I woke up the next day and I must've been really tired from yesterday's running of the leaves as it was already late morning. I left my suit behind, but I put my shoes on as I wanted to keep my hooves clean for today, since I'll be visiting Rarity who'll be making a new suit for me which is very kind of her. I left my home and headed on to Carousel Boutique, I saw Applejack and Twilight along the way.

"Well if it isn't mister first prize, himself." Applejack greeted cheekily.

"Hehe, hi there Applejack and Twilight". I replied.

"Hey there Bond, we were on our way to see Rarity about this dress of mine with a button that needs sewing." Twilight showed me.

"Really? I was on my way there too, apparently Rarity is working on a suit for me."

We walked onwards.

"Well, ah say that's mighty kind of her." Applejack said.

"Just hope we don't give her too much work, she's a very busy pony, even at the best of times." Twilight added.

"I'm sure she'll be alright with making one suit and repairing a dress." I assured.

We arrived and walked into Rarity's home.

"Anypony home?" Twilight asked.

"She must be in her dress making room, upstairs." I suggested.

We then knocked on the door on our left and opened the door.

"Howdy Rarity." Applejack greeted.

"Shhhh." Twilight whispered to Applejack. "Can't you see Rarity's trying to concentrate?"

She was right, it seemed Rarity was hard at work on a dress.

"What do you think she's making?" Applejack asked quietly.

"Looks like a dress." Twilight answered.

"I wouldn't bother her this way if I were you." I warned.

Rarity looked back at us. "Is there something I can help you with?" she asked.

"Oh, very sorry to trouble you Rarity, but I need a quick favor." Twilight grabbed a dress and placed it on an empty table beside Rarity. "Could you please fix a button for me, it's my dress for The Grand Galloping Gala."

"Wait a minute, didn't we already go to The Grand Galloping Gala a few months ago?" I asked.

"Yeah, but that was only at a fine restaurant, outside the Canterlot Castle." Twilight explained.

"I see, I'll take your word for it."

We then got back to Twilight's dress.

"Oh no no no." Rarity gasped. "You can't wear this...old thing." she dismissed, "You need a glamorous new outfit and I'll make it for you, no problem at all, it would be my pleasure."

"Oh that's really sweet of you to offer, Rarity. But I-I can't do that, it would be so much work, this dress is fine."

"Twilight Sparkle. I insist on making you a new dress."

"But-"

"Not another word. I won't take no for an answer."

"Well, in that case, thank you for your generosity, Rarity. Knowing your handy work, I'm sure it'll be absolutely beautiful."

Rarity then looked at Applejack, "Let me guess, Applejack, you don't want a new gown either?"

"Gown? Shoot, ah was gonna wear my old work studs."

Rarity gasped again, "You can't possibly be serious Applejack, you absolutely must wear formal attire."

"Hmmm...nah."

"What if I just spruce up your ermm, studs for you a little bit?"

"Uhh, well, okay sure, why not. Since you're offering and all, just don't make them too frou-frou."

"Deal."

"Umm, Rarity?" I asked her,

"Oh goodness me!" she gasped again, "I completely forgot you were coming around here today, I'll get started on your new suit in a moment, dear."

I smiled, "Thank you."

"LOOK OUT BELOW!" we heard a voice from outside and I knew it was Rainbow Dash, she then crashed through the roof and bounced into the mannequins...or is it ponyquins, judging by the shapes?

"Oops, sorry, new trick, didn't quite work." Dash said as she got up from the mess.

"Hmmm...idea!" Rarity stated. "I'll make an outfit for you to wear to the gala too, Rainbow Dash."

Dash looked confused, "Outfit for the what now?"

"I'll make one for you and you and all of you, oh and of course Pinkie and Fluttershy too. Oh and when I'm done, we can hold our very own fashion show." Rarity suggested excitedly.

"Oh, what a great idea." Twilight agreed, "If you're sure you can handle it."

"Oh it'll be a little bit of work, but it will be a wonderful boost for my business, plus fun!"

"Ohhh, I love fun things!" Dash added.

"Then it's settled, we'll have a fashion show, starring us!"

The mares all cheered whilst I tapped Raity in the shoulder.

"Oh and a suit for you, too, Bond."

Rarity then got out a couple of fabric rolls and started work.

