thing isn't exactly light..."

"You know I would if I could, Spike, but the local mail-pegasus is somewhat...dense. Don't get me wrong, she's sweet and all, but she tends to take instructions a bit too literally: 'Drop off a book at the library, Derpy' does not mean exactly that! She should have landed first -  it took hours for that book to dry! And some of these are literally one-of-a-kind."

I snickered, remembering that. Derpy isn't the most clever pony I'd ever met — cheerful, pleasant and friendly, sure, but not the brightest candle in the room. I wasn't gonna hold that against her, though; the odd mistake or no, she's a hard worker.  Anyway, she did apologize. 

Frankly I was surprised Twilight still won't let her deliver anything but standard mail — the 'drop-off' incident happened must've happened three months ago, at least — but then she takes her books really seriously. There's no bad blood between the two or anything, Twilight just prefers to handle book deliveries herself. Derpy completely understands: to Twilight, they're like the equivalent of a delicate package, the sort of thing Derpy'd leave a pick-up notice for anyway.

Twilight's eyes narrowed and I stopped snickering and began whistling innocently while staring up at the clouds. She snorted, shook her head in mock exasperation and continued onwards. "After I'm done at the library, there's a couple of scrolls I need you to D-mail to the Princess, and then you can do whatever you want for the rest of the day." 

She continued: "The library's pretty tidy; that new filing system you came up with is working wonders with the piles."

I beamed with pleasure at the compliment. My day's always a bit brighter when I get one.

Twilight and I arrived at her library and we entered the huge tree-like building, my wagon continuing to complain about the weight on it's back as I pulled it through the front door. I rolled it over to the nearest table and lifted the large book out.

"Why do these books have to be so darn heavy?" I gasped, as I slowly and laboriously fought the book onto the table, where is settled with an impressive thump.

"Well, that's the weight of knowledge for you, Spike," laughed Twilight.

"Hey, one of these days I'm gonna pull something and then where will you be?" I shot back, smiling. Twilight may keep me kinda busy, but I can't say I don't enjoy it. Except for the heavy lifting, of course. Fortunately, that's a fairly rare case.

"I could have levitated it, Spike, but you insisted that you wanted to do it yourself," replied Twilight. "If you want to do the job yourself, you can't really blame anypony but yourself."

"I know, I know," I sighed. "I just wish the things didn't have to weigh so much!" I stretched my arms and let out a small contented sound as the elbows cracked. I headed over to Twilight's writing desk, waving the kinks from my arms as I approached. She finished writing a scroll, tied it closed and levitated it over to me along with three others. 

"Four? Wow. You don't usually have me send that many at once," I commented as I prepared myself to send the scrolls to the Princess. I can breathe two kinds of fire: the typical type or my 'sending' fire. When I use my sending fire, the scroll gets burnt up and the ashes float off to Canterlot and reappear in front of the Princess as a scroll again. It takes me a second or two to switch from one to the other, otherwise I won't have anything but a burnt scroll. Twilight and I have taken to calling the process 'D-mail' - short for Dragon-Mail' - as sort of an inside joke between us.

"Well, I've been quite busy here in the library," replied Twilight as I sent the scrolls on their way to Canterlot, the ashes drifting away on the breeze through an open window. "You know how it's been. Even given your new system the place seems to require tidying by the day." I sighed; wasn't that the truth! It seems every time I find a way to simplify matters, something picks up and suddenly my quick fix isn't so quick anymore..

Twilight continued. "And just look at that book we brought today; that's the third this week and — as you said — the post office is a fair trip from here, so that cuts into my study time. I've been quite busy for the last while so there's somewhat of a backlog. The Princess understands entirely; it's not as though she expects me to give her a constant account as it is."

"Oh please don't remind me about the books again!" I moaned, rolling my eyes dramatically. Twilight giggled.

Her horn glowed and the book opened. "Okay, Spike, I think I'll start on this right away. I'm going to be hours with this, and there's nothing that needs sorting. You go enjoy yourself, okay?"

"Cool. Call me if you need me, Twilight," I said, but she was already busy reading. Once she gets started on a new book she almost doesn't come up for air I thought to myself as I headed for the door. I waved, knowing she wouldn't see me and left the library to the sound of Twilight muttering appreciatively as she looked over her latest prize. I made sure to close the door quietly behind me and decided how I should spend my free day. I liked it when I had days off — it's not that I'm lazy or anything, but it never hurts to have a day just to yourself, you know?

It was a typically nice summer day in Ponyville; we generally get a day or two's warning from the rain patrol before the weather's gonna go bad. Ponies greeted me or nodded as they passed and I waved back. Ponyvillians tend to be some of the friendliest ponies in all of Equestria, most of them nothing at all like the snooty unicorns of Canterlot. 

Pretty much all of my friends were out of town; Rainbow Dash was on cloud duty, which meant she was snoozing somewhere, Fluttershy was in her cottage taking care of a group of sick animals who had all come down with the flu, l knew where Twilight was, Applejack was working on her farm as usual and Pinkie was somewhere being Pinkie. I just hoped nobody got hurt: that 'experimental' taffy she made last week left half of the samplers with mouths that were glued almost completely shut for the rest of the day.

That just left Rarity. Just thinking about her makes smoke puff from my nostrils in bliss. I headed to the Carousel Boutique for my daily dose of her and  entered to the sound of Rarity humming happily. "What's up, Rarity?" I asked. "New fashion magazine arrive?"  She's always happy when a new issue arrives; a lot of her pattern ideas come from them.

"Oh no, Spike," she sighed, beaming. "Something even better. Take a look."

She sent a picture over to me. It was of a unicorn with light blue fur with a yellow mane and tail. Even I had to admit was quite handsome. He held his head in profile to the camera and was smiling slightly.

"His name is Summersday and he's a baron. A baron! Isn't he just to die for?" she gushed.

"I guess, Rarity," I replied. "What's up? Who is this guy?"

She blushed. "Well, we've been mailing each other for some time and I think he's rather taken with me. In fact, he says he wants to meet me!" she squealed with joy. "After the fiasco with that boor Blueblood,  I think I may have found the stallion of my dreams! This could be love!"

I felt my heart go numb. I'd always known Rarity was looking for Mister Right, but I had hoped that someday, maybe, it'd be me. Unfortunately, every time I think to say anything to her about it, I either get tongue-tied, embarrassed, or she simply fails to notice me. It's not that we weren't friends, sorta, it's just that we're only friends.

"So, when're you goin'?" I asked, trying to seem nonchalant about the whole thing.

"The day after tomorrow. He's sending a pegasus chariot and everything; the sort of thing a true gentlestallion would do!" she replied, with another sigh of joy.

"Well, I hope that goes well for you, Rarity," I said as politely as possible. "Good luck." Rarity, still enchanted with the photo, didn't notice at all as I left.

 I just wish I had just the guts to ask her, I thought. But I couldn't do it. I just couldn't work up the nerve. Besides, I'm a dragon and she's a high-class mare; we couldn't be any more different. One of these days I'd do it, if this Summersday guy didn't sweep her off her hooves.

Later, I was absent-mindedly kicking a stone down the street, grumbling to myself. I heard a voice behind me: "Afternoon, sugarcube. Whatzamatter? You look lower'n  a diamond dog's tunnel."

I turned to see Applejack, who gave me a smile and a wink. I was so annoyed with myself that she'd caught up with me without my even noticing. "Aw, it's nothin', Applejack. I'm just..."

"It aint nothin' and you 'ain't just' anything", The orange-coated mare interrupted my reply with a shake of her blonde-maned head. "I done heard 'bout Rarity finding herself a new colt, an' I know how you think 'bout her."

I blushed. It was common knowledge that I was in love with Rarity — though Rarity herself seemed unaware — but I didn't like being reminded about that by others. "But it's Rarity. She's so beautiful and sophisticated, it'd be a waste of time to even..."

Applejack's green eyes narrowed under her stetson. "Don't. You. Dare. Don't you dare say what I think yer gonna. It ain't never  a waste of time to try. Give it yer best shot." 

"But I'm just so afraid to try!" I wailed.

"Well now, that I can understand, sugarcube. My big brother Macintosh's got his eye set on a filly, but every time he even thinks 'bout her, he turns into a stuttering weak-kneed colt. Big strong fella like that. S'funniest thing I ever saw!" Applejack laughed.

She continued:  "But we ain't the type to let a little fear stop us, an' neither should you. He'll work up the guts to ask her out, an' I sure as buckin' know you can, too. G'wan; tell her how ya feel. Get that weight offa yer back." 

She was right. What could it hurt to ask Rarity? I had to try sometime, and that may as well be right now, I thought to myself. What's the the worst that'd happen? She'd says no, and we'd still be friends. 

"You're absolutely right, Applejack!" I replied. "First thing tomorrow, I'm gonna ask Rarity. Thanks, AJ;  I think all I needed was a good solid push, and you just gave it to me. I'm not gonna just stand around anymore!"

"Attaboy! Take the buffalo by the horns, but don't fret none if she says no; Macintosh wouldn't let somethin' like that bother him an' neither should you. You better believe I'll be rootin' for ya, though!" She gently rubbed her muzzle against my snout and trotted onwards. 

