Carousel Boutique was a wonderful place, really. Rarity ran a great shop, full of options.
So, so, so many options.
“Rarity, for the fourteenth time, I don’t care!”
Rarity pouted. “Darling, you really can’t expect to show up to the Hearth’s Warming Eve Gala wearing something that you don’t love?”
And those options seemed to just multiply like rabbits around holidays. Rainbow dragged her hooves down her face. “I love hayburgers, flying, and Daring Do books. Clothes, not so much.”
“And Macintosh. So I’ve heard, anyway.”
Rainbow scowled at her. “I will put your tail through your sewing machine,” she threatened.
“Please,” Rarity scoffed derisively. “You’d need a loom before anything like that would be a proper threat. Now, go on! Tell me which one you prefer! This one accents your eyes; but this one brings out that lovely orange in your mane and will look lovely on the trim of anything I make for Macintosh.”
Rainbow sighed, having long since abandoned any hope of a quick and easy exit from this place of fashion and pain. “Does it really matter?”
“It’s the Hearth’s Warming Eve Gala,” Rarity reiterated. “Anypony who is anypony is going to be there!”
“You know, you say that like I’m actually going to start caring about it,” Rainbow grumbled. “Remind me again why I can’t just wear my last gala dress?”
“You mean besides the fact that it’s from almost five seasons ago?”
“No, like, a legitimate reason.”
Rarity sighed patiently. “That is a very valid reason; but also because Macintosh’s coat is a different shade of red,” she tutted. “And they’d have to match, of course; but since I don’t want his outfit to clash too horrifically against his coat, I’ll have to go with something different entirely. So, eyes? Coat?”
Rainbow exhaled through her nose.
Rarity tried a different angle. “Which do you think would look better on your special somepony, then?”
“Ugh. We’re not even official,” Rainbow groused. “Can’t I just say ‘I trust your judgement’ and leave it at that?”
Rarity tittered. “That just makes it sound like you’re avoiding making a choice, darling.”
“Oh, good. We understand each other, then.”
Rarity suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. “Very well,” she said snippily. “I suppose I could flip a bit and leave the color your dress on the final, and one of the largest, events of the year up to chance.”
“Hold on, I think I’ve got one.” Rainbow demonstratively checked under her wings.
Rarity sighed again, but this time defeatedly. “We’ll go with the gold, then,” she said wearily. “Really, this would be the best option, considering your coats. Yes, this would make the perfect triad. Just be sure you stand next to him for most of the night.”
“Thank you, Rares,” Rainbow said with a hint of smugness. “You’re the best.”
“Hmf,” Rarity said, looking through her supplies for just the right shade of gold. She held one up to Rainbow’s face (covering it), and tossed it into a reject pile. “Well, I imagine Macintosh will be a right gentlecolt about all this,” she muttered irritably.
“Yeah. Because all you’re going to do is give him a vest and a tie because that’s all stallions need.”
“He’ll need a shirt, too,” Rarity pointed out.
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Please,” she said. “He’s already got one. Besides, I know Mac. He couldn’t give a flying feather about this party even if he’d been born the son of Commander Hurricane. He’s going for me and we’re probably going to leave early anyway.”
Rarity looked visibly affronted at this plan.
Rainbow continued. “Trust me. He’s gonna walk in here and get out in two minutes flat.”
* * *
Big Macintosh slid into the boutique, ducking his head as he passed through the door. He was a large stallion, with a beautiful rough coat and muscles any stallion would be proud of; but right now, he looked about as nervous as a young colt on his first date.
Rarity looked up. She was mildly surprised, but took it in stride. “Ah, Macintosh. Wonderful to see you,” she said warmly, trying to put him at ease. “I’m assuming you’re here for your Hearth’s Warming Eve Gala outfit?”
“Eeyup.”
“Not a problem. I must say, after a little further reflection, I believe these colors I’ve chosen are the perfect combination for both you and her. I dare say you’ll be the center of attention.”
Macintosh flinched. That didn’t sound like something he’d enjoy very much.
Rarity quickly backpedaled. “And by that, of course, I mean you’ll fit right in with everypony else!” She gave a nervous chuckle. “Except you’ll look better, of course.” She gave Macintosh her best winning smile.
Macintosh did not look reassured in the slightest.
“Oh, do try and relax,” Rarity said airily as she levitated her measuring tape and began her work. “If you’re tense, your measurements might be off a bit.”
Macintosh took a deep breath, held it, then let it out. It seemed to help him a bit, and Rarity continued her measurements.
“And with the vest and tie, that should be all. With a simple white shirt, everything comes together.” She smiled. “I do love it when that happens.”
“Could… could I get one of those, too?” Macintosh asked haltingly. “White shirt.”
Rarity blinked. “Of course, darling.”
“I’d like a nice one. I’m… hoping this is one night she’ll remember.”
Rarity’s eyes widened and her smile threatened to split her face apart. “Eeeeeee!” she squealed.
Macintosh winced.
Rarity quickly managed to bring herself under control. “Of course. Nothing but the best,” she promised. “I’ll need to take a sleeve measurement, too. Just give me a few days, and I’ll have it ready.”
Macintosh nodded and let her take the measurements she needed. A few more pleasantries later, and he was ready to go.
But as Macintosh shut the door behind him, the night was split once more by Rarity’s squee. Judging by the volume, she hadn’t even tried to suppress it. He shook his head. Rainbow Dash had some funny friends.