It's the hours after the disaster that was the Gala. Rarity tries to pretend her feelings weren't crushed by all of it and fails miserably. This gets noticed.
The Gala was fun. Sure, there was a cake to the face, her best dress ruined, an entire night that was brought to an end by a stampede of terrified animals, but it was at least fun.
Though, admittedly, nothing really quite worked out the way she'd hoped. But Rarity was a strong, capable woman- she could take all of this in stride and still be happy. Just... so much for love and romance.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come back with us?”
“You’re too kind Twilight. Don’t feel a need to worry about me, I’ll be fine.”
The bookish girl, still dazzlingly draped in the Gala’s finest, looked upon her still-dirtied friend over the rims of her glasses and took her time in scrutinizing. “And you’re sure you don’t want one of us to stay with you just in case?”
Rarity felt something beginning to trickle down her neck and she reached back with an ungloved hand to find yet another piece of soaked crumbs running down from her hair. “Oh, I’m sure I can still find my way back home, darling. I just… feel the need to breathe the night air here. If only for a little bit.”
Twilight was one who would be more than eager to argue the point further, but perhaps something on her elegant friend’s face was enough to discourage her. “Well, I’ll be sure to swing by the Boutique in the morning. To see how you’re doing. OK?”
“You’re too kind. Say goodbye to the rest of the girls for me!”
In a few moments’ time, the young fashionista was alone at the diner, idly stirring her coffee with one of the few still-clean fingers she possessed, watching the rhythmic motions as she allowed herself to drift from the thoughts of the night’s events. It had been quite a wild ride, really. She’d been able to laugh about it with her friends so close by, yet now all she felt was this thing layer of melancholy falling all around her. Perhaps she had only been awake for too long, or it had been too great a length since a true meal. It had certainly been a wearing day for her-
“Uh, miss?” A gruff voice intruded her thoughts and she looked up to see a poorly shaven, somewhat heavyset man standing before her. “Sorry, but, I’m looking to close up shop and go home, so if you’d so kind as to- you know- leave.”
“Oh- oh, of course! My apologies,” Rarity said, rising to her feet and doing what she could to wipe away the wrinkles on her dress as though it had not actually been ruined. “And- if there is any mess left, I am truly sorry. It was an eventful night.”
The man laughed, having heard every word the throng of women had said during their feast of doughnuts. “Sure sounded like it. Must’a been quite the party. Would’ve loved to see those bunch of snobs lose their minds.”
Rarity smiled, remembering Blueblood’s shriek of terror as he was beset by a group of panicked bunnies. It was an image she would likely cherish forever.
The night air was cool, colder than she had figured for such a delightful spring. As she held her arms tightly against her chest in the hopes of warmth, Rarity found herself wishing for a wrap of sorts- and she knew full well what had happened to it! Maybe this little escapade through the Canterlot streets at night had been a foolish one.
No, not really, she told herself. You need to see this city in a different light, you know. Perhaps a more peaceful one?
It really was a lovely city, something she would never deny. The white and gold palate that was ever-present across the entire city from palace to city wall shone beautifully in the gleam of the moonlight, making even the dirtied cobblestone seem to be a glimmering jewel like the ones she so desperately craved for her designs. The whole place was as beautiful as she’d always believed it was, a true city of dreams- filled with all the hopes and dreams and high society that had made her practically salivate at the thought of being part of. Here was the city of royalty and nobles, the fashionable elite, the rich and famous- even princes!
Rarity pulled a face at the thought. Perhaps some things she had desired weren’t such a good idea after all. The more the thought grew in her mind, the more the sheen of the moonlight seemed to weaken. No, nothing in the city had changed in the slightest, but perhaps its admirer had let her view of it shift. Had she allowed herself to be fooled? No, that was too harsh a word; Twilight had lived many of her years here, and Princess Celestia was a paragon of gentleness and kindness to all in Equestria. There were good souls here, and she knew it full well. To judge them all by Blueblood’s egotism and boorishness was too broad a brushstroke.
Fooled was not the proper word at all. Perhaps, instead, she would say disillusioned.
Rarity felt something hot beneath her eye and noticed it was a single tear falling down her cheek. No, she was not going to become a sobbing mess, not like that cow deserved the right to pull such emotions from her. Rather, Rarity felt a strong sense of anger that she had allowed such silly daydreams to cloud her judgement. So set on a stupid fairytale romance that she hadn’t given a single to thought that maybe, just maybe, a prince who had been born and raised in royalty and a pampered lifestyle ever since the day he could first cry his infant lungs out was going to turn out the slightest bit spoiled. She should have known better, and admitting to such a thing was driving her mad.
Rarity gave a shake and hoped what she felt was the last droplets of food leaving her hair. The time I’ll have ridding myself of it all- I think the lavender bath will do for tonight, she mused. And may such foolish thoughts that brought it all about be gone with them! She felt a small glimmer of pride at her conclusion; she had suspected it might take her longer to reach it. She had friends and good family back home, where she was wanted and loved. Maybe that was the only love she’d really ever need, in the long run.
Rarity gave a proud little nod and turned to head home, knowing there would be at least one last carriage to take her back. Hopefully, she would leave all her foolish notions here rather than continue to drag them along.
Time was an excellent healer of personal dignity, Rarity believed. After a short period of solitude in which she rejuvenated herself, the beautiful designer was more than ready to face the world with a new bravado. It had taken an unpleasantly long amount of time to fully clean her hair of the damage it had been dealt, not to mention her skin, but that was now all in the past; this morning she had risen from her bed and found herself simply glowing. A satisfied smile and she went through her morning rituals, taking that glow and transcending it into radiance.
“Of course, not every day will be like this,” she cautioned herself, sorting through the morning’s delivery of fabrics and designs. “Sometimes you’ll wake up and feel simply wretched. But a lady puts on a brave face and rises to meet it, doesn’t she?”
She heard the bell above the front door jingle and Rarity felt a small thrill of excitement ran through her, a small smile coming to life upon her lovely face. Ever the professional, she reminded herself. “Be with you in a moment!”
