Rarity quickly hopped out of the car and spun around in excitement as she watched the gentle snowflakes fall down through the city as the snow began to slowly cover her winter jacket and stick to her hair. “Oh Manehattan~! What–”
“Do you have to sing this every time you get here?” teased Clyde as he opened his car’s trunk.
Rarity giggled. “I'm sorry, darling, but you know how much this city means to me, plus, we are here during the holidays and while it is snowing! It's so exciting!”
Clyde nodded. “I'm excited too. Maybe not enough to sing about it, but I'm sure we will have a great week here.”
For the holidays this year, both Clyde and Rarity decided to spend the week at Manehattan. As much as they loved the simple feast with Rarity’s parents and sister, Rarity wanted something more special for their first Christmas as an engaged couple. The holidays and memories they brought through the last three years were always special to them, one of them including the first kiss they shared on New Year’s at midnight. Rarity knew Manehattan at this time of year was a romantic and breathtaking place to visit with all the bright lights, especially if it snowed, so she thought the city would be a perfect retreat for them to spend a special time of year.
Clyde zipped up his coat and pulled out his luggage and one of Rarity’s, the heaviest one with all of the clothes she brought, as Rarity helped carry a smaller handbag, full of makeup and cosmetics, and a large, sealed bag. Clyde locked up his car and shoved the keys into his coat’s side pocket then headed straight for the hotel’s lobby.
The luxurious hotel lobby was live with activity as everyone was probably avoiding the cold temperature or snow. Since Rarity lived in the city for a year, she knew which hotels were good and which were not and she reserved a room in the highest quality hotel that was near the fashion studio she worked in. Rarity elegantly made her way to the front desk as Clyde stood behind her, luggage covering his face.
“Hello,” greeted Rarity, “we would like to check in please. The room should be under ‘Rarity Belle’.”
The receptionist nodded and looked down at her papers and then to the computer screen. “Ah, yes... Ms. Belle. Room for two. The suite, correct?”
Rarity smiled. “Of course. I simply must sleep in the most elegant of all rooms.”
The receptionist typed some information in with the computer’s keyboard and handed Rarity two hotel card keys. Rarity promptly paid off the rest of the reservation and happily took the cards.
“Happy holidays and enjoy your stay!” said the receptionist.
“Thank you! Happy holidays to you as well!” replied Rarity as her and Clyde made their way to the elevator. A young bellhop man offered to take Clyde’s luggage and the bags Rarity had on the way there, but Clyde politely declined. The luggage wasn't all that heavy and he had no problem carrying it to their short trip to the room. Soon, the elevator opened and the two stepped inside, and after a brief ride to the room’s floor and a walk down the clean and festively decorated hallways, Rarity slid the card key into the lock and opened up the door to their hotel room.
The first thing Clyde noticed was the view of the whole northern part of the city from the large window. The hotel room was a good twenty floors above ground level, so even the giant Central Park that was currently blanketed in the pure whiteness of the snow was seen behind the massive skyscrapers. Clyde stood by the window and just slowly watched snow cover the city. It was truly a majestic sight to behold.
“Beautiful, isn't it?” asked Rarity. “Just wait until the evening. The whole city will be lit up.”
Clyde nodded. “No wonder why you loved the city life.”
“While I wasn't exactly here for the holidays since I left a week early and came back a week after New Year’s, this city is a breathtaking experience.” Rarity sighed. “That was, until I learned how lonely the city can be too.”
Clyde set the luggage down and hugged her. “You won't have to worry about that. I'm here and I always will be.”
“I know,” she said softly before kissing him. “I'm so happy we are both here for a week at such a special time. I hope everything is just perfect.”
“If not, at least we’ll both be together.”
Rarity giggled. “Of course. That's all that matters.” The two of them looked at the view from the window once more before deciding to get the luggage into the bedroom and walk around the suite. As Clyde took the luggage into the bedroom, Rarity went over to the kitchen area and started to make hot chocolate with the suite’s kitchen equipment as an easy way to warm up from the winter weather.
Once the hot chocolate was done, Rarity quickly grabbed the large bag that she carried into the hotel along with the luggage and sat down on the couch, gently sipping the cup of hot chocolate.
“Shall we get started?” she asked, reaching into the large bag and pulling out various wrapped presents.
“You want to open them now?” replied Clyde.
