Rarity

Rarity moaned with pleasure as she stretched beneath the covers of her queen-sized bed. She had had a lovely time at the party last night and a most relaxing slumber when she returned to her home. She hadn’t even had the ‘Spike’ dream again. She covered her mouth with a dainty hoof to stifle a yawn, and sat up in her bed. The unicorn was ready to have a delightful day.

“Oh, what a splendid morning it is,” Rarity said as she stepped out from her covers and tidied up her bed. Next she magicked her bedroom curtains open, to take in the day’s rays of sunshine. She made sure not to stand too close to the window though, in case her mane was disheveled. Elated at the way the light gleamed off of the tops of the trees, Rarity trotted over to her antique mirror. The seamstress hummed a little tune as she brushed her hair out, making sure that all of her curls were in the correct positions. “Ah, perfection,” she announced to her reflection. “Now, what to do with myself today?”

Her train of thought led her down to her kitchen, where she prepared a light breakfast. After the meal Sweetie Belle made yesterday, Rarity didn’t want to eat any more than she needed to for a few days. Not to say that the meal was unpleasant, she thought to herself. but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

With that in mind she had a small quinoa salad, with lettuce, spinach and tomatoes. “Now let’s see, I’m finished with all of the clothing orders for this week; however, I am running low on jewels. One cannot assume that no surprise visits from customers will occur, and if I have nothing to work with nopony will have their dresses. I suppose that will be my day then.” She was cleaning her plate when another thought occurred to her. “Oh, I wonder if Spike would like to accompany-” Rarity blinked in revelation. She shook her head, chiding herself for the unwarranted suggestion. “Nonsense, Rarity, really. Spike is spending time with our friends today. It isn’t right for you to ask Spike to break from a plan to help me. I’ll just have to go alone, like I have these past four years.”

Rarity prepared her gem collecting bags, a spare one in case she had a good day, her shovel and a few snacks. It was a bright, sunny day out, so she levitated a sunhat onto her head as well. There was a slight breeze, a calming one which Rarity rather enjoyed, standing at the door to her home. The leaves rustled in the trees and shrubs and bushes, creating a tune that only a trained ear like Rarity’s could pick up on. It sounded to her like Fluttershy was having a rehearsal with her birds for an upcoming pageant of some sort, always adoring how the pegasus managed to harmonise the creatures into one truly lovely voice.

From her vantage point, Rarity observed that ponies were out and about, preparing for their daily activities or going off to their respective jobs. Rarity greeted them as they passed her by. Some were still talking of the party last night, which she found herself chuckling at. It was quite the soiree. And he is quite the dancer now. She had set out on her way to her dig site and almost didn’t notice Spike walking toward her, being so wrapped up in what gems she hoped to find today. “Oh, hello Spike.” She flashed him a quick but sincere smile while she came to a halt.

He appeared to be elsewhere as well, for her voice seemed to startle him. He smiled an adorably bashful smile as they met. “Hi Rarity. I didn’t think I’d see you today. Not that that’s a bad thing that I did see you, I was just…thinking about what Applejack and Rainbow Dash wanted to do.”

Rarity grinned back pleasantly and waved a dismissive hoof. “Oh think nothing of it, dear. I think if I had been more focused on my own thoughts we would have passed each other by unknowingly. As for Applejack and Rainbow Dash, I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself.”

“Yeah.” He nodded. “So, what are you up to?” Spike said while gesturing to her saddlebags with curiosity.

“Oh!” she replied, not taking her eyes off the purple dragon before her. Rarity could guess to what he was referring to regardless. “I’m going on a bit of a gem hunt. I was running out of jewels for my designs and it’s always good to have extra if something should come up.”

“Oh, do you need some-?”

“Spike, you are a dear to offer,” she thought he would ask that. Such a dear to me, as always. “but I’m alright. You have plans after all and I’ve managed just fine without your help these last few years.” The look Spike gave her in response stung her a little. She didn’t mean to sound so harsh, but it had to be said. “I cannot expect you to drop everything on my account. Not when you have plans already. It would be inappropriate.”

