//------------------------------// // What You Deserve // Story: One Bolt, Spreading Harmony // by Boltsinger //------------------------------// "GIRLS!" Rarity shouted, bursting through the door to Sugar Cube Corner. Twilight and Starlight sat with Nova and the Cake Twins, while Pinkie stood behind the counter. Fluttershy sat with Applejack and Rainbow Dash over a deck of cards. All eyes turned from their activities to meet those of Ponyville's featured fashionista, whose grin was so wide she seemed to grow extra dimples. “You are not going to believe who is getting married, and asked me to plan the ceremony!” Twilight tilted her head. “Umm… Hoity Toity and Photo Finish?” Rarity shook her head. “Spitfire and Fleetfoot?” Rainbow guessed, likewise earning a head shake. Applejack smirked, nudging the Wonderbolt next to her. “Rainbow Dash an’ herself?” Rainbow sent a glare back to the farmer, but quickly gave way to a mutual laugh with the rest of the ponies. Starlight pondered for a moment, then raised her hoof in realization. “What about Double Diamond and Party Favor?” “Not quite, but you’re getting warmer.” Rarity answered, hiding a giggle behind her hoof. Fluttershy reached under the table, holding a bluish-white bunny and a raccoon in her forelegs. “What about my little friends here?” The animals looked lovingly at each other, the raccoon reaching forward to hold the bunny’s paw. The coutourier cooed at the furry creatures, walking over and petting them both. “Sadly, no. Though I would be happy to if you’d like!” “Ooh! Ooh! Me next!” Pinkie began, hopping over the counter. “Is it… Gummy and Harry? Zephyr Breeze and Bulk Biceps? Flim and Flam? Cranky and Matilda!” “Pinkie, Cranky and Matilda got married years ago” Applejack corrected. “Yeah, but we didn’t get to go!” She crossed her forelegs in a huff. “I hate missing a good party.” "No, it's not any of them! Any more guesses?" Rarity looked around the room, finding that it had fallen silent. "Iiiiiit's…" She sprang up to her hind legs, spreading her forelegs as wide as possible. "Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon!" There was a full measure of silence, leaving Rarity to wonder what exactly was going on in her friends’ heads. Her smile faltered a little, her hooves returning to the floor until-- “FINALLY!!!” the simultaneous reply sent Rarity reeling. The bell to Carousel Boutique rang true, alerting the occupants of a new arrival. Rarity cantered to the door, extending a hoof to meet the fanciful blue one that had just entered. “Fancy Pants! How delightful of you to come!” “It’s my pleasure, dear.” the noble stallion replied, planting a kiss on his special somepony’s cheek. “Now, what’s the cause of this celebration you mentioned in your letter?” “Oh yes, of course. We were actually just talking about it.” She led him through to the back of the shop, where Pinkie Pie and the Cakes were discussing with a pair of mares. One was a Unicorn with a mint coat, she had a cyan mane and tail that had white streaks running down either side, with sunglow eyes and a Cutie Mark of a lyre. The other was a beige-coated Earth Pony with blue eyes and a swirly mane and tail of pigment blue and rose pink, bearing a Cutie Mark of three wrapped candies of blue and white. The mares looked at another lovingly, each bearing a brilliant diamond ring hanging from their necks. Rarity stepped up to the duo, putting a foreleg around each of them. “Fancy Pants, meet our brides, Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon!” “Ah yes. Lovely to meet you both.” He said, taking a bow for the ladies. “And of course, I congratulate you on your coming union!” He flashed a charming smile to the lot of them, magically adjusting his monocle. “If there’s anything you require, all you need do is say so and I’ll see to it that you receive it. My vast resources are at your unfettered disposal!” “Oh?” The proprietress started, getting a tiny twinkle in her eye. “Well I wouldn’t want to impose, darling.” She brought a contemplative hoof to her muzzle. “Unless…” She shook her head, brushing the thought away. “No, it would simply be too much!” “Wait a minute.” the mint pony, Lyra, interjected. She turned to the blue-maned stallion, raising a curious hoof. “How vast are we talking about?” Bon Bon placed a hoof in the raised one, drawing the mare’s attention. “Who cares about all that?” She entwined their forelegs, looking into her fiance's eyes. "All that matters is that you and I will be together. It's not the wedding, but the marriage that matters." Fancy Pants chuckled to himself, fixing his gaze on the white mare behind them. “The marriage, indeed…” “LAAAAACE!” Rarity called out, her voice ringing through the boutique. “I need lace now!” “I got it!” a songbird soprano replied. In a blue and pink streak, Silverstream shot through the halls. "Could I get some