//------------------------------// // Annul-iversary // Story: ‘Til Sunday Do Us Part // by BlazzingInferno //------------------------------// Rarity took one last glance in the shop’s three-way mirror. Her mane was perfectly styled, her dress was divine, and if she took much longer, somepony might try to start the ceremony without her. She’d waited a very long time for today, and they could wait, too. A small calendar was pinned on the wall next to the mirror, and today’s date was circled in red. Most brides-to-be would focus on the day of the month. However, she was more interested in the month itself. Had it really been a year since the annulment? Today marked twelve months to the day of blissful and completely lady-like courtship, all culminating in the moment every mare dreamed of. “Rarity, are you still in there?” Spike’s voice was muffled by the shop’s door, but his annoyance couldn’t have been clearer. She smiled. “Yes, and I do believe it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding.” “Didn’t stop us the first time… Just hurry, okay? I’m freezing out here and your parents keep giving me that look.” She donned her wedding veil and opened the front door. His black tuxedo perfectly complimented her white dress, two colors as different, and yet as made for each other, as the two of them. His mouth hung open. “You… you look amazing!” She batted her eyes at him. “As do you, Spikey. What were you saying before? Something about a look from my parents?” “Oh… oh yeah. The ‘I-can’t-believe-she’s-marrying-a-dragon’ look. Every chance your dad gets, he talks about this orphanage near where they live.” She giggled. “Parents will be parents, I suppose. Do you—” A tall unicorn with a white coat and a pale pink mane came up the path. “I do hope I’m not too late to extend my congratulations.” Rarity’s smile vanished. “W-why Fleur Dis Lee… I didn’t expect to see you. I-I don’t believe we’ve spoken since I explained my… deception. Y-You said the club bylaws dictated I could never be invited to join again.” Fleur frowned. “Yes, and that is still the case. Fancy and I can’t allow our social circle to admit pretenders to marriage, such as you were.” Rarity looked at the ground. “I understand, and I still feel terrible for lying to you as I did.” Spike’s arm wrapped around her. With the gentlest of nudges, he set her hooves in motion and brought her mind back to the blissful present. His touch felt electrifying. Regardless of the misdeeds that brought them together, the future was what mattered. Soon they would once again be joined in matrimony, this time with love binding them rather than an annulment-friendly contract. “Thanks for stopping by, Fleur, but we’ve got a ceremony to get to,” he said. Fleur stepped in front of them. “Of course, of course. Before I go, however, I’d like to present this to you, Spike.” A white envelope with a small blue insignia floated into his outstretched hand, and Fleur winked. “The next meeting is two weeks from Saturday. Don’t worry about making reservations, I’ll ensure the honeymoon suite is available.” Rarity had precious few seconds to process what had just happened as Fleur turned and walked away. She looked from the envelope, to their departing guest, and then to Spike. She matched his grin. “Oh, Fleur?” Fleur looked back just in time for a pair of snowballs to hit her in the face. “We'll be there.”