Soon as  I get up tomorrow, I thought, I'll pay her a visit and tell her how I feel about her. After I confess my love for her, I betcha she won't even bother with Summersday. Why would she travel all the way there when she'd have a boyfriend right here? Now, I just had to get her something fancy to make my intentions known. Flowers and chocolates. I think that's how it's done.

They have a chocolate shop in Ponyville, but the owner, Bon Bon, was sick with the flu, so it would be closed until she got better.So I went to the next best place, Sugarcube Corner, and ordered a tray of chocolate cupcakes for tomorrow. Mr. Cake swore to me he'd keep them away from Pinkie and her incredible appetite for snacks, and I headed on to the florist. Once I'd explained to him that I was looking for flowers to give to a girl (and not as a snack) he suggested roses. 

I asked about the price and he named quite a high figure. I had a fair number of bits saved up, but I didn't think I had that much. Seeing how worried I looked, he mentioned that a single rose is often considered a classy thing to give on a first date, so I bought one. I brought the rose back to the library, put it in a vase of water — taking pains to ensure it was hidden so Twilight didn't see it; I didn't want her teasing me — and waited for tomorrow to come.

I was so anxious, I almost couldn't sleep. I spent the time looking through the shelves of books to see if any of then needed filing until I finally couldn't keep my eyes open any more. I slept, thinking happy thoughts.

I awoke the next day, as nervous as I'd ever been in my life, but certain I was gonna go through with this. Twilight was out of the library, so I was able to get the rose without being seen. I headed to Sugarcube Corner and Mrs. Cake handed me a box of cupcakes, looking around to ensure Pinkie wasn't hiding behind me. 

I sauntered off to to Rarity's Boutique with a spring in my step, happier than I'd been in my life. This was the day, I said to myself. I don't care if she turns me down; at least I can say I gave it my best shot. I arrived at the Carousel Boutique, set the box of cupcakes on the ground carefully and rapped on the door.

There was no answer.

I knocked again, a bit harder.

There was no answer.

As I was about to try a third time, a passing pony stopped. "You lookin' for Miss Rarity?" he asked. "Shoot, she left 'bout half an hour ago. Looked tickled pink, too." I left my hand up about to knock, stunned. Rarity? Gone? Already? Oh great. Oh great. I'd tried my hardest and I've already lost. And she wasn't even supposed to have left yet!

The wind totally out of my sails, I sat down hard, crushing the box of cupcakes beneath me. I didn't even notice.

I don't know how long I sat there in misery. Eventually I stood up and reduced the rose to ashes with a small burst of fire, which slowly floated away. Sighing, I retrieved the crushed box of cupcakes and headed to the library, eating the ones I could salvage. As I walked through Ponyville, completely lost, Pinkie Pie showed up seemingly out of nowhere.

"Hey Spike, howyadoin'? Howyadoin'?!"

"Now's not a good time, Pinkie," I replied, sadly.

"C'mon, Spike, you can tell me. Now's always a good time to tell someone howyerdoin.' Ooh, are those cupcakes?!"

"Now's not a good time, Pinkie,"  I said, sniffing.

"Aw, you're in a bad mood. You know whatcha need right now?"

"PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE, PINKIE!!!" I wailed at the top of my lungs.

Pinkie stopped; absolutely shell-shocked. She blinked and then smiled.  "Oh you definitely need a 'cheer-up a friend who's very sad' party! I've never seen a friend this badly off, even after that time that mean ol' Gilda was here and she scared Fluttershy like that!" She was about to trot off, no doubt to set up her party when I stopped her.

"I'm sorry, Pinkie. I know you're trying to help, but I don't think I could handle a party right now. I just wanna be alone for a bit. I didn't mean to shout at you."

"This is about Rarity and her new boyfriend, isn't it?" she asked. I nodded sadly.

"Aw don't worry, Spike! I'm sure it'll work out in the end, or my name's not Pinkie. And it is!" 

I handed Pinkie the remains of the box of cupcakes she'd been subconsciously eyeing the whole time. I no longer had any appetite for them. She held the box in her mouth by the string and bounced back up the road, humming to herself. I shook my head and sighed. I was smiling slightly though. It's hard stay upset around Pinkie, even if you're determined to be miserable.

I moped around Ponyville for a while and then headed back home When I returned to the library I actually felt a bit better; a visit from Pinkie can do that. Twilight looked over to me from her desk and her eyes closed sadly. "Oh Spike, I'm so sorry; Applejack told me about your plan..."

I raised a hand. "S'okay, Twilight. If it's all the same to you, though, I'd rather be by myself."

"Of course. I'll leave you alone for now. But just remember that I'm here for you. We're all here for you."

Twilight left me a particularly fancy bowl of jewels for dinner and I called it an early night. When I woke the next day, my pillow was slightly wet.

   I tried to go to work, but Twilight refused to let me. She gave me another day off and wouldn't take no for an answer. As I exited the library, Applejack trotted into town from the path leading to Sweet Apple Acres. She bowed her head sadly when she passed me and whispered "I'm sorry, little guy." When Applejack had talked me into finally taking the plunge, Rarity had still been here. 

"That's all right, Applejack," I replied sadly. "I didn't know she'd left so early, either. I should've said something to her sooner. This is my fault."

"Ain't yer fault; ain't nobody's fault. I still feel bad fer ya, bein' as I talked you into confessin' yerelf to her an' all Y'all take care of yourself, Spike, an' if there's anythin' I can do..."

"Thanks, Applejack," and my vision wavered slightly, "That's nice of you. Don't let it get you down, too; it's just one of those things. I'll get over it."  

Applejack sighed, gave me a gentle nuzzle as she had when she'd given her 'pep talk' and trotted onwards.

Even Pinkie felt bad for me and began sobbing uncontrollably when she saw me, having since learned of Rarity's early departure and the source of my despondence from the previous day. With the exception of Twilight and her, I hadn't seen any of my other friends since yesterday and when I'd last seen Pinkie, she was unaware that Rarity had left.

"Oh come on, Pinkie..." I rolled my eyes. "I don't even feel that sad and it happened to me." 

Pinkie sniffled. "Are...are you sure, Spike?" 

I patted her bright pink mane. "I'm absolutely sure. I'm feeling better by the minute. Honest. Rarity deserves to be happy. I'll just have to find someone else. We dragons live a long time, so I'll have plenty of chances."

"Well, if you're certain you're absolutely sure..." she replied, uncertain.

"Positive", I replied. "Maybe I'll take you up on that party offer someday. A party makes everything better. Isn't that what you usually say?" Pinkie grinned and almost immediately returned to her cheerful self.

"That's right!  And I'll give you a hum-dinger of one, too. Just ask me!" With a cry of "See you later, Spike!" she shot off. I smiled and a bit more of my sadness dissipated. I really was feeling better by the minute.

It took me a couple of days to get back to my normal self. The first day after Rarity's departure, I was still kind of miserable, but improving. My friends had definitely helped cheer me up. I was proud to have them; they'd gone out of their way to help me. 

By the second day I was practically myself again. There was still some sadness, of course, but I was feeling much better than I had during the days before. I went back to working in the library and told Twilight not to worry; I'd gotten over the worst of it. 

I had actually started working harder than usual, as though I wanted to show her that everything was okay. Twilight was still a bit concerned for me, but she could see the work was helping so she left me to it. 

The next day, I walked past the Boutique. I didn't know what made me go there;  there had certainly been no reason to. My legs must have just reflexively taken me there for my daily visit. While passing, I heard something coming from it; a low moaning. 

I crept closer and noticed the door was partly open. I knew Rarity wasn't here, and none of the ponies would have broken in. Ponyville didn't have a problem with thieves; the town was basically one big family. That could only leave one possibility. Some sort of monster or something had snuck in. 

I was the only one in the area; all the other ponies knew Rarity was away, so it was up to me to check it out. I considered making run for it, but I was really more curious that afraid. I'd never heard of a monster sneaking into the town, and I wanted to be sure of what it was before I went hollering for help. That sort of thing could get me into trouble.

I moved in closer still. The moaning got louder. I carefully pushed the door open, ready to run if I had to, and the moans became loud sobs. I entered the Boutique. The sobs were wracking and heartbroken and seemed to be coming from the back room. Rarity's room.  I rushed in. There, lying on the bed, was Rarity herself!

I was shocked to see her;  she was in quite a state. Her mane and tail were dishevelled and she'd been crying for what appeared to be quite some time. Her makeup was streaked all over her mattress and pillows and there were torn fragments of Summersday's photograph spread all over the room. The frame of her bed was a half-ruined mass of wood.

"Rarity?" I asked.

Nothing; she continued crying.

"Rarity?!" I tried again.

If anything, she became louder.

"Rarity?!"  I shouted over her crying.

She finally seemed to realize there was someone in the room with her. Her crying abated to wet sobbing. "S-Spike? Is that you?"

"Yes, Rarity. It's Spike. What happened to you, Rarity? I've never seen you this upset before! What was it? Does it have something to do with this Summersday guy?" I asked in concern.

 "SUMMERSDAY!", she spat furiously. "I never want to hear that name again! 'Come visit me at my mansion for a few days and we can get acquainted with each other; get to know each other better'. Ha! Unfortunately for him, I learned on the third day he'd said the same thing to at least two other mares! I was...was nothing more than some sort of harem-filly to him!" She wailed hysterically.

