Chapters Chapter 1: Chic Boutique
Rarity stepped back and admired her newest order. It was a stunning light green dress that was going to be used by Fluttershy on her wedding day. Demonheart had ordered it and asked Rarity to keep it a secret. Rarity smiled.
“That Pegasus is such a romantic at heart...”
She was so engrossed in her thoughts, she almost forgot about the time. Sweetie Belle walked into the upstairs workshop.
“Sister! It’s time for my lessons!”
Rarity snapped out of her reverie. She smiled at her sister.
“Of course! Let’s go see Ranger hmm?”
Ever since Rock Ranger had taken Sweetie belle under his wing as his pupil, her confidence had skyrocketed. She’d never have the same air about her as the rock star or his mare, but she would be able to sing in front of large crowds.
“Probably be proficient in a few instruments as well...” She muttered.
Rock Ranger was waiting outside with a smile on his face. Sweetie Belle ran up to him.
“Ranger!”
She hugged the purple Pegasus tightly. He looked at Rarity and nodded.
“Miss Rarity.”
“Ranger.”
These two never really spoke much. There was something between them that just didn’t seem to allow decent communication, but neither of them understood it. Nopony really did. It was strange, but they didn’t dislike each other, so nopony really payed much attention to it. The duo left, discussing the content of the next lesson, while Rarity returned to her boutique. Her fabrics and silks and ribbons called to her, begging her to turn them into something amazing.
~*~
Gray was tired. Tired of walking, tired of searching. Just plain tired. He’d stopped by a small town to stock up on supplies and ask around. It was a dreary town, sad and colourless. There weren’t any jobs going for an actor, but there was a lot of hyped talk about a place called Ponyville. Apparently one of the previous occupants of the town had gone there and never come back. One of the ponies had received a postcard from him though and he thought it was pretty brilliant.
Gray, ever tired of walking, shouldered his pack and pressed east towards the town of Ponyville, determined to find something there.
~*~
Demonheart was trying on a creamy white suit that Rarity had just made. He looked a little uncomfortable.
“I... I don’t know Rarity... It clashes with the red I think...”
Rarity looked at the outfit critically. He was right, the white clashed horribly with the red. Demonheart smiled.
“It’s comfortable though, and the design is...”
He looked at Rarity and smiled.
“Fabulous.”
Rarity smiled happily.
“As always Demon! But you’re right, the white doesn’t suit the red, what was I thinking? Perhaps a nice dark colour to better suit your colouration... Perhaps a purple?”
Rarity’s horn glowed and a roll of purple silk floated towards Demonheart. The deep purple accentuated the red rather than clash with it.
“Oh, it looks divine! It’s perfect! Demon, I need you out of that suit! I have more work to do!”
There was a tinkle at the boutique door and a gunmetal grey unicorn walked in. His deep green eyes lit up when he saw the inside of the boutique.
“Simply... Marvellous!”
Rarity walked up to the strange stallion.
“I’m sorry, I was with a client. Welcome to Carousel Boutique where everything is chic, unique and magnifique! How can I help you today?”
The unicorn smiled. She had the loveliest manners.
“I’m Gray. Just to clarify my position, this is in Ponyville, correct?”
Rarity nodded. Gray sighed in relief.
“Oh good. I thought for a moment I was lost.”
Rarity eyed his mane with the eyes of a critical hawk. It was slightly dishevelled and his tail showed signs of heavy travel.
“How long were you travelling Gray?”
Gray looked at Rarity, noting her perfectly groomed mane and tail.
“Is it that obvious already? Ugh, this will cause me no end of grief.”
He took his heavy pack off his back and set it upon the floor. He looked around, eyes going everywhere at once.
“I don’t suppose there’s anywhere I can get it styled is there?”
Rarity laughed softly.
“My dear, you’re in a fashion boutique! I don’t just do clothes you know!”
Gray grinned at her.
“Miss Rarity? We’re going to get along just fine.
~*~
Rarity was styling Gray’s mane. She’d decided to go with a light curl for his mane and braid his tail. His tail had already been cleaned and braided, revealing a theatre stage shaped cutie mark. His hair was soft and silky, easily styled.
“So Gray. Where did you travel from?”
Gray smiled, not moving his head or neck.
“Well, the last town I was in was a boring sort of place. No colour at all. Some place called Coltsvale.”
Rarity gasped.
“Coltsvale? Well well! Joy Bringer came from the same place!”
Gray chuckled, trying not to move his head unsuccessfully. Rarity frowned and lightly cuffed the stallion.
“Hold still.”
Gray smiled, holding back more laughter.
“I wasn’t born in Coltsvale. I was born in Fillydelphia. It certainly isn’t as grand as Canterlot, but by Celestia, their fashion was second to none!”
Rarity’s eyes sparkled.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Fillydelphia... I really want to go to one of their fashion shows..... To see my own designs in them!”
Gray shrugged, earning another light cuff.
“Eh, it isn’t all that Miss Rarity. Actually, I used to think the fashion was the best in Fillydelphia... But then I walked into this boutique!”
Rarity gasped.
“You really think so? You truly think my fashion is the best? Better than Fillydelphia?”
Gray responded instantly.
“Oh yes. No doubt about it.”
Rarity almost glowed with pride. Her work had been recognised as good by fashion designers before, but never on this scale.
“Are you a designer Gray?”
Gray sighed.
“I only wish. If I was a designer I’d have a job.”
Rarity smiled. He may not be a designer, but she knew she had a steady client on her hooves.
“I’m sure you’ll find a job Gray. What do you do?”
“I’m an actor. But I’ve had a rather large spate of bad luck lately. Actually, that’s not entirely true. I haven’t been able to get on stage since my school days.”
Rarity frowned.
“Why not?”
“The directors would hire me, pay me a few days worth and then ditch me for a more experienced actor. They’d spend less money on me for the first few days see?”
Rarity was horrified.
“Oh but Gray! Surely they’re not allowed to do that! It’s just not right!”
She’d stepped away from his newly styled hair. It was very lightly curled, making it ever so bouncy. His tail was meticulously braided and not one strand was out of place. Gray looked at her and smiled sadly.
“There’s nothing anypony can do Miss Rarity.”
He walked over to his bag and pulled out a pouch of coins.
“How much do I owe you?”
Rarity shook her head.
“Oh no, the first is always free Gray.”
Gray rolled his eyes.
“No, I must give you something! A lovely mare such as yourself cannot survive nor buy lovely fabrics with nothing!”
He extracted fifteen bits from the pouch and placed them on her work table.
“I’ll give you fifteen bits... Is that enough?”
Rarity sighed.
“I told you, the first is free.”
Gray nodded.
“Yes, it’s enough.”
He walked out of the boutique, leaving a pleasantly frustrated Rarity to fume over his stubbornness.
Chapter 2: A Visit to the Mayor.
Gray was in a room in a motel for travellers just outside of town. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was adequate. He’d lived in worse situations before. He lay on his bed, careful to not muss his mane or tail. He was thinking back to something Rarity had said outside the boutique after he’d left. She’d run out, her beautiful purple mane bouncing and told him to see the mayor for a job. He was more than seriously considering it, seeing as the mayor was the only one who could put on any sort of show. It was late afternoon and was approaching evening and Gray was thinking about ordering some food. He looked at the small enchanted bell next to his bed and smiled.
~*~
Rarity was walking Fluttershy home from their day at the spa and Rarity was talking about Gray.
“He simply loved his new style! Oh, and he told me that he came from Fillydelphia and that my works were better than those up there!”
Fluttershy smiled.
“It’s good to see you’ve met somepony nice Rarity... Which reminds me... Is the earring finished?”
Rarity grimaced.
“I’m sorry Fluttershy... It was too complex for my meagre skills so I had to contract a metalsmith... He’s late now... I’m going to
Fluttershy shook her head.
“No, it’s ok Rarity... There’s still a few months left before the wedding... No need to rush.”
Rarity smiled gratefully at her friend.
“Thank you Fluttershy. That takes a lot off my chest.”
They’d arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage. Demonheart stood within the doorway, smiling. His silky voice permeated the air.
“Hello Shy... Rarity.”
Fluttershy nuzzled him affectionately and Demonheart kissed her forehead in welcome. He looked at Rarity.