"So, all you have to do is make a different, stunning, original and amazing outfits for all six of us, plus yourself, making it seven in lickety split?"

Rarity giggled "Oh Applejack, you make it sound as if it's going to be hard."

"Well, in that case, we'll see you later." Twilight said as she, Applejack and Dash left her home.

"Now I can finally know more about the suit you're making for me." I sighed.

"Oh yes, dear. You see the colours here, this is all going to be part of your new and marvellous suit."

Music then began to play, I knew there was a musical part coming.

"Uh oh, an incoming musical, I'm outta here." I then turned and was about to leave.

The music then stopped with a noise of vinyl scratching.

"Just a minute, Bond. I've been meaning to ask you."

Looks like I wasn't going to be able to hide it for long, so I turned back round.

"What about?"

"Well, why do you keep flying or running away whenever we ponies start to sing?" Rarity asked.

"Because it gives me bad memories of my past...and I'd rather not talk about it."

"I see, but musicals is part of who we are in all of Equestria, since the day Hearts Warming Eve became a holiday of songs."

"Well believe it or not, I'm one such pony who doesn't share that view."

"But please stay and watch how I do my work. You are earning a suit from me."

Oh, guess she really isn't that generous if she wants me to stay behind and listen to her sing.

I sighed and gave in, "Alright, I'll stay and watch, but I'll be the one having nightmares when it's bedtime."

Rarity squealed "Thank you darling. Now prepare to be amazed at my work!"

The music began to play again, but I didn't interrupt this time as I watched all her magic at work.

"Thread by thread, stitching it together

Twilight's dress, cutting out the pattern snip by snip

Making sure the fabric folds nicely

It's the perfect colour and so hip

Always gotta keep in mind my pacing

Making sure the clothes' correctly facing

I'm stitching Twilight's dress"

That was one dress down, five more to go, plus my suit.

"Yard by yard, fussing on the details

Jewel neckline, don't you know a stitch in time saves nine?

Make her something perfect to inspire

Even though she hates formal attire

Gotta mind those intimate details

Even though she's more concerned with sales

It's Applejack's new dress"

Dressmaking's easy, for Pinkie Pie something pink

Fluttershy something breezy

Blend colour and form,

[To Bond Racer] Do you think it looks cheesy?

"No" I answered normally.

"Something brash, perhaps quite fetching

Hook and eye, couldn't you just simply die?

Making sure it fits forelock and crest

Don't forget some magic in the dress

Even though it rides high on the flank

Rainbow won't look like a tank

I'm stitching Rainbow's dress"

"Piece by piece, snip by snip

Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip

Thread by thread, primmed and pressed

Yard by yard, never stressed

And that's the art of the dress!"

Whew, I'm glad that's over, I said to myself. After she was done singing, she then used her magic once more to make my suit and it was done.

"Here you are, Bond. All finished. What do you think?" Rarity asked, showing me a black suit with a white neck-collar and a brown bow-tie with matching black shoes.

I had to admit, I was very impressed with her handiwork...or is it hoof-work?

"I should try it on, just to be sure." I advised.

"No problem at all, put in on."

I used my alicorn magic to dress myself and then looked in the mirror, I began to admire my appearance in my new suit.

"Ooooh, I must've worked my fabulous style a little too much on yours, because you look smashing!" Rarity complimented.

"I sure do and I love it!" I replied, "It's as if I'm wearing the best suit around and I'm invited to any party I can go to!"

Just then, we heard a knock on a door.

"Oooh, come on in, girls!"

Soon, we saw Twilight, Applejack and Dash back but with Pinkie and Fluttershy this time.

"Girls, you're just in time...have a look at your new dresses!" she pointed to them.

"These are your new outfits. What do you think of your old duds now, Applejack? Pretty swanky, are they not? And Twilight! I made this dress for you and I designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony's unique personality. Oh, it took me forever to get the colours right on this one, Rainbow Dash, but I did it. Oh, and it turned out BEAUTIFUL, don't you think? Ooo, and I know you are going to love yours, Fluttershy. It just sings spring! And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink! Your favourite! Aren't they all amazing? "Rarity announced each dress's details very excitedly as she awaited the instant approval from her friends.

There was a silence so deep, that I could hear every pony's eyes blink, especially Rarity who kept smiling excitedly.

