"Well, I can't lie, you definitely chose something I like."

Marshmallow Heart was looking at a beautiful gown that was on display as an example, but it was tagged as 'reserved' and also 'custom made'. The mare wanted to ask her sister how much it cost, but there was no way Cotton Candy would tell her. The neckline was padded with a white fur and the silvery metal would dip down to her lower chest. The actual dress part of it was a hot pink that had been darkened slightly and amazingly enough matched her eyes. It was long and would drag against the ground, but that part faded into a clear-ish material. It was decorated with white hearts on the faded part. The headpiece was made of silver beads and the center was a hot pink heart that would rest against her forehead.

"I told you it would be beautiful!"

"Ah, Cotton Candy!"

They both turned to see a white unicorn with a curled purple mane. She was rather pretty and it was obvious that both her and Cotton Candy were close, because they gave each other a hug. It was short, but still very awkward for Marshmallow Heart and just another reminder that she was practically forever alone.

"This must be your sister!" The mare approached her. "It's so wonderful to meet you, darling! Your sister has said so much about you!"

"Really?" Marshmallow smiled and then looked at her sister.

"Oh, don't worry," The mare laughed. "she only says good things, I swear."

"Rarity, is there a chance I can get my dress sized too?" Cotton Candy asked.

"Well, of course," Rarity tilted her head slightly. "But you shouldn't have to have it re-sized unless..."

"It worked." Cotton Candy laughed and she blushed a little bit. "I will forever follow your advice."

"Oh, Candy," Rarity squealed and bounced slightly. "I am so delighted to hear about this! I'm sure you'll make a wonderful mother!"

"Thank you." She smiled.

"That news has permanently brightened my day!" She laughed and then looked at them both. "Okay, let's get your sister sized first."

Marshmallow had never been sized for a gown before, and she wasn't going to lie to herself; it was super uncomfortable. Rarity had a little more adjusting to do in the length department because Marshmallow was taller than she had expected. She had to do all the sewing and such right then and there, seeing as the next day was the gala.

As Rarity and Cotton Candy chirped about the gala and how amazing it was going to be, poor Marshmallow Heart was practically having a mental breakdown. She was never good with big crowds or stallions... and definitely not both in one setting. She wasn't exactly the most graceful pony and she didn't do well with being polite, either.

"Are you okay, darling?" Rarity's voice caught her attention.

"I-I'm okay." Marshmallow took a deep breath and sighed.

"She doesn't do well with crowds." Her sister said and then grinned teasingly. "Or stallions... or mares. Really, anypony."

"Oh," Rarity sighed and adjusted her headpiece. "Don't worry Marshy- may I call you that?"

"Sure." Marshmallow shrugged.

"I'm sure once you get there you will really enjoy yourself." Rarity said, flipping her hair to see as she sewed another portion of her dress. "So, have you never been in any sort of relationship before?"

"No," Marshmallow glanced out the window as a few ponies passed the shop, laughing and talking. "I've never really even had a true friendship, either."

"You know, I'm surprised," Rarity looked at her with slightly widened eyes. "You're pretty, you're kind as far as I know, I bet you can flirt really well if you try, and you are surprisingly gentle."

"Surprisingly?"

"Your sister is not as gentle as she looks."

That evoked a laugh from Marshmallow Heart. Rarity jumped slightly in surprise, but smiled and then laughed herself when she saw Cotton Candy's flush cheeks.

"I only tease!" She said quickly and then smiled. "Alright, Marshy, get down. It's your sister's turn and do not look in a mirror yet! I want you both to look together!"

"Yes, ma'am."

Author's Note

This chapter is a bit longer and Rarity makes an unexpected (and far too short) appearance in this chapter!

If you enjoy it, please tell others about it!~ <3