Night had fallen over Canterlot, and the city hall building was eerily quiet. Besides Celestia and Raven, her trusted secretary, as well as the security staff guarding the complex, the entire building was empty. This was the usual routine for them. They worked until after nightfall, and then they were the first people here in the morning.
The clock showed nearly 11 pm.
As much as she loved being the mayor of Canterlot, there were some things that Celestia would never enjoy. Formal parties, for one. To think about how much work she could get done in the time she spent forced-smiling at preening CEOs and upper class people, listening to their inane conversations and barely-hidden attempts at currying favor. And when they asked her to help inflate their egos even more...
“Raven? Do you have the report on the Canterlot Charity Society’s meeting from last week?” Celestia called, barely stifling a yawn. She peered into her coffee mug. To her dismay, the mug was empty. Again.
Before she could get up to go to the staff kitchen, the door opened and Raven stepped in, a pot of freshly brewed coffee in one hand and a stack of papers in the other.
“You’re a godsend, Raven”, Celestia chuckled tiredly, already reaching out to grab both items from her secretary.
“Honestly, Madam Mayor. Isn’t it time for you to go home? All of this,” she picked up the various documents Celestia had been working on, “Is not due until a few weeks!” She huffed indignantly. “I swear, sometimes I am sure you don’t want a private life.”
“There’s always more work arriving, Raven. You know that.” Celestia replied, sighing happily as the smell of the coffee wafted out of her freshly-filled mug. “It’s my responsibility to keep things running.” She riffled through the stack of documents Raven had brought her. “And you’ll never know when a crisis hits. And when that time comes, I want to have a clean desk so I can…”
“Something wrong?” Raven asked, after Celestia just stared at the page she had just turned to.
Celestia furrowed her brows as she studied the simple chart on the page. “Did the Charity Society change its board of directors?”
Raven thought for a moment. “No, it’s still the same as usual. Why are you asking, Madam Mayor?”
Celestia flipped the page over fully, leaving the chart on top. She turned it over and presented it to Raven. “The vote for the “Benefactor of the Year” award. It’s always the same thing. A bunch of CEOs donate some money to a random charity they never heard about, try to impress each other with how much they can afford to spend. In the end, the same group of CEOs vote on the who is the most generous of them. They all vote for Fancy Pants, with two abstinences from Fancy Pants and his protege, they have a big party and keep going like before.”
Raven nodded as she, too, looked at the diagram. Celestia hated that particular event. In fact, in her ten years in office, she had found six different excuses not to attend, and she often started planning them months ahead.
But the vote count listed the expected ten votes for Fancy Pants, but instead of two abstinences, there were two votes for “R. B.”.
“R. B.? Doesn’t ring a bell,” Raven mused. She tried to remember any big organisations that had changes in their upper hierarchy in the last few months, but nothing came to mind. And Raven trusted her memory in matters such as this.
Celestia tapped her chin in contemplation, already reading the next page. “Interesting. It says the mysterious R. B. donated over two hundred pieces of brand-new clothing to the St. Redheart Children’s Hospital over the course of three months. Apparently, they designed and made them all by themselves. They asked all the children personally what they wanted.”
Most of the members of the Charity Society would never be caught dead talking to someone with an income not in the upper five percent. The only time they would ever meet someone in need of charity would be a staged photo-op. And making that much in three months, by themselves?
“Seems like Miss de Lis introduced their case. She says that R.B. donated clothes to charity for a while now, although on a smaller scale.” Celestia handed the stack of documents back to Raven. “Apparently, there is someone out there who put a great deal of effort into helping people. Even if most of the Charity Society doesn’t want to acknowledge them, we should at least give them some recognition. Maybe it makes the rest of the CEOs think a bit. Can you find out how to contact them, Raven?”
Raven was already tapping away on her smartphone, searching through the database she spent most of her workdays on. The company profiles of all the big shakers in the city.
But this time she came up empty.
Curious.
She shook her head at Celestia’s questioning look. “Nothing on them in any of my resources, and the hospital doesn’t like giving up information in matters like this, especially not this late. Shall I schedule an appointment with Miss de Lis tomorrow?”
Celestia stretched in her seat. “Very well. Clever of Fleur to not work at this time of day.”