Absolutely furious, she continued. "He was even worse than Blueblood; at least he was only conceited! I was so embarrassed, I didn't even have the chariot bring me all the way back to town!  I snuck into town to here and then...and then..."  She broke off as her crying renewed.

Yes! I thought. With Summersday out of the way, this would be the chance I needed!! 

A moment later, I felt terrible for even thinking that; Rarity was practically falling apart in front of me, and all I could think about was how this worked to my advantage! I turned to leave the Boutique, utterly ashamed of myself. I was halfway out of Rarity's room when I heard her call out between sniffs:

"P...please stay with me, Spike. I think right now what I need is a friend; a shoulder to cry on, even if it is small and purple. Stay. Please?" 

I turned to look back at Rarity, who was trying her best to smile at me. I decided that I couldn't possibly leave her in the state she was in — she was so heartbroken it almost broke my heart. I climbed up onto the mattress which was about the only solid part of the bed that remained and scooted over to her. She rolled towards me, laid her head on my chest and began to weep softly.

I had no real experience with calming anyone when they're crying like this, so I stuck with simply making calming sounds and gently stroking her neck and mane. It appeared to be the right thing to do; she eventually cried herself to sleep. As she snored gently, I carefully crept out from under her, off of the bed and to the front door of the Boutique. With a sad look behind me, I quietly closed the door and headed back to the library. 

It was later than I'd expected; it seemed I was in there calming Rarity for quite a while. The sun had just gone down, and the stars were slowly coming out. When I opened the library's door, Twilight turned towards the door, a concerned look on her face.

"Spike! Nobody's seen you all day!  Are you okay? Where have you been all this time?"

"Helping a friend," was my only reply, as I went to bed early. My thoughts were of Rarity and my eyes filled with tears.


The next day, I told my friends about what had happened to Rarity. Fluttershy, who had returned from her cottage was deeply dejected by the news, Pinkie looked ready to bawl her eyes out, Twilight was appalled, but was proud of me for staying with Rarity in her time of need and Applejack was muttering under her breath, no doubt something nasty about Summersday. 

Rainbow Dash was still out of town, which is just as well; she'd probably have flown to Summersday's mansion and made a carpet out of him. Everyone agreed not to tell her for that exact reason, and, when she glided into town later that day, we simply told her that Rarity was sick and needed to be left alone.

We spent the next few days taking turns visiting Rarity and she definitely appreciated the company, just as I had. She had finally cried herself out, but was even more despondent than I was, and rightly so. Over the next week, and with our help, her normal personality returned. I decided to test this and asked her about Summersday. 

"Summersday? That cad?" she responded with a glare. "Don't ever speak about him again!" I grinned; she was definitely better. There wasn't a single tear, just anger toward Summersday, which he deserved. She finally opened the Boutique again; everyone took this as an excellent sign. 

Even Dash had paid her a visit and told Rarity she was glad she was feeling better. Dash was unaware that Rarity wasn't actually sick, and Rarity did nothing to make her believe otherwise. She was as aware as we were what Dash would probably do if she learned the truth. 

I visited Pinkie and asked her about that party she'd promised, but that I wanted it to be for Rarity instead. She agreed without a moment's hesitation; she didn't usually need an excuse at the best of times, but she knew Rarity would appreciate the gesture. I told the others about the party plans and they thought it was an excellent idea as well.

Early that evening, I dressed in my tuxedo, tucked a scroll under my arm and headed out. I rapped gently on Rarity's door. She opened it, and noticed my fancy outfit. Her eyes widened sightly and she invited me in. I cleared my throat and opened the scroll. There was nothing actually written on it, it was just for show.

"Miss Rarity", I began, "I have come to..."  Tell you I love you, said an inner voice. Ask you to go out with me, said another. I shook my head gently to send the voices away. I wouldn't dare ask her something like that now. It was far too soon, and maybe always would be. I cleared my throat again.

"Miss Rarity, I have come to formally invite you to a party at Sugarcube Corner in your honor. I will be your escort." 

Rarity looked charmed. "Yes, Spike. I would be delighted. A party is just what I need right now. But before that, there's something I have to do." She leaned down and kissed the top of my head. I blushed.

"That's for being there when I most needed somepony, my knight in scaled armor. I have a warm place in my heart for all of my friends, but a particularly warm place there for you." I blushed even harder and she laughed lightly.

"Now, you mentioned a party? Let's be off, then!" She trotted alongside me as I led her to the party, which continued long into the night. Ever since then, Rarity always had a warm smile whenever she saw me, and seemed particularly pleased when I paid her a visit.  

It wasn't the love I had been originally hoping for, but it was love nonetheless.

That was good enough for me.
> Rarity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------






...and then we went to the Grand Galloping Gala. Yes, that Gala. The one nopony is likely to ever forget about. Dressed in our finest (compliments of myself, of course) we had all come with the highest of expectations. Applejack was there for purely mercenary reasons: she was hoping to sell her family goods to passers-by.

I felt it rather distasteful, to be brutally honest. This was the Gala, the high point of the year for all of Equestria even for those ponies who don’t get in, not some sort of county fair for hawking goods. She even had a stall for Celestia’s sake. Admittedly, her family did need the money to keep Sweet Apple Acres running, so I kept my thoughts to myself.

Fluttershy, the demure little thing, came simply to see the creatures in Celestia’s royal garden. She gets along so well with animals as a whole, and many in the garden are said to be completely unique to all of Equestria.  Myself, I have trouble enough with Opalescence, and she’s mine. I was sure she’d be overwhelmed with joy. She’s not comfortable in crowds unless they’re crowds of animals.

Rainbow Dash was there to see her idols the Wonderbolts, Twilight Sparkle wanted nothing more than to be with her tutor the Princess, which was understandable given their only real communication is by letter, Pinkie just wanted to have fun and as for myself...Well, I admit I was there for something other than the glamor and grace myself.

In my case, I  was there to search for him. I’d always been looking for that perfect stallion in my life. Someone who would accentuate who I am as I, in the same way, would accentuate him. What better place to look for him than the Gala?

Unfortunately, most of the stallions were spoken for, more the pity for them. As I toured the ballroom floor and my list dwindled by the moment, I headed outside for a bit of fresh air. There was a rosebush and I was just leaning down to take a sniff of an exquisite flower when I heard the voice.

“Why, hello.” the voice said. I turned to the voice’s owner. Then my heart melted.

This voice belonged to Prince Blueblood; a distant relation to Celestia herself and considered one of Equestria’s most eligible bachelors. Tall and muscular, blonde maned and tailed and a unicorn like myself. I seriously thought this was love at first sight until learning over the course of the evening that the prince was a complete and utter jerk. 

He was rude, condescending and without a gallant bone in his body. He was the most un-royal royalty I’d ever had the misfortune to come across and I made a point of telling him this in no uncertain terms. I suppose this explains why he’s still a bachelor, eligible or otherwise.

The Gala then ended with Fluttershy having a psychotic episode, several panicked wild animals being let loose in the ballroom, a large cake being involved at some point and the destruction of said ballroom.

And when I came to consider it, over a plate of donuts with my friends and the Princess herself, it was the best night ever.

   “...an’ then the animals went running around the ballroom *whipwhipwhip* while Fluttershy was hollering her head off — boy was she ever scary — an’ then the pillars came down *BLAM!* and everyone was running around like the ballroom was falling apart, which was good because it was. Still, wasn’t that just the funniest thing ever?!” Pinkie was practically vibrating trying to keep herself from going from giggling to laughing out loud.

“Yes, I must admit that the chaos was great deal more funny after the fact, when I’d had a chance to think it over,” I replied. It was nearly two days after the Gala and I still smiled when somepony mentions  it. I don’t think that evening will ever stop being amusing. “You should have seen me deal with the prince. I was absolutely scathing.”

Pinkie furrowed her brow. “What’s skating have to do with it? Did I miss something? Ooh, was there another Gala besides the one I went to? I bet the other one was more fun than that one was, what with you skating an’ all...”

“No, I said scathing, dear.” 

Pinkie blinked.

“Withering?” I tried.

Pinkie blinked again.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. “I was a ‘Nasty McNasty-pants’ to him. It was justifiable, though. I had a good reason,” I added, in case she asked me what ‘justifiable’ meant. I was pretty sure she was teasing half the time when she ‘doesn’t understand’ a word, but with Pinkie it’s hard to tell and so it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

We two were at Sugarcube Corner enjoying Pinkie’s latest creation. Say what you will about her, but when it comes to baking I think even the Cakes might learn a thing or two from her. Not that their baking wasn’t wonderful, of course, but Pinkie tends to be quite imaginative, often coming up with recipes off the top of her messily-maned head, not one of which has failed to titillate the tongue nor please the palate. If she ever went into business for herself, they likely wouldn’t stand a chance. Of course she never would, as she loves the Cakes dearly, practically considering them family, which is a feeling they reciprocate. She would never dream of hurting them or their business.

Well, not on purpose, anyway; she does tend to go on snacking binges from time to time, though I've heard tell that the Cakes always bake a bit extra just in case she does, which would explain why they never really get upset when it happens.

