The Night Before Forever

by Nines

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Rarity, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 5327

Rarity searches for a long-lost spell that might give Twilight a legacy of love that even time cannot take away.

Rarity and Twilight are getting married, but the happy day is undercut by fears for the future. Driven by a desire to give Twilight lasting happiness, Rarity searches for long-lost magic. As she does, she finds herself contemplating commitment and consoling others in their own relationships. Even faced with these questions, there is no doubt in Rarity's mind as she strives for the best wedding gift for her new wife.

She's ready for the rest of her life. She's ready for forever.

A fluffy, sweet fic meant to give you cavities. Also a small crossover with my StarBurst fic, Sincerely, Starlight.

Featured November 12th and 13th, 2024. Thank you!

Art is by rice-flowers.

Published 2024-11-12 21:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-11-12 21:40:01 UTC

I won't let my forever roam // and now I hope I can find // my forever a home

Twilight Sparkle was glittering under the glowing crystal orbs that floated in the royal garden, but her being effused a glittery energy that dazzled all those in her sphere. She smiled, and it was the sun. Her violet eyes twinkled with the mysterious brilliance of a starry night sky. She was the ruler of Equestria, a perfect balance between the alicorns she had succeeded…

And today, she was getting married.

Rarity smiled as she glided steadily down the aisle. Her father, Hondo Flanks, kept step next to her with tears trickling into his big brown mustache. Twilight watched them approach with unshed tears in her eyes at the left of the festooned altar. Behind her stood Shining Armor, Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. Sweetie Belle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Yona waited on the other side of the altar, looking ecstatic. Behind the altar stood a fond-looking Celestia, the crown absent from her head, but her neck still adorned with the royal necklace that denoted her nobility.

In Rarity’s right leg, she held a bouquet of roses, lavender and white. The air was fragrant with the scent of fresh-cut grass, honeysuckle, gardenia, jasmine, and lilac. The air was cool, but not unpleasant. Overhead the sky was clear and winking with bright stars. As Rarity and Hondo walked down the white aisle runner already sprinkled with rose petals, they passed by rows and rows of their friends and family seated in white chairs.

There were the Cakes holding up their foals so they could see, and over there the rest of the Apple family beaming and helping Granny Smith stand. Sassy Saddles and Miss Pommel were dabbing at their eyes somewhere near the front, dressed to the nines of course. Rarity was delighted to see that Coriander Cumin and his daughter, Saffron Masala, had been able to take time off their busy schedule to attend. Even Capper had traveled all the way from the Badlands! He smirked and saluted Rarity with manicured claws whilst wearing the fine green velvet coat she’d made him for a birthday gift. And… Wait, was that Cold Moon over there?! Had one of Equestria’s secret agents, and one of Rarity’s most inscrutable customers, really come to—

Rarity craned her neck to stare only to realize with a blush that she was reaching the end of the aisle.

Hondo Flanks tearfully kissed her cheek at the altar. Rarity cupped his face with both her hooves and whispered, “Thank you, Father.” All the gratitude for his years of long-suffering patience for her dramatic fits and artistic carry-aways communicated in one small breath. The stallion wiped at his eyes and rubbed noses with her like they used to do when she’d been a filly. “Naw, thank you, my lil’ jewel,” he murmured before he returned to his seat in the front row next to Rarity’s mother. Cookie Crumbles blew her nose loudly before leaning her head on Hondo’s shoulder. Rarity winked at them, sparing a quick smile in greeting to her friends and sister behind her, before facing the mare of her affections.

Twilight Sparkle stepped toward her, eyes hooded as her wings rustled on her back. They stood at a noticeable height difference from when their relationship had begun, with Twilight now a full head taller than her bride. Rarity took a moment to appreciate her fiancée’s handsome height and elaborate dress.

She’d designed it, naturally. A sage-colored lamé and organza bias-cut dress worn over a duchess satin corset. The dress featured bands of hoof-painted metallic crin, a drape and bow layered from aluminum material and iridescent organza, and a corsage hoof-embroidered with natural motifs painted in electric blue and emerald.

Was it traditional? …Who cared? Twilight looked stunning, just like Rarity knew she would.

