Good lord finally. I struggled like hell to finish this, but now at least the wedding as occurred. Now I can finally get on to part two to which I had more ideas for, for months now actually. Initially this was supposed to be four arcs, but now I might just center it around three ideas actually. I hope you all will enjoy what's to come.

Equestrian Heroes

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Naruto x Harem

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For Normal Speech

Inner thoughts, Text read, Italics used to represent characters speaking in different language.

Demonic rage, Demonic characters, Kurama Speak

000

Story Start

000

It was the day.

Today was the day of the wedding.

The day was sunny and clear. All the stops had been pulled as every able body Pegasi made sure the area was clear of dreariness for miles.

By the end of this day she would be a wife.

As Rarity sat up stiffly in her bed, she felt a very sharp pang of loneliness. It had been quite a while since she was not greeted in the morning by the face of her lover.

She lifted herself out of bed with a sigh, picking up her bag of toiletries, and threaded toward the bathroom.

After taking care of her usual morning business and a shower she was in the midst of using a spell to dry her hair while wearing nothing but a robe.

"Hey, Rare-a," Her cousin bounded – ever so gracefully - up the stairs, silent as ever as she entered the frame of the bathroom door. "You're up, good. Now we can get started," she said with a sly grin. However someone so sweet looking could be so devious was just one of life's mysteries.

"Morning Rarity." Fluttershy had trailed behind the more energetic unicorn.

"Morning Flu..." She was interrupted as her cousin whisked her and Fluttershy into the room. "Chat later, we've got some serious business to attend to in here, Rarity looks horrible!" she made an exaggerated shudder to which the unicorn shot her a dirty glare.

Rarity's mind began drifting off to the night of the wedding itself. Even though this was a moment she had looked forward to practically all her life she couldn't help but be nervous.

By the time she checked back onto Equesnia, Topaz was finished brushing through her bed hair. Stylizing it in a style that Rarity had spent weeks mulling over.

She twisted around when she felt another presence in the room. Her mother just walked through the door, resulting in a smile lighting across Cookie's face as she saw her.

"My beautiful baby girl! I never thought I'd be wrinkle-free on her wedding day," she held her face in her hands and rubbed her blushing cheeks. It was a playful reference to her daughter's high standard of always wanting to marry a prince.

"Well now, don't let me interrupt," she said, a little choked up. "How may I be of service?" she questioned with a mock formal tone, now turning toward Topaz.

An evil grin crawled across Topaz's face, "Well…" she pondered. "I think it would be most appropriate if you finished the hair," she said, keeping up the mock charade. "Fluttershy can help me with the make-up!" Rarity let out a moan. Fluttershy she trusted, Topaz not so much. "Oh, cut it out, Rarity. It's your wedding day, you just sit back, relax, and let your loving cousin and herd sister do your make-up. Right Flutters?"

Fluttershy let out an exclamation of acknowledgement. "I'll do my best."

Make-up certainly was her specialty. She went a bit slower than she might have if their weren't others present, but still, her hands worked wonders in mere minutes.

She closed her eyes and imagined a life with Naruto. Husband and Wife. Going over the bills. Maintaining their home. Raising their children. Elusive if a colt. Names for a filly they were still working on.

"Done!" Topaz chimed. Rarity hesitantly stood up, and looked in the mirror. She had to make a double-take. Was she that out of it that she really missed having the spell magicked onto her?

The hair style. The make-up. It seemed so different from all the times she had dolled herself up before.

Her make-up was light, almost unnoticeable, with light blush, and a thin coating lipstick.

The dress was even more amazing than she remembered. The whole ensemble just simply complemented her figure.

"Ooohhh, I knew you'd like it!" Topaz screeched beautifully.

"Oh Rarity," her mother breathed from behind her, "you…you look stunning!" Rarity turned to see her mother ruining her make-up with a silent stream of tears, a beautiful smile bright on her face.

"Sorry to break all this up, but we really need to get Rarity down to the church. Come on," Topaz grabbed her arm playfully, yet not quite, and dragged her down the stairs.