“Who... Who was that unicorn you were... uh... talking to earlier today?”
Rarity smiled graciously.
“That was Gray my dear. He wanted his mane and tail styled.”
Demonheart nodded. That matched what he’d heard from the change rooms.
“Looks like you have another customer...”
Rarity nodded, her eyes drifting away as another thought filled her head. She was brought back to earth by Demonheart’s voice.
“You might want to go home now Rarity... Sweetie Belle would be returning soon...”
Rarity gasped. She’d clean forgotten about that. She made a quick goodbye and raced back to the boutique... in a ladylike fashion of course. But then, Rarity was one of those ponies who could walk into a hurricane and walk out unscathed and perfect. Thus was the case when she arrived at the boutique just before Rock Ranger came into view with Sweetie Belle walking alongside him. Rarity, slightly out of breath, smiled at the two.
“Hello Sweetie Belle. How was the lesson?”
Sweetie Belle beamed at her sister, instantly answering the question. Rock Ranger nodded to Rarity.
“Miss Rarity.”
“Ranger.”
Rock Ranger gave Sweetie Belle a quick hug, spread his wings and shot into the air, his races with Rainbow Dash (which he never seemed to win) starting to show results. He flew away toward an easily seen cloud castle floating in the sky.
~*~
Gray was in the mayors’ office, waiting patiently for her to answer his request. He hadn’t thought it would have taken such a short amount of time to see her, thinking she’d have much more to do and too many important things to do to agree to see him that day. But here he was and he was determined. The mayor looked at the stallion.
“You want to open a stage here in Ponyville? A theatre?”
Gray nodded. The mayor paused.
“Well, if we make this you realise somepony will need to take responsibility for it?”
Once again, Gray nodded. This time it was Gray talking.
“I’d be happy to look after it ma’am. But I cannot build it on my own and I will need a loan to get the materials.”
The mayor looked at him closely.
“What will it be used for?”
Gray shrugged.
“Theatrical productions mainly. I hear you ponies often have parties as well. A theatre big enough with removable grandstands in place of fixed chairs could accommodate those as well.”
The mayor nodded thoughtfully.
“It could replace the old location for the summer sun celebration should we ever host it again... If we can build it right.”
Gray nodded.
“Do you have a planner? We can draw up the blueprints right now.”
Chapter 3: Simple Design.
Gray left his motel room early in the morning. He was going to Rarity’s boutique again to get his mane re-styled. It’d been mussed when he’d slept and if there was one thing he hated it was ruined hair. Rarity was just opening the boutique when Gray arrived. She smiled, pleasantly surprised.
“Gray? Back already?”
He smiled sheepishly and showed her his hair. She frowned.
“Already?”
He shrugged.
“I woke up and it was like this.”
Rarity sighed.
“Must have been a rock hard bed... Or the ground.”
She looked at him pointedly.
“You WERE’NT sleeping on the ground were you?”
Gray found himself laughing.
“No miss Rarity... I’m in a motel.”
Rarity gasped.
“That’s almost as bad!”
Gray shrugged.
“It works and I can afford it.”
~*~
Rarity was combing Gray’s tail, talking as she did so.
“I really do love your hair Gray. It’s so easy to style! So soft as well, Oh I envy your beautiful hair.”
Gray shrugged, happy at the praise. She was braiding his tail again now, but it was tight. Very tight.
“This is a style I invented for nice, wavy hair Gray. It’ll take a full day before you can take it out however, so be patient.”
Gray nodded in understanding.
“Thank you Miss Rarity. For both the styling and the praise.”
Rarity smiled.
“Anytime Gray. But I can’t let you pay this time.”
Gray shook his head.
“It’s going to happen. It doesn’t matter what you say.”
Rarity sighed in frustration. He just didn’t get it did he? Trying to get it through to him seemed impossible now, so she dropped the subject. They kept each other company in silence for a while, Rarity styling and Gray more sort of standing awkwardly. The shop door tinkled as it opened and a baby purple and green dragon walked into the boutique, a bouquet of nicely arranged flowers in his claws. He stopped and looked at Rarity in adoration. Gray suppressed a smile. Rarity smiled at the lovestruck dragon.
“Oh hello Spike! Are those for me?”
Spike nodded eagerly.
“Yes! I picked them just for you Rarity!”
“Thank you dear!”
The flowers glowed as she picked them up telekinetically and deposited them in a nearby vase. A purple unicorn walked into the shop, shaking her head.
“Spike? What are you doing here? You promised to help me with my study today!”
The dragon sighed, oblivious to the unicorn behind him. Gray couldn’t help himself. He burst out laughing at the spectacle. The two newcomers noticed him for the first time. Rarity looked at Gray in amusement.
“Oh hush you.”
She turned back to the newcomers.
“Twilight, Spike was just giving me some flowers. So nice of him don’t you think?”
Twilight nodded reluctantly. She looked over at Gray.
“So who’s the new stallion? He wouldn’t be the one Fluttershy was talking about would he?”
Rarity rolled her eyes theatrically.
“Fluttershy would say something wouldn’t she? This is Gray. He’s my newest client and I really should get back to his hair before the building falls down from old age.”
“There’s no rush miss Rarity. It’s still early.”
Gray had walked down behind Rarity. She hadn’t even realised he’d moved. Gray offered Twilight his hoof.
“My name is Gray. I arrived yesterday.”
Twilight smiled and shook his hoof.
“Twilight Sparkle. Resident librarian and organizer.”
She gestured to the still amorous Spike.
“And that’s Spike. Don’t mind him, he’s always like this around Rarity.”
Gray chuckled softly at the dragon.
“He’s kinda cute though.”
Spike looked at Gray with that remark and stuck his forked tongue out. Twilight shook her head.
“Spike!”
Spike flinched and walked out, tossing a dirty look over his shoulder at Gray who found himself laughing harder. Twilight apologised to the hysterical stallion profusely, all of which was waved off as she exited the boutique. Gray stopped laughing and composed himself before looking at a very curious Rarity. He shrugged.
“I haven’t seen somepony with a crush that big in a long time.”
Rarity rolled her eyes.
“I know. What’s funnier? He thinks it’s a big secret.”
Gray nodded.
“They usually do.”
~*~
Gray looked over his blueprints for the theatre. It was a fairly large building, so he had to check for flaws in the structure. As far as he could see, there were none... although he was no architect. He was also running out of money, so he had to hurry and get this thing built. He needed another place to stay free of charge or a job. But since he already had his theatre on his way, he didn’t want another job. The removable grandstands allowed quite a few ponies to sit down and watch the shows. The storage out the back was big enough from the grandstands and a smaller shed to one side was big enough for change rooms and props and costumes. The stage was rather large and there were skylights above the stage for the Summer Sun Celebration. It was being built over the pavilion originally used for the celebration. He hadn’t shown Rarity or the mayor yet, it wasn’t finished.
“Ugh... this is ridiculous. I’m no architect, why am I looking over these plans?”
He sighed and put the plans aside. He needed to rest. There wasn’t any point in trying to read them when he was this frustrated or tired. He jumped into his bed, and fell asleep almost before his tired head hit the pillow.
Chapter 4: Jealousy
It had been a few months and Gray found himself sleeping outside. Devoid of any sort of shelter, he had used the last of his money to purchase a small one pony tent. That’s what he’d slept in for the past few weeks now and his back was killing him. He still frequented Rarity’s boutique, even if it was just for company. The theatre was being constructed, but it was behind schedule. It was really annoying Gray.
Rarity was humming. She always hummed when she worked, but today was different. Today Rarity was letting memories drift through her head... Memories that included silky black hair and gunmetal grey coats. Back to the first time her and Gray met, the strange questions, the praise about her work. She barely noticed Spike walking in. Once more he held in his hand a bouquet of flowers.
“Uh.. Rarity?”
Rarity looked over at the little dragon and smiled.
“Hello Spike.”
Spike held out the bouquet of flowers to Rarity.
“I picked them for you Rarity.”
Rarity smiled.
“Thank you dear. They’re lovely.”
Spike looked at her closely, noticing the faraway look in her eyes.
“Are you ok Rarity?”
The unicorn smiled dreamily at the little dragon.
“Oh yes... I’m just fine Spike.”
