I woke up some time in the late morning. I have no idea why I slept in, I very rarely do. I saw on my clock that it was 10:30. I was shocked as I blinked the tiredness from my eyes. I quickly threw the covers to the side and got out of bed, walking to the bathroom and taking care of my various business.

When I was done, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle my day. It's amazing how simple hygiene can make you feel so motivated, and boost your morale. Anyway, I walked downstairs and went into the kitchen. I looked into my fridge, but there was nothing in it! Pantry, same thing. Icebox, same thing! Right then, my stomach growled with a vengeance and I chuckled as I rubbed it.

“Huh. Guess I've been slacking on the grocery shopping, huh Elise? I guess I'll have to ask the girls if they have anything to eat, oh this is going to suck.” I said as I pet Elise and walked towards the door. I opened it, and took a big breath of the beautifully-smelling light spring air. I sighed happily and began to trot. “Hmm. I'm sure Rarity won't mind if I ask her. She's always so generous.” I said as I began to walk to the Boutique. When I got there, I tapped on the door a few times with my hoof.

To my surprise, it wasn't Rarity who answered the door. It was Sweetie Belle!

“Hey Jordan! Haven't seen you in a few days, what's up?” She asked as she looked up at me. I looked down at her with confusion.

“Sweetie Belle? What are you doing here?” I asked. She held her hoof to her mouth and giggled a bit.

“I live here, silly filly! Didn't you know that?' She asked with a cute smile. I shook my head.

“No, I had no idea. Wait, you and Rarity are sisters?!” I asked in shock as the realization truly hit me. She nodded.

“Yep. So what did you need?” Sweetie asked me.

“Well... See, this is embarrassing, but I'm all out of food at my house. I was wondering if you guys had anything I could borrow?” Sweetie Belle stepped aside and ushered me inside the house.

“Come on in! I'll tell Rarity that you're here. She doesn't let me mess with food.” Sweetie said as she galloped up the stairs. I called after her.

“HEY, careful! Don't want you falling down those stairs!” I said as I walked inside the house. I closed the door behind me and walked into the living room. The room was very spacious, and the walls were white and purple, and the carpet was so plush it must have been four inches thick. This place was like a living extension of Rarity. Beautiful, grand, proper, amazing. Anyway, I got caught up gazing at some pictures and art on the wall when I heard her voice.

“Jordan, darling! To what do I owe the pleasant surprise of this visit?” She asked with a smile. I turned around and sheepishly rubbed the back of my neck with my hoof.

“Well... I wish I was here for a more... sophisticated or meaningful reason Rarity. And I truly don't mean to impose or anything. But, you see, I kinda... Ran out of food at my house. I've been so busy with recent events I've gone lax on things like grocery shopping. I'll be fine with just a few stalks of hay if you have any.” I said with a smile.

“Oh darling, I completely understand being busy, and you're not imposing one single bit. Here, come with me into the kitchen. I'll cook you a brunch!” Rarity said as she trotted into the kitchen adjoining the living room. I followed her.

“But, Rarity. You really don't have to do that. I'm fine with just some munchies. Some hay, or some oats, or-” Rarity cut me off with a wave of the hoof.

“Nonsense darling. You're my friend and I insist you allow me to cook you lunch. Sit down, darling.” She waved her hoof towards the table and I sighed in defeat, walking to the table and sitting down.

“Sweetie Belle! Come down for brunch!” Rarity called out as she trotted around the kitchen for ingredients. Sweetie came down to the kitchen and sat next to me at the table.

She noticed the vest I had on, which was almost like Big Mac's work collar, but it wraps around my body. It was red. She tugged at it and stuff to survey it.

Rarity noticed and gagged a bit. “Jordan, sweetness, that vest you have on is a fashionable travesty! I insist you come upstairs after brunch and allow me to create a new vest for you!” She said as she mixed some ingredients in a bowl.

I looked at the vest in disbelief. “This old thing? But I bought it in Appleloosa... Oh well. If you insist I guess I simply can't reject, Rarity.”

I then started to think about something that's been on my mind for a few days. “Hey, Rarity, can you and I go someplace private for a second to talk, before you get too busy cooking?”

She nodded at me and put the stuff in her hooves down. “Of course, darling. Sweetie Belle, you stay right there sweetness.” Rarity and I then walked out of the kitchen, upstairs to her bedroom.

“Please, excuse the mess Jordan. I've been busy working on a new order, and my room is quite disorganized at the moment.” I nodded and she sat on her bed. I followed suit, sitting next to her.

“So, what ever is on your mind, darling?” She asked, staring at me with those captivating, ocean blue irises of hers, her light blue mascara ever prominent on the snow white fur she so proudly wore.

“Well... remember at my birthday party, everything that you said before we fell asleep? I haven't seen you at all since then. I was just wondering how you've been doing emotion wise.” I said with a nervous smile. She seemed to be thinking deeply for a few seconds before speaking.

“To be frank darling, it was all I could really think about for a few days. But those thoughts got easier to process with time.”

I nodded at her. I understood all to well emotions need time to process properly. I then piped up.

“Rarity... I need to tell you something. Something I... Neglected to tell you at the sleepover.” She widened her eyes ever so slightly, waiting for my response. Finally, it came.

“Rarity, I think you're an amazing mare. A lot of times, out of all the girls, I feel closer to you. You can be stuck up and prissy sometimes, but you're sophisticated, smart and generous. I love that about you. I just wish I was anywhere near the same level as you. I'm just a hothead, who's a little of everything.” I said to her. She smiled.

“Jordan, dearie, you're putting yourself down. Don't do that darling. You're an amazing stallion, and I feel close to you as well. Even if you are a hothead, you're not nearly as bad off as Applejack, or Rainbow Dash.” She said with a tiny giggle. I laughed too.

“Thanks Rare. I just wanted to tell you that. Also, did you try on a different perfume this morning? It smells good.” I said as I sniffed the air. She giggled again.