more white thread in here? I'm running out!" she continued, answered immediately by a light blue Changeling with a spool of thread in her mouth rushing by. "Oh no no no not that white, I meant the pure white!" “Wait, there’s a difference?” Sandbar wondered, exchanging confused looks with Gallus as they walked leisurely behind Ocellus. Fancy Pants’ ears pinned back on his head as he observed the six students moving back and forth from the supply room to Rarity’s work room. He approached the mare as she sewed the lace on an unfinished gown. “So… why are these children here?” Rarity looked up from her project, giving him a content smile. "Oh, they all came to Ponyville to see each other during the summer, and Yona was interested in seeing what we were doing. I thought it might be a good lesson to have them experience it for themselves, so I asked them if they'd like to help with the preparations!" She leaned in a little closer, hiding her muzzle behind her hoof. "Not only that, but I needed some extra hooves around here anyway." Fancy Pants placed his monocle in his jacket, cocking an eyebrow at the children. “You do realize I could have had a team of trained professionals here in but an instant, yes?” “Yes, I know. But just look at them.” She extended her hoof to show the work room abuzz with activity. Ocellus and Silverstream were looking at all of the designs around the room in awe, while Yona carefully examined the sewing machine. Smolder leaned against the wall next to a rack of dresses, her arms crossed as she looked at the garment next to her with a scowl that almost seemed insincere. Gallus tentatively approached the girls, twitching his tail with curiosity while Sandbar sat next to the Yak, easily striking up a conversation about the nature of the device. “They’re enjoying themselves. And besides, it’s much more enjoyable to do this kind of work with friends.” “I suppose you’re correct.” He put his monocle back on, turning toward the exit. “I believe I’m going to explore a bit. It’s not often that I visit Ponyville, so I’d best take advantage of the fact.” “All right, then.” She pulled him back in for a moment, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Have a nice time, and do tell me if you come up with any ideas while you’re out.” As the stallion left the room, much of the group followed, each going their own way. Smolder followed all the way to the door, but gave a moment of pause. She looked back to the outfits, getting a twinkle in her eye that sent her rushing back to examine them. “Finally! Took them forever to get out!” She took the nearest pink gown, laughing like a whelp in a gem cave. She looked closely at the intricacies of the stitching, playing with the ruffles in the skirt as she attempted to figure out how to put it on. Finally, she managed to get the dress over her head, reaching her arms in when-- “Why there no brown dresses?” Yona chimed in, sending the dragon shooting to the ceiling with one flap of her startled wings. “Yona like brown.” Moving through the main thoroughfare of Ponyville was a new experience for Fancy Pants. For such a small town, it was remarkably busy, full of ponies from all walks of life. He had to admit that he wasn’t used to looking at a crowd and seeing more ponies without horns than those that had them. Then again, he had come to expect anything from his lovely Rarity and her friends, so the town they hail from had to equal their diversity. He retrieved a small box from his coat pocket, smiling softly at the idea that once again crossed his mind. “Hey, Fancy Pants!” came a boyish tone ahead of him. "Whatcha got there?" Fancy Pants jumped, fumbling with the box as Spike, Boltsinger, and Cheese Sandwich made their approach. The box fell from the noble's reach, popping open to reveal a lustrous diamond ring that created a brilliant rainbow in the light. Before his horn could ignite, Cheese scooped the box up for a closer look. "Ooh! What's this for?" Boltsinger rolled his eyes, snatching it with his wing. "I think you mean 'who' is this for." He closed the lid, presenting it to its owner. "And I think I have an idea." "Wait what?" Spike started. He reached over, taking the box with a curious panic. "You don't mean he's gonna--" "Eeyup," the Pegasus confirmed, turning to the Canterlot pony. "That is, if I'm not mistaken." He raised a hoof in intrigue, giving him a sly grin. "You do plan to try again, don't you?" "I do, indeed!" Fancy Pants replied, finally floating the box back to his side. "I've decided that I want to give my Rarity everything she could ever need! And it all starts with this little bauble." He opened the box once more, admiring the jewel inside. "She'll want for nothing, else I'll eat the Cutie Mark right off my flank!" Spike let out a sigh, coming to a hover next to him. “Tell me about it.” Boltsinger put a wing on Fancy