When Rarity got to the hallway, Hondo was waiting, all dressed in his black tuxedo. It was unusual to see her father so dressed up. "You look absolutely dashing father."

"Why thank you honey." His eyes welled up. "You look beautiful, Rarity," he said simply.

"Thanks dad," she murmured, going up to put her arms around him in a hug. He snatched her up and held her tight; they stood like that for a moment.

Finally, they broke the hug, tears running freely down his face now. He reached his hand up to brush them away while he turned toward the door, walking out quickly. Cookie wrapped her arm around my waist, and led her outside where their transportation would be waiting.

They arrived in front of the church fairly quickly, and Rarity stepped carefully out of the limo.

The way it was planned was that Naruto and Rarity would meet at separate times, in different ends of the church, surrounded by those who would assure that they didn't see each other.

Cookie took out an old camera that she bought specifically to take as many picture as possible.

As Cookie clicked away taking pictures of the front and sides of the church, Hondo laced his arm to Rarity's and led her up the steps.

Soon she was in the room where the final preparations were occurring.

"I have to get to my seat before the ceremony starts, I love you, honey," Cookie said as she walked out the door.

"Just remember, slow, small steps. "

000

Naruto stood at the altar with Gryffindor.

"I can't believe you talked me into this." Gryff said in a more happy voice than usual.

"It's not that bad is it?"

"It's the suit that's all. I'm not a suit kind of guy."

"Pfft. Suits equate to classiness and professionalism Gryff."

They were both in matching outfits.

They wore a white under shirt, with a black tuxedo and vest over it. A black tie, black pants and dress shoes. The only differences are the fact Naruto has is tie in a straight down, while Gryff's is a bow tie.

"It's about to begin." Celestia spoke up. Who else would officiate the wedding? This was simply

The music started. The maid of honor, Fluttershy came walking out in her gown followed by Rarity and Hondo. She held a bouquet of flowers.

Gryff had to tap Naruto on the shoulder to snap him out of his fish imitation. At that Rarity had to stop a giggle that begged for escape.

Following Rarity was the rest of the bridesmaids paired with one of the groomsmen. This consisted of Time Turner and Twilight. Rainbow Dash and Big Mac, Pinkie Pie and Carameal, Ditzy and Nightwing. Then Sweetie Belle and Spike came last.

The wedding march was playing slowly, which gave Rarity time needed to make the slow march.

She looked around, scanning the crowd. There were many familiar faces. There was Naruto crew and several familiar faces from the royal guards. Their were of course all their relatives. Many familiar faces from the past, a few of them she hadn't even thought about in years and there were quite a few she knew from the industries of gem hunting and fashion.

Finally she arrived to the podium.

Hondo eyed Naruto with a sudden intensity. "Take care of her, Naruto. Good luck."

"Don't worry, sir. I will, I promise," Naruto promised.

Hondo turned and returned to his position, and Naruto and Rarity stared at each other for a moment. She moved her way up from his shiny black dress shoes, up to the tuxedo on his body. The black contrasted beautifully with is fur.

Naruto meanwhile was just as transfixed. From her hairstyle to how the white brought out the loveliness of her fur.

They stared into each other's eyes, then, all of a sudden, both remembering what they were there for, turned toward Celestia in unison.

There were a few blessings of their union from the three princesses.

The ring was brought forth. There was no ring bearer so Gryff and Fluttershy brought forth the rings after they had been blessed.

Then, the wedding vows were next. They turned toward each other and Naruto was the first to speaking taking Rarity's ring.

"I, Naruto Uzumaki, take you, Rarity, to be my companion forever. Throughout my time here you've grown to my one of my closest confidants and closest friends. You signified all the beauty of a world I never gave a second thought about showing me beauty can come in many forms. The world sees a strong, independent mare, but I see a generous, kind, and loving mare with a heart of gold. I will always have your back. On this day, at this moment, I pledge the rest of my life to you. I am forever yours my love." He slid the ring gently onto her fourth finger.

