With the Ponyville Days Festival on the horizon, the committee chose Rarity as their "Pony of Ceremonies" due to her attention to detail. With a plan already in her head, the fashionista had gathered her friends in her boutique to discuss the plan. Rainbow and Pinkie will focus on the decorations, Applejack will put cider production as a top priority, and both Twilight and Fluttershy will help with the fashion show. "As for me, I'll focus on something important!"

"There's something else important happening?" Was Rainbow's question.

"Indeed, I'm talking about readying the Ponyville Days Festival for one Trenderhoof!"

The name confused her friends as Applejack spoke up. "Uh... who's Trenderhoof?"

"Only a very influential travel writer who journeys across Equestria! Las Pegasus wasn't the destination it is now before he wrote about it! He's also the one who discovered the culinary revolution in in Trottingham! It's like he knows what'll be hot before it happens!"

Twilight gives her friend a knowing smile. "Sounds like somepony as a crush!"

Rarity was about to respond when she realized something. "Actually... not really. I definitely respect him as a writer, don't get me wrong, but... I don't know. I have this weird feeling in my chest that definitely isn't love." She looked confused now. I could've sworn I actually DID have a crush on him not too long ago!

Rainbow had been looking forward to getting revenge for all the times she was teased over her relationship with Zephyr, so the fact that it STILL wasn't time exasperated her. "Well, why put so much emphasis on him if it isn't a crush?"

"Remember everything I just said? If he writes positively about Ponyville, imagine the wonders it'll do for our little town!"

Applejack thought about it before smiling. "Ah' can't argue with that. Do yer' best, Rarity! The rest of us will get Ponyville ready for his arrival!"

As her friends scatter to get started, Spike approaches Rarity with a concerned look. "Are... you sure you're okay, Rarity? You look rather befuddled."

"Thank you for your concern, Spike, but... well, you already know since you *ahem* snooped around already one time--" That got an aside glance at the Dragon who looked guilty. "-- You know of that 'shrine' I made to Trenderhoof. Yet... I'm actually considering getting rid of it."

"Wait, really?! You LOVED that shrine!"

Rarity looks over to where it is with a sigh. "I'm not sure what changed, Spike. But regardless of if I have a crush on him or not, I must still give him a good impression of our fair town! Let's get to work!"

"Ooh, I'm suddenly nervous... okay focus, Rarity!"

Rarity was at the train station on the day Trenderhoof was to arrive. Since she was the organizer for the Ponyville Days Festival, she felt that she needed to be the one to show him around town. There was another reason, but she considered it a quick thing.

As the train pulled in and ponies disembarked, Rarity kept an eye out for Trenderhoof, knowing what he looks like. While it took a bit, he eventually came out of the train as Rarity got a good look at him... and felt nothing outside of the respect for him as a writer. I thought that maybe seeing him in the flesh might've sparked something, but still nothing. Maybe if his coat was red... and a singer instead of a writer... oh, what am I thinking?! Again focus, Rarity!

Clearing her throat, Rarity approached him. "Good afternoon, Mr. Trenderhoof! My name is Rarity and I'm here representing the Ponyville Days Festival as the Pony of Ceremonies!"

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Rarity. Please call me Trend, I dislike having my full name being used."

"If you are certain, Trend. Now, would you like a tour of the Ponyville Days Festival?"

After taking him around town and showcasing everything the Festival had, the last place she took him to was Sweet Apple Acres. "And here is where Ponyville began, so-to speak! Sweet Apple Acres, our main farm and also the location of the cider tasting... if it's to your liking!"

Trend nods at the explanation. "I never say no to a bit of cider. But I must thank you sincerely for bringing me here. To see it in vérité, to stand on the soil of a working farm... you can really feel the authenticity."

Rarity just learned something new about the writer. "Not to be rude, but do you enjoy visiting the farms of Equestria?"

"Oh most certainly! The hard workers, the au naturel feel of it all. It's something I've enjoyed since... since..." Trend started swooning all of a sudden.

Rarity gives him a concerned look. "Are you quite alright?"

"Who... is that beauty?" He points to Applejack, who was currently working.

I guess he wasn't kidding when he appreciated the hard workers. "That would be my friend Applejack. Did she, per chance, catch your eye?"

"More than that... she's the pony of my dreams!"

Rarity was suddenly glad she no longer had a crush on Trenderhoof since now she could brush it off, maybe even tease Applejack over it later. "Alright, well this is the last place I had to show you. Is there anyplace else you'd like to see?"

"None... at the moment!"

Rarity pursed her lips a bit. "Alright, enjoy your stay. Just remember to come to me if you have any questions about the Festival!" With that, Rarity leaves the farm as Trenderhoof tried to figure out how to work out his sudden crush.

As she wandered through Ponyville, admiring all the decorations Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie managed to set up, Rarity was still confused about her sudden lack of a crush. It really isn't important anymore now that I know the type of mare he's into, but I still wonder where my feelings went to. I don't even know when they went missing. If I could just pinpoint that, maybe--

Rarity wasn't paying attention to a fallen decoration as it tripped her, causing her to cry out in surprise before a familiar red hoof caught her. "Miss Rarity, we really got to stop meeting each other like this!"

