//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: It was the Heat of the Moment. // Story: Rarity's Gift // by Silver Wit //------------------------------// The bell over the door to Carousel Boutique rang softly as Rarity and Lolite left their home and trotted off down the snowy streets of Ponyville. Rarity wrapped her scarf till it was snug, still marveling that her scarf could even keep the early morning cold out of her bones. Lolite adjusted her saddlebag and zipped her jacket all the way up as she matched Rarity’s steps. Upon closer inspection, Rarity noticed how much the filly reminded her of herself. Lolite held her head high as she trotted with confidence, like she owned the space she was occupying and you better watch out. Even tossing her mane the same was Rarity did, as if Lolite did everything she could to mimic her mother. “Today’s your turn to walk me to school,” Lolite said. “and after dropping me off, you go teach at auntie Twily’s school while daddy stays home with Cobalt. Now remember to come pick me up on time. Nopony wants to be the last kid to be picked up.” Rarity nodded. “I’ll be sure to return on time, no need to worry.” “Good. And after you pick me up, I wanna go to Sugarcube Corner for a milkshake.” “Is that a normal routine?” “No. But I want a milkshake.” “Oh, very well. I suppose I could treat you to a milkshake.” “And a plate of sugar cookies!” “Don’t push it darling. You’ll spoil your dinner.” “Fiiiine,” Lolite pouted. Rarity and Lolite came within view of the school house with more and more students scurrying about, some trotting with their parents as they gave their kids hugs and kisses to send them on their way. Lolite nudged Rarity and pointed at a pair of ponies. “There’s auntie Twily and my cousin Dusk Note, but most ponies call him ‘Dusky’.” “My word, he certainly takes after his mothers, doesn’t he?” Rarity marveled as Twilight and her son trotted closer. His coat was a light indigo while his mane was purple with a magenta streak. His mane didn’t flow on the breeze like Luna’s, but it did have small bits of sparkles dotted about like starlight. His eyes were the same purple as Twilight’s and his cutie mark was of a quill pen drawing out the moon and stars. “Rarity! Lolite!” Twilight greeted. “Good morning!” “Good morning darling!” “Good morning auntie Twily!” Lolite greeted. “Good morning Dusky!” Dusk Note narrowed his eyes, raised his hoof and spoke boldly, “Good morn mine dear cousin and aunt! Art, thou faring well this fine day?” Rarity cocked a brow at the colt’s darn near perfect impression of the Princess of the Night. Everything from the timbre to his inflections were spot on. Lolite laughed, “Ha, ha, ha, ha! Dusky, that was your best aunt Luna yet!” Dusk Note’s serious mask broke and he laughed alongside his cousin, “Thanks! I’ve been working really hard on it! I’ve gotten a lot better, right mom?” Twilight chuckled and nuzzled her son. “I could hardly tell the difference. Told you practice makes perfect. Now go on, you two. Don’t want to be late.” “Ok, bye mom!” Lolite hugged Rarity. “Bye mommy! See you after school!” Rarity returned the hug. “See you after school sweetheart.” The two foals broke away from their mothers and chatted amongst themselves as they passed the threshold into the school house. “Alright, ready to go Rarity?” Twilight inquired. “We got lots of work to do today.” “Yes, let’s be on our way darling. By the by, how’s Luna doing today?” Twilight giggled, “Well, you know Luna. As soon as Heaths Warming season starts, she’s down at the post office helping out however she can. I still don’t get it, but she adores the process.” Rarity smirked. “Luna fascinated by the power of bureaucracy? Why I dare say she’s a mare after your own heart.” Twilight blushed. “Heh, just one more thing I love about her.” A brisk wind blew and tickled Rarity’s cheeks as she and Twilight continued their walk to the School of Friendship. She glanced up at Twilight who was nose deep in a checklist and mumbling about budgets, expenses, and lesson plans, yet despite how involved she was, the princess was still somehow able to avoid potholes, low hanging branches and signs. Either this was another perk to being an alicorn, or Twilight was just the ultimate multitasker. All of a sudden, Rarity’s senses were overcome with a kind of nostalgia. Strange, she thought to herself. For some reason, I feel as if I’ve done this before. Rarity noticed the sign to the joke and novelty store had rusty hinges and felt like they’ve been that way for some time, with the feeling that she’s told the owner about it previously. She and Twilight both narrowly avoided Pumpkin and Pound Cake’s cart making their morning rounds, somehow knowing that they were running late. Then the sound of soft classical music began to flow from one of the houses on the street and Rarity knew that it was Octavia Melody practicing with her chamber orchestra for the Hearths Warming