Rarity took a moment to compose herself. His words were so beautiful she was nearly rendered speechless.

"I, Rarity, take you, Naruto Uzumaki, to be my companion forever. As a filly I had looked forward to my fairy tail ending. A handsome prince that would make all my dreams come true. You. You have changed me. You helped me become a better mare then I ever thought possible. At one time I was fairly vain and greedy, only caring about trivial things like wealth and status, but you showed me the greatest thing about a being was not the size of their wallet or title but the size of their heart. You inspire me everyday and have taught me so much during our time together. You've seen through my flaws, and managed to survive them with an iron clad strength beneath your exterior. Your capacity to love has shown to be larger than I thought possible. When you love someone, you love all of them, the good and the bad. You are my best friend, my home, and life companion. Like a Queen to her King, I will stand beside you, forever and always no matter what." Rarity slid the ring onto his finger.

For a moment there was silence. The silence seemed to drag on as Naruto and Rarity, hesistantly and worriedly looked to Celestia.

There was a brief flickered of something. Whatever it was Celestia was able to mask it well. "I now pronounce you husband and wife," she turned toward Naruto. "You may now kiss the bride."

With that Naruto turned to Rarity as his lips met hers.

Applause filled the room along with cheering.

"Ladies and gentleman, it is my great honor to present to you, for the very first time, the happy couple of Naruto and Rarity Whirlpool."

Naruto picked Rarity up and carried her out of the church.

As they stepped out of the church, the guests spilled out around them. Naruto reluctantly set Rarity down on her feet, so she could hug her parents. Rice was being thrown in the air at them.

Their vehicle was that of a carriage reminiscent of Luna's personal carriage but made up of Naruto and Rarity's colors decorated elaborately with a beautiful banner on the back reading "Just Married" in elegant letters.

The two of them piled into the carriage opening the window and waved to the crowd.

The crowd slowly but surely disappeared from sight.

"We'll have to be at the reception in a hour." They were at a clearing where the reception was going to be held. Nothing but the peaceful tranquility of nature was around them.

They stood at the edge of a lake, Rarity laying her head on his shoulder as he wrapped her arms around her waist.

He began laying a small trail of warm kisses across her neck, up to her jaw line to her ear, and back down causing the mare to moan in delight.

Raising her head she pressed forward as their lips met. His tongue came out once and skimmed around the line of her lips. Rarity lips parted automatically, and she had a sharp intake of breath as his breath swirled in her mouth. In response, he moved his tongue slowly into hers.

Rarity began to press her own against his bottom lip to grant him entrance.

He slid tongue halfway into her mouth. She touched hers to his and tightened the hold she now had on his shoulders.

Minutes passed as they lost themselves in the act. Finally they parted with a noticeable smack and rested their foreheads together.

"I believe we have a party to go to," he said in a casual tone.

"Yes, I suppose it would be rude of us to keep them waiting." The two of them began making their way to the reception. They would have tonight to finish what they started.

Even the trees leading to the building were decorated in streamers and lights.

"Shall we go in, Mrs. Whiropool?" he asked he said, emphasizing the name, his smile, if possible, got even wider and his cerulean eyes swam.

"Well, now, Mr. Whirlpool, I believe that I, Mrs. Naruto Whirlpool, is in fact ready to go inside," she said, not able to contain her own smile. She held out her arm for him to take, and he reached around her waist instead, an attempt to get closer.

With that they entered into the lobby.

"Finally!"Rainbow said exasperatedly, looked quite annoyed, yet still perfectly composed. "Took you two long ago."

"Now calm yer britches! Its plain obvious they wanted some alone time." Applejack lightly chastised her.

At that moment Vinyl started to announce names over the loud speaker.

Finally the couple of the evening had their names announced.

Vinyl called their names over the loud speaker and the applause began.

All of their guests were already there.

The walls had decorative ribbons and velvet tapestries, perfect and flowing. Beautiful.

They stepped into the room together, to the sound of applause.

Husband and Wife made their way around the room, greeting everyone, even those they didn't recognize, and by the time they made it around , a hour must have passed.

