Love, Trust and Friendship

Rarity's boutique was usually a flurry of activity. Fabric and spools of thread suspended by magic flying through the air as she put together her works of wearable art. Today, there was definitely a flurry of activity, but the art was proving to be elusive.

Rarity was busily pinning fabric together on a ponyquinne, trying desperately to get the costumes order ready for the weekend's production of My Fair Pony at the theater on Saturday, and it was already Wednesday! Why did I agree to do all of the costumes, she thought to herself. It was a tall order at the best of times. Working distracted like she was, it was taking much longer and--

"Horse apples!" Rarity swore, jerking back from the pin she had just pricked herself with. Again. Instinctively, she looked around to be sure Sweetie Belle wasn't within earshot. Of course she wasn't. She was out with her fellow crusaders on one of their foolish adventures. And here you are pricking yourself when you're supposed to be focused on the task at hand. Death of a thousand cuts indeed.

Rarity sighed. She put the pin cushion she'd been holding with her magic down on the table and let the fabric on the ponyquinne sag. She stood alone in the middle of the shop and closed her eyes. "My, you are distracted today aren't you", she said aloud to herself. Her sore hooves were evidence of that. You've been distracted for weeks and the orders are starting to pile up, she thought.

Opening her eyes, Rarity walked over to her couch and sat down heavily. She huffed a sigh and thought back to the day she realized she had feelings for Twilight. Two months ago they had been at one of Pinkie Pie's parties (was it Gummy's third anniversary of his first trip to the dentist? Who would take an animal with no teeth to the dentist, honestly?) and Pinkie had decided one of the party games would be "trust falls". She had got paired with Twilight who she had just happened to be standing beside. When Twilight fell backwards into her waiting hooves, Rarity found her face suddenly buried in Twilight's mane, Twilight's body pressed against hers. The realization hit her like a loaded apple cart. For one instant, Rarity hadn't wanted to let go, she wanted to stay there, breathing in the scent of her mane, feeling her wings brush softly against her stomach. She did let go, and then it was her turn to fall into Twilight's hooves. Rarity left that party early, citing a pile of orders (which was partly true) and the need for a good night's rest (which she did not get) to get an early start the next day as her reasons for leaving. She left, her mind reeling from the realization that she had actually fallen for Twilight.

She didn't get sleep that night, and many nights since had been restless with thoughts of having her muzzle buried in Twilight's mane, stroking her wings... nibbling her ears. Rarity had tried to convince herself that her feelings were just a crush, and nothing to get all worried about. After all, she didn't want to jeopardize her friendship with Twilight over something like a crush. She figured it would pass and things would go back to normal. But her feelings weren't going anywhere, they were getting stronger.

In addition to her sleep issues, she forgot to eat until well past mealtimes (much to Sweetie Belle's dismay and near constant nagging) and she was forgetting about orders. Oh, and there's also the copious amount of time you spend staring into space, all the while thinking about a certain gorgeous lavender mare, she thought. The thought of wings brushing her face made her heart pump a bit faster.

And then there was the constant arguing she was doing with herself...

This is not like me to hesitate when I want something...

This isn't just anypony, it's Twilight!

What if twilight doesn't feel the same? It will ruin our friendship.

But what if she does...

"Horse apples!" she swore again. "This is getting ridiculous. I'm behaving like a school-filly!" Rarity knew there was only one way out of this. I have to talk to Twilight, she thought. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. I really do have it bad, don't I... Rarity bit her lip. She knew what she needed to do, but it didn't make it any easier. No more waiting, she thought, I need to do this today.

Mind made up (and before she could second-guess herself), Rarity tidied her shop, flipped the Open sign to Closed and headed out the door of her boutique, closing and locking the door. Twilight's castle wasn't far, and it was just after noon. She should be able to catch Twilight before the evening's responsibilities took over for both of them.

As she trotted towards Twilight's castle, she was feeling good about her decision, right up until the castle came into view. As soon as she spied the familiar towers and jeweled windows, her mouth went dry and her heart started to pound again.