“Why not? It is Christmas Eve after all, and we are going out to eat tonight. I figure this is the best way to spend time until then.”
Clyde nodded and walked to the couch with a cup of hot chocolate in his hand. Ever since the first Christmas Eve they spent together, both of them decided they would always exchange gifts on Christmas Eve as a way to remember how much the day and holidays in general meant to them. Unfortunately, that tradition was broken last year due to Clyde being overseas, but nothing was stopping them now to continue it.
Rarity happily handed him some large square presents. Clyde picked them up and figured out rather quickly that they were picture frames. He unwrapped all three of the presents and smiled.
Like his gifts from two years before, Rarity made various collages with an assortment of pictures. The first collage was of him playing for his overseas team, the second was of Rarity and her year at the fashion studio in Manehattan, and the last was from the night he proposed to her and events leading up to December.
“I know they aren't much, but I like seeing a timeline of everything special that happens,” said Rarity. “I didn't make any last year since I didn't see you at all, so I made two for our occupations and then our lovely reunion.”
“I love them, don't worry about it.” Clyde gave her a smile before looking at each of the separate colleges in closer inspection. Seeing his old team reminded him of all the fun and painful memories of playing overseas, so he didn't spent much time reminiscing about it. As much as he loved playing basketball, being far away from his friends and Rarity for so long was something that really got to him. Clyde did, however, spend more time looking over Rarity’s collage of her fashion studio internship and all of the pictures her and him took since they became an engaged couple.
Meanwhile, Rarity grabbed another present and read the gift tag. “For me?!” she said in fake surprisement. “Clyde, you didn't have to...”
“You do this with every gift I give you,” laughed Clyde.
Rarity giggled and gently tore open the present. After the wrapping paper was off, she quickly worked on opening the cardboard box. Once she opened it, she gasped, pulling out an all-black designer leather handbag with gold trimming.
“It's so perfect! This is exactly what I needed! No longer will I have to carry my belongings in my boot!”
Clyde nodded. “I figured this was the right one by just the cost. I'll never understand the economy, but I know lots of girls absolutely go crazy trying to get these. I had to order this two months ago before the holiday shopping sales to make sure you got it.”
“Thank you, darling.” Rarity gave him a loving smile.
Clyde responded with a smile of his own. “Anything for you.” The exchange of gifts went on until the bag that was once filled with presents was finally empty and wrapping paper was all over the hotel suite’s floor. Both of them were extremely happy with their big or small gifts to one another.
A present Clyde really enjoyed was tickets to the Slam Dunk contest during All-Star Weekend that was going to be in Manehattan during Fashion Week in February. Since Clyde already had the approval from Iron Will for taking that week off to support Rarity, Rarity thought tickets to the event would be a good idea as Tyrone would even be there since he played in the league.
As for Rarity, her designer handbag was one of her favorite gifts as it was made by one of her favorite designers. Clyde also gave her a diamond-studded necklace that went perfectly along with her heart pendant he gave her as a present from Christmas two years ago.
It was close to six in the evening when Clyde and Rarity cleaned up all the trash from the gifts. Most restaurants were open until eight in the city, but they decided to get ready now in case of long lines to wait. Clyde hopped in the shower first and soon dressed into nicer clothes, comprising of a sweater and fresh jeans. As he waited for Rarity to get ready, he decided to flip on the TV in the room to pass the time. The channel was already set to the local news.
“Merry Christmas... Eve!” began the news anchor jovially. “We hope all of the citizens and tourists in our wonderful city of Manehattan enjoys the holidays! And now... we shift to the weather!” The camera shifted to the large city map, which was just a green screen, with pictures of snow in various locations. A middle-aged man was looking over to the news anchor.
“Thanks, Scoop!” he replied before looking directly at the camera. “As many of you know, snow has already fallen in the city and it is expected to slowly accumulate more and more as the night gets older.” The weatherman pointed to the map and drew circles around the various locations as he explained the snow and projected totals. “For caution, I don't recommend anyone staying out tonight for too long in case of an unexpected and harsh snowstorm or blizzard. Once tomorrow morning arrives, Christmas Day will be a beautiful and sunny day! Happy holidays folks!”
Clyde turned off the TV and looked out the window. The snow didn't seem like it was snowing heavier than before, but like the weatherman said, unexpected weather occurred very frequently.
“Do I look fabulous enough, Clyde?”