They soon went to their table, with two chairs, raised above all the rest. All the tables except two were of a royal purple. Their herd mates was silver while Naruto and Rarity's had a white silk draped across. When everyone was seated, Gryff stood up and coughed a booming cough.

"Ladies and gentlstallion," Gryff said, laughter tracing his tone. "May I have your attention, please?" he said formally, lifting up his glass. Everypony quieted immediately. "Thank you," Gryff said politely. "I had to admit. I did not expect my boy Naruto to get married so soon. Before we parted I knew one thing. When it came to mares he was as dense as a rock," he turned to Naruto and laughed slightly, "Jokes on me I guess. He found a mare willing to put up with him. That in itself shows there is someone out there for everyone. Miss Rarity here sure is something special, to catch his heart." Gryff paused to take an unneeded, dramatic breath. "I am glad to see my friend has found his happiness. May they live a long and happy life with their herd. To Naruto and Rarity," he closed, raising his glass as everypony applauded and then went to speaking amongst themselves. The food was soon served.

"I'd like to direct your attention to the appetizer buffet station, where the Grooms are currently setting up shop to cut into the cake."

"Cake?" Rainbow perked up and turned with everyone else.

Naruto and Rarity were standing in a space at the end of the appetizer table. The table had been cleared and only a row of plates sat there. Naruto and Rarity held a large knife in their conjoined hands. A large cake was wheeled out from the back by two mares in chef's ensembles. It was a large white cake with moderate indigo and orange flowers trailing from the top their down the bottom; four tiers high. The top of the cake had the same flowers in a circle around the edge; running with a gap between the edges where the flowers cascaded down the cake, as if connected by a chain of flowers. There was a cake topper with the likeness of the bridge and groom. The cake was about the height of the couple, as the cart it was wheeled in on was lower then a regular table.

"The bridge and groom will now cut the cake and partake in the consumption of it, before we start having it cut up and served for guests." Celestia stated.

Naruto and Rarity positioned the knife at the top of the top tier and shared a kiss as the cameraman snapped a photo of them together. The knife gently and easily split through the top tier of the cake, and they cut again to make a triangle-shaped piece of cake. Rarity set the cake down and they both grabbed a piece of the triangle in their hands.

"One…" Naruto started.

"Two…" Rarity continued.

They both moved the pieces of cake closer to one another's mouths.

"Three!"

Before anyone could say anything or the cameraman could snap a photo, they both took a bite out of the cake at the same time.

"Cake will be delivered to the tables individually," Celestia began, "so don't make a beeline for the table."

"While cake is being served, please enjoy this song, picked out by the the lovely couple themselves.

000

"Could the Whirlpools please take their places on the dance floor, for their first dance as husband and Wife." Vinyl spellcrafted out.

Rarity and Naruto walked out onto the dance floor, hand in hand. Naruto spun Rarity to face him, wrapping his arms around her waist. Rarity placed her arms around Naruto's neck and stood on her toes a little to be eyelevel and give him as kiss that the cameraman captured on film, before the music began. A slow paced song that sounded like a recording that would be played during meditation came out of the speakers for a few moments as Rarity laid her head on Naruto's chest and they swayed back and forth to the music. As quickly as it had started, it changed into a more upbeat song that not only got Naruto and Rarity separated and dancing, but got the guests on their feet as well.

Now the floor was quickly being filled with more pairings.

After about five hours of partying and good natured ribbing between guests and the hosts, the party began to die down. After a few games that led to the children winning prizes that included colorful trinkets, goodie bags, and even centerpieces from the kids' table-miniature versions of the ones on the other tables-and adults picking numbers from a hat to win centerpieces or another prize, guests began to leave with sleepy children and intoxicated adults.

"Ready to get out of here?" Naruto asked Rarity.

Rarity sighed nervously. "I'm more than ready." It wasn't a total lie. She was excited about what was to come once they left.

"Great, let's say good-bye to everyone and we'll head up to the room." After the wedding everyone had made their way back to the recently constructed hotel in the area.