The dragon frowned and put the flowers on a worktable, turned and left.
~*~
Gray sat in his bed, his mind wandering over the delays. It was so frustrating. He only really knew two ponies who he could talk to. He really wasn’t feeling up to talking to the mayor though. Instead, he walked away from his tent and headed towards Rarity’s boutique. Rarity was with a friend when he arrived. A shiny black Pegasus with deep red mane and tail along with deep red primary feathers on his wings. Rarity smiled over Demonhearts’ shoulder.
“Hey Gray!”
Gray smiled at her. Demonheart turned around and looked at the newcomer. His face split into a smile.
“So... you’re the mysterious Gray I’ve heard about...”
The soft voice carried over to Grays’ ears. It was a comforting sound.
“Yes sir, I’m Gray. You?”
The earring Fluttershy had made for him shone in the light.
“My name is Demonheart.”
Rarity watched the exchange, a slight smile decorating her face. Gray gestured towards Demonheart’s earring.
“So who’s the lucky mare?”
Demonheart chuckled.
“Her name is Fluttershy.”
Gray nodded.
“Lucky girl.”
Rarity’s smile grew larger as she watched the interaction from the two stallions. They’d barely met and they were getting along well. She couldn’t help but giggle girlishly. The two stallions looked at her.
“What is it Miss Rarity?”
Rarity waved a hoof at them happily.
“Oh don’t mind me... Please keep talking. It’s good to see you two getting along, especially after all the trouble Demonheart went through to make friends in the first place.”
Demonheart and Gray exchanged puzzled looks. It made no sense to them. Gray shrugged.
“So, I take it Fluttershy is good with animals?”
Demonheart looked at the stallion in surprise.
“Y... Yes... How’d you figure that out?”
Gray gestured to the earring.
“It’s shaped like a butterfly. If I’m not mistaken, the earring of an engaged stallion is in the shape of their partners cutie mark. Since it’s a butterfly, I figured she’d be quiet, gentle and therefore very good with animals.”
Demonheart’s shocked expression told Gray all he needed to know. He’d hit the nail right on the head.
“Wow... That’s impressive Gray...”
Gray shrugged.
“Lucky guess.”
~*~
Gray returned to his tent. He’d been talking to the main builder of his theatre. A big workhorse name Big Macintosh.
‘Fitting name....’ Thought Gray seriously.
They were incapable of building or working at all the next day, a rainstorm being scheduled by the weather team. It worried Gray immensely. His tent couldn’t stand to a rainstorm. He needed to find a place, but he’d do it tomorrow. He was too tired now. He let his thoughts wander as he sat down inside his tent. He found his thoughts inexorably drawn to Rarity. He admired her work... But there was something about her that was different from the other mares he’d met over his teenage years. In all his twenty-three years, he’d never met a mare like her. He let his minds’ eye wander over her features, smiling as he did so. He saw her beautiful mane, her brilliantly curled purple tail and her immaculate white coat. He looked up as a purple dragon entered his tent. He recognised him as Spike.
“Hey Spike! What brings you here?”
Spike looked at the stallion. There was something about the look in his eyes that made Gray nervous.
“Gray... I have something to say...”
The voice that came out of the fang-toothed mouth was venomous and full of jealousy.
“But I’m only going to say it once.”
Gray looked nervously at the angry dragon.
“What is it Spike?”
Spike lifted his head and looked Gray right in the eye. The look was beyond deadly.
“Rarity... Rarity is my mare... Nopony elses! Especially not yours!”
With that and a puff of flame, Spike stormed out of the tent, heedless to the small flames licking at the sides of it. Gray stared for a moment. This was more than a crush like he first thought. Spike had taken it into an obsession. It took a small burning sensation on his hoof to realise his only shelter was on fire. He yelped in surprise and ran out, just narrowly escaping being burnt as the tent fell apart around him. He stared helplessly at his destroyed tent.
“Well... So much for that.”
Helplessly, Gray lay down on the grass with the storm clouds hovering overhead. His eyes spoke volumes on loneliness and sorrow. He’d just lost his last possession to a jealous baby dragon. He sighed.
“Guess it makes sense... Nothing else has worked out... Why would this?”
Gray fell asleep that night on the cold, hard ground with nothing above him but gathering storm clouds.
Chapter 5: Life, Death, Slaps.
It was pouring down rain and Gray was shivering with cold. He felt as though he was frozen. Thoughts race through his head. His old campsite, the motel he resided in for a time, Spike’s angry words rebounded over and over again through his head. There was a thunderclap close by. Gray barely flinched despite his surprise. His ten years of acting lessons taught him many things and hiding his emotions was definitely one of them. He was miserable, cold and hungry. He forced himself to get up and walk. He didn’t know where he was going... But he was walking now. It was something and it would keep him alive.
~*~
He walked for what felt like hours but was really just a few minutes. He walked past a tree with windows. Dimly, in the back of his mind, Gray recognised it as the library from a detailed description that Rarity had given him. He continued trudging slowly, his mane plastered to his body and his tail dragging across the ground. Dimly, he saw Sugarcube corner, also recognised from Rarity’s description. In fact, all of his recognitions were made because of descriptions from Rarity. His mind struggled with a problem he found with it. Or more like tried to identify what it was. He was tired... so tired... his legs were shaking as he trudged. His back was being pounded by heavy, bone chillingly cold rain. His legs couldn’t hold himself up anymore. Gray collapsed onto the soaking wet ground. His eyes struggled to keep open. His thoughts slowed down... His heart slowed down.
It was three in the morning when the sodden grey lump on the ground’s heart stopped beating.
~*~
Rarity sighed. Sweetie Belle and herself had been incapable of sleep all night. Sweetie Belle was scared of storms and Rarity couldn’t shake a really bad feeling she had. So Rarity had made tea and she was sitting with her sister at the dinner table, sipping tea.
“I’m really not cut out for this...” whispered Rarity.
Sweetie Belled flinched as another thunderclap rocked the sky. Her eyed sought out her older sisters’. Rarity smiled at her.
“It’s ok Sweetie Belle. Nothing will hurt us while we’re in the boutique. It never has before and it won’t start now.”
Sweetie Belle smiled gratefully at her. Her big sister always knew what to say in a storm. Another thunderclap rocked through the sky and once again the little filly flinched in fear.
“I hope nopony is out there...”
Rarity looked out her window. It was pouring rain. It was so heavy she could barely make anything out that was three feet away from the shop.
“Me too Sweetie Belle.”
Her thoughts returned to Gray. He said he was in a motel... but that was some time ago. Without a job, he wouldn’t have been able to live there long. That worried her something fierce. She’d heard his project had suffered several setbacks and his theatre was behind schedule. It was nothing that couldn’t be fixed.
“Sister, somepony IS out there! Look!”
Rarity snapped out of her reverie just in time to see a colourless pony slump to the ground. Her eyes went wide.
“Sweetie, go to your room. Do not follow me.”i
Sweetie Belle looked at her sister’s frightened face. She felt fear climb in herself, but she didn’t know why.
“But-“
“But nothing Sweetie Belle. Go to your room and DON’T come out.”
Rarity stormed downstairs to the door. Heedless of the umbrellas two feet away, she hurtled through the door and into the rain. She was soaked instantly, but she kept going anyway. Practically slipping across the soaked ground, she arrived next to the fallen stallion. Heedless of who it was, she picked him up with her magic. Turning around, she struggled back into the boutique. Sweetie Belle was at the door yelling something, Rarity didn’t know what. She stumbled back into the boutique, almost dropping the motionless stallion as she did so. He fell to the floor and didn’t get up.
~*~
He was floating.... There was so much white... Nothing but harsh white light...
Gray looked around. It was true. There was nothing but white light.
“Am... Am I dead?”
His voice echoed around the plane, soaring endlessly through the void. Another voice answered him. It was melodic and strangely calming, but full of undeniable power.
“No Gray. You’re not dead. Not anymore.”
A light brown unicorn stepped out of thin air. His tan mane fell over his eyes and he sighed in frustration. Pushing it away, he looked grimly at Gray.
“Wh... What do you mean ‘Not anymore?’”
The new unicorn shrugged.
“What I mean is that you gave death your best shot. For about fifteen minutes your heart stopped beating.”