Clyde turned his head as Rarity walked out of the bathroom. Her hair was curly, her makeup was flawless, and her attire of a loose red sweater along with black leggings and heeled boots, made Clyde instantly smile.
“You look fabulous and sexy.”
“I didn't expect that answer,” she said with a smile as she wrapped a black scarf around her neck. “This is just a simple outfit.”
“It doesn't matter if it's simple or not. You look amazing as usual.”
“I think you just want another present from me with that compliment,” cooed Rarity as she walked over to him and brushed her hand on his stubble that was growing in on his face.
Clyde shrugged, but smoothly smiled at her. “Having you is all I need. You will always be the best thing in my life.”
Rarity giggled and slowly kissed him. “I feel the same way about you.” She lovingly stared into his eyes for a few moments before looking out the window, seeing the city begin to light up to combat the darkness the riding moon brought behind clouds. “Are you ready to go? It looks like it's snowing more.”
Clyde nodded. “The weatherman said there is a chance for a snowstorm, so I think we should leave soon. Luckily our restaurant we had in mind is only a few blocks so we can walk there.”
“Of course. Lead the way, darling,” said Rarity with a smile. The two of them put on their winter coats and headed out the door. A trip through the hallway, the elevator, and the lobby later, both of them soon stood on the snowy streets of Manehattan.
The normal bustling city was completely different due to it being Christmas Eve and most likely the weather. The streets still had citizens walking them, but the number of them was greatly reduced and was noticeable. The roads were slushy and wet and were only going to get worse as the night went on. Rarity held snugly onto Clyde’s arm and the two walked the six blocks to arrive at the restaurant.
The two of them managed to get a table quickly in a completely empty section as most of the restaurant was empty too. Clyde didn't mind having no other customers need them. It made the dinner feel like a private dinner date Rarity and him had at her house occasionally throughout the years.
After their waiter came and politely asked what they wanted to drink, the rest of the night during the dinner blurred by. Clyde and Rarity talked about their friends and how everyone was doing as Rarity checked through their pictures and timelines on her social media apps. Eventually, their meal was brought out and the talking was paused to focus on the food. Clyde seemed to devour his steak as he was done a good ten minutes before Rarity finished her shrimp and scallops. Clyde had to eventually help her eat the last of the shrimp since she didn't want to waste it. Once both of them felt bloated and warm with the food they consumed, Clyde and Rarity swiftly paid for the meal and began to walk out of the restaurant. At the door, they saw the host looking outside nervously.
“I don't recommend going out there,” said the host, “it's a complete blizzard.”
“Really?” questioned Clyde. He walked up to the window and took a quick look outside. The streets and roads were now completely dead and covered in the white powder. It was almost impossible to even see down one block due to the rapid speed of the falling snow, even with the streetlights and lights from the buildings.
The host sighed. “I figured this is why we aren't having a lot of customers tonight. I never expected the snowstorm to come this quickly.”
“What do we do, Clyde?” asked Rarity. “Should we wait it out?”
“It's only going to get worse,” began the host, “you both are more than welcome to stay, but this is the gentle version of the storm. An hour or two later, we might completely be snowed in.”
Clyde shifted uneasily. “Our hotel is about a ten minute walk. I'm not going to risk it if you don't want–”
A loud surging crackle erupted the restaurant as the lights completely shut off. The few people and workers in the restaurant nervously looked around in the dark room.
“The power on this street is completely wiped!” yelled a chef from the kitchen.
“What about that kitchen two blocks down?” asked another one.
“That soup kitchen? I'm sure they will be open. They have lots of backup generators, but I'm sure they are packed with people tonight, especially since it's Christmas Eve during a snowstorm.”
“We should get everyone here to there then!”
“I agree! But let's hurry! We must keep our customers safe!”
The chefs and workers immediately all ran out of the kitchen and walked to each table, apologizing for the power outage and handing them a discount and coupon for their meal tonight and even for the next one. All the customers began to fill the lobby as Clyde and Rarity sat down at a cushioned bench.
“I guess we won't be back in the hotel tonight,” said Clyde worriedly.
Rarity smiled at him. “I'm fine with that. As long as we aren't separated during this, I just care that we will be safe for the night.”
A burly chef with many pins and stars in his hat, a sign to Clyde that told him the head chef was talking to them, quickly walked up to them. “I'm sorry for tonight,” he apologized.
