“Let’s see, what’s next on the list, darling?” Rarity asked, as Spike looked down on his piece of parchment.
“A kaleidoscope!” Lolite called out from atop her father’s shoulders. “Dusk Note wants a kaleidoscope! I know cause he keeps asking aunt Luna and auntie Twily for one!”
“Well, what do you know?” Spike chuckled. “A ‘kaleidoscope for Dusky’ is next on the list, followed closely by a ‘new pen set for Twilight’.”
“Twee!” Cobalt said as he bounced in his foal seat.
“That’s right sweetheart,” Rarity said to the colt. “a present for auntie Twilight as well.”
While Hearths Warming wasn’t necessarily “right around the corner,” Rarity thought that today would be perfect to go out gift shopping with her family and avoid the headaches of the holiday rush. The stalls in the market were still abuzz with activity as ponies pondered what to get their friends and loved ones. Luckily there was still time to pick out the perfect present carefully and methodically and, in Rarity’s case, enjoy a nice little outing with her husband and foals.
Rarity was trying her hardest to find something special for Spike. But every time something caught her eye, she would dismiss it as “not special enough” or “too garish” or “I’m sure Spike has ten of those, at least.” What Rarity needed was the perfect gift. Something that said, “you’re the most wonderful creature in all of Equestria and the most wonderful husband a mare could ask for,” as well as something that said, “I’m sorry I’ve been distant lately, please forgive me.”
I’ll find the most incredible gift for Spike, Rarity thought to herself. Mark my words.
“Hey Rarity?” Spike held up two kaleidoscopes. “What do you think? The red one or the blue one?”
Rarity levitated the red one and peered through the eye hole. “Hmm…” Rarity then inspected the blue one. “I believe the blue kaleidoscope is the better of the two. I like the contrasting colors, it’s rather exciting and I think Dusk Note will love it.”
Spike placed his bits on the counter. “Blue one it is.” The vendor placed Spike’s money in a register and wrapped the kaleidoscope in a decorative box before passing it back to the patrons.
“That’s Dusk Note taken care of-“ Spike took his pencil and checked a small box. “Let’s go look for a pen set.”
Rarity paused. “Um, actually Spiky. If it’s alright with you, I think I’ll let you and Lolite Handle Twilight’s present. I need to see if I can acquire a special gift for a certain special somepony.” Rarity dotted her sentence with her fluttering lashes.
Spike gave his wife a silly grin. “Sure thing Rarity, but don’t be too long. It’s almost lunch time and I’m getting hungry.”
“I am too!” Lolite said. “Can we get cinnamon buns?”
“Dessert comes after your meal darling,” Rarity said. “not before it. I’ll meet you two at the café then. Order me a latte if you’d please.” She gave a wink to Spike as she trotted off into the market.
Rarity moved from stall to stall, trying her best to find Spike’s perfect gift. But it didn’t seem to matter. Whatever Rarity came across, whether it was a well-crafted lamp, or a very well detailed Power Ponies figure, nothing stuck out to her. Nothing seemed worthy of Spike. She couldn’t let it end like this! Rarity will not walk away from this venture with nothing to show for it, she was going to get Spike the most wonderful gift if it was the last thing she did.
“Ma!” Cobalt said.
“What is it Cobalt?”
Cobalt reached his little forelegs out towards somepony in the crowd. Rarity followed where he was pointing and saw a white mare with a pink and purple mane, with a basket full of trinkets and wrapping paper.
“Oh my, is that Sweetie Belle? Gracious, she’s certainly grown into quite the beauty. Must run in the family.”
“Swee!” Cobalt called out.
“All right, All right darling. Let’s go and say hello to aunt Sweetie.”
“Hmm, this would be a pretty good gift for mom and dad,” Sweetie Belle mused as she inspected a pair of novelty salt and pepper shakers made in the likeness of Princess Celestia and Luna respectively. “But they might feel weird about shaking their in-laws.”
“Sweetie Belle! Oh Sweetie Belle!’ Rarity called out to her little sister
“Hm? Oh, hey there Rarity! And hello to you too my cute little nephew!” Sweetie Belle gave Cobalt a pat on the head and he thanked her in baby gibberish. “Out shopping for Hearth’s Warming?”
“I am. But I’ve run into a bit of a snag. I was hoping maybe you could give me some kind of idea or inspiration on what to get.”