Raven waited for Celestia to get up, then followed her through the door. “What does that say about you, Madam Mayor?”
~#~
“Madam Mayor? Miss de Lis is here to see you.”
Celestia leaned back in her seat. She had already spent an hour with frustratingly fruitless phone calls to identify the mysterious R.B.
Fleur came in, as usual, like a whirlwind. She spun Raven around at the door, her rosé hair whipping around in the motion, before pecking the clearly flustered secretary on the cheek. She skipped away when Raven swatted at her with her clipboard, then blew a kiss towards Celestia, who smiled and softly shook her head.
“Good Day, Madam Mayor! You are, as usual, a sight for sore eyes.” Fleur fluttered her eyelashes at Celestia, before sitting down in one of the chairs in front of Celestia’s desk. “How unusual for you to call me this early. Naturally, I dropped everything when I heard our darling mayor needed my expertise.”
Celestia chuckled. “Oh, I can hardly imagine you dropping anything you were busy with. You wouldn’t do that to a girl you cared enough for to give her your attention.”
Fleur tsked at her. “Madam, these assumptions wound me. I was, in fact, enjoying a nice brunch before coming here. I might have a date or two in the evening. And my invitation still stands, if you ever want to come along…?”
“Maybe some other time, Fleur. Today, I wanted to ask you something. Specifically, I got some documents from the Canterlot Charity Society. Am I correct that you and Fancy were the ones to vote for “R.B.”?”
“Oh yes. The poor thing doesn’t even know I suggested her for the award. She really puts a lot of work in her clothes, and she did all the extra clothes for the hospital on top of that!”
“She.. did? Who is she?”
“Rarity Belle. She just graduated with a degree in fashion design from Canterlot U. She was my protege for a while. A really pretty girl, and talented. Why, in a couple years, she might honestly threaten Hoity Toity’s top spot.”
Celestia raised her eyebrows. A statement like this from a professional like Fleur, who was basically THE authority on the fashion industry in Equestria, certainly made the mystery woman impressive. And she had just graduated? Meaning she’d done her charity work while finishing her course work?
“And you say she doesn’t know about the award?”
“She is a fashion designer just out of college. She has her own boutique over in Ponyville Heights. Fancy Pants has her under contract for now, and between that and her own designs, she is quite busy. And she is not one to brag.” Fleur stretched lazily. “Unbelievable, hm? A talented person, who is not yet selfish and ego-serving. A precious little flower to be protected, certainly.”
Celestia looked at Fleur, who was looking back at her expectantly, an unusual seriousness about her. “Certainly,” she confirmed after a moment. “I plan to pay her a visit. I want to express personal gratitude to someone who is taking on so much to help children in need. Would you mind giving me the address of her boutique?”
“Not at all! I’ll tell Raven when I leave, would that work?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Then, with your permission.” Fleur jumped up, and was already halfway towards the door before Celestia called for her again. “Hm?”
“Why don’t you ever get nominated? As far as I know, you spend two days a week volunteering at the orphanage.”
Fleur just smiled at her. “What are you saying, Madam Mayor? I am just a wealthy socialite with too much free time on my hands. I spend my days shopping and preening in front of a mirror.”
“Take care, Fleur.”
“You too, Celestia.”
~#~
Usually, Celestia would leave city hall in her less conspicuous personal car, but since this was (technically) official business, Raven decided to get the heavier armored limousine instead. Celestia wasn’t a fan of so much extravagance, but she knew that, as mayor, she had to take some precautions,
She did, at least, leave the security people at the city hall. Between her own strength and Raven’s… less publicly known training, she was as safe as she was probably going to be. Not that she’d ever had a reason to fear for her life before. With Raven driving, she felt as secure as she was ever going to outside her home.
Ponyville was a smaller suburb, about ten minutes drive from city hall in good traffic. Luckily, traffic was very good that day, and it wasn’t long before Celestia could see the smaller, more colorful houses of Canterlot’s happiest suburb.
It felt, at times, like an anachronism. In times of urban expansion and development, Ponyville had kept a certain charm, a certain feeling of a little town from a story book. All the people knew each other, and they were always nice and welcoming to everyone from outside. And yet, it always felt like intruding on some special bond the inhabitants shared when visiting.
