Memory Lane
Only two sounds can be heard inside the boutique in Saddle Row, Manehattan. One is the ticking of the clock, making sure that not one second of time could pass unnoticed, and the other is the unstoppable work of the sewing machine. Expert hands run over the silk on the table, driving the needle where it had to pierce so that the result could be perfect.
The process is slow, difficult, and tiring, but Rarity has all those skills plus all the patience to stay up the entire night if she had to. In fact, she had been doing the same gown over and over again since the day before, but she never felt satisfied with the result. There was always something missing, something she tried to compensate with a new adjunct every time, and yet she couldn’t do any better than the original dress.
Finally, the machine stops its work and dies silently as Rarity picks up her last work and examines it closely. She looks over every fold and every embroidery with her attentive eyes. Unable to find any faults, she lifts it with a triumphant smile.
“It’s done,” she says in a chipper tone.
Rarity puts down her glasses and stands up, rubbing her eyes with the palm of her hand. She takes the dress and slowly, she makes her way around the room as she glances at what is standing in the middle of the room.
Three large pieces of fabric stand almost as tall as her. She circles the three covered objects once, running her ivory fingers over them, stopping as she stood in front of a naked mannequin that stands next to the covered objects. It takes mere seconds for Rarity to dress the mannequin in her latest design.
Rarity smiles as she looks at the result of a long night of work. It’s a one shoulder, green dress, with a tea length skirt. It also has tears of yellow near the end, like the petals of sunflowers, and there were scarlet and gold stripes inside. Her blue eyes run over its surface, allowing her mind to freely roam back almost six years.
Utterly astonished, Rarity looked up from her desk to the girl standing in front of her. The girl whom, despite all odds, she had grown to consider a dear friend and now was maybe her most trusted confidant. And because she knew her so well, Rarity easily noticed the way Sunset was constantly shifting weight from one leg to the other, or how she toyed with the straps of her backpack.
But despite knowing her so well, Rarity would have never been able to predict what Sunset had just said.
Rarity shook her head, trying to clear her mind. “Excuse me,” she questioned, “did you just… Did you just ask me out?”
“Mhm.” Sunset bit her cheek and looked upwards before humming her approval.
Rarity looked for another moment at her friend. “...you?”
“Yeah…” Sunset rubbed the back of her head, still not looking down.
“But I-I… Me?”
“Yes,” said Sunset, rolling her eyes.
“As… As a romantic date?”
“That’s the idea,” she said, a little snarky with her voice.
Rarity took a moment to run all over again what her friend had just said in her mind. “Seriously?”
Sunset’s eyebrows knitted into a frown. Finally looking at the girl, she let out a sigh. “Forget it. This was clearly a mistake,” she said, spinning over her heels.
“Wait! I’m sorry!” said Rarity, waving her hands and pitching up her voice. “I’m just… very surprised.”
Sunset paused, taking a moment to think in silence before turning back again. “Surprised good... or Surprised bad?”
Rarity opened her mouth and raised a finger, stopped because she wasn’t really sure how to answer, and closed her mouth. Then, she tried once again and obtained once again the same result. “I’m just very surprised,” she finally said.
Sunset chuckled. “And disappointed that I’m not the prince charming you’ve always dreamed about,” she said, with almost enough teasing in her voice to hide how downcast she was.
“What? No, no! I...” Rarity looked at her friend who had just bared her heart. The least Rarity could do was being honest. “Just… just a little.”
Sunset sighed. “So… it’s a no?” It came more like a statement than a question, with Sunset already readying herself for the negative answer.
“No,” Rarity said, but she immediately recoiled on her seat. “No! I mean… no it’s not… no.”
A small smile tugged Sunset's mouth, her body slowly filling back with the confidence she showed when she had first asked Rarity out.
“I’m just… confused about this,” Rarity continued. “I mean, it’s so sudden. I would have never guessed that you… you would feel that way for me. I just… I would like to know… Why?”
“Why? Hmmm, that’s actually… a really easy question. There are a lot of reasons, like we just get along so well, or how incredibly attractive I find you. That one is actually one of the most important reasons.”
Not being prepared for such an answer, Rarity’s face flushed crimson red at that. “I-I, well, I just enjoy taking care of my appearance and… Uhm… thank you.”
Sunset laughed at Rarity’s reaction, but quickly fell silent as she was the target of a glare. Sunset coughed into her fist before continuing. “I’m serious. You are… you are really pretty. But that isn’t all. You are… You are the whole package! You are passionate, clever, talented, passionate, caring–”
Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle. “Flatterer.”
Sunset smiled brightly for a moment before folding her arms and gazing on one side, assuming her typical ‘casual girl’ stance. “Hey, It’s not flattery if it’s the truth.”