"Hey you two, what's the rush?" Hondo asked the two as they stood hand in hand.

"We're tired," Rarity released Naruto's hand and hugged her father tight and then embraced her mother. "It's been a long day."

"Please, I think we all know why you two are in such a hurry to leave." Rainbow replied with a snort.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy scolded and the mare just shrugged her shoulders.

"Oh come now, we all know how wedding nights play out." She replied.

"If y'all on the way out then ah might as well go gather everypony so we can bid y'all a goodnight."

"Thank you Applejack, that's much appreciated." Rarity told her.

A few moments later, Applejack returned with the rest of their families and the good-byes were said.

"Have fun!" Rainbow called as the two headed out of the hall and made their way to the elevator. The two shared a quick kiss as the door opened and they stepped inside.

Moments later they arrived at their suite and stood outside the door. "Ready to continue our life together?"

"As if you even have to ask," Rarity smiled as Naruto swiped the key card and opened the door. Rarity's stomach erupted in butterflies as she felt Naruto lift her up and carry her into the room. He kicked the door closed and sat her down in front of the bed.

"B-Beloved before we continue there is something I need you to know."

Naruto ran his fingers through her luscious hair and kissed her tenderly on the forehead, "Okay and what's that?"

"After…after my bridal shower I went to see the princesses and with that I was given gifts. And Princess Cadance…and well…" she couldn't help but blush at this. "She prepared for me a sacred bath." The blond's eyes widened from what she assumed was surprise. "I used it to completely purify my body and to regain my virginity. I could think of no greater gesture of love and romance than being able to give myself to you again on our wedding night." Naruto remained silent. He closed his eyes as his expression changed into surprise and disappointment. "B-Beloved?" Surely this couldn't have been a problem? She would have thought this would be one of the most romantic things that could have been done so why...Her thoughts were cut off by the love of her life kissing her. Rarity was becoming enthralled by the kiss when her suddenly pulled away leaving her wanting for more.

"I always felt, that it was a bit unfair I could never give you what you gave me that night. Then Cadance shows up and telling me about how her magic can uniquely create a sacred bath for this purpose. I see what her plan was. I have to give it to her very crafty."

Then that meant.

They could.

Rarity began to tear up. She would remember what Cadance did for them for as long as they lived.

"I love you," he whispered in her ear and brought his lips down to her own.

"I love you too," She whispered after the kiss broke.

Naruto pulled her closer and she wrapped her arms around his neck. His lips found hers once more and Rarity's lips parted as she melted into the kiss. Rarity closed her eyes tighter as she felt Naruto's hand snake behind her and latch onto the zipper of her gown.

The kiss grew deeper as Rarity played with the buttons of Naruto's shirt. Rarity unfastened the last button before sliding the jacket and the shirt off his muscular arms. As the need for air became necessary, Rarity pulled away from the kiss and let her eyes roam over Naruto's exposed chest. She smiled in appreciation as she felt Naruto's hands grabbing her sleeves and guiding them down her shoulders, allowing the dress to fall to the floor.

Rarity shivered as she stepped out of her shoes and closer to Naruto. Their lips met again and Rarity found her hands unconsciously heading for the button on his pants. She unsnapped the button and slowly pulled the zipper down, allowing the pants to fall to the floor. Naruto stepped out of the pants and removed his own shoes as their kiss broke once more. He held her close and he slowly reach behind her and unlatched her lace bra. Taking a small step back, Naruto slid the straps down her shoulder and watched as the lace fell from her body. Instead she stood there as Naruto's eyes roamed over her naked chest. "You are as beautiful as ever," Naruto whispered, bringing her into another kiss.

Naruto ran his hands over her and Rarity moaned as she felt herself shimmer from his touch. Naruto brought his lips down to her neck before quickly moving down to her breast. Rarity's moaning increased as she felt Naruto's lips on her fully exposed breasts.

Her arms went around his neck and her fingernails pressed firmly into his back. Naruto smiled, bringing his lips back to hers for a small kiss before lifting her in his arms and placing her on the cool, silk sheets.