Rarity heard nothing in response so she simply continued putting aside her packages, at last admitting that she would have to allow some time to fully look through them all- the customer came first. “Coming!” she trilled, making her way out of the backroom and out to the now-occupied storefront. “My apologies for the long wait, and now I hope you’ll allow me the pleasure of serving you here at oh my goodness Princess Celestia?!?”
The greeting speech she knew by heart fell to the wayside in a heartbeat as she took in that tall figure, the magnificent multicolored hair that shimmered with the gleam of sunlight, the simple white maxi dress that fell down to the sandaled feet, the magenta eyes that twinkled with a hidden humor- all manifested upon the exquisite, immortal form of royalty that was Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria and somehow standing in Rarity’s shop.
“I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time,” she said pleasantly.
“Uh- oh, no Your Majesty! Oh my- it’s a true delight- and a bit of a shock- to see you here, really! I should be in better clothes or- is there anything I can offer you, a drink perhaps?” Rarity said at last, stumbling over a multitude of greetings and pleasantries as the wires in her brain fused and melded their words into a mish-mashed symphony of nonsense.
“Oh, no, not at all. Thank you for the kind offer, though,” Celestia replied. “I do not mean to intrude, I merely wished to talk to you in person.”
“Talk- talk to me? Whatever for, Your Majesty?”
“Please, I am here on no official business. You may relax the formalities,” Celestia said kindly.
“Yes, well- then, umm- Princess, what can I do for you?” Rarity inquired. Please say you want a dress, please say you want a dress. I’d be made for life if you want a dress.
“Well, I come to speak to you about the Gala,” Celestia began, “I understand you spent much of the night with my nephew.”
It was such a disappointing answer that Rarity had to bite her tongue so as not to tear into the Princess right then and there. Oh heaven help me, if I had to insult her nephew right to her face-
“I also am aware of his poor treatment of you that night,” Celestia added. “I am here to apologize for his conduct towards you. It was inexcusable, and for that I am sorry.”
The words were enough to slap Rarity into silence and send her slack-jawed. As if that was not enough, her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when she saw Celestia do the unthinkable and kneel down before her in an act of contrition, even her head dipped down to add to the gesture.
“His behavior has been poor for years,” Celestia said after a great length of silence, Rarity too stunned to even think of breathing. “If I and his parents had been wise enough to see it, we could have perhaps brought forth good feelings that could be separated from his egotism. Instead, we allowed him to continue down his path of selfishness uninhibited. Though the weight of his actions lie solely on Blueblood’s shoulder, his upbringing falls upon me and his kin. I ask for your forgiveness upon this matter.”
“Princess, I- you musn’t- Oh please, would you get back on your feet, please? I do not feel comfortable with this at all!” Rarity said, unable to stand the moment for a second longer. “Please, don’t apologize on behalf of that- that- boy,” she finished lamely. “Really, no one would ever think to blame you for such an incident. His actions are clearly his own, and say nothing of you at all.”
“You are too kind,” the Sun Princess replied, at last rising to her feet and relieving Rarity of her discomfort. “I hope he was not too great of a bother to you. Be assured, his conduct has been addressed.”
“It is really quite alright, Princess, he is- not worth the time to remember him. I have no desire to let his actions remain in my mind in the slightest.”
“Admirable. Again, I am truly sorry.”
“It is nothing, Princess, nothing at all! Please, is there anything else I can do for you? Refreshment, perhaps?” Rarity asked.
“No, I must unfortunately be returning back to the Palace. There are things that must be attended to today,” Celestia said, declining politely. She turned to the door and then paused, regarding the beautiful fashionista with a thought. “If you would be willing to spare the time,” she said slowly, “it is my wish that you have tea with me later this week. Thursday, perhaps? It would be my pleasure, and allow me to make things up to you.”
Rarity thought she was going to pop out of her skin in excitement. Tea with Princess Celestia? She could hardly believe it. “It- oh my goodness, it would be my pleasure, Princess! You don’t have to make it up to me at all, it would be- well, it would be well more than enough! Yes, certainly!”
“Wonderful! I will be glad to see you,” Celestia said with a glowing smile. “I will have my carriage come to pick you up and take you to the courtyards- would two be alright?”
“Yes, certainly!” Rarity cried, not even knowing what on earth she had already scheduled for that day. “I will be delighted to see you!”
“And so shall I,” Celestia replied, dipping towards the door and pausing at the threshold. “Oh, I almost forgot… If you happen to have sketches of a dress you’d like to share with me- I’d be more than happy to receive them.”
The sound of the door closing was almost enough to send her to the floor in a heap, Rarity hardly daring to believe what a sudden good turn of fortune she found herself in. It wasn’t possible, it likely wasn’t even real- yet every time she continued to pinch herself, she didn’t find herself back in bed just waking up.
“I don’t believe it.”
In a sudden frenzy of movement, overflowing with squeals of glee, Rarity raced over to her sketchbook and began working in a maddened rush, trying to think of what would be most perfect, most splendid, the most beautiful thing she had ever conceived- all the while, a great gleaming smile on her face the likes of which she had not felt in years.
It really was a very kind thing to do. So decent of her.
She tried not to tremble. Dropping a cup of scalding hot tea on herself would hardly do in any scenario, but especially not here! A fashionable sundress that would stain, her fair skin beneath that would burn, and a reputation ruined- all in front of the Princess of Equestria! The thought was enough to give anyone a tremor, and Rarity was no exception to the rule.
“You need not be so formal, you know,” Celestia said pleasantly, setting down her own cup and giving the beautiful designer a warm smile. “Please, this is a time for both of us to relax and be at ease. Do I put you so ill at ease?”
“Oh-!” Rarity had been so attentive to every move she made that it hadn’t occurred to her that the effort would be so evident. “My apologies, Princess, I didn’t mean- well, to be so… so…”
“Miss Rarity, ever the proper lady,” Celestia mused, a light dancing in her eyes. “Not even a friendly teatime is enough to allow a chance to let her hair down. I can’t imagine the stress.”
Celestia was playful, teasing, trying to coax Rarity out of her nervous thoughts and into a more relaxed manner. The younger woman allowed herself a smile and tried to loosen up, freeing her body of tension. A small breath, in and out, and she tried to smile again- this time with real warmth rather than one born of anxieties.
“My apologies, Princess,” Rarity said, “I can’t say teatime with someone so regal is something I’m used to.”