Raven found the building immediately. An elegant, two story building with a pavilion-like roof, with large windows at street level. The placement on what passed for main street in Ponyville was also ideal.
Even from afar, Celestia could recognize the pieces of clothing in the windows as part of Fancy Pants’ label. She wasn’t an expert on fashion by any measurement, but she had seen enough of these outfits during parties with the business elite of Canterlot (and their wives).
Celestia felt a slight sting at the sight. Fleur did not praise anyone’s designing skills lightly. And yet, this young woman was not famous or influential enough to sell her own designs yet. She wasn’t an artist by trade, but Celestia could imagine how frustrating it had to be to sell someone else’s work instead of the fruit of her own labour.
Ponyville was, mysteriously, the only suburb spared the ever-growing number of cars over the years, and Raven had no trouble finding a parking spot right in front of the boutique. Celestia didn’t wait for her secretary to open her door, and instead had already made her first steps past the fence when Raven caught up with her.
“You’re unusually excited, Madam Mayor,” Raven remarked as they made their way towards the door. She looked around warily, possibly on the lookout for potential attackers or paparazzi.
Celestia sighed. “It’s not often that I get to congratulate someone honestly for a generous act. And something of this magnitude deserves praise, don’t you think so?”
Raven smiled slyly.
A simple “open” card could be seen through the window in the door, displaying impeccable calligraphy and a small trio of diamonds. When Celestia pushed the door open, a bell chimed above them, and she found herself smiling at the personal touch of it all.
“I will be right theeeeere~” called a voice from the back.
Celestia and Raven took time to look around the showroom they’d found themselves in.
It was a large, round room, and the oval display windows on the front allowed plenty of light to seep into it, even when it was jam-packed with mannequins fitted with various suits and dresses. Three small podia were scattered around the room, and the back wall boasted a set of full-length mirrors, angled inwards, to allow a customer to observe their clothing from multiple angles. Another mannequin was situated between the mirrors at the moment.
Two doors led further into the building.
Curious, Celestia moved towards the mirrors, stepping in next to the mannequin.
Celestia had never been much for fashion. But her plain black business suit had been made with a man in mind, and had been adjusted to fit her proportions. Usually, Celestia did not care. She liked the suit. It was not special, but it did its job.
But this one…
It was a grey skirt suit. A double breasted suit jacket covered a white dress shirt with a red tie. The pencil skirt was about knee-long. Unlike her own, this suit had definitely been made from the beginning for a woman. Celestia looked into the mirror, and for a moment, she wondered how it would be to feel a bit more feminine in her attire, the way Raven did. Plus, it would stop the constant “man jokes” that were made at her expense. She wasn’t really bothered, but the thought of shutting them down...
The door in the back opened, and a young woman stepped through, arms full with rolls of fabric of varying colors and patterns. Celestia spun around to face the newcomer.
“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, how can I h… oh, Madam Mayor!”
Rarity, as Celestia assumed, was a pretty young woman. She was on the tall side (if not as tall as Celestia), and she had the looks of a girl who had taken to healthy eating and exercise, rather than dieting, to stay in shape. Her long, wavy purple hair flowed freely down her back, and she had stunning blue eyes. She seemed to wear light make-up, and a pretty outfit composed of a simple white blouse and a purple pencil skirt sporting the same three-diamond emblem as the sign in the front door. Her smile was kind and honest, and Celestia felt herself returning it even before she could slip her “business smile” back into place.
The young woman actually curtsied in front of her, nearly dropping the fabric in the process. “Oh, it is an absolute honor to have you here, Madam Mayor! I’ve never expected someone like you to visit my quaint little shop. Oh, where are my manners?” She smiled warmly at Raven and Celestia, in turn, and dipped her head. “I am Rarity, the owner of this boutique.” She hastily made her way to a small work station on the side, and placed the fabric there.
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Rarity,” Raven said, moving in for a handshake that Rarity took with a slight giggle.
Celestia did the same. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rarity. Unfortunately, we are here on official business, not personal shopping. But your design work is very impressive.”
Rarity’s smile dipped a bit. “Ah, yes. The clothes in the windows are not of my design, but I will gladly relay it to the designer.”
“The suit inside as well?” Celestia asked, looking over her shoulder. “The high society pounces on all of Hoity Toity’s designs and yet I have never seen this one before.”