"Wow... They're..." Twilight didn't know what to say.

"Yeah, they're..." Rainbow Dash tried to assist.

"They sure are something." Applejack added.

"Yes!" Twilight pointed out. "Something."

"I love something! Something is my favourite!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"It's... nice." Fluttershy commented, but she held her ears and head down as if she looked disappointed.

"But what's the matter, don't you like them?" I asked them, "I mean, I love this suit that she worked on for me."

"Oh no, yours is very nice...the dresses are nice too." Twilight assured.

"And we're so plum grateful that Rarity work hard on them."

"Okay, no offence Applejack, but that was a lousy lie." I remarked.

Applejack changed her tone, "Oh umm... ah guess what we're all saying is that they're just not what we had in mind."

The others nodded and Rarity changed to a disappointed look.

This was confusing, how could they not be overjoyed with their new dresses? I found them all amazing and ideal for each of them, despite my lack of knowledge about fashion and being a stallion. What more could Rarity possibly do to make them perfect?

"That's okay." Rarity picked herself up. "Not a problem. There's plenty more where that came from. They were only a first pass. You're my friends and I want you to be 110% satisfied. Not to worry, I'll redo them."

"Oh, Rarity. You don't have to do that. They're fine." Fluttershy tried to reason.

"I want them to be better that just fine." Rarity explained as she began her redoing process. "I want you to think they're absolutely perfect."

"Are you sure? Ah mean, we wouldn't wanna impose." Applejack asked.

Rarity laughed. "Oh, it's no imposition. Really, I insist."

"Well, in that case, thank you again, Rarity." Twilight thanked as she and the other ponies began leaving the room.

Rarity laughed nervously. As soon as the door closed, she looked at the ground, sadly. "What have I gotten myself into?"

"A heap of trouble?" I asked.

"Well, obviously." she remarked.

"Rarity, don't you think that would be too much for you?"

"Not really, if they want their dresses done differently and perfectly, I shall do it."

"But I don't see why after the trouble you went through with these first dresses, I thought they were amazing."

"Well, thank you Bond for understanding, but I just wish the others saw it that way."

"Maybe I can try to convince them?" I suggested.

"That would be so kind if you could, dear."

"Alright, I'll head off and talk to them, don't work too hard."

Rarity nodded as I took off my new suits and shoes and left her home.

I found them walking along by the town.

"Hey girls, do you think I could talk to you five?"

"Sure, what is it?" Twilight asked.

"Don't you think that you were being a little in-polite with the comments you made about the dresses?"

"What makes you say that, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"You have to understand that she worked so hard on those dresses and I was there, watching it all take place."

"We know that obviously, they just weren't what we had in mind." Dash exclaimed.

"Well I hate to bring out my logic book here, but why didn't you just explain what you wanted your dresses to be BEFORE she started making them?"

"Oh right, we didn't think of that...but it was all happening so fast." Dash said.

"We were just taken back by her generosity." Twilight added.

"I know, I was too when she made that suit for me which by the way I thought was more than just nice, it's the best suit I ever had!"

"Now who's the one bragging..." Dash muttered.

"What was that?" I asked in an almost yelling way.

"Hey! Why don't we go back one by one and ask her to make dresses for us with our ideas in mind?" Pinkie asked whilst jumping.

"Pinkie, that's actually not a bad idea." Twilight agreed.

"Girls, you're missing the point."

"No we're not, we're on point and going back to Rarity." Pinkie stated.

"Alright partners, let's go." Applejack said as the five of them turned round and went back.

"Girls, come back here!" I yelled, but they ignored me, "Ugh, this will end in tears..."

I walked back home to take a quick rest, but I was starting to worry about Rarity working too hard because of the girls's fussiness over their dresses. Later that day, it was already sundown and I heard a knock on the door, I opened it to find Spike in front of me.

"Oh hey dude, haven't you heard?" he asked.

"Heard about what?" I asked in confusion.

"Do you know a pony named Hoity Toity?"

That name rung a bell...slightly. "I think I do, isn't he the bigwig hotshot from Canterlot?"

"Yeah, that's him!" Spike exclaimed, "He heard about Rarity's fashion show, well maybe I haven't mentioned it to him. He's coming here, all the way from Canterlot to see her work."

"Wow, that must be quite an honour for her, when's the fashion show?"

