Finding yourself with some free time, you fumble around with your Rubik’s Cube, hoping to solve it once and for all. “I know there’s a pattern for these things…” you think aloud “Left, turn, right, right, turn and…” you hold up the Rubik’s Cube that looked even more disorganized than before.
“Where is she?” you ask aloud as you throw the still-incomplete puzzle back into your desk. The grandfather clock read eleven AM. Getting up from your desk, you begin to pace around your office. Rarity didn’t strike you as the kind of pony who would just skip an appointment without giving some word in advance. Not only that, she genuinely acted like she wanted to get better. So why wouldn’t she show up? You couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
“Okay, that’s it,” you declare as you storm out of your office.
Upon hearing the commotion, your secretary gets up from her desk and begins to follow you. “Excuse me, Sir? Where are you going?” she asks.
“Move all of my appointments, Ms. Careheart,” you say as you slip on your jacket, “I have to track down a certain white unicorn.” Before Ms. Careheart could say a word, you make your way into the streets of Ponyville and slip into the crowd.
Maybe she forgot to set her alarm clock and slept in… you reason to yourself. She had been complaining about sleepless nights.
“Hello Doctor.”
You do a 180 and find yourself face to face with Twilight. You must have walked by her without noticing. “Oh, hello Twilight. How are you?”
“Other than the fact that Spike burned all of my parchment by accident, I can’t complain. I was just heading to that paper store across from Ditzy Doo Deliveries,”
“Oh, well don’t let me keep you,” you say as you take a tentative step forward.
“Wait!” Twilight yells, startling you. Then, uneasily, she asks, “Uh… How… How’s Rarity doing?”
“That’s what I’m trying to find out. She missed her appointment and I was just about to go check out her shop. You haven’t seen her, have you?”
Twilight shakes her head, “No, I haven’t. Come on, let’s go see how she is.”
You hold up a hoof and stop her. “No, it’s probably nothing. Maybe she overslept, or had something come up. I was just going to drop by and say how she is. You can go do what you need to do.”
Twilight opens her mouth and looks as if she’s going to argue a point, but stops. “Just say hi to her for me, okay? And that her friends are there for her?”
You can’t help but smile a bit at Twilight’s words. You wonder if Rarity knows exactly how lucky she is to have such good friends. “Of course I will. And take care.”
You leave Twilight and continue on your way to the Carousel Boutique, thinking up other possibilities as to why Rarity didn’t show up to pass the time. However, they get more outlandish the closer you get to the Carousel Boutique, and by the time you reach ‘zombie attack’, you’re standing on her doorstep. The shades were drawn up and a sign in the window read “Closed”.
You rap your hoof against the door a few times. “Hello?” you call, “Anypony home?”
You wait a few moments for a response, but receive none. You knock again, louder this time, but still no answer. Hesitantly, you let yourself in. As you look around the room, you knew that something was off. Clothes of all kinds and colors were strewn about the place, as if a very fashionable tornado blew through here not too long ago.
“Rarity?” you call out. “Are you here?”
Finding no sign of her on anywhere on the show floor, you begin to head towards the exit until you notice a distinct trail of clothes heading upstairs. You follow the trail up the stairs and through open doors that lead to what you could only assume was Rarity’s bedroom. Despite all the clothes strewn about the room, it looked rather elegant and pleasing to the eye. Quite fitting of her tastes, you think to yourself.
“Rarity?”
This time when you call out, you hear a grumble from underneath the pile of clothes on the bed, followed by a light snore. Walking over to the side of the bed, you move some of the clothes away to find Rarity sleeping away. You can’t help but chuckle at the way she snored and how it sounded both cute and ladylike at the same time. Rarity’s eyes flicker open and she mutters something under her breath before rolling back into bed.
“Rarity...”
“Five more minutes, Jeeves...” she grumbles in her sleep “I need my beauty sleep...”
You reach out and shake her shoulder. “Rarity, wake up.”
Finally, she sits up and covers her mouth as she yawns deeply.
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?” you ask.