“That one? Oh, goodness, that was just something I did in my free time. I am afraid it’s a bit… boring, isn’t it?”
Celestia smiled wider. “I liked it very much. If this is below your standards, I cannot wait to see more of your designs.”
For a second, Rarity actually seemed… flustered. And Celestia caught herself slipping in her stoic mask. She nearly broke out in a grin when Rarity mumbled a word of gratitude.
Luckily, Raven cleared her throat before Celestia could embarrass herself. “Ah, yes… I had a reason for coming here, Miss Rarity. I was talking to Miss de Lis… I understand you have been working with her for a while?”
Rarity blinked at the sudden change of topic. “Why, yes. Fleur is a dear friend, and she has been a tremendous help through university and after.” She looked to the side. “At the moment, half my income are either her commissions or people she refers to me. In fact, she’s probably the only one who is wearing my designs…”
Celestia and Raven exchanged looks.
“Well, Miss Rarity, Fleur is a member of the Canterlot Charity Society. And she told us about the clothing donations you made to St. Redheart’s.”
“Oh. Well.” Rarity chuckled. “My little sister had a bad case of pneumonia last year, and I went to visit her often. And she made friends with a girl from the cancer ward. And since she had lost all her hair, Sweetie gave her the hat I made for her. I had a lot of spare fabric, and I wanted to practice.” She shrugged.
“Many of the so-called benefactors could learn from your example, Miss Rarity,” Celestia said. “That’s why I wanted to ask you if you would consider accepting a special reward at the gala for the Charity Society. They are a difficult bunch, so you won’t get the Benefactor of the Year award…” She trailed off as she noticed the changing expression on Rarity’s face.
Rarity smiled, a bit tensely. “I’m sorry, Madam Mayor. It wouldn’t feel right to accept honors from you for something I did without giving it much thought. I was happy to help these children, but that is all I wanted from this.”
“It could increase your own media profile and draw more customers,” Raven offered.
Rarity shook her head. “As appealing an increase in customers might be, I do not want to use the children as publicity tools.“ She straightened her pose and flipped a bang out of her face. “I will take the long way. I am certain my creativity and my love of fashion will eventually bring me to the top!”
Raven giggled. “Of course. My apologies.” She turned towards Celestia, who nodded. “Thank you for your time, Miss Rarity. We would still like to formally thank you for doing something very generous for the people of our city.”
“Actually,” Celestia began. “Would it be possible for you to make me a new outfit?”
Raven and Rarity both looked at her, eyes wide. “N-now?” the seamstress stuttered. “That is a bit… I would have to…” She stopped, staring at Celestia, who suddenly started to feel a bit uneasy.
“Madam Mayor…” Raven began, but Rarity hushed her. Like a lioness, she stalked up to Celestia, mustering her from head to toe, mumbling quietly to herself.
“Miss Rarity?” Celestia tried. She tried to stand still, unwilling to break the sudden burst of what she could only assume was a burst of inspiration. She tried to follow Rarity with her head, but the seamstress circled her fully.
“Mhm, not proportions I usually work with. Your famed height makes this quite a challenge… about two meters and five centimeters.”
Celestia felt herself blush now, as Rarity pulled out a measuring tape from her skirt pockets. “It’s six centimeters, actually…” She looked to Raven, who was just helplessly shrugging her shoulders.
“You have a beautiful body, Madam Mayor. Not one of the skinny women who come here all the time. Oh, I can already imagine how fabulous you will look once I am done with you.”
“Y-you really think so?”
“Oh, yes.” Rarity held the measuring tape up to Celestia’s neck, waiting patiently until Celestia nodded. She measured the neck, the chest, and the hips, then went on to take the leg length. “My, a princess line would not do. You have a body fit for a queen.”
By now, Celestia was feeling distinctly warm around her chest. She received the occasional compliment, but having a pretty young woman being so close while saying such things...
“And done.” Before Celestia could finish her line of thought, Rarity snapped the measuring tape back and stashed it within her skirt. ”Oh, I look forward to doing this. Such a wonderful opportunity I won’t get very often. I promise you, Madam Mayor, I will make you absolutely shine.”
“Ah, thank you… Miss Rarity…” Celestia shook her head slightly to clear her thoughts. “How much should the up-front payment be?”