“It's quite alright. Our meal was delicious!” comforted Rarity.
“That's what we love to hear, but I still want you both to take this coupon. It's our treat since the power went out and the snow cancelled your plans.” The chef handed them two small coupon slips. “I'm sure you heard that we will be moving to the local soup kitchen.”
“Yeah, I think that's a good place to stay away from the snow,” said Clyde.
“Once everyone is ready, we’ll all move out. Our big nomadic group will hopefully help us all stay warm.” The burly head chef joyfully laughed and walked away.
As he left, Rarity reached into her new handbag that Clyde bought her and handed Clyde a scarf and two beanies. She zipped up her coat and put on the white beanie. “I have to stay warm, don't I?” she giggled.
Clyde smiled as he wrapped the scarf around his neck, zipped up his coat, and put his black beanie on his head. “I normally don't wear this much winter clothing, but I have to agree with you. It looks like a total snowy warzone out there.” Clyde looked outside and saw and heard the gust of wind blow more snow into the streets. Snow was something he loved as a kid, but now that he was older, he finally realized why all the adults hated it as it made traveling impossible and more difficult.
“Alright, folks!” said the host who was now covered in a coat and snow pants. He held a flashlight in one hand and shined it on the customers. “The power outage is something we never expected, so that's why the chefs decided it would only be fair to give coupons for a good discount. Anyway, we need to move out now as the storm is getting worse. We should be able to reach the soup kitchen in just a few minutes, so bundle up and we will walk together! Are we good? Now, bring it on snow!”
He opened the door and everyone instantly shivered at the cold gust of wind that blew into the restaurant. The restaurant staff and customers quickly rushed out of the restaurant and followed the host as he slowly made his way down the snowy, empty streets. Clyde and Rarity managed to be in the middle of the pack, which helped tremendously shield the snow and cold air. Rarity held close to Clyde while she buried her head into his coat. Clyde kept his head looking at his feet since he didn't want any cold air blowing into his face.
The two block trek to the soup kitchen would've taken a few minutes on a normal day in Manehattan, even with crowded streets. However, due to the heavy snow that was increasing in pace by the minute, the walk took almost ten minutes. Clyde finally began feeling the cold burn his face, but he didn't dare speak or try to move as he wanted to shield Rarity and the people behind him from the air. As he slowly moved his head, he saw a flashlight shine through the storm from the distance.
“W-We made it...” said the host clearly shivering from the cold. “Everyone... G-Get inside!”
The chefs, the host, the customers, and both Clyde and Rarity quickly ran through the doors as a small child closed the doors behind them. Clyde looked down and saw he was the one who beckoned them with a flashlight.
“Aha!” laughed the burly head chef as he took of his ski mask that helped protect him from the snow. “Good job, everyone! I'm sure the snow ruined everyone’s plans tonight, but I'm glad we made it to safety! Now, if you excuse my staff and me, we shall help prepare food for all the stragglers and people in need for shelter tonight!” The staff cheered and quickly ran towards the already busy kitchen cafeteria area.
Clyde looked around the large room while the group of customers went to either the cafeteria or the large open room. Many people were resting at or trying to warm up by drinking hot chocolate or coffee. The others were eating or waiting for soup and bread in the cafeteria. The kitchen workers were understaffed until the restaurant chefs and workers arrived. The line began moving quicker, but there still was a lot of people in the line and it was still going to grow. Clyde turned to Rarity who knelt down beside the small child.
“What in heavens are you doing out in the cold!?” she asked fixing up the boy’s zipper on his coat and adjusting the small beanie on his head.
“N-No one wanted to help flag down others in case they needed shelter...” he said while shivering. “I don't mind not eating tonight, I-I just wanted to help. It's Christmas after all...”
Rarity looked up at Clyde with a certain look in her eyes. Clyde didn't have to say a single word as he knew what she was thinking. He nodded with a smile. “I'll take over for you. Go get some food and rest up.”
“R-Really?” replied the boy in shock. “You mean it?”
“He does,” repeated Rarity for Clyde’s sake. “You can trust him without a single doubt." She cheered the boy up with her alluring smile. "In the meantime, how about I help you get some hot chocolate and then you can show me where I can help out around here for the night and even find your parents? I bet there are extremely worried about you.”
The boy smiled and handed Clyde the flashlight. “I can do that. Thank you, ma’am.”