Spike’s wings ruffled at his sides. He scratched at his cheek and blushed slightly. “You’re right. I guess I was just carried away with how we once hung out. Back when we did this all the time.”

The fashionista smiled sweetly at the dragon. “Indeed. We still can make plans for that, make no mistake. I enjoy your company greatly.” He’s matured quite a bit. He talks to me more like a friend now, though he still has that same adoring look in his eyes at times.

“Maybe we can do that some time then.”

“Of course.”

“Well, I suppose I should be going.” He took a few steps behind her and glanced over his shoulder. “They’re probably wondering where I am.”

“Very well,” said Rarity. “I am looking forward to tomorrow. I’m sure you have much planned out for us.”

Spike chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I’m looking forward to it too. Bye, Rarity.” Before Rarity could question him on his sudden strange behaviour, Spike turned his head and made his way to meet Applejack and Rainbow Dash at Sweet Apple Acres.

Rarity watched him leave with a puzzled expression covering her face. He does have something planned for our day together, doesn’t he? She continued on her own way as her thoughts went on. Of course he does. But then what was his reason for being so nervous? Her heart skipped a beat as a thought occurred to her. She swallowed. Nonsense, dear. There is no reason to worry. You said you would go, so you will. She glanced back at the houses. Rarity was on the border of the town, leading up to her usual digging location.

“Even if I think I might know what it is upsetting him?”

Birds flew by on the gentle summer breeze, their sweet songs pervading the area of rock and soil that the seamstress was currently excavating. The sun shone its light down upon Rarity as she unearthed another stunning jewel for her designs: a sapphire with facets that gleaned splendidly in the warmth.

“Simply marvelous,” Rarity said as it hung in her magic. She spun the flawless gem around for a moment before she placed it into her saddlebags. Rarity admired her ever growing collection: two sapphires, an emerald of a perfect size and shape for one of her design projects, a rare lapis, three amethysts, two rubies of a luxurious sheen; the list went on. “Rarity, you’ve outdone yourself this time.” She stretched her back, beginning to feel the weight of all the trinkets she had found.

“Perhaps I should call it a day,” she reasoned. It would not do to push her luck after all, and she had had an experience with a lower back strain before. It had been her own fault for not taking notice. It was shortly after Spike left that it happened. Rarity wasn’t accustomed to carrying the bags herself and ended up paying for it. She had fallen to the floor from the shock of it, and when she attempted to stand, the muscle began to spasm.

Through her pain, Rarity had managed to teleport herself back to Ponyville. She shrieked in agony as she landed on the ground, passing out shortly after the throbbing subsided. The unicorn awoke in the hospital hours later. Twilight Sparkle told her that the teleportation put a rather large strain on her, causing her to pass out from the exertion. Still, the fashionista doubted anypony would have found her if she had not taken that risk. Rarity did not want to be left helpless out there when she knew Diamond Dogs were about.

Upon awaking, the doctors warned her to be careful when moving or teleporting, just in case her back had not healed fully. Rarity had listened to both Twilight and the doctors and rapidly found no further discomfort from the ordeal. In the span of nine days, and with a few more muscle spasms every so often, she was back to making dresses with the gemstones she had discovered on the day of the incident.

Her smile faded as she came to a realisation. “Perhaps…it was best that Spike was not here to see me like that. It would have broken his little heart.” Rarity turned to head back to Ponyville and saw a hole in the dirt, large enough to have been dug by a Diamond Dog.

She had not seen much of them since her first experience, only catching glimpses of paws or their backs as they dug into the dirt. Spike sure was brave that day, even if it was uneccessary. I can always count on him. Her smile returned, but it was a sort of sad smile. If…I was to fall for somepony, I would be glad to fall for somepony as gallant as him. Last night’s dance flashed briefly in her mind. Rarity found herself blushing. I think…that was the first time I have ever enjoyed a dance with somepony close to my age. I’m trying Spike, dancing and conversing and all, but…it is difficult to think of you in such a way after all the time that has passed between us.