Pants’ shoulder, moving past the Unicorn. “Well, I guess we’ll see you soon, then.” “Of course.” He continued on his way, putting the box back into his pocket. “I trust you’ll refrain from telling anypony of this, yes?” “You can count on me.” Spike affirmed. “We’ll just say this conversation never happened!” Cheese added. Boltsinger nodded in his agreement. "Of course. The last thing I'd wanna do is tell the whole town about something like this." "Says the pony who got the whole town in on a scavenger hunt for his proposal to Twilight." the dragon deadpanned. Boltsinger forced down a lump in his throat. “Well, I mean… My thing was totally different! I told everyone but Twilight!” He was met with a glare from the reptile, sending a bead of sweat down his muzzle. “What?! I’m loud, not stupid.” A silence blew its way between them, broken with a small, nearly inaudible sigh as Fancy Pants wiped his monocle. “Quite…” He replaced the lens with a grin, moving to a trot past them. “Very well, then. I shall see you at the boutique.” He gave a farewell wave, turning his thoughts to his future plans. This was going to be a momentous occasion, for sure. All he needed to do was see that it was-- Done. All of the work that was thought to be in progress was done the moment Fancy Pants came back through the door. Lyra stood in front of a mirror, wearing a simple yet elegant white gown with lace along the hem of the skirt and a pattern of a golden lyre releasing notes all around until they joined on her back, with a circlet in the shape of a harp holding her veil in place. She held her golden-shoed hoof over her heart, looking back to the designer that brought such a creation into the world. “Rarity I LOVE it!” Rarity beamed with pride, joining the bride-to-be in front of the mirror. "I just knew you would, dear." She lit her horn, beginning to help the minty Unicorn out of the outfit. "Why I've had this particular ensemble on the back-burner for years, just for when your big day was to come!" Placing the dress in a garment bag, she floated it over to its recipient, coming forward to an embrace. "I can't say enough just how happy I am to finally make it for you!" “Thank you, Rarity.” Lyra started, pulling away. "I'm gonna go check on Bon Bon. She said she was gonna do some taste testing over at Sugar Cube Corner!" And with that, she went galloping out the door, leaving a waving Rarity and a befuddled Fancy Pants alone in the inspiration room. “I must say, the speed of your work never ceases to amaze.” Fancy Pants declared, joining her by the mirror. "Oh, it's not all that amazing." she dismissed, brushing the compliment away with her hoof. "Balderdash!" he insisted, catching her hoof in his. "I simply must know how you do it!" Rarity giggled, lighting her horn to put the next design into place. “It’s really not so difficult when you do it with friends.” She floated a roll of fabric over, taking a pair of scissors and beginning anew. The stallion smirked, taking a seat at her side. “If you say so. But I must still insist that you let me know the moment you need something.” “I certainly will, darling.” She gave him a peck on the cheek, returning to her project. “I sent Spike and Boltsinger to the town hall to help manage decorations if you’d like to help them.” “Well, I can certainly do that, but I wanted to see what services that only I could provide." “Oh? Like what?” “Well… Who do you have to preside over the ceremony?” Rarity tilted her head curiously. “Twilight, of course.” she stated, as if the choice was obvious. “A... Princess? For two ordinary citizens?” He mirrored the mare’s tilt, having found the reasoning for such an important pony to perform such a task. “Surely I could find you somepony a bit more… suited to the task, yes?” A laugh made its way past the fashionista’s lips for a moment, nearly fumbling her scissors. She cleared her throat, straightening her posture. "It was Twilight's idea, actually. She and Lyra have been friends for years, and when she was approached about being one of the bridesmaids, she offered a more royal service instead." She let another giggle out. "Why, they were so excited at the prospect that they nearly squished poor Twilight in their embrace!” She looked to him with a brilliant smile. “Of course, Twilight has been exceedingly nervous about the whole thing. She’s in Canterlot right now, asking Princess Celestia for advice.” A simper graced the stallion’s face amidst Rarity’s ramblings. He’d half a mind to suggest more ideas, but he dare not falter her smile. He searched his mind for something to add to the conversation, opting to look around the room. His eyes fell on a single photograph by the sewing machine, depicting a gathering they had enjoyed in Manehattan at the invitation of a friend. “Now that I think of it, there was one friend I’ve not seen yet.” “There is?” She