*10 Years after graduation*
Rarity put the finishing touches on her dress. She was contempt with the style she chose and the work she put into it. She wanted to look good but she wasn't trying to stand out. She wanted to look elegant but not flashy. She wanted to be noticed but only noticed by him.
Rarity rested on her bed not ready to sleep but wanting a break after her work. “Will he even be there?” She asked herself. “He is a busy and important person. I mean how important is a 10 year high school anniversary? Even if he shows up what if he has a date with him? I owe him a nice chat and I need to accept if he moved on without me. I’ve waited for him but there is no reason he should have been waiting for me. Well this is the one shot I got, all or nothing!”
Rarity’s pep talk cheered herself up. Tucking herself into bed she fell asleep with a smile on her face. Her dreams were full of her hopes and fears. It wasn’t always pleasant but it was good sleep and she woke the next morning refreshed.
Rarity arrived at the reunion fashionably late, if nothing else than for old time’s sake. She certainly wasn't the last pony to arrive but most of the attendants were already in the gym where it was taking place. The lighting was dim but bright enough to see everyone easily. There was music playing in case anyone wanted to dance and food and drinks laid out. As she walked in a few of her old friends saw her and came over immediately to start talking.
Any of the ponies that hadn't moved out of Ponyville she saw regularly and were still friends with most of them. Some of the ponies she hadn't seen for years though and had a quick word with each of them while looking around for Spike. Even though everyone looked older her friends were like teens again when they were together again. It was a great atmosphere and Rarity was already glad she came. Many ponies commented on Rarity’s great dress and beautiful elegance that she had grown into.
The friend Rarity hadn't seen for years of course asked if she had a special somepony. “I don’t’ have anyone I've married or gone out with yet. I guess I’m saving myself for somepony special.”
While her friends were surprised, they were understanding too. Rarity was the most popular mare and her beauty only grew with her age. Rarity explained her tailoring business and even handed out some business cards. Her elegant dress she wore was proof of her craftsmanship. She expected she might have a bump in business soon.
Before long she got a chance to sneak away. Rarity looked around and didn't see Spike but saw a group of his friends. She walked up to Snips and Snails and when they saw her they moved aside revealing Spike hidden behind them. Their eyes met and Rarity blushed, as Spike looked away. Snips and Snails could feel the mood and stepped aside saying they would be back later. This awkward silence was killing Rarity but she wasn't sure where to start.
“Hey Spike”, she started. She meant to say more but it just hung there.
“Hello”, Spike said back politely.
Rarity noticed he was by himself. He didn't seem to have a date. Maybe he just didn't bring one though. If he was seeing someone and she didn't go to school here it would certainly be awkward. Enough worrying though. If nothing else she needed to do one thing tonight, that was apologize and explain.
“Spike. I’m …. Well I’m sorry. I’m sorry for so much…”
Spike interrupted, “Rarity. Don’t worry. It’s far in the past.”
Rarity looked relieved yet flustered. She had made a mental list of everything she wanted to apologize for and before she could Spike already said not to worry. He didn't say he forgave her though. What did that mean exactly? “Look, I was a jerk to you. Just plain I was a jerk and when I finally learned what I had it was too late.” She stopped there to see what his reaction would be like even though she wanted to say so much more.
“Like I said that was in the past. It happened and it can’t unhappen. At the same time it doesn't matter though because now isn't the past. I guess in simpler terms I’d like to ask you how things are now.” Spike said patiently.
“I've opened up a tailoring business. I made the dress I’m wearing right now in fact. I’ve stayed around here and done my best. But how about you? I know how important you are in Canterlot. You must be a busy person.”
“Yeah, I've been busy for sure. Everypony thinks Ambassadors are a nice relaxing job, but really there is so much to it. You have to represent your town and socialize with so many ponies.”, Spike explained.
Spike and Rarity went on to explain what they have been up to without being too personal. After several minutes though Spike got a grin on his face and asked, “So do you recognize this bow-tie?”
Rarity hadn't noticed Spikes nice clothing but when she looked closely she noticed the bow-tie was rather dapper. She felt like it’s had a certain style to it. “Wait”, she said suddenly. She reached out and looked at the back. There was her signature she puts on all her cloths. She made that bow-tie. But when? How Spike get this?
Reading Rarity’s emotions Spike answered, “ Of course I've been in town several times in the past years. I’m always busy but I had an assistant stop by your shop and pick up a piece of cloths each time I’m in town. I’ve been wearing your styles for years and everyone quite likes it in Canterlot.”
Rarity stared in disbelief, but slowly started to smile as tears welled up. She has been a part of him and she didn't even know it. Not only that but her fashion was making an impact in the capital. She couldn't hold back her joy. She put an arm around him and pulled him into a hug. Spike was surprised and didn't get to hug back but he blushed.
“I got some time off for this reunion. If you are free tomorrow why don’t we go to a restaurant?”
“Yes!”, Rarity nearly screamed. She took a moment to compose herself. “Yes, that would be lovely. Where should we go?”
“Oh I think I could dig up some reservations at Le Cordon Pink. Tomorrow at 6.”
“I’ll make sure I am free. I’ll be there”, Rarity replied.
“Then it’s a date.” With this Spike said goodbye and walked out of the reunion.
Rarity imagined a large moving scene where her and Spike would admit their long lost love for each other and that didn't happen. It looks like she has an opportunity though for a more mature relationship with a man she admires. She would make sure it goes right this time. She owed him as much but she also very much liked him, even more after meeting him for the first time in so long. They couldn't go back to their days in high school but maybe this could be the start of something even better.