Rarity waved her hand. “Oh, please. Call me ‘Miss’ since I still am one for a few more months. Besides, I'm not old enough to be called ‘ma’am’ yet.” She took his hand and went with the boy to stand in line, giving a wink and blowing a kiss at Clyde for good luck.
Clyde looked back at the door to outside and nodded in determination. He put up the hood of his coat as he opened the doors to the ravaged winter storm.
For almost three hours, Clyde battled the winter’s bitter harshness. He was surprised on how many people were stuck in the snowstorm and how other large groups of people that were stuck in restaurants or stores migrated to the local shelter. As he helped kids, elderly, and people around his age, a good majority of them thanked him for his troubles and even wished him happy holidays. Each smile he saw made Clyde motivated to continue standing out in the cold weather. Eventually, however, the number of people outside began to slow down and even a flashlight was unable to see through the falling snow.
“Hey, why don’t you rest up?” asked a voice from behind him as Clyde felt a hand on his shoulder. It was a man that was probably closer to Shale’s age who just came out of the shelter. Clyde couldn't tell what he looked like as he was bundled up in so much clothing, all he could see his nose and mouth. The man pulled down his mask to talk better. “You’ve been out here for a long time. We don’t want to see anyone get frostbite or anything worse.”
“T-Thanks,” stutterd Clyde. He handed him the flashlight.
“No problem, man. It’s the least I can do. Get warmed up and Merry Christmas. It’s almost midnight.” The man patted Clyde on the back and covered his mouth with his mask again.
Clyde gave a happy nod and walked back inside, instantly hearing a radio playing Christmas songs. The sudden difference of the warm weather in the shelter made Clyde feel sharp burns on his face. He walked over to the large room and slumped down against a wall, quickly taking off his coat and hat that were covered in snow. Soon, a giant blanket fell on him and he looked up to see Rarity standing above him with two cups of hot chocolate.
“You’re back!” she beamed as she sat down beside him and hugged him tightly.
“You feel so warm...” said Clyde content, “keep hugging me.”
Rarity smiled. “With pleasure, darling.” She carefully set the two cups down and leaned her head on his shoulder. After a few minutes, she spoke up. “Feeling better?”
Clyde took a deep breath and grinned. “Yes, I am. I’m glad I’m in the warm now.”
“Along with your number one snuggle buddy,” she giggled.
“Indeed.” Clyde looked across the building to the kitchen area. There wasn’t a single person in line now and everyone either ate or was currently eating. “So, did you manage to help out around here while I was outside?”
Rarity nodded. “Yes! I volunteered to bring blankets, pillows, and hot chocolate or coffee to people! I even helped with serving people some bread for a while. Everyone here is so nice and thankful, I loved helping out. It really brought out the Christmas spirit here tonight. I’m sure a lot of us here simply never imagined we would all be stuck here for the night, but the whole building was filled with Christmas joy. In a weird situation, it’s like we became a large family.”
Clyde smiled. “That’s good to hear. Other than the cold, I enjoyed helping out, too. I’m sure you had a much more easier task than I did.”
“I’m sorry to leave you out there, darling. I was going to come check up on you, but there are so many people here and I wanted to make sure everyone was happy and had a blanket and pillow,” she replied sadly with a frown.
“Don’t be sad,” said Clyde trying to cheer her up. “You know me. Some crazy and sudden snowstorm won’t stop me. I’m really proud of both of us for helping a lot of people tonight. It wasn’t the perfect Christmas Eve I ever considered, but helping out others is what Christmas is meant to be.”
Rarity nodded and flashed her dazzling smile. “You’re right, Clyde. That’s exactly what I felt tonight too.” She tossed the blanket on them and handed him a cup of hot chocolate as she snuggled into him. “Leaning against a wall trying to sleep tonight will be rather difficult, but I’m sure we can manage. At least I’m super warm!”
Clyde kissed her forehead and adjusted his body so both of them wouldn’t feel as uncomfortable on the wall. He took a sip and smiled as he looked around the room. Their first Christmas at Manehattan took an unexpected turn, but to them, it wasn’t terrible at all. “Merry Christmas, Rarity.”
Rarity slowly looked up at him and lovingly smiled. “Merry Christmas, Clyde. I love you.”
Clyde felt her hug him tighter and she placed her head back onto his shoulder. The two of them never said another word to each other that night as they both happily and effortlessly fell asleep to the joy of Christmas.