replied, taking a momentary pause to look at the photo as well. “I was certain everypony was here. Who’s missing?” Fancy Pants pointed to the brown stallion in the photo. “Why, Paradigm, of course. I would think that you wouldn’t do something on this scale without his input.” As the missing pony’s name passed her ears, the fashionista felt a twinge of guilt that doused the magic in her horn. “Ah, yes…” A soft sigh came out, softening her smile as her eyelids began to droop. “Truth be told, it’s been…” She looked away from both the stallion and the picture, rubbing one foreleg with the other. “... some time… since anypony has seen him…” "I see…" He put his monocle away, looking at the mare with remorseful eyes. He reached a tentative hoof toward her, pausing just before making contact. "I didn't mean to--" With an audible 'click', Rarity turned the photo over, blocking the memory from view as she brightened up. "But that doesn't matter anymore! I'd much rather focus on the ponies who are here!" In one fluid flick, her horn was again alight and her work resuming, leaving a surprised, yet soft smile on her boyfriend's face. "Yes, of course." He took a bow, moving to the exit. "I'll be going to help Prince Boltsinger, then." The next few days of preparation felt like a blur to a pony like Fancy Pants. Everywhere he turned, there were ponies with a job to do, and every one of them turned down his offer to help. Knowing Ponyville, of course, they didn’t mean anything by it, and it was becoming evident that the ponies of this town simply did things in their own way. However, that didn’t stop his mood from souring through it all. Until his eyes fell upon Rarity, at least. She was a marvel to behold, always making certain everypony was where they needed to be. Why, had he not known better, he would have assumed she was Princess Twilight in disguise. But at the same time, he could see a longing in his beloved’s eyes whenever she looked upon the betrothed, furthering the resolve to provide he held so fast to. Finally, there came the day of the ceremony. The whole of Ponyville looked like it had been given new life at the prospect of the coming union. Admittedly, Fancy Pants couldn’t blame them. The enthusiasm his special somepony showed was rather infectious. The population gathered before the town hall in droves, all dressed to the nines and chatting amongst themselves. Until finally, Rarity stepped through the door in a deep, sparkling blue gown that draped over a single shoulder and flowed like water over her tail.”Everypony, if you’ll all follow me, the ceremony is about to begin!” She took a bow, magically opening the door behind her and leading them in. Passing through the threshold, the town hall seemed like an entirely different world. The decor filled the room with gold ribbons, with pink and blue flowers found at the center of every bow. A band played at the far corner of the room, Octavia leading the way with a violin and harp playing along. Spike stood before the aisle in a simple black suit, bowing gracefully as the first pony approached. "Thank you for coming, ma'am. Are you with the bride or… uh… The other bride, I guess?" The pony laughed behind her hoof. "I'm here for Lyra." "Right." He scratched the back of his head, pointing to the section on the left side of the room. Lyra's side is over there." Fancy Pants let out a chuckle as he passed the young dragon. He certainly wasn't the kind of usher he would have hired, but he got the job done. Next to him, Big McIntosh guided another pair of ponies to their seats. The chairs about the room gradually filled to the sound of strings, giving a sense of calm and setting the mood for the events to follow. It was calm. It was serene. It was… Bumping? A fast, steady beat grew louder outside, eventually bursting through the door to reveal an enormous set of speakers on a wheeled apparatus beneath and a set of turntables between them. Spinning the records and propelling the strange device was none other than DJ PON-3, racing down the aisle to a skidding stop next to Octavia. With a great thud, the room remained silent for a moment as the cellist smirked up at her musical partner. “It’s about time you got here. What took you so long?” The headphoned Unicorn smirked right back, shrugging nonchalantly as she produced a new record. “I take it you’re ready, then?” The duo readied their respective instruments, looking back to the other performers. “All right, then, just follow us!” From there, Fancy Pants’ ears fell back, trying to make sense of what he was listening to. Octavia’s music was something he was accustomed to, but this new addition was almost grating on his eardrums. He wondered why he hadn’t been consulted about this aspect, but as he took a seat and looked around, the other ponies had almost no reaction to the sudden change. “Isn’t it just