Gray frowned.
“How do you know? And besides that, who the hay are you?”
The unicorn laughed.
“Good to know your mind is strong enough to argue. I’m Talisman. How do I know about your heart? I took the information from a young nurse from the hospital. She was called soon after the storm passed.”
Gray looked bewilderedly at Talisman. Talisman nodded.
“Yes, I can read minds.”
Gray nodded slowly.
“O... kaayyyy.”
Talisman laughed. His face became serious.
“Why were you out there Gray?”
Gray’s face fell.
“My tent was... It was burnt down...”
Talisman looked at him sharply.
“What do you mean burnt? There’s nothing around....”
Talisman’s voice faded and his eyes turned angry. A stone appeared around his neck and the inscriptions on it started glowing. When he spoke again it was a snarl.
“Gray, you need to wake up. You’ve worried Rarity enough. I have a young dragon to speak to.”
Gray shook his head in confusion.
“Wait, what? Where are you.....”
~*~
“WAIT!”
Gray woke up yelling. He was dry and in a bed. It was warm too. The room he was in was a decent size with most of one wall taken up by a massive vanity. There was a door next to it. There was an alarmed voice from behind the door and it burst open, showing a very dishevelled Rarity. Her worried features relaxed in relief when she saw the now awake stallion looking at her in shock. Her smile turned quickly into a frown as she walked up to him. From there it became a scowl. Gray looked at her nervously.
“Uh... H-“
He never got further. There was a resounding crack as Rarity slapped the stallion across the face.
“How DARE you worry a lady like that! That was the complete opposite of what a gentlecolt would do! What were you THINKING going out into the rain like that?”
Gray held his stinging face, his eyes screaming pain. He looked at Rarity.
“I... I’m sorry... It wasn’t intentional I assure you. I lost my tent and-“
Once again he was cut off by a very distressed Rarity.
“TENT!? You told me you were still in your motel! Why were you in a TENT?”
Gray flinched away. The look in her eye was dangerously angry.
“Well... I ran out of money and I needed a place to stay...”
His eyes filled with tears.
“But I’ve slept on the road before... So I took what I had left and bought a tent...”
“Why didn’t you ask me Gray!? You could have stayed here!”
Gray shook his head vehemently, bringing on a bout of dizziness.
“I couldn’t intrude like that! It isn’t right for a stallion to ask a mare such as yourself for shelter!”
Tears were streaming down his face. He closed his eyes and steeled himself for the slap he knew was coming. It never came. He felt a soft presence pressing itself against him, enveloping him in an embrace and he smelled roses. His eyes snapped open.
Rarity, her hair dishevelled and her tail a mess, was hugging him!
He looked at her in amazement. Taken on a whim, he went to hug her back. Then he remembered Spike’s words. They took his already fragile mind into shock. He stiffened suddenly, a detail that was instantly realised by Rarity. She let go and took a step back so she could look at the stallion. Gray was looking away, refusing to meet her eyes.
“Gray? What’s wrong?”
Gray shook his head, refusing to answer. In a flash he saw his tent burning again, the green flames licking at his heels as he made his escape. He remembered the pain in his hoof as it was singed.
There was a commotion from downstairs and a very angry looking Talisman stormed into the room, literally dragging a very scared looking Spike along with him using his magic. The stone around his neck was inscribed with complex designs and each and every one of them was glowing. One in particular was glowing a very poisonous green. He threw the little dragon onto his face at the foot of the bed. There was a shout from downstairs and another unicorn stormed in.
“TALISMAN!”
Rarity looked at the two unicorns.
“Twi, Tal, what are you doing here?”
Talisman didn’t answer. Twilight looked at him. He looked at Twilight and his words came out as strangled snarls.
“This dragon has a heck of a lot to answer to Twilight. Stay out of this!”
Twilight flinched at his voice. Spike, who was trying to hide from Talisman’s rage, found himself lifted out from under the bed by magic and faceplanted once more on the floor.
“APOLOGISE!”
The voice sounded like thunder. Spike burst into tears.
“I didn’t do anything!”
Gray’s eyes hardened as he got up and looked at the little dragon.
“You burnt down my tent Spike.”
Rarity and Twilight both gasped. This was news to both of them. Twilight looked at the little dragon in shock.
“Spike... is this true?”
Spike avoided Twilights’ gaze. Her eyes hardened.
“We will talk in the library Spike.”
Twilight turned to Talisman as Spike winced.
“Do what you have to Tal. I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
Talisman didn’t answer. He didn’t trust himself to say anything. Twilight left the room, leaving Rarity, Talisman and Gray looking at Spike expectantly. Spike sighed, tears still visible on his face despite no longer crying. He looked at Gray angrily.
“Sorry about your tent.”
The words were spoken shortly and with aggression. Gray lifted an eyebrow at the baby dragon but didn’t get another response. Talisman, still angry, snagged the dragon with magic and threw him into the outside hallway. He turned to Gray.
“I’m sorry Gray. I cannot come up with a punishment enough for taking a life, even if that life returned.”
With that and a nod from Gray, Talisman left the room, once more dragging the struggling dragon along with him. Rarity turned from the door that she’d just shut to Gray.
“Well... that was strange. Spike is never that cruel. Normally he’s a very sweet thing...”
Gray’s eyes darkened.
“The reason was simple Rarity. It was an ultimatum.”
Rarity stared at him.
“For what?”
“You already know the answer to that question... It’s just none of you want to admit it.”
There was silence in the room for a while, broken only by Gray’s occasional heavy breath. Finally, Rarity spoke.
“So... Gray... Do you have a place to stay?”
Gray shook his head sadly. All his possessions, few though they were, had been in that tent when it burned and his only shelter was gone now.
“Well. I can’t have you getting all wet now! You’ve been out for two days now and you need someplace to stay. You can stay here.”
Gray shook his head slowly. Rarity made a strangled sort of sound out of frustration. Gray spoke slowly.
“I cannot allow you to keep me up at your house, let alone your boutique, for nothing Rarity... It’s not right.”
Rarity shook her head in annoyance. There was just no talking to this stubborn stallion.
“You’re almost as stubborn as Applejack Gray. You’re staying here. That’s a finality.”
Gray flinched at her voice. It had gone cold. He nodded miserably. Rarity smiled at him and nodded.
“Good. We have another room down the hall. It was... It was originally for our parents, but they won’t be visiting anytime soon.”
Gray nodded again. Rarity’s eyes softened.
“Gray, It’s not too bad. Your theatre is coming along nicely.”
“it’s behind schedule by about a month.”
Rarity shrugged.
“It still looks nice.”
Gray laughed harshly.
“It’s a spiderweb of timber sitting on concrete! There’s nothing nice about it.”
The crack of Rarity’s hoof across Gray’s face was heard clearly downstairs. Sweetie Belle, happily, was asleep. Gray reeled back from the blow. Rarity had tears in her eyes.
“Stop it. Just stop.”
Gray looked at her, hurt and betrayal in his eyes.
“I just saved your life, and you seem determined to make it seem worthless! Worthless! How could you Gray?”
She stormed out of the room, leaving echoes of her stricken sobs through the hall into a bedroom where a slammed door remained resolutely closed. Gray lowered his hoof from his face and looked at it. It was shaking.
Chapter 6: An infrequent event.
Rarity was lying in her bed, thinking back to earlier that night and fighting back tears. The realisation that it was Spike that had almost killed Gray, the anger in Talisman’s eyes, The shocked look of hurt and betrayal in those beautiful deep green eyes. In another room down the hall, Gray was doing something similar. Thinking back to that moment when Spike was unceremoniously dumped on his face. Remembering the thoughts running through his head when he saw him, the incredibly depressed mood that came afterwards...
Then, at the same time, the two thought about the hug they had almost shared.
Rarity finally let her tears slip down onto her pillow. She didn’t know what was going through her head when she did that. She knew he had lost everything he had, but that didn’t feel like the right reason. Gray smiled, flinching when his cut face burned. The cut was a result of Rarity’s second slap and it was still bleeding slightly. Still he smiled. He remembered her soft form pressing against him, the scent of roses from her coat.... Rarity remembered feeling the tears from the stallion damp against her dry coat, the strangest scent that she couldn’t quite place but realised she quite liked...
