//------------------------------// // Rainy randez vous // Story: Together Alone: I live to love you // by Shadowlight Wanderer //------------------------------// Chapter 1 Rarity hummed to herself quietly as she carefully finished the stitches on the dress that was going to be included into her new line, Unique and Exotique. During the travels with her friends, Rarity slowly nurtured the inspiration that now allowed her to design a line of outfits from all over the world, the style taken for example from Saddle Arabia, Yakyakistan, Mount Aris, Crystal Empire, Dragonlands and Giffinstone. The purpose of the line was to expand the awareness of the ponies and interest them in the culture of the foreign, beautiful countries. Eyeing her latest creation, that was a long, golden and red Saddle Arabian dress, Rarity sighed with content. This was absolutely marvelous. She felt like the first time when she presented her outfits in front of the audience, the creative process brought to her the same kind of giddiness she felt back then. Rarity levitated her red glasses on the table and sit on the chair, closing her eyes and listening to the sounds of rain outside. It was so peaceful and quiet, aside from a sound of raindrops. Just like her heart was now. Rarity's mind was lazily drifting between recent events and pleasant memories that the last year brought to her. She recalled the trip to Canterlot with her sister and friends during the celebration of Spring Equinox and the ever funny memory of Princesses providing the karaoke show for the group. Although Rarity was still not completely sure how the windows managed to stay intact after Luna howling the songs in her Royal Canterlot Voice. Then she reminisced over Scootaloo's parents coming to town. She was glad that she managed to meet them even if she didn't approve the way they forced themselves on the filly. Rarity had the glimpse of a bizarre similarity to her own experience on the matter, but she couldn't put a hoof on it. The soothing sound of water made her fall into her daydream even more. And as it was frequently happening on such occasions, she heard the words of a song, distant at first but then clearer A gift to show I care But nothing can compare To You, that's easy to see The white unicorn sighed yet again as she recalled the fateful Heartswarming. Almost year and half passed since the night that changed her relationship with Spike for good. And whenever she relaxed like now, those particular memories kept coming back to her. She could still see the scene, appearing in front of her. Spike playing a guitar, blushing so fiercely as he looked at her. Rarity could remember the slowly surfacing emotions that came through her during the song. Curiosity, shock, and slowly spreading warmth of joy. By the end of a song, Rarity couldn't understand what she felt anymore. She was so happy that before she knew it her lips landed on Spike's warm cheek. No, she didn't know at all. The rest of the night she was happy in the most bizarre of ways. And it was that strange excitement that make her go back to her boutique, put a quill in her magic grasp and made the feelings flow out onto a paper. She was so unsure. Unsure what happened with Spike, with her, with both of them. But she knew she wanted to understand. She wanted to feel that sensation again. Because she was certain that there was no other time when she felt so loved. Even with all of that in mind, she didn't consider her feelings for Spike as love. Not yet at least. If the affection Spike felt for her was love, she was far behind that. But nopony ever died from trying to be better, right? She had no idea what will Spike's reaction be when he reads the letter. Would he be happy with the content ? Or will he be mad and upset about her being so indecisive ? From all the scenarios that she analyzed, she was most stunned by what actually happened. The next day after she sneaked the letter into the castle, Spike came to her boutique. They looked at each other and then he did the simplest thing he could do to express his opinion. He hugged her tightly. He didn't say one word, just embraced her. Rarity was so shocked that for a moment she didn't show any reaction at all. But when Spike looked up, he was hit by the wet droplet. Then the next one. And yet another. In her rich history of romantic endeavors, Rarity often cried from heartbreak but still managed to have a smiling face. Keeping her head up during the crisis was something that she was constantly working on in herself (well, it didn't ALWAYS work out as her fainting couch almost changed shape by now, reformed by constant and systematic falling on it and wallowing in pity.) But what happened back then was a complete opposite. Ever since that day, both dragon and unicorn felt as if something was lifted off their chests. Earlier, their relationship was surrounded not only by controversy, but also unhealthy obsession (from Spike's side) and unfair manipulation (from her side). After that moment however, Spike stopped trying too hard to woo the unicorn and Rarity was extra careful not to abuse trust she was given. They became closer than ever and even though Rarity still wasn't ready to think of them as a couple, Spike became an extremely crucial part of her life, almost in the same league as Sweetie Belle. The warmth of that change caused them to meet more frequently and Rarity couldn't deny that she had fun and felt much at ease with Spike around. That was the source of her serenity. And there was nothing in whole wide Equestria that could... The sound of knocking was heard from downstairs. Rarity's eyes opened immediately, halting the train of thoughts. She got up and stretched, walking to the door of her bedroom and then downstairs. "Comiiiinnnnng !!!" she called in her signature welcoming, "sing-song" voice. Rarity eyed the scenery behind the window and shivered. Despite it being only 5 in the evening, on the brink of the summer at that, it was positively dark and gloomy outside. The storm was approaching and whoever was standing outside had to be soaking wet by this point. Rarity approached the entrance to the boutique and checked herself in the small mirror hanging in the hallway. It was always important to her to look her best in front of others, even while meeting with closest friends. Rarity liked to think of herself as dignified and refined but, as her little devil of a sister liked to remind her, she didn't have control over every ounce of her bodily functions. One of the most embarrassing flops was drooling in her sleep. And after daydreaming like that, she wasn't taking