lovely?” Rarity asked, sitting next to him. “I can hardly believe it's all coming together so nicely.” "Yes… Quite lovely indeed." He answered, putting his hoof around her. Rarity put a hoof on the one holding her, slowly rubbing back and forth. But something felt mildly off. Normally at this point he would tighten the embrace, but this time he felt almost limp. She cast her gaze in his direction tilting one ear as she looked him in the eye. "Darling, you seem distracted. Is something the matter?" “Oh, it’s nothing.” he dismissed, breathing a small sigh. “I’m simply astounded by all you can accomplish on your own.” “Ohoho, darling, I hardly did any of this by myself.” she stated, directing her attention to the entrance. “I’d never have been able to do it without my friends.” “No, I’m certain you’d be able to do this with or without them.” He tightened his embrace, following her gaze with a soft smile. “It’s part of your charm.” An amused giggle came from the couturier, who proceeded to stifle herself as a lilac leg came in in a golden shoe. Following that came the full glory of Princess Twilight Sparkle, garbed in golden regalia with her pendant set in the necklace over her heart. She marched with wings spread next to her spouse, who sported a simple black tuxedo. Despite her regal gait, her pupils were pinpricks, her smile was stiff, and she floated a large stack of notecards that she quickly flipped between. “I can do this… I can do this… I can do this!” “You can do this, honey.” Boltsinger repeated, patting her back with his wing. “But I think the notes are still a good idea. And if you need anything, I’m right here with you.” “Right.” Twilight affirmed, placing her hoof on the orange feathers. “Thank you.” With a mutual smile, the pair took their places at the head of the room. The music began to fade, letting a quiet wash over them. All eyes fell to the room’s entrance once more, where a quartet of stallions in suave suits entered, linking forelegs with Minuet, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Moon Dancer respectively, all of the mares in similar dresses of brilliant gold. As they took their places on either side of the altar, another pony caught their attention. There marched Bon Bon, dressed much like the stallions on her side of the procession, her mane and tail treated to have a distinct wave rather than its typical swirl. She took her place next to Twilight, looking down the aisle with a soft but shaky smile. At last, the silence broke. Octavia’s bow ran across the strings once more, beginning a tune that all in the town knew by heart. From the doorway emerged Lyra Heartstrings in her wedding gown, her mane coiffed and styled so that it flowed like water. She stepped up beside her would-be wife, her minty coat taking on shades more akin to cinnamon at the mere sight of the one she loved. As the music came to a halt, Twilight took her place by them, taking a deep breath as her notecards floated into position. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of…" She looked over the cards, moving to the second one. "... of Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon, who have proven to all of us that love…" She switched to the next card. "... speak now or forever-- Wait a minute…" She looked more closely at the notes. "Bolt, are you sure these are organized properly?" Boltsinger shrugged, taking a peek over the princess' shoulder. "I just followed the page numbers Starlight gave me. She said it was all there." "Did you take into account that her horn-writing might be a little sloppy?" "Um… Not really, why?" Twilight let out an annoyed groan, spreading the cards out and pushing then closer to her spouse. "Because this is anything but organized!" Boltsinger scanned the cards, finding what looked like a mishmash of numbers all over. "Speak now or forever…" he started, moving to the next page. "You may now…" Then the next page. "Now pronounce you…" Then the next. "Say vows… Oh, wow…" He moved the cards aside, rubbing his neck with his wing. "So… I guess I should probably note that Starlight's writing doesn't look too different from mine, huh?" Twilight rolled her eyes. "Aaaaaaaand I may have dropped the stack once or twice on the way…" He bent down low, putting his hooves together above his head. "I'm sorry!" With a smiling sigh, she put the notecards aside, turning to face the guests once more. “Oh well. We don’t need notes.” She put her hoof over her heart, giving a long exhale as her hoof reached forward. “Thank you for your patience, everyone. We’re ready to continue.” She held her hoof out, beckoning the brides forward to join hooves with her. “You two have waited many years to come together like this. Even if most of the big steps happened while most ponies weren't looking.” A shared laugh from the crowd momentarily interrupted the presiding princess. As