For her part, Rarity wore a white sparkling semi-sheer lace halter-neck gown bejeweled in hundreds of tiny diamonds. She’d worked on the dress all year, and it had been worth it. Closer to the classic bridal gown, but Rarity, being the iconoclast that she was, just couldn’t bring herself to do the same old, same old. No, she was marrying the most amazing mare in all of existence, and her fashion was one of her best ways of expressing how important this was to her.

Look! Look, damn you!

See that stunning alicorn princess with the magical eyes? That was her soulmate. A tuxedo and a white gown? Filly, puh-lease. This was the wedding of the century, with respect to Cadance and Shining Armor, of course. Typical dress was for typical ponies, and Rarity knew Twilight deserved better.

Twilight’s face was burning with joy, pride, and pure nerves. “Hello, gorgeous,” she murmured to Rarity.

“Hello, my love,” Rarity returned with warmth. She wagged a hoof. “Stiff upper lip, darling. Your makeup will run.”

“I know, I know, sorry,” Twilight said, chuckling weakly as she dabbed at her eyes with the back of her forehooves.

Rarity reached forward and touched her lover on the cheek. “My dear, you will look breathtaking no matter what. I’d just hate for your eyes to sting through our vows.” She let her hoof slide down just under Twilight’s chin. Her eyes were gentle and her voice soft when she said, “Would it help if you took my hoof?”

Twilight sniffled and took Rarity’s offered hoof. She grinned shakily as a tear finally slipped down her cheek. “Maybe a little.”

Rarity’s smile became slanted as she tilted her head a fraction and waited patiently for Twilight to wipe carefully at her face. Rainbow Dash was grumbling behind her as Applejack stifled a laugh. Apparently, they’d had a bet over who’d weep first at the altar. Rarity was a little surprised it wasn’t her, too. She was certainly the bigger crier between her and Twilight but for some reason today… Her eyes were dry. Was she not happy? Of course not. She was deliriously happy.

Maybe the reason she wasn’t overwhelmed by her joy was the simple fact that she’d been planning this her entire life. True, for the longest time she’d imagined a stallion standing across from her, but the reality was that Rarity had needed to change very little of her bridal plans. Everything that was happening today was expected. Yes, there had been some stress over the planning, but with the help of their friends, this day had come, and now all there was to do was…

Sigh in relief.

The fated day had come. Rarity was getting married to Twilight. The rest of her life was starting. She would be a royal consort, respected in all the land… And somehow none of that mattered. Not a bit. The real prize, the real thing worth celebrating was that Twilight Sparkle, possibly one of the smartest and wisest ponies of her age, had chosen Rarity as her life partner. She’d seen Rarity at her worst. Seen her teetering on the brink of oblivion. Seen her dramatics and snootiness. Her persnickety needs and jealousies.

And she still wanted to stand here with Rarity. It was so hard to put into words. How could Rarity explain it to anyone? She’d been haunted by thoughts of death and blood-stained silk, and Twilight had saved her. The princess would argue stubbornly that Rarity had saved herself, of course, but Twilight had given her an unshakeable reason to hang on and keep fighting to live.

Rarity had almost two years to reconcile how someone so wonderful could love someone like her. It had been like balancing on a razor’s edge. On the one side, an inability to accept love from someone else when Rarity struggled to love herself. On the opposite side, imbalance, a hungry void for Twilight’s love that Rarity would have devoured endlessly, giving little back. She’d walked the thin line, teetering, sometimes, but she’d walked it.

So here, on her wedding day, Rarity was composed. At peace, even. As she saw it, this was the culmination of all they’d worked for, both apart and as a couple. It was something she was prepared for. Eager for. If anything, she trembled for tonight. For tomorrow.

When they assured her they were ready, Celestia smiled beatifically and raised her head. “Everyone, we are gathered today to celebrate the joining of these two mares before me, Twilight Sparkle and Rarity—”

Twilight sat carefully and held out her other hoof. Her smile flared wider as Rarity handed Fluttershy her bouquet then took her beloved’s hoof, and another tear slipped down Twilight’s cheek. Rarity fluttered her eyelashes, leaning toward Twilight a fraction before she paused, remembering with a blush that Celestia hadn’t asked them to seal their bond with a kiss yet.

Their eyes met, and Rarity finally felt the first mists of joyful tears come to her eyes. Together, they said their vows, and with a deep kiss and thunderous cheers, they slipped into the future.