“Sure thing Rarity! If you’ve got a problem, you can count on this Cutiemark Crusader for help. So who are you shopping for? Twilight? Lolite?”
“Spike actually. I dare say I’ve had no luck in finding a proper gift. It pains me to say I haven’t exactly been the most attentive wife lately and I need a present that will make up for it.”
Sweetie Belle tilted her head. “Huh? That’s who you’re shopping for? But Rarity, I thought you said that you were making Spike’s gift this year.”
It was Rarity’s turn to be confused. “I… I did?”
“Well yeah. You were telling me about how this was going to be, ‘the most wonderous and perfect gift for my handsome Spiky.’ What happened to that plan?”
“Uh, n-nothing! Nothing at all!” Rarity calmed herself before continuing. “I suppose I’ve been preoccupied and forgot about it.” Rarity wasn’t sure if her confidence in her fabrications and deception was a good thing or not, but it seemed to be working thus far.
Sweetie laughed, “Geez, this was one of the easiest jobs I’ve had in a while. Glad I was able to help.”
Rarity giggled, “Yes, it was rather silly of me to let that particular detail slip my mind. But I feel like I should be giving him something else. Something more, something special like…” Rarity’s eyes lit up as the answer to her problems was presented before her. Or course, it was so obvious now. “Actually Sweetie, darling. Might I offer you another job? Do you suppose you could watch the kids the night after tomorrow?”
“Um, sure. I don’t think I’m doing anything that night. Why do you ask?”
“Because I just found my other gift for Spike. It was lovely seeing you Sweetie, but if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and make a reservation.”
After lunch and a bit more shopping, Rarity and her family returned home. Spike was putting some minor touches on some of the gift wrapping, Lolite was drawing and Cobalt was put down for his nap. And Rarity was pacing about in her work space. She paused and held a hoof under her chin as she closed her eyes and was lost in a deep pondering.
“Now. If I were to hide a gift for Spike, where would that be?” Rarity couldn’t think of a better place to hide anything than in this room. Surely the organized chaos would deter even the most adamant of gift hunters. The problem is, Rarity didn’t even begin to know where to look.
“Well, no use in wondering. I need to find the special gift Sweetie Belle mentioned. Wish she could’ve given me a clue as to what it is.”
Rarity began her search under the stack of order boxes. Nothing. Next, she tried under Cobalt’s playpen. Still nothing. The cupboards, the ponequins, the thread drawer, the ribbon box, the button box, all turned up empty. Rarity threw herself onto a conveniently placed couch and draped a foreleg over her head.
“Ugh, it’s no use! I’ve exhausted all of my hiding places! I’ve searched through every needle and thread, under my desk, behind the curtain and every scrap of…” That’s when Rarity sprang up onto her hooves. “Fabric!” She rushed over to the shelves stacked to the ceiling with a plethora of colorful fabrics. She was determined to search through every single bolt in her collection, but then something caught her eye. There was a bolt of shimmering purple taffeta and Rarity had a feeling, a little nagging thought in the back of her mind, that her search would be fruitful if she inspected that particular spot. She pulled it out and sure enough, in the very back of the cubbyhole was a small wooden box. Rarity pulled it out and quickly opened it. Her eyes widened and she gasped. This was what she was planning to give Spike? It was beautiful, it was perfect it was…
“Incomplete? Oh dear, it seems more hoof work is in need to finish this pièce de resistance. But it shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, I was kind enough to leave the remaining gems.” Rarity levitated her red glasses and tied her mane back, cleared off her worktable and emptied the contents of the box. “All right, let’s get to work!”
There was a knock at Rarity’s workroom door. “Hey Rarity, dinner’s ready!”
“Spike!” In a flash, Rarity placed her project back in its box and covered her table with a sheet. “Uh, just a moment darling! I’ll be right out!” Rarity set her glasses down and trotted to the door, gave her mane a quick touch up and greeted her husband. “Hello Spiky.”
“Geez Rares, you’ve been up here all day. I thought you said you were done with orders for the season.”
“I am darling,” Rarity assured. “I’m not working on an order; I’m working on a present. A very special and very personal gift for a certain special somedragon.”
“Ooh, really?” Spike’s curiosity was peaked. “What is it? No, no, don’t tell me, I want to guess. No wait, if I guessed, it wouldn’t be a surprise. But I really want to know now.”
