Frozen Notes

As the Fall Formal approached, the excitement in the air was almost palpable. Canterlot High was buzzing with anticipation, and Arctic, along with the Dazzlings, could feel the thrill of it building up. They were all looking forward to the dance, especially because it was one of the first school events they’d all be attending together since the Dazzlings’ big return to singing. But with just a week left before the big night, it was time to sort out their outfits, and there was only one person they knew could handle the job perfectly: Rarity.

The four of them headed to Rarity’s boutique after school, where she greeted them with her signature enthusiasm.

“Darlings!” she exclaimed as she pulled them into a warm hug one by one. “What a delightful surprise! Let me guess— you’re here to discuss your Fall Formal attire?”

Arctic chuckled, glancing at the Dazzlings. “You got it. We were hoping you might help us look our best for the dance.”

Rarity’s eyes sparkled, and she clapped her hands together in excitement. “Oh, I would be honored! I already have a few ideas for each of you, if you’d like to take a look!”

She quickly led them over to a small display of sketches she’d been working on, each design perfectly suited to their personalities. Adagio’s sketch featured a bold, glamorous gown that oozed confidence, while Aria’s ensemble had an edgy elegance to it. Sonata’s outfit was more playful, light, and colorful—perfectly capturing her bright personality. As for Arctic, Rarity had envisioned a sleek, classic look that was both sophisticated and modern.

The Dazzlings exchanged thrilled glances. “Rarity, you really outdid yourself,” Adagio said, her eyes shining with appreciation. “These are perfect.”

“Yeah, it’s like you know exactly what we’d want!” Sonata added, bouncing a little with excitement.

Rarity smiled proudly. “That’s my job, darling! Now, why don’t you all get into the fitting rooms so I can make any adjustments we need?”

As the girls headed off to try on their outfits, Arctic found himself alone with Rarity, who had her usual sly grin on her face.

“You’re lucky you asked for my help with these outfits,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Because I happen to know that someone here has their eye on a certain someone else.”

Arctic’s face flushed as he stammered, “Uh, what? W-What do you mean?”

“Oh, Arctic, please,” Rarity said with a chuckle, patting him on the shoulder. “It’s written all over your face when you’re around Sonata. Why, I’d even wager you were planning to ask her to the Formal, hmm?”

He scratched the back of his neck, looking away with a shy smile. “I… yeah, you’re right. I was planning on it, but I’m still working on how to bring it up.” Arctic turned his head as he looked at some of the other dresses Rarity had around. 'She sure is a love expert, heck she could be a master. How did she know I liked Sonata? Am I really that obvious? I thought I did a good job on keeping it hidden, but Rarity read me like a book.'

Rarity smiled approvingly. “Well, I think it’s a lovely idea. And as for how—just be yourself. Sonata clearly likes you for who you are, so just let her know how you feel.”

Arctic nodded, thanking Rarity for her words, feeling a bit more confident as the Dazzlings returned to the main area, each wearing their dress. Rarity adjusted a few things here and there, beaming with pride as she looked over her creations at her friends. The girls admired each other’s outfits, sharing compliments and laughter as they took in how stunning they all looked. Arctic couldn’t help but stare at all of them, Sonata a little longer than he intended, his heart racing as he admired how her outfit highlighted her bright, cheerful spirit. He couldn't help but blush with how beautiful she looked, she looked like a princess. No. A queen. The most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life. Arctic continued to stare while Sonata continued to look at herself. Unbeknownst to him, Adagio, Rarity, and Aria all saw him looking and smiled.

Once they finished with the fittings, Rarity promised to have everything ready by the day of the dance, and they all thanked her before heading home. As they walked, Arctic fell in step beside Sonata, his heart pounding as he worked up the courage to ask her to the Formal as his date.

“Hey, Sonata,” he began, trying to keep his voice casual, "Can I ask you something?”

“Sure!” she replied, flashing him her usual warm smile.

“So, I know we’re all going together to the Formal,” he started, choosing his words carefully while Sonata nodded, “but I was wondering if… well if maybe you’d like to go with me. You know, as… as a date?”

Sonata blinked, processing his words for a moment. “Oh, we’re already going together as friends, silly!” she said with a little laugh. “You, me, Adagio, and Aria.” Arctic, Adagio, and Aria deadpanned. Sonata could really be stupid when she wanted to be, and that was almost one hundred percent of the time.

Arctic’s cheeks went red as he realized how clueless she could be. He chuckled, gathering his thoughts before trying again. “No, I mean, just the two of us… like, as a couple. You know… if you’d want to.” He turned his head as he scratched the back of his neck, a clear blush on his face.

Realization dawned on Sonata’s face as it turned red. Arctic couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment she made a mistake or because he asked her to the dance as a date. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a slow, bright smile spread across her lips, as she looked up at him with excitement and a hint of shyness. “Oh! You mean… you want us to go as, like, a real date?”

Arctic nodded, his heart pounding as he waited for her response. Sonata’s smile grew even brighter, and without another word, she practically threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a quick, joyful hug that once again made him blush.

“Yes! I’d love that, Arctic!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with happiness.

From behind them, Adagio and Aria exchanged knowing glances, each with a smirk on their face.

“About time,” Aria muttered with a grin. “I was wondering if he’d actually do it.”

Adagio nodded, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. “And it looks like she finally caught on to what he was asking. They look good together, like an actual couple. Our sister has a boyfriend~”

Oblivious to her sisters’ amusement, Sonata released Arctic, her cheeks pink as she looked up at him. “I’m really excited now,” she admitted with a giggle. “It’ll be fun going with you as my date.”

Arctic couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face. “Me too, Sonata. I can’t wait.”

The rest of the walk home was filled with laughter and excitement as they discussed the Formal and all the fun they’d have. Adagio and Aria teased Sonata a little, making her blush, but she didn’t mind. Her excitement and happiness were too strong to be dampened by their playful jabs.