2: The Love of Friendship
2: The Love of Friendship
Rarity and Luna had confessed their love for each other about three months ago...
Ninety-one moons. Those ninety-one moons had only been a very, very, very small fraction of Luna's life... But they were by far her best and most favorite.
Nopony had ever made her feel special in all of her long years, as she didn't have love as an option. She was too busy being near nopony, as she was on the moon for a thousand years, or she woke up at night with not another pony in sight, as none were awake.
But Rarity... Rarity had made her feel special. She had done it when she came to Canterlot for business, about six months ago. She had an order for Celestia to make dresses for future global affairs, either with Saddle Arabia, or with the Griffons, or the Zebras.
Rarity had been staying in Canterlot for about a week. She had taken note that Luna was not around as much as she thought she would. She had asked Celestia about it, and she said that Luna sleeps during the day.
Duh.
Rarity mentally muzzle-hoofed herself for being so ignorant. Then she had a saddening thought; who were Luna's friends? After thinking it over, she realized that most ponies weren't up for very long at night, unless it was a special holiday or a certain pony worked late. This meant that she rarely saw and socialized with anypony at all. It filled Rarity with remorse that somepony had no friends; not because they really didn't want any (like Twilight), but because they had no choice.
Oh, how horrible she felt after her realization. She didn't know why, but she felt dreadful about Luna having no friends. After all, many ponies had no friends, so why was she so upset about Luna? Maybe it was because she was her leader, and she had a stronger emotional connection to her, as Luna was somepony that played such a major part in everyponies' lives. She didn't know, but she also knew she didn't care. Rarity was going to go to Luna that night after the moon was raised and talk to her, no matter what. She also decided that she would do one of the only things she knew how to do, and that was fabric-work.
She got busy cutting, sewing, snipping, gluing, and hemming the best piece of clothing she had ever done. Rarity felt obligated to do so, as the dress would be for royalty, and generosity and kindness was something that Rarity knew Luna needed. She already knew Luna's dimensions, as she had done many dresses for her. When the finished product came about, she stood back and admired her work. It was one of her favorite dresses that she had ever made, and she believed it was one of her finest. It had a very dark violet base color, with royal blue undertones. Layers upon layers of fabric were woven expertly and intricately all around the dress, and it mimicked Luna's mane; how it flowed with every movement, every jolt. It was so light that the smallest breeze would make it ripple. It had very short sleeves, and the end would come around the plot and to the bottom of her legs. Oh, how she adored that dress.
When she had finally finished, it was an hour after sundown. Rarity took the dress, carefully stowed it away in her carrying case, and high-hoofed it over to Luna's wing of the Canterlot Castle. Not too many guards were present, but there were two posted at Luna's door that simply refused to let Rarity into Luna's chamber, no matter how much begging and pleading she did. Not even whining worked. She didn't give up though. She knew that the guards would be switching shifts soon, and she would be able to sneak in.
Soon, she was in Luna's chamber, carrying case in magic aura, and trotted over to where Luna was standing. Luna was alone on her balcony, staring out over Canterlot. Rarity soon realized how out of place she was, and how weird the moment would be when she approached Luna. She turned to trot silently away, when a voice rang out through the room.
"Who goes there?" Luna interrogated.
Rarity stopped in her tracks, unsure of what to do next.
"Oh, it's you, Rarity." Luna said, after turning around to see the intruder.
Rarity was confused. Why was Luna so... Ok with her being there? After all, this was her bedroom.
Luna walked up to her. She got in front of her face, and saw Rarity's baffled expression. She knew she was confused, and decided to recede her worries.
"Do not fret, Rarity. I do not mind you in here; you have been in this room many times before, have you not?"
Then Rarity remembered. She had been in here before. Always for dress-work.
"If you wanted in, you could have just asked."
"Oh, ha! How silly of me. Of course!" Rarity said. "That's not what your royal guards think." Rarity thought to herself.
"Yes... Well, is there something you needed?"
Rarity finally got her bearings, and went down to business.
"Oh, no. It is simply... Well... All right. I understand how difficult it may be for you."
Now it was Luna's turn to be confused. "Um... Excuse me?"
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Let me explain..."
Rarity went on to tell her thoughts from the day. When she finished, Rarity explained to her that she had made princess Luna a dress, just for her, to show how much Rarity cared. Luna took it out of the carrying case; she thought it looked stunning. She asked to be excused to go put it on. Moments later, she came back to Rarity with her specially made dress equipped.