“Yes actually, Spike brought it back to Ponyville for me from Canterlot on his last royal excursion. It was a very thoughtful gift indeed. I love it!” She said happily, pointing to a bottle that read “Divine Equine”. I laughed a bit at the obscene name of the perfume.

“Divine Equine?! Who the hay comes up with these names for things. I swear.” I said as I rolled my eyes in a comical way. Rarity laughed and stood up.

“Well darling, if that's all you wanted to speak about, we should get back downstairs to the kitchen.” I nodded at her and she and I walked to the kitchen. I sat down, and she started getting busy on brunch, though now it was lunch time. I sat next to Sweetie Belle and she smiled.

“Jordan, I forgot to tell you, we're having a Cutie Mark Crusaders meeting at Applebloom's treehouse next week. Don't forget ok?” I smiled at her. “Don't worry Sweetie, I won't.” Rarity walked over a few minutes later with the plates.

“Lunch is served!” She said as she laid a few plates out. It was a magnificent spread, with some quiche, some panini's, and other elegant looking foods. But, the portions were all ridiculously small! I chuckled sheepishly a bit as I looked at it all.

“Well, this food sure is a lot more elegant than what I usually have to eat. It looks delicious, thank you Rarity.” I said as I grabbed a panini and took a bite. It was small, but boy did it ever pack flavor. It was filled with all kinds of different vegetables. It tasted divine, and I downed it quickly.

There was also an elegant kind of cider, and all sorts of things I couldn't even describe, like little desserts. I sat back in the chair happily.

“Rarity, I can't thank you enough, that's the best food I've had since I was at Fluttershy's a few weeks ago. And before you ask, I can't even choose between the meals you two made.” I said with a laugh. Rarity smiled at me and when we were all done, she grabbed everypony's dishes to put in the washer.

“It was no problem darling, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Now, while I'm doing the dishes, I insist you wait for me upstairs. I still insist upon making you a new vest dearest!” She said as she started scrubbing the dishes. I found that funny, how a pony who lived for cleanliness would dive into such a dirty chore like that. I nodded though, and walked upstairs to her room.

When I opened the door, I looked around this time. When she and I came up her before lunch, I didn't really get a chance to. But this time, I decided to walk around the room and see things, such as her paintings on the wall. They were all elegant, and I also saw some of her new fashion projects, such as a beautiful dress laden with gems to fit a color scheme, which seemed to be brighter colors. Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc. Then I saw a dress that was strictly sapphires and I smiled widely. I love sapphires, they're the birthstone for September, my birth month. I almost wish I were a mare again so I could wear this dress.

Suddenly, Rarity walked in. “Darling? What are you doing? Perusing some of my creations?” She asked curiously as she stepped next to me. I nodded.

“Sorry Rare, I just saw this sapphire dress and it caught my attention. I love sapphires, they're the birthstone for September afterall. That's my birth month.” I said with a happy smile. “I almost wish I were a mare again, so I could wear that dress. Almost.” Rarity giggled a bit before she gasped.

“Darling, you've given me an ingenious idea!” She said as she sprinted quickly to her drawing board. I was confused, so I walked over to her to see what she was working on.

“Ah-ah-ah darling, no peeking. Go stand over there!” She said in a commanding tone. I did as she said, and waited for her to be done sketching. Soon, she was, and she showed it to me.

It was a vest, like my own I had on, but it was drawn in nice, deep black with Sapphires to accentuate it. I gasped as I looked at her sketch.

“Rarity, this is your design for the new vest you want to make me? I... I love it! The sapphires look great, and the black would sure pop off my coat really nicely.” I said with a smile. Rarity smiled too before she flipped her sketch book to another page.

“And look, this is an idea I had for a suit for you darling! You could wear it to the Grand Galloping Gala, and you would look most magnificent.” I looked at her sketch. It was kinda like a tuxedo, black and white, but it had sapphires on the seams. It looked fantastic and I smiled.

“That suit blows my mind Rarity, but are you sure you can make all that?” I asked with a hint of worry in my voice. “I'd really hate to impose upon you, when I already did earlier with lunch.” Rarity shook her head.

“Nonsense, darling. I'd love to make these clothing items for you. I know you'll look just smashing with them on. The sapphires not only look good, but they're also increase the durability of your work vest. It won't rip or tear as easy as this old thing.” She said as she poked it with her hoof, and shuddered a bit.

“So hey, if you're working on all this, I'm more than sure you're working on something else for the Gala, right?” With that, she squealed a bit and flipped to another page in her book. I saw a beautiful dress, with some pink on it, some golden lace, frills, etc. It just SCREAMED Rarity. It had her name all over it.

“Wow Rarity, that dress is so you it's unbelievable. You were BORN to wear that dress.” I said with a big smile. Rarity giggled.

“Thank you darling!” She said as she sat down at the desk. Right then, Opal, her pet cat, jumped onto the desk and seemed to be staring at Rarity's drawings.

“Oh, Opalescence. Can't you just picture it? Moi, stepping out in a stunning new gown at the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!” Rarity asked Opal. Opal just made a meow, but Rarity acted as if she was talking to her.

“Why, yes! I did make it myself. Thank you so much for asking.” Rarity continued. I tilted my head to the side. I could understand what Opal was saying through her meows, and it was nothing of the sort.

“Oh, Opal, of course you can help me. Thank you. What's that? You want to help me more? Oh, aren't you the sweetest thing? Careful now. Don't move. This shouldn't take long at all.” Rarity said as she gave Opal jobs to do, and I tapped Rarity's shoulder.

“Uh... Rare? I learned how to talk with animals from Fluttershy, and I can assure you that Opal was saying nothing of the sort. She said she's wanting to go outside and get some exercise.” I said as I rubbed the back of my neck with my hoof. Rarity laughed a bit and undressed Opal.

“My, my, silly me. I'm sorry Opal wopal, of course you can go outside. Just, don't get dirty.” Rarity said as she opened the window, allowing Opal to get down to the yard from it.

