But I know we'll meet again some sunny day...
Disclaimer: This is based on a true story. A dream, but still, that's kinda a true story. Like the Celestia dream, but less vivid. I couldn't remember all the details, so I had to fill some in, then I added onto it a bit, but for the most part this is a recounting of one of the best dreams I've ever had. It'll mean a lot to me, 'cause I ♥ Rarity, but to you it'll come off as bad writing (admittedly, it is).
_____
Late evening, Canterlot. I had just finished my meal at a restaurant that I didn't even remember the name of. The food was an impulsive indulgence; a foolish one at that. I didn't have enough money kicking around to eat at a place like this. What had I been thinking?
Well. I know what I had been thinking. "What am I gonna do? I'm late with the rent for my apartment, the lease on my shop is almost up, and I haven't had more than a hoofful of customers in the last month. Taxes are near due too. By Luna's tail, taxes are expensive in Canterlot. I miss Ponyville... I miss my friends... I miss my family... Why did I ever think I could follow my dream?"
I payed for the meal and started towards the door. "I thought it would be great. Get to see the big city and start a successful business. 'Fix It-Make It', your home for anything from toys, bobbles and gadgets to custom tailored clothes and armor. I can do just about anything when it comes to creating... Why can't I create a solution to any of this? Why couldn't I get a break once in a while?" I needed to clear my head; get some fresh air. I decided to go up to the roof. Maybe the stars would offer some respite.
I snuck over to the stairwell leading up, and began my ascension, each step heavy and tired. I looked down over my thin glasses at my hooves. Large hooves, to match my large build, much like the earth ponies that work the fields and orchards. I noted how my off-white coat ended at my unshorn fetlocks and blended with the color of my hooves. My dark blond, roughly cut mane fell into my eyes, causing me to do a hair-flip. I used to think I was pretty hot stuff. I imagined that fillies would talk behind my back about how big and handsome I was. Over confidence is as vile an enemy as the lack thereof.
I neared the top of the steps, letting out a sigh as I reached out with my horn's magic to open the rooftop door. It swung silently, and I stepped outside. I looked up and took a deep breath in as I closed my eyes, gently closing the door behind me. Suddenly my eyes bolted open, as I lowered my gaze to directly in front of me. I had smelled a sweet perfume of lilac and... passionfruit? And there she was. Near the edge of the roof, looking over the cityscape. The most beautiful mare I had ever seen. And I knew who she was instantly.
Rarity; fashionista supreme. Anypony who's anypony in fashion would recognize the up-and-coming designer. In the glow of the city and the moonlight, I made out her flawless alabaster coat... her lustrous purple mane... her thin, perfectly rounded- "She's so far out of my league that there's a league between mine and hers dedicated to saying she's out of my league. But why is she here? I thought her business was run out of Ponyville?"
I slowly stepped over to her, unsure of what to say. There was a lump in my throat the size of an apple, and it felt like a swarm of butterflies was let loose in my stomach. I stopped next to her, paused for a moment, and said a little too loudly, "Howdy there!"
Needless to say, she was a bit startled. She... squealed in a most ladylike manner as she jumped to the side, and held one hoof to her chest as she saw me. "Sweet Celestia! Don't you know not to go around sneaking up on mares like that! You nearly scared me to death!" I was enamored by her voice, even through the reprimanding tone.
But not enough so as to not defend myself. "I beg your pardon, ma'am. I didn't mean to spook you, I was just saying 'hi'." I paused. "And if I might ask, what is the Rarity doing in out in Canterlot?"
She looked at me sideways with a raised eyebrow, "I'm here on... business. Only a short trip, to meet with a client. I'm afraid I'm at a disadvantage, though. You seem to know me, but you are...?"
"Latent Promise. I run a little shop just down the road from here. 'Fix It-Make It', the shop for anything, anytime. I do lots of craft work, and also a bit of clothing design. Nothing on your level, of course! But I dabble," I explained.
Rarity perked up as she heard me say ' clothing design'. "Well, I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Promise." she offered a hoof for a formal shake. I took it lightly, however, and gave it a gentle kiss.
"The pleasure, as cliche as it sounds, is all mine," I said softly. "And you can just call me Promise, if you like."
She seemed taken aback at this, and blushed lightly. It suited her well. She lowered her hoof and looked at me contemplatively. "Well... Promise... Do tell me how a stallion such as yourself got into fashion."
I was thrilled at the thought she wanted to know more about me! "It's a long story, but basically my talent is making stuff. Toys, machines, tools, furniture, clothes, anything really. After I moved out of my parents' place back in Ponyville, I came here to start a business. I had thought that in a city as big as Canterlot, that an odds and ends store would do well..." I trailed off.
Rarity's face became concerned. "It didn't turn out like you thought it would, did it? These snooty, aloof ponies are so biased against anyone not from Canterlot. You've no idea how many customers have turned their noses up at me and walked out on a deal once they found out I was from Ponyville. That's why I'm up here. I just met with a client... he found out, and walked then and there. I lost a three thousand bit contract."
There was a moment of silence as we looked at each other with a sad, "well, what can you do?" look. We sat near the rooftop ledge and looked out at the city. "It's beautiful at night though," I said. "No matter how many Bluebloods or Hoity Toitys are out there, the place itself is amazing."
"You've met Blueblood?" she asked, surprise in her voice.
I chuckled to myself, "Yeah, he came into my shop by accident. I'm right next to a fine armory, and he was looking to get a new breastplate. He didn't realize he was in the wrong shop until I refused to give him a royal discount of 'free' after I had finished working the gold. Barged out of the store claiming I was trying to rob him and that he was calling the royal guard on me. They never came. Not the brightest of ponies, that one. How is he even remotely related to Celestia?"