Both ponies fell asleep smiling that night. Rarity had forgiven Gray, but was worried he hadn’t forgiven her. Gray felt the same way, having forgiven her for the slaps, which he now thought he had needed anyway, but not sure if she’d ever forgive him.
~*~
Sweetie Belle was crying.
The realisation woke up Rarity who was instantly worried. Sweetie Belle was always getting into some sort of trouble in her boutique. She rushed out the door and collided full pelt into Gray. Both of them fell to the floor from the contact. She looked up at him and she filled with guilt. This was the first time she’d seen Gray’s face from last night. The cut was still open, reopened in the collision and was, once more, leaking trace amounts of blood. Gray looked at his hooves, hiding the superficial cut on his face, and the deeper cut in his eyes. Rarity walked past slowly, trying not to disturb him, fearing he’d run or something.
Gray thought differently.
When she walked past without saying anything, he took it as a dismissal. His eyes threatened him with tears and he forced them back angrily. The cries still rang out through the hall.
Sweetie Belle had cut herself, no doubt. There was a shallow cut across her hoof from where a scissor blade had just cut the skin. She’d been playing quite happily before she bumped a shelf. The scissors had fallen and just cut her a she dodged back. Now she was crying, her big sister was here, but still she cried. Rarity was at a loss as to what to do. Gray poked his head down the stairs, curious as to what happened. His eyes, previously hard with cold anger, softened at the sight of the crying filly. He walked down the stairs and approached the sobbing filly, ignoring Rarity.
“Hey there Sweetie Belle. Are you ok?”
Sweetie Belle looked at Gray. Something about his demeanour spoke volumes of comfort. She sniffed, but stopped crying out.
“I c-c-c-c-cut m-myself... See?”
She held out her hoof for Gray to see. He smiled at her and took the hoof in his. He looked over at the scissors, now lying on the ground.
“Did those scissors do this?”
Sweetie Belle nodded, her bottom lip quivering. Gray let go of her hoof.
“Wait here. I’ll show them scissors a thing or two.”
His voice had changed from his normal, plain sort of voice, to a deeper baritone, like big heroes in movies and cartoons. Rarity raised an eyebrow in surprise. He was an actor, but that isn’t something just anypony can do. She watched as he engaged in a mock battle with the inanimate object, yelling heroic phrases and being a genuinely entertaining distraction. Sweetie Belle, cut forgotten, was laughing and calling out to Gray, telling him to beat the scissors senseless. Rarity couldn’t help but laugh affectionately. Thankfully, nopony heard her over his commotion. She felt the affection for the fun stallion swelling in her... but she was scared of it. What if he still hadn’t forgiven her?
Breakfast was a small affair, as usual. Rarity, trying to find out if he’d forgiven her yet, kept trying to look Gray in the eye. Unsuccessfully. Gray did whatever he could to avoid her gaze. Soon after, the rest of the cutie mark crusaders arrived at the boutique and dragged Sweetie Belle away, leaving a very nervous Rarity and a very heartbroken Gray behind. Still at the table, they sat in silence for a long while. Gray stood up.
“Well... I’d best be going... I know you have more important things to do than look after me.”
His cut wasn’t bleeding anymore, but it still pained him as he spoke. He went to leave and Rarity stood up and took a step forward.
“Please.... Don’t go Gray.”
Gray stopped a few steps short of the door and turned around. That look... The look from the previous night was back with a vengeance.
“Rarity... I know you can’t forgive me... What I said.... It was stupid... But-“
Rarity cut him off.
“Can’t forgive you? Gray, I forgave you the moment I calmed down!”
She took a few steps towards him.
“I... I wanted to ask your forgiveness for what I did... It wasn’t ladylike at all! And...”
She looked at the cut on his face and her eyes welled up with tears.
“The cut... With Sweetie Belle gone and some privacy... I’d hoped...”
Her voice was getting hysterical. She’d never gotten this worked up about something like this before and the emotions were new to her.
“I’d hoped I could get the chance to say I’m sorry...”
Her words broke off into sullen sobs, her downturned face seeing only floor. Gray looked at the unicorn, a feeling of happiness obliterating his depressed state.
She forgave him.
She forgave him!
He walked forward, his face alight with joy. How could he not have seen? She was worried about him not forgiving her! That’s why nothing had been said! He enfolded Rarity in an emotional hug, feeling her tears against his chest. Rarity threw her arms around him, still sobbing into his coat. Gray could smell the roses on her....
Rarity was still crying, but she felt much better. She knew he’d forgiven her completely, but she couldn’t stop crying. But they were tears of joy now. For a long time the two sat entwined in the arms of the other, not wanting to let go. Rarity had stopped crying a while ago, but she was completely content in his arms. Gray whispered into her ear.
“My name is Gray Lapis... Nopony else really knows that name. I only tell it to those who I completely trust.”
Rarity smiled over his shoulder. Gray slowly and carefully disengaged from the dreamy mare.
“Rarity... did you.. uh...”
Rarity put a hoof over his mouth.
“There’s a lovely cafe near Sugarcube corner. I’ll treat you.”
She shook her head when he tried to speak and pressed her hoof down on his mouth firmly.
“You have no money Gray. I will treat you tonight. Think of it as an apology for the cut.”
She gently caressed the cut as she spoke, sending thrills through Gray. He smiled.
“Alright Rarity. But only until I have my theatre up and running ok?”
Rarity giggled and nodded.
“I’ll meet you there at six. I’ll just have to tell Rock Ranger that those two can have their lesson run for a little... longer.”
Rarity flashed a suggestive look Gray’s way. Gray gave a slight bow with a smile.
~*~
Rarity sighed. She really didn’t want to talk to Rock Ranger. She didn’t really know why she didn’t like talking to him, but neither of them really spoke to each other. Sweetie Belle was up on a hill, singing a short song that Rock Ranger had written especially for her. Rarity smiled as she heard her sisters’ voice. By Celestia, she loved her voice. Rock Ranger was up there too, looking at the lyrics while Sweetie Belle sang. He was nodding reassuringly. The song ended, and Rock ranger looked over at Rarity as though he’d known she was there the whole time.
“Rarity? What are you doing here?”
Rarity smiled at the Pegasus.
“Ranger, I’m... going out tonight and I came by to let you know that you two can extend your lesson. Or Sweetie Belle, you can stay with the other crusaders if you wish. Your choice.”
Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up.
“Really sister?”
Rarity nodded. Sweetie Belle looked at Rock Ranger expectantly. He sighed.
“Alright kid. We’ll extend the lesson and call the other crusaders.”
Sweetie Belle squealed happily and ran rings around Ranger. Ranger laughed uproariously.
“Yep. Go get the others Sweetie. Take Beau with you. She’s been watching us for long enough.”
There was a haughty huff as a cloud up above followed Sweetie Belle to Ponyville. Ranger turned to Rarity and grinned.
“You’re going on a date Rarity. No doubt.”
Rarity nodded.
“How’d you figure it out?”
Rock Ranger chuckled.
“Easy. The look in your eyes mainly. The way you’ve never said anything about this sort of thing before is another dead giveaway.”
Rarity blushed slightly.
“Well... don’t tell the others yet please? I’d rather make sure it was working before I told everypony.”
Ranger chuckled and nodded. He made a cross over his heart.
“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye Rarity. I will not tell a soul.”
Rarity laughed.
“Thank you Ranger. Thank you very much.”
~*~
Gray was nervous. It may not be the first date he’d gone on, but it was certainly the one he wanted to go right. He’d waited until Rarity had returned from her errand before he’d let his worries get the best of him. But he was resolute. He wasn’t letting anything ruin this. They left together, leaving the boutique side by side. It was a beautiful evening and the sun was just setting.
“Perfect set...” murmured Gray.
“Now the main actor has to do just right...”
The café was indeed very nice. The waiter there, having served Rainbow Dash and Rock Ranger when they first went out smiled. He knew Rarity quite well, having visited her boutique a few times for decor advice. Dropping off the menus, he left the two on their own with a single lit candle as their only light. Quite deliberately of course. Rarity loved it. The mood, the lighting. It was all just right.