“Almost there. Just a little further!” came a scratchy voice from the gap in the earth. Rarity recognised it fairly well, lifting an eyebrow in disbelief. The Diamond Dog leader, which she recalled was named Rover, climbed up to the surface. He wore a red gabardine vest and a collar around his neck studded with small, blue diamonds. His eyes were green and suspicious, while his fur was grey and tattered. He was glancing around, sniffing the air for something. Just as their last encounter, he stood on his hind legs. He met eyes with Rarity, and his mouth fell open. “Y-you! Pon- I…mean…Rarity.” As two more dogs emerged and took notice of the unicorn, they backed away awkwardly. Rover chuckled.

Rarity nodded slightly. “It has been a while, has it not?”

The three dogs nodded back. “Uh, yes. You look…uh…nice, yes.” The smaller dog, Spot replied. His fur was brown and his eyes darted back and forth. He was a head shorter than Rover, and he had an annoying way of fidgeting when he was nervous. Spot had a shorter tail than the others. It was almost covered by his grey vest, which hung down below his back. His collar was black with green gemstones placed inside.

“Thank you.” She arched an eyebrow, curiously. “What…brings you to the surface, if I may ask?”

“W-we heard some digging, and thought…uh, we could help whoever it was…with the digging,” Fido said. He was the tallest of the three, and most likely the strongest, though to Rarity that did not matter, they were all equally frightened to see her. His fur was a bluish-grey colour, and he wore a light grey vest. The dog had a few gems in his pockets and a collar around his neck as well. “We didn’t know it was you.”

“I see.” She looked to each of them in turn, seeing that none of them wanted to make eye contact. She smiled inwardly. Still have them wrapped around my hoof. “Well, if there is nothing else, I will be on my way. Help yourselves to what remains, though I’m sure you know what will happen if you should come after my gems, hm?”

“Oh, yes. We-we wouldn’t dream of…doing that. You are most generous to give us what is left.”

Rarity held her stern expression. As long as you keep your distance, you can talk sweetly all you wish. Without another word, Rarity spun around and made her way down the path back to town.

She heard the three dogs whispering, one saying, “I can’t believe we have to act nice to that…pony.” He spat out the last word angrily. “Shh, do you want her to scream at us again?” another spoke up in answer. The white mare stopped and faced them once again. They were all looking her way, but when she turned, all three froze, eyes widened. Rarity smiled smugly as she continued on her way.

Rarity sauntered along the streets of Ponyville, her saddlebags swaying at her sides full to bursting. She was thinking about what she had done with Fluttershy the day before. A little smile worked its way on to the seamstress’ face. The little dear, always so accommodating.

It was only after Rarity had explained the reason for the unexpected visit that Fluttershy seemed to see the pain barely hidden on the unicorn’s face. Fluttershy had suggested tea after letting the elegant mare in and had nearly let the kettle drop when Rarity told her what was wrong. Rarity’s reflexes were sharp that day, thankfully, and she managed to catch the glass container in her magic before it hit the floor.

The timid pegasus moved to comfort her, but Rarity had stopped her with a hoof raised in mid-air. “I’m alright, darling, truly; though I do appreciate your concern for my sake.” And she did. It was more than she thought she deserved. If Rarity could tell anypony anything about her personal dilemmas, it would be Fluttershy.

“If there is ever anything I can do to help, Rarity…” she had intoned to the mare as they sat around her table. Their tea was cooling in front of them, the kettle sitting in the middle for refills. Sweet and demure, Rarity thought as the conversation flashed across her mind.

“You’re helping me at this very moment. Why just listening, as you always do so well, is doing wonders for me.” The yellow pegasus nodded gently. A spark of hesitation had crossed Fluttershy’s face in that moment. Rarity inclined her head to show her concern for her friend’s trouble, though only able to guess at what it was. She hadn’t needed to know besides. Fluttershy looking apprehensive was enough for Rarity to worry.

“Rarity?” asked the shy pegasus after another moment’s silence.