Rarity watched Naruto hook his fingers in his boxers and slide the material down his legs. Naruto joined her on the bed and Rarity's breath quickened as she felt his erection pressing into her stomach. Naruto's lips found her breasts once more. He massaged her left breast with his hand while he brought his mouth to the other, biting down gently on her hardened nipple. Rarity moaned as she felt her entire body responding to Naruto's advances. It was such a weird combination. The memories and experience from love making with the impulses of a virgin body. It was difficult to keep her line of thought coherent at times.

Naruto's lips passed her smooth stomach and Rarity exhaled as she felt Naruto slide his fingers in her panties. She lifted her lips and Naruto took the opportunity to glide the lace garment off her. He continued his trail of kisses down her body until he arrived at his destination. Knowing

She closed her eyes as she felt Naruto kiss her inner thighs before licking over her in one teasing swipe. Rarity moaned and gripped the sheets as Naruto continued to stimulate her sensitive bud.

After the tremors subsided, Naruto brought his lips back to hers in a passionate kiss. Rarity eagerly returned the kiss as she threw her arms around his neck.

Naruto released the kiss and stared into her eyes. "Are you ready…again?"

"Always Naruto." . He entered her slowly and Rarity could feel her body stretching around him. She let out a hiss as she underestimated the pain she would feel losing her virginity a second time.

Naruto held himself still inside of her as he kissed her forehead. "Are you okay?"

Rarity nodded. "Yes, I do believe I got a little cocky. Now, darling, who told you to stop?" she prompted him to continue Naruto slowly withdrew and slid back inside her. Rarity shut her eyes as the earlier pain turned into ecstasy. She moaned out as the very familiar sensations of their love making was returning.

She couldn't help but pant as she was finding herself quickly reaching her peek. Cadance did warn that whatever sexual stamina had been built up would be reset back to zero as a result of the cleansing.

Within moments Rarity felt the now familiar eruption go off inside her and she screamed her pleasure, cocking her head back as her horn was shooting off sparks.

Naruto followed soon after, spilling himself inside of her. Finally feeling himself calm down, Naruto fell tired on top of Rarity.

Breathing heavily, they lay meshed together, both sweaty and exhausted. Both were too tired to say a word, not that anything needed to be said. One look into each other's was all they needed. Finally Naruto rolled onto his back and cradled her naked body in her arms. She laid her head on his chest, and closed her eyes falling into a peaceful sleep. Naruto kissed the top of her head before falling into his own deep sleep.

Mare-is, Phrance

The sun was high up in the sky setting all the sights of Mare-is in a glorious golden light. Despite nature's best efforts to tempt the occupants to come outside, the curtains of the honeymoon suite at the Le Royal Iris were still closed. Only a small ray of sunlight managed to peak through an opening in the curtains, landing on the large bed, where two shapes could be made out under the sheets, their heads resting close together on one pillow.

"Naruto?" Rarity's voice sounded lazy, relaxed.

"Mmmmm..." Naruto answered, as languidly as his wife.

"What do you want to do about lunch?"

"Well... what we did for breakfast seems just fine to me."

Rarity smiled. "While that would be pleasant I am afraid I am famished and in need of an actual meal beloved."

Naruto look up in mock surprise. "You mean I cannot satisfy you?"

Rarity's cheeks colored slightly. She enjoyed this playful, sexy banter as much as Naruto, but she couldn't help blushing occasionally, which only made her more desirable in his eyes.

"More than anything, beloved. Every part of me except for my stomach." She giggled and kissed him playfully on the nose.

"Mmm, I bet I can take care of that as well," he joked, and pulling the sheets over their heads completely, he hugged her to him in a tight embrace and smothered her giggles with kisses.

A while later Naruto and Rarity emerged out of their suite, dressed and freshened up, to go downstairs for lunch. As Naruto closed the door behind him, he noticed the 'Do Not Disturb" sign which hung from the doorknob. "Do you think we can safely remove this?" he asked Rarity with mischief dancing in his eyes.