You can do this, she said to herself. Just pretend its just another visit. You've been here so many times, why should this time turn you into a jumpy little filly?

Because this visit could ruin one of your most important relationships you have.

Thank you. That's extremely helpful...

Rarity found herself outside the doors of the Castle of Friendship. At least my legs are still working, even if my mind is wandering. Rarity applied her magic to one of the doors and pushed. The doors were unlocked as usual. She took a deep breath and walked slowly inside.

Rarity loved this place; the beauty of the sheer crystal walls and sparkling windows always took her breath away. She imagined how wonderful it would be to live in such a place, surrounded by its beauty everyday. Bless her heart, I bet Twilight barely notices how beautiful it is anymore, given she usually walks around with a book or scroll in front of her, she thought with a small smile. She briefly entertained the thought of living here with a beautiful lavender mare making it all the more wonderful. Getting a bit ahead of yourself aren't we? Lets actually talk to her first, she chided herself.

"Hey Rarity!" came a familiar voice from far above her. Rarity, startled out of her thoughts, looked up to see Spike hanging from a rope, washing windows in the throne room she had apparently wandered into during her daydreaming.

"Hello Spike", she called back as Spike descended on his rope back down to the floor.

Once on the floor, Spike bounded over with a hopeful look in his eyes, "What brings you here today? Anything I can help you with?"

"Actually I was looking for Twilight, is she around?" Rarity asked and she noticed Spike's face fall just a bit. Oh dear, she thought, I forgot about this one little wrinkle.

"Yeah, shes here. In the library as usual. She's been in there all day, try to get her to take a break if you can," Spike said with a hint of annoyance.

"I will certainly try my best. But actually, Spike, could I talk to you for a moment... It's important."

Spikes expression changed to one of concern, "Sure Rarity, what's going on?"

"Well...", she began, not really sure how to begin. "I came over to speak to Twilight about... My feelings for her...". Rarity winced as she said the last part. To his credit Spike barely flinched. "I wanted to talk to you about it first... Because..."

"Of my feelings for you.", Spike finished for her. His entire body slumped slightly as he said the words, his eyes dropped from her face to focus somewhere around her hooves.

Rarity felt lost. She wanted so badly to take away the hurt she knew she just handed to Spike. The poor little dragon had been enamored with her for so long, and now she was not only rejecting him, but replacing him with someone he lived with. And assisted, all day. Everyday.

"Spike... I'm sorry... I can't help how I feel about Twilight. I still want us to be friends. You're important to me and a good friend," Rarity said, trying to salvage something of the situation.

Spike squared his shoulders and puffed up his chest, "It's OK Rarity."

Rarity blinked, "Excuse-me-what?" she blurted out.

Spike gave her a lopsided smile, "It's OK. I knew you had feelings for Twilight."

"How did you know that?" she asked, eyes wide.

"At Gummy's party. It was obvious to anyone looking... Well, at least to me. I saw you when you caught Twilight. For someone usually so composed, your face was priceless!" Spike said, looking a bit self-satisfied. "I also noticed the way you've been looking at her since then. You steal looks at her when shes not looking, and you get the cutest look in your eyes. Twilight hasn't noticed, or at least she hasn't mentioned it. She is a bit dense when it comes to this stuff though."

Rarity was shocked. Had she really been so obvious? She decided to shelve that thought for now. "So... Are we OK?" She asked tentatively.

Spike nodded, "Yeah, we're OK. It just hurt hearing it out loud, but I kinda figured it would be coming. Just don't expect me to help you out winning Twilight. That's a bit too much to ask."

Rarity let out a breath she had not realized she was holding, "Thank you Spike," she said as she pulled him in for a hug, that he returned.

Spike pulled away after a few seconds. "Twilight is in the library. Take your time, she's not going anywhere, and she doesn't have any appointments today. She had me clear her schedule for some crazy research project for which she needs 'absolute and uninterrupted concentration'," Spike finished with an eye roll.