Rarity planted a kiss on Spike’s cheek. “Calm yourself love. I’ll be finished with it soon. But you cannot peek. Think you can promise me that?”
Spike nodded. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
In the distance a voice carried over the frostbitten air. Like a ghostly wail of a vengeful spirit, “FOR-EV-ER!!!”
Rarity giggled, “Good. Now Spike, be sure to have your schedule free for the night after tomorrow.”
“Oh-ho?” Spike smirked and waggled his brow. “What did you have in mind?”
“We’re going someplace special. Just the two of us. I asked Sweetie Belle if she’d foalsit, so the night will be all ours. And one more thing darling, be sure to wear something nice.”
The Platinum Saddle. The fanciest restaurant in town. Opened not long after Princess Luna settled down in Ponyville, in hopes of helping the lunar diarch feel more at home with a high-end bistro within trotting distance. While flattered, Luna apparently preferred a good hay burger more often than not, but the restaurant was a big hit for the rest of the townsponies and was the go-to venue for special occasions and top-class dining. Spike and Rarity waited patiently in the lobby as the host called out the names on the reservation list.
“Wowee, Rares. When you said we were going someplace special, I didn’t think it’d be here.”
“Well of course, this is after all a special occasion and where else better to spend it than the most premier eatery in Ponyville? Do you disapprove?”
Spike quickly waved his claw. “Oh, no, no, no! I like it, I really do. I’m just surprised is all. I mean, this place is pretty pricey.”
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Darling, sometimes it’s nice to splurge and enjoy the finer things in life. Besides, it’s not like we make this a regular outing.”
Spike chuckled, “Yeah, you’re right.”
Spike was wearing a standard black suit jacket with a dark purple vest and a green necktie. Rarity couldn’t take her eyes off Spike for the last hour, not just because he was the most handsome creature she’s ever laid eyes on, but because she recognized her work in every stitch of Spike’s ensemble and she was impressed that she was clever enough to make a suit that accommodated his wings.
Rarity’s dress was purple, with a plum-colored bust and a matching choker with a silver pendant. The skirt came just above her fetlocks, exhibiting a pair of sky-blue heels and a slit on one side rose up her leg, partially covering her cutiemark. She knew she picked out the perfect attire when she saw Spike get hot under the collar as she descended the staircase. He may not be a baby dragon anymore, but it was still adorable to see him get flustered like he did when he was young.
“Rarity, party of two! Rarity, party of two!” the host called out.
Spike held out his claw. “Shall we dear?”
Rarity placed her hoof in his claw. “Of course darling.”
The soft light in the restaurant and the glow of candlelight gave the venue the most perfect romantic atmosphere for the unique couple as delicate shadows were cast with each flick of flame. Rarity was all aflutter, this was the date she always dreamed of. A fancy restaurant, fine attire and somepony who held her heart to share it with.
“Good evening monsieur and mademoiselle,” a Pegasus stallion in a silk vest and dress shirt said as he placed the menus before Spike and Rarity. “I am Fantaisie Manger, and I will be your waiter this evening. If there is anything I can get you to make this a most joyous experience, please do not hesitate to ask.”
“Good evening Fantaisie,” Rarity said. “Would you be so kind as to provide us with your wine selection?”
“But of course!” Fantaisie took a single page menu from his apron pocket and presented it to Rarity. “May I suggest the Canterlot Merlot? It pairs wonderfully with our sweet potato ravioli and gorgonzola salad and we received a delivery of a fine vintage this morning.”
“Hmm, well that sounds simply divine darling. But I was thinking more along the lines of a bottle of Schiava Gentile. And you just so happen to have my favorite vintage from the Crystal Empire.”
Fantaisie smiled. “Oh, ho, ho! You certainly have impeccable taste, mademoiselle!” he scribbled down a note on his pad. “I shall give you two a moment to go over the menu and I'll return with your wine momentarily.” Fantaisie scurried off.
“Geez, Rares,” Spike said in awe. “It still amazes me how you do that.”
“Do what darling?”
“You know, that. How you’re able to be so… fancy all the time. I’ve never even heard of, uh, Shyvana Gentle.”
“Schiava Gentile,” Rarity said clearly. “It’s a marvelous red wine. The best of its kind. I still remember the first time I had it. It was at the reception of Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis’ wedding, he spared no expense and had case after case of that most wonderful nectar available. After that, I took every opportunity I could to have a least a single glass of it and tonight we’ll have a whole bottle to ourselves.”