“Trying to make your best impression?”
“Perhaps more terrified of making the wrong one,” Rarity admitted.
Celestia laughed, a sound that rang like soft chimes in the ears of the one who heard it; friendly, light, and inviting all who heard to search for its source. “Miss Rarity, I highly doubt such a dear friend of my student would be one who would make the wrong impression. Your concern for doing the right thing would prevent it, I believe.”
Rarity found herself embarrassed, taken aback by the praise. “Well, it- it certainly can take effort, Princess,” she said. “At- at times.”
“After hearing of your story with my nephew, I do not doubt it,” was the reply. “Tell me, the dress you wore –all of the ones worn by you, Twilight, and the others- they were your make, were they not?”
“Yes, they were. The moment I knew we would go together to the Gala, I wanted to ensure we all had something worthy of the occasion.”
“I would say your skills were more than worthy,” Celestia said. “More than one of my nobles have mentioned their wives were quite envious and asked who the mastermind behind them was. It would not take much effort from you to quickly become the talk of Canterlot.”
“Really?!” Rarity was on her feet in an instant, giving the garden table a sudden strike on its underbelly and causing the tea to nearly spill down upon them both. “Oh my- well, Canterlot is a fast-moving, forgetful place. It won’t be long before they’ve moved on to the next thing.”
Celestia gave a look of surprise. “You suddenly have no interest? Twilight says you have a great interest in entering high society.”
Blueblood emerged in her mind and Rarity felt a bile in the back of her throat at the memory. He could hardly be considered an anomaly in the realm of the social elite, could he? “Perhaps,” Rarity said quietly, “there are dreams that are shown to be foolishness.”
Celestia said nothing for a time, taking another sip of her tea and regarding her companion. “My nephew truly did ruin this city for you,” she remarked at last.
Well, she wouldn’t go that far… “Perhaps that’s too harsh a way to speak of it,” Rarity replied. “It was eye-opening. Maybe what I’ve been wanting is not where I wish to be.”
“Afraid you would end up just as snobbish and rude?”
“You become whom you spend your time with…”
Celestia smiled. “And Twilight certainly is proof of that. Do you believe you couldn’t hold the same sort of influence?”
It was a rather confusing thing to say. “I… don’t quite think I follow, Princess.”
“You put too much fear into becoming a snob, yes?” Celestia asked. “That one sour grape ruins the batch. I, however, am a believer in the opposite: a good person can radiate, and change those around them. I have no doubt you could do the exact same.”
“Oh, I’m just- I would be a nobody at first.”
“And then a somebody- a somebody known for the good and right thing. Surely the Element of Generosity could achieve such things?”
Rarity felt truly embarrassed now, flushing a deeper red than she could have imagined and forcing herself to look away. “Well- if you think I could, Princess...”
“I certainly have the faith,” Celestia said simply, draining the last of her cup and setting it aside. “It would surprise me to no end if you became a positive influence on this city. You’ve certainly been a positive influence for Twilight.”
She was deep in her own cup, trying to not squirm from the delight of this beautiful woman’s praise. However, as she sat there, a thought occurred to her. “Why invite me here, Princess?”
“Pardon?”
“Well- I’m just a friend of Twilight,” Rarity said. “I would expect you to want teatime with your student instead.”
“I wish to know her friends as well. Can a Princess not make the friends she chooses?”
“That’s not what I meant at all, please!”
Celestia laughed again. “My, my, you certainly are easy to tease. I wonder how I could possibly get you to let your hair down if even a friendly teatime won’t do the trick.” She paused. “And here is me, almost forgetting a request I made: I was wondering if you had any sketches for a dress to show me.”
Rarity suddenly was alight with activity, her controlled form and features ablaze with the fires of her passion. A sketchbook was practically thrown down onto the iron table and opened to pages in, the elegant fashionista more than excited to display her finest works yet. They were elegant, bold, graceful and beautiful-
Yet Rarity found the eager smile that had started on her face was beginning to fade as she watched Celestia’s genuine smile slowly become a fixed, fictional thing. It was enough to make one’s heart plummet.
“You don’t like them.” Oh my, it’s the end of the world.
“They truly are lovely, Rarity,” Celestia said pleasantly, looking down at the sketchwork with a thoughtful expression. “Your craft is exquisite. But –if I’m being honest- dear Rarity, it seems everyone who has ever granted me a dress has only ever brought to me a ballgown.”
Rarity hadn’t considered a Princess may desire something else. It was what she would be looking for. “Well then, Princess,” she said, the businesswoman coming forth as she turned the page and set inkpen to paper. “What were you hoping for?”
Celestia pondered the woman across from her- and Rarity felt a slight tremor as she saw a sudden gleam in the beautiful princess’ eye. “Perhaps, we do not need to start solely from scratch,” she said slowly, turning the page and laying a finger upon a design: an elegant thing, an empire waist dress that took inspiration from ancient days for its color. “Perhaps we need to simply-”
Princess Celestia laid a finger beside the design, and the ink began to disappear as the lower portions of the design began to fade and disappear further and further up, Rarity nearly catatonic-
“Loosen some extra weight.”
The remnants that had been left behind still presented a lovely thing, designed by a master seamstress who knew her craft better than anyone. But to say that what had survived was risqué would be charitable; such a thing would be more accustomed to use in- in-
Rarity felt herself go red at the thought of such a woman wearing this at all. Yes, it would be beautiful, but a Princess of all people-!
“Is something the matter?” She didn’t want to question it, but the voice with which Celestia spoke was playful, teasing- almost flirtatious.
“Well…” Rarity struggled to not giggle like a schoolgirl, and actually look her potential client in the eye. “Pardon me, Princess-”
“At this point, we could be on a first-name basis, couldn’t we? I am Celestia, I believe, after this.”
Rarity wanted to crumble through the floor. “Well- Celestia, I- this would be a lovely piece of dresswear, but certainly it is not something you would feasibly be able to wear out and about-” The thought came to her and she pushed it away immediately. “-Is it?”
Celestia’s smile was cheeky. “Perhaps I wish it for myself, and me alone?” she asked. “I may be a Princess, an ancient being with magnificent powers, but every once in a while, I –just like anyone else- have the urge to feel… oh, what is the word? Sexy.”