"B-Burst Mic?!" Rarity looks up at Zephyr's band leader and, in that moment, realized where all her feelings went to. "W-what are you up to?"

Burst noted the blush and stutter. "Not much, actually. Zephyr is off helping his girlfriend, Strings is in Canterlot again, and everypony else is idle. What about you? I heard you became the Pony of Ceremonies for the Festival!"

"W-well it's certainly keeping me occupied!" As embarrassed as Rarity was, she realized that even if she fell for him rather easily, she wanted to at least try and get to know him better. "But! I'm finding myself with, ah, downtime! W-would you like to join me for some tea?"

"If you wish to, my lady." Burst bows courteously to Rarity with a small smile, flustering her even more.

At the cafe, Rarity was able to calm her nerves down thanks to the tea. "I must say, I've never been to this cafe in Ponyville before. Do you frequent this one often, Burst?"

"On occasion. Of the three cafes in town, this one has the best tea, but lacks in good food variety. Horte's Cafe has good food, but the drink selection is limited. The last one is a middle ground on both fronts. It all depends on your mood."

Rarity found that interesting, as she's only ever been to the third one for tea. "I suppose sticking to one establishment isn't always the best idea."

Burst chuckles at that. "But it isn't a terrible one either. Nothing wrong with sticking to what you know." He takes another sip, only to suddenly swallow with a disgusted face. "Urgh, this tea is good hot but terrible cold..."

"Oh dear... I think I feel why. While the appearance of the cups are splendid, the material used isn't exactly stellar. Perhaps I should provide the establishment an example of a set that's great in both form and function without being hard on the budget!"

Using his magic to reheat his cup, Burst smiles at Rarity. "You really are a generous pony, Miss Rarity. Most ponies would either just never come back or actively complain, but you're just thinking on how to help the business improve."

"Please, just call me Rarity." For some reason, as much as she appreciated the gentlestallionly courtesy, him calling her 'miss' all the time felt like a barrier. "And I do believe that all businesses shouldn't be afraid of improving themselves. That aside, I see you figured out how to reheat your cup without causing a mess!"

"I generally prefer my tea hot or warm, so it was something i had to teach myself. Care to learn it?"

"Maybe some other time, darling. Though I wonder if I would be able to..?"

Burst got an idea. "You generally use your magic to make your clothing, right? May I see the creation process? I believe I can get a good feel for your magic if I can watch that."

The suggestion blindsided Rarity, but she didn't want the 'date' to end so suddenly. "Of course! Please follow me!"

At the Carousel Boutique, Rarity brought up her plans for a dress she finalized recently and got to work. Burst was astonished by how much control the fashionista had over her magic, even if each individual task wasn't overly intensive. "I highly doubt you would have trouble learning that heating spell, Rarity."

"Huh? I barely got started and you already made that determination?"

"Any Unicorn can technically learn it, especially for that purpose. The reason why it isn't more wide-spread is because being able to heat a cup without it exploding on you requires a lot of control. With how much you are showing just by making dresses, I have no doubt you can use the heating spell effectively!"

Rarity couldn't help but blush at the praise. "I... never really think about my level of control, just other ponies."

"You'd be surprised how much you learn about yourself if somepony tells you about it. But... I feel like it's a shame to stop you now, so please keep going!" Burst had seen the other dresses and suits around the store and he was amazed by them. While he had firsthoof experience with the process in Manehattan, it was a treat to witness it from afar.

As Rarity finished up the final touches, she noted Burst with an amazed look on his face and smiled. "Enjoying the show, darling?"

"Very much. You somehow turned making dress making into a performance art itself!" That earned a giggle.

"Uh, Rarity? Are ya' in here-- oh..." Both Unicorns gave a start when Applejack called out for her friend. She realized Burst was here a bit too late.

Rarity, while a bit embarrassed, decided not to put too much attention onto Burst's presence. "Something the matter, Applejack?"

"Ah' was jus' wondering if ya' could help me dress up fancy. Trenderhoof, while starting out fine, is starting to creep me out and ah' want to get him off my back..."

Rarity looked shocked. "Is Trenderhoof really like that?!"

"Ah, he can be... out there." Burst said with a flat look. "He's a good stallion, don't get me wrong, but he's very eccentric and tends to go about his interests in very weird ways."

"Oh dear... well, I can most certainly help you with that, Applejack. Come over here and I'll give you a hoof."

"I'll wait outside until you're done. I know most of us don't normally wear clothes, but I'll still do it as a courtesy." Rarity beams at Burst as he exits the store.

While doing the fitting, Applejack couldn't help but tease Rarity. "So while Trenderhoof is no longer yer' crush, which makes me think ya' dodged a cannonball, does that mean Zephyr's band leader is..?"

"Yes, yes. Get your jollies out now..."

"Wait, ah' was expecting you to try an' deny it more."

Rarity let out a sigh. "You aren't wrong, but what I'm worried about is the reason why I switched my crush."

Applejack quickly connected the dots. "Perhaps it's because he and his band helped ya' in Manehattan?"

