The Request

Chapter 1: Beauty

Another lovely day in Ponyville, inside the Carousel Boutique Rarity was busily reorganizing the shop after a rather large formal party a few days ago had many ponies coming in and out shopping for her marvelous designs. Rarity happily hummed as she placed her fabrics and materials back in their proper places, gingerly putting everything away just so. She smiled as she straightened out the card Sweetie Belle had given her what seemed like ages ago to the busy mare. She had been thoroughly impressed with how well Sweetie had handled the impatient costumers, though Sweetie may have lacked a talent in fashion like herself she more than made up for in her diplomatic tone. She deserved a nice long break after nearly working her flank off to help her older sister, Rarity thought.

Just as she put the card down, the bell at the front of the boutique rang. “Coooomiiiing” Rarity sang. The cream-colored unicorn walked to greet a rather timid looking earth-pony stallion with a long sunflower yellow mane, a deeper more subdued yellow-orange coat, and fuchsia eyes. His cutiemark was that of a bouquet of flowers. He stammered a bit uncomfortable, “M...Ms. Rarity?” Rarity beamed a genuine smile at the stallion, raising her hoof with a declarative dramatic swing “Why hello darling, and welcome to the Carousel Boutique! Where the style is couture and the fashion très chic!”. With this the Stallion cracked a small smile, rubbing the top of his left fore-hoof with his right, “Ms. Rarity... I um...I've seen your dresses a few times now and I....um....they're very pretty. No...not pretty... beautiful.” The boy's eyes gazed tenderly at one in the window. Rarity blushed and wiggled a bit in delight at the unsolicited compliment, “My goodness thank you! I mean you are right a naturally of course.” She had exploded in delight and immediately put on her lady like airs, “May I ask for your name, darling?”. The Stallion jolted a bit, he hadn't meant to be rude, “O-oh that? I.... my name is S-sunny Meadows. A pleasure to meet you Ms. Rarity.” “Likewise Mr. Meadows.” Rarity had said closing her eyes into a little curtsy, not noticing Sunny's small frown. With a fluid motion Rarity motioned toward her inventory, which was a less than usual “As you can see I'm a little low on stock at the moment, that last ball at Canterlot nearly cleaned me out.” Rarity chuckled quite pleased with herself, walking between dresses, Sunny trotting behind her in awe at their beauty. He muttered softly, “But none of these would fit.” Rarity hadn't heard what he had said, “What was that darling? Is this for some special some pony? Oooor perhaps a future special some pony.” She leaned in with a coy, almost devious look in her eyes. He nervously took a few steps back and shook his head vigorously, looking unhappily away from her, “No special some pony.” Rarity rolled her eyes, putting a single hoof on his cheek, “Oh no need to be nervous tell me who is the mare I'm making the dress for.” He began to back off a couple tears starting to well in his eyes. Rarity's heart began to sink, she hadn't know how but she had upset him. He stammered, “N-never mind.” He bolted for the open door, but Rarity's magic allowed her to shut it. “Sunny please!” Rarity begged, running up next to him, her eyes widening as she saw Sunny completely still, sniffing and crying unable to look at her, he whispered “I'm sorry.” Rarity hugged the stallion as much as he allowed her, her poise completely broken, “No it is I who must apologize, just please be honest with me. I won't judge darling.”

Sunny nodded, wiping away the tears and looked Rarity in the eyes, “The name of the mare it's for...is Ms. Sunny Meadows.” Rarity nodded curtly, “Oh?” The pieces in her mind shuffled into place and her eyes went wide, “OH! Oh dear me, I hadn't realized. My my, I never had a st...” Rarity caught herself, “a mare like yourself ask me to make a dress.” Sunny blinked softly at Rarity, “C-can you make me pretty...pretty like the mare I really am?” Rarity coed, hugging Sunny even tighter, “Darling you're already beautiful, don't let anyone say anything else to you. But of course darling, I can make you feel every bit as beautiful on the outside as you are inside. That is my specialty, I am of course Rarity!” Rarity presented flamboyantly, trying to lighten the mood as well as boast just a little. For the first time since Rarity met her, Sunny Meadows eyes lit up and she smiled almost giddy with delight, “Oh thank you! Thank you!” her fore-legs squeezed Rarity back making her laugh a little. “Up this way, I'll need your measurements!”