Rarity stifled a giggle, "That's Blueblood alright... but that wasted gold must have cost you quite a bit."
I sighed, "Yes, that it did."
She frowned and I noticed how cutely her brow furrowed. "Hmm. You mentioned Hoity Toity as well, did you not?" she asked.
I laughed that time, "Oh yeah. Heh. He saw me as competition once he saw a few of my pieces. Threatened my business, tried to sue me for, what was it, "Potentially Being Better Than Me"? I'm not really that great with clothing, and I told him that he couldn't actually sue me for that, and he left in a huff. Never did see him again though. I did hear he fired his lawyers for being unable to properly litigate, or somesuch."
Rarity put a hoof on my shoulder. "You've had it rough here, haven't you?"
I sighed for what felt like the millionth time that night. "Eeyup... That's what brought me up here. Sometimes I just want to quit. Cut my losses and go home."
She looked right into my eyes and said to me, "Don't give up. Ponies that give up on their dreams end up dying inside. They crumble, and become a broken shell of what they once were. I've seen it happen to too many good ponies. Don't become that."
I stared back into her deep sapphire eyes, and knew I couldn't disappoint her. I had to stay strong for this gorgeous mare next to me. "I won't," I promised. We stayed with eyes locked for what must have been an eternity. Or the blink of an eye. I had no idea.
We both looked up at the stars, awkwardly breaking eye contact. "So, uh, Ponyville. It's been a while. Has anything changed over the years?" I asked.
"No, not really. The Cakes still own Sugarcube Corner, and Sweet Apple Acres just up the road is busy as ever. I believe even the Quill and Sofa shop is still there. The only think I can think of that's different is that old Leatherbound who ran the library died a few years ago. My friend, Twilight, took his place. I can't say I remember him fondly, though," she said thoughtfully.
I looked blankly, "I can't say I remember him at all."
She smiled at that. "Can I ask you something?"
I smiled back. "Anything."
"I've only heard one pony say 'yep' like that," she said, awkwardly forcing the word out. "Did you by chance know Big Macintosh?"
"Sure did. He was my best buddy for a while back in school. Of course, after I started talking more to'n about his sister... we drifted apart." I said, looking embarrassed.
She raised an eyebrow, "Doesn't that make you a good many years older than Applejack?"
I smiled. "Oh, just by a few years. Mac isn't as old as ya think."
"You could have fooled me," she giggled. "So, your name. I'll be honest, it reminds me of a mare friend of mine."
I closed my eyes tight and face-hoofed. "Yes, I know. I have a bit of a mare's name." I took a deep breath in and looked up. "When I was born, great things were expected of me. My mom, who raised me on my own, thought that I would have the potential to be good at more than just one thing; instead anything I set my mind to. Turns out, she was right." I looked back at my cutie mark, a hammer crossed with a paint brush.
"Well, I think it's a lovely name," Rarity consoled. "If you're interested, I could tell you how I got my cutie mark?"
Any detail about her life, particularly the history of part of her flank, was fine by me. "Sure!" I said overeagerly.
And so the conversation continued on into the night. I had nowhere to be, and neither did Rarity. We just... talked. All throughout Luna's night. She'd laugh at my stories, and I'd cling to every word she'd say. We shared our life stories. I found out she was much more than the best designer in Equestria. I found out she was kind, charming, funny, cute, hot tempered at times, very refined, but not arrogant, generous, and so much more. Every time I thought I had her figured out, I found her to be deeper. I also found myself to be staring. And that she'd be stare back. I wished the night would last forever.
We only realized the time when we saw the horizon starting to grow brighter. We had subconsciously scooted closer to each other as the hours had passed, and now we were only inches apart. We watched the sun rise in silence, and I felt her rest her head on my shoulder. She must have been exhausted. I felt a bit guilty for keeping her up all night, but at the same time I regretted nothing. It was bliss just being around her. And I had had her for an entire night.
I looked down at the mare leaning on me, and took in how the orange glow of morning reflected off of her coat. She was beyond beautiful. I closed my eyes and just felt her warmth against me.
After a long while, as the sky began to shift from a fiery blaze to regular blue, we heard a song playing below. (song)
The restaurant without a name was opening up, and the smells of breakfast drifted up to us. I had a few bits, so I decided to go for it. "So, how about we grab something to eat?"
She looked up into my face, and I could tell she was struggling to make a decision. She was silent for some time, with that same look on her face. She wanted to say yes. Please say yes.
"I... No. I'm sorry, but I have to catch the morning train back to Ponyville," she said somberly, turning away from me and getting up. She stepped away, looking over the city once more. I too stood, stretching out after having been still for so long.
I looked sadly at her. "You sure? Not even a cup of coffee?" I asked with the last of my remaining hope.
"Yes... I'm sure," she said remorsefully but with finality. "It was wonderful meeting you, Promise. Maybe we'll see each other around some time?"
I tried my best to put on a smile, "Yes, I certainly hope so. I still can't believe I met the Rarity!"
She wore as bittersweet a smile as me. We said farewell. We went our separate ways.
Never again did I see her. I visited the rooftop every evening after that for months. It became almost a ritual. But she never showed up again. I often though about going to Ponyville to see her, but I was still struggling to make ends meet. A train ticket was expensive.
But I kept my silent promise. I never gave up. And my business really took off, particularly after the fine armory ran out of gold and Celestia had broken a shoe (how you can break a grieve from a ceremonial golden set of armor, I have no idea. Up until then I thought it enchanted to be unbreakable).
I never lost hope, though, that some day we'd meet again...