The words dripped with unclaimed honey and Rarity felt goosebumps come to her skin without warning. “Well, you would certainly be that,” she replied diplomatically, regarding her client’s figure and admiring its perfection: it would be a magnificent look for her, really. “I highly doubt you’d be anything but.”
“I am glad to hear it; may no woman alive be able to resist my charms,” Celestia crowed, her laughter coming afterwards and making Rarity flush so deep that she marveled how she had not begun to squirm underneath it all. “I would be glad to see your work, miss Rarity. How soon would you be able to set to work upon it?”
“You really want it?! Oh, straight away, Celestia, certainly!” Rarity said, that professional delight in partaking of her craft powering through her discomfort. “I’ll have it done fast as I can, don’t you doubt me!”
Celestia looked at her friend with warmth, that pleasant twinkle in her eyes as she took in the young woman’s enthusiasm. “Of that,” she said, “I have no doubt.”
Rarity sorted through the myriad fabrics she had in stock, searching for the very one her mind had been fixated on ever since she had begun to make her plans. It was here, she knew, somewhere in the midst of the rest of this assorted pile of nonsense- or maybe somewhere with the ones that had been properly put away? Or perhaps the ones in storage? “Oh, I know you’re in here somewhere, you,” she said, digging through the mess like a diver in search of pearls. “I’ll find you and I’ll make Princess Celestia’s dress even if I have to wring it out of you!”
The whole affair of that strange yet wonderful teatime had been in the forefront of her mind for a few days now; she knew Celestia –no, Princess Celestia- had meant every word she’d said, so why had she waited so long to even begin getting started on it?
Perhaps that was how long Rarity had taken to stop squirming. The whole thing had been one of the most enjoyable, yet bizarre escapades she had ever undertaken. Celestia- Princess- oh whatever-! Celestia had been quite a character, so confident and in control of the situation. So complimentary and vivacious, teasing and playful and warm and beautiful, and- and-
Rarity gave her whole body a great shake and she tried to continue focusing on her searching, wondering where the blasted thing had gotten to. “Maybe I should change it up- not fabric at all, perhaps something else… No, a fabric is the only thing that will do. A soft one.”
Minutes passed and she still came up empty. She was beginning to feel real frustration now, wondering if her mind wasn’t playing tricks upon itself and whether or not she had even purchased the blasted thing at all. She needed this done, such a wonderful client –friend- to have, and here she was struggling with all sorts of silly things. This could be done, couldn’t it?
“Oh, heaven help me, I’ll look for it later,” Rarity muttered, tossing the great pile of supplies aside and laying down in a huff on her work sofa, breathing in the scents of the many varieties of ice cream that had left their mark over the number of years during her bouts of tears and romantic despair- and the names of those she had failed to woo and then sobbed over. Heaven help her, had one of them really been Blueblood? The thought made her want to throw away the whole couch. Sickening to know that she had actually wasted emotion such pointless endeavors.
She gave another huff and sank deeper into the sofa’s recesses, feeling something sharp fall against her thick hair. A hand flailed about and she grabbed it, realizing it was her sketchbook, the page still left bent where Celestia’s sensuous designs lay unattended to. A second one lay next to it, a ballgown design that Rarity had set aside during her work for the Gala. She looked at it. Then for a little longer. A finger grabbed an eraser and slowly began to turn to the simple sketch with a skill that seem sharply contrasted against her lackadaisical movements.
“A little further up… black gloves along the arms instead,” she muttered listlessly, “leggings done the same way… to the thigh? Yes, to the thigh. Sides exposed- cleavage down to the waist, just above the belt, just a bit thrown across the top of the leg…”
She didn’t realize it immediately, but the sketch had taken on quite a life of its own, a stunning work of art to act as a pair for Celestia’s desired piece. Both sensual, revealing, yet retaining their elements of grace from which they had been born. They would be perfect together- but they wouldn’t be together, more likely than not. It was just a fun idea. But with Celestia’s figure in mind, she knew at least the one she would actually be making would be spectacular to see. The other was just purely speculative.
With a sigh that seemed to rouse her at last into action, Rarity threw herself off her couch in a huff and began to look through her materials again, wondering where the thing had ever bothered to end up.
Celestia was very gracious, you know. Lovely through and through. Make sure to give this only your best effort- and such a beautiful woman.
She tried to ignore that.
Work had come along, slowly and steadily. For Celestia, for personal things, for others, and even simple patchwork. The Boutique was the go-to place in town for anyone who needed a proper sewing job, and the amount of it kept the beautiful fashionista busy. Fluttershy was able to help out every now and then, but it wasn’t always enough to keep things from becoming backlogged. Life was frenetic in such a career, and she had known from the moment she had entered into it. If only she could force herself to get enough sleep!
“Oh, drat it!” she fussed, another stitch gone awry as her eyes crossed and sent her vision into a dull glaze. “That is it, I must get another cup of coffee in me, or else I’m going to fall flat on my face!”
As she waited for the percolator to do its work, Rarity took a moment to spruce up her appearance in the nearby mirror; a handy thing, in case she needed to work late hours. Some of her wavy curls had begun to fall flat, and there were rings of black around her lustrous eyes- not terrible, but not wonderful. It was still early afternoon, and it would be some hours before she would be able to lock the door. A little longer, if she could hold it together, and the day would be over. “Then a proper nap, if I do say so myself.”
So of course the bell jingled, indicating that someone had made an entrance. “Be with you in a minute,” Rarity called, trying to set aside the irritation that had come at the sound of it. It wasn’t their fault, really-
“By all means, take all the time you need,” came a voice as pleasant and warm as spring sunlight. “I certainly can be patient for a moment, can’t I?”
“Princess!” Rarity was out on the boutique floor in an instant to see the beautiful symbol of elegance was indeed back in her confines, a clear and brilliant smile shining on her flawless face. “My stars, I’m-”
“Surprised?” Those lovely eyes were twinkling with that same playful light that seemed to turn them into precious gems.
“Apologetic that I’m yet to be finished, Princess,” Rarity admitted.
“Am I still not Celestia to you, Rarity?” the Princess teased. “Tut, tut, ever so formal, even among her friends.”