Today’s creation was particularly interesting, and a play on both her name and the baker pair: the cakepie. It was a pie crust with an angel-food cake as ‘filling’; sort of like a dessert quiche. Decadent. Absolutely decadent.

I was almost unwilling to have any, as I was looking after my figure, but it was far too delicious-looking to refuse. It was served with coffee - hot chocolate in Pinkie’s case, as she’d never developed a taste for coffee, thankfully; the thought of her on a caffeine high is a truly terrifying one - and it was like eating a blessing and a sin at the same time.

“So, do you like it?” asked Pinkie.

I sighed blissfully, and she rightfully took that as a yes.

“You simply must share this with the Cakes, dear; it could triple their business,” I said, after coming out of my reverie.

“Oh I will”, replied Pinkie. “You were my test — or is that ‘taste? — subject. If you liked it, I bet Celestia herself would find it yummy. You always had the best taste for things. And that includes taste, too!”

I blushed slightly at the compliment. I actually blushed.

   After another piece of cakepie  (two actually, but small ones; I just couldn’t help myself) I headed back to the Boutique. Twilight had scheduled an appointment for taking her measurements. It seems that after the Gala and considering the effort I’d gone through for her dress despite her constant requests for revisions, she’d gained a greater appreciation for fashion.  

I didn’t really require her measurements, as I’d already had them from when I'd made her Gala dress, but I decided to take them anyway. It was nice to see the normally bookish mare come out of her shell if only a bit and so I decided to humor her. 

The front door opened with a jingle and Twilight entered, on time to the second. But then I wouldn’t expect any less of her. You could set a clock by her punctuality.

“Ah; good morning, Twilight! Right on time, I see,” I said with a smile.

“Well, an appointment is meant to be kept when it’s meant to be kept. If I arrive too early, I could throw off your schedule, and if I arrive too late I definitely will. If I don’t arrive just when I’m supposed to, how would that make me look? Schedules are very important things.”

That filly needs to loosen up a bit, I thought to myself, keeping my smile. There’s being organized and then there’s overdoing it. I’ve heard from Spike that she makes lists of lists. I’d always thought that as youthful hyperbole, but there might be some truth to that after all...

“Hello? Rarity?” asked Twilight.

I shook my head.  “I’m sorry, Twilight, just a touch of daydreaming. Pinkie gave me a taste test of a new dessert and I’m afraid it’s rather taken my fancy.”

“Oh, the cakepie? Interesting idea, but a bit sweet for my tastes. She’s an imaginative baker, I’ll give her that.”

“Mmm. No argument there, dear. There’s no such thing as ‘typical’ with that one.” I fetched my measuring tape from a table and set about. Her measurements actually had changed slightly; but only a small amount. Probably wouldn’t have been worth the trouble, but I dutifully recorded the change in measurements anyway.  

“While I have you here, how would you feel about a new manestyle? I have quite a few ideas as to what would work with you. Don’t get me wrong, but your mane and tail are just a tad...plain. I mean a pagecolt style works for you, but a bit of sprucing up, maybe?”

Twilight considered this for a moment. “No, I think I’ll just keep what I have; they may not be fancy, but they’re easy to keep tidy. Maybe some other time, though...”

“Well, I just thought I’d mention it,” I replied. “Might be fun for the both of us; I can think of a couple of styles that would fit you to a T. We’re done here, regardless, so if there was anything else...?”  I hoped that her visit might pan out to a sale, but unfortunately that day I was disappointed. 

She had only come to have her measurements done. I didn’t mind all that much; she’d come to me regardless when she wanted me to design something (she’d have to, come to think of it) but it looked to be a slow day and I was hoping for something to occupy my time, and a few sales never hurt, either.

Perhaps I’d pay Fluttershy a visit. She was still somewhat embarrassed by her breakdown at the Gala and I was sure she’d appreciate the company. I’ll bring some cakepie (heh; I’m already an addict) and some of that lovely tea she likes.

   The next day there was a knock on the front door. I opened it to find Derpy, the resident mailmare standing there, her saddlebags polished to a sheen. There was a small flat cap of dark blue fabric with a glittery star in the center perched on her windblown blonde mane. Ribbons led from the cap's brim and were gently tied beneath her chin to keep it on while she was in flight. She wore a rather smart vest of the same color, with another star over her heart.

I'd always thought her uniform a tad too formal for a laid-back place like Ponyville, but I had to admit it was rather cute on her as well.

"I gotta special letter for you, ma’am." Despite knowing me as a friend she always calls me 'ma'am' when she's on the job because 'that's how it's supposed to be done'. I had long ago stopped trying to dissuade her: she takes her job very seriously and I can respect that. "I’d have just put it in the box like the other stuff, but I was told to deliver it straight t’you.” She rooted around in her saddlebag. “Now where’re you...Ah, here it is...” She carefully pulled out a golden-sheened envelope. I accepted the envelope from her, which smelled slightly of roses.

“Thank you, Derpy,” I replied. The mailmare nodded smartly and took to the air. I carried the envelope into the Boutique. There was no signature on it, merely the letter “S”. After a few seconds wondering to myself who the initial might be referring to, I opened the envelope. 

There was a crisp sheet of paper decorated with a beautiful scripted border from which the rose smell emanated. A small tag fell from the envelope onto the floor as I pulled out the letter.  I read the letter, ignoring the tag for the moment:

Madame Rarity,
Greetings. My name is Summersday,  Baron of Hoofington. We two have never met, but we were both guests at the Grand Galloping Gala. Unfortunately, due to the unforeseen  — and destructive — events of the Gala, I was not given the opportunity to formally make your acquaintance. If I may, I wish to open a line of communication with you in the hopes of rectifying this and perhaps, through these letters, form a friendship of sorts between ourselves.

Of course, you may feel free to disregard this message, in which case I apologize for taking up any of your no doubt valuable time.

With hope,
Summersday


The letter dropped to the floor beside the tag and my heartbeat doubled. Oh my. Oh my. Oh my.  A baron. And he wants to make acquaintance with me.

With no small effort I regained my composure.

Now get a grip on yourself, Rarity... You had a Prince at the Gala, and the only thing royal about him was the pain he caused. Still though, Summersday — Baron Summersday, rather — only wished to communicate via the written word and, given his letter to me, he already appeared to be far and above Blueblood, at least in the realm of politeness.

I decided then and there. Yes. Yes it would be nice to have a ‘pen-pal’ as they call it — and a baron at that! One who has the class I’ve been looking for and one who shares an appreciation for the finer things in life. Me, for instance. I picked up the letter and the tag, upon which was written a mailing address. I opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope. Setting down a fresh sheet of paper and grabbing a quill, I wrote:

Milord Summersday,
Upon receipt of your message and after some thought, I have chosen to accept your proposal of communication. I admit to being surprised  that you have seen fit to suggest such a venture to one such as myself, and I eagerly await further communication.

With anticipation,
Rarity


I wanted to give him the impression that I was willing, but not that I was desperate for the attention.  After all, I was a mare of class and distinction, not a love-sick filly, though I have to admit my heart beat a little faster on the writing of my response. I, Rarity, had the attention of a baron! I folded the letter carefully, addressed and sealed it and awaited Derpy’s arrival the next day. It couldn’t come soon enough.

   When Derpy made her daily delivery to the Boutique, I handed her the envelope along with a note requesting that the post office in Hoofington deliver my letter in the same manner as Summersday had mine.  I had a distinct spring in my step for the rest of the day and even hummed to myself happily. The hours seemed to pass like minutes. I knew it would be several days before I received a reply and I relished every second.

Admittedly, this was merely socializing via mail and there was no reason to expect it to go beyond that, but I couldn’t help but think that maybe... But I didn’t want to get ahead of myself; those sort of thoughts often lead to disappointment. I had all the time in the world to see where this was going to go. 

For a period of time I thought of telling my friends about the letters, but there was nothing to even say yet, really, and if another Ponyvillian heard about my possibly budding relationship via mail the news would spread and likely change in the telling. The next day, ponies would probably be asking me when the marriage was. 

Besides, simply put it was none of their business. They didn’t really need to know and I wanted this to be just for me.

Spike in particular was pleased with my upbeat attitude. He pays me a visit every day or two as it is, always with the excuse ‘I just happened to be near while doing something else so I thought I’d say hello’ or a variation on that. It appears that he’s quite a fan of mine, given the frequency of his ‘coincidental’ visits, in which case he has exquisite taste.

Personally, I rather enjoy the attention, but then I would enjoy it from anypony else as well. I’ve never had my very own fan before, though, but I think I like it. He seems to go out of his way to be helpful or useful to me. Fandom does appear to have its privileges.  

On the third day, I received a reply:

Rarity,  

I am honored in turn that you have chosen to accept my request. To be honest, this is the first time I have ever done this sort of thing, and I must admit to finding it a pleasant method of communication. 

To be equally honest, I haven’t many things to occupy my time, as my baronial title is more a formality than anything else,  and receiving and sending missives to someone other than officials, lawyers and others of that ilk is extremely gratifying.  As I am a Baron in name only, please feel free to refer to me simply as ‘Summersday.’ I in turn and by example will refer to you as ‘Rarity’.
Summersday

My week had just been made.