Rarity shook her head. “Nonsense, Madam Mayor. I have all the materials I need, and I will not let you pay for something that is less than perfect. You are a young prodigy, giving your life for the good of Canterlot!” She gasped dramatically. “A dazzling beacon of hope for all of us living in your fair city…” She froze.
“Miss Rarity?”
“Idea!” Rarity pulled a pencil and a small notebook from her other skirt pocket. Within seconds, she was furiously scribbling away, appearing totally lost in her own world.
After a few moments in which only the scratching of Rarity’s drawing could be heard, Raven awkwardly cleared her throat. “Well. Thank you, Miss Rarity. I’ll leave you with my office phone number, so I will pick them up for the mayor when they are ready.” She pulled a business card from her coat pocket. When Rarity made no move to take it, Raven placed it on one of the podia. “We will come up with something appropriate as reward for your charity work, as token of appreciation from the city, if you could anything…”
“How about dinner?”
Celestia nearly gasped. What a bold question! She could scarcely believe the audacity of it all. Who would dare to...oh.
For the second time, Raven and Rarity were looking at her in various stages of surprise. This time, Celestia managed to keep her composure. She felt a bit warm, but maybe she wasn’t blushing like a schoolgirl.
She forced all the calm, serene tone into her voice. “If you wouldn’t mind, Miss Rarity, could I take you out to dinner? As a personal token of gratitude for your enga-- commitment?” She glanced over at Raven, who, by now, had graduated to a mischievous smirk. “If you would be amicable, that is?”
Rarity made as to speak, hesitated, then began again. “Why… yes, of course. It’d… goodness, it would be an honor, Madam Mayor. I’ll.. Should I wait for your call?” She ran her hand through her hair and straightened out her skirt with the other hand.
Raven had caught herself, so she pointed to the business card on the podium. “Feel free to contact me at this number, and I will gladly find an appointment that will work for both you and the mayor.” She smiled broadly, then grabbed Celestia by the arm. “It was nice making your acquaintance, Miss Rarity. The mayor has some appointments, so we will be taking our leave. Have a good day.”
Celestia was still trying her best to hold on to her mask of professionalism. “A pleasure, Miss Rarity. I… I hope we can find a date soon.” She awkwardly waved at Rarity, who returned the gesture somewhat numbly. Rarity did, however, smile back at her.
Still somewhat numbly, Celestia followed Raven outside. The second the door closed behind them, Celestia turned to Raven.
“What did I just do?”
Raven looked over her shoulder, to make sure Rarity had not followed to the door to watch them. “You, Madam Mayor, just made things very interesting. Congratulations on your smooth wooing.”
...have to start somewhere
Rarity stepped out into the cool night sky, the doors of the elevator closing behind her. It was not too cold, and yet she shivered a bit, even with her marine-blue cloak, one of favorite designs.
In front of her, a wooden plank path led into the roof garden that was one of the main attractions of the Arc-en-ciel, the most exclusive restaurant in all of Canterlot. Immaculate hedges lined the path, up until the little wooden bridge, spanning a artificial brook. The brook, in turn, was fed by an artificial waterfall to her right.
Rarity carefully made her way along the path, breathing in deep. The smell of the various flowers scattered artfully around the little garden was intoxicating, and it helped to calm her nerves a bit.
There, on the opposite end of the path, inside this most expensive of restaurants, the most powerful woman in the city waited for her to join her for dinner. And not a business kind of dinner, but a date. Possibly a romantic date, if the mayor’s behaviour was any indication.
Rarity had dated before, as much as her heavy college workload permitted. And if someone had offered her a magic potion, which would allow her to forget her love life up to now, she would have downed it in a second. So she was open to try new options. And a woman who was, as far as Rarity knew, at least ten years older than she was?
Who was gorgeous and kind, and worked tirelessly to make the city a better place for everyone?
To Rarity’s mind, it wasn’t a particularly risky bet. She was sure she’d have a wonderful evening with a charming woman. Everything else… well, she would see.
She took one last deep breath, put on her best smile and entered the restaurant.
The maître d greeted her in english, for which she was eternally grateful. She spoke some french, but she hardly wanted to test it in this specific situation, lest she embarrassed herself (and the mayor) before the evening had even started. She mentioned her name, and she saw his eyebrows rise as he looked at the guest list, before giving her another once-over.