“Oh- Celestia, please, forgive me, it’s- your dress is not ready yet,” Rarity said, feeling that sudden flush to her cheeks yet again. “I have been quite –erm, well, fairly involved these past few weeks, it has been- I am working on it.”
“Oh, of course you are! I do not doubt you, Rarity.” That same soft smile still had yet to fade. “I merely wanted to drop by, and- well, see how you were doing. Twilight had mentioned to me in her correspondence that you’d become quite the busy woman lately.”
“You- you wanted to see me?” How delightful of her! Concern, I’m guessing?
“I hope I am not intruding.”
“Certainly not! Please, I just made some coffee for myself, would you like a cup? I can close early and we can relax, be girls together. Heaven knows I could use a bit of a break, all in all.”
“I would be delighted to.”
The time began to flow by in a thrum of comfort and gentle feeling, Rarity’s exhaustion allowing her more personal emotions to be loosened up, the ever-professional atmosphere she held tightly to during work hours fading somewhat. Yet Celestia listened all the same, grateful for the designer’s comfortable familiarity.
“Are the flowers your doing?” Celestia inquired.
“Hmm?” “The basket next to your door. I assume they’re a decoration.”
“Oh, no, they’re…” Rarity felt a tinge of real embarrassment. “Well- suitors.”
Celestia laughed, not unkindly. “Quite the popular lady, I see. It’s not difficult to see why.”
“Oh, stop,” Rarity replied. “Yes, a few come in every now and then. Some ugly, some handsome, some couth and uncouth, a few genuine- many just want to be known for dating a pretty face, if my guess is correct.” The thought made her feel shamefaced, knowing she hadn’t exactly been one to avoid the same failing of character.
“And you? Do you want to date a pretty face?”
“Oh, I- I don’t know anymore, really,” Rarity admitted. “After the Gala, perhaps my view of love is a bit… broken, perhaps? It certainly doesn’t really feel the same anymore. Maybe what I longed for wasn’t really real in the end.”
Celestia looked upon her lovely friend with sympathy. “Afraid to love the wrong person a second time around?”
Rarity smiled. “Perhaps a bit.”
Celestia smiled, taking the fashionista’s hands in her own and holding them softly, allowing that wonderful warmth to flow through them both and holding the younger woman rapturously attentive. “I hope, then,” she said, “that the next person who catches your eye is worthy of it. I would hate to see someone as beautiful as you spend all their years alone.”
“Thank you, truly,” Rarity replied, feeling a blissful softness well up inside her. “I would- would still greatly desire it, but… I have my friends, my family- if it comes to it, I would be more than grateful for what I’ve been given.”
“That mindset alone makes you more than worthy of any sort of attentions,” Celestia said. “Whoever steals your heart will have something priceless.”
Rarity felt too embarrassed to say much else for a time, turning to her cup of coffee and finding it unpleasantly cold.
“This has been pleasant, Rarity,” Celestia said. “Thank you for letting me spend some time with you during your day. It’s refreshing, really.”
A small bubble welled within her at the remark and she beamed. “I feel the same. Perhaps we would like to continue having drinks together? A weekly tea or coffee?”
“I would be delighted.”
Plans were put in place, preparations set aside, and little notes written down in small planners as Rarity began to see goodbye to her beloved guest-
“Oh my, I almost forgot!” Rarity cried, starting towards the backroom. “Wait here, just a moment, please!”
“As you wish,” said the Princess, as though she wished for no other action.
The young woman went deep into the confines of her own home, knowing she had set it somewhere private. It had been a sentimental journey, one for the mere pleasure of it- but the more she had continued to work upon it, the more its importance began to strangely change-
“And here we are!” Rarity cried, seemingly giving the beautiful Princess a start as she jumped away from the guest counter. “Celestia, I hope you don’t mind… you’ve been ever so kind to me, what with the Gala and our teatime a few weeks back. I wanted to give you this.”
A classical summer dress, light to the touch and marked by a light dusting of gold across the hem- all of it matching perfectly against Celestia’s own sun-kissed features. The elegant woman held it in her hand and marveled. “Oh, Rarity,” she murmured softly, “this is- such a kind act.”
“My thanks to you, for everything,” Rarity said with a smile quite stronger than she had guessed. “You’ve been such wonderful company, I had to do something.”
A gentle embrace as warm arms wrapped around her, Rarity taken by surprise by the caring gesture. “You are too kind,” Celestia said, giving one last small hug of delight before heading out the door, leaving Rarity still-surprised and yet brimming with delight.
She’s so wonderful.
It was done. After all this time. They were done- no, it, the one- was done. Yes, the other one was done, too, but that didn’t matter- did it? Doubtful, only a little. Just a personal side project for her own skill and pleasure. But really, it wasn’t important in the slightest.
“And that’s the end of it,” Rarity said with a forced hardness in her voice. “Let all of this silliness pass you by, you’ve got other things to attend to. Now, breathe, relax, and take a look at the finished product one last time. What did we miss?”
Rarity’s habits, born out of her more amateur days, were her ritualistic habits that had saved her career more than once: one last long look at what was supposed to be a completed work, and see if there was anything her eyes would find- a flaw, a break in the fabric, something, anything at all. Just to make sure. After all, she surely deserves it. Our teatimes and coffee have been so pleasant. A lady could get used to such fine treatment-
“That’ll be enough of that,” she huffed, leaving her work and finding herself both satisfied and immensely frustrated. “Now make sure you’re presentable, Celestia will be here soon and one should always look their best.”
The Boutique looked positively immaculate, if she were ever to admit it. The floor had been swept and cleaned of any semblance of grime, the windows now smudge-free, the standard designs sparkled, the front desk gleamed- the only left to check was herself.
“Not that I need it, really,” Rarity told herself. “Just to make sure. Anything can go wrong, a false eyelash can come free.” She looked wonderful in the mirror, not a wrinkle on her clothes and a beautiful face with fair skin. So of course she primped her hair and wiped away any false wrinkles on her skirt, just in case. Now if she could only get her pounding heart under control-!
Movement outside and she knew exactly who it was, that tall figure and wonderful silhouette unmistakable. Taking one last breath, Rarity forced the nerves away from her smile and found it all the easier when the beautiful Princess Celestia walked through her door with a dazzling smile of her own.
