Forever and Always

Rarity

Another satisfied customer. Roseluck, just needed a quick alteration done on a favorite dress. A small bit of work, hardly worth billing for, which is why I did it gratis. Now, I can sit a return to my memories until Rainbow gets back...

The party was lovely. Rainbow and I got separated a couple times, but only for a few minutes. Each time she found her way back to me quickly. A rather handsome stallion I had seen at several other events tried to approach me in a moment where I was without Rainbow, only to have his hopes dashed when she sidled up alongside me and rested her wing across my back in what I’m sure appeared to be a very possessive display. He nodded defeat and moved on in a most chivalrous manner.

Just as the party was becoming tedious, the lights dimmed and raised again indicating that the event would soon begin. Rainbow and I proceeded to our seats. I thought that we might be seated with a few other ponies, but to my delight ours was a private box. Furnished with two large arm chairs and a love-seat that could seat two together (I ardently hoped Dash would elect the latter option). There was a table with a small spread of food, as well as a menu if we desired something specific. In a small fridge were various beverages, including some of the Apple Family’s Hard Cider, which I pulled out and opened before giving one to Rainbow and taking a long drink of my own.

“Cider?!?!?” She squealed. “The is the best date ever!” She took the cider and proceeded to the large viewing area. “Hey Rares, do you mind if we keep these doors open, and move the seat forward?”

There were two large glass panels that could be pulled shut to keep out the chill, but was a pleasantly comfortable night. So, I saw no need for them. “Of course darling,” I replied, and with a touch of my magic opened the doors securely and pushed the small couch forward.

She grinned. Oh, how she grinned. There’s not a thing I wouldn’t do to see that goofy grin on that pony’s face. It quite overwhelmed me, and I crossed to her and kissed her on the cheek before she could stop me.

“Are you hungry?” I asked.

“No I grabbed some food downstairs. I may want a hayburger later though.” As she spoke, she turned and looked at the stadium drinking it in with her eyes.

I moved alongside her, and her wing (almost of its own accord) draped over me again. “What are you thinking, darling?”

“That I’m going to be out there someday,” was the instant reply. Despite the confidence of the words, there was a tremor of uncertainty in her voice.

I leaned in and gave her a strong nuzzle against her neck (later she would tell me that I almost undid her with that gesture), “You will do it Rainbow. Nopony wants it more or has worked as hard to earn it. You will make it happen, darling.”

Just then the trumpets sounded and the show began.

I led her to the couch, and watched her watch the show. She sat so still, except for little twitches in her muscles as though they were practicing, anticipating the moves her eyes were seeing. She had memorized the routines. She could have flown out there and replaced any one of the Wonderbolts without hesitation.

When the choreographed display was done and the game began, she relaxed a bit. She asked for more cider, and I ordered us both burgers. She laughed at how I ate mine, insisting on using a knife and fork rather my hooves as the heathens do.

We talked about the game, she explained certain rules to me. I pointed out ponies in the crowd that I had met or designed for. At intermission, she seemed to wilt before me. “I need a nap.” She said, flopped onto the couch.

“Alright,” I said.

Her head popped up. “Aren’t you going to tell me we need to go talk to some important pony or something?”

“Not at all darling. I find I’ve met my limit for socializing today, and with the business I’m sure I’ve drummed up today there’s no need to continued attempts at networking. Your assistance in that effort is more than appreciated by the way. In all honesty, a brief rest sounds rather enticing.”

“No prob, Rares,” she said smiling. Then she shifted on the couch making room for me, and held out her hoof. It wasn’t a large couch, but if we curled around each other just so we fit quite nicely. She didn’t let go of my hoof, and just as I began to drift off I felt her give my cheek the lightest nuzzle, and I heard her breathe a very contented sigh.

We woke a few minutes later to the sounds of intermission ending. I stood for just a moment, when I did I saw Dash’s countenance fall. When I laid back down, I had effectively made her the “big spoon” as they say, and I felt her smile by my ear.

It was magical. Light and music filled the sky. The costumes must have had an enchantment to glow like that. The Wonderbolts sailed through the night and wove the story of Equestria. The Tale of the Two Sisters, The Mare in the Moon, and the grand climax of the elements of harmony being unleashed by six shimmering friends.

“It is surreal to see oneself depicted like this,” I said.

“Yeah, and it’s weird too.”

We were exhausted when the show ended. We waited for crowds to disperse before leaving. We talked about the show, techniques I didn’t know the names for; the costumes, and how they managed to capture each of our friends so simply; the drama and the comedy.

We didn’t talk on the walk back, she just draped her wing over me and we walked in peaceful silence until we reached the castle grounds. “Rares, what’s it going to be like tomorrow?’

“I don’t know darling.”

“This felt good, right?”

“Yes, it felt….right.”

“Yeah,” then she paused and began to climb the stairs.Then very casually she said, “At least we won’t have to tell everypony we’re dating. They can just read about it in the paper. All those newsponies kept calling you my marefriend, and I’m pretty sure I stopped correcting them”

I was standing at the base of the stairs still. Did she just-? Are we-?

EEEEEEEEEEE

That was not dainty ladylike squeel. It was a full, inappropriate volume, joyous sound accompanied by fluttering of hooves as I danced in place for a moment. I heard Rainbow laugh, “Come on dork!”

I stomped my foot in indignation at that, then she peeked back around the corner at me. “Come on MY dork!”

And my heart melted.

We shared a bed that night, but just to sleep. We didn’t even kiss. We were too tired, and we weren’t in a rush. Imagine that, Rainbow Dash not in a rush. We just held each other. She kissed my forehead, and I nuzzled her chest. And we both slept the most perfect and peaceful sleep.

I let the memory close and return to the inspiration room looking at the Sapphire’s dress with a critical eye and thinking of Rainbow on the red carpet. I remember the flash of cameras.

IDEEEEEAAAAA!