pageant. “Um, Twilight?” Twilight pulled her nose out of her scrolls. “Hm? Oh, yes Rarity?” “Twilight, I’m curious. May I… ask you a question?” Twilight rolled her paperwork back into her saddlebag. “Of course, you can Rarity! What are friends for? Or in-laws for that matter. So, what can I help you with?” “W-well…” Rarity wrestled with her words for a moment. “Do… you ever wonder how you got to where you are?” Twilight tilted her head. “What do you mean?” “What I mean is… recently I’ve been thinking… about what has happened to my life and how in Equestria did I arrive here?” Twilight couldn’t mask her concern. “A-are you and Spike having trouble!? Because if you are, there’s counseling and-!” Rarity quickly waved a hoof. “Oh, no, no, no! It’s nothing like that! Spike and I are fine! Really! It’s just…” Rarity chose her next words very carefully. “Sometimes… I feel as if… I’m living somepony else’s life. I wake in the morning and the first thing I see is Spike. And when I see, um, my foals, I just wonder how I was able to follow my passion and have a family.” Twilight seemed to release the breath she was holding. “Oooh, it’s one of those questions.” “I know it all sounds rather silly.” Twilight shook her head. “No, not at all. I think that’s completely normal. In fact, I have those same thoughts sometimes.” “Really?” “Of course,” Twilight took a deep breath of the frosty air as she adjusted her earmuffs. “Every night I go to bed, and I’m wrapped up in Luna’s wings, I say to myself, ‘how did I get so lucky?’ Being able to attend Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, becoming and alicorn princess, opening a school to teach the values of friendship, those achievements are nothing compared to the friends I’ve made and the pony I fell in love with. Heck, I never in a million lifetimes would’ve thought that Luna felt the same way towards me. I was just so darn scared of what she’d think of me… but that’s when you helped me out.” “I helped you?” “Well yeah, don’t you remember? You told me to, ‘trust your heart and take a risk darling, because if you don’t, you just might lose the best thing in your life.’ I’ll never forget how much your words inspired me that day and when I took that risk and Luna returned my feelings, it was magical-“ Twilight absentmindedly brushed her hoof against her midsection. “-and then… Dusk Note came into our lives. I never dreamed about what it was like to be a mother. I mean, I did help raise Spike, but this was different. A little tiny creature that’s one-part me and one-part Luna. I loved him from the moment the doctors told me the news. But I don’t need to explain that to you. You know what it’s like.” “Yes, I… I suppose I do.” “But as tiring as being headmare, a princess, a wife and mother can be, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I guess you could say it’s love that supports me and reminds me that I’m the luckiest mare in Equestria.” Rarity smiled. “Yes. That could very well be the secret. Thank you for indulging in my quandary Twilight.” Twilight playfully nudged her sister in-law. “Well thank you for listening to my ramblings.” The pair shared a good natured, uplifting laugh as the school of Friendship came into view. As confusing and fantastic as this world may be, Rarity was grateful to have the support of a dear friend and the love of her family. Rarity was looking forward to this all day. After a hectic beginning, middle and end teaching at the School of Friendship and playing with Lolite and Cobalt, Rarity wanted nothing more than to sit and enjoy the meal Spike prepared for the evening. It was a wonder in and of itself that Rarity wasn’t heavier with how good a chef Spike was. “So Lolite,” Spike inquired as he placed the last of the dishes on the dinner table. “How was school today?” Lolite swallowed her broiled asparagus. “It was fun! We made Hearths Warming cards. I made one for Dusky, Sky Splitter, Fuji, Cherry, you, mommy and Cobalt.” Spike chuckled, “I saw it on the fridge. That was really nice of you sweetheart.” “You’re welcome daddy! I made a card for Jinx too; I’ll give it to her next time we play. I can’t wait till Jinx can go to school.” Rarity scooped a spoonful of mush and gave Cobalt a taste. “Soon Lolite. Mrs. Fluttershy said Jinx will be able to go to school starting the new year.” Lolite threw her hooves in the air. “Yay! School with Jinx!” “Manner’s darling.” Lolite lowered her hooves. “Sorry mommy. Also, Fuji was acting weird again. When I gave him, his Hearths Warming card, he started stuttering again and his mane caught on fire.” Rarity nearly chocked on her rice pilaf. “You set his mane on fire?” Lolite rolled her eyes. “No mommy. Fuji did himself. He said it was a Kirin thing. But Sky and Dusky were teasing him about it for the rest of the day and Fuji was still stuttering every time I saw him. Daddy? What were they teasing Fuji about?” Spike felt his daughter’s eyes on him as he slowly chewed his sauteed