"Thank you again Spike, you're a good friend", she said and gave him a warm smile.

"I know. Good luck!", he said with another self-satisfied smile as he marched out of the room.

Spikes feelings somewhat spared, Rarity felt a bit better. She started working her way through the crystal halls towards the library. She'd been there many times to see Twilight, always finding her shoulder deep in some pile of books and scrolls, a fierce, focused light in her eyes while she conducted her research.

Today was apparently not one of those days. As Rarity reached the door to the library she heard a familiar, frustrated "Arg!" followed by the unmistakable thunk of Twilight's head hitting the book laid out on her desk.

Rarity walked into the library with a worried glanced and asked, "Everything OK, darling?"

Twilight snapped her head up from her desk, a surprised look on her face and a quill pen stuck to her forehead. A tired smile crossed her face when she recognized Rarity standing in the doorway. "Hey Rarity!" she said.

Rarity's heart melted at the sight before her. Even with her mane slightly disheveled and a quill stuck to her forehead, Twilight was beautiful. Walking into the library, she giggled as she plucked the quill from Twilight's head with her magic, setting it back on the desk. "Whats the matter dearest? You sounded a bit frustrated before I walked in".

Twilight pulled a bit of a wince and said, "Oh, I've been working on this new spell and I just can't get it right! Princess Celestia was hoping I could figure it out before the next delegation from Saddle Arabia came to Canterlot. I've been at it for days and I keep getting stuck."

Concern flashed across Rarity's face as she said, "Why don't you take a break? Spike says you've been working too much, and besides, I have something I need to talk to you about."

Twilight stretched, "I guess I could use a break, and some company. Spike! Can you bring some tea for Rarity an-"

Twilight was cut off as Spike rushed into the room with a clattering tray of tea already made, "Already on it Twilight, I saw Rarity come in and figured you'd need some tea!"

Twilight settled down onto one of the over-sized pillows by the unlit fireplace smiling as Spike set down the tea set on a nearby table. "Thank you Spike. Thoughtful as always, even if it is just a ploy to get me to take a break," she said, peering at him through narrowed eyes.

"No problem Twi!" Spike beamed. "And its only because I care," he said pouring them both some tea. "Enjoy your tea" he said, giving Rarity a wink before jogging out of the room.

Maybe he's had a change of heart about the whole 'I like Twilight' thing...Either that or the little scamp is teasing me, Rarity thought. Either way, thank goodness he seems to be in high spirits.

Rarity was startled out of her thoughts by Twilight. "So what did you want to talk about?" she asked, sipping the tea Spike had poured.

"Well..." Rarity started. Then she couldn't speak. This was it, her chance. She had Twilight's undivided attention and she could feel the weight of the those beautiful eyes on her. How was she supposed to tell one of her best friends she was falling for her? Why had she decided on the spur of the moment to come here and do this today? She'd played it out in her mind in so many sleepless nights, trying to figure out a way to explain it to Twilight without scaring her off, to think of things she might say, hints she might drop... But she knew Twilight better than that. She has to be direct or she was just going to be confused...

"Uh, Rarity... Are you OK?", Twilight asked.

Rarity brought herself back to the present to see a confused Twilight tilting her head to one side in the most adorable fashion, looking at her intently. "Sorry, what?" was all Rarity could manage.

"You've just been... staring of into space," Twilight said, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "Is everything alright?"

Rarity gave a small nervous laugh (well, she hoped it didn't sound too nervous) and said "Sorry darling, yes, everything is all right."

"OK good. So what did you want to talk about?" Twilight asked. She didn't sound as concerned, but she still hadn't taken her gaze off of Rarity. Rarity resisted the urge to shift in her seat, lighting her horn to lift her cup and took a sip of tea.

Here goes nothing, Rarity thought, her heart pounding. "Twilight, there is really no other way to tell you this... but.. I have feelings for you." There. She said it! It was out. She felt a blush creep into her cheeks.

