More Than a Pair of Wings

by Nonchalant

Rating: everyone
Tags: Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Romance, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 2571

Celebrity. Athlete. Prankster. What more could Rainbow Dash want to be? Well... Rarity might be able to help her find out.

Even the best athletes have hobbies, and the best hobbies are the ones you share with friends. The question is, which friends? These are the things Rainbow Dash ponders as she makes her way towards a choice that could irrevocably change her life, for better or for worse.

A gift for the lovely fourths and associated parties.
Wing base by Floralisole on DA.
Chapter art by digif.

Published 2016-08-03 02:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-12-08 15:00:23 UTC

Or Just a Pretty Face

Rarity hummed to herself as she stitched her latest project to completion. She smiled as the finished product was levitated into a nearly full storeroom, knowing her week had gone as planned. Lifting a hoof to wipe her brow, Rarity looked around. There weren't any finished sketches to act upon, so it seemed her muse had finally run its course. It was at that moment that she heard the chime of the door's bell. "I'll be with you in a moment!" she trilled as she tidied herself up.

A knock sounded on her studio's door. As she was about to reprimand the customer for their nosiness, she noticed the ridiculously bright and equally marshmallowy face of her sister. It took her another second to realize that she was being spoken to. "I'm sorry, Sweetie, what was that again?" she recovered.

"I said Rainbow Dash is here to see you, and she's acting kinda weird." Sweetie Belle frowned, "anyways, I'm off to hang out with the Crusaders. We may have our cutie marks, but Scootaloo really wants to try that hang-gliding thing again! It's gonna be so cool!"

As Rarity processed the first scrap of information, Sweetie Belle took the chance and left while all Rarity could do was utter a distant "uh huh..."

Eventually she snapped out of it, and walked downstairs to meet with Rainbow Dash, of all ponies. 'I wonder what she could possibly want? She's never seemed very interested in my boutique before...'

As she approached the front of the Boutique, the unicorn saw an evidently distressed Rainbow Dash, wings fluttering against her saddlebags as she paced around the open space Rarity had designated as an entrance. Upon seeing Rarity, Rainbow's eyes lit up, and she trotted over. "Hey, Rares! I was wondering how long you'd take," she greeted.

Rolling her eyes, Rarity dismissed the comment before gesturing for Rainbow to enter the shop proper. "Whatever could be the matter, Rainbow? You looked awfully shaken up a minute ago."

"O-oh, that. Yeah. I was wondering if I could, maybe, if it isn't too much trouble, show you something? I-I mean, if you've got absolutely nothing else going on, cause I'd totally get it it you didn't have the time." the pegasus explained, tripping on her words, and a clothing rack to her left. Upon receiving a bemused look, she added an indignant "what?"

Rarity composed herself, "nothing, darling, but you sound remarkably like Fluttershy at the moment. It's a little funny," the fashionista tittered. Suddenly serious, "But really, darling. I'm free. You caught me at a very good time. Whatever you want to show me, I'm there for you."

Gulping, Rainbow grinned, "alright then, I'll need a little time to prepare. Can I use your changing room for a few seconds? Wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, right?" upon receiving a nod in return, Dash whisked herself and her saddlebags behind the curtains.

Rarity continued the tune from upstairs as she waited for Dash to finish up. 'Oh, I do hope this isn't a prank' the unicorn fretted. She had faith in her friends, of course, but that only went so far with the infamous Ponyville Prank Patrol, of which Rainbow Dash was a founding member. Seconds turned to a minute, which turned into five. At that point, Rarity coughed politely. "Rainbow, you've taken an awfully long time in there. Are you sure you're fine?"

The curtains rustled slightly, and the scratchy voice behind them replied, "huh? Yeah, it's fine. I'm coming out now."

The curtains were pushed back by a cyan hoof, and the first thought Rarity could muster was 'since when does Rainbow Dash of all ponies know the first thing about fashion?' And fashion indeed it was, for in front of the dressmaker stood a furiously blushing Rainbow Dash, hooves shuffling in front of her pink, tastefully ruffled shirt. Rarity took in the diminutive collar and darkened trim of the sleeves, and then the similarly pink stockings Rainbow wore on her rear legs. She peered at the black shoes on the ends, and then looked back at Rainbow's face. The pegasus was redder than ever.

"So... what do you think?" ventured Dash. She glanced up to see Rarity staring at her outfit with a glazed look in her eyes. "Uhh, Rares? You there?"

"Wha-huh? Oh, yes. I was simply wondering where you got your ensemble. I'm afraid I don't recognize any of it, and you know I know fashion," she replied, snapping out of it.

Rainbow's ears perked up, then she looked at the ground and mumbled, "I made it myself."