Spike twiddled his thumbs. “Uh… how much is that gonna cost us?”
“What did I say about enjoying ourselves Spike? Now, let’s see what’s on the menu for tonight. Hmm, the ginger crusted tofu sounds positively delightful. Wild onion and basil soup sounds lovely as well. Oh, so many delectable choices.”
“Oooh,” Spike’s eyes lit up. “This raspberry vinaigrette chopped salad with walnuts and rubies might be the winner in my book.”
Fantaisie returned, setting two glasses before the couple, and presenting a wine bottle. “One bottle of Crystal Empire Schiava Gentil for the monsieur and mademoiselle.” He took a corkscrew from his pocket and with a few twists, a pull, and a satisfying pop, he gently poured the bright red liquid into the pair of glasses. “Would you like to place your order? Or perhaps you need a few more minutes?”
Rarity closed her menu. “I think we know what we’d like. I’ll have an order of the ginger crusted tofu.”
“Excellent choice mademoiselle!” Fantaisie scribbled on his note pad. “One of my personal favorites. The ginger is as fresh as they come and our tofu is special ordered from Neighpon and is at the perfect texture and consistency. And for you monsieur?”
Spike passed his menu to Fantaisie. “I’ll have the raspberry vinaigrette chopped salad.”
“Another great choice as well!” Fantaisie scribbled another note. “The vinaigrette is a house specialty. With raspberries and greens right from Sweet Apple Acres to the kitchen and the rubies are mined by Dr. Maud Pie herself. And not to brag, but Dragonlord Ember herself has stated that it is one of the best dishes she’s ever had. I’ll put your orders in post haste. Please, enjoy your wine and if you need me for anything, do not hesitate to ask.” Fantaisie trotted off and passed through the swinging doors to the kitchen.
Rarity gently swirled her glass, the vibrant red wine running along the sides as she held it under her nose. “Mmmm, that aroma. I’ll never tire of it. Light-bodied and sweet.” Rarity took a sip. “And at the perfect temperature.”
Spike aerated his own glass and gave it a sniff. “Hey, it kinda smells like cotton candy.”
Rarity giggled, “Yes, I suppose it does.”
Spike took a sip, his eyes widened and the corners of his lips pulled up. “Wow! This is good! It’s sweet, but not too sweet, probably because it’s dry, the flavor is actually pretty subtle and a little… smoky?” He took another sip. “Yep, definitely smoky. I can see why you like it so much Rares. Heck I think this is my new favorite.”
Rarity smirked. “Oh my. Seems like you know how to be rather ‘fancy’ yourself, darling.”
“Well, I am married to the fanciest pony in Equestria. I can’t help but learn by your example.”
Rarity lifted her glass. “Here’s to us.”
Spike raised his own glass. “To us.”
The couple’s wine rose up to meet each other as the two glasses clinked in a toast. Rarity sipped her elixir and the familiar warmth took over her form, she noticed how Spike seemed to be reveling in his wine as if it was divine nectar and had a silly grin on his lips when they parted from his glass. Rarity giggled and wondered if that was how she looked when she first tried that cotton candy wine.
“For the monsieur, the raspberry vinaigrette chopped salad.” Fantaisie laid a plate of shiny rubies over a bed of mixed greens with walnut clusters and a light coat of dressing in front of Spike along with a glass bottle full of raspberry vinaigrette. “And for the mademoiselle, ginger crusted tofu.” He laid another plate to Rarity; the tofu had a flaky outer shell of crisp ginger over a bed of rice with a small ornate dish with a dark brown sauce and was garnished with a few fresh cut daffodils. Fantaisie bowed and said, “Please enjoy your meal, and if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask.” With that, Spike and Rarity thanked him and Fantaisie scurried off to other tables.
Rarity admired her dish’s appearance for a moment before taking her first cut of tofu, dipped it in the sauce and was overcome by the unique and bold flavors dancing on her tongue. “Oh my goodness… this is superb! The tofu is firm, yet supple. And this sauce adds another layer of flavor, mildly sweet, I believe it’s a plum sauce. Simply marvelous.”
Spike seemed to be enjoying his salad, given the way his eyes lit up when he took his first bite and when he took his second bite. “Holy smokes! I had no idea a salad could taste like… well, like this! The greens are amazing, they must’ve just been picked today and these rubies are as good as they come. I gotta see if I can remake this dressing at home, it’s best I’ve ever had.”