Rarity stretches her forelegs above her head and yawns again. “Why yes I did, thank y-” she stops and midway looks at you quizzically. “What are you doing in my room?!?” she yells.
“I’m sorry! You didn’t show up and I just wanted to-”
“WANTED TO WHAT?” Rarity yells hysterically, making you jump back.
“I just wanted to see how you were.” you say, trying to calm her down.
She looks you over from head to toe, making you feel very uncomfortable. When she finishes scrutinizing you, she lets out a heavy sigh and hops down from her bed. “You could have knocked, you know.”
“I did. Twilight said she hadn’t seen you all day and I was going to leave and reschedule your appointment, but I-”
Rarity’s eyes bug out of her head when she hears the word ‘appointment’ and scrambles for her nightstand.
“Oh no! I overslept!” she cries as she holds up her alarm clock. “I’m so sorry! I was up until midnight because I couldn’t decide on a single dress to bring and I emptied out all of my drawers and I must have fallen asleep and my alarm clock didn’t go off and WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING?!”
You couldn’t help it. You didn’t notice it before, but a pair of black silk panties managed to get caught on her horn and when she talked, she moved her head around, causing them to whip back and forth. Rarity follows your gaze and looks up at her horn. “Oh dear Celestia, this is SO embarrassing!” she cries out as she dives into her bed, burying her face into her pillows.
You reach out and grab the panties with a hoof and feel your face become flushed as you handle them. “Hey, calm down. I’m sorry I laughed,” you say as you throw the panties over your shoulder “I came to check in on you because I was worried.”
Rarity brings her face up from the pillow and looks at you with deep, soulful eyes. “You were… worried? About me?”
You feel a lump form in your throat as Rarity stares at you. “Well... yeah,” you stutter as you take a seat next to her “Of course I was worried. Your friends are worried too. We all just want to see you get better.”
“Thank you.” she says with a smile. “I’m sorry I snapped at you like that. I have to remember that you’re here to help me...” Rarity’s smile disappears as she surveys the room. “Everything is such a mess...”
“Do you need any help?” you ask.
“Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that! Besides, there are some… uh… delicate things that I’d rather not have you see…” Rarity says sheepishly.
You’re about to ask what she meant by ‘delicate things’, but then realize she was talking about the panties. “Of course, I understand. But still, I’d like to do something to help out… What about breakfast? You haven’t eaten yet. I could cook for you.”
“Well… I guess it couldn’t hurt.” Rarity says thoughtfully. “Afterwards, can we go to your office and make up that appointment?”
“Sure, that-” you stop yourself and feel yourself grin ear to ear. “I got a better idea. Let’s do the therapy here! We’ll be in an environment you’re comfortable with.”
Rarity claps her hooves together. “Lovely idea! Now that we have a plan of attack, let’s get started!” she declares as she sets to work. You leave Rarity to her work and explore the Carousel Boutique. After a bit of wandering around, you find the kitchen down the hall from Rarity’s room. The kitchen was relatively simple; a refrigerator, pantry, oven, sink, a table, and two chairs. Oddly enough, it didn’t share the same elegance and high quality as the rest of the house. You check the refrigerator for what you have to work with and can’t help but sigh as you remember what Rarity said in her admission form.
…and eat the same breakfast every morning before I can even start my day.
The refrigerator contained at least ten of those ‘Instant Biscuit Roll’ tins you find at the store. All you had to do was pull a string and they would pop open, revealing six doughy balls that only needed to be baked. Other than that, there was all the stuff you would expect to find in a fridge. Fruits, vegetables, milk, butter, eggs, et cetera. Moving to the pantry, you continue your search.
“Apple chips, popcorn, fruit preserves, jam… Hmm…”
You reach into a shelf that contained a variety of spices and pull out a few bottles. “Cinnamon and brown sugar.” you say aloud.
What does that remind me of? Cinnamon…Brown sugar…Biscuits…
You gasp aloud as you finally realize what to make for breakfast and set to work. “She is going to love this!”
* * * * * * * * * * *
“…Monkey bread?” Rarity asks again, still uncertain about the name.