Rarity then sighed. “I need to get working on my dress, darling. Would you mind if I did?” I shook my head and smiled, sitting on her bed. “Course not Rare, just pretend I'm not even here.” I said as I watched her start to get to work.

Suddenly, Applejack and Twilight walked into the room from the hallway. “Howdy, Rarity! Howdy, Jordan!” Applejack said, before Twilight shushed her. I waved to them with my hoof.

“Shh... Can't you see Rarity is trying to concentrate?” Twilight said to Applejack, who nodded.

“What do you think she's makin'?” Applejack asked curiously.

“Looks like a dress.” Twilight said. I facehoofed at their obviousness.

Applejack nodded. “Well, that makes sense. Since this is a dressmaker's shop and all.” Rarity then took in a deep breath, before turning her chair to look at them with a smile.

“Is there something I can help you with?” She asked them happily, and Twilight stepped forward.

“Oh, so very sorry to trouble you, Rarity, but I need a quick favor. Could you please fix the button for me? It's my dress for the Grand Galloping Gala.” Twilight handed Rarity her dress, and I have to admit It... looked... tattered. Old. Worn. I could tell Rarity was having the same thoughts as me.

Rarity shook her head frantically. “Oh, no, no, no! You can't wear this... old thing. You need a glamorous new outfit for the Gala and I'll make it for you. No problem at all. It will be my pleasure!” Rarity said happily.

Twilight smiled back. “Oh, that's really sweet of you to offer, Rarity, but I can't let you do that. It would be so much work. This dress is fine.” She said modestly.

Rarity shook her head stubbornly. “Twilight Sparkle. I insist on making you a new dress.”

Twilight tried to reject. “But...”

Rarity interrupted her. “Not another word! I won't take no for an answer.” She said sternly, but also good-heartedly.

Twilight smiled widely. “Well, in that case... Thank you for your generosity, Rarity. Knowing your handiwork, I'm sure it will be absolutely beautiful.”

Rarity then turned to Applejack and sighed a bit. “Let me guess, Applejack. You don't want a new gown either.”

Applejack laughed a bit. “Gown? Shoot. I was just gonna wear my old work duds.” She said nonchalantly, as if she didn't think it really mattered or not.

Rarity was about to say something, but I spoke up. “Applejack! Are you crazy? Come on girl, this isn't a hoe down or anything. This is the single biggest event of the entire year in Canterlot, which might I remind you in the capital of Equestria! You have to wear something nice!” I said, trying to reason with her, but she wouldn't have it. She pretended to be thinking about it, but quickly answered with a simple “Hm... Nah.”

Rarity stepped in with an idea. “What if I just spruce up your... duds for you a little bit?” She said, trying to hold in her disgust at the idea of Applejack not wearing proper attire.

Applejack nodded. “Okay, sure. Why not? Since you're up for it and all. Just don't make them too... frou-frou-y.”

Rarity nodded excitedly. “Deal!” She said happily. Suddenly, we heard a familiar voice. “Look out below!” That voice, which could only belong to Rainbow Dash, exclaimed. Suddenly, Rainbow crashed into the boutique from the window, causing a mess of Rarity's stuff.

Rainbow was sheepishly smiling. “Sorry. New trick. Didn't quite work.”

Rarity looked at her for a second. “Hmm... -GASP- Idea! I'll make you an outfit for the Gala too, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow was confused. “Outfit for the what now?” She asked dumbly.

I waved my hoof in front of her face. “Uh, earth to Pegasus pony! The grand galloping gala, for pony's sakes! The most upper class, regal event of the YEAR in Canterlot! Why is it nopony but me and Rarity are taking this seriously?” I asked in frustration.

Rarity then spoke. “I'll make one for you and you and all of you. Oh! And of course Pinkie and Fluttershy too. Oh, and when I'm done, we can hold our very own fashion show!” She said with a squeal of excitement.

Twilight nodded and smiled. “What a great idea! If you're sure you can handle it.” She said, worried Rarity would overwork herself.

Rarity smiled. “Oh, it'll be a little bit of work, but it will be a wonderful boost for my business. Plus, fun!” She said happily,

Rainbow Dash gasped. “Oh, I love fun things!” She said excitedly.

Rarity nodded. “Then it's settled. We'll have a fashion show starring us.”

Applejack put her hoof to her chin in thought. “So... all you have to do is make a different, stunning, original, amazing outfit for one, two, three, four, five... plus yourself, six ponies? Plus a suit for Jordan? And lickety split?” She asked with some worry in her voice.

Rarity chuckled awkwardly. “Oh, Applejack. You make it sound as if it's going to be hard.” She finished.

“Well, I guess we'll leave you to your work Rarity. Come on everypony, let's give Rarity some privacy.” Twilight suggested to everypony. I shook my head. “I'm gonna stay here, Twi. See you girls later.” I waved goodbye to them as they left.

Rarity looked at me. “Darling? Why didn't you go with them?” She asked curiously. I smiled and gave her a hug.

“Come on, you didn't really think I would leave you alone with so much work to do, did you?” I said with a smile.

Rarity shook her head. “Darling, you don't have to do that. I'm more than capable of doing this all on my own.” She said as she looked at me. I shook my head.

“No way Rare. I'm helping you with the outfits and that's final. Just give me a job to do and I'll try my best to get it down right.” I said with a smile.

Rarity nodded in defeat and thought for a minute. “Hmm. Let's see. Oh! You can cut the fabric for me. I need six foot by four foot sheets of the fabrics. Here, use this book right here, it has a spell you can learn so you can cut the fabric with your magic, darling.” She handed me the book and I read it. I sat down at a worktable nearby and tried it out. To my surprise, it worked! The fabric was cut in the perfect rectangle!

I kept working for a few minutes, cutting sheet after sheet of different colored fabrics this way. I then looked up from my workstation as a question popped into my mind. “Hey, Rarity?” She looked over at me. “Why is this place called Carousel Boutique anyway?” I asked curiously. She smiled at the question.