emeralds. “Uh, well, um. I think it was… um… because… uh, Rarity how was work today?” Rarity noted that she’d answer Lolite’s question after dinner. “Quite the challenge Spiky. Having to balance review topics and projects was downright exhausting. But finals are in a few days, so nothing I can’t handle. How was Cobalt? Did he give you any trouble?” Spike rubbed his neck sheepishly. “Ehh, not too much trouble. He’s still being fussy when I feed him, but at least he takes his naps when you’re not around. Thank Celestia for small miracles,” he chuckled. “Now Cobalt,” Rarity said to the little colt. “You shouldn’t be giving your father any trouble. What if…“ Rarity froze as she killed off the next words threatening to pass her lips. The words that tied her to this haunting feeling that’s been with her from the first day in this strange reality and something Rarity tried to push back and ignore every day since. What if I wasn’t here… “Rares?” “Hm? Yes Spike?” “Is everything alright honey?” Rarity’s heart fluttered. Spike was so concerned for her that even the slightest discomfort worried him. It was moments like this where she mentally kicked herself because her Spike would do the same thing, but she just brushed it off as him being a good friend. But it wasn’t just that he was a good friend, it was because he loved her more than anything. Rarity cleared her throat. “Um, nothing. Everything’s fine Spiky. I just… had an idea is all.-“ Rarity passed Cobalt’s spoon to Spike and moved the foal’s high chair so he was facing his father. “-Try feeding him.” Spike flinched. “W-what? You mean, right now?” “Yes, right now.” Spike scooped some of the green mush. “Uh, o-ok. Open wide Cobalt.” As the spoon moved closer to Cobalt’s lips, the colt kept his mouth firmly shut as he let out a few whines and pulled away. Spike sighed, “See? Fussy, just like always.” “Let me see,-“ Rarity got up from her seat and stood behind Spike. “-try again darling.” Spike shrugged but figured his wife was on to something so he tried his claw at feeding Cobalt. Again, the colt pulled away. “Cobalt!” Rarity sang from behind her husband. Cobalt turned his attention to his mother and when Rarity was sure that the baby was focused on her, she opened her mouth and made a biting motion. Cobalt tilted his head as he watched Rarity open and close her mouth again. A little bulb turned on and Cobalt opened his mouth, Spike saw his chance and placed the spoon in his son’s mouth. Spike was dumbstruck. “Hey… hey I-I fed him! I actually fed him!” “Do it again darling.” Spike wasted no time in scooping up another helping of mush and Cobalt happily ate it as he giggled at Rarity’s attempt to eat the air. Soon all of Cobalt’s dinner was eaten and gone, except for the green goo that was smeared on his face and hoof-claws. “I don’t believe it,” Spike said in amazement. “Cobalt’s never been this good. Rarity, how’d you know that’d work?” Rarity giggled, “I didn’t. I just had a hunch darling, nothing more. But now, perhaps with a bit more training you’ll be able to feed him without any trouble.” Rarity’s curiosity began to itch after dinner. While Spike was off giving Cobalt a bath and tucking the kids in, she decided to dig a bit deeper into her history. As she browsed over her bookshelf, she finally came across a very familiar looking tome. “Ah, ha! There you are!” Rarity pulled out a white book with a worn spine, a few nicks at the edges and with the faded image of her cutie mark on the cover, this book has been with her for quite some time. Rarity trotted back to her bed and made herself comfortable before opening the book. “I was hoping I still had my diary. Now, let’s see what I can gather about myself.” Rarity flipped through the pages, skimming along till something of interest caught her eye. Dear diary, Spike surprised me today. He brought me flowers and a stunning necklace. I was so shocked by this sudden display that I couldn’t find the right words. Eventually I asked him what this was all for, and it turned out it was our anniversary and I completely forgot. I felt absolutely dreadful and when I saw the hurt on Spike’s face, my heart broke and was scattered to the wind. I swore to make it up to him and after a bit of planning, I was able to salvage the day with dinner at the Platinum Stable. I can’t even begin to tell you how many strings I had to pull to get a table, but it was worth it. Note to self: no large orders before our anniversary from this day forward. Rarity felt her chest ache. Even though she didn’t hurt Spike, she still felt the pain and guilt that was being written on the page as if she had done it herself. She decided to flip ahead a bit more and stopped. Dear diary, I woke up feeling ill again. This is the fourth morning in a row and I can’t seem to figure the cause of it. At first, I thought it was something I ate, but Spike and I have been eating the same food for days, so it couldn’t have been that. Granted with all the hot