Sunset’s cheeks blushed slightly when she saw she had earned a smile from Rarity. “Besides,” she trailed on, “if I wanted to flatter, I would say something like ‘you’re the hottest girl in school’.” Sunset used that moment to send her a wink. “That would be flattery, because you’re second to me. But, hey, you can’t top this work of art,” she said, making a sexy pose.
Rarity lifted a hand, trying to cover her laughter.
“Jokes aside…” Sunset blushed. “I’m head over heels for you. I don’t really know If we would work out.” She looked directly at Rarity, her face completely serious. “But I would like to find out.” She placed a hand over Rarity’s.
“I want to stand next to you, no longer fighting the need of pulling you close to me. I want to be able to embrace you whenever I feel like it. To kiss you everytime you look at me with those amazing eyes… And then do all the other things that will leave you breathless.” She added with a wink, her smile growing cocky.
Rarity covered her red face while trying to suppress her laughter. Rarity wasn’t completely sure about this, but it would be a lie to say that Sunset hadn’t managed to stir her interest. It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. “So… Do you already have a place in mind to go for this date?” asked Rarity, looking down at their touching hands.
“There’s a big dressing reveal today that would totally help me to win you over.”
Rarity gasped and pressed her palms to her cheeks. “The Love Season Fashion Extravagance?”
Sunset nodded. “Yeah, that one. I managed to get a pair of tickets for today.” She pulled the tickets from her jacket. “March twenty, at four o’cloc–” Sunset was interrupted as Rarity forcibly pulled her arm and guided their away.
“We have to go and get ready quickly!” Rarity exclaimed enthusiastically.
Sunset had a grin on her face that could only be interpreted as: “It’s in the bag.”
The memory fades away, leaving Rarity smiling for a second, but it disappears just as quick as it showed up. Rarity rubs her eyes, the effects of spending the whole night awake finally catching up to her. She could almost hear her bed calling for her, to make her company, but that date would have to wait.
Rarity makes a quick bee line towards the back of the shop, or more precisely, to the kitchenette she had installed shortly after buying this place almost three years ago. Tea was normally her preferred beverage, and it would also help her with the nerves she had from the big event later today, but right now, she wanted something stronger.
She starts the coffee pot and sits on a chair, waiting for her beverage to be ready. She busies herself by looking at the screen of her phone, reading for what felt like the hundredth time the list of things she had to make sure would be ready for today.
Rarity looks up from her phone, noticing that the coffee is done. She grabs a mug and fills it to the top before going back to the work room. She leaves the mug on the table, letting it cool down for a moment as she walks back to the center of the room. There are three dresses that are covered, and she just feels like taking a look at them before the big event.
She pulls off the second fabric, revealing an off-shoulder, red and yellow dress, with the skirt reaching mid thigh. A lace of gold running over the waist, fastening up into a small bow to the left of the front side.
Yes, just like the dress to the left, this had been the results of one of her inspirations frenzies. She moves her hands to fix the bow a little, as it seems a bit loose.
Rarity walked back, grabbing her coffee mug with both hands and taking a sip as she looks at the red and yellow dress. “It’s still hot,” she says, making one memory resurface to the front of her mind.
The shift on the bed and a warm presence over her pulled Rarity out of her sleep. She wasn’t angry, despite being all covered in her own sweat due to the warm air or the quick awaken, as the reality she had just woken to was about a hundred times better than any dream she could ever make.
Red and yellow locks were the first thing Rarity saw, accompanied by the gentle and soft touch of a pair of lips against her collarbone. Rarity hummed in contentment, moving her hands and taking hold of the arms located at each side of her body. Her hands traveled upwards over bare skin, one of them ignoring the exposed shoulders while the other decided to rest just there. Her hand lovingly caressed the soft cheek of the girl that was straddling her, prompting her to look up.
Sunset, with half lidded eyes, smiled warmly at Rarity when their eyes met. Rarity moved her hand from the cheek to the chin, guiding Sunset’s face closer to her own. The kiss was small and simple, but filled with love. Sunset pulled away, smiling down at Rarity who was mirroring her smile.
“Good morning, gorgeous,” Sunset said, running a hand through Rarity’s purple, messy hair.
“Good morning, love,” Rarity replied, gently rubbing Sunset’s arm.
“Sorry for waking you up. I just couldn’t help myself,” Sunset said with a chuckle. “I mean, who could when they are sleeping right next to the most beautiful girl in the world?”
Rarity lovingly rolled her eyes. “Flatterer.”
“It’s not flattery if it’s the truth,” Sunset said, lowering her head and pressing her lips against Rarity’s neck, sucking on her pulse point.