Rarity sipped her wine. “I’m glad you’re enjoying your meal darling. Seems we both chose wisely tonight.”
Spike drizzled more dressing on his dish. “You’re telling me. I gotta admit Rarity, it’s nice to go out and have somepony else cook for you. N-not that you don’t help and cook, it’s just-“
“Spiky, don’t fret,” Rarity gently interjected. “I know what you mean. I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying yourself…” Rarity trailed off, as something nagged at the back of her mind.
“Rares? Hey, are you alright? Should I call Fantaisie over and-?”
“No, it’s fine Spike. I’m just…” Rarity sipped her wine and took a deep breath. “Spike, I’d like to apologize.”
Spike cocked a brow. “Apologize? For what?”
“For the way I’ve been acting. I… I know I haven’t been the most attentive wife lately; I’ve put you on the back burner so much over the last week or so, I’m so dreadfully sorry Spiky wikey. I’ve just felt so awful, thinking about how much I’ve worried you or how lonely I made you feel, so I wanted to make up for it and take you somewhere nice, just us. I hope you can forgive me…” The weight on Rarity’s heart began to lighten as she finally set things right with her husband. But then, something happened that Rarity wasn’t expecting.
Spike was laughing, Rarity poured her soul out and he was laughing.
“Come on Rares,” Spike said sympathetically as he took Rarity’s hoof in his claw. “You don’t have to apologize. I knew exactly what I was getting into when I first asked you out, when I asked you to marry me and when I said, ‘I do.’ I know how busy you get, heck if I was the one with a fashion empire, I wouldn’t even know how to schedule in a lunch break. And I will admit it does get lonely now and then, but as busy as you get, you always make time for me and the kids. I don’t know how you do it, but I know one thing, I married the most incredible mare in all of Equestria.”
Rarity couldn’t hide her blush as Spike put any and all of her fears to rest. Her heart thumped wildly as her emotions threatened to ruin her makeup. “You’re… far too kind Spike.”
Spike leaned over and kissed Rarity’s hoof. “And you’re the most amazing wife a drake could ask for. Don’t ever forget that. Now, why don’t we continue our meal? As much as I love you, this salad is calling my name.”
Rarity rolled her eyes as Spike continued eating, but gave her husband a sweet smile before she returned to her dish. They enjoyed the occasional small talk, but the couple were thrilled to just be with each other, and for a moment everything around them disappeared and they were the only ones in the room.
Spike set down his fork and sighed as the last of his salad landed in his stomach. “Thanks for taking us out Rarity. This was a great gift, heck I can’t remember the last time I had food this good.”
“Well, our night out was only part of your gift,” Rarity placed a small box with a bow on the table and pushed it towards Spike. “this is the other part. It was supposed to be your Hearth’s Warming present, but I thought about the venue and the atmosphere and, well I decided to give it to you early.”
Spike curiously eyed the box. “Oh ho? So I’ll finally get to see what you’ve been working on? Don’t mind if I do.” Spike tugged on the ribbon and opened the lid; he took a long breath and his eyes widened as he gazed at Rarity’s gift. It was a silver pendent on a silver chain. The pendent itself was in the image of a flame, with an emerald and an amethyst perfectly centered.
Spike lifted the pendent from the box, the dim light catching off the well-polished silver surface. “Rarity… I… I don’t know what to say… it’s beautiful!”
Rarity smiled. “Happy Hearths Warming, my love.”
Spike undid the clasp on the chain and hung it around his neck. The pendant laid on the top knot of Spike’s tie, which didn’t look all too great, but Spike didn’t care and neither did Rarity.
“How do I look?” Spike asked.
“Smashing darling,” Rarity cooed. “absolutely smashing.”
“Thank you ever so much for watching the kids Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said as she hung up her scarf. “I hope they weren’t any trouble.”
“Aw, it’s no trouble at all Rarity, they were great. And Cobalt wasn’t fussy at all, I’ve never had an easier time feeding him.”
Rarity giggled, “We’ve been working on his table manners. He even lets Spike feed him now.”
“Wow, even Spike?” Sweetie gasped in awe. “That’s something else. Did you two enjoy your date?”
Spike grinned. “Sure did! One of the nicest nights out I can remember, with some of the best food I can remember.”