“Yes, dear?” Rarity had noticed Fluttershy’s abrupt mood shift and reached across the small table to rest her hoof on top of the pegasi’s. As the unicorn wandered down the streets, a faint blush threatened to cover her cheeks; her thoughts continuing unabated by her unease with the developing topic in her head.

“Do you, I mean…think you might like Spike as more than a friend?” Rarity had swallowed hard and leaned back in her seat. Rarity remembered suddenly finding an interest in the intricate pattern of the white table cloth beneath her drink, as her head tilted down. Her hooves had brushed over the cloth around her tea cup for several moments, a pearl coloured lace fabric with thin and tall floral designs along the outside.

The fashionista had not been able to meet Fluttershy’s gaze, only able to clear her throat before replying. “I…I’m afraid I cannot answer that without any doubt, Fluttershy. He has changed so much…it’s all so sudden. I thought when I told him to wait a few years that I would be more prepared for when he asked me again. But I fear I’m just as unresolved as before.”

That was the thought that stuck out with her most prominently; the image that kept returning to her as she carried her gem haul through the town. She was trying to picture herself with Spike, but found it difficult to think of anything but the beast in her dreams. When her mind drifted back to her dance with Spike, Rarity slowed to a saunter. When he asked about his claws, I was afraid that they would scratch at my back…but…I didn’t feel anything. Did he even place his claws on me?

“Hi Rarity!”

Rarity jumped backward, eyes widening. “What!? Oh, Pinkie Pie.” She placed a front hoof over her chest to calm her nerves. “You startled me.”

“Aww.” Pinkie bounced in front of her blissfully, probably unaware of how the surprise had affected the poor fashionista’s thoughts. “I was hoping you’d know when I was coming by now. Sort of a Rarity-sense, if you will.”

Rarity found herself laughing at the pink pony’s rambling. “Pinkie, I’m afraid that no matter how much we get to know one another, I will never be accustomed to your sporadic and unpredictable appearances.” She coughed to try and regain some of her dignity; her legs carried her along once again.

“And…no Rarity-sense?” asked the party pony, sauntering about beside the frazzled mare.

Rarity shook her head in mild amusement. “Unfortunately not, my dear. I think you are the only pony that will ever have a sense like that.” Rarity didn’t always believe in Pinkie-sense, but sometimes the proof of its existence was difficult to just push aside. Like when she correctly guessed how many jelly beans were in a jar by how many times her left hind leg jittered multiplied by forty-two, or when an itch at the end of her nose predicted that somepony would be injured. The stallion hammering a nail into a wooden framework had suddenly found himself believing in her powers more, followed swiftly by Rarity.

One day Pinkie Pie had gone into a rather long explanation of how she differentiated a ‘regular’ nose itch from an ‘injury following’ itch or a ‘sad pony alert’ itch. The latter type of facial annoyance involved the entire nose being irritated. “Aww. Oh well, are those for our sewing project?” said Pinkie, pointing to her saddlebags while she resumed her bouncing, next to the unicorn.

Her question hung in the air as realisation struck Rarity. “Oh. Oh dear, I completely forgot!” Her pace lessened considerably as she turned to her friend. “Pinkie, I’m so sorry, it completely slipped my mind.”

“It’s okay, Rarity,” Pinkie Pie said without skipping a beat. “We can always do it some other time.”

“You simply must let me make it up to you.”

“How?”

The seamstress touched a front hoof to her muzzle in contemplation, setting out the options in front of her mind. “I don’t have as much time as I would like, but perhaps we can still work on your dress a little bit.”

“Really?” Pinkie shouted, giddy and hopeful as always. “Great! Say, do you need some help with those saddlebags?”

Rarity laughed lightly at the party pony’s concern. “You are the second friend who has offered me that delightful proposition. And while I appreciate the offer, it simply will not do. I cannot have you all carrying my things. How would I do anything on my own when the time comes?”