Rarity thought to herself, "Dear me... She simply looks heavenly. Wait. What am I thinking? Stop thinking of her like that. She is your friend and princess. Where did I even get those thoughts, anyway?" Her thoughts were stopped by quiet sobs coming from Luna. Luna, the princess of the night, in Rarity's dress that made her look dashing, was lying there. On the floor. Crying.
"Oh, dear! Whatever is the matter?" Rarity said as she raced to Luna's side. "Is the chest too tight? Do you not like it?"
Luna tried to stop her crying, but she couldn't. This wasn't like her. for goodness sake, She was a princess! And not only that, She used to be Mother-bucking Nightmare Moon! Why would a gift that came from the generosity of a pony's heart make her weep?
She shook uncontrollably, and her lips quivered. "I'm sorry Rarity. *sob* Nopony has ever *sob* given the time of night to me like you have. *sob* It is really *sob* something I will cherish for an eternity, and I *sob* thank you so much for this wonderful *sob* gift." Luna completely lost it after that, her thoughts melting together.
Rarity didn't know what to say. She just wanted to reach out to Luna. She didn't know how much she needed so much comfort. Rarity lay down next to Luna and put her hoof on Luna's.
For the rest of the night, Luna was bawling, sobbing, and crying rivers, much to her own disapproval. Rarity lay there with her, being a pillow of comfort as much as she could.
Luna fell asleep an hour before sunrise. Rarity figured Princess Celestia would be able to take care of both celestial objects in the morning, and fell asleep soon after.
For the next two months, Rarity and Luna would meet together every week to talk and see how each other’s lives were going. Luna kept her dress on a special display in her room. Rarity would see it every time she came to Canterlot, and would always think of that night that touched her and Luna so much.
Both were very excited to see each other every time they scheduled to meet. Every appointment, they grew a little closer. Soon, the two were the best of friends. Then, one night... things happened.
Rarity and Luna were sitting in the latter's chamber in front of a fireplace. Luna had selected a Pinot Grigio from the royal cellar, even though she had no clue what that meant. She was only a princess, not a connoisseur of vino. Rarity was very appreciative of the wine, and gladly accepted a glass.
The two were having one of their normal chats when Luna decided to ask a question that had been bugging her for quite some time now.
"Rarity, what would you do if you liked somepony that only liked you as a friend?" Luna asked.
Now there's a thought.
Rarity was thinking the exact same thing. What do you do? Her feelings that she had felt that first night had escalated, and she knew she liked Luna... as more than just a friend. But she thought that Luna only liked her as an acquaintance.
Oh, how wrong she was.
Rarity had touched Luna in a way that nopony else had. Luna knew she liked Rarity... But she thought Rarity only liked her as a friend.
What a predicament.
"Well," Rarity started, "I think I would try to ease it to her – Er – Or him, whoever it may be. Try and convey your feelings to that somepony as gently as possible... Just so that you wouldn't ruin the friendship."
Rarity was preaching something she didn't like to agree with. She wanted to tell Luna right then and there her feelings for her, and she had wanted to for a while... but she knew the very words she had said were true. She didn't want to ruin her relationship with Luna. She didn't want to lose her.
Luna seemed disappointed. She also wanted to spill everything, but she feared the same thing that Rarity did.
"Although, if you truly do believe you like that somepony, don't keep it inside. Just say it, but make sure to keep in mind what I said before." Rarity added.
Luna was relieved with what Rarity just told her. She would be able to tell her.
Silence filled the over-sized bedroom. Luna was frozen. She couldn't move her mouth. Neither could Rarity.
Luna decided to take a sip of her wine and calmed her nerves.
"Rarity... I... There's something I have to tell you," Stammered Luna, "I have had my eye on a mare for quite some time. She has become very close, and I would like to confess to her my love. I'm pretty sure you know her. Her name's..."
Luna stopped. Rarity had turned her head directly towards her. Rarity's ears pointed forward, picking up every sound that came from Luna's mouth.
Luna gazed into Rarity's dark, blue eyes. She examined every feature, every hair in her face and in her mane. Every atom of her was beautiful. She couldn't take it.
"Her name is Rarity."