"Urk... yes, you got a problem with that?!" The Fashionista got defensive with a pout. "I'm worried I'll be seen as 'easy' because of--"

"Ah' don't think so. He helped you during a high-stress time of your life, right? Wouldn't that be a type of... what does Applebloom call it? A 'Rescue Romance'?"

"Not... quite the same, but I suppose it IS an explanation. There! Now you look nothing like the farm mare from before, 'Apple Jewel'!"

"Thanks, Rarity. Hopefully this can convince him to leave me alone!" Rarity was surprised at Applejack switching to a more sophisticated accent. "As for Burst, it's up to you if you want to take that next step with him. He seems receptive of your advances from what I can tell." With that, she leaves the store to try and dissuade Trenderhoof from herself.

Shaking her head, Rarity leaves the store shortly after, only to find Burst comforting Spike. "Did something happen?"

"Ah, Rarity..." Spike looks up at her with a pained smile before turning to Burst. "Take good care of her, would--"

"Not before you say your piece first, Spike." Rarity looked between the two males with confusion. "You'll hear."

Spike finally gathered up enough courage to ask the question that has been nagging at him for the longest time. "Rarity... what do you see me as?"

After a brief silence, Rarity gives Spike an apologetic look. "Oh Spikey-wikey... while you are many things to me, I don't see you in 'that' way. But perhaps you knew already?"

"I... I had a hunch ever since my brief transformation into a rampaging Dragon, but I never knew for certain until today." Spike gives Burst an apologetic look. "I'm sorry for trying to challenge you like that. I just wanted to--"

"I understand, Spike." Burst gives the Dragon a knowing smile. "You didn't want just anypony to take her. I know your feelings were genuine, that's why I took them seriously."

"And that's why I figured, between that and you being Zephyr's band leader, perhaps you'll be the one to make her happy." While it hurt as much to admit, Spike did feel a weight lift off his shoulders as well as he smiled. "Well, Twilight needed my help for something, so I'll get going. Even so, don't be afraid to ask for help, Rarity!" With that, he takes off.

Rarity looked guilty. "I... never meant to take advantage of his feelings..."

"I'm sure you never did. Precocious crushes are like that. I even managed to tell him of mine towards my teacher when I was a colt... who was already married by the way." That got a giggle from Rarity. "It definitely made him feel a bit better."

"Thank you for that. Ah... but where is my mind? Would... would you like to dance with me at the Festival Gala tonight?" Rarity was nervous to ask.

Burst gives Rarity a small smile. "Before I say anything, I knew you were flustered around me before and I figured that you, for some reason, had a crush on me. But while I don't know my feelings towards you, I also understand that I never will if I don't give you that chance.

"Besides, to turn down an invitation from a lovely lady such as yourself would be a crime. So..." He lifts one of Rarity's hooves and kisses the back. "Would you honor me with that dance?"

Rarity had never felt so happy AND embarrassed at the same time. "O-of course! Oh... I-I've never gotten this far with a crush before!"

"Neither have I, honestly, but small steps first. In the meantime, did you want to do anything?"

Eventually, Rarity convinced Burst to let her into the Three Night's Grace studio. When she tried singing into the mic as a test, Burst nearly fell over due to how euphoric her voice was. "Rarity... you really are a mare of many talents..."

That got a giggle as she noticed him blushing a bit against his red coat. "Thank you kindly, darling!"

Little did the two know, Zephyr had wandered into the studio to check something out, only to quickly back out when he saw the two in there. When he peeked around the corner to confirm he wasn't seeing things, he scrunched his muzzle in an attempt to hide his smirk as he backed all the way out. Outside, Rainbow noticed him acting weird. "Uh, why is your face contorted like that?"

"Rainbow, remember how you told me you were disappointed you couldn't tease Rarity over a crush?" That got a nod. "I think your time is upon you soon."

"Wait REALLY?! With who?!"

"My band leader. Probably because he was the one who helped her the most in Manehattan a while back." Rainbow snickered at that, already planning her counter attack.

When night fell and the Festival Gala was underway, Rarity's friends sans Applejack, Zephyr, and Rainbow were shocked to see her dancing with Burst. While Trenderhoof did still like Applejack, he had backed off when he realized he was making her uncomfortable.

At the peak of the event, Burst announced his intention of dating Rarity, having developed the feelings towards her thanks to her own towards him. That got a round of cheering from everyone, including Spike who had reconciled with his own feelings and was happy to see his former crush happy.

Applebloom looked over at Sweetie Belle. "Are ya' comfortable with this?"

"While I am happy for my sister, I won't lie and say I'm not at least a bit worried. My sister always had grandiose ideas when it comes to dating and I'm... kind of wondering if she'll drive her new boyfriend away with them."

Scootaloo looks at the newly formed couple. "Really? Looks to me like he's taking it in good stride!"

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Ignoring that for now, I really am happy my sister finally got a boyfriend who'll treat her good! I was worried she was going to have rotten luck with stallions all her life!"

Author's Note

And here is my attempt at giving Rarity a genuine shot a romance. I know I had to break Spike's heart for it, but I'll give him someone down the line as well!