Rarity let out a low moan. “Didn’t you have enough last night?” she said, taking hold of Sunset’s shoulders and pushing her off. “Besides, it’s really hot today.”
“Yeah,” Sunset started, checking Rarity from head to toes. “It’s hot in a sexy way.” She attempted to kiss Rarity again, but she was quickly stopped by a finger to her forehead that pushed her back.
“No, it’s hot in a sweaty and sticky way,” Rarity said, putting an end to Sunset’s advances.
Rarity sat on the bed, stretching her arms and back, not bothering to look at her girlfriend who was definitely enjoying the view. Rarity got out of bed, pulling a bathrobe from her travel bag and putting it on before looking back at her girlfriend.
“I’m going to take a shower.”
“Can I join you?”
Rarity laughed as she shook her head. “You perfectly know that Applejack’s shower isn’t big enough for the two of us.”
Sunset shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind being in a cramped space with you, especially if–”
Rarity playfully hit Sunset on the top of the head. “No.” She walked to the door, stepping over the discarded clothes as her hips moved in an hypnotising way. Rarity stopped when her hand grabbed the doorknob, and looked over her shoulder. “But maybe you could join me in the lake later today,” she playfully said with a wink. “I believe we’ll have some time to ourselves…”
Sunset smiled brightly. “That would be perfect.”
Rarity couldn’t help but smile as she made her way to the bathroom. She had been incredibly stressed out for the last few weeks. After the inauguration of the new Boutique in Manehattan, there had been just too much work. That stress had even turned into anger towards Sunset, who didn’t hesitate to reply likewise. It had been a pair of strained days in their relationship.
This vacation was just what they needed, and as much as Rarity was thankful to Coco for looking after the shop, she was even more thankful to Sunset for convincing her to accept Applejack’s invitation to her farm.
“Hello? Rarity?” a voice calls from the entrance, pulling Rarity out of her memory.
“Back here, darling,” Rarity shouts back. She takes another sip of her coffee, hearing her co-worker getting closer to the room.
The door opens, revealing a woman slightly shorter than Rarity, wearing a large coat and a scarf around her neck. “Good morning, Rarity,” says Coco as soon as she enters, smiling at Rarity.
“Good morning, Coco,” Rarity says with a smile, walking towards her assistant and friend in order to wrap her in a loose hug.
They pull apart, with Coco taking a quick look around the room, her gaze landing on the corner with the sewing machines. “Have you been stress sewing again?” Coco asks, looking worriedly at Rarity. “Don’t tell me you spent the whole night in the boutique again.”
“Alright, I won’t tell you.” Rarity walked towards the sewing machine she had been using earlier to clean the mess that she had left. “But I haven’t been stress sewing. This is something I just had to do after inspiration struck me.”
Coco just shakes her head, moving to the center of the room and taking a look at the two dresses in plain view. This was the first time that she’s seen them. “Pretty. When did you do this?”
“This week. I have just been feeling so… inspired, full of energy.” Rarity says, placing a few bolts of fabric back on one of the stands.
“Mhmm, I think I know why.” Coco said with a smile. “Uhmm, could I take a look at the others?” She meekly asks, her hand already holding the large fabric that covered the third dress.
“Go ahead, darling,” Rarity answers, still organizing.
Coco pulls the fabric. Beneath it is a dark orange halterneck dress, with an open side skirt that reached all the way to the ankles. Two lines, red and yellow, run along the edge of the skirt.
“I really like this one.” Coco unconsciously pulls the large fabric close to her chest, not noticing that a part of it is stuck under the base of the mannequin. Coco watches in mild horror as the mannequin topples over, but breathes in relief when Rarity manages to catch it just before it touches the floor.
“Sorry,” Coco says, a little red on the face.
“Don’t worry, darling.” Rarity smiles at her.
At that moment, Coco’s phone begins ringing. “Uhmm, I’ll go answer this in the other room,” Coco says, rushing out of the room.
Rarity just pushes the mannequin back to its standing position, taking a good look at the dress.
Rarity let out a sigh of contentment, her fingers gently running through the wildfire that was her girlfriend’s hair. She smiled down at the girl, her head resting on Rarity’s lap, her eyes closed and her expression one of complete relaxation. Rarity couldn’t help but lean down to plant an upside down kiss on the other girl’s lips.
The day had been fantastic, with Sunset suggesting for both of them to go out for lunch, then walking to the park to enjoy a quiet afternoon. Rarity had been against the idea at the beginning. After all, Nightmare Night would be in less than two weeks, and she had an incredibly large amount of orders for that day. She would have to work harder in the next few days, but she had to admit, that moment right there was worth way more than a few extra hours of work.