“Aw come, Rarity. What are friends for?” Pinkie suddenly stood up straight and proper and said, in her best Canterlot accent, “I simply must insist.” It was difficult to argue with her like that, or to keep from laughing. All the seamstress could do was chuckle at Pinkie’s serious expression and levitate the bags over the pink mare’s back.

“Oh, very well. I’m afraid you have me at an impasse; thank you most sincerely, darling.” The two resumed their slow walk back to the boutique, Rarity holding in a relieved smile from no longer having to carry such a weight.

“It’s no trouble. You just tell that impas to buzz off and leave you alone. Besides, you looked like you were a bit overwhelmed. This is kinda heavy.” The party pony jostled the saddlebags around on her back for a moment, most likely trying to find a comfortable position for the weight to rest.

Rarity bit her lip. She thought it had something to do with that. One little mistake is all it takes… “Pinkie, you mustn’t worry so much about me. It was my own fault back then, and I have since corrected that error.”

“I know, Rarity, but…”

“Pinkie, please.” Her words came out sharply, more terse than she wanted it to sound. Rarity took a calming breath before she continued. “I have enough ponies worrying over me. Please don’t add to the list.”

“Alright,” said Pinkie, after a moment of silence.

“Thank you. Now, come along. As I recall, we were adding the finishing touches to the dress you designed.”

“Right. Do you think these could be used for it?” Pinkie asked, gesturing to the saddlebags as they walked.

Rarity laughed softly. Just as I thought would happen. After a few seconds, she nodded. “Yes, I believe they could.”

The sun was beginning to set behind the trees, but Rarity and Pinkie Pie were hard at work on the blue satin dress. “Now just stitch that part together and we are almost finished. Excellent.”

It was a simple design, nothing too fancy. The back of the dress fell a bit further to the ground, covering the hind legs to draw the eye, with a bit of flare at the front where a touch of orange was sewn to the chest. It had been Pinkie’s decision to make her outfit with this fabric, having a glossy surface that she rather enjoyed. She had said it reminded her of her pajamas. Rarity could only shake her head and let out a chuckle of amusement.

It shimmered delicately, draped over one of Rarity’s many mannequins as she wandered around it, inspecting each side to make sure they were even. For the jewelry and accessories, Pinkie was surprisingly picky. It was funny for Rarity to remember. She had decided on a pearl necklace and a blue feathered hat for a spot of elegance, but it had taken much sifting through the seamstress’ wardrobe to come to a conclusion.

It turned out to be worth it though, Rarity had found. She nodded emphatically at the ensemble before her. “It’s looking really good, Rarity. Do you think we can start adding the sequins?”

Rarity studied the dress once more and imagined how the sequins would fit most comfortably. “I suppose if you don’t mind staying a little longer. Just let me look at the back and see if anything needs to be hemmed.”

“Okie dokey lokie!” Pinkie shouted. As Rarity worked though, she quickly noticed a drop in the excitable pony’s usual volume. It worried her. “Hey, you know tomorrow is your day with Spike?”

Upon hearing that, Rarity tensed up and crouched lower behind the dress. At this point in time she was happy that she had moved to the opposite side of the dress from Pinkie. “Yes, I recall,” she answered, though her voice was somewhat muffled by the fabric.

“What do you think you’ll be doing? Has he told you what he has planned?”

“No. He hasn’t spoken to me about it since the day it was scheduled. To be honest, Spike seemed a little bit nervous when I brought it up this morning. I’m sure he has everything under control though.” She took this time to stress over the little imperfections in the dress; reminding herself that she would need to hem this line and that.

The pink mare became silent again, which Rarity hoped spelled out the end of that line of questioning. She finished inspecting the outfit and willed herself to step out from behind it. Rarity took a bowl of sequins in her magic and levitated it over to her. She enveloped the dress in her aura and placed it on her sewing table.

“Pinkie Pie, I must say you did a fine job here for your first real project. I am most impressed.”

“Thanks so much, Rarity. I really enjoyed making this with you.”

“Oh, now, you’re beginning to sound like Spike. Not that I mind compliments, heavens no, but…” She hesitated, her train of thought traveling to a dead stop. Pinkie turned her head to be in full view of the seamstress, taking another one of her rare serious expressions.

