//------------------------------// // The Fashionista's Beau // Story: Love, Equestria Style // by Bluecatcinema //------------------------------// (This story takes place during the tail end of "Twilight's Love") It was late afternoon in Ponyville. Inside Carousel Boutique, Rarity was finishing her work load for the day. It had been quite a busy day. When she first opened shop, Rarity could never guessed her fashions would become so popular. It was gratifying to know so many ponies had recognized her talent as a seamstress and fashionista. ...And yet, Rarity had started to worry that her talent itself was having a negative impact on her social life. She was so busy nowadays, she barely had time to spend with her friends, let alone find that special somepony. She had had her share of romantic targets in her time: Prince Blueblood, whom she had fantasized about for quite some time, but had turned out to be an uncouth brute. Trenderhoof, whom she had nursed a crush on for so long (Which she had eventually realized was nothing but a crush, and moved on). Of course, Rarity had turned some heads herself. Most notably Spike, who had been smitten with her at first sight. But while Rarity cared for Spike greatly, she felt the differences in both age and species curtailed any romantic possibilities. Rarity sighed heavily. 'I won't be young and beautiful forever.' She thought. 'And it's not like my special somepony is going to just waltz through the door...' The ringing of a bell indicated that somepony had just entered the shop. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique." Rarity turned to face the newcomer. "Where everything is chic, unique, and-" Rarity stopped as she got a good look at her customer. He was a handsome stallion with a jet-black mane, a midnight blue coat, brown eyes, and a constellation Cutie Mark. "Magnifique." Rarity finished dreamily. "Hello, madam" The stallion smiled. "I'm Orion." "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Rarity smiled. "How may I help you?" "I have a tuxedo I need taking in." Orion declared. "Consider it done." Rarity nodded. "Come this way." Orion followed to the dressing room. "I don't think I've seen you around town before." Rarity noted. "Oh, I just moved here." Orion replied. "I used to live in Canterlot." "Ah, Canterlot." Rarity smiled. "Such a wonderful place. I've been there many times." "So I've heard, miss Rarity." Orion noted. "Oh, you've heard of me?" Rarity said coquettishly. "Considering you're Sapphire Shores' favourite designer, and friends with a princess, it would be hard not to have heard of you." Orion chuckled. Rarity giggled, louder and longer then was necessary. Clearing her throat, she added "Well, I'd better get to work." For a pro like Rarity, taking in the tux was a snap. She was done in no time. "Et fini." She smiled. "Wow." Orion gasped. "They said you were good, but I didn't think you were that good." "You flatter me." Rarity blushed. "It's just what I do." "Thank you very much." Orion smiled, paying Rarity. As Orion walked over to the door, Rarity was struck by an impulse. "Oh, one more thing?" She called. "Yes?" Orion turned. "I, er..." Rarity wanted to ask Orion out to dinner, but the words died on their lips. "Never mind. It's... not important." "Oh, okay." Orion shrugged. After Orion left, Rarity cursed herself. "What is wrong with me?" She despaired. "The perfect stallion, right in front of me, and I couldn't ask him out!" For the next two days, Rarity fell into a mini-depression, barely able to concentrate on her work. On the second day, just as Rarity was about to close up shop, Orion returned. "You're back!" Rarity cheered, before realizing what she said. She quickly recovered. "I mean, welcome back!" "Hello again, miss Rarity." Orion smiled. "I wonder, do you have any top hats?" "Of course I do." Rarity nodded. "Let me show you the selection." Rarity presented a group of top hats, and Orion chose one. "Excellent choice." Rarity smiled. "Thanks again, miss Rarity." Orion smiled. As Orion left, Rarity tried to speak up again, but no sound came out. Orion would come by a few more times over the week. Every time, Rarity was unable to act on her feelings towards him. Then, on his fourth visit... "Do you by chance carry gentlestallion's casual wear?" Orion asked. "Of course." Rarity nodded. "Right this way." Rarity led Orion to the stallionwear section. "My, so many choices…what do you think would look good on me?" Orion asked. "Everything." Rarity sighed. "But let's find out what looks the best." Rarity had Orion try on several outfits, each time barely being able to restrain her adoration. Eventually, she decided that a white jacket with a silver waistcoat would suit Orion best. "There we are." Rarity said, as Orion admired himself in the mirror. "You are one dashing stallion!" "Really?" Orion said modestly. "Well, if anypony knows fashion, it would be you. I'll take it." Orion paid for the ensemble, and headed for the door. "Hold on." Rarity stopped him. "Yes?" Orion asked. "I was... just wondering..." Rarity mumbled. "Perhaps you'd like to go out to dinner with me one night? Orion looked at Rarity for a moment. "I'd love to." He said finally. "Really?" Rarity beamed. "Of course." Orion nodded. "To be honest, I've been taken with your beauty since we first met. Pictures simply do not do you justice, my dear. You are truly lovely." "Oh, my..." Rarity blushed. "And I must confess, you are the most handsome stallion I've ever seen." "So, shall we say... tomorrow evening, at seven?" Orion offered. "We shall." Rarity nodded. "I know this quaint little bistro that would be just perfect." "Then it's settled." Orion took Rarity's hoof and kissed. "Until then, lovely one." Orion walked out of the boutique. Once he left, Rarity collapsed to the floor in a lovestruck daze. 'Well, how about that?' She thought. 'My special somepony really did waltz in through the door...'