//------------------------------//
// Fashion Advice 
// Story: Ready for Commitment 
// by StormLuna 
//------------------------------//

After finishing her breakfast and rescheduling her appointments, Colgate headed to the one place she never imagined she would go, The Carousel Boutique.  She couldn't help but be nervous over the situation, especially since Rarity is one of, if not the best of Fluttershy's friends.  As she headed in, she said to herself, "Well here goes nothing." 

When she entered she heard a voice, "Welcome to The Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique and magnifique!"  She then turned around and gasped, "Colgate?  I'm surprised to see you here." 

Colgate replied, "I'm surprised to see myself here too but I really need some advice."  Her face began to turn red as she continued, "I need to buy a dress or at least a nice shirt and skirt." 

Rarity, like everypony else, pretty much knew Colgate's choice in clothing and figured that something more feminine would be the last thing she would be caught in.  Rarity commented, "Is it for......" 

Colgate replied, "I need something really nice to wear this Friday.  I'm closing up shop and I'm going to spend the whole day with Fluttershy."  Her face turned redder as she continued, "And I want to treat her to something really special on Saturday." 

Rarity knew that the two had been dating for a while and Fluttershy had brought up Colgate and how she didn't even own anything like that.  She gave her a smile and asked, "And I take it you want to look your best for her?"

Colgate replied, "Yes but could you please not tell her I came to you?  I want to surprise her." 

Rarity said, "Of course darling."  She then grabbed a measuring tape and continued, "Let's get you measured so I can get you something made." 

Colgate nodded as Rarity began to measure her.  It felt odd being measured as never before in her life had she ever had to be measured for anything.  Once she was finished Rarity continued, "Well I don't have any in stock that would fit you but I could certainly make you a couple." 

Colgate asked, "How long would it take?"

Rarity replied, "Normally it would take a couple of weeks because I have a couple other orders but since this is for your date with Fluttershy, I can push those others back." 

Colgate's eyes lit up, "Really?  You'd do that for me?"

Rarity asked, "Of course darling.  Now what do you want these dresses to look like?"

Colgate had absolutely no idea about what would look good when it came to fashion, especially dresses for dates.  She asked, "I don't know, what do you think?"  Her voice became more nervous as she continued, "You know Fluttershy very well, do you know what she might think would look good?"

Rarity began to take a closer look at Colgate and suggested, "Well I personally think one the color of your eyes with accents that would match your coat would look good." 

Colgate asked, "Do you think she would find that appealing?"

Rarity replied, "Of course she would."  She then got a smile and continued, "About this special thing on Saturday, is it going to be something that may require something more elegant?"

Colgate replied, "Actually yes.  I was thinking of taking her to the fanciest restaurant up in Canterlot." 

Rarity gasped, "Really, the fanciest place?"  Her jaw dropped open and she continued, "You're going to spend that much money on her?"

Colgate replied, "Rarity, there is no such thing as 'that much' when it comes to her."  Her face turned a deep red as she continued, "There are no words to describe how much I love her.  I would do anything to make her happy." 

Rarity got a huge smile on her face, "Wow, I never imagined that you of all ponies would develop this strong of feelings for anypony."  

Colgate replied, "I never did either but with Fluttershy, everything seems to click perfectly."  Again her face turned red as she continued, "I never thought I'd ever say this but it seems like we were made for one another, like I'm meant to be with her."  Her voice became dreamy as she finished, "Like we're soulmates." 

The more Colgate talked, the more Rarity became stunned.  Something began to cross her mind, something that may either make her change her mind about Colgate or confirm her suspicions.  She asked, "Colgate, I know you said you are taking Fluttershy to the fanciest restaurant in Canterlot and need something elegant."  She leaned in and continued, "I know you've been seeing her for quite a while" she leaned in further and continued, "are you going to ask her the big question?"

Colgate blushed even deeper and replied, "Uh, maybe!"  She then looked up and continued, "You don't think it is too soon do you?"

Rarity said, "Try not to act any differently but I don't think it is too soon.  Whenever her and I are alone, she talks about you a lot." 

Colgate asked, "Well then for another question.  Do you know what size of ring she wears?  I want to get her something that will fit her." 

Rarity replied, "I think she wears an eight but I can't be completely sure."  She gave Colgate a smile and continued, "How about I try and find out in a non-obvious way, like talking to her about friendship rings and when you come here on Thursday to pick up your order, I can let you know."  She paused for a minute and continued, "Speaking of your order, what do you want your more elegant dress to look like?"

Colgate replied, "You know, I know next to nothing about fashion, especially elegant fashion.  What do you think would look good on me and more importantly, what would impress Fluttershy."

Rarity again began to examine Colgate, trying to figure out what she thought would look best for something more elegant.  After a minute of thought she said, "I think going with a dress that matches your mane and tail would look good.  The dress itself would be blue and the accents would be white." 

Colgate replied, "You know, that might look good."  She looked in the direction of the cash register and asked, "How much will I owe you for this?"

Rarity had initially planned on charging her full price but given that she had special plans for Fluttershy the upcoming weekend and had to get a ring, she gave her a discount.  She said, "Normally the cost of two dresses like that would be 700 bits but since you are preparing for something special here, I'll give it to you at a substantial discount, 400 bits."

Colgate pulled her wallet out and handed Rarity what she owed her.  When Rarity saw that she was paying in cash, she was ecstatic.  She was so ecstatic that she dropped the price further, she handed one of the bills back and continued, "You know, since you're paying in cash I'll give you an extra discount, 300 bits." 

Without even thinking, Colgate embraced Rarity and exclaimed, "Thank you Rarity, thank you!  You have no idea how much this means to me."

Rarity returned the embrace and replied, "You're welcome darling."  She began to head back towards her inspiration room and added, "Well I better get started on these right away!" 

Colgate said, "And I probably better get home, I'm sure Lyra is probably wondering where I am and thanks again!" 

Rarity replied, "Anytime darling!" 

As Colgate left the boutique and headed home, she was very happy.  She knew that Rarity would do a spectacular job and what made her happier was the discount she got.  Soon her thoughts would turn to the big purchase coming up.  She thought to herself, "Now it is just a matter of getting Fluttershy the perfect ring, one that will say 'I want to be with you forever.'"