The reception had been everything Rarity had hoped for and more. With Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich being their event coordinators, a certain element of youthful chaos was to be expected, but it had never felt out of hoof. There had been much carousing and dancing and singing. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had gotten deep into their cups and needed help with getting to their guest suites. To Rarity’s shock, Spike had been the one to win the garter toss, and the poor thing had survived a pile-up between Discord, Sunburst, Capper, and Flash Magnus to do it!

Fluttershy had overcome her stage fright long enough to deliver a brief but touching speech wishing Rarity and Twilight the best. Sweetie Belle sang a beautiful song in their honor with the help of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. The Cakes had managed an astounding vanilla sponge and red velvet cake sculpted to look like Canterlot Castle, with miniature figures of Rarity and Twilight on the royal balcony overlooking the main gate.

A magical night. A glorious night.

And it was ending.

They had offered to stay and help clean up, but Celestia and Cadance insisted they retire for the evening.

“You’ve got to pack for the honeymoon!” Cadance gushed, winking and shooing them eagerly with her hooves.

“You mean the diplomatic visit to Neippon?” Twilight asked with a wry smile.

Celestia laughed, and Rarity’s ears perked happily to hear the former princess’ laughter sounded so much less burdened and restrained than when she ruled. Life as a retired royal certainly suited the elder alicorn. “Twilight, as a ruler, you never truly take a vacation, but I can assure you that the Neippon visit will be very straightforward. It’s a formality really. Let yourself have fun. Their mochi is to die for.”

“I’m sure we can find some way to diversify our visit, Princess—oh! I mean, Lady Celestia.” Rarity put a hoof on her flushed cheek. “Dear me, I beg your pardon. It’s still so odd to say your name like that, even a year later!”

Celestia laughed again, and she inclined her head. “I understand. It was an adjustment for me as well. But!” She clopped her hooves. “Enough about us. Please, you two go get some rest. You have a long day tomorrow!”

With grateful bows, they did as they were told and retired to the royal suite.

Their hoofsteps echoed through the empty hallways. They encountered few on their journey to quiet respite. The occasional guard patrolling the grounds smiled and saluted their passing. Rarity and Twilight inclined their heads to them as they passed, but they said little. Now and again their eyes would meet, and they would grin, but so much had been said earlier that day. Their vows couldn’t possibly encompass the sheer scope of their feelings, but it said enough. Quite enough.

Twilight, I pledge my love and life to you, my cherished one, my soulmate. I celebrate every moment we are together, and though we will undoubtedly encounter challenges, I vow to support you, guard you, and champion your desires. In sickness, and in health, my heart belongs to you. My partner. My wife. May I be the counsel that you need, the comfort that you seek, and great joy in your life. For every blessing you render unto me, I strive to return tenfold. I love you, and I always will.

That had been Rarity’s vow. Yes, they’d written them themselves. Maybe some ponies groaned at having to listen to custom vows, but the fashionista just dared anyone to gainsay the sincere love she’d strived to share. And Twilight’s had been equally satisfying.

Rarity, you were my secret wish, my greatest desire. The day you returned my feelings, I was afraid I was imagining it, but I’m so blessed that your determination overcame my thickheadedness! You know that I’ve already committed my every fiber to you, but I’ll say here, in front of all of Equestria, that I love you more than anything, and I will do all in my power to be there for you. Rain or shine, I am dedicated to your happiness, to your well-being, and to your desires. I’m honored that you chose me as your wife. I am yours…forever.

So when they finally reached the royal bedroom suite that overlooked Canterlot… They quietly removed their dresses. Rarity helped Twilight to remove the minimal makeup she had before removing her own. Then they went to bed and just…

Held each other.

Held each other in the dimly lit bedroom, listening to heartbeats, and kissing softly when the mood struck them. The curtains were drawn closed over the impressive views of the city and the distant lands. A modest lamp was lit next to the bed, the only light in the dark room, washing them both in a warm glow. The sheets they laid in were ivory and periwinkle, luxuriously soft, and smelling lightly of lavender and chamomile. A royal’s privilege.

Rarity laid her head on Twilight’s chest, eyes low, and her breathing steady. Twilight stroked her hair gently. Almost an hour they laid that way, and it was Twilight who spoke first.