“Well, you see darling, there is a decorative carousel of pony mannequins on top of the roof. It's hard to see from ground level, but it is most certainly there. My original plan was to have those pony mannequins swing around this room like a carousel so it would be easier, and more fun to work on my projects, but that was just an architectural NIGHTMARE.” She emphasized her final word. I laughed a bit.

“I can see why. Things like that are way outside my construction level.” Rarity and I laughed a bit and got back to work.

Rarity began to sing.

“Thread by thread, stitching it together
Twilight's dress, cutting out the pattern snip by snip
Making sure the fabric folds nicely
It's the perfect color and so hip
Always gotta keep in mind my pacing
Making sure the clothes' correctly facing
I'm stitching Twilight's dress
Yard by yard, fussing on the details
Jewel neckline, don't you know a stitch in time saves nine?
Make her something perfect to inspire
Even though she hates formal attire
Gotta mind those intimate details
Even though she's more concerned with sales
It's Applejack's new dress”

I then decided to join her in singing. We sang the next bit in a duet.

“Dressmaking's easy, for Pinkie Pie something pink
Fluttershy something breezy
Blend color and form,
[To Opalescence] Do you think it looks cheesy?
Something brash, perhaps quite fetching
Hook and eye, couldn't you just simply die?
Making sure it fits forelock and crest
Don't forget some magic in the dress
Even though it rides high on the flank
Rainbow won't look like a tank
I'm stitching Rainbow's dress
Piece by piece, snip by snip
Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip
Thread by thread, primmed and pressed
Yard by yard, never stressed
And that's the art of the dress!” She and I finished together as we looked at the fruits of our labor. We have made five amazing dresses than fit each pony's personalities perfectly.

Rarity gave me a tight hug. “Oh darling! Thank you, so very much! Your helping me made this all so much faster and fun. Thank you!” She said as she hugged me even tighter, and I chuckled and smiled.

“It was no problem Rarity, I was glad to help you. Come on, let's get the girls and show them their new dresses.”

In the next while, I went around town gathering everypony. After I found them all, I lead them to the boutique, where Rarity met us in the living room. She made the girls keep their eyes shut as they walked into the work room.

“That's it. Keep them closed. Don't look. Okay, you can look now!” She said as the girls all got into the room. The girls all gasped at the dresses.

Rarity smiled happily. “These are your new outfits, which Jordan helped me a great deal with. What do you think of your old duds now, Applejack? Pretty swanky, are they not? And Twilight! I made this dress for you and I designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony's unique personality. Oh, it took me forever to get the colors right on this one, Rainbow Dash, but I did it. Oh, and it turned out beautiful, don't you think? And I know you are going to love yours, Fluttershy. It just sings spring! And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink! Your favorite! Aren't they all amazing?” She asked, hoping for an answer. But none of the girls did answer, and there was an awkward silence.

Twilight broke the silence. “Wow... They're...” She stopped, trying to find the right word to say.

Rainbow piped up. “Yeah, they're...” She too tried to find the right word.

Applejack spoke next. “They sure are... somethin'.” She said flatly.

Twilight nodded. “Yes! Something.” She said, it felt like she was trying... to conceal something.

Pinkie Pie smiled. “I love something! Something is my favorite!”

Fluttershy looked down. “It's... nice.”

Rarity looked distressed. “But what's the matter? Don't you like them?” She asked sadly.

Twilight nodded. “They're very nice...”

Applejack agreed. “And we're plumb grateful 'cause you worked so hard on them.”

Rainbow Dash piped up. “Mine's just not as cool as I was imagining.” She rudely and bluntly stated. When the girls and I gave her angry looks, she shrugged. “She asked!”

Twilight sighed sadly. “I guess what we're all saying is that they're just not what we had in mind.” To which the girls have out a collective yeah.

I was in complete, utter shock at this turn of events. I mean, these dresses are gorgeous, and they fit the girls personalities to a tee! I don't understand how they couldn't love them to death! It's a dress, what more could you want, after all?

Rarity seemed sad, but she suddenly perked right back up. “That's okay. Not a problem. There's plenty more where that came from. They were only a first pass. You're my friends and I want you to be 110% satisfied. Not to worry, I'll redo them.” She said valiantly.

Fluttershy spoke. “Oh, Rarity. You don't have to do that. They're fine.” She said softly.

Rarity shook her head. “I want them to be better than just fine. I want you to think they're absolutely perfect.” She said as she went to the mannequins and used her magic to take the dresses off of them.

Applejack seemed concerned. “Are you sure? I mean, we wouldn't wanna impose.”

Rarity shook her head. “Oh, it's no imposition. Really, I insist.” She then turned to the girls and gave them a... a look. It was supposed to be a smile, I'm sure. But to me it looked scornful, upset, maybe a little angry.

Twilight smiled. “Well, in that case... Thank you again, Rarity.” The girls then walked out of the room, but after the door closed Rarity planted her face into her work desk and sighed, her hooves on her head.

“What have I gotten myself into?” She asked sadly. I walked over to her and I wiped the single tear in her eye away.

“Rarity, it'll all be ok. I promise. I'm going to help you again. We'll get these dresses done in no time again.” I said with a big smile. Rarity looked like she was going to cry out of appreciation and she buried her face into my chest, giving me a tight hug.

“Thank you Jordan, thank you so so much! You're the greatest friend a mare could ever ask for, you know that?” She said as a few tears fell. I wiped them away and smiled.

“You're the best friend a stallion could ask for. Now come on Mrs. Fashionista, we got work to do. Want me to cut the fabric again?” I asked as I went to my workstation. She nodded.

“Yes, please. And darling... thank you. This means the world to me.” She said as she got working on sketching some new designs.