the ambiance returned, she smiled and focused on the mares once more. “And while I may have plenty to say, I think it’s you who have the most important things to say about all of this. So without further ado, you may now share your vows.” “Well-” They simultaneously began, stepping back with a blush. “You first.” Lyra stated, putting a hoof on her opposite’s shoulder. “I always did love the sound of your voice.” Bon Bon’s blush deepened. “All right.” She put her hoof over her heart, taking a deep breath of preparation. “Lyra, you’ve been my best friend for… well, longer than most ponies have even known I exist.” She looked out at the crowd, smiling warmly. At the gaze, Fancy Pants began shuffling in his seat, turning his attention to the mare next to him as the words continued. “You’ve always been independent, kind, and more than willing to call me out on my mistakes.” The words rang true in the noble’s ears. The gorgeous pony next to him had always been the definition of each of those words. Especially that first one. “You captured my attention when I was trying to lay low. You made me come out into the open, just by being your pure, unabashed self!” The stallion removed his monocle, finding it to have gotten foggy amidst the vows. “When you looked at me that day and said you loved me, I… I just couldn’t help myself. I had to kiss you, right then and there! And now... I can’t wait to spend my life with you!” “I know the feeling.” Lyra replied, linking her foreleg with Bon Bon’s. “More than anypony will ever know.” She averted her eyes a moment. “Every time I learned something new about you, it was… honestly a bit of a surprise.” Once again, the tone of truth found its way into Fancy Pants’ mind. This mare he cared for was indeed a surprising one. “But that’s part of what makes you so much fun! I get to get to know you better with every day I spend with you, so it goes without saying that I wanna do that forever!” The final word of Lyra’s vows rang like a bell in Fancy Pants’ mind. Forever was an awfully long time, and he was willing to put forth the effort to make it happen. Although he had begun to wonder whether or not there would even be anything to do, given what he had seen these past days. He sent his special somepony a forlorn glance, getting up from his seat. As his hooves touched the floor, however, a hoof made contact with his side. He looked back to see Rarity‘s foreleg extended with a look of concern on her face. “Darling, where are you going?” “Just going to get some air, dear. Nothing to worry about.” He flashed a smile back to her, putting his hoof on hers for a moment. “I promise.” He stepped away with a smile that faded as he left her field of view. Exiting the room, he brought the ring box out, admiring the luster the jewels showed in the moonlight. His every thought was on the mare that was the entire reason he had come to town. Now he found himself wondering… “What’re you doing out here?” Spike asked, stepping up behind the noble. “Aren’t you supposed to, you know, be with Rarity for the ceremony?” “Yes, I suppose so.” He answered, closing the box. “But she’s doing quite well without me, isn’t she?” A narrow squint and a raised eyebrow appeared on the dragon’s face. “What do you mean by that? You helped out a lot these past few days!" “Have I really, though?” Fancy Pants retorted, letting his face fall flat. “I’ve done chores, I’ve fetched things, and I’ve modeled outfits. All things anypony here in Ponyville could do.” “And… that’s a problem?” “Well, it isn’t. What I mean is--” “Didn’t you want to make sure that she wants for nothing?” “But I didn’t do what I wanted for her!” the Unicorn snapped, forcing the usher to step back. “I wanted to do what only I could. To provide for her so that she would never have to lift a hoof to get her work done!” Spike gave the ivory stallion a look of disbelief, putting his fists on his hips. "Well that doesn't sound like Rarity at all. She loves to do all that detail work!” “A fact I’ve become painfully aware of as of late.” Fancy Pants lamented, averting his gaze with a pout on his lips. Spike gave a flap of his wings, moving to a hover beside the Unicorn. “So you don’t get to be much of a provider. That’s okay! You can still support her in lots of other ways.” He gestured to the ceremony inside, where Lyra and Bon Bon drew closer with a pair of rings floating beside them. “Just look at what she was able to do with your help this time!” Fancy Pants shook his head, turning away. “That was hardly my doing,” he corrected, chancing a forlorn glance back over his shoulder. “She could have easily done this without me.” The dragon shrugged, setting down and turning back to the ceremony. “Maybe. But she still wants your support.” With a deep sigh, the stallion bucked up his chin. “You’re right, of course.” He put on his best smile, stepping back