“I’m so happy.”

Her words were thick. Rarity lifted her head, her curls spilling over her white neck as she smiled sleepily at her lover.

No. Her wife.

“As am I, darling.”

Twilight looked up at her, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes as she swallowed audibly. She lifted a hoof and touched Rarity’s cheek. Rarity leaned into the touch, sighing.

“It almost feels like a dream.” Twilight went on in a whisper. “You’re so beautiful. Everything tonight went so perfectly—”

“Almost perfectly,” Rarity noted wryly. “Or did you think Pinkie Pie doing a spit-take of cheese dip all over Ember’s face was part of your ideal evening?”

Twilight grinned crookedly. “I mean, you have to admit, the look on Ember’s face—”

Rarity laughed. She laughed deep from the belly, her whole body shaking. Twilight joined her, chuckling as she shrugged, then sat up and placed a hoof under Rarity’s chin. She had to bend a little to be face-to-face with the fashionista, but her long svelte form was the very picture of grace. When their humor quieted, Twilight leaned in and kissed Rarity, softly on the lips. Rarity’s eyes fell shut, and she took a little breath before she pressed in, deepening the kiss.

Gently, Rarity guided Twilight back to the bed, and there they lost themselves for a moment. The world was each other. All of existence was hearing their heavy breathing, their little sighs and groans. Rarity laid kisses on Twilight’s neck, her hooves searching her partner’s curves. Twilight’s wings extended over the mattress, aroused to fullness, and Rarity gently glided a hoof over the feathers, teasing Twilight’s flight nerves and making her tremble.

“My love,” Rarity breathed into Twilight’s ear. “How you excite me. You looked splendid in that dress.”

Twilight barked out a short laugh. “Ha! Is it any wonder? You made it.”

Rarity smiled wickedly. “Mmm, yes. I may have catered your looks to my tastes…”

Twilight’s smile faded a little as she placed her hooves on her wife’s flanks and pressed her cheek to Rarity’s. “But you still placed my feelings first. Your generosity is legendary. How could I ever return what you give me? I could try for eternity and I’d never…”

Rarity’s ears perked at the shift in Twilight’s tone, and she pulled away to gaze at her wife with a tense gaze. “Twilight? What are you thinking about, my love?”

The princess didn’t answer right away. She sighed mightily, beholding Rarity’s face like she was trying to memorize it. Knowing Twilight, she very well could have been.

“I want to stay in the moment,” Twilight murmured, her eyes creasing. “I do. But I want forever, Rares. One life with you… I don’t know if that will be enough.”

Rarity kissed Twilight’s snout, a pursed smile on her lips. “Ah. This again. The dreadful shadow over our happiness…”

They were two sides of the same coin, in some ways. If Rarity’s greatest struggle was the cold of despair and the decay of sorrow, then Twilight’s inner battles crackled like the flames of anxiety. The heat of her worries spurred her to move, sometimes to excess, in anticipation of a problem. In the days leading up to their wedding day, the thought of longevity became a sudden concern.

Twilight was an alicorn. She would outlive Rarity. She would outlive their friends. Everyone.

Since ascension wasn’t an accessible option, Rarity had tried to assure Twilight that her life, however brief it may be, would be well spent in Twilight’s company. But her then-fiancée’s fear had been deeper than that.

“And how could I live knowing you’re gone? And don’t talk to me about keepsakes, Rarity. A coat, however exquisitely made by your hooves, doesn’t compare to being held by you! When you die… I’ll miss you. Forever.”

Rarity had wondered if part of Twilight’s hesitance to tell Rarity of her feelings had more to it than fretting about timing. Now she knew. Twilight was afraid of losing the one she loved. And when you were effectively immortal? You lost a lot.

So the fashionista had pondered the dilemma as much as she could. How could she console her wife? What gift could she possibly bestow on Twilight that she hadn’t already given? A wedding gift to rival all the others.

There was one answer that had come to her. It had seemed impossible, but then she remembered that there were ponies who were more learned than she.

Nervously, before the wedding, she had approached Celestia at the royal dining hall after breakfast and shared her idea. Upon hearing it, Celestia’s eyes had sparkled and she’d smiled in apparent pleasure as she set down her cloth napkin. “Your question is not as foolish as you believe, Rarity. It says much about your dedication to Twiliight’s happiness.”