Rarity leaned forward, "Sorry, but could you repeat that? I thought you said you-"

"Made it myself, okay! I made this thing. Ugh! I'll say it. I. Like. Fashion! After you made those Gala dresses, I was talking to Fluttershy and what she was saying about my dress was kinda interesting. Then I had to take the Wonderbolts exam, and you did your fashion thing, and, I mean, come on! It was the Wonderbolts! It's not my fault their uniforms were awesome, and might have made me want to learn about that stuff!" Rainbow defended herself loudly, panting.

Rarity blinked.

"Rainbow Dash, nopony is blaming you for anything! It's normal to have hobbies," Rarity scoffed, "and I'm certainly not judging you for this. I think it's very brave of you to come to me about it. Do the others know about your, ah, artistic tendencies?"

Rainbow shook her head, smiling a little, "nah, just between us for now. Twilight nearly found out when I was getting some books on it though. Thank Celestia she leaves that window open for me. And could you please not tell anyone either?" She looked up hopefully.

"Why, of course I won't tell anyone. Cross my heart, hope to fly and all that," Rarity replied, absently miming along. She scrutinized Rainbow's work. "Say, your stitching needs a little work around the sleeves. Do you mind if I give you a few tips? We could make a habit of it. You coming over, I mean. It'd be marvelous to talk to somepony else that really understands the finer points of couture!"

Looking at the offending article, Dash frowned. She looked uncertainly anywhere but at her friend, which prompted Rarity to gasp, "oh, of course! It would taint your image as the most daredevilish stuntmare in Equestria! What was I thinking? I'm so sorry!"

"Yeah, it's cool. I could come around here more often, I guess," the pegasus smirked, "now, can I get out of this thing? It's starting to get a bit uncomfortable. You may have a point with the sleeves."

Upon receiving another nod, Rainbow went back behind the curtains, taking considerably less than five minutes this time. She emerged again with her saddlebags neatly packed, stretching her neck. Rarity trotted over again as Rainbow was walking towards the door. "Are you leaving already?"

Rainbow replied in the affirmative as she reached the foyer, "Thanks, Rarity, I promise I'll be back soon. You've got a new collection to prep, right? Wouldn't want to get in your mane."

Detecting a bit of a hitch in Dash's voice at the mention of Rarity's upcoming show, she had an idea.

"Are you sure there's nothing else I could do? I've been looking for some help with that new line you mentioned. I'd need to make sure it really goes off as... awesomely as possible." After a pause, "nopony needs to know it's you, of course. I am rather good with wigs, if I do say so myself."

Rainbow stopped in her tracks, wings tensing, "are you asking me to help youwith a show? That'd be awesome! As long as nopony else knows, of course."

Rarity smirked, her hastily made plan coming together.

"Don't worry, darling, you can count on me."

Author's Note

Here ya go, Fourths! Enjoy your RariDash. You got me into this ship, so I'll peg the blame on you for this whole mess.

Missing Purpose

Two days later, Rainbow Dash found herself knocking on Rarity’s door again. Her nerves were considerably eased from the last visit, though she was still apprehensive of ponies discovering her guilty pleasure. As she waited for Rarity to answer the door, Rainbow checked once more that she hadn’t been followed. Still got a reputation, after all.

After a few tense seconds, the door opened to reveal an alabaster face gazing curiously at Rainbow. “Whatever are you looking around like that for?” Rarity asked. “One would think you were on a... secret mission, or something of the sort.” Without waiting for a response, she ushered Dash inside the boutique. Rainbow found herself feeling grateful as she moved out of the open.

“Well, I’m still kinda nervous about this,” Rainbow started. “Most ponies don’t know about, er… this. Daredevil and all—you know how it is.” Rainbow flushed with embarrassment, thinking of the image she portrayed—the reckless, brash speedster everypony saw. She was so immersed in her thoughts that it took her a second to register Rarity’s voice again.

“All I’m saying, darling, is that most ponies simply wouldn’t think any less of you if they knew of these interests of yours.” Rarity tutted, a tea set dancing in her wake. "It's not shameful to have hobbies that fall outside of your usual image."

Rainbow huffed. "You don't get it, Rarity. You're famous for this stuff! Me? I'm Rainbow Danger Dash! Ponies think I'm cool!"

Rarity turned to face her, deadpan.

"N-not to say you aren't cool, Rares!” Rainbow Dash backtracked quickly. “Just not in the same way I am. I mean, lots of ponies think you're awesome too!” She quickly grabbed her teacup and took a long swig. Making an exaggerated sound of satisfaction, she set it back down. "Seriously, though, thanks for being so understanding. I thought I'd get laughed straight out of town for this."