“It's absolutely no problem, Rarity. I'm always glad to help a friend in need.” I said as she and I both got to work again. I used my magic to cut the fabric for Fluttershy's dress, since Rarity told me this time she wanted to do the dresses one at a time, and get the girl's inputs on them. In no time, we finished up Fluttershy's new prototype dress and we called her to the boutique.

Fluttershy walked in through the door. “Hello? You and Jordan wanted to see me, Rarity?” She asked.

Rarity smiled. “Fluttershy! Your new-new gown's ready. I completely revised it and I know you're going to love it. What do you think?” She asked Fluttershy, who wore a fake smile.

“I... love it.” She said with a pause, indicating she was being insincere.

“Oh, you're just saying that.” Rarity said.

Fluttershy shook her head. “No, no. I do. It's... nice.” Fluttershy said kinda flatly.

Rarity raised a brow. "Nice?” She inquired.

Fluttershy nodded. “Nice.”

“If you don't like it, you should just tell me.” Rarity preached to Fluttershy, who was being firm on her stance.

“Oh, but I do like it.”

“Like it or love it?”

“Um... both?” Fluttershy said shyly, trying to keep her true feelings bottled up.

“Which is it?” Rarity asked.

Fluttershy was getting defensive. “Please stop asking me this, I...”

Rarity kept pushing Fluttershy, literally as they were backing up towards a wall. “Well, just tell me what you really think.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “No, that's okay...”

Rarity kept pushing. “Tell me.”

Fluttershy remained firm. “No... it's fine...”

Rarity was getting loud now. “Tell me!”

“I... like it...”

“Tell me, tell me, tell-me-tell-me-tell-me!” Rarity pushed harder, and this sent Fluttershy over the brink.

“All right! Since you really wanna know...” She then took a big inhale. “The armscye's tight, the middy collar doesn't go with the shawl lapel, the hems are clearly machine-stitched, the pleats are uneven, the fabric looks like toile, you used a backstitch here when it clearly called for a topstitch or maybe a traditional blanket stitch, and the overdesign is reminiscent of prêt-à-porter and not true French haute couture. But, uh... you know... um, whatever you want to do is fine.” Fluttershy spoke so fast, and was so blunt... me and Rarity's jaws were both dropped, stunned, just flabbergasted.

“I... I don't even...” I said in disbelief before I recollected myself and cleared my throat. “Well... we'll try our hardest to make it right, Fluttershy. We'll call you back here when it's done...” I said as I turned away from her. She took that as her cue to leave, and closed the door. I looked at Rarity with a shocked face.

“SINCE WHEN WAS FLUTTERSHY A FASHION EXPERT!? That was ridiculous!” I said in frustration. Rarity waved a hoof at me.

“Now darling, don't fret. The client is ALWAYS right, no matter how frustrating they may be.” I sighed and nodded, and got back to work cutting fabric and such.

Next on our list was Twilight. We finished her dress, and called her into the boutique. Twilight behaved in much the same way as Fluttershy and was even making me and Rarity change it on the spot!

“Now, the stars on my belt need to be technically accurate. Orion has three stars on his belt, not four.” She instructed us as we worked on the constellation. I growled softly. “Yeah, well Orion can take his stars and shove them where the sun don't shine.” I said as I stitched away.

“Stitch by stitch, stitching it together
Deadline looms, don't you know the client's always right?
Even if my fabric choice was perfect
Gotta get them all done by tonight
Pinkie Pie, that color's too obtrusive
Wait until you see it in the light
I'm sewing them together!
'Don't you think my gown would be more "me" with some lollipops?'
'Well, I think...'
'Balloons?'
'Well...'
'Do it!'
Hour by hour, one more change
I'm sewing them together, take great pains
Fluttershy, you're putting me in a bind
Rainbow Dash, what is on your mind?
Oh my gosh, there's simply not much time
Don't forget, Applejack's duds must shine
Dressmaking's easy, every customer's call
Brings a whole new revision
Have to pick up the pace, still hold to my vision
'That constellation is Canis Major, not Minor.'
'French haute couture, please.'
'Ugh...'
'What if it rains? Galoshes!'
'More balloons! Oh no, that's too many balloons. More candy! Oh, less candy. Oh wait, I know. Streamers!'
'Streamers?'
'Whose dress is this?'
'Streamers it is.'
'What?'
'Aren't you going to tell me to change something too?'
'No, I just want my dress to be cool.'
'Do you not like the color?'
'The color's fine, just make it look cooler.'
'Do you not like the shape?'
'The shape's fine, just make the whole thing... you know, cooler. It needs to be about 20% cooler.'
'All we ever want is indecision'
'All we really like is what we know'
'Gotta balance style with adherence'
'Making sure we make a good appearance'
'Even if you simply have to fudge it'
'Make sure that it stays within our budget'
Got to overcome intimidation
Remember, it's all in the presentation!
Piece by piece, snip by snip
Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip
Bolt by bolt, primmed and pressed
Yard by yard, always stressed
And that's the art of the dress!”

A few days. That's how long it all took. Days of eating, sleeping, sewing, stitching, cutting, and knitting at Rarity's house. Days of that. But finally, they were done.

I looked at the mannequins in the corner of the room in disgust, and so did Rarity. She held onto me, sniffling. “Oh, Jordan. These are the ugliest dresses I've ever made!” She said in despair. I held onto her and sighed.

“I know, Rarity. These aren't dresses... They're costumes. That's what the girls wanted. And they look AWFUL. May Celestia banish these dresses to the moon!”

Suddenly, we heard a knock on the door. It was the girls. Rarity gasped and opened it, ushering them all inside.

“Okay. We did exactly what each of you asked for. Now don't hold back. Let us know what you really think.” Rarity told them. The girls made various sounds of happiness and approval, but I just stood back and scoffed. They were hideous outfits.

Twilight smiled at Rarity. “Thank you, Rarity.”

Pinkie Pie was bouncing around everywhere. “Are you as happy with them as we are? Huh? Huh? Huh?”