What had been meant to be a bit more formal –a true business transaction, she had told herself- was instead a comfortable meeting between the two, filled with warmth and a deep friendliness. They chatted and gossiped together, letting the afternoon fade by and turn into early evening as the sun began to await the orders of its Princess.
“Good heavens, I surely didn’t mean to keep you waiting this long!” Rarity said, being the first to notice the change of colors through the nearby window. “I must be keeping you from other matters.”
“Perhaps only a little. I am exactly where I wish to be,” Celestia replied. “Excuse me for a moment- would you be so kind as to bring the outfit into the changing rooms for me, please?”
“Gladly! I’ll have everything ready for you, don’t you worry, darling!” She spoke more like herself around the graceful Princess than she ever had before, just a tinge of sweetness in the tone.
A thrill of nerves coursed through her as she set the outfit to hang on the wall- she was certain Celestia would like it, why wouldn’t she? Maybe it wasn’t for her satisfaction that she worried.
“Everything is ready for you, dear,” Rarity said as Celestia walked back inside, the soft colors of moonlight beginning to show on the world outside. “I’ll be waiting in the showing room for you, please call for me if you need anything!”
“I can hardly wait!”
And neither could Rarity, who found herself pacing back and forth in the showing room for reasons both known, unknown, and unwilling. This whole thing was foolish, absolutely foolish. This was a Princess- no, the Princess. Unbecoming, really, and so pointless. There were better endeavors to be had, if she’d just pay attention to them. But no, old habits die hard, apparently, and she couldn’t keep well enough alone-! “Dear Rarity…” the voice came peeling through the showroom curtains, soft and overflowing with delight. “You have truly outdone yourself this time.”
A lone heel first appeared, and Rarity perhaps felt her jaw loosen at the sight of such a lush figure. Princess Celestia always seemed to be dressed with such regality, such refined pieces upon her sun-touched form; never could she have guessed that such a ravishing, magnificent work of art lay beneath it all. Pure white heels to adorn her feet, moving up to such full, flawless legs that lay perfectly bare all the way up to the thigh, the hips now adorned by see-through lace that draped itself down from the item itself, a beautiful thing of white and gold that accentuated every curve and beautiful thing that was Celestia’s body. A supple chest, modestly exposed down the center and ending just below the navel, with the entire back exposed save for a small golden ring that hung around the neck. It must have been the most beautiful creature to ever be seen, and yet as steamy as a hot summer night.
“I hope I haven’t left you truly breathless.” Celestia was looking down at her, a mischievous grin underneath those twinkling eyes.
She’d been drifting off in her own thoughts! Rarity blushed and tried to right the ship before it was too late. “Enough of me, look at you! How do you feel, how does it feel on you? Do you like what you see?”
“It is glorious,” Celestia said happily, eyeing herself in the mirror with a confidence that Rarity couldn’t help but admire. “To say I feel sexy would be an understatement. I am the definition of the word, thanks to you.”
“Yes, you are,” Rarity said ever so quietly, the words coming out by surprise to even her. “I am so glad you’re happy with it, it seems to fit wonderfully. Does anything need to be touched up on?”
“Not at all. It feels as though you know my every curve and feature by heart.” Celestia continued to strut in front of the crowd of mirrors, letting her splendid form continue to be lavished upon by willing eyes. “Oh, my… this feels glorious.”
She could have stood there all day simply admiring it all. But time came to pass and the two women needed to part, matters bringing them both elsewhere. Celestia returned to her regular dress and Rarity set to work stowing the beautiful piece away in a proper box, tying it with a single lavender ribbon.
“The fee for your services is enough, I hope,” Celestia said.
Rarity giggled and pushed the hefty sum out of sight. “It is more than enough. And they call me the Element of Generosity! Dear Celestia, are you certain?”
“I would have it no other way.”
“Very well, then. Here you are, darling,” Rarity said, laying the precious cargo gently into the beautiful woman’s hands, Celestia’s fingers tracing her own. The touch was sudden, light on the skin, yet somehow more than welcome.
She knew she shouldn’t say anything. Merely let it lie and move on with her evening. It was improper to ask, anyway, especially for a lady. Better to let it lie, or simply let the time fade away. So of course she asked.
“I hope,” Rarity began, forcing the tremor in her voice to lessen, “that this doesn’t mean our teatimes are going to be no more? I’ve come quite accustomed to your company.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Celestia replied, giving the delighted designer a long embrace into which Rarity felt so safe, comfortable, and so alive. “May I leave you a letter for the next one? I’m afraid it is my turn to be busy for a time.”
“Of course, darling! I’ll be waiting!” And whether or not she would ever admit it, she certainly would be.
Rarity had practically torn it open the moment she had found it awaiting her on the front desk. Quietly, discreetly, she had dashed up the stairs whilst giggling so madly that Sweetie Belle took a pause from her schoolwork to make sure everything was even alright at all. With an excessive flourish and the door closed, she wrenched the letter out of the envelope and began to read, only pausing to take note of the woman’s resplendent handwriting:
Dear Rarity,
I hope I haven’t again caught you at a bad time. Heaven knows you’ve been busy with Twilight and friends for a while now. And if that is not enough, your boutique must keep you occupied all hours of day and night! I would be concerned if you’re overworked.
I know it has been a bit of time, but how would you feel regarding meeting for drinks again? I will be rather busy most mornings and afternoons this week, but I do have a free evening this Friday, if you are available. I would be glad of your company- I have a chardonnay from ’46 that would fit the occasion.
The palace gardens are glad to welcome you again, as am I. Let me know as soon as you can.
~ Celestia P.S. Please bring your dress. The companion piece to the one you made for me, I mean. I would be delighted if you let your hair down for an evening
Rarity wanted to blush. Of course she somehow knew, why wouldn’t she know? It felt like such an obvious, simple idea to believe that Rarity found herself half-wondering if she’d accidentally spoken of it out loud at some point. And of course she’d wear it! Two girls in privacy, no one to disturb them both… it would be magnificent night between- friends. Yes, friends.