any chances. She opened the door and looked at the silhouette standing in the rain Spike flashed his fangs as he smiled at the unicorn "Hi Rarity" he greeted her. The fashionista gasped "Spikey-Whikey ?! What an unexpected surprise!! Please, do come in. You must be absolutely drenched!” The purple dragon smiled and waved his claw. Throughout this year and a half, Spike did everything he could to make his body grow and looked stronger, encouraged by Rarity's letter. He was visiting Big Mac on Sweet Apple Acres and doing some workout with him, asking Ember for what was the best nutrition for the dragon growth, talking with Discord, Starlight, Twilight and Princess Celestia if magic could speed up the process. His efforts paid off, at least partially. He didn't change drastically but he grew a bit so now he was reaching her eye level, his wings got a bit wider and Rarity couldn't deny that his muscles were very well shaped and toned. But knowing Spike, it was probably still too little for him to settle down. The dragon in question answered her "No problem, it takes a lot more than a spring rain to make dragon cold. We had higher body temperature than ponies." With these words, he entered the Rarity's home/workplace, being sure to dry himself properly "How are you Rarity ? Is everything all right ?" dragon asked with enthusiasm. Rarity smiled back at him "As a matter of fact, I was just thinking about how everything is perfect recently. I had an utmost pleasant time, indulging myself in my memories" Rarity chuckled lightly. Then, in the corner of her vision, she saw something. She could've sworn that corner of Spike's lips fell slightly but it could be just a trick from the sudden illumination that lightning cast on the room. She shivered again. The weather factory was really going all out tonight. She regained her composure and addressed her guest "Spike darling, not that I am unhappy with your visit, but would you mind telling me what brings you here ?" Dragon rubbed his head, visibly embarrassed. "I am sorry for stopping by unannounced, I know how much do you like to prepare before you have guests. Not that you need much preparation, with you being...well, you." Rarity coughed and looked away, her lips stretching into a small smirk. She felt a small tint of blush spreading across her face. "You are such a little charmer darling... But do not distract me from the topic at hoof. Do...do you need my help in something ?" Spike's emerald eyes lit up "I came to see you because I need to talk to you. I...I think that it is important" Rarity's raised her eyebrow and turned around "If that's the case, then let's get to a comfortable spot first. You can't have a proper tête-a-tête without some arrangement." With that, she gestured for Spike to follow her. Rarity's azure eyes sparkled with concern. For some time now, she had a feeling that something was off with Spike. It wasn't that apparent at first but Rarity's eye was very sharp recently and she noticed that he was less energetic than usual and had that distant, absent gaze for quite some time. She quickened her pace. She was curious what got Spike so worked up and eager to help in any way she could. To show him that regardless what the future will bring, she will try to keep her promise. She will prove that the days of using Spike are over. That for now the only things that she will offer him is safety and trust. They went into a small living room on the higher floor of the building. They looked at each other and then Spike spoke "Would you like some tea ? Maybe jasmine, your favorite?” Rarity nodded and smiled "That would be delightful Spikey. The teas are...oh, my bad, I keep forgetting that you where they are even better than me" Spike made his way to the kettle while Rarity levitated the match and lighted up three candles. Then, she slowly moved two sofas closer to each other, so they were situated across the small table. The room was rather dark, illuminated only by the candles and light of the outside world tormented by the storm which was leaking in some distorted rays of the evening sun that was emerging from behind the clouds once in a while. Spike returned with two cups of steaming liquid, a kettle itself and... Rarity squinted her eyes, her gaze piercing through the mixture of darkness and light that was now her living room. Then she let out a soft gasp. In one claw Spike was holding a single, slim rose. It was not the fact that Spike brought her the flower caused her shock (he gave her many presents in the past, in much larger quantities) but the way that the rose was decorated. It was practically shining with color, her petals and leaves were covered in small gemstones and on its stalk was a small white bow, with a streaks of purple and blue. All the colors of her body. She smiled and looked at the dragon with half lidded eyes „Now that is positively unexpected!!!” Spike looked at her skeptically „Really ?” Rarity stifled a chuckle and waved a hoof „Not receiving a gift darling ! I meant the way you managed to sneak it up here without me noticing ? However did you do it ?” Spike looked to the ground shyly „Well, Twilight and Smolder taught me a trick together. Now I can send the object to a... I guess sort of a pocket dimension and then make it reappear when I need it. Twilight says that the pinnacle of my teleportation fire will be sending me and the others as well. But for now this trick I’ve learned is enough. I did it with a rose for you because it was raining and I didn’t want to get it wet and damaged. And also because I wanted to really surprise you.” Rarity nodded, levitating a rose towards her and giving it a gentle sniff. It smelled divine and she sighed dreamily. Spike really knew her. No matter how cliché it sounded, she was always hungry for the gifts and compliments. And with Spike’s generosity and romantic phrasing (no matter how cheesy or dorky it sometimes was) she was receiving plenty. It was almost intoxicating. Rarity blinked repeatedly and shook her head slightly ‘ nonono!!!!! NO!!!!!! Bad Rarity, now it is Spike who needs attention and comfort. No matter how terribly hard he makes, you must get him to open up. I honestly want to relieve him off his problems’ the unicorn thought to herself. She motioned for Spike on the sofa, but not before she batted her eyelashes at him and smiled, reassuring him that the gift was well received “Spike” she said quietly, sitting in front of him “please tell me what is bothering you.” The dragon was quiet for a few seconds. Then he spoke in the same quiet fashion “Rarity, I think you can help me understand my destiny”