~*~
They’d finished their dinner and were walking back to the boutique. Rarity was in high spirits, having enjoyed the date immensely. Gray was still nervous. He didn’t want anything bad to happen. Especially not now. Not now that it had gone so well. They walked in companionable silence for a while. Then Rarity smiled at Gray.
“Gray Lapis. Sounds like the name of a jeweller family. What got you into acting?”
Gray laughed nervously.
“Yes, you guessed right. I’m part of a family of jewellers who, may I say, were very proud of their actor son.”
Rarity giggled and stopped, forcing Gray to stop as well. She caressed his cheek, still aware of the cut.
“I bet they were Gray.”
Gray blushed and looked at his hooves. His acting classes hadn’t prepared him for this.
“I, uh... Well they made plenty of money, which is why they got me into acting school for ten years when I was a colt. It was harsh, but well worth the time.”
Gray continued walking, Rarity following. She was listening intently.
“I learned all sorts of things from that school. Dramatic elements, absurdism, chamaedia... It was all part of the lifestyle and I loved it.”
His head swung down dejectedly.
“But my high spirits were dulled by countless years of rejection. Every time it was the same thing. But you already know about that.”
They had just arrived at the boutique. Rarity stopped him at the door and put her hoof on his shoulder. Her eyes were sympathetic.
“You didn’t lose that spirit though Gray. You never lost it.”
She removed her hoof from his shoulder and put it over his heart.
“It’s been hidden in here all that time. In here Gray is who you are.”
She slid her hoof around his torso until it rested on the small of his back and pulled him into a hug.
“And it won’t ever disappear Gray Lapis. That Rarity herself guarantees.”
She went in to kiss him. His eyes widened with shock and he looked away, Spike’s words bouncing around in his head once more. Rarity frowned slightly and kissed his cheek instead.
“Don’t put yourself down so much Gray. You’re much better than you give yourself credit for.”
With that, she took him back into the boutique. They sat up for a while, talking about little things, all the while Rarity thinking about her rejected affections and wondering if she was going too fast.
Chapter 7: a lesson in theatre.
It had been a few months and, despite the setbacks, the new theatre was built on time. Gray, ever aware of the fact nopony knew it was part of his name, called it the Lapis theatre. It was big. Walking inside, Gray was aware of the ever-so-slight hoof falls that he was making. This was good. It meant that sound wouldn’t bounce too much. The grandstands hadn’t quite been installed yet, but that didn’t matter. The stage was sound, the Skylights worked. He had a theatre.
Gray was so busy thinking about the wonderful things he could do with this theatre that he didn’t hear Rarity walk in. She stood behind the daydreaming stallion for a while, watching him. They’d been on a few dates now, but every time there was potential for an intimate moment, Gray freaked and couldn’t do it. She’d introduced him to the rest of the gang, much to their rather excited surprise, and they’d liked the actor ever since. All of them except Spike that is. He’d kept shooting Gray nasty looks whenever he could. But Gray wasn’t thinking about that now. Rarity spoke from behind him, causing a smile to appear on his face.
“See? Told you it was beautiful Gray.”
Gray turned.
“No, you told me it was nice.”
Rarity shrugged.
“That was before it was finished my dear.”
She was taking slow steps towards him the whole time and now they were just in front of each other. Gray shrugged.
“Alright, I’ll give you that one. What are you doing here? Where’s Sweetie Belle?”
Rarity laughed softly.
“So many questions Gray! I’m here because I wanted to see your face when it was finished on time. Sweetie Belle is with the rest of the crusaders at Sweet Apple Acres.”
Gray nodded thoughtfully, his face transforming into one of exaggerated thought. He looked at the stage, the same look on his face. It transformed into a smile. He took Rarity’s hoof in his and gently pulled her to the stage. Situating her under one of the sky lights, he motioned for her to stay put and walked over to a row of levers. Rarity looked nervously around.
“There isn’t a trap door here is there?”
Gray chuckled.
“No Rarity. Just hold on.”
He found the right lever and threw it. The skylight above Rarity was thrown open and a shaft of sunlight encompassed Rarity in light. Gray gasped. Rarity, caught by surprise, blushed at his reaction.
“Rarity...”
The light threw dramatic shadows over the bottom half of her frame, and accentuated the shine of her hair. In short, it accentuated her beauty to the realm of the fantastical. She tossed her mane to one side, eliciting another small gasp from Gray.
“Well, you certainly know how to make a mare feel good Gray.”
She walked out of the light, walking up to him directly. His face was still awestruck and it made her giggle. She nuzzled him affectionately.
“Wake up Gray. I’m not over there anymore.”
Gray shook his head and looked down into her blue eyes. For a moment that held. But too soon, Gray looked away. Rarity sighed, it was always like this. Her eyes were soft as she encompassed Gray in a hug. A hug he returned. He was taken back to the first time... He was in the bed once again having felt the sharp crack of her rather impressive slap... the rose scent, the softness of her coat...
He lost himself in those sensations that day. He could think of nothing else, even after the grandstands were installed.
~*~
He arrived back late at the boutique. Rarity was up, waiting for his return. Feeling impish, Gray looked through the window to locate her. She was on the first floor alright. Her horn was glowing and there was something behind her back. Gray smiled and translocated. There was no light and no sound. He appeared behind her and immediately saw what she’d hidden. It was a pearly white suit with gold stitching. He smile dropped. The fabric looked like it cost a fortune.
“You know I can’t accept this Rarity.”
Rarity spun around, not aware that he’d teleported. Her face turned from a look of shock into a frown.
“How did you get here without me seeing you?”
Gray shrugged and his horn glowed. Rarity’s eyelids dropped.
“Oh. Of course you teleported. But anyway, that’s not what I wanted to tell you. Or ask you.”
Gray frowned. Ask him? Ask him what? Rarity answered before he could ask, swinging the suit around as she did so.
“I spoke to Fluttershy today about her upcoming wedding-“
Gray started in alarm.
“Oh Horseapples! The wedding! Tonight is the bachelor party thing! Oh shoot, I’m sorry Rarity, I really have to go, I’m already late!”
He kissed her lightly on the cheek before he realised what he was doing and bolted. Rarity stood dumbstruck.
“What just happened?” she muttered to herself.
She sighed. The suit was for him to wear to the wedding. Demonheart may not suit white, but on Gunmetal grey and black it’d be the perfect combination. Rolling her eyes, she went about preparing for the little get-together Fluttershy was having with the rest of them. The old six friends together for another night.
~*~
Gray stopped outside Applejack’s barn. This was where the bachelor night was meant to be happening. Composing himself and trying to stop breathing so hard, Gray walked in to see seven stallions rather than the six he’d expected. The last one was a big white stallion with a golden mane and tail. He looked over at Gray with all the rest of them. Rock Ranger’s face split into a wide grin.
“Hey Gray! Just in time! I need your help beating these guys at dice and I’d take a gander as to think that, since we have less player on our team, you’d be willing to join!”
Gray nodded, his face turning into a smile. He ended up partnered with Rock Ranger, Big Mac and the new stallion he now knew as Defender. It was a game of luck, but Gray could tell what was happening. Ranger’s slight smile every time Demon rolled the dice. Something was up with those dice. He was letting Demon and the others win. But Gray wasn’t going to dob him in. He was enjoying himself immensely, and did so even after those games.
~*~
Rarity’s night was much more exciting. Pinkie Pie had automatically made it into a party, as she did best. It was actionpacked, full of games that Pinkie had cooked up just for their benefit. The decorations, having been set up by Rarity herself, were, of course, perfect. Fluttershy wasn’t sure if she liked it at first, but she got more into the spirit of things after she was plied with a few glasses of wine. They were all plied with a bit actually, which made them all quite friendly. Most of the night passed in a daze to Rarity.
~*~
Gray returned to an empty boutique. Gray shrugged. Rarity would come back eventually. Leaving the lights on, Gray went up to bed. When he woke up the next morning, Rarity had still not arrived. Gray frowned. Rarity should have returned by now...
Back at Sugarcube corner, Rarity blearily woke up and rubbed her tired eyes. She had a splitting headache and her vision was blurry.
“uugh... Too much wine...”
There was movement to her left and a very sluggish Pinkie Pie sat up.
“Wow... What happened last night?”
Rarity shrugged, trying desperately to remember the events of the previous night. All it did was increase the effects of the headache. Rarity moaned in pain.