peppers he eats from Autumn Blaze, I’m convinced that Spike has a stomach of pure iron, but that’s beside the point. Then I thought I caught something from somepony, but I don’t have a fever. And to top it all off I’ve been rather short and moody with ponies lately, snapping at them without much provocation. This is very strange and rather worrisome. Spike wants me to see a doctor and while I was adamant at first, I’m beginning to wonder if he has a point. I’m sure I’m fine, but if it will help Spike sleep soundly and stop this unpleasant nausea and rude awakenings, I’ll make the appointment and see a doctor. Rarity was curious as to what the next page had in store for her and wasted no time in flipping ahead. But it was strange, Rarity could almost remember those days when she was sick and the worry that crossed her mind during those confusing couple of days. Dear diary, I have the most incredible, exciting, and wonderful news to share with you! I’m expecting! The doctor confirmed it this morning and I’ve been crying tears of joy ever since. I had to keep fixing my makeup all day. I told Twilight and Luna first, I know I should’ve told Spike first, after all the father does have a right to know, but I’m ashamed to say I had a touch of nerves. Twilight was thrilled, not just because she’ll have a nephew or another niece, but because, ever the scholar, she was excited and eager to learn more about my pregnancy since she had no idea that dragons and ponies could even have babies. Despite her theory on how the Kirin came to be, but I digress. I wanted to surprise Spike, so I prepared a lovely and romantic dinner for the two of us and afterwards I sat him down on the couch and I told him the news. Oh diary, I haven’t seen Spike this happy since our wedding day. He hooted, cried, held me tight and spun me about while planting kisses all over my face. Then after the excitement wore off, the weight of what I told him finally set in and he fainted right there on the couch. Celestia knows I can’t carry him up the stairs, besides I’m not supposed to do any heavy lifting in my condition, so I left him downstairs and decided to share the news with you. I’m sure he’ll come to eventually. Actually, I think I’ll go check on him again. We have so much to discuss! I’m just oh so excited to be a mother! A tear dropped and stained the current page. Rarity… was crying? Reading the words on the pages, the mare felt a surge of emotions, her heart boiling over. She sounded so happy, so much unbridled joy and Rarity could feel it resonating in her like the chime of a bell. But there was something more than that, there was an odd feeling of familiarity as Rarity read the events described, like brushing against something in the dark. She also couldn’t help but feel totally envious of that Rarity, the one who was blessed with a child, and the start of a family. Rarity’s hoof unconsciously moved to her belly as her mind tried desperately to grapple with the slew of emotions and desires churning like a stormy sea. She wiped her tears away and calmed her breath. Suddenly, Spike slipped into the room and closed the door behind him, making sure not to make even the slightest click. His eyes were hooked onto the snow-white mare and he grew a mischievous smirk. “Hey Rares,” he said huskily. “the kids are asleep.” Rarity looked up from her diary. “Hm? What was that darling?” “I said,”- Spike sauntered over and crawled onto the bed, eyes hungry like a wolf. –“the kids. Are. Asleep.” Rarity finally put the pieces together and her pulse began to race higher than ever before as her cheeks flared red. “W-wait, Spiky! I-I don’t, I mean I’m fairly tired, perhaps we shouldn’t- mmph!” Spike’s lips pressed against Rarity’s as his claws gently raked her mane and trailed down the back of her neck. Rarity’s brain was going haywire as Spike continued his passionate onslaught. On instinct, Rarity placed her hooves on his chest and was ready to put those self-defense classes to good use. But she was losing herself more and more as Spike barely gave Rarity a chance to breath. Wait, is that… his tongue!? It’s so… I didn’t know it could… oh my… Rarity slowly snaked her hooves around Spike’s neck and threw herself into the kiss. It was one of, no, this was the most incredible kiss she’s ever received. So much love and passion were felt and the mare’s heart melted and gave in to the fire burning within her. Spike’s lips weren’t exactly soft, but there was a delightful smoothness that Rarity enjoyed and when she brushed against his sharp teeth, she couldn’t deny the thrill trailing down her spine as she quivered and hooked her back leg with Spike’s and pressed herself closer to the dragon. Finally, after what felt like hours, the two pulled away for some much needed air. As they gasped and panted, Rarity beheld the drake before her. His scales, his jawline, but most of all his eyes. Those deep, beautiful green eyes were enough to get lost in and never find her way out. “Handsome…” Rarity murmured. Spike raised a brow. “Huh?” “You’re so… handsome. I don’t think I’ve ever told you enough, but you are about the most handsome creature in Equestria.” Spike chuckled, “Geez, Rarity. You don’t have to butter me up so much, we’re already married.