   The next day, my friends took their turns trying to wrangle the information for my sudden burst of excessive cheer, with the exception of Dash who couldn’t care less and Twilight who appeared to take my change in mood in stride. Frankly, their interest surprised me; I wasn’t aware that I was so noticeably out of character.

Twilight paid me a visit later in the day. She said that she’d considered my offer to style her mane and tail and had decided to give it a try. Something simple at first, just to see if she liked the idea. As I  prepared my tools of the trade, she made small talk:

“So, Rarity,” she said, nonchalantly, “You’ve seemed awfully happy these last few days. Must’ve been something pretty big to...”

“Oh, Twilight. Not you, too. I always thought you’d be above that sort of thing; prying like this just isn’t you.”

Twilight had the good form to be embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Rarity, really I am, but you can’t blame us for being curious;  it’s like you’re going out of your way to keep it a secret. If it helps any, I really did come for a manestyle; I just thought...”  

“I know, Twilight, and you’re right. I am keeping it a secret. For now, anyway. Every filly has to have their own secrets, right?”

“I’m sorry, Rarity,” she repeated, “ and you’re absolutely right; if anypony should be above gossip, it’s me.”

I raised a hoof. “Water under the bridge, darling; water under the bridge. Now. Let’s see what I can do for you...”



After the next two or three letters my excitement waned;  I still loved receiving and sending the letters, of course, but I’d gotten comfortable with doing it. It was much like my weekly spa session with Fluttershy: I knew we were going, but I still looked forward to them. We received at least one letter from the other each week.

Summersday and I seemed to always have something to say to one another; even a humdrum day  was of interest to the other. We traded photographs of one another early on: Summersday was light blue with a blonde mane; he almost looked like a summer’s day; a day with clear blue skies and sunshine. His photo had a special place on a desk in my room.  

Originally, our relationship was strictly friendly; a ‘How was your week?’ sort of thing, but over time as we found more and more things in common with one another, our letters became more intimate and I began looking forward to his replies with greater enthusiasm. Then, midway through the third month, I received the letter:

Rarity,

Over the last months, I have found myself looking forward to your letters with greater and greater anticipation. You are clearly a mare of sophistication, wit and charm, and I have taken a step that I feel is necessary. I hope this is not too forward of me, but I wish to meet with you and I therefore invite you to stay as my guest at my mansion for the holiday weekend.

Assuming the mailing times remain constant as they have, a chariot will arrive for you two days after receiving this missive in order to allow you time to consider my offer. Again, I hope this is not considered too forward of me, but our relationship has grown to some degree and I wish to see the one to whom I am writing; a photograph is small compensation.

The chariot’s arrival should be around noon. The chauffeur will meet you at your residence and escort you. Should you not wish to make the trip, simply tell him this and he will return. I apologise in advance if I have gone beyond any boundary you may have set, but I feel this must be done. Letters are simply not enough anymore.

With high hopes,
Summersday


Just as with the original letter, I dropped it to the floor in shock. I actually squealed and clapped my hooves like a school-filly. Two days? I didn’t need two minutes. I somehow knew this was going to occur at some point, and he was right: I wanted to see him as well; a picture and letters weren’t enough.

Now that the things had gone beyond simple letters, I decided to finally tell my friends. I would have to anyway.

    Later that morning, I had my friends Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie and Fluttershy meet me at the Boutique. Dash was covering for an injured weather control teamster and, being as the stallion in question was a foreman of one of the larger teams, would effectively be responsible for co-ordinating multiple small teams over a fairly wide area. Covering his duties would keep her away for a  few days, so I’d be back before she was. It was one of the few times I'd ever seen her happy to do hard work, but then she loves being in charge. 

The four filed in a short time later and looked at me expectantly.  Applejack was the first to break the brief silence.

“So what was so important  that we had’ta drop what we were doin’ and come here?” she asked.

“Well, the Gala, as you know, didn’t go well for any of us. In my case, I had my eye on a guest there and things...didn’t pan out.” I coughed. “Regardless, I had caught the attention of another. Unfortunately due to the finale of the Gala, he was unable to introduce himself and did so via the post office. We’ve been mailing each other ever since.”

Twilight looked confused. “But why keep that from us? I mean, you have a pen pal; lots of ponies do. Princess Celestia and I are technically pen pals.”

“Well, simply put it wasn’t really anypony’s business and I was afraid I you’d get the wrong idea if I’d mentioned my letters when this had first started. The only reason I’m telling you all is because of this.” I showed them the final letter. “I’ll be leaving for a few days and I wanted to let you know why.”

“Yer goin’ ta meet this Summersday guy? Without even knowin’ anything ‘bout him ‘cept what he tells you in his letters? Seems a mite risky to me.”

I pointed an accusing hoof at Applejack. “There; that’s exactly my point. You’re probably running through scenarios about what could go wrong inside your heads right now." She and the others looked guilty; it was clear that Twilight, Fluttershy and even Pinkie held similar worries for my safety.  Despite my annoyance at this, I couldn't help but be slightly touched by their shared concern for me.

I continued: “This is a simple visit, nothing more; I’m a grown mare and I can take care of myself. You know I’ve always dreamt of something like this happening,”

My friends looked between one another. I played my trump card. “You want me to be happy, don’t you?

The four were silent.

Twilight spoke up “You’re right, Rarity.  I’m not sure myself if perhaps this is going a bit fast, but then again that’s not my...not our business, either. I hope you enjoy yourself.”

I smiled. “I think that’s probably likely. And I promise, no more secrets from here on out. I should have trusted that you’d have kept the news to yourselves. You’re my best friends and it was probably foolish of me to keep it to myself.”

“Well, you jus' enjoy yersef, y'hear?”

“Um...have fun, Rarity...”

“Yeah! An’ bring us back souvenir T-shirts! “

The others looked at Pinkie.

“What? She’s going on a trip isn’t she? You always bring back a T-shirt after a trip. Or a silly mug. Or both, even.”

We all sighed in exasperation and laughed.

I must admit to being — understandably — distracted for the rest of the day; all that I could think of was meeting Summersday at last and what his mansion must be like. I fetched his photograph from my room, gazing happily at it as I ran the text of his letter through my head for what seemed to be the thousandth time.  I was humming happily to myself as the front door jingled open. I looked up with a smile to see Spike enter.

“What’s up, Rarity?” he asked. “New fashion magazine arrive?”

“Oh no, Spike,” I sighed. "Something even better. Take a look.” 

I levitated Summersday’s  picture over to him. "His name is Summersday and he's a baron. A baron! Isn't he just to die for?"

“I guess, Rarity,” he replied, confused. “What’s up? Who is this guy?”

I blushed. “Well, we’ve been mailing each other for some time and I think he’s rather taken with me. In fact, he says he wants to meet me! After the fiasco with that boor Blueblood,  I think I may have found the stallion of my dreams! This could be love!”

“So, when’re you goin’?” he asked. It seemed as though he was trying to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but he looked slightly nervous..

“The day after tomorrow. He’s sending a pegasus chariot and everything; the sort of thing a true gentlestallion would do!” I replied, with another sigh of  joy.

“Well, I hope that goes well for you, Rarity”, he said.“Good luck.”  He left as I lovingly gazed at Summersday’s photo again.  I looked up after a moment. Spike seemed strangely depressed when I’d told him I was going. I know he’s my number one fan, but I was only going for the holiday weekend; I was sure he could go without for a couple of days... 



The next day, just before lunch, there was a light rapping at my front door. I opened it to see a unicorn dressed in a uniform of dark blue bordered with gold braid. He stood at full attention. “Miss Rarity, ma’am, please allow me to introduce myself; I am Coltwell, Summersday’s chauffeur and I have come to escort you to his chariot at your convenience. Should you choose not to make the voyage, please inform me now and I will return.”

I blinked. “Escort me? But you’re not supposed to be here yet.”

“Yes, ma’am, we caught a bit of a tailwind; we were able to shorten flight time by almost fifteen minutes.”

“No, I mean you’re an entire day early,” I said, shaking my head slightly.

The chauffeur looked embarrassed. “I apologise, ma’am, but I was told to prepare to fly in five days: three for you to receive the letter and a further two before making the flight.”

I blinked and gasped in realisation. The letter. It must have arrived a day late!

Seeing my expression, Coltwell came to full attention. “Ma’am. Do you wish me to return?”

“No, thank you. Just give me time to prepare my luggage and I will accompany you.”

“Very good, ma’am. Again, I apologise”

“Think nothing of it”, I replied gracefully. “A mere postal error. Nopony is to blame.”

I invited him in and returned to my room to pack. I was only going to be gone four days; a mere two overnight bags would be sufficient. Now I needed to find just the right accouterments. 

So I’ll be leaving a day early. My friends already know I’m taking this trip; I suppose leaving early shouldn’t be an issue...



The chauffeur led me to Summersday’s chariot. It was a four pegasus model, the fastest you can get; this trip wouldn’t take more than an hour or so at most, if even that. Upon his loading my luggage into a compartment beneath the chariot, we took to the air. The chauffeur then showed me that his duty involved more than just escorting me to the mansion.