“Yeah, that’s its name.” you say as you point to the dish in front of you. It looked like a large, light brown wheel with a slight sheen to it.
“What is it?” she asked as she poked it a few times.
“It’s good, that’s what it is.” you say as you fish a knife out of the utensil drawer. You cut out a small piece of the monkey bread and put it on a plate in front of Rarity, who starts scrutinizing every inch of it.
“It’s just cut up biscuits, melted brown sugar and butter, and cinnamon sugar,” you explain. “My roommate in college showed me how to make it.”
You cut yourself a piece and take a big bite from it. “Come on. Eat up. It won’t bite."
Rarity closes her eyes and gingerly reaches out, taking a small bite from it. “Mmm! This is excellent!”
“Now isn’t this better than biscuits and jam?”
Rarity gives you an odd look and swallows a mouthful of monkey bread. “How did you know that’s what I usually have for breakfast?” she asks quizzically.
“The score of biscuit rolls and jam you have on stock. I used to do the same thing while working through college. Cheap and easy breakfast.” you say with a smile. The smile disappears as you recall the financial hardships that forced you into that situation. “And lunch… and dinner…”
Rarity finishes her breakfast and walks over to the sink. “Where did you go to college, if you don’t mind me asking?” she asks as she washes her plate.
“Canterlot Medical School,” you say through a mouthful of monkey bread.
She looks at you, stunned. “I’ve never heard of an earth pony going to a Canterlot school before.”
“I get that a lot,” you say with a chuckle, “My roommate was the only one who wasn’t surprised. He actually encouraged me, saying that the mind needs a doctor as much as the body.”
“And what about this roommate you keep mentioning?” Rarity asks as she puts away the now clean plate. “What was his name?”
“Oh, but you already know him,” you say as you grab another piece of monkey bread, “He’s engaged to your friend, Dash.”
“Oh wow, HE was your roommate? What was he like in college?” she asks excitedly, apparently looking from some gossip.
“He was hard working, that’s for sure. He always said he had this weird kind of luck that ran his family, though. Something bad would happen to him and then something good would happen to balance it all out.”
“It makes sense now. Did you hear how he proposed to Dash?” she asks with a giggle. “He took her out to a romantic picnic by the lake and hid the diamond engagement earring in her glass of champagne.”
“It does sound pretty romantic.” you say as you finish up your plate.
“It was supposed to be romantic.” Rarity says as she tries to keep a straight face. “Rainbow Dash was supposed to find it in the bottom of the glass, but she drank the whole thing in one gulp and swallowed it whole!” she says before breaking out in a high pitched laughter.
You try to stifle a laugh, but you can’t help it. “Oh my goddess, what happened?”
Rarity was trying to regain her composure, but it proved too difficult. “He rushed Rainbow Dash to the hospital and told her she swallowed her wedding gift. At first she was so happy and couldn’t stop saying ‘ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh’, but she changed her tune when he told her she needed to take a laxative to get it back.”
You couldn’t hold it anymore and break down with laughter. It was that kind of laughter that left your sides sore and your eyes full of tears. “Oh wow... That definitely sounds like his luck. That’s funnier than the time he got that toilet seat stuck around his neck at the graduation party...” you say with wheeze. “What happened next?”
“Once the earring... uh... passed...” she said with a grimace, “He cleaned it up, thankfully, and proposed right there on the spot. In the end, after all of the trouble they had, they finally got their happy ending!” she says dreamily. “Their wedding is in three weeks from now.”
“I take it Ponyville still does public weddings?” you say, finally bringing yourself down from your laughing fit.
“Yes, it’s remained the tradition,” Rarity says as she levitates two cans of fruit punch out of the refrigerator. “Pinkie Pie and her boyfriend are the ones doing all the planning. You should see those two, chasing each other around giggling as they make the foodstuffs and decorations...” Rarity lets out a deep sigh and looks down at the floor. “One by one, my friends are finding the loves of their lives... I know I should feel happy for them, but I can’t help but feel jealous, too.”
“Why do you think you feel jealous?” you ask.