Rarity gulped. “Well, I'm... happy that all of you are happy. I'm just relieved to finally be done.”

Pinkie then bounced to me. “What about you Jordan? You worked hard on them too!” I opened my eyes wide and gulped like Rarity, trying to find a way to censor just how I really felt about these stupid costumes.

“Uh... well, they're... cool. And they definitely fit you five's personalities...” I said, trying to sound like I loved them. Suddenly, Spike ran into the room.

“You are never gonna believe this! You've heard of Hoity Toity?” He asked excitedly.

“The bigwig fashion hotshot in Canterlot?” Twilight asked him. He nodded.

“Uh-huh. He heard about your fashion show. Well, maybe I happened to mention it to him... He's coming here all the way from Canterlot to see your work, Rarity!” I opened my eyes wide. Oh no.. Oh no, no, no! He can't see these stupid costumes, they're not even true dresses! He'll think they're an abomination!

“Whoa, Nelly! You could sell a ton o' dresses to this guy. Your business will be boomin'!” Applejack stated happily.

Rarity looked mortified. “Hoity Toity? He's coming here? To see THESE dresses?”

“Yep! Get ready for all of your dreams to come true.” Spike said as he and the girls walked out of the room. As soon as they did, I groaned and slammed my hoof onto the desk, faceplanting onto it.

“FOR THE LOVE OF EQUESTRIA, this just keeps getting better and better.” I then saw that Rarity was in complete distress and I walked to her.

“Rarity, shh. It's ok. Listen, maybe Hoity Toity will like the dresses. I mean, they don't look good, but they are VERY creative, innovative, attention grabbing.” I said, trying to lift her spirits. She just sighed and left the room, depressedly. I sighed too, unsure of what to do.

-TWO HOURS LATER, CAROUSEL BOUTIQUE SHOWROOM-

Well, this was it. Hoity Toity was here, for the fashion show. There were some other ponies from town in attendance. The girls and I were all backstage, waiting for the show to begin. Rarity was peeking out the curtain, waiting for Hoity to show. When he did, she gasped.

“There he is! Okay. Relax, Rarity. Your friends like their outfits and so will he. What's wrong with the lights?! Oh, yes. That means the show's starting. Good.” Rarity said worriedly. She knew this wouldn't turn out well.

Spike started the show with some narrating. “Since the beginning of time, the elite of Equestria have longed for pony fashions that truly expressed the essence of their very souls. Patiently waiting decades no, centuries for the perfect pony gown. Today, at long last, Equestria, your wait is over! Let's hear it for the breathtaking designs of Ponyville's own Rarity!” The girls then stepped out from the curtain and stood on the circular stage at the end of the catwalk. Some ponies murmured and looked disgusted at what they saw.

“Why's everypony lookin' at us like that?” Applejack asked confusedly.

Twilight gulped. “Oh dear.”

“You think we overdid it?” Dash said as she looked at the crowd.

Applejack shook her head. Nah. “Okay, maybe a little.”

Hoity Toity was disgusted. “Oh, those amateurish designs look like a piled-on mishmash of everything but a kitchen sink! It's a travesty is what it is. Those outfits are the ugliest things I've ever seen, oh for shame. Who is responsible for subjecting our eyes to these horrors? Not to mention wasting my valuable time.” He said, almost stuck up like. I growled at his stupidity, he didn't even admire the creativity of them!

“Come on out and take a bow, Rarity. You too, Jordan! You two worked really hard for this.” Me and Rarity walked out from behind the curtain together, both looking mortified as she and I were displayed before the crowd. “Yes! All right, woo-hoo! Go, Rarity!” Spike continued, but it was all over. Rarity teared up, jumped down from the stage, and ran upstairs to her room, her forearm hiding her face. I sighed and followed her, knowing she needed somepony to be there for her.

When I walked into her bedroom, she was kneeling at the side of her bed, weeping into a pillow. I kneeled next to her and rubbed her back with my hoof.

“There there, Rarity. It's ok. Shh, it's all ok.” I said as I tried to cheer her up. She then stopped crying into the pillow and buried her face into my chest, weeping into it instead.

“Why, why did Hoity Toity have to arrive in Ponyville today!? That was my one and only shot at the big time, and now it's been eviscerated!” She wailed as she cried. I rubbed her back, holding her tightly.

“Shhh. We'll find a way to fix all of this, Rarity. I promise.” Suddenly, I heard a knocking on the door. I walked over to the door and listened. It was Pinkie.

“Rarity? You okay in there? We wanna talk to you.” Pinkie said. I sighed and opened the door, stepping out into the hall and not letting the girls inside.

“What do you girls want? Can't you hear Rarity weeping? You five have done enough damage to her.” I said sternly, my voice was lacking the usual perkiness it had. I was all business right now.

“Jordan, we... We weren't trying to overdo it. We just wanted our dresses to be perfect.” Twilight said to me. I shook my head.

“No, you know what happened, Twilight? You five got greedy. You just kept ordering Rarity around, taking advantage of her, because you knew she wouldn't say no. That was low of all five of you, and I'm ashamed of you girls right now.” I said as I hung my head. Twilight sounded like she was choking back tears.

“We... We really didn't mean to.” She said sadly. I then growled a bit.

“How the hay did you girls not mean to?! Ursa minor, Ursa Major, candy, streamers, balloons, french haute couture, 20% cooler! What in the hay does 20% cooler even mean!? And just so you know, I know astronomy too, Twilight. The constellation we made first WAS Ursa Major, the one you wanted. You were wrong on that one anyway.” I sighed and took a deep breath. “You girls messed up big this time. Do you even know how much Rarity was stressing about making your dresses, which honestly you turned into silly costumes, perfect? One night, she literally refused to go to sleep. And, that was Rarity's one shot at achieving her dream. Hoity Toity is the biggest fashion designer in all of Equestria, and he thinks Rarity is nothing but an amateur now. Her career might be over, and there's no excuse for how you girls acted.” My words stunned the girls silent, and Twilight spoke softly, still choking back tears.