He used his magic to generate a force field around the chariot car itself. Generally this sort of thing isn’t required: pegasus chariots are built in such a way that air currents don’t have any undue effect on passengers, even at high speeds, but Summersday apparently wanted to ensure that my trip was absolutely as comfortable as it could be.

Very classy.

I attempted to make small talk during the trip, asking about the area and such. Coltwell tried to enter into the spirit of it, but broke off after a short period. He wasn’t much of a conversationalist, he apologised; to be honest, his services were only used in situations in which guests were being transported, so he was generally on his own. 

We arrived in an hour exactly, flying over the roofs of Hoofington towards a lone house just beyond the city limits. Summersday’s mansion was somewhat more humble than I had expected, but still impressive even from the air. Upon landing, the chauffeur quickly entered the mansion, no doubt to inform Summersday of my arrival. A page exited and collected my luggage. A moment later, the door opened and he exited.

Summersday.

He was even more handsome than his photograph. The blue of his coat was darker and richer, his mane longer and thicker; if a picture was worth a thousand words, the real thing was worth far and beyond that. His eyes widened slightly upon seeing me and I had the distinct impression that he felt the same upon seeing me in the flesh.

He trotted towards me, his blonde mane and tail flowing in the slight breeze.  “Greetings, Rarity, and welcome to my humble estate.” He bowed gracefully and his horn glowed momentarily, gently lifting one of my forelegs. He touched the hoof softly with his lips.

Very classy. 

He was everything Blueblood was not; polite, humble, sophisticated. The only way in which the two were similar were in stature; Summersday shared Blueblood’s statuesque frame; I could see his muscles moving under his coat even as he had stepped forth to greet me.

“Please allow me the honor of escorting you to your room.” 

I nodded. He nodded in turn to the page, who followed behind us. The inside of the mansion was truly opulent, belying its exterior. The walls were pure mahogany, polished to such a sheen that they could surely blind the eyes were sunlight to strike them. Our hooves clicked upon patterned tiles which were also polished to glittering. I couldn’t help but gasp at the sheer beauty of it; if I were to ever own a mansion  — and I knew that to only be a matter of time — surely it would be like this!

Pictures and tapestries adorned the walls, seemingly in a random manner yet showing a pattern if looked at in just the right way. Upon one wall were a line of paintings that appeared to be family portraits. There were quite a few: either Summersday’s family was very large, or they had lived here for quite some time.

Summersday noticed my interest. “I am the tenth baron of Hoofington. Though the title is now honorary and has been for some time, we take pride in our family home: this mansion has seen well over a century’s worth of kin live within its walls.” I didn’t doubt it. Though the pictures were kept immaculately clean, the ones at the very start of the line looked to be as old as Summersday had said.

He led me to a room and the door opened as we approached and entered. I stopped dead in my tracks. I had never seen such opulence in my life: the mahogany theme of the mansion continued within. There was a four poster bed, a huge dresser, the far wall was decorated with stained glass and there was a door that led to a patio with a small table with a parasol. The room even had a bathroom with a shower.

“I’m afraid this isn’t the best room I have to offer. My apologies.”  I gasped and turned to him. There was better? He winked and chuckled. “I’m sorry; but I had to do that just to see the look on your face. A peccadillo on my behalf.” I grinned. Class and a sense of humor. I liked that.

“As you have seen”, he continued, “the mansion itself is rather small; I haven’t much in the way of staff. The chauffeur, two or three pages, and of course the cooking staff. I beg your forgiveness but you may have to see your own way from time to time. As my guest  you are, of course, my primary interest and concern, but there are some things I simply can not put off, even given the holiday. I apologise once again.”

I gracefully waved it away: he has been more than courteous to me simply by inviting me here; he had informed me in his letters that he had certain duties, and I took no offense, though admittedly I did fell an ever so minor flash of annoyance.



The first day was marvellous. The mansion itself may have been modest — though beautiful — but the estate itself was not. We spent the day touring. There were the gardens, full of flowers the colors of which I didn’t even know were possible, the fountains, which blew in playful patterns as though they were dancing, and the topiary maze, which Summersday warned me about going into: as a colt he’d spent almost four hours trapped within it when it had first been grown and had been wary of entering it ever since. 

We had tea in a gazebo atop a hill in the middle of the garden, surrounded by blossoms by the hundreds. This is what I’d been waiting for; what I deserved. Summersday had nothing but time for me that day and I could already feel myself growing closer to him.

He asked me about my business in Ponyville; I had told him in our letters, of course, but he was hoping to see some of my work himself.  I obliged him, and he murmured appreciatively, commenting on how the jewels I used accentuated each piece perfectly. I blushed at the compliments, but I had secretly been saving the best for last.

That evening, I put on my finest dress; the one I had kept hidden. It was a pure diamond affair and the work of weeks. When Summersday arrived at my room to escort me to dinner, he literally gaped at me. He cleared his throat to cover his reaction. I smiled slightly and he led me to dinner. We dined on a patio that evening under a clear sky and full moon. It was as if Luna herself wanted this night to be perfect. Crickets sang in the background.

   I rather fear I slept in the next day. The previous day had been so perfect that my dreams of it seemed to not want to let me go. The bed itself helped a great deal; the mattress being so soft it was as though it were made of cloud. I wondered if this was what it was like for a pegasus to sleep?

After managing to fight off my wondrous dreams and enter the realm of the conscious once again, I rolled from the bed with a slight feeling of regret. The clock said it was nearing ten. Probably too late to have breakfast, I thought to myself, but perhaps I can ask the kitchen staff to prepare me something regardless. 

As I opened the door, I found a tray on a cart awaited me. There was toast, orange juice, coffee, two small pitchers of milk and cream and a large bowl of granola with dried cranberries. Cranberries! Practically a delicacy back in Ponyville and quite hard to come by. The coffee and toast were still hot and the juice, milk and cream cool; no doubt a spell had been used to keep them that way, as breakfast had probably been over an hour ago. I poured the milk over the granola, the cream in the coffee and tucked in. After my breakfast, I took a long luxurious shower, the heat almost making me sleepy again. 

There was no sign of Summersday, but he had warned me to expect that. I found that without his presence, there didn’t seem all that much to do; there was the garden and the fountains and even the maze which, despite Summersday’s warning, I attempted. It wasn’t that difficult, though to be fair, I did cheat at some points, using my magic to help guide me.

I finally found myself bored to such a degree that I actually deigned to speak with the pages on hand. There were three of them, named Saddle, Bridle and Bit. The three were brothers and were relaxing when I came across them; there were no chores that required immediate attention and the housemaster had not called on them. They appreciated my company (as well they should) for to Summersday they were simply there — nothing more than house staff. He didn’t even know their names, really. 

Eventually, I even found myself enjoying the company of the trio; they weren’t as polished as myself or Summersday, obviously, but they had a simple charm to them. One mentioned that of all the ponies Summersday had invited to stay, I was the most friendly. The others guests just ignored them.

I began to get a tickling sensation in the back of my head. Now, now... ‘Guest’ could mean anything at all. I’m sure he’s invited dozens of ponies to his mansion, mares and stallions alike.

As I wandered the hall back towards my room, a well-dressed mare passed me, gave me a polite nod of her head and exited. She left a light scent of perfume in her wake. A short time later, Summersday appeared and I went to greet him. He smelled of the perfume the mare that passed me wore, only stronger.

“Summersday,” I asked, curious, “Who was that mare I just saw leaving? I don’t remember seeing her yesterday.”

He seemed nervous for a very slight moment.  “Ah yes, that was my cousin. When I mentioned you were coming, she offered to bring me a bottle of a favorite scent she wears.  I was going to give it to you as apology for being unavailable to you for so long, but unfortunately I dropped it; that’s why I smell so strongly of it. I’m deeply sorry; I’ve ruined the gift I was going to give you.”

At dinner that evening, I asked Summersday about his cousin. I was honestly interested: seeing another member of Summersday’s family might help me become closer to him. Summersday gave some noncommittal answers; he said he hadn’t seen her in some time. 

When I asked if perhaps I could make her acquaintance, Summersday told me that unfortunately she’d had to leave; her visits were infrequent due to her duties. She was essentially the ambassador of the family and spent much of her time travelling, thus he treasured her visits.

That tickle returned to inside my head. I didn’t want to think so, but the situation had seemed a bit too perfect: the perfume accident, his cousin having to leave... As again, I fought it back: Now I was just being paranoid. Still, though...



The next day, as opposed to the day before, I awoke quite early. The clock said it was just after seven but I was unable to return to sleep, even despite the early hour so I decided to go to the dining room for breakfast. It would be nice to dine with Summersday more than once, as I really only had the chance at supper time the previous day.

I heard Summersday’s voice  and a giggle. 

Oh no...

I stepped into the dining room. There was a mare sitting with Summersday and they appeared to be quite intimate. I had entered just in time to see Summersday whisper something into her ear and she giggled again. 

“Summersday, you’re such a naughty thing,” she replied.  I gasped and both their heads snapped in my direction. Summersday went white as a sheet and the mare looked between us in confusion .

My eyes narrowed. “So who is this then, Summersday? Another ‘cousin’? Is this what kept you ‘busy’ yesterday? Is it?!”  Summersday sat there, his mouth opening and closing like a grounded fish.