“It’s because of the fiasco at the Grand Galloping Gala!” she exclaims. “I was supposed to meet my Prince and fall madly in love with him and get married, but he turned out to be a huge, narcissistic jerk!” Rarity was now yelling at the top of her lungs. “HE EVEN USED ME AS SHIELD, JUST SO HE WOULDN’T GET DIRTY! JUST THINKING OF HIM MAKES ME SO MAD!”
You remain quiet and let Rarity continue her rant. When she finally stops and calms down, you speak up.
“Do you feel better?” you ask.
Rarity nods once, now seeming embarrassed that she managed to get that angry.
“Your anxiety problems... Did they become more frequent after the Grand Galloping Gala?”
Rarity thinks for a moment and then nods thoughtfully. “Why, yes, they did, actually.”
“Do you think it’s possible your anxiety might have something to do with not finding your ‘Perfect Prince’? It may not be the cause of it completely, but do you think it could have played a part?”
She sighs and slumps down into her chair in an undignified fashion. “It definitely didn’t help... I thought we’d fall in love and live happily ever after... But life is never like a fairy tale...”
You see tears start to form in her eyes.
“Rarity, I’m sorry things didn’t work out the way you planned, but you need to move on. You’re feeling mad and hurt, and you have a right to. You’re a wonderful pony who deserves so much more than a jerk that would use you as a shield.” Your words seem to uplift Rarity and bring her out of her slump. “You can’t let this get you down. You’ll find your true prince one day and have a bright and happy future. I’m sure of it.”
“That’s sweet of you to say,” she says with a sniffle “And you’re right. I have to stop pitying myself. I’m sure I’ll find a stallion out there who’s kind and loving...” Rarity inches a bit closer to you and stares into your eyes. “Caring...” you find yourself leaning in as well and less than a inch away from her face. “Handsome...” she says, breathlessly.
You snap out of your daze and get to your hooves. “So...” you clear your throat and motion towards the door. “Do you still want to do the therapy?”
“Oh, yes! Sure!” Rarity says, sounding a little frazzled.
“Okay, good. I’ll head downstairs, you grab some dresses.” you say.
“Oh no, not this again!” Rarity cries. “I STILL don’t know what to use!”
“Tell you what, just grab the first three dresses you find. Does that work?”
Rarity lets out a sigh of relief. “Okay, that I can do. But you still haven’t told me what they’re for.”
“Well, my dear, it’s quite simple,” you say with a smile “We’re going to change your view of perfection.”
You leave Rarity to ponder your words and make your way to show floor for a different kind of fashion show.
* * * * * * * * * * *
“Are you ready?” you call out.
“I still don’t see how this is supposed to help.” Rarity says from behind the screen.
“Do you trust me?” you ask.
“Well, yes, but-”
“Then come on out.”
Rarity poked her head out from behind the changing screen first and then finally walked out into the middle of the room. She wore a red satin dress that glittered ever so slightly in the light.
“What do you think?” Rarity asks as she does a quick pirouette.
“Wunderbar...” you say with a goofy smile. Rarity notices you staring and you snap yourself out of your daze. “Th-The dress I mean. It looks wonderful. Well, now... This dress. Would you label it as perfect?”
“Well of course it is!” she declares “I put a lot of work into this one and didn’t stop until it was très magnifique!”
“I’m sorry, Rarity, but this is going to be very tough for you.”
Rarity gives you an odd look. “What’s going to be tough?” she asks nervously.
“I’m going to have to ask you to rip that dress.”
Rarity gasps aloud at your request and backs up. “ARE YOU MAD?!?” she yells. “This dress is perfect in every sense of the word! I spent DAYS getting every stitch just right and didn’t sleep until it was done! I can’t just ‘rip it’!”
“And that’s your problem. Putting your heart and soul into your work is one thing, but you’re letting it consume your life.”
Rarity turns her back to you. “That’s a lie,” she says haughtily.
“Rarity, you just told me you didn’t sleep until it was ‘perfect’. I’d venture a guess that you didn’t eat either.” She didn’t say anything, but you knew you were right. “The very idea of damaging a dress is probably alien to you and akin to a sin. But you need to let go of your conquest for perfection if you’re to get any better.”