through the door as the brides’ lips met. “And she shall always have it. No matter what happens.” The reception that followed was a party to remember. In the center of the dancefloor, Lyra and Bon Bon held each other close while moving to the music. Twilight and Boltsinger stood together on a nearby stage, singing a number of songs in alternation for the happy couple while the floor filled with more dancers. Among them, Rarity turned to Fancy Pants, offering a hoof. "Would you care to join me in a dance, darling?" Fancy Pants looked at the hoof before him. It was, as always, polished to perfection, to the point where his reflection was clear as day. He placed his own hoof on it, giving the mare a smile. "I'd love to." The Unicorns took their places in the crowd, placing their hooves around one another and swaying to the beat. For a moment, it seemed as if the rest of the world had fallen silent, like the two of them were the only ponies in the room. A sense of reverence fell over them, adding a weight to their movements as the song neared its end. Rarity pulled back, looking into her partner’s eyes. “So, when are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?” A faint shade of red made itself known on the posh pony’s face. “How did you…?” His blush faded into a grin. “Of course you noticed. I can’t hide anything from you.” “Precisely.” She nodded confidently, guiding him to the nearest window to stand in the moonlight. “Now, why don’t you tell me? I promise you’ll feel better once you do.” “I’m not so sure about that.” he retorted. “But I agree that waiting too long won’t help matters.” He stood tall, clearing his throat and adjusting his tie as a slow duet began. "When I arrived in Ponyville days ago, there was one thing on my mind. I was bound to prove my worth to you as a partner by providing everything you would ever need." Rarity's smile widened, having gotten an idea of what he may have meant. "Oh, darling, that's so--" "But…" he continued. Her smile's progress halted as the eyes she looked into began to close. "I failed. Everything I thought to improve for you, you managed to handle almost entirely on your own, and the smile almost never faded from your beautiful face." He turned to the window, removing his monocle and breathing a heavy sigh. "It pains me to say it, but you hardly need me." "Well, just because I don't always need the kinds of things you offered, that doesn't mean you're not needed." she told him, putting a reassuring hoof around him. “You’ve done so much for me since we met, and even more since we got together. Your presence in my life is nothing short of invaluable.” “I’m glad you think so…” He placed his hoof on hers for a moment, only to bow his head and move away. “I positively adore you, Rarity, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you... But I can’t be dishonest with you. Knowing Ms. Applejack has taught me that at least.” The performance reached its bridge, giving a somber mood to the moment. “I’m not sure if I’m… if I’m suited to be your partner.” “Fancy Pants, what do you…?” The stallion’s breathing began to betray his typical state of composure as he continued. “You are the most beautiful, brilliant mare I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I've thought so from the start, and you've only ever proven those feelings correct, and while I’ll always stand behind you in your endeavors… I’ve learned that that’s not what you need in a partner.” He stowed his monocle away, wiping his eyes with his handkerchief. “You need somepony who can stand beside you. Somepony you can rely on on the deepest possible level, whom you can trade ideas, challenge you, and offer advice in areas I’m still as of yet unfamiliar.” “Darling…” Rarity began, letting her hindquarters fall to the floor. “Darling, please don’t say what I think you’re saying…” “I’m afraid I must, dear.” he replied. He approached the mare one more time, placing his hoof on her cheek. “I love you, but I’m afraid I can’t be the partner you deserve.” With a kiss to her forehead, Fancy Pants turned around, walking slowly toward the exit. He lit his horn for a moment, floating the ring box into Spike’s claws. “Make sure this gets into the right hooves, would you?” Spike wordlessly opened the box, giving the noble a dumbfounded look. The crowd around them gathered together, all looking to an ecstatic Lyra. The mint Unicorn raised her bouquet high with her hooves, causing a throng of mares to scramble forward as the throw commenced. Every eye in the room watched as the flowers flew above their heads, missing the hooves of many would-be recipients. In a strange kind of silence, the flowers landed at Rarity’s hooves. The mare in question, however, kept her eyes fixed on the door. As it closed behind Fancy Pants, she slumped over, a veritable waterfall of tears spilling forth with her cries.