Rarity jumped at Luna with a passion. She connected lips with Luna. Luna was stunned. She liked her back? Rarity only thought of her as a friend... Right? Why hadn't she told her before?
Quickly, though, Luna regained her self-awareness and leaned into the kiss. They both held each other in their hooves; they held each other so close, it looked like they feared that they would lose each other forever if they let go. Luna then decided to take it a step further. Her tongue slid to their connection and collided with Rarity's lips. Rarity was more than happy to oblige. Rarity opened her mouth and Luna slid her tongue in, and Rarity did the same with hers to Luna's mouth. Rarity tasted very elegant, like a gourmet dish that was meant to be enjoyed. Luna tasted very light, like air, and very cool, like the night. They slid their tongues around each other's mouths, probing each feature with their tongues. After a few minutes of passionate kissing, they pulled away. Only a string of saliva connected to each other. Both Luna and Rarity were in ecstasy, and panting heavily.
Luna spoke first. "You know, that wasn't a very gentle way of telling me you like me."
Rarity blushed and giggled.
Now, In the wise words of Lordskelzor, "And then they did it."
[Oh my fucking god, why did I even do this?]
Soon, Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Sweetie Belle, and Rarity's parents knew that the pair were in a relationship. Everypony was very happy for them, and totally supported their relationship. All except for those religious-as-buck ponies, but it didn't matter, because nobody cares. The next three months went by quickly, as the two interacted with each other; not as friends, but as fillyfriends. They visited each other every moment they got, but Luna usually came to Ponyville to visit Rarity. They had many... Eventful nights, and even more make-out sessions.
[I'm so sorry]
About a week ago, when Rarity and Luna were cuddling in bed, they said something that every great couple has said at some point in their relationship.
"I love you."
"I love you to."
All this brings to tonight.
And tonight was going to be special.
"Hello, Darling!" Rarity said.
Butterflies pumped into her stomach from an unknown force that felt like it was about to make Luna explode.
"Oh... Hello, Rarity, my love!" Luna replied.
"Oh, my!" Rarity gushed, "You do know how to make me blush!"
Luna smirked. "It took me a while, but I got it."
Rarity was trotting up the hill in the wet grass. The moon was quite bright, and all she could see was a silhouette of a certain black alicorn. The walk up was winding her a little bit (as she was wearing a little bit of a heavier gown and had dinner in her saddlebags), and she was panting a little when she reached her destination.
"Oh, dear. Dinner certainly is an involved process!" Rarity said. She was looking down, with her eyes closed. She was still breathing a little heavily, but was recovering.
Then, as her breath returned to normal, her eyes opened up. At first, she saw the blanket. The blue-now-black blanket on the ground was quite enchanting. It was do dark that it looked as if she would fall in to the blanket, forever, into darkness, never changing. She looked all over the blanket. In the middle, she found the single black rose. Rarity picked it up quickly, as if to save it from the black expanse it was so delicately placed upon. Then, as she realized that it was a blanket and it could do her (nor the flower) any harm, she looked over the black-petal blossom.
Rarity didn't know what to say. The flower was so beautiful. Every petal was weaved so well into one another. It was like she was staring at the dress she had made for Luna... But it was a rose.
"I found this the day I arrived on the moon. It has survived as long as I have been alive. It is literally an immortal flower. There are no others in existence... And it is for you, Rarity."
Rarity stared at it even more. There was no other rose... No, no other flower like it. It was a literal one-of-a-kind. She knew there was none other, and it was for her. It was a rarity – For Rarity.
Rarity looked all around her. All was glistening with the light of the moon. The dew that covered every surface except for the blanket shimmered brighter than even life in Ponyville. Her surroundings were the most enchanting she had ever seen. More mysterious than the dark side of the moon.
And then Rarity found a metaphor she hadn’t noticed before. The white moon shone in the black expanse, filling it with light. It was like Rarity and Luna themselves. Rarity was the moon, and Luna was space. Rarity not only compared to the colors present… but it also showed how Rarity had filled Luna with so much light. She found the simile to be beautiful, and she was sure Luna had noticed it before.
Rarity finally had the mind to look at Luna. Her simple-yet-beautiful dress was up to par with one of her own. Luna made a dress to show rarity. Rarity now knew how much Luna cared for her. She felt her already-high emotions start to swell, and it started to show.
