All too quickly the day turned to night. A wonderful day and a mostly successful dinner were long since behind them. They were standing, face to face, in front of the Carousel Boutique under the light of the moon.
She kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for a wonderful Hearts and Hooves Day, Spike.”
“Was dinner really all right? I swear I’ve made chocolate soufflé before, I don’t know why it didn’t turn out this time.”
“Really, Spike, it was a lovely attempt and still tasted divine. I know neither of us has much relationship experience to fall back on, but I do believe that we need to be forgiving of each other’s faults. I’m certainly not perfect, despite what you may think.”
He opened his mouth and then closed it. Any possible counterargument sounded more like an insult.
“Well… I’m not perfect either. I’m also kind of short. Ponies are probably going to keep looking at us funny because they think I’m a kid.”
“Let them. We know the truth and, if they make a fuss, we’ll make sure they do as well.”
“What if it hurts your business? What if ponies don’t want to buy dresses from you because of me? What if…”
“Surely you’d think a self-made pony such as myself would have considered such things prior to you arriving this morning?”
“You did?”
Her smile faltered and she looked away. “Indeed. It is a risk to my career, possibly the biggest one I’ve ever taken since procuring my shop. Things might be fine if we keep seeing each other… and they might not.”
“But… I…” He hung his head. “I don’t want to lose you, Rarity… I don’t want you to wreck your career either. Ugh, why does this have to be so complicated? More than anything I just want you to be happy; even… even if…”
“No, Spike, don’t think of it that way. No business is without its risks, and this is one I’m willing to take. Self-made pony or not, I’ve spent years becoming the lonely fashionista that I am today. If I must suffer a setback or two for the sake of happiness, so be it.”
This time he kissed her on the cheek and, to his delight, saw her train of thought momentarily derail. Watching her stare off into space like that was both funny and alluring.
“No matter what happens, Rarity, I’ll stick by you… even if I have to dig up gems in the middle of the night so you can keep your shop.”
She blushed. “I know you would, that’s what makes the risk worth it.”
“And I still think you’re perfect; perfect for me.”
She blushed an even deeper shade of red. “It seems we’ve done everything out of order, haven’t we? A kiss after the first date is terribly unladylike.”
“We could always go out tomorrow and try again.”
She matched his grin. “Gladly, but not tomorrow. I do need some time to work without you distracting me with your sweet roses and sweeter words, my sweet.”
He blushed. “You heard me say that?”
She turned to the door and unlocked it. “Goodnight, until we meet again, my prince.”
“Goodnight, my…” he couldn’t believe he was saying it, “my special somepony.”