“Jordan, we... We're sorry.” Twilight said as she looked at the floor. I opened the door to Rarity's room and glared at them all.

“I'm not the one you need to be apologizing to.” I stated simply as I closed the door on them, going back to Rarity and trying to comfort her.

-THE NEXT MORNING-

I woke up to an all to familiar setting. I was on the couch in Rarity's living room again, where I had slept these past few nights.

I was, however, not used to the sensation of a hoof rubbing against my shoulder. I slowly turned to my left and saw who it was. It was Applejack.

She smiled and waved her hoof in a motion that told me to walk with her. I did so, getting up onto all fours and trotting next to her. We ended up trotting all the way to Fluttershy's cottage. I was still so tired, I didn't think to question why we were walking here.

We walked inside, and I saw that all the girls were there. I gave out a deep, heavy yawn, smacked my lips tiredly and finally spoke. “What's going on here?” To which Twilight smiled and replied to me.

“We're going to make this right Jordan. We're going to make it up to Rarity, and we'd love your help if you'd give it to us.” I looked at her with a blank expression.

“I'm listening.” I stated blankly. Twilight used her magic to make all sorts of objects levitate. Upon closer inspection, I saw they were cloth, needles, thread, etc. She smiled.

“We're going to make Rarity the dress she designed. We saw that she left her sketchbook in her living room, so we're borrowing it for a bit. You and Fluttershy know the most about sewing and such, so we need your help.”

I thought about it for a minute and nodded. “I'll help you on a few conditions.” The girls nodded, allowing me to continue.

“One, you all still owe Rarity an apology. Two, if we're going to do this, you have to listen to me, because I know her dress design better than anybody. Three, we have to try and make this right for her. And four.” I paused, making them wait in anticipation.

“...I want a giant group hug.” I said as I extended my hooves out. They smiled and accepted my group hug.

“I'm sorry if I hurt your girls' feelings last night. I was just upset on Rarity's behalf. I had no right to get mad at any of you. Can you forgive me?” I said as we hugged. They went “Mhm” In agreement and I smiled.

“Well then, let's get to work.” I took the items in my magical aura and went over to a desk Fluttershy had set up.

“Ok girls, jobs.” I said as I started to give them their respective chores. In the next few hours, we worked our rear ends off. We stitched, sewed, cut, measured, etc. But we got it done, and the dress looked magnificent.

“Ok, that's a job well done, everypony. Now, the only problem is convincing Rarity to come out of her room. Hmm... She trusts me enough to go in and out of her room, so I'll try to lure her out. You girls have got to have the mannequin ready so she can see the dress, ok?” They nodded at my plan, and we all galloped to the boutique.

I walked in and entered Rarity's room. I pet her shoulder softly. “Rarity? Time for breakfast. Come downstairs, please?” She nodded at me sadly and followed me downstairs. Once we got to the living room, I sprang our plan into action. The girls had the mannequin ready, and quickly uncovered it, letting Rarity see the dress.

“Surprise!” We called out at once.

Rarity gasped, in complete shock. “You...you...”

Pinkie smiled. “We all finished your dress for you!”

Applejack nodded. “Thanks to Fluttershy's freaky knowledge of sewing, and Jordan's great ability to lead.”

Fluttershy smiled at Rarity. “Do you like it?”

Rarity looked unhappy. “Like it? Like it?!” She said as she circled the mannequin.

Fluttershy gulped. “Uh-uh. She doesn't like it.”

Rarity closed her eyes. “No, I don't like it.”

We all went “Awwww...” Sadly.

Rarity surprised us by turning to us and exclaiming. “I love it! You ponies did an amazing job. It's exactly the way I imagined it.” She happily declared.

Fluttershy smiled. “We just followed your brilliant design.”

Twilight sighed sadly. Like we should have let you do for our outfits. Those first dresses you designed were perfect. Jordan showed us how wrong we were to uproot your designs.”

“We're so super sorry.” Pinkie said sadly.

Rainbow nodded. You worked really hard to make our dresses exactly the way we wanted them. We all saw how well that turned out.”

Rarity smiled. “Oh, I forgive you.”

Applejack grinned at her. “Well, that's mighty big of you.”

Rarity held her hoof over her face sadly. “But my whole career is still ruined!”

Applejack looked at the ground. “Oh, right. That.”

Twilight smiled as we saw Hoity walk by. “Maybe not.”

I immediately ran up to Hoity. “Excuse me! Hoity Toity, sir? Please, I know you're a very busy stallion, but would you please give us half an hour of your time to try our fashion show again? I promise it will be worth your time!”

He thought about it for a minute before he nodded. “Oh very well, I have nothing better to do until my train to Canterlot arrives.” I thanked him, and we all walked inside. We set up the stage again and the girls got dressed in their original, perfect dresses.

“Take two.” Hoity said as he waited for the show to start.

To start the show, we had Twilight model first. Rarity used her magic to make a specific scene appear in the room. It was spacey, and it fit her dress perfectly. We did the same for Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, Rarity made a scene that matched their personalities.

After Fluttershy's dress, Hoity was ecstatic.

“Now this is a fashion show! All of these dresses are absolutely amazing. Who is responsible? Step forward, show yourself!” And after that, Rarity made her grand appearance, stepping out from behind the curtain and unveiling the masterpiece that was her dress. Hoity was on his back hooves, cheering and clapping.

“Brava! Brava! Magnifico! Encore!” He cried out.

Rarity has the happiest look on her face. “Oh, thank you. Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!” She said as she battled tears.

Later, we were all in Rarity's work room, celebrating the success that was the fashion show. In the corner, I saw Spike writing on a scroll for Twilight. I walked over to listen.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
This week, my very talented friend Rarity learned that if you try to please everypony, you often times end up pleasing nopony, especially yourself. And I learned this: when somepony offers to do you a favor, like making you a beautiful dress, you shouldn't be overly critical of something generously given to you. In other words, you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.” Twilight finished with a giggle. I smiled and rubbed her shoulder.