Twilight's brow furrowed as she asked, "Feelings?". Her tea cup stopped and hovered in midair, lit by her magic.

"Yes dear, feelings," she affirmed, nodding. Adding, "Romantic feelings." All downhill from here, she thought.

Rarity watched Twilight's eyes grow wide as she whispered, "Roman....tic...?" The last part came out as more of a squeak. The tea cup dropped towards the table as Twilight's magic lost it's grip. Rarity just managed to grab it with her magic before it hit and gently put it back on the saucer.

Rarity felt her stomach twist and churn inside her. Twilight sat as if she was frozen. Rarity wasn't even sure she was breathing. Her eyes were wide, the pupils shrunk to tiny black dots, mouth slightly open, like a few of Twilight's gears had come off their tracks and gotten jammed. Now you've done it, she thought. She had to get her back... "Twilight... stay with me", Rarity said softly, reaching out a hoof and stroking Twilight's cheek.

Awareness returned to Twilight's face in a flash and she jumped backwards, scrambled to her feet and started pacing, muttering to herself.

Rarity, having no soft lavender cheek to stroke, pulled her hoof back. She was suddenly unsure of her spur of the moment plan. The poor thing is terrified, she thought. This was a bad idea...

Twilight stopped pacing, gave Rarity a confused look and said. "You really do? You really like me?"

Rarity blinked at the question, it was not what she was expecting. "Yes Twilight, I do."

Twilight still looked confused as she asked, "When did this happen?"

"Honestly, I've been feeling this way for a few months really", Rarity answered, still seated on her pillow.

Twilight got that wide-eyed look again. "Months?" she asked quietly.

"Well yes, actually. I wasn't sure at first. I thought it might just be a crush, and I didn't want to say anything and risk losing your friendship over something silly like that. But its not just a crush Twilight. I can't stop thinking about you. I can't sleep, I forget to eat, and when I'm away from you my heart positively aches." Rarity didn't know when she had closed her eyes, but when she opened them Twilight was sitting back down beside her. The confusion was gone, and it was replaced with a soft look Rarity hadn't seen before. She could feel tears in the back of her eyes.

Twilight put her hoof over Rarity's. "I'm glad you told me Rarity... and I'm glad you said it first."

Rarity's heart soared! First?!

"I've been thinking about you for a while to. But I've never told anyone how I've felt before... I wasn't sure what to say." Then she chuckled softly, "I wasn't even sure you were interested in mares, we've never really discussed it"

"My interest in mares is not something I run around advertising like Rainbow Dash", Rarity said slyly, and they shared a giggle. "I can see the merits of both, but when it comes down to it, its more about the pony, and the pony I want is you." She turned hopeful eyes towards Twilight and bit her lip nervously. She had poured out just a bit more of her heart than she had intended to in the last few seconds.

Twilight shifted herself next to Rarity, blushing furiously, and whispered, "Well, I think you have me", as she leaned against her new marefriend and nuzzled her cheek.

Rarity caught her breath. The world stopped for a few wonderful, blissful seconds as she felt Twilight lean into her. She nuzzled back, drinking in the scent of her, the soft feel of her coat. She could feel Twilight's wing brush gently against her side. The words you have me echoed in her head. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and all she could feel was a soaring joy that brought, what she assumed must be, a foolish looking smile to her lips.

"Rarity?" Twilight said in a quiet, questioning tone.

Rarity pulled her head back to look into the most beautiful violet eyes, "Yes darling?"

"I... I want to kiss you," Twilight managed. "Is that OK?"

Rarity's heart skipped another beat, and she managed to whisper, "Yes."

Rarity and Twilight leaned towards each other. Their lips touching, pressed together, lingering. Just a kiss. After a few seconds, Twilight pulled back. Rarity could see her blushing a vibrant red. "That was really nice," Twilight said, a smile spreading across her face, competing with her blush for attention.

Rarity looked at her friend, "Was that-"

"My first," Twilight whispered.

