As the last step, Rarity sewed on a pair of blue buttons. Perfect. She wrapped the present in purple gift wrap and tied a bow around it.
Trotting towards Twilight's Castle, she reflected on how much time she'd spent on this gift. Obviously, she was supremely talented at sewing, but this particular piece was so different to work on from her usual dresses, hats, scarves, and so forth. The stitching had been tricky and the materials she'd used were entirely different from usual fare. She had thrown away several aborted attempts, but the end result was just right — a special gift for a special friend.
Because what they had went beyond ordinary friendship. Rarity felt that their bond was much stronger than with her other friends — even Fluttershy, though she and Fluttershy had been friends for years.
Other ponies always claimed that Rarity was so generous, but in truth, she felt that whatever she gave to her friends, she received back ten-fold. She felt truly blessed to have her friends.
Rarity knocked on the castle door and waited.
❧
Twilight Sparkle opened the door of her new castle. "Come in, Rarity," she said, standing aside so that Rarity could enter.
Rarity stepped inside. "Thanks, darling, is the birthday boy awake yet?"
Twilight laughed. "Yes, he was up at 5 in the morning. He couldn't wait. He's having his third breakfast right now. Go through — he'll be happy to see you."
Rarity trotted through to the kitchen. "Happy birthday, Spikey-Wikey," she squealed, seeing the dragon. She levitated the gift over to him.
"All right!" Spike cheered, ripping at the wrapping paper.
"Now remember," warned Rarity, "you're only getting one gift this year." There was an unspoken 'you remember last year, don't you?' attached to that.
Spike nodded, removing the last of the paper to reveal a box. He took the lid off and peered inside. "It's perfect. Thanks, Rarity!"
❧
Spike yawned. "Night, Twilight." It had been a long day, and he was only a baby dragon.
Twilight tucked him into bed with his blanket and Rarity's gift. "Night, night, Spike."