Sunset opened her, looking up at Rarity while sporting a lazy smile. “Gosh, your lap is so comfy. I wish I could sleep like this everyday,” Sunset said before a yawn made its way out.
“Don’t you prefer to sleep side by side with me so we can cuddle?” Rarity asked, caressing Sunset’s cheek.
Sunset was thoughtful for a second, looking up to the orange sky. “Yeah, you’re right. Being able to hold such a beautiful woman while sleeping, that is way better.”
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Flatterer.”
“Hey, it’s not flattery…” she started, grabbing Rarity’s hand and pulling it to her lips, gently kissing the tip of each finger. “You know the rest. Come on, it’s getting late. We should head back to the apartment,” Sunset said, standing up in a quick motion.
Her legs suddenly seemed to have lost all of their strength, as the girl felt how gravity called her back to the ground. She was thankful when instead of the ground, she felt a pair of arms around her, keeping her from falling.
“Are you alright, love?” Rarity worriedly asked at the girl in her arms.
“Yeah, sorry,” Sunset answered with a smile. “I guess I’m still a bit sleepy.”
Rarity hummed. “This is one of those rare moments where I wish I was as strong as Applejack so I could carry you all the way back.” She kissed Sunset’s cheek. “Bridal style, of course.”
Sunset shrugged. “Guess we’ll have to go with the old reliable,” she said, offering one hand to Rarity, which the girl promptly accepted, interlocking their fingers.
Both girls leisurely made their way out of the park as the last rays of sunlight slowly faded away on the horizon. The days were slowly becoming shorter, and the nights colder. Rarity trembled a little as the cold wind of the night grazed her skin.
“The nights are getting colder,” she said, rubbing her arms.
“Here,” Sunset started, taking off her jacket and placing it on Rarity’s shoulders. “This will keep you warm.”
Rarity smiled happily. “Hmmm, this jacket is so nice. I might keep it to myself,” Rarity said playfully, wrapping her arms around herself.
Sunset took a scolding position. “Hey, hey, I’m just lending it to you. I want it back once we get back home. But I guess you can keep what is in the pocket.”
Rarity lifted a brow at her girlfriend, her hands deftly moving to the pockets of the jacket, finding something in the right one. She pulled out a little black box, and with some hesitation, she opened it. A golden band with a red gemstone sat on top of it. Rarity looked up at Sunset, her mouth slightly ajar.
Sunset moved up to Rarity, placing a hand on each cheek of the girl before pulling her into a deep kiss. Almost a minute had transcurred when Sunset slightly pulled apart, looking at Rarity straight to the eyes while breathing heavily.
“I love you, Rarity. I always have, and I always will. The only thing that I have really been sure in my life is that I want to spend it with you.” Sunset said, holding her breath and standing completely still as she waited for Rarity’s answer.
Rarity’s sight blurred, her eyes filling with tears. Finding herself with a sudden lack of words, Rarity decided to let her actions speak for her. She tackled her fiance, almost causing both of them to fall to the floor, and proceeded to cover every inch of the woman’s face with kisses.
Rarity can’t believe that it has been a little over a year since then, and after long months of planning, the day has finally arrived. She takes a look at the three dresses, each one inspired by an important moment of the past. Rarity can feel a few tears of happiness running down her cheeks as she looks at the final, covered dress.
She pulls the fabric off, dropping it on the floor. Right in front of her stands a floor length mermaid dress, completely white in color. Compared to the others, this one is the one with the simplest design, yet seems to be the most elegant of them.
This one isn’t just some dress she had made because she felt inspired. This one she has taken a long time to do and re-do, as it will be the one she will be wearing soon.
Coco comes back into the room. “Rarity, It seems that everything is ready for–” She stops as she looks at the tear and mascara stained face of the fashionista. “Rarity, are you alright?”
Rarity shakes her head, wiping her tears with the heel of her hand before flashing a smile. “I am, darling. It’s just that… I can’t believe it’s happening,” she says as she fans herself with her hands.
Coco walks up to her friend, taking a quick look at the final dress before returning the smile. “Come on, you still have to get ready for your big day. I’ll be back for the dress later.”
Rarity just nods, letting her friend guide her to the door.
Coco takes a moment to look back at the white dress, then turns to Rarity. “That dress… it’s really beautiful. You’ll look incredible in it.”
Rarity smiles warmly at her friend. “Thank you, Coco. And I’m sure that Sunset will look amazing in the one you made.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so.”
“You don’t even know how it looks like.”
“Maybe not, but I know that you are a talented dressmaker. That’s why I asked you to do it,” Rarity says, opening the front door of the boutique and walking out to the snowy streets of Manehattan.