I rushed to my room, sobbing. I was both heartbroken and furious at the same time. I immediately began packing my bags with reckless abandon; I wanted nothing more to do with this place or its occupant. Summersday entered and I threw a half-packed bag at him. He dodged and lowered his head before I could pitch the other one.

“Rarity, it’s not what you think. Listen!” Summersday begged. “Please, just listen!”

I stopped packing, if only so Summersday could make things worse for himself.

“I’m the family's only true-blood bachelor — the only one — and I need to wed or the family name dies with me.  I’ve been trying for some time to find the one who would make the perfect wife.”

“Three at a time?”  I asked, disbelieving this attempt to justify himself.  “Were you trying to be more efficient or something? Maybe trying us on for size?” 

“But Rarity, you were the...”

“I was the what?” I shouted. “The best of the bunch? The pick of the litter? The one worth keeping?!" I went back to packing. “I am leaving, Summersday. I have never been insulted in such a manner in my life and I do not wish to ever hear from you again.”

“Very well, Rarity”, replied Summersday with a sad sigh. “If that’s how you feel, I will have my chariot prepared to return you home.”

“'How I feel'? You don’t know the half of 'how I feel', sir. Not the half.” I stalked out the front door of the mansion. The chariot was prepared and my luggage loaded. The door opened and Summersday exited to see me off.  I turned to face the chariot, sickened by the sight of him.

As the chauffeur and I prepared to board, I stopped. I looked down and stood there for a few moments, still as a statue, taking several deep breaths to keep my patience in check. My eyes closed and I sighed sadly. "Summersday," I said quietly and calmly with just a hint of the cold fury I felt within, "Despite what has happened here, I honestly hope that someday you find a wife to keep your bloodline alive. But if you don't..." I raised my head and turned to look at him over my shoulder.

“I won’t miss it when it dies.”

I turned and boarded the chariot which quickly took to the air. I never looked back.

   I had the chariot take me to just outside the reaches of Ponyville. I was still vibrating with a combination of absolute fury and embarrassment as — ensuring nopony saw me, which wasn’t difficult as it was moderately early in the morning — I made my way home, almost incapable of getting the door open because I was shaking so hard.

Damn him.

This was my second attempt to find the one I needed only to be disappointed even further. I wondered if I should even bother with a third try? Love appeared to be a lost cause for me.

 Damn him.

Once inside, I rushed to my room, grabbed the photo of Summersday from its ‘place of honor’ threw the picture frame against the far wall and with a scream of pure rage, tore the photo to pieces. The letters followed in short order. My anger made my vision go blood red and I struck the frame of my bed with kick after kick, screaming incoherently, not hearing the wood as it cracked under the impacts.

Damn him!

After a moment I had used up the strength my anger had given me. Exhausted, I collapsed onto the mattress of my shattered bed and came apart like a china plate.

    “…ty?” I thought I heard through my sobbing

“…rity?” There it was again; I swear it sounds like a voice…

“Rarity?!”  the voice shouted.

I tried to calm myself to the best of my ability and looked up to see a purple and green blur. I blinked to clear my eyes and the blur slowly cleared, coalescing into my number one fan.

“S-Spike?”

He approached me, his eyes filled with a combination of fear and concern. “Yes, Rarity. It’s Spike. What happened to you, Rarity? I’ve never seen you this upset before!” He stared at my half-ruined bed.

“What was it? Does it have something to do with this Summersday guy?” he asked, his voice mirroring his expression.

“SUMMERSDAY!” I spat, my vision going red again. “I never want to hear that name again! ‘Come visit me at my mansion for the weekend and we can get properly acquainted with each other; get to know each other better.’ Ha!” I snarled.

“Unfortunately for him, I learned on the third day he’d said the same thing to at least two other mares! I was...was nothing more than some sort of harem-filly to him!” I shouted.

Taking a deep shuddering breath to calm myself as much as possible, I continued. “He was even worse than Blueblood; at least he was only conceited! I was so embarrassed I didn’t even have the chariot bring me all the way back to town! I snuck into town to here and then...and then...”  

I broke off and my vision blurred again as I sobbed uncontrollably.

Through my tears I could see Spike slowly make his way to my bedroom door, his head lowered.  As he was just about to exit, I called out:

“P...please stay with me, Spike,” I begged. “I think right now what I need is a friend; a shoulder to cry on, even if it is small and purple. Stay. Please?”  I smiled at him as best I could.

He seemed to consider this for a moment, then approached the bed and climbed onto it, moving to lie beside me. I laid my head on his chest and let the tears flow freely. The last things I remember before sleep finally claimed me were a calming hum from Spike and his hand gently stroking my neck.

When I awoke, Spike was no longer there. I didn’t know what time it was and found I didn’t really care, either. I crept from my room to lock the front door of the Boutique. I wasn’t in the mood for company or customers — wasn't sure if I ever would be again. As I slowly walked from my room to the entrance, I looked up to find my friends standing in front of the door.

Twilight spoke three simple sentences. “We know. Spike told us. Let us help you.”

My friends. When things are at their worst, of course my friends would be there for me…

I stared at them for a moment and my eyes welled up. They nodded to themselves and exited. I watched as they left, mouth half-open to ask them to come back, then I felt something warm slip over my shoulders and then warmth on my side.

Fluttershy held me close with her wing as I burst into tears.

   Over the next few days my friends visited me, sometimes alone, sometimes in a group. 

Fluttershy made another visit and we shared tea as we often do. I gave her a friendly nuzzle and thanked her for the day before; she smiled demurely as her cheeks went as pink as her mane.

Pinkie, who was surprisingly quiet compared to her usual boisterous self brought me some of her now Ponyville-famous cakepie and actually got me to smile with some jokes and tales of her antics, which may or may not have been true. With Pinkie it’s truly difficult to tell.

The next day, Applejack paid me a visit with a basket of Sweet Apple Acre’s finest.  I had passed through my sadness and was working my way into anger; becoming quite surly. I was a bit sharp with her I’m afraid, but she said I had the honest right to be angry, and she would take no offence at anything said.

And finally Twilight, who simply listened, - along with Spike, who sat by my side, his arm gently wrapped around one of my forelegs - as I gave an angry and far more descriptive accounting of my visit. I fear I may have used some language unbecoming of someone of my class but, as with Applejack, they overlooked it.

Even Dash, who had returned from her weather patrol duty visited me and asked me if I’d gotten over my sickness. I was confused for a moment until I realised my friends must not have given her the whole truth about my situation.

I knew this was probably for the best. Dash may not be terribly fond of me, but if she’d heard about what had happened, her loyalty would demand she defend my honor. Odds were she’d pay Summersday a visit, fly him up to a good height, let go and see what shape stain he made when he hit ground.

I despised the stallion, but I didn’t want to be responsible for whatever Dash would do to him even indirectly, so I coughed a few times and told her I’d be fine in a couple of days. She nodded and quickly left. I think she might have been afraid I was still ‘contagious’.

After about the sixth day I’d finally gotten my composure completely back. I decided that keeping myself locked away and my Boutique closed any longer would serve no purpose, so I began to tidy up while considering the possibility of a sale to celebrate getting over my ‘sickness’; only my closest friends (with the exception of Dash) were aware of my true reason for closing.

As I was cleaning, Spike entered and watched me as I puttered away.  As I stopped to give him my full attention, he made small talk checking in to see how I was doing. He made an offhand comment about Summersday and I felt my face flush.

I responded to Spike with cold fury in my voice.  “Summersday? That cad? Don’t ever speak about him again!”  I gave Spike a glare of anger. He apologized for bringing it up and left, appearing embarrassed. I could see he was grinning, though; clearly this had been a test and I appear to have passed.



The day after, I officially re-opened. The customers streamed in; apparently my temporary closure had been quite a blow to the mares of Ponyville. The sale no doubt helped as well, but I received many heartfelt well-wishes from my assorted customers.

As I finally closed for the evening, I sighed to myself with happiness and more than a touch of exhaustion. I had done more business this day then I had lost in the previous week, and it had all been due to my friends helping me out of the hole I had fallen into. 

There was a tapping on my front door. I gave a slight stretch and opened the door with my magic. Spike was standing there, dressed to the nines in a tuxedo, with a scroll tucked under an arm. My eyes widened slightly at the sight of him dressed so formally and I invited Spike in.

He unfurled the scroll and cleared his throat. “Miss Rarity,” he began, “I have come to...” He stopped and shook his head slightly. After a moment, he began again. “Miss Rarity, I have come to formally invite you to a party at Sugarcube Corner in your honor. I will be your escort.”

I was truly charmed. “Yes, Spike,” I replied, “I would be delighted. A party is just what I need right now. But before that, there’s something I have to do.”

I leaned down and kissed the top of Spike’s frilled head. He blushed.

“That’s for being there when I most needed somepony, my knight in scaled armor. I have a warm place in my heart for all of my friends, but a particularly warm place there for you.”  And it was true; from that day on I always made time for Spike and had a smile for him, even when simply passing him while walking through Ponyville. He was the first to come to my aid upon my return, and he brought the others to help me through my darkest hour.

Spike blushed even more deeply from the compliment and I laughed lightly.