"Later tonight."

This struck a nerve as I knew it would involve the dresses the five wanted theirs to be instead of Rarity's original designs.

Soon, it was night time and the fashion show was about to start, many ponies attended the event, I took a seat by the front centre stage with Spike on the left side of me, before we were greeted by none other than Hoity Toity himself.

"The appearance of the stage and outdoor is not too shabby." he commented before noticing me. "Sweet goodness! An alicorn in Ponyville?"

"Yep, you're looking at Bond Racer." I stated confidently.

"My, my, my. How did you become one?"

"A lucky birth, according to the Princess."

"Hmm, indeed." he clapped his hooves and a pony game him a cushion to sit on.

The lights went dark on the stage, signalling that it was starting now. Typical fashion music began to play, courtesy of my cousin, Vinyl Scratch on the decks. Which reminds me, I need to go to one of her parties sometime, haven't done so for months.

One by one, the five mares came out with their new dresses on and I was shocked, they looked so awful compared to the dresses they had before and that hurt me inside, considering this was Rarity's work. Hoity Toity agreed with me sadly.

"It's a travesty is what it is. Those outfits are the ugliest things I've ever seen, oh for shame. Who is responsible for subjecting our eyes to these horrors? Not to mention wasting my valuable time!"

It was about to get worse as Rarity walked on stage looking down and feeling miserable, I could only shake my head watching it all unfold. Shortly though, the torture was over and all the ponies, including Hoity Toity, left the event. Spike had already gone home, but the rest of us stayed as they needed to change out of their dresses. I walked around the back to outside the dressing room and found Rarity sitting down and in tears, which proved my point earlier.

"Rarity, I'm so sorry to see your dream go down in flames like this." I said to her as I hugged her.

She wailed quietly but accepted my hug, "It isn't your fault dear, but right now, I need to be alone." she sniffed before pulling out of the hug and walking slowly to her home.

I had never seen Rarity looking so miserable, I was beginning to feel sorry at her, compared to my first opinion about her when I first came here.

The rest of the ponies came out of the dressing room to find me with an annoyed look.

"Uh, Bond, where's Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"Went home...and in tears, might I add."

"But why?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well what do you think was going to happen earlier?" I exclaimed. "This event was her one chance to get a big break into the world of fashion, but because of your fussiness over the first dresses, she focused on your petty priorities instead of pursuing her own dream...and now it's all gone down in flames." I sighed. "I'm going home too, you five should be quite ashamed of taking her generosity for granted."

Their faces dropped with guilt, but I turned and walked towards my home. Heading in to my home, I went straight up to bed as there was nothing else I could do until tomorrow...

When the morning came, I got up and wanted to check on Rarity if she was alright. I was walking along to her home when I stopped Rainbow Dash with Rarity's cat.

"Uhh, what are you doing?" I asked in confusion.

"Shhh." she answered.

I looked at her then saw a dress on a mannequin near the tree, where Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy stood.

"Opal, how did you get up there? Hang on, you poor dear! Mama's coming!" I heard Rarity's voice.

When she said mama's coming, I couldn't help but snicker at the thought of a dirty joke...

Rarity came outside, rushing to get her cat off until she saw Rainbow Dash the same way I did. "Rainbow Dash? How dare you strand my poor Opal on the tree?"

"Well, how else were we gonna get you out here to show you this!"

The others presented the dress, leaving Rarity breathless.

"What is it? It's not... You..." She gasped.

"We all finished your dress for you!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Thanks to Fluttershy's freaky knowledge of sewing." Applejack added.

Guess Fluttershy does other things besides taking care of animals.

Fluttershy blushed. "Do you like it?" She asked.

"Like it?" She walked around the dress and observed it. "Like it?" She said, in a negative tone.

"Uh-oh. She doesn't like it." Fluttershy reacted.

"No, I don't like it." Rarity replied boldly, causing the girls to be disappointed. Suddenly, she turned around to them and exclaimed proudly, "I LOVE IT!"

"Yay!" Every pony cheered.

"You ponies did an amazing job. It's exactly the way I imagined it."

"We just followed your brilliant design." Fluttershy responded.

"Like we should have let you done for our outfits. Those first dresses you designed were perfect." Twilight added.

"We're so super sorry." Pinkie Pie apologized.