“By Celestia... that hurts...”
The door to the room creaked open and Twilight Sparkle poked her head around the door.
“Hey guys. Feeling a little delicate this morning?”
Rarity smiled at Twilight.
“Maybe a little Twi... What happened last night?”
Twilight chuckled softly.
“The rest of you girls drank a lot of wine. That’s when things got a little extreme.”
Pinkie looked groggily at Twilight.
“Wha... extreme?”
Twilight nodded.
“You girls got very happy and in Applejacks’ case... Rather affectionate.”
Rarity and Pinkie both looked at Twilight curiously. Twilight continued.
“If you come down here, I’ll show you what I mean.”
Rarity and Pinkie both followed Twilight down the stairs, wincing at the change in light. Their headaches were forgotten as their eyes widened in shock.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash were sleeping together, tightly entwined in each other’s arms. Rarity giggled slightly. Applejack stirred in her sleep, and snuggled up into Rainbow’s chest. Rainbow slowly woke up. She moaned, her head aching.
The quiet didn’t last long.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!!”
Rainbow jumped backwards, her wings opening up suddenly. Applejacks’ eyes snapped open and she sat up suddenly, her eyes wide.
“What the HAY!?”
Rarity fell onto the floor with laughter, clutching at her head at the same time. Twilight was trying desperately not to laugh as she spoke.
“What’s wrong girls? Not feeling so affectionate anymore? You were kissing last night!”
All the ponies in the room looked at Twilight, shocked.
“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?”
~*~
“They did what?”
Gray roared with laughter, causing a slight wince from Rarity. He looked at her apologetically.
“Sorry Rarity, but that’s just...”
He chuckled, restraining himself. Rarity nodded.
“Twilight said they did! On top of that, Fluttershy was actually very talkative... and loud apparently. Twilight knows a lot more about Demonheart now, let me just put it that way.”
Gray blushed furiously, not wanting to know anything about what Twilight now knew. Rarity giggled and pressed herself up to Gray.
“Graayyy... My head hurts... Fix it for me.”
Gray chuckled and stroked Rarity’s head gently. Rarity sighed in pleasure.
“Oh... that’s divine...”
Her head pressed closer to him, trying desperately to get more of the gentle touch. Gray smiled, and then jumped back when Rarity’s horn poked him.
“Ah, that kinda hurt Rarity.”
Rarity looked at him with an apologetic look. Gray sighed in resignation as she pressed against him again. He went back to his gentle stroking. Sweetie Belle came down the stairs at that moment and Gray froze. Rarity opened her eyes, looking past Gray’s hoof and she too froze. There was an awkward silence. Sweetie Belle smiled widely and squeaked happily, running up to the frozen couple.
“Gray!”
Gray smiled awkwardly, slowly removing his hoof from Rarity’s head as she moved away from him.
“Yes Sweetie Belle?”
Sweetie Belle looked at her sister happily. She was loud and it made Rarity flinch when she spoke.
“Do you love my sister?”
Gray started. He looked to Rarity and saw the same fear in her eyes as in his. If they told Sweetie Belle, she would tell everypony else. They weren’t quite ready to reveal that yet. There was a flicker of acceptance in Rarity’s eyes and Gray smiled. He looked back to Sweetie Belle.
“This is about my hugging her yes?”
Sweetie Belle nodded frantically.
“Well there was a reason behind that. See, Rarity had a bit too much to drink last night and her head is feeling a little...”
He shot a mischievous smile toward Rarity.
“Delicate. She has a bit of a headache at the moment, and I was trying to help.”
Rarity smiled in relief. Sweetie Belle looked at her in curiosity.
“Is that true sis?”
Rarity nodded and Sweetie Belle, accepting the answer, pranced to the kitchen to get some breakfast. Gray let out a breath he’d been holding. He looked at Rarity and grinned.
“Well miss delicate, I have to go see to my theatre. Think you can handle Sweetie Belle on your own?”
Rarity raised an eyebrow in amusement. Then playfully huffed and threw her head.
"Of course I can Gray. You shouldn’t think less of a lady.”
Gray chuckled and left, leaving a slightly disappointed Rarity behind.
~*~
“What? What do you mean we can’t? It’s there, why not use it?”
Gray slammed his hooves onto the mayor’s desk, making a rather loud sound. The mayor was unperturbed.
“I’m sorry Gray, but not this year. There’s too much that’s happened that went wrong, I don’t want anything else going wrong.”
Gray looked at the floor, his jaw clenching in anger. He’d requested to use his theatre, his OWN theatre, to host a show for the end of the year and the mayor wouldn’t have anything to do with it! He closed his eyes, denying the angry tears he felt from flowing. Going wrong? She didn’t know anything about things going wrong. He lifted his hooves off the desk, fighting to calm down. There were two dents where he’d slammed the desk. His head still lowered, he spoke with an angry tone.
“So be it. Good day.”
He turned abruptly and walked out, his face not leaving the floor.
~*~
Rarity was making sure she had everything ready for her clothes for the wedding. Being the maid of honour, She had to look good, but not as good as the bride herself. She’d already delivered the dress to Fluttershy, who’d seemed ecstatic about the gift, and was now working to co-ordinate her clothing. Since green wasn’t her colour, she’d gone with a deep pink colour. She turned as Gray walked in. Her happy demeanour faded as she saw a tear drop to the floor. She took a tentative step forward.
“Gray? Are you alright?”
Gray stood with his jaw clenched. He didn’t trust himself to speak without snapping. His anger was gradually fading though, replaced instead with a hollow despair. He looked up and heard a sharp intake of breath from Rarity. He looked a mess. His eyes were red rimmed and his face was haggard. She walked over to him.
“Gray... What’s wrong?”
Gray’s anger vanished, replaced with sorrow. He threw his arms around Rarity and buried his face in her shoulder. Rarity slowly wrapped her arms around him and held him, letting him cry. Sweetie Belle came down to see what the commotion was and her eyes widened. Rarity spotted her and waved her away, her eyes turning strict. Sweetie Belle nodded and left, walking back upstairs. Rarity gently ran her hoof down the sobbing stallions back.
“They won’t let you run a show will they.”
Gray shook his head, still crying. The two separated and Rarity looked at the brokenhearted stallion.
“Don’t worry Gray. It’ll work out.”
Something inside Gray snapped. His eyes turned angry again.
“What do you know...”
Rarity looked at him sharply. He raised his head and she recoiled at the rage in his eyes.
“You’ve got EVERYTHING! Everything you wanted you’ve gotten! This is the ONE thing I’ve ever asked for, and it’s thrown out the window without a chance to be shown! JUST LIKE ME!”
There was sheer animalistic violence potent in his eyes and Rarity took an involuntary step back.
“Stop thinking like a filly and face reality Rarity! I’m done.”
Gray vanished, a large puff of smoke and a harsh light following him. Rarity stood shellshocked for a while before she collapsed to the ground.
Chapter 8: Gunmetal Gray
Gray reappeared in front of Fluttershy’s cottage. He knocked on the door harshly. For a while, nopony answered. Then the door opened and Talisman looked out. He flinched in pain, feeling Gray’s rage, making Gray more angry.
“Yeah. I get that response a lot lately. Where’s Demonheart?”
Talisman frowned.
“Demon can’t be disturbed at the moment. We’re double checking-“
“Shut it Talisman. Where is he?”
Demonheart appeared behind Talisman, towering over both unicorns. Talisman sighed and went back inside. Demonheart looked at Gray.
“You should calm down Gray. You might hurt somepony.”
Gray didn’t change his stance, nor did his eyes change in their intensity.
“I hear you know a lot about handling rage.”
Demonheart sighed and his eyes turned red. Gray blinked in surprise. Demonheart growled with laughter. His voice was harsh.
“Rage? Little unicorn, you know nothing of rage.”
Gray looked guardedly at the pony before him.
“Demon?”
“No. Not anymore. Valour has allowed me to speak to you. I am Spectre.”
~*~
Rarity was worried. She hadn’t seen Gray all day and it was late at night. She’d gotten a message from Demonheart earlier telling her that the location for the wedding had been changed to the Lapis Theatre, but he’d told her nothing of Gray. She was lying in bed and her many fond memories of the gunmetal grey stallion raced through her mind. Tears were slipping down her face as they did so.