Now it was Rarity's turn to blush, her white cheeks turning a flattering shade of pink. They held each others gaze for a few more seconds before both of them spontaneously dissolved into giggles, laying down on their sides on the pillow they were now sharing. When they came to their senses, Twilight gently tapped Rarity on the nose with her hoof and said, "I think I'm going to have some more research to do to figure out this whole 'marefriend' thing".

"You know Twilight," Rarity said airily, "not everything can be learned from a book. Some of it you just need to figure out as you go. Sometimes you just do what feels right."

Twilight leaned in an gave Rarity another chaste, lingering kiss, sending a shiver up Rarity's spine. "I can do that. I think..." she said when they broke apart.

"You always were a fast learner," Rarity cooed, reaching out a hoof to stroke Twilight's mane. So beautiful, Rarity thought.

They laid like that for what seemed, to Rarity at least, like minutes. Stroking and nuzzling, trading chaste kisses between them. At one point, Twilight snuggled up against Rarity, tucking her head under Rarity's chin and wrapped her forelegs around her marefriend. Rarity snuggled her back, burying her muzzle in Twilight's mane breathing in the faint smells of parchment and ink... and violets. They stayed that way until the clock above the darkened fireplace tolled four.

Rarity's eye shot open. "Sweet Celestia!" she exclaimed as she looked up to check the clock, hoping desperately she had heard wrong. She had not. "I need to get back to the boutique. Sweetie Belle should be getting back and dinner has been... Sporadic... Lately," Rarity said with a blush.

Rarity forced herself to get up from their shared pillow. She didn't want to leave, but poor Sweetie Belle would be upset if dinner was late. Again. Now that the weight of her hidden feelings had been lifted, her mind felt clearer, and there was so much that needed doing.

Twilight stood beside her, looking a little crestfallen, but she nodded saying, "I wish you didn't have to go so soon."

Rarity gave her hair a toss to settle all the ruffled strands. "Why don't you come by the boutique tomorrow for lunch? Sweetie Belle will be out. We can have some time together before we both have to get back our respective responsibilities," she suggested.

Twilight positively beamed as a smile lit up her face, "Lunch sounds great!"

Rarity stepped close to Twilight and gave her another kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Gorgeous," she said with a sly smile.

it had the intended effect as Twilight blushed a vibrant red again. "Tomorrow," she agreed.

Rarity quickly trotted to the door and looked back to flash one last smile before she headed out the door and down the hallway, leaving Twilight to her piles of books and scrolls.

Rarity trotted through Castle Friendship, her head and spirits high. The crystal walls seemed to shine just a bit brighter and the afternoon sun streaming through the windows just a little more golden. That foolish smile crept back onto her face as she thought about the last few hours (had it really been hours?) she had spent with Twilight.

"Heading out so soon?" Spike asked from a doorway as she trotted by.

Rarity stopped and gave the little dragon a smile. "I need to get back for Sweetie Belle," she said." But Twilight will be coming by for lunch tomorrow," she said happily.

"So things went well then?" Spike asked, leaning against the door frame.

"It was... rocky at first... but yes. It went well," she said, smiling behind the blush that rose in her cheeks again.

"Well that's a relief," he said pushing off from the door frame. "I better get dinner on to. Maybe she'll actually eat something tonight. See you later!"

"Good evening, Spike," Rarity said as she turned and started trotting away.

Rarity kept up a steady pace all the way back to the boutique. The entire way she kept turning the afternoon's events over in her mind. So much had happened in such a short time, and the place she started in a few hours ago was so different from where she was now. Rarity unlocked the boutique and stepped inside, closing the door with her magic.

She stood in the middle of her boutique, alone in the quiet and closed her eyes. The empty longing she had felt earlier was gone, replaced by something warmer that filled her insides. Something that made her smile again. She felt something small and furry rub against her leg. Rarity opened her eyes and looked down into the expectant gaze of Opal. "Time to get to work Opal," she said. "We have a lot to do. But first, dinner."

Opal meowed in agreement and followed her to the kitchen.