"You worked really hard to make our dresses exactly the way we wanted them." Rainbow Dash explained as she brought down Opal. "We all saw how well that turned out."

"Oh, I forgive you." Rarity accepted.

"Well, that's mighty big of you." Applejack said.

"But my whole career is still ruined!" Rarity dramatically cried.

"Oh, right. That."

"Maybe not." Twilight added, looking over to Hoity-Toity who walked behind me.

"All right, I haven't got all day." He stated.

We were then inside Rarity's home where we had the fashion show and I had my new suit on which made me feel happy.

"Take two." He announced as I watched, hoping the first dresses will be used this time.

Spike closed the curtains leaving the room engulfed in complete darkness. Rarity used her magic to create a light, which it itself created many special effects, stunning Hoity-Toity. Twilight revealed herself in the perfect dress Rarity had made.

"Hello... Oh, this can't be the same designer." Hoity-Toity commented.

Applejack then revealed herself after.

"Simply magnificent! And suddenly I have a fierce craving for some Dutch apple pie. Candied apples on a stick? Apple turnovers? Apple cobbler?"

Third, it was Pinkie Pie, representing the candy she loves so much.

"Brilliant!" He exclaimed.

Rainbow Dash frightened him when she introduced herself through thunder sound effects.

"Oh, spectacular!" He was really getting excited now…

Lastly, Fluttershy presented herself with the addition of loose petals

"Now this is a fashion show. All of these dresses are absolutely amazing. Who is responsible? Step forward, show yourself!" He commanded.

Rarity introduced herself in her new dress, presenting a light and I was blown away, the dress looked stunning on her.

"Bravo! Bravo! Magnifico! Encore!" He cheered.

"Oh, thank you. Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!" Rarity thanked, joyfully.

Every pony had gathered on the first floor of the shop, where Twilight began speaking her letter to Spike.

"Dear Princess Celestia. This week my very talented friend Rarity learned that if you try to please everypony, you often times end up pleasing nopony, especially yourself. And I learned this: when somepony offers to do you a favor, like making you a beautiful dress, you shouldn't be overly critical of something generously given to you. In other words, you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth."

I performed a rimshot on a drum-kit right on queue which made Twilight giggle.

Spike blew and sent the letter.

"Rarity, my congratulations on a most impressive fashion debut. Would you do me the great honour of allowing me to feature your couture in my best of the best boutique in Canterlot?" Hoity-Toity asked.

Rarity gasped.

"Now, I'll need you to make a dozen of each dress for me by next Tuesday."

Rarity quickly changed the expression on her face.

"Ta-ra!" he said before leaving.

"Don't worry Rarity, with us seven altogether, we can accomplish this in good time."

Soon, we began working making copies of the same dress designs and since we all knew what each dress needed to be, it didn't take long. It also felt great to put my alicorn magic to use as well. I may not be feminine, but I learnt quite a bit about fashion, something that Rarity was pleased to know about. It was almost the evening, by the time we were done. We had five copies of each dress made which should be much more than enough to impress Hoity Toity's boutique.

"Yes, most impressive my dear." I complimented, impersonating Hoity Toity's voice.

The girls laughed as we went in for a group hug.

"Thank you all very much for assisting me with my work. You ponies were a BIG help. I can't thank you enough." Rarity announced.

"It was nothin', Rarity! We wanted to make up for the trouble we caused." Twilight replied.

"Oh, don't worry about it." Rarity chuckled.

Soon, every pony left home for the night, I placed my suit and all I was about to leave to when I felt a hoof on my shoulder.

"Bond Racer, I also can't thank you enough for how much of a great help you've been today." she then hugged me.

I accepted the hug in return, "It's alright Rarity, I was doing what I was trying to be...and that's being a close friend."

"Well, I can take care of this mess, have a goodnight, dear." she said as we pulled out of the hug.

"You too." I replied as I left her home and back to mine.

What a pair of days and nights I thought to myself as I went into my bed. To go from having my suit designed by Rarity to learning a lot about fashion and helping her keeping her dream alive. It felt real nice to be apart of it, although I did wonder, where did those awful dresses go to? Oh well, maybe I'll find out tomorrow. I learnt an additional lesson all the while too, bow ties are cool! Next Chapter: A Brother/Sister Bond Estimated time remaining: 26 Hours, 27 Minutes