“You miss when he was little, don’t you? When things were simpler.” Rarity swallowed hard. She hung her head and placed the bowl of sequins down on the floor. “Did you like him back then?”

“No, of course not!” She flinched. “Not in that way, I mean. He was adorable yes, and he still is. But he was a baby dragon.”

“Him being a baby dragon didn’t stop you from having him do things for you…” Rarity stared at the pink mare for a few heartbeats. She hadn’t expected this from Pinkie at all. It didn’t seem like she ever took any notice of the interaction between her and Spike. She was always bouncing off in some direction, searching for something fun to do, while the others trudged along.

However, spending time with her over the years might have given Pinkie some hints toward the situation. Had the fashionista spoken of Spike to anypony in a way that would warrant clarification? Did anypony else know about his affections toward her? He certainly did not hide it very well. “Do you want me to leave?” Pinkie’s question snapped Rarity out of her contemplating.

“No…no you’re correct.” Her reply was rushed, unpracticed. Her lower lip trembled. The seamstress could hear her own voice break and she knew Pinkie could too. Her ears drooped. “I have a lot to make up for, and much to think about.” The pink pony trotted up and sat with her, leaning into Rarity’s side. “It is not easy to think about. Just four years ago he was half my height, immature; it was easy to ignore his advances, passing them off as little more than a simple crush. Now he’s taller than me, a full-fledged dragon with powerful wings and sharp teeth. It’s a lot to adapt to.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. He is a dragon and you’re a pony after all.”

“Yes…” She shut her eyes loosely. I’m a very shallow, conceited mare, knowing that that is one of the reasons I am hesitant. “Pinkie…I’m going to tell you something; something rather embarrassing. I need you to promise me not to tell anypony else about this.”

Pinkie tilted her head to the side. “Or anydragon?”

“Yes, that too.” A weak smile formed on her lips. Even in this awful situation, you still manage to draw a smile out from me.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Rarity waited patiently for the mantra to be recited and nodded slowly when Pinkie had finished.

“I have been having dreams…of the rather frightful sort, for some time now. It mostly stopped when Spike left for Canterlot four years ago, but since he returned…they returned as well. They were dreams about him.”

Pinkie’s face lit up in recognition, a smile presenting itself as well. “Oooh, so did he save you from those spooks in your dreams then?”

Rarity blushed at the idea of Spike rescuing her from some scary creature from the Everfree Forest. “N-no…he was the nightmare.”

“Huh?”

“In my dreams he was…terrorizing Ponyville, just like he did four years ago…only…he was much larger. He seemed to be coming after me specifically, always showing up when I was about to break down.” She took a deep breath of air to settle her growing panic. She felt like she was reliving the nightmare as she told it. “I…I think that I am afraid of him. Of what he’s grown into, or what he could become if his greed should return.”

She tried to stay calm; telling herself that it was only a dream when she knew it was more than that. “What if…what he is greedy for is me? I’m afraid of what he would do. The dreams become more terrifying each night.” But last night… “Last night I didn’t have any dreams like that…I know I should not have them, I know he would never bring me to harm either, but my mind simply cannot live with that constant feeling. Those claws and the tailspikes…those teeth.” Rarity began to wonder what it would be like to kiss the dragon on the lips, presented with the constant fear of feeling those jagged edged razors.

“But Spike has great control over his tail and claws and stuff.”

“I know, I know.” The fashionista exhaled miserably. “That is why I feel just awful about all of this. It is not my want to be afraid of him, he’s a lovely friend to me, but I feel like that is the only possible conclusion I can draw from these dreams.”

“Maybe. Or maybe it’s because of all the stuff you made him do in the past that is making you feel guilty toward him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Okay, so what if, instead of him being gigantic and scary looking in your dreams because you fear what he became before, you actually fear that he won’t forgive you for your past treatment of him? You said it yourself, he’s targeting you. The bigger he is, the more you think he has to forgive you for, at least in your mind. It doesn’t seem like Dream Spike’s forgiven you for any of it though.”