“Now, you mentioned a party? Let‘s be off then!” Spike graciously held the door open for me and I followed alongside my young dragon friend.

As Spike escorted me to the party, I realised how foolish – no; how stupid – I had been. I had travelled from here to Summersday’s mansion, hoping that there could be found the love I had felt I wanted or needed, completely unaware that upon leaving Ponyville, I had actually left it behind.  

This farce with Summersday had shown me that the love born of romance could come and go or even be a lie, but love born of friendship was always there and could never be faked. The events of the last week had proven this to me.

Spike opened the door to Sugarcube Corner and my friends turned from what they were doing, all giving smiles of welcome for the ‘guest of honor.' I closed my eyes and let out a short shuddering breath.

Thank you. Thank you all, my friends. Thank you, Fluttershy, for your calming influence, thank you, Pinkie, for helping me smile through the pain, thank you, Applejack, for telling me my anger was justified and for allowing me to vent that anger upon you and thank you, Twilight, for simply lending an ear and listening.

I truly do not deserve friends such as you and I am humbled. In coming to my aid, each of you have shown me the spirit I was meant to represent and I vow to show this spirit in turn. I will show my generosity towards one and all, friend and neighbor alike, for I have been remiss in this and I am both ashamed and deeply sorry. I took a deep breath, composed myself and joined them within.

The party continued long into the night.

> Epilogue: The Tip of the Tale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------






It was three months later. 

The day was warm and sunny and Rarity lounged in her Boutique. She was bored; there looked to be no business today and she wondered if she shouldn't close up early.  A slow day like this really made you miss the past: sometimes it seemed as though something strange or exciting happened every other day. Now things were so humdrum she was practically dozing. It wasn't as though she was complaining, goodness no, but over the last couple of weeks it just seemed as though something were missing. Some element that she couldn't put her hoof on, a certain je ne sais quoi. Maybe it was just the cozy sunlight making her mind drift.

News had come that Summersday had finally found himself a wife-to-be. Given the events of my visit, I can only hope he played it fair instead of pick-and-choose, she thought to herself. Over the quarter-year her hatred of him had diminished, but he still held a dark place in her mind; one that may never be clean again.

She considered sending a wedding gift  (wholly for the bride of course, whom she held no ill will towards) and while contemplating what she might send her in commiseration as much as congratulations, Rarity's mind drifted from thoughts of the sunny weather to thoughts of Spike instead; her knight in scaled armor. The dear little fellow had been nothing but helpful since that day when she had returned from Summerday's mansion, a shattered remnant of her usual self.

It had been he who had first come to her aid when she had been hysterical with heartbreak and fury. It had been he who had spent the first day calming her into a peaceful slumber, gently stroking her mane and neck while humming quietly to her as if she were a young filly frightened by a nightmare. It had been he who had alerted her friends, so that they might help her through that dark time. And it had been he who made her days since then all the brighter just by being there.

Just by being Spike.

And he asked nothing in return, save a smile and spoken words; gifts freely given, for during that time he and her other friends had shown her more generosity than she had; a lesson hard taught and learned well. And he had been the linchpin.  Even now, the remembrance brought a smile to her face and often a tear to her eye.

The thought of something missing struck her again and there was an answering spark in her mind.

Spike.  The thought had to do with Spike. She didn't know what it was, precisely, but it seemed as though the warm thoughts she had of him were becoming...warmer recently, as if she...

Oh my.

Her eyes widened.

Oh my.

Wherever did that come from?  She had felt this way only twice before; the first time leading to disappointment, the second to heartbreak, but in each event there had been one constant.

Spike.

And though she had only thought of him as a close friend, over the last three months she had slowly begun to think of him as more but had not noticed, as though this thought had slowly crept its way through the undergrowth of her mind.

Until now, when it had finally pounced from its hiding place and into the forefront.

Now let's not jump into this, Rarity. I know he adores me — he's very bad at keeping secrets in that respect — and I must admit the feeling is getting more mutual by the day, but I want to take this slowly and carefully regardless. I'm not even entirely sure how old he is. Still, though, he's been the most honorable of gentlemen — gentledragons? — I've ever had the joy to meet. Maybe, just maybe, we could...

As she was considering this new and interesting thought, the bell above her front door tinkled gently and Rarity looked up.

   It was three months later.      

The day was warm and sunny and Spike was walking down the street, about to do one of the most difficult things in his life. It's times like this I wish reptiles could sweat, Spike thought to himself, blowing a small puff of smoke from his nostrils. It's bad enough I'm so afraid for myself that my fire is backing up, but the sun's shining right on me, too. I don't even know why I'm doing this...

Three months ago he had planned to tell Rarity his feelings for her. He'd missed his chance when she'd gone to visit…him. Rarity had returned from her visit a complete wreck. She had been dangerously close to going insane with grief, shame and pure burning rage when Spike had found her, and it had taken both himself and her other friends an entire week before they had been able to get her back to herself. Summersday had broken her — broken her into a thousand pieces, and he still wasn't certain if some of those pieces hadn't been lost forever when he and his friends had put her back together again.

If Spike hadn't been there, hadn't instinctively gone to her Boutique a day early, even knowing she wasn't scheduled to return until the next, there's no telling what could have been the outcome – what he and his friends might have found the next day. She might have even...

Don't go there, Spike, he warned himself. Don't ever go there. Even after three months Spike felt himself go cold at the thought of it; at the thought of what Rarity's despair might have caused her to do. A shudder passed through him as he pushed the horrid vision away.

Applejack had been the one who had finally pushed him into admitting himself at the very beginning and since Rarity's return he had considered doing so, sometime when the pain of her betrayal had passed, but she had been hurt so cruelly, so callously...

Summersday had, it turned out, been searching for the perfect wife. He had considered Rarity as nothing more than a toy, as he had with countless other mares; somepony to offer false love to in the hopes of finding the right mare for him and to discard the ones who weren't, as though they were nothing.

Spike felt it best not to risk ever hurting her any further and swore to himself that he would keep his feelings for her bottled up and simply accept that some things just were best left as unattainable; at best he would feel as though he were somehow taking advantage of the situation. But after three months he found the pressure of his refusal to say to those four simple words – "I love you, Rarity" - building up within to an almost agonizing degree.

He had to get this out into the open or it was going to eventually kill him. It didn't scare him any less, however; if anything, he was absolutely terrified. As before, he wondered if he should bring something. Perhaps cupcakes and a rose as he had attempted before? Maybe something a bit fancier?

No. No, this had to be done, and done without something to hide behind. He would just say what he had to say — what he had always wanted to say — and to Tartarus with the consequences. He could handle whatever happened next; he was a big dragon.

Well, biggish anyway. Mature. You don't have to be tall to be mature. He still wasn't sure whether this was a mistake or not, but he had to do it, if only to bring closure to this. He was big (-ish) and brave and wouldn't back down now. Not now that he'd made his choice.

He slowly made his way to Rarity's Boutique as though he were heading towards a gallows. He nearly turned back a couple of times, before fighting his instincts and keeping himself walking forwards. He'd at least have an excuse to visit; it had been a couple of days since they'd last met and talked. Hopefully he'd be able to push himself that tiniest bit further.

Finally, after trying to drag out his arrival as much as possible by distracting himself with events around him, he reached the front door of the Boutique. The front door leading to the hardest task he'd ever found himself facing.

He took several deep breaths. C'mon Spike, you can do this. You've made it this far; don't chicken out now. As far as she's aware it's just a typical visit.

Taking one final deep breath he pushed the door open. The bell tinkled gently and Rarity looked up.

   "Oh…W-why hello, Spike," said Rarity, a slightly odd smile on her face as she quickly looked back down from the flash of purple and green scales she had seen when her door opened. She began fussing with a spool of thread she had randomly picked up.

"Afternoon Rarity. Nice out, isn't it?"

"Why yes, Spike. Very nice out. Very nice out," said Rarity offhandedly.

"Yeah. Best weather this week, I think," commented Spike, his vision wandering around the inside of the Boutique as though the place were new to him, his eyes never seeming to rest on Rarity herself.

"Mm. I agree. Truly a fine day. Truly," Rarity replied as she looked up from the spool and out of the front door, as if she were admiring the clear blue sky and sunlight, her eyes likewise subtly avoiding looking at Spike. Her vision appeared concentrated wholly on the subject of how nice the weather was.

They tried to make small talk, but their attempts to outmaneuver the other while speaking resulted in a talk which could best be described as distracted. After a minute their vain try at conversation wound down, replaced by an uncomfortable silence.

"Well," said Rarity, coughing gently.

"Yeah," replied Spike, clearing his throat and scratching the back of an ankle with his foot.

Spike and Rarity appeared to visibly steel themselves as, having run out of places within the Boutique upon which to rest their eyes, their gazes slowly turned to look upon the face of the other.

The two froze. Rarity went slightly pink and Spike felt as though his scales had gone pure white as their eyes locked and widened. Each appeared to be hypnotised by the other and they simply stared into each others eyes in total silence. Suddenly something seemed to break within, and they both spoke in tandem as if rushing to get their words out first.

"Rarity, there's something I need to tell you..." began Spike.

"Spike, there's something I wish to say..." began Rarity.