“I’m glad, you two deserve a break now and then. Plus I got to see my niece and nephew.” Sweetie Belle let out a yawn. “Well, I better head home, I love the kids, but they sure know how to wear a pony out.”
Spike nodded. “It is getting late. Goodnight Sweetie Belle.”
Rarity gave her little sister a hug. “Yes, goodnight darling. And again, I must thank you for helping me on such short notice.”
“No problem Rarity, goodnight you two.” Sweetie Belle waved goodbye as she passed the doorframe and left.
Spike and Rarity made their way upstairs to their room, making sure to avoid any squeaky floorboards. Rarity closed the door behind her as quietly as she could and turned her attention towards Spike as he slipped off his jacket and placed it on a hanger. Her husband looked so dapper in that vest. So tall… so handsome… so… so…
“Oh Spiky!” Rarity sang.
“You say something Rari-WOAH!” in a flash Rarity lunged for Spike like a cat to a mouse and they landed on the bed, her hooves pinning his shoulders firmly down. Her eyes were hungry as she drank in every little detail in Spike.
She leaned down and nipped his ear fin, with shallow breath and husky voice said, “The kids are asleep…”
The ringing of the alarm clock signaled it was time to rise and shine. Rarity turned it off and stretched her legs. She couldn’t remember the last time she slept so well or so soundly. Probably thanks to her husband. Spike stirred and groaned before pulling the covers closer.
“Nnnngh… five more minutes Rarity…” Spike mumbled.
“How about an extra twenty? You’ve certainly earned it darling.” Rarity kissed Spike’s cheek and he smirked as he fell back into a satisfied slumber.
Rarity got out of bed and did some more stretching, hearing and feeling satisfying pops as she did so along with a minor yet delightful soreness. She wasted no time in trotting to the bathroom for a hot cleansing shower. As she washed off last night’s sweat she hummed a merry tune as the events from yesterday danced in her mind.
From start to finish.
Rarity dried off and finished putting the final touches to her mane as the sound of Cobalt’s crying could be heard through the bathroom door. Rarity trotted out as Spike was finally starting to roll out of bed.
“I’ll go change Cobalt,” Spike yawned.
“That’s alright Spiky, I’ll take care of Cobalt. Be a dear and start on breakfast won’t you? I worked up quite the appetite and I’m rather hungry.” Rarity winked and Spike blushed as he chuckled and mumbled something flattering under his breath.
“There we go sweetheart,” Rarity finished clipping the last safety pin on Cobalt’s diaper. “A nice clean diaper to start your day.”
Cobalt cheered, “Mama! Mama!” he spoke some baby gibberish as Rarity nuzzled her son.
“That’s right Cobalt! Now, let’s see what daddy has cooked for us today, shall we?”
“Da! Da-dee!”
“Oh my goodness!” Rarity gasped. She placed Cobalt on her back and rushed out of the room. “Spike! Spike! You’ll never guess what Cobalt just said!”
The freshly fallen snow crunched with step Rarity took. Her eyes quickly darted across the area, looking for even the slightest movement. Her ears swiveled trying to pick up even the snap of the smallest twig. She tucked her scarf and cleared her throat.
“Oh dear!” Rarity called out. “Lolite sure is good at hiding! I don’t think I could ever find such a master of hide and seek!”
Rarity passed by a snowbank and like a spring-loaded trap, a purple filly burst out.
“RAWR!” Lolite roared she landed on Rarity.
“OH NO!” Rarity cried, feigning shock and fear. “I’VE BEEN CAUGHT!” Rarity’s magic swung her daughter to her chest as the mare fell into the snow. “Whatever shall I do? I should have known better than to go against the mighty dragon pony!”
Lolite was beaming at Rarity with eyes of adoration.
“Lolite? What is it darling?”
The filly's voice was soft, “Welcome home mommy.”
Rarity began to tear up as her heart surged. She pulled her daughter into a hug and held her tight, kissing her forehead as Rarity’s hoof ran over Lolite’s mane with said filly returning the hug in kind and nuzzled her mother.
The pair stood up and began walking back to the boutique.
“Were you a good girl while mommy was away?” Rarity asked.
“Mhmm! I was a really good girl! I gots to tell you everything that happened while you were gone. How was your secret mission?”
“It went well,” Rarity said without missing a beat. “But I couldn’t wait to come back home.”
“You know, I’ll miss wrong mommy. She was real fun.”
“I’m sure she had fun herself darling.”