The week seemed to tick by slowly, yet before she knew it the Friday afternoon had already passed and Rarity was in the midst of her preparations. It was just between friends, but that was no reason not to look flawless. Besides, it was Princess Celestia, she deserved the very best, didn’t she?
“What are you getting all primped and prettied up for?” Sweetie Belle was looking at her from the doorway, a quizzical look on her face. “You look like you’re going out on a date.”
The possibility of it being such a thing was so preposterous that Rarity didn’t even want to give the thought the time of day, so she merely smiled excitedly. “Just some evening plans,” she said merrily, performing a quick comparison of some earrings. Gold or the coral jewels? Hmm, coral would match the dress…
“So, is that a yes?”
Rarity turned to her sister. “If it were a date, Sweetie Belle, don’t you think I’d be behaving with a little more fervor?”
“You seem pretty excited to me. You’ve been sitting in front of your mirror for over two hours now,” Sweetie Belle said, grinning. “I’ll want to hear all about it when you get back, alright? I’m going over to Apple Bloom’s.”
Rarity gave a well-meaning Hmph! and went back to work, trying her very best to simmer down her smile. It certainly wasn’t a date, anyway.
The evening came to the world in due time, and Rarity paused to watch the Princess’ handiwork begin outside, marveling at the beauty of the sunset born from the effort. It seemed everything the Princess did was truly splendid to behold, she thought. “Now, let’s see how it all turned out!”
Rarity stood before a full-length mirror and didn’t even bother to wipe the smile from her face. She was not quite so tall as Princess Celestia, nor did she possess the same timeless beauty that the beloved monarch held within, but she was certainly stunning nevertheless. Flawless skin, its fairness and beauty combined with a lovely face, sparkling eyes and wavy hair that fell down to just above the waist made Rarity a sight to behold; and, tying it all together like a bow upon a priceless gift, was a coral-pink dress that transfigured all of that beauty into a formal sensuality: black gloves that ran up to just beyond the elbow, an bare arrow on the chest that tapered down to a pale-gold belt, and exposed legs that accentuated her features, allowing the back to be fully revealed. She was a dancer, a captivating icon of beauty and loveliness. It was stunning, empowering- “And most assuredly sexy,” Rarity purred, remembering how Celestia had strutted along the showroom floor. “Now I know why she couldn’t have possibly resisted.”
As she made her way down to the door to depart, Rarity felt something in her mind give her pause: she had made this dress as- well, a private affair. Certainly the Princess held the confidence –and sway of opinion- to walk about in such confidences, but did she? A lady’s reputation was important to uphold. If scandal began to creep out…
The door clicked open and in rolled a luxurious red carpet, coming to a halt at the fashionista’s black heels, as though it had been made to seek her out. Hesitant, she dared a peek out and found an alabaster carriage awaiting her, the lovely thing pulled by a team of snow-white horses- and not even a driver to be seen!
“Well, aren’t you all beautiful,” she marveled, taking a moment to come to the sides of the magnificent creatures. “Did the Princess send you to fetch me away?” The lead horse eyed her with an intelligence in its soft gaze, as if assuring Rarity of her suspicions. With a smile and a few more loving pats, Rarity took a seat within the carriage and found herself swiftly taken away. The journey could have taken some time, yet whatever enchantment or hidden strengths the driverless steeds possessed made it flow by all so quickly, the landscape passing her by in a blur. She could have squealed in delight at such things if it hadn’t left her rather awestruck.
A loud, sharp whinny from one of the horses and she felt their journey come to a slow, pleasant halt, the rush and whistle of wind sweeping by the carriage now replaced with the sounds of nature’s creatures and the gentle rustle of a garden under starlight. She had not been taken to the palace itself, but rather directly to the royal gardens: a place of privacy and solitude for its ruler. The carriage doors opened and again the red carpet flowed out, leading into the gardens and out of sight.
“Thank you so much for such a gentle trip,” Rarity said as she descended, taking one last moment to give comfort to the pristine horses. “You’ve been ever too kind to me, dears.”
The horses gave a small snort and seemingly bowed its head, that intelligent gleam again all so evident in its eyes.
She followed the flowing carpet out into the gardens and was unsurprised when she found it coming to a halt at its mistress’ feet, Princess Celestia standing there awaiting her guest and looking just as regal and sumptuous as she had the first time she had worn her gown. “Miss Rarity,” she said, looking upon the elegant designer with a smile that dazzled. “You look even more ravishing than I could have imagined.”
“And I could surely say the same of you, darling!” was the reply, eyeing the beautiful woman with no real restriction; after all, there wasn’t any curve or asset that wasn’t revealed by the form-fitting attire. “It’s wonderful to see you again, and such marvelous horses you have! Such intelligent creatures, they were.”
“They have been my trusted steeds for many dignitaries and ambassadors that have come calling,” Celestia said. “I am glad they were able to be of service to you as well. Please, join me in the gardens. It will be a lovely night.” Taking an eager Rarity by the hand and leading her in, the two women soon disappeared out of sight, hidden away by the garden’s impenetrable walls of verdant life.
When they at last arrived at the heart of the gardens, Rarity felt a gasp escape her lips; it as almost as if it were a fairytale, with small candles and torches dotting the open space where a pair of cushioned chairs sat beside a small garden table, upon it two glasses and a bottle of wine accompanied by small plates of light fare. “You certainly know how to set the scene,” she at last remarked. “Darling, it’s lovely!”
“I was hoping you would like it,” the Princess said. “Think of it as your own personal gala: a second attempt at your perfect night.”
“And I couldn’t have asked for better company,” Rarity marveled. “Oh my…”
Their conversation was light at first, letting the wine be sipped gently and the food only nibbled. It was a delicate, graceful flow, with each step forward taken only in deliberation. But as time passed, and as more the contents of their glass disappeared, their words became more open, smiles and gestures and touches more frequent. Subtly, each chair began to move closer to the other.
“Celestia, if I may be so bold,” Rarity ventured. “I wanted to ask you a question that was, perhaps, rather personal in nature.”
“Feel free, Rarity.”
“Have you ever had any suitors come calling during your rule? You know- any thrills of romance, dear? Longings of the heart?”
Celestia pondered the question, thinking over it slowly. “Many have come to call, certainly,” she said. “But I would say that little was ever of interest to me. Perhaps a fling or two over the centuries, but never anything grand or sweeping.”