She nodded. "Just don't lose it... we'll be needing it again," she replied with a straight face. Naruto grinned, and hung the sign on the inside of the door.

When a maid saw, them walk past and noticed that the sign was gone from their door, she shook her head in wonder. Newlyweds. The "Do Not Disturb" sign had hung on the doorknob for three days straight. Quickly, she took her chance, and let herself into the room to change the towels and bed before the occupants would be back.

While waiting for their lunch Rarity went over the list Fleur had given them. "There is just so many places I wish to go beloved. It was rather considerate of Fleur to give us a list of recommended spots for our honeymoon."

"I'm looking forward to it. Anything in particular you excited about?"

"Well I do admit be able to finally visit the sights I only got to read about as a filly has me excited as…well a filly."

Not that I haven't enjoyed our honeymoon so far, darling, but I would really love to see the view from the Eiffel Tower."

They shared a chuckle, and Naruto and Rarity's hand in his. He lifted her hand to his face and pressed his lips to her fingers. "No view can beat the one I have at this very moment," he whispered at her. Their gaze locked and they remained sitting very closely, until a waiter brought their food and the spell was temporarily broken.

When they finally got outside in the warm Mare-is sun, Rarity was overwhelmed by the beauty of the city. She'd never been outside of the local counties around Ponyville and Canterlot and highly anticipated the sights of another culture.

She had been eager to see the view from the Phrance's legendary Tower, but Naruto told her that he wanted to save that for another day.

"It's so much nicer when you can see all the sights you've been to from up high," he explained to her. She saw his point, and was happy enough to discover the city from the ground first.

They decided not to take part in any guided tours. All the tours seemed to want to cover as much as possible of Mare-is in one day. Why hurry, they reasoned, when they had all the time in the world? Besides... They didn't want to pin themselves down to a schedule.

So, they easily took their time, strolling in one of the city's famed museums.

The Louvre took them a whole day. Rarity enjoyed looking at the different paintings and sculptures.

When they reached the Marea Sally, Rarity couldn't hide a hint of disappointment.

"While the history behind such an exquisite piece is exciting I do admit...." she said to Naruto, cocking her head slightly at it. "...that the hype around the piece has result in me feeling a tad let down for something I expected to be more visually impressive!"

Naruto chuckled. "Personally, I don't see what all the fuss is about," he said, as he walked up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. "If I wanted to see an enchanting smile I just have to visit the shop of the mare right here in my arms!" And he kissed her neck in the middle of the museum.

Rarity blushed, at the compliment as much as at his caress. "Beloved, I hope you do not plan on putting on a show." she warned softly, as they were drawing attention to themselves.

"What if they are.. I'm allowed to kiss my wife, aren't I?" he whispered onto her soft fur. Then, realising it was indeed rather crowded around them, he moved to stand next to her. Not wanting to break the contact completely, he still kept one arm around her, and with a last look at the Marea Sally Lisa, they walked on to the next painting.

The Mare-is Tower proved to be everything Rarity had anticipated. As it towered over everything, they'd already seen it from a distance several times, but when they got out of the taxi which took them to the actual site, it seemed even bigger than she had imagined. The metal structure itself was very impressive, if maybe not pretty, from up close, and she almost fell backward while letting her gaze travel ever higher to its top.

"How high is it again," she asked, leaning into Naruto while still looking up.

"It's 300 meters," he answered. "It's a rather impressive structure. I wonder how tall other structures in Equestria's other cities are?"

Rarity nodded in agreement.

"There are a few other sights to check out from here," Naruto commented, putting his hand on the small of her back, guided her to the entrance.

When they'd reached the top platform, the view of the city at their feet filled them with awe. The weather was still gorgeous, and the lowering sun gave a golden glow to the city, making it look like something from a fairy tale.

"Look, the Sacré le Aurora," pointed Rarity enthusiastically, spotting the dome which shone orange in the evening sun. "Oh, and the Arc de Triomphe!" She flashed a happy smile at her husband. "This truly is an enchanting sight."