“But why does it have to be my dress?” she demands as she stomps her hoof down. “Why couldn’t we start with something smaller?”
You couldn’t help but smile at the question. “You haven’t realize it yet, have you? We’ve already done the small stuff. You slept in, haven’t combed your mane yet, and you had a different kind of breakfast this morning. And yet here you are, perfectly fine and functional.”
Her mouth goes agape as she finally realizes it. “You’re right... I know my mane’s a mess and I’m not nervous or ‘freaking out’ about it.” Rarity sighs heavily as she looks over her outfit. “Does it have to be a HUGE rip? I mean, can it be small and hardly noticeable?”
You walk over to Rarity and circle around her. “Hmm... I don’t know. Maybe a rip like...THIS.” In a flash, you grab a hold of the back of Rarity’s dress and pull it. She cries out at the sound of tearing fabric.
“HOW COULD YOU?” she screams.
“I did it to show you you’re completely fine! The world hasn’t ended, you didn’t get hurt, you’re FINE. The only thing that has changed is that you have a hole along your back that you have to fix.”
Rarity cranes her head and inspects the damage. “Oh no! It’s ruined! That’s no hole, it’s a gash! It’s hideous now!” The tear along Rarity’s back started at the base of her neck and went down to the middle of her back.
“Actually...” you say as you examine your handiwork, “I think it looks rather nice.”
“WHAT?” Rarity yells. “HOW COULD IT LOOK ‘NICE’?”
“I mean, if you were to just clean it up a bit and keep the back exposed like that it would look rather... Well...”
“What? How would it look like?” Rairty asks, now curious.
“Well, for lack of better word... sexy...” you say bashfully.
Rarity looks at the tear thoughtfully and a grin starts to form across her face. “I think you’re on to something. If I were to just fix up the edges a bit and widen it out just a tad it would be even better than before!”
“In truth, Rarity... There’s no such thing as perfection.” Rarity looks at you as if you had just told her the Tooth Fairy didn’t exist. “Perfect is just a word we give to something. It has no real meaning. What’s perfect to you can be imperfect to others.”
“I don’t understand,” she says with a puzzled look.
Sighing, you try to recall something you read a while back. “There are tribes of ponies who live in the heart of the jungle who use diamonds for ceremonial purposes. They believe that when somepony dies, their soul goes into the earth and becomes a diamond. So they unearth them and put them on display for the world to see, declaring 'This is the beauty of the soul!' When a band of explorers came across them, they tried to show them how to cut and polish diamonds, but they were driven away because the tribe believed it to be an affront to the spirits. They believe a diamond is perfect when it comes out of the ground. Does that make any sense?”
Rarity is quiet for some time, but then finally nods her head. “Yes, I think I see what you mean.”
“Good. Now we’re getting somewhere. So why don’t you change and this time, you can rip the dress.”
Rarity’s eye twitches visibly. “Oh sweet, merciful Celestia...”
By the end of the whole ordeal, Rarity was flustered and she had three dresses she wanted to mend. But she wasn’t mad, she was actually smiling. You and her walk out of the Carousel Boutique, Rarity thinking aloud about how to improve the dresses that were torn during your session.
“I can turn that satin dress into a haltertop, the formal gown into kimono wrap, and the column wedding dress into a miniskirt! This is great, for the first time in a week, I actually have the drive to work! Thank you so much, darling!” Rarity reaches out and hugs you tightly.
“It’s no trouble at all. I’m just happy to see you smile.”
“You’ve been so great, I don’t know how to repay you!” Rarity says as she lets you go. “Wait! I know! I’ll make you a new suit! Something refined and scholarly! That’s it!” Rarity plants a kiss on your cheek and runs back into the Carousel Boutique, but not before waving goodbye. “Ta ta, love!”
“Ta ta...” you mimic under your breath as you rub the cheek that Rarity kissed. The clock tower chimes and knocks you out of your trance.
“Oh no, my other appointment!”