“Oh Gray... What happened back there...”
She went over the memory of earlier that day in her head, over and over again, just to find where she went wrong. She fell asleep with those memories still racing through her mind. For a while she still cried in her sleep. The crying became smiles as she remembered the happier times. Her and Gray watching the sunset, the gentle touch of his coat as she hugged him...
She woke up to knocks at her boutique door. She rushed out of bed, struggling to get to the door through her tangled sheets. She threw the door open, hope flaring in her chest.
“Gray?”
Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack and Fluttershy stood at the door. Applejack shook her head.
“Sorry sugarcube. Ain’t nopony but us. Ya colt-friend ain’t here.”
Rarity looked at Applejack.
“What... What did you call him?”
Applejack shrugged as they filed into the boutique.
“True ain’t it?”
Rarity looked helplessly at her friends standing in front of her.
“Ho... How long have you known?”
They all shrugged. Except Pinkie. She was still bouncing. Rainbow Dash spoke up.
“Oh a while now Rarity. It wasn’t hard to see ya know. The way you two look at each other, I’d say you were made for each other.”
Rarity’s eyes lowered. The other mares gathered around her to comfort her, knowing something must have been wrong.
~*~
The theatre was decorated with almost pure white bows and streamers. The altar was situated on the stage under an unopened skylight. Demonheart was standing at the altar, waiting for Fluttershy’s arrival. His deep purple suit accentuated his purple eyes and deep red feathers. His mane was combed in such a way that both eyes were visible. He wasn’t very comfortable with that, but Spectre had insisted. Rock Ranger stood at his side, confidently wearing a similar suit, but black. The entirety of Ponyville was there, watching in the grandstands. Princess Luna and Stalwart Defender were also there in the front row. Luna flashed Demonheart a wink and smiled at him comfortingly. Demonheart smiled back, but he was still nervous. He kept hearing Spectre telling him over and over again there was no need to be nervous... But he couldn't help it. Then the doors opened and Fluttershy stepped into the theatre.
Rarity walked slowly behind Fluttershy, trying not to slip on the flower petals that were dropped by a flock of birds Fluttershy had brought in. It was a rather slow procession, but that was to be expected. The ceremony began when Fluttershy reached the altar.
Although it was a happy affair, nopony spoke while the two made their vows to each other. Rarity looked out across the sea of faces and it was all she could do not to cry. Gray was nowhere to be seen. But she had to be strong and happy. For Fluttershy’s sake. She forced herself to smile.
Backstage, Gray resisted the urge to run out to Rarity. He had to wait for the right moment to throw the switch. He smiled as he remembered how calm he’d felt after visiting Demonheart and talking to a real demon. He looked over the crowd from behind his curtain. They were watching the ceremony with avid attention. Even Pinkie Pie, sitting next to Joy Bringer, was quiet and still. He watched as Demonheart grew a gnarled and twisted horn and fashioned a golden hair clip for Fluttershy. Fluttershy giving him a butterfly earring made of sapphire...
Then came his cue.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
The newlyweds leaned in for the kiss and Gray threw the switch. Instantly the skylight above them was thrown open and the two were bathed in sunlight. The crowd gasped. It was a beautiful sight. The sunlight caught the blue of the sapphire in Demon’s ear and sent shafts of blue across the audience. Rarity’s eyes widened. She knew how those lights worked, so somepony else who knew had to be behind the curtain.
Chapter 9: Infinite Gray
The grandstands had been moved to their storage bay around the side of the building and everypony was eating and drinking with each other, happy at the wedding of two gentle residents. Demonheart and Fluttershy were swarmed with questions and congratulations along with presents. They didn’t look too comfortable about it, but they accepted graciously.
Rarity slumped, her mind struggling to find an answer to the problem. She sat in the same spot for almost two hours. Slowly the theatre began to empty of guests. Demonheart and Fluttershy eventually left last, leaving only Rarity behind, alone as she was.
Or so she thought.
From behind the curtains on the stage, Gray observed Rarity when everypony else had left. He’d been trying to wrangle the courage to approach her all day. Now that there was nopony there, he felt a little more confident. He took a step out onto the stage and teleported down beside her silently. She didn’t notice his appearance and continued to look at the floor. Gray looked at her and sat down, looking at the ceiling.
“Yup. It’s a bit like that isn’t it?”
Rarity stiffened at the sound of his voice. She looked over at him, noting the gunmetal grey coat and black hair cascading down his back. He grinned down at her. Rarity couldn’t move. Gray’s grin turned into a sorrowful look.
“Look... Rarity. What I said was wrong. You weren’t being a silly filly... You were trying to cheer me up. What I said... It was uncalled for...”
As he spoke, Rarity’s eyes lit up. It was him!
“I know it’s difficult... but would you plea-“
His voice cut off as Rarity hugged him tightly, always aware of his refusal of anything more intimate. He hugged her back for a while, his grey coat and black mane and tail contrasting strongly with Rarity’s white coat and purple hair.
“Rarity...”
She felt a hoof pushing against her chest lightly and she leaned back out of the embrace. Gray looked at her blue eyes and a thought came to his head.
Aw hay, Forget the little purple git
He leaned in closer and kissed her tenderly.
Rarity’s eyes shot wide in surprise. He’d never done that before, and he’d always shunned her attempts. She pushed him back and looked away. Gray felt a stab of pain in his chest as she did so and he looked at her questioningly. Rarity still looked away.
“Gray... Why... Why now?”
Gray smiled slowly at the question.
“Because I was afraid...”
Rarity looked at Gray.
“What were you afraid of?”
Gray shook his head.
‘It doesn’t matter now. We’re together now Rarity...”
Rarity smiled. He was right... It didn’t matter anymore. All that mattered was that moment. In that instant, neither one wanted that moment to end. They gazed into the eyes of the one they loved. Rarity searching the depths of Gray’s deep green eyes, Gray falling deeper into Rarity’s deep blue eyes. They embraced once more, Rarity burying her head into Gray’s chest, her vision obscured by nothing but a sea of infinite grey...
Why am I such a stupidly hopeless Romantic? The world will never know.
Prologue
He was getting fired. Again. Before he had a chance to perform. Again. The director was speaking, but he didn’t care. It was all another monotonous drone. He’d had the same luck for weeks now. His gunmetal grey coat still shone from having himself cleaned just to play this part. The director was yammering about having a more experienced actor.
“Look, Gray, we need a unicorn who knows what he’s doing alright? You just don’t have the experience....”
Gray walked out on the director. He was sick of hearing about that. Always the same thing. His black tail was meticulously braided and his mane was ramrod straight. It was exactly how it was supposed to look for the part. He’d seen the script.
Gray translocated to his abode. It was one of the few spell combinations he’d been forced to master in his training. The ability to do so quietly and without flash or spectacularly with extra effects was something of a boon to his work. Packing his bags, he left the small camp. He was sick of travelling around. He needed to settle, find someplace where his skills were appreciated. He didn’t do ten years of acting lessons at the most prestigious school in Canterlot when he was a colt for nothing.
He was going to find his stage.
And he was going to take his audience by storm.
Epilogue
Sweetie Belle was asleep. She’d spent the day (after the ceremony) with Scootaloo and Applebloom and she was tired. Rarity stayed up with Gray Lapis. They had a lot to talk about. Mainly what had happened to him when he’d left. He told her of his rage, his talk to Spectre. She shivered at that.
“He really scares me...”
Gray smiled and caressed her cheek.
“Ain’t nuttin ta be scare of missy. Jus’ a li’l red round tha eyeballs.”
He was exaggerating Applejack’s accent and Rarity chuckled and took his hoof away from her face. He continued to tell her where he’d gone. The library to apologise to a very disgruntled Talisman, the theatre to set everything up, back to the boutique to pick up his outfit. It was a quiet night, but a magical one as well. They grew even closer that night. They walked upstairs and checked on Sweetie Belle together. As to be expected, the young filly was sleeping like a log. They reached Gray’s room and stopped for a while. Before he could say anything, Rarity leaned forward and kissed him gently. Waving, she walked over to her room.
They both slept peacefully that night.
Gray no longer cared about his acting career.
As long as he had Rarity, he was happy.