As the sun lowered, they watched the lights of Mare-is popping up around them. Rarity stood against the chest-high fence, a look of admiration on her face. Naruto walked up next to her and put his arm around her shoulders. She leaned her head on his shoulder, and they stood together, enjoying the beautiful view without speaking.

Naruto broke the silence.

"We could go out in the country tomorrow, if you'd like? I mean, we don't have to stay in the city all the time. Maybe, go for a nice, quiet picnic?"

"That's a wonderful idea," she agreed.

Naruto squeezed her tighter to him.

"We should leave early then, tomorrow, so maybe we should go back to the hotel. Get an early night?"

She half turned so that she faced him. "Then we better make sure we take all the steps to have a good night's sleep then." By the expression she was giving him sleep was not exactly what they would be doing when they got back.

"This really was a good idea," Rarity commented, as she popped a strawberry into her mouth.

They were sitting on a large blanket, on which the remainders of a picnic were spread out. Plates covered with crumbs, empty cups and crumpled napkins were the silent witnesses of a delicious lunch. The staff at the hotel had really gone out of their way to cram a picnic basket to capacity with delightful sandwiches, cold meat, sweet cakes and fruit.

"I'm glad we came out here," she told him. "Mare-is is really beautiful, but it's crowded, too. This is so nice, and quiet." She looked around with a satisfied smile on her face. "Just the two of us enjoying each other without anything else distracting us. It has been awhile since things were that simple."

Naruto leaned into her for a kiss. "Yep, peace and quiet. One that we have earned." He deepened his kiss, putting an arm around Rarity to pull her closer.

Hours later, Rarity opened her eyes, slowly waking up from a peaceful slumber. Her head was on Naruto's chest and she snuggled closer to him, reveling in his closeness. She blinked, and then looked around in disorientation. The picnic basket came in to focus, and reality slowly came back to her. They'd dozed off in the warm afternoon sun. Rarity's cheeks flushed at the memory of the heated embrace that had preceded their little nap, and she quickly looked around to see if they were still alone. Having determined that they were, she quietly sat up. She buttoned up the top of her blouse and tried to straighten some of the creases out of her skirt. Looking around, she saw her jacket and shoes discarded on the other side of the blanket.

She looked down at Naruto. He was still sleeping, and she enjoyed just sitting next to him silently, looking at his content face.

A gust of wind blew one of the napkins away, and while Rarity made a grab for it, she noticed that the temperature had dropped quite a bit while they were dozing. She looked up and registered for the first time that the sky had gone dark with clouds. More wind, blowing harder now, tugged at her blouse and hair and she really started to feel cold.

"Naruto," she whispered, bending over him and kissing his cheek. He woke up and looked at her, with that slightly annoyed look of one being awoken from a wonderful nap.

"The weather has changed. I think we should be heading back to the hotel.

He sat up and yawned, taking Rarity's hand and bringing it to his lips. He shook his head to clear away the last shreds of sleep and looked around. Well that was a fun little excursion.

"Would this not look absolutely lovely on Fluttershy?" Rarity held up a large cashmere sweater.

"Doesn't she have enough sweaters Rare?" Naruto asked as he eyed the silk outfit.

"You can never have too many trendy outfits beloved Rarity said firmly and added the sweater to the pile of presents they'd picked out for their loved ones. They were going to be there for a while.

"I can't believe time has flown by so fast beloved," she stated, smiling at him. After a rather fun and enchanted three weeks of traveling, viewing the sites, and taking in the food, culture, and interacting with the Phrench citizens it was time to head back home to Ponyville. "It's been the most beautiful month of my life, but now, we need to return to our love d ones."

Naruto pulled her close and held her tightly for a while. "Yes, I do admit I have grown a little homesick and I am looking forward to seeing everypony."

"As am I." She remarked as the train that would be taking them to their long trek to their next destination arrived. "All aboard for home."

Never has the thought of 'home' ever been so sweet. The love between the couple was now stronger than ever and they were ready to face whatever challenges that were going to be thrown at them.