Forever and Always

Rarity

Isn’t she just the most precious pony there ever was?

Rainbow Dash is napping on my bed again. It’s always a delightful surprise to find her there. She wears herself out with all that practicing she does, which of course I find very admirable. One must hone one’s craft to be successful.

Now, here she is all windtossed and on my bed dozing. Perfectly adorable. I’d like to give her a quick kiss and a nuzzle, but it will wake her. So, I simply use a bit of magic to pull a light blanket over her and silently leave the room.

In my inspiration room, I’m working on a new garment for Sapphire Shores. She has been a wonderful client. I am especially excited about this garment, because it isn’t a costume. While I love designing show pieces for her, this party gown has been an absolutely delightful change of pace. She is such a wonderful pony, and it is fun to try and design to an entirely different part of her personality.

As I work, I think about Rainbow Dash. I confess that I was entirely unaware that she had any romantic feelings for me at all when I asked her out on our first date. In truth, I was entirely unaware of my own feelings at that time. The date invitation was simply the result of having been given two VIP tickets to a Wonderbolts event from Fancy Pants (he is such a wonderful friend) complete with background access, and knowing there wasn’t a single pony in all of Equestria that would enjoy attending more than Rainbow Dash. So, I asked her to attend as my guest. After several endearing rounds of “OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh” and a rainbow whirlwind that thoroughly ruffled my mane, darling Dash engulfed me in a hug worthy of Pinkie Pie.

It wasn’t until the next day that she asked me if it was a date. I hadn’t intended the invitation in any romantic sense, and I told her so. I expected to enjoy the performance, of course, but my purpose in attending was networking; all the very important ponies would be there. Rainbow understood naturally, and actually seemed to relax a bit in knowing that I wasn’t making some sort of overture. For just a moment I considered being hurt at her relief, but it would have been all pretense, and that simply isn’t necessary between friends.

I did ask her if I could design some sort of outfit for her. Truthfully, I already had a few possibilities in hoof before I asked. She acquiesced with the stipulation that said garment be anything but a dress, which was rather convenient since I had not even dreamed up a dress for the occasion. Formal attire would have been all wrong for the event. Once I had her permission, I couldn’t possibly have stopped myself from producing all three of my ideas.

The first was a very edgy piece. I’d been dying to make something like it for months. A sleak vest in black with rainbow accents that only revealed themselves once the wearer was airborne. The second was a little more prep and polish. A blazer with a popped collar in Wonderbolt Blue with yellow lightning bolts running from shoulder to just past a pegasus’ wings. The final piece was a fangirl’s dream. A simply jersey shirt with the Wonderbolt’s insignia and their slogan, “Altius volantis—Soaring higher!" centered in bold print beneath.

While athletic wear certainly isn’t my preferred focus, but it is invigorating to delve into from time to time. With Rainbow Dash for my muse, the design process was surprisingly organic. Not easy per se, since I was working against my own tastes, but enjoyable nonetheless. The construction aspect was a thoroughly frustrating but invigorating challenge. Functionality is always a consideration in fashion, of course; but it’s an entirely different beast in casual wear for athletes. It took a bit of research, as well as some trial and error, to get the perfect blend of fashion, functionality, and wearability.

I invited her to lunch at the boutique a few days prior to the event. I purposefully neglected to mention that I had finished her outfit. I wanted to surprise her.

I had the three garments arranged in a half circle just inside the large window that Dash prefers to use for her entrance. I wish she’d use the door like a civilized pony, but then she wouldn’t be Rainbow Dash. I misjudged her usual landing spot, and she nearly crashed into the vest display. She was bemused at first, nearly disappointed. She couldn’t see the vest for what it was. So, a quick pop of magic and the garment was on her.

“Please fly over to this mirror, so I can check the fit darling.” I knew she just needed to see it in flight, and once she did there was another round of “OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh” and another bone crunching hug.

“It’s so awesome!!!!” She had said. “And it fits perfect!”

“How is it about your wings?” I asked. “I tried shaping the wing holes and seams a little differently in hopes that you wouldn’t have the same restrictions you’ve mentioned with some of the other garments I’ve made you.”

She gave her wings an adorable little flap, and I just managed to get the zipper pulled up in the front before she flew out the window. Some clothes are made for the runway. Some clothes are made for the camera. I made that vest for that pony to go flying in (her looking fabulous was, in this case, a mere bonus); and seeing her in that moment….the joy on her face….that was the instant I fell head over hoof for her. Of course, I didn’t realize that at the time.

She landed back in the shop coming through the same window, and having adjusted her landing to avoid the potential crash. She was breathless and beautiful. She fluttered across the room and took me by the hooves, spinning me around. She spoke so fast and animated. All in one breath she said, “Rares is just so cool. It’s like I’m not wearing anything, or like I’m wearing a flight suit. I think it actually cuts down on resistance, so I’m even faster. I flew through market street, and Flash Bulb got an amazing pic of what it looks like from the bottom. He waved me down so I could it. Thankyouthankyouthankyou. I didn’t even know you could make something like this, but- DUH! I worried you were going to make me some dumb girly whatever, but now I’m not just going to be the most awesome pony at the party, I’m going to look like the most awesome pony at the party! Thankyouthankyouthankyou”

We were both dizzy and out of breath when she finished, and we toppled in a giggling heap onto the chaise lounge I barely had the presence of mind to pull over magically before we fell.

Once I regained my composure I said, “So, that one will do. Would you like to look at the others?”

“There’s more?” She had asked like a child that had just been given everything they ever wanted only to be offered a world full of things they didn’t know they wanted as well.

“Of course there’s more, darling. Although the vest is the show piece, so I doubt you’ll be as exuberant about the others.”

In a flash she was gone across the room looking at the Blazer and the shirt. Her eyes bouncing back and forth between the two with wonderment.

“Can I try them on?” She was reverent, almost sheepish, about it.

“Of course dear! They are yours after all, and I do want to make sure they fit. Although, I used the same measurements for these that I used for your vest, so there’s no reason to think they won’t. Still, I would like to see them one you before you take them out in public.”

I used my magic to unzip the vest and lift it off her. I grabbed the blazer first, but she stopped me. “I want to wear the shirt under that.”

“Really?” I hadn’t imagined the items together, but now that she’d presented the idea I wanted to see it too. “Alright, let’s give it a try.”

With just the shirt on, she suddenly became a little filly before my eyes. All her childlike love of her favorite team bursting through her eyes. She reminded me of Scootaloo in some way. The addition of the jacket was just right. It matured the overall look without making it old. The contrast of the blazer against Rainbow’s coat was rather becoming, and beneath the nearly professional almost stiffness was the lighthearted, unabashed fandom of the shirt.

Rainbow trotted excitedly to the mirror. I half expected her to take off in flight again, but she only flew quickly across the room and enfolded me in yet another embrace. This one was different though. She used her wings this time. It was a soft hug with a wonderful nuzzle against my neck. When she pulled away she nearly had tears in her eyes.

I have had some good moments as a designer, but never like that. Never had I had a moment where I could see that a pony felt as if I had captured her soul in fashion so she could show the world. It was a perfect moment for me; not only as a designer, but also as a friend.

Suddenly, I’m drawn back to the present moment. I can hear my special somepony stirring, and I would very much like to see her before she takes off for another training session.