He was friendly, though, and motioned for Rarity to follow him. She smiled in gratitude, and did as she was asked.
The table Celestia had picked was on the second floor, right on the large window front overlooking the city. Rarity could make out the mayor’s striking hair colors through the decorative pillars around the small alcove in which the table was situated.
Rarity smirked as she saw the mayor reach out to smooth her hair.
As she came closer, she realized why the mayor had picked this table. The angle of her seat allowed her to overlook a section of the main street. Even this late at night, the street was bristling with activity. The street lights, shops and moving cars presented an ever-changing light show. And the mayor was the one who watched over them.
Rarity came to a stop a few steps from the table. She watched in awe at the mayor looking outside, chin propped up on her hand, softly smiling at the working of her city.
Other details came to her. The slightly different cut of her suit, one more fitting for a private meeting. The light, just barely imperfect makeup, suggesting the mayor had applied it herself. And a lack of lipstick.
The maître d choose this moment to announce her arrival. Rarity closed the distance to the table, observing how the mayor reacted to the announcement. First by whipping her head around, smiling as she recognized Rarity, then going over to a nervous grin.
Rarity could understand the nervousness.
“Miss Rarity”, Celestia greeted. “I’m glad you came. Would you please take a seat?” She stood halfway up, then probably remembered etiquette, and instead waited until the maître d had taken Rarity’s cloak and left with a slight bow.
“Please, on an occasion like this, just call me Rarity. And it is my pleasure, Madam Mayor.”
“Rarity, then,” Celestia let the name roll of her tongue. “Then, please, call me Celestia. It might not be correct etiquette, but I am afraid I am… unfamiliar when it comes to the dating scene.” She chuckled nervously. “I imagine my behaviour during our first meeting made this abundantly clear.”
Rarity lifted her hand to her mouth to suppress a giggle. “If it is any consolation, I found it quite charming… Celestia.” It was a pleasant name, she felt. Almost... otherworldly. A name fit for a queen or a goddess. “Considering my past dating experiences, you are already my favorite by a large margin.”
The wine waiter came and went. Celestia ordered for them both (which Rarity was grateful for), as she did when they were handed the menu. Rarity did not consider herself a picky eater, and while she worried that food this expensive and high-quality was wasted on her, she was willing to try what she was given.
“Did you date much?” Celestia asked, after they were finally alone again. The wine had arrived, and the waiter had left a bottle with the that probably cost more than a two-person meal in most other restaurants.
Rarity considered chugging her wine here and there, but settled for a defeated sigh. “Some. I tried to find my other half in what time I could spare between school work, but all I discovered was how little respect and kindness count for many people. I hardly think it is too much to ask for someone to show interest in my work and my ambitions, rather than just my body.” She huffed. “How about you, Celestia? Any secret dalliances you managed to keep from the press?”
Celestia chuckled. “No, I am afraid I cannot provide you with gossip material. My childhood and teenage years were spent either studying for university or for my family business. There were some meetings with the heirs of other big companies, but none of these went anywhere. And now… I spend twelve hours a day at work, trying to make this city run smoothly. I… don’t have much of a private life.”
Rarity gasped. “What are you saying? A magnificent woman like you, who does so much for our fair city, and you do not have anything you do for fun?”
“This is the first time ever since I remember.”
“The first… goodness.” Rarity let herself sink back into her seat. The thought of Celestia sitting there, late at night alone in an office, filling out paperwork stung. Sure, Rarity had, herself, pulled more than a couple all-nighters, but she had always taken great care to balance the books. She knew how important it was to take time for oneself.
“Luna -- my sister, she leads the company at the moment -- always tells me I need to take more time for myself. But there’s always more work to do. And I can’t just abandon the people that count on me because I need some…”
“Oh yes you can,” Rarity interjected, voice firm. “From now on, you will need to find something to occupy your time. The people of Canterlot owe you enough already, Madam Mayor. For ten years now, you spent hours upon hours tirelessly toiling away for them. What good is a mayor who eventually collapses from stress? Or who breaks apart the instant she leaves office and has to find something to occupy her time?