That…cannot be true. “Pinkie…” She sighed again, conceding. “There may be some truth to that. I am still unsure how it would work between us. How would ponies react to seeing a dragon and a pony together? How would my business-” A wave of weakness almost overcame the mare. Her shoulders sagged as she tried to hold in her tears. Yes, I do care for the little dragon. She breathed in a ragged breath of air as a vision of her dancing with Spike crossed her mind. But no, I do not know if I love him.

She felt hooves wrap around her and cradle her gently. “He treats you nicely, doesn’t he?” Pinkie asked, trying her best to ease the unicorn’s sorrows.

Rarity sniffed and wiped away a stray tear. “Yes. Better than any of the stallions I have been with. But that’s just another problem, he isn’t a stallion.” She shuddered slightly and stepped out of the other mare’s loose grasp. “That should not matter to me. But it does, and I don’t know if I can change that. I just don’t know if I can think of him in the same way that he thinks of me.”

“You’re trying. That’s all that matters. I should probably head home. It’s getting pretty late out.” Rarity turned around and watched the pink pony head for the stairs.

“Yes, of course.” She followed closely behind as they descended to the first floor. “We will finish the dress some other time, I suppose.” Rarity smiled at Pinkie as they faced each other at the door. “Thank you, Pinkie Pie, for listening to a selfish mare…and for helping me.”

Pinkie appraised her with a stern expression on her face, schooling the cheerful smile from seconds earlier. “You’re not selfish, Rarity.”

“I…” The seamstress blinked. She hesitated, staring into her friend’s uncompromising gaze. “Alright. I’m sorry I said that.” I am selfish, truly…but there is no use arguing it at this time.

Pinkie’s demeanour softened and she began to bounce joyfully. “No problem, Rarity; happy to help. Bye!”

“Goodbye!” Rarity magicked the door open and the party pony bounded through it, hopping off to her home for sleep. The fashionista watched her leave and closed the door behind her. She leaned heavily against the frame. “Oh, what have I gotten myself into? Is it natural fear of dragons, or is it my own irrational fear of him becoming a-?” Her voice trailed off into a whimper.

She shut her eyes and shook her head. Monster. Her thoughts came unbidden to her, as she stood up and stared into her empty boutique. “What if Pinkie Pie is right? What if my fear is that he will never forgive me for what I put him through? It would explain the nightmares, but what about after the wedding and last night? I had no such dreams. Oh, this is the most difficult decision I have had to make, and I might not make the right one. Do I truly deserve his forgiveness at all?”

Opalescence walked up to her from the kitchen and took a seat before Rarity. She pet the fluffy white cat with the pink bowtie in her hair and smiled a weary smile. I wonder if you know how much cheer you bring me… Her cat meowed and ran up the steps to the unicorn’s room.

Feeling completely warn out and frazzled, Rarity sauntered from her front door, following Opalescence up the stairs and into her bedroom. She hadn’t had dinner, but she didn’t care. The thoughts warring within her mind silenced the sounds of her empty stomach. Rarity sighed heavily and wiggled her way under the covers. She fell asleep thinking about Spike, shortly after.

Author's Notes:

Here is one of my other favourite chapters, of course all of them have been outshot by chapter 16 now. It is still a very good chapter. I love how Rarity is needing to consider her feelings for Spike, but is having a difficult time.

Still, she is trying and how the relationship seems to be slowly developing is great. I think the party in chapter 8 really set it into another stage, which is really nice. I really enjoyed writing the part with the Diamond Dogs, because it has Rarity thinking back to when Spike tried to protect her...plus I feel like the dogs would still be terrified of Rarity four years later.

Also, the parts where Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie called into question her feelings of Spike were really good. I especially liked Pinkie saying how even though he was a baby dragon, Rarity still made him carry all of her stuff. Rarity really needs to think about all that she has done and make up for it, which I think she is really trying to do at this point.

Alright, onward to more chapter editing and posting. Ta ta! ^^