“Amazing letter, Twilight.” We then heard Hoity walk in.

“Rarity, my congratulations to you on a most impressive fashion debut. Would you do me the great honor of allowing me to feature your couture in my Best of the Best Boutique in Canterlot?” Rarity gasped in shock at his offer, then he smiled.

“Now, I'll need you to make a dozen of each dress for me by next Tuesday.” To which Rarity looked like she would pass out. I walked over to them and smiled.

“No problems, Mr. Toity, we'll have those dresses done for you lickety split.” I assured him with a nod. He nodded back and left the room.

“Oh Celestia, how will I ever get that many dresses done?!” Rarity cried out in despair.

I rubbed her back slowly. “Don't worry Rare, we'll help you. Right girls?” I asked as I turned to the five of them, who all nodded yes. So, in the next few hours, we all worked as hard as we could and got the 72 dresses done. It was late at night when we finished, but it was worth it.

The girls all left to head home, and I was about to do the same before Rarity stopped me.

“Jordan, darling, wait.” Rarity said to me as I started to leave the room. I turned around and walked back to her.

“Yes Rare, what is it?” I said curiously. She smiled at me.

“Well darling, all this nonsense with those dresses got me thinking. We put so much work into the girls dresses, and the six of your worked so hard to make mine. I realized that I spent so much time making outfits to fit their personalities, I completely forgot about you, darling. I'd like to design you an all new suit, one that fits your personality.” She said with a smile. I shook my head.

“Rarity, I appreciate it so much. But you don't have to do that. I love the tuxedo you designed the other day. I think I'd look good in it.” I said with a smile, but she shook her head.

“Jordan, please just trust me darling. I want to do this for you, so please let me.” I sighed in defeat and nodded at her. She took out a sketchbook.

“I hate to say this darling, but... Your personality isn't as obvious as, say, Pinkie Pie. I really have no clue to begin with your suit, so I need to ask. What are some things you enjoy? Hobbies, perhaps?” I put a hoof to my chin in thought and hummed.

“Well, let's see. I love all you girls first and foremost. I also enjoy learning, I enjoy traveling, I enjoy music, I enjoy food. That's about it.” Rarity seemed to be deep in thought, and finally she sketched in the book.

When she was done, she showed it to me. “This will be your tux, if you like it darling. The pocket will be a heart instead of a traditional pocket shape. I figure a blue color for the fabric would better suit you, since you enjoy traveling. It's reminiscent of the blue sky. And finally, the back is custom embroidered with a large music note. I think it will look smashing, without overdoing it like those ghastly dresses.” I smiled at her widely.

“Wow Rarity, I love it. It's absolutely PERFECT, and it's not too flashy. Once again, the fashionista mistress has done it again!” I said as I gave her a hug, which she gladly returned.

“Darling, I have to tell you. Thank you so much for all this. Sure, you helped Applejack when she needed it during Applebuck season. Sure, you came to our rescue when that dreadful Ursa attacked. Sure, you were there when we had to go and convince that ghastly dragon to move away. You've always been there for us, but this is above and beyond the call of duty. You didn't even have to help me, yet you stuck with me for five whole days while this mess got sorted out. So, thank you darling, so much.” She said as she had tears in her eyes. I wiped them away and smiled.

“Rarity, it really was no problem. I wasn't just going to leave you up to your eyeballs in work like that. I'm always here for you girls when you need me. It was nothing.”

Rarity shook her head. “It was not even close to nothing Jordan. It was everything to me. Thank you.” She then kissed my cheek, and that made me blush badly.

“I'd better get home, Rarity. I've been having Fluttershy take care of Elise the past few days, but Elise probably misses me. I gotta go home and get the house in order.” I was about to walk out, but Rarity stopped me.

She grabbed my hoof gently, and placed a sack onto it. She smiled. “Here Jordan, some bits for your hard work.” I gasped and tried to hand her the bits back.

“No way Rarity. There's no way I can take your money. I told you, it's just what friends do. Friends don't get paid for being friends.” I said to her, but she shook her head.

“That might be true, but every once in a while, a friend deserves something for their trouble. Take the bits darling, I want you to. I won't accept no for an answer.” She said with a smile.

I sighed in defeat. Man, she always wins every argument, she's good at that.

“Ok Rarity. But only because you insist. Thank you, and I'll see you soon, ok?” She nodded at me, and I left the boutique. As I started walking away from the building, I turned and look up to the roof. I smiled once I saw the mannequins. “Well, I guess she wasn't lying, there they are.” I said with a laugh. I walked the distance to my house, where Elise greeted me at the door by jumping into my arms.

“You've been gone a long time! What's been going on?” Elise said. I thought about how to explain what happened to her without being too detailed. “Oh, I was helping Rarity with a BIG order. It took a long time.” I then yawned deeply, and felt my eyes get tired. “Ok, forget dinner tonight, bedtime for me, Elise.” I then went to the kitchen and refilled Elise's bowls before trotting up to my bedroom. I got in bed and snuggled into the blankets and pillows.

As I laid in my bed, I was deep in thought. I don't think I ever want to pick up another sewing needle again in my life. That was like pure torture. But I'm very glad everything worked out in the end. We made six great dresses and saved Rarity's reputation as a dressmaker. Heck, we even made her more reputable. HOITY TOITY KNOWS HER NOW! This is so good for Rare, her business is going to boom, I just know it.

I can't wait until the gala comes, and I can wear that amazing Tux. It's going to be an amazing night.

I turned onto my side and stared out the window, as I oftentimes time when I was in bed, and looked at Luna's brilliant, shining moon. I then fell asleep, drifting to her dreamworld.

Author's Note

And that was what might be my favorite chapter i've ever written! Coming up next, Feeling Pinkie Keen, with some extra Pinkie Pie cooky-ness!