“No. You deserve, no, you NEED a break! Your sister is right, Celestia. I can’t allow you to do this to yourself.” Rarity realized she had been on the border of shouting, so she hurriedly looked around for anyone ready to throw her out for disturbing the pristine atmosphere of the restaurant.
Celestia was quiet for a while. She looked over Rarity’s shoulder, out into the city, and for a moment, Rarity was worried she had gone to far. But eventually, Celestia smiled tentatively. “So, I just need to ask you out more often? Because that is what worked this time.”
Rarity giggled, feeling a blush creep on her cheeks. “You are a charmer, Madam Mayor. No wonder the people of Canterlot keep re-electing you!” She took a sip of her wine. It tasted fruity and rich, not as dry as she had expected. Still, she was still on her first glass, and she wanted to keep it that way.
The entrée arrived in form of a Bisque, a rich, creamy soup made from crayfish, as Celestia explained. Rarity enjoyed it, although she considered herself not a fan of seafood. They took their time with the food, lightly making small talk in between.
“Rarity,” Celestia began, after the table had been cleared again. “I have a business proposition for you. As you can imagine, with my height, I have some trouble getting clothes that fit me. And I was hoping I could order from you. I’ve seen examples of your work, and I think they are amazing.” She looked down at the suit she was wearing, another barely-adjusted male design. “This is… adequate, but just so. And I would really like to wear something a bit more feminine.”
Rarity was silent for a while. When Celestia patiently waited, Rarity eventually began: “I’m afraid I am not good enough for the mayor, as far as my design skills are concerned.” She smiled sadly. “I still have a lot to learn, and at the moment, and probably for a while still, I simply cannot be the one to bring out your beauty the way you deserve.”
“But I really like your designs. Isn’t that enough?” Celestia reached out over the table, gently touching Rarity’s hand. “You are way more talented than you give yourself credit for. Fleur de Lis has praised you greatly, and she doesn’t take something like this lightly.”
“She is biased because she trained me,” Rarity murmured. “Nine out of ten designs of mine I sold, she was the one who bought them. The other customers usually go with one of Hoity’s designs.”
“Mostly because he is a familiar name,” Celestia said. “And he goes for broad market appeal on purpose. So of course there are more people flocking to him and his brand. But you, dear Rarity, are immensely talented. Even I, as a normally fashion-averse person, have fallen in love with your designs. You have enormous creativity, and I am completely certain that you will only become better with time and practice. And as an artist, the way to spread your wings is to go down your own path. Do what you want, and not what you think others want from you.” She smiled broadly.
Slowly, carefully, Rarity moved her hand along Celestia’s. She looked up, and managed a somewhat shaky smile. “I… thank you, Celestia.” She tried to find her words, but the feeling of Celestia’s fingers on hers were proving a formidable distraction.
“It’s not easy, I know. But you’ll get there.”
~#~
It was past midnight when Rarity and Celestia left the restaurant and walked along the path towards the elevator. It was cold, and Rarity shivered despite her cloak. Celestia, meanwhile didn’t seem too bothered, even though she had merely buttoned up her suit jacket.
By some shared decision, they both came to a halt on the wooden bridge. The sound of the little waterfall was calming, and Rarity felt herself brushing against Celestia’s larger frame as they stood side by side and looked into the water.
“It was a wonderful date,” Rarity ventured after a while of amicable silence. “Certainly the best one I’ve ever had. Why, if I had known sooner where to look…” She bit her lip.
“I’ve had a lot of fun as well, Rarity,” Celestia said. She fidgeted a bit with the hem of her jacket. “And I would love to have another one.”
Rarity smiled back at her. She suddenly stood on her toes, raising herself a bit towards Celestia.
“You are a bit too tall,” she said. “I’ve thought about asking you if I could help you with lipstick, just so I could give you a taste of mine.” She smirked devilishly at Celestia’s blush. “But… I think this is the better option.”
In a smooth motion, Rarity drew the cloak off her shoulders while spinning around, only to vault up to sit on the bridge railing. “Here’s to a marvelous first date, Madam Mayor.” And with that, the threw the cloak over Celestia’s shoulders, pulling the stunned woman in close.
As their lips met under the moonlight, Rarity wrapped her arms around Celestia and held her close. This dating experience, she thought, she wouldn’t mind repeating forever and ever.