“Was no one ever worth the time to you, then?” Rarity asked, leaning in out of interest.
“Oh… sometimes. It is a strange thing, really. A woman’s touch was typically preferred, if I am to be honest. And, as you might guess, even ones I held strong feelings for would be more interested in the fame and notoriety that came from being romantically attached to me. It was better to be solitary than to allow oneself to be used.”
“How awful!” Rarity immediately bit her tongue, but Celestia’s expression wasn’t of the offended kind, but instead curious. “I mean- just to misuse love like that, for such selfish ends! What a disgrace to the word, really.”
“You certainly have some strong feelings on the matter,” Celestia chuckled. “Ever the romantic, I see.”
“And… perhaps a bit of a hypocrite, truthfully,” Rarity added, somewhat shamefaced. “Blueblood might have been a bit of that, if I am to be honest. Attraction to just a pretty face, at least at first.”
“Think you’ve been cured of the affliction?” The tone was cheeky, playful.
“Perhaps not fully,” Rarity replied with her own brand of mischief, “I still do have a weakness for beauty, darling. But good character adding to it is… incredibly alluring.”
“I could not agree more.”
They were incredibly close now, their faces only inches apart. Had it happened on accident, or had they intentionally been creeping closer to one another? Rarity’s heart was aflutter and she wondered how long she would be able to hold herself together. The very personification of beauty and perfection was there next to her, what was she to do? It would only be a matter of time before-
“Would you join me for a dance, dear Rarity?”
Her tumultuous thoughts were suddenly silenced. “Pardon?”
Celestia was upon her feet, offering Rarity her hand alongside an alluring smile. “Would you please join me for a dance?” she asked again.
It was too good to be true. “I would be delighted,” Rarity whispered, rising to her feet and taking the Princess’ hand in her own. As if on cue, the slow, harmonious tones of a gentle waltz began from the nearby phonograph, a song more typically played for a last dance when couples would finish the evening together. Rarity was brought especially close to the Princess, the two held tightly together as they moved in pleasant pace. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, almost as if rushed to some great conclusion. It had all been such a perfect night, surely it could be better than this?
“Do I make you nervous, Rarity?” Celestia asked.
“And what makes you ask such a thing, darling?”
“You can hardly look me in the eye as we dance,” the Princess replied. “Surely you don’t think I’m ugly, do you?”
“Not at all! You’re nothing short of magnificent, dear!” Rarity protested, at last looking into those resplendent magenta eyes and finding herself immediately lost. “I- you do not make me nervous at all, just very, very… excited.”
Celestia laughed, not an unkind sound of mockery but rather a warm, satisfied thing. “You find me beautiful, then?”
“Inside and out, darling,” Rarity whispered, letting the words fiercely held back begin to be freed into the open air. “I hope you don’t mind such a thing.”
They were very close now. “And I could only find myself feeling the same,” Celestia replied. “I know you looked for a prince at first- but I hope you’ll take a Princess instead.”
They danced slower and slower until at last the music came to an end, the two holding one another as they gazed into each other’s eyes, Rarity deeply lost in that lustrous view that was more glorious than any jewel she had ever seen or hoped to discover.
“Well, Rarity?” Celestia asked.
“Well what, darling?”
Celestia’s gaze held that playful gleam yet again. “Aren’t you going to kiss me?”
She froze. It was there for the taking, the moment she had tried to avoid and claim for herself for so long now that she hadn’t even realized she had desired it in the first place, thinking it was merely simple instinct and reaction, not something much more. And now she couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, couldn’t do a thing-!
“Well, then. Seems I’ll have to make the move,” Celestia whispered, leaning down and gently pressing her lips against Rarity’s, allowing a soft initial gesture to grow in warmth. It was Rarity’s first kiss from a woman, and never had she imagined such an exquisite softness could ever be found in such an act; soft, perfect lips that pressed against her own with such precise pressure, allowing for gentle contact that seemed to electrify her very being. It was timeless, wonderful, beautiful to behold and be part of. So taken was she by the kiss that she could hardly bear it when the moment ended, knowing that she had kissed Princess Celestia, the most beautiful woman in the world.
Celestia relinquished her lips from the elegant fashionista, looking at her beloved with delight. “And how was that?” she asked.
“Oh my…” Rarity could hardly find words to describe how she felt now. Ecstatic felt too weak. In love, perhaps?
“How do you feel?”
Rarity could still feel the kiss, and wanted in its absence. “Hungry!” she declared, throwing her arms around Celestia and embracing the Princess in a fervent barrage of kisses.
Celestia took her in her arms, the two women intertwined in a great undertaking of passion, romance, and desire, each kiss they beheld together only driving them further into the fire. So great was their feeling that they at last fell upon the ground, still connected together as their hands wove across fabric and bare flesh alike, neither willing to break the long string of kisses-
Rarity gave a small start as she felt her mouth pressed open and then a most wondrous sensation as the pleasant, forceful pressure of Celestia’s tongue came in and fell upon her own, the two beginning that wonderful dance of inner movement until it could not be contained and fell out into the open, both lip and tongue dancing together in a frenetic, passionate display-
Hands reached down into her gown and Rarity squealed with, feeling them move and send electric currents down her body. Celestia at last broke apart the kiss and let the thin filaments of saliva hand between them- only to add one last peck upon Rarity’s lips for good measure.
“Good heavens, darling,” Rarity gasped. “That was- that was magnificent.”
“I’m glad you think so,” Celestia said, holding Rarity ever so tightly. “I’ve wanted your kiss for so long now, Rarity.”
“And you’ll have plenty more- whenever you ask for one!” the beautiful woman cried, gracing the Princess’ lips with kisses as if to prove it. “Oh, my…”
“The night is still young,” Celestia said, rising to her feet and taking Rarity in her arms like a bride. “Shall we retire to the castle?”
“Darling, whatever for- oh.” Her eyes found the upper parapets where the Princess’ bedchambers awaited their arrival. She couldn’t suppress her giggles now. “Well then, my dear Princess- shall we?”
One last kiss and Celestia snapped her fingers, the two disappearing from the gardens and to much more private quarters, where no sight nor sound of them could ever hope to be found.