-“ Spike gave Rarity a quick peck on the lips. “-But thank you. Oh wait! I got something special for us. I’ll be right back.” Spike jumped off the bed and quickly slid out the door. Rarity’s heart rate was finally beginning to even out as she came off her cloud. Was she really going to go through with this? She wanted to. Sweet Celestia she wanted to. She was burning for Spike, but was this the right thing to do? Spike’s a married drake, married to her, but not to Rarity. But she was still a Rarity, did it really count as homewrecking if you’re still the pony that he’s technically married to? And what of the Spike from her world? Was she just going to abandon him for this Spike? Rarity’s head was spinning in more ways than one as she weighed her choices, the fact that she was even thinking about it filled her with a sense of betrayal. Spike returned a few minutes later, clutching a wine bottle in one claw and two glasses in the other. “I was able to get my claws on your favorite Canterlot merlot,” he said in the most debonair voice he could muster. “And I’ve been saving it for…” All the wind left Spike’s sails as he noticed his wife was curled up under the covers, sound asleep. The dragon sighed, “another time.” He set the wine and the glasses on the dresser and tiptoed to the bed. He pulled back the covers, turned off the lamp and wrapped his arm around his wife. “Guess today really wiped you out, huh? Goodnight, Rarity. I love you.” He kissed her forehead and snuggled into bed. A few minutes of peaceful slumber later, as the soft sound of Spike’s snoring could be heard, Rarity cracked her eye open and slowly inched herself closer to the sleeping dragon. She nuzzled his chest and took comfort in his scent and the heat gently radiating off his body. It wasn’t long before Rarity was lulled to sleep, wrapped in the embrace of the drake she loved. “It was a moment of weakness,” Rarity said as she scrubbed Cobalt’s back. “I didn’t know what I was doing. He caught me by surprise.” Cobalt squealed and splashed his little hoof-claws causing the rubber ducky in the tub to bob up and down beneath the waves. “But that doesn’t excuse my actions… I mean… I did return the kiss.” Rarity took the sponge in her magic and began to wash Cobalt’s little legs and making sure to get into the little crevasses of his claws. “I suppose I was just… overwhelmed? It was the heat of the moment, that’s all.” Cobalt giggled as his mother was scrubbing away at his ticklish spots and flailed his free limbs. “He’s so handsome. So romantic. So, caring. I’ve never been with anypony like him before. I clearly took my poor Spiky for granted. I had no idea his feelings… his attraction for me was so strong.”- Rarity’s magic grabbed a small bottle of baby shampoo and proceeded to squeeze a dollop on her hoof and began to was the little colt’s mane. “No. That’s a lie, I’ve known for quite some time. I’m such a fool. A blind and ignorant fool that ignored her own heart while hurting another’s.” Cobalt hummed in delight as Rarity massaged his scalp and waggled his tail, making ripples in the water. “Well, not much I can do about this now. I’ll just have to keep my hooves off of this Spike for the time being. I, Rarity, shan’t be known as a homewrecking jezebel. Not here, or any other Equestria!” Bubbles from Cobalt’s head drifted down to his little nose. The foal’s face scrunched up and he let loose a fiery sneeze; reheating the tub. “Oh, dear. I’m sorry Cobalt. I think bath time is over now.” Rarity poured the heated water over the foal’s head and washed away the suds. She lifted Cobalt out of the tub and wrapped him in a fluffy towel. “How somepony can get so dirty after breakfast is beyond me,” Rarity chuckled as she rubbed Cobalt down. “Well now you’re squeaky clean. Let’s see how long you stay that way, hm?” Cobalt wiggled under the towel and laughed in nonsensical baby talk. He poked his little head out of his cotton cocoon. “Ma!” Rarity’s eyes widened. “What was that darling?” Cobalt giggled, “Mama!” “Oh, my goodness!” Rarity gasped. “Say it again, Cobalt! Say ‘mama’!” Cobalt clapped his little hooves. “Mama! Mama! Mama!” Rarity pulled the foal in for a hug. “Oh Cobalt! Your first word! I’m so proud of you! Wait until your father gets home, he’ll be ecstatic, I’m sure!” Rarity gave Cobalt loving nuzzles and kissed his head. Perhaps it was more of Eris’s trickery at work, but Rarity couldn’t help but feel overjoyed at the milestone her son just reached. But whether it was trickery or genuine, Rarity still felt a mother’s pride and joy at her little foal saying his first word. “Mama…” Rarity mulled over. “Yes, I think I can get used to that.”