Diamond in the Flames

Fame had its advantages.

Rarity was reminded of this fact often enough in her life. Certainly, living a life in the spotlight could be draining at times, but she could also leverage her influence to make things happen that normal ponies could never dream of.

Case in point, the VIP train car that they were currently enjoying, which Rarity and Sweetie Belle had managed to secure at the last minute due to their status. Such a thing would never have been possible even ten years ago. At least, without Twilight's help, anyways.

"Gosh, I haven't been back in so long," Sweetie said, her head resting in Rarity's lap. "Not since Apple Bloom's birthday party back in April."

"With the Friendship Council meeting in Canterlot, it's far too easy to let Ponyville slip my mind when making plans." Stroking Sweetie's mane had become one of Rarity's favourite activities when they were idle, and she continued to do so as she spoke. "I believe it has been nearly half a year since I last graced our lovely hometown with my presence."

Sweetie giggled, then let out a contented sigh at Rarity's touch. "I can't wait. It's going to be so nice having some Sweet Apple Acres cider right from the source, or one of Pinkie's cupcakes, or a massage from Aloe and Lotus." Her eyes clouded over with memory. "You know, I never thought of Ponyville as home until I had to leave it. It was just something that was always there in my life, this place where everything that mattered happened. And then, I had to move to Manehattan for the music stuff, and it still felt like that, but now I missed it."

A bitter laugh escaped from between her lips. "Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't have done what Applejack did and just come back. I could retire already, you know."

"As could I," Rarity said. "And yet, we love our craft too much to abandon the corruption of the cities."

"Sometimes I'm not sure it's worth it," Sweetie turned around so that she could nuzzle Rarity's barrel, a slight ticklish sensation that sent a delightful shiver down her spine. "I love singing, but everything about the music industry is just... blech."

"I understand that feeling all too well," Rarity replied. "Only you can decide if the reward is worth the price, but I can truly say that you have touched so many hearts with your music."

"Yeah, heard that one before." Sweetie scoffed. "Everypony says it, but what does it even mean?"

"Well, for me, it means that when I listened to your latest album, for those few minutes, I didn't feel quite so alone anymore," Rarity said. "Your music gave me comfort in my darkest moments, and reminded me that I was loved."

"Okay, in that case, I'm literally singing about how much I love you." Sweetie chuckled. "Then again, I guess you're the only pony whose opinion I care about."

"That's not entirely true." As justified as Sweetie's cynicism might be, Rarity still wanted her to be able to see the lights in her life. "We're about to arrive at an entire town of ponies whose opinions I value quite highly, and I believe you do as well."

"Yeah, you're right." Sweetie groaned, getting up and leaning against Rarity. "I've been spending too much time in my own head, I think, and having to hide all these feelings I have is making me go a little crazy."

"That's quite alright, my love." Rarity pressed a kiss against Sweetie's cheek. "I'm here now, to make sure you don't have to be alone." And she was going to find a way to make sure that Sweetie didn't have to be alone ever again. She deserved it. They both deserved it, after all they'd been through.

The train slowed as it approached Ponyville, and Rarity smiled with grim determination.