Tears laced her eyelids, and Rarity then embraced her love with the passion of a thousand moons. Both mares held each other with a clench tighter than a shark on its prey. Both were crying years of joy and love, and they never wanted to let go. Rarity rewarded Luna with a barrage of kisses.
Soon, though, they faded away, and set up dinner. Rarity had made dandelion salads with vinaigrette dressing. Luna had brought a baguette from the Royal Kitchen. It was a bitch-and-a-half to get, too. Even though she was a princess, the head chef had standards, and he refused to give anything to anypony unless it was for something he was told to create for the meals he provided for the castle. Luna... Appealed to the head chef, anyway, and got what she came for. And by appealed, she meant threatened to mix up all his ingredients with other containers. The chef fainted at the idea of his dishes being ruined by even one little smidge of an ingredient, and Luna grabbed the bread before he could wake up. She was going to have her plot hoofed to her when she got back to the palace, but she didn't care. That's because...
Tonight was going to be special.
As each sat to their meals, Rarity and Luna had one of their regular conversations; but this time, it was met with a bit more romance. After all, what could be more romantic than a moonlit dinner?
Luna had taken the rose and put it in Rarity's mane. The compliment of black-on-purple was quite lovely.
Soon, both mares were close to finishing their meals, and Luna prepared for what would be the biggest and most important thing she would do in her life.
But first, a decoy.
"Oh, my! Look, is that Sapphire Shores?" Luna exclaimed while nodding away from the moon.
"WHAT??? WHERE?" Rarity said, following Luna's point.
While Rarity was occupied, Luna decided she had her chance. She felt her magic course through her body and to her horn. A layer of magic aura shone on her horn, which was now pointed at the moon. The moon quickly turned, revealing the other side of it. It was no problem for Luna turning the moon, as (of course) she was the princess of the night and moved it every morning and evening.
Rarity turned back to her original stance, and started, "What? I don't see her anywhe..."
Rarity now saw the moon once more. All features had changed, especially since there was a message on it now.
"Rarity,
I love you. I always will. And I want to share that love with you forever. So..."
"Will you marry me?" Luna finished. She had knelt her right hind leg, and was holding a black, glittering box in her magic. It was opened, and inside was laced with white silk that flowed inside. Lying on top of that were two rings; a black, shining one, and an equally shiny white one. Luna took out the black ring and moved it towards Rarity. Rarity was covering her mouth with her hoof, and she wasn't breathing.
It wasn't how Rarity had imagined it would happen... It was better. She knew that they would marry, of course. But... She thought it would be something simpler; When they were with friends, and Luna asked her the question, and at a lot later date. But... This was so much more, and she loved it.
Rarity started crying. She couldn't do anything else. She couldn't speak, she couldn't move, she couldn't think. Luna knew what rarity's answer was before she had even said it. Luna opened the black one and slid it over Rarity's hoof. She did the same with her own. By this time, Luna was crying herself, and she held Rarity and kissed her with more passion than ever before.
Both Luna and Rarity cried happy tears until morning, in when Luna moved the moon out of the way for her sister's sun. She then packed up all of their things, picked up a now-sleeping Rarity, and took all to the Carousel Boutique. Luna went inside, laid down all of the foodstuffs, filled a vase with water, and put the black rise in it. That rose could literally last forever.
Luna then took Rarity upstairs. Before she reached the bedroom, however, Sweetie Belle walked into the hallway. "Oh, hello there, Luna. What are you..." And then she saw their hooves. Sweetie Belle squealed in delight, as she knew what this had meant.
Luna smiled. "Do me a favor, SB? Don't tell anypony yet. I think Rarity and I want to tell everypony ourselves, alright?" Luna pleaded.
Sweetie Belle just jumped up and down and giggled. Luna then stopped the young pony and asked her again. This time, Sweetie Belle shook her head up and down vigorously, escaped Luna's hoof, and got ready for school.
Luna finally reached the bedroom of the unicorn she was carrying, and gently plopped Rarity onto her bed.
"I don't think she would mind if I slept here tonight..." Luna thought to herself. She then proceeded to crawl in bed with the beautiful mare that was now her fiancé, and settled. She then thought about every detail of the night before.
"Yes," she thought to herself.
"Last night was absolutely special." A sleepy Rarity and Luna said simultaneously.
Author's Note
Thank you, Lighty, for such a great blog and amazing art. I hope you liked this!