"It's no problem. Who am I to deny anypony the chance to explore the world of fashion? I think it's lovely to have another friend here to talk to.” Rarity stirred her tea. “Although, I do wonder... why haven't you told Fluttershy? I'm sure she'd be perfectly understanding."

"Oh!" Rainbow started. "I mean… I've spent so long avoiding those topics with her... I guess I don’t want her to think I’ve been lying to her, ‘cause I haven't been nice about it before either. Besides, after her mess with Photo Finish, I'd rather not bring up a sore subject, ya know?"

As Rarity nodded lightly, Rainbow remembered the reason for her visit.

"Anyway, what was the thing you said you wanted to tell me?” she asked, breaking the silence. “You sounded excited earlier."

Rarity's eyes lit up. "Oh, darling! I have the most interesting proposition for you. You see, I was talking with a photographer I know and she mentioned that she'd love to have a subject with a coat color like yours. Of course, I said I might know somepony, and that I'd ask around."

Rainbow blinked. Do I even want to do that? What if I get found out? She sat quietly for a moment, considering her options. Before long, she came to a conclusion. Nah, those fashion ponies would never even think it's me, or know who I am! Still, it didn’t hurt to be sure. She leaned forward. “But what about—”

"If it's your reputation you're concerned about, we could always dye your mane—or give you a wig,” Rarity replied. “No need to tell anypony who you are. Anonymous models are nothing unusual, especially after the... event... with Fluttershy. So, what do you say?"

Rainbow shifted nervously in her seat. "I don't know, Rares... am I ready for something like that?"

The fashionista scoffed. "Oh, please. You'd take the fashion world by storm! Your natural beauty! Your sheer confidence! Nopony can truly compare!"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Still... do you even have a dress? When is this shoot, anyways?"

Rarity looked offended. "Oh, of course I have a dress for you. Who do you think I am?”. She finished her cup and poured herself another, watching her two sugar cubes spin idly in her magic before slowly descending into her cup.

“Heh, I should’ve seen that coming.” Rainbow chuckled and shook her head. “Say, when is this thing anyways?” She asked.

“Oh, don’t worry about that, darling. The shoot is almost six moons away. We have plenty of time!” The fashionista hid her smug smirk with her teacup.

Rainbow's eyes betrayed her excitement. Of course she wanted a chance to explore her hidden passion without her reputation taking a hit; Rarity was indeed a wily strategist. Taking a breath, Dash nodded. "I'm in."

Rarity gave a bright, cunning smile. “Splendid.”

Rainbow Dash stood stock still as the measuring tape coiled around her torso. The tea long since finished, Rarity had steered the conversation towards practical matters. Namely, the ensemble. After running the design by Rainbow quickly, the fashionista got to work. While Rainbow's wings still twitched, she was far less skittish than she had been during her previous fittings. She even found herself going as far as to make small talk with Rarity as she waited.

"So, uh... where did you meet that photographer?” Rainbow asked. She stood on the measuring dais, shifting uncomfortably. “I'd like to know who else would be in on my secret."

“I’m sorry, Rainbow, but I was explicitly asked to keep quiet on the subject. All I can say is that it's somepony very trustworthy,” Rarity assured her. “You won't be disappointed.” The fashionista waggled her eyebrows playfully as she moved on. “Now, let's talk about something less dramatic, shall we?"

"Sure." Rainbow shrugged. "I bet you still have questions for me. Fire away.”

"Thank you, darling,” Rarity said. “I was mostly wondering how Wonderbolt uniforms could ever get you into high fashion. They're hardly the... classiest form of dress. So spartan, so base and functional! I simply don't see the connection." She trotted over to her design bench and draped a large bundle of fabric over a ponyquin as she summoned pencils from another workstation.

Rainbow scuffed her hoof on the platform and blushed. "Well, after you helped me study for the entrance exam, you left a couple of the uniforms lying around. So, y’know, I kinda... took them. Because, you know, Wonderbolts.” She laughed nervously. “Then I looked at them a bit more, and I got curious. Snuck into the library, bribed Spike, and got a book on Wonderbolt uniform history. Then I started reading, found some pages on Wonderbolt dresses and stuff for fancy events, and I realized it wasn't totally lame. Then… well, you know the rest."

Rarity nodded. "I suppose that makes sense. My apologies for leaving those lying around, but Twilight kind of got us all swept up in the big fly-by.” She paused and cleared her throat. “Now, we need to address another issue. You don't have any idea how to act like a model, do you?" She turned to look at Rainbow.

The pegasus merely gulped.

Author's Note

Alright chapter two! Sorry it took so long but you know... lack of motivation and all...

Thanks to fourths for proofreading!

Yeah. Enjoy, and leave feedback!

EDIT: Thanks to digif! for the lovely little chapter art! And so timely, too!