“Has the question ever come up for you?”

Celestia’s smile, already as radiant as the sun, somehow gained more warmth. “Of course. Or did you think Prince Blueblood came from the ether?”

Rarity flushed from hooves to horn upon remembering the former princess’ blood relative. “Ah. Forgive me! I quite forgot that you were related to…ah…”

“My boorish nephew?” Celestia finished with a mischievous wink, and Rarity spared a quick laugh. “Yes. I found love and became a mother in my own right, Rarity. Even adopting Cadance as my family furthered the same goal. Companionship. Legacy. Being an immortal can be a lonely existence. I wondered when Twilight would find herself confronting the issue. It saddens me that it’s as your happy day approaches.”

“She’s simply tormented by it, my lady,” Rarity sighed with drooped ears.

Celestia hummed as she turned her eyes up in thought. “My memory is deep, and I do recall there being rituals for precisely what you seek. Sadly, I do not recall how they are performed, but I know somepony who likely has the answer…”

And that’s how Rarity found herself taking tea with Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst at the headmare’s office at the School of Friendship. The couple had been together for almost as long as Rarity and Twilight had been, though the fashionista had heard a rumor that very soon Sunburst would finally be proposing to his marefriend. But her quest was what was most pressing on her mind that day.

“Wow! You want to do that, Rarity?” Starlight asked with a blink of her wide eyes.

“Eventually, yes,” Rarity said with a small smile and a tiny blush. “I’d like it to be a surprise, though, so mum’s the word, please.”

Sunburst hopped off his seat, an eager smile on his face. “Well, Celestia was right. It’s absolutely a thing! The ritual fell out of practice during an upswing of conservatism, but I think it’s beyond time we brought it back. I have a book in my private collection that has everything we need. I’ll get it right away!”

Starlight chuckled fondly as Sunburst nearly galloped out of the room. Rarity levitated her teacup for a sip, then leaned in toward Starlight. “You two seem rather happy!”

The headmare’s smile turned self-conscious, but she nodded assertively. “We are. He’s such a big help at the school, too. We’ve been talking about moving in together.”

“You haven’t yet?” Rarity asked with raised eyebrows.

Starlight pursed her lips and tilted her head left, then right. “Yeeeah. We’ve just been busy. But what about you, huh? I bet you can’t wait to tie the knot with Twilight.”

Rarity smirked. “Naturally. You can only look at so many cake options, flower arrangements, and cloth swatches before you want to tear your mane out. And I live for that sort of thing, so you can just imagine!”

Starlight threw her head back and laughed. “I can try!” She levitated her teacup to her face, then hesitated before drinking. Slowly she set her teacup down again. “Rarity?”

Rarity looked up from her cup. “Hmm?”

“When… When did you know you wanted to marry Twilight?”

The question made Rarity blink. “Er…” She carefully set her cup down and scooted closer to Starlight on the couch they shared. “I suppose I knew the moment she asked. Why? Has… The question come up for you and Sunburst?”

Starlight sighed heavily. “No.” She looked at the door, her brow wrinkling. “I don’t know if the thought has crossed his mind.”

Rarity’s eyes grew, and she clenched her jaw shut. Oh, it was so hard to keep a secret! After a long pause, she finally said, “Starlight, has the thought crossed your mind?”

“Yes!” Starlight’s answer came in a rush, and Rarity leaned back as her friend nearly bumped muzzles with her. “I think about it all the time! But is he not ready? I used to think I was the one who had more room for her feelings to grow, but…” She shrugged, spinning her cup on its dish forlornly.

Rarity cleared her throat and patted Starlight’s hoof with her own. “Starlight, darling, I think if you brought it up with Sunburst, he might surprise you.” At Starlight’s alarmed look, Rarity added hurriedly. “In a good way!”

Starlight narrowed her eyes. “Do you know something I don’t, Rarity?”

Rarity’s smile turned nervous. “N-No! Ha, what a silly thought.” She shook her head and picked up her teacup again. She inhaled the sweet aroma of her orange spice black tea. “I only meant that you should tell your partner what’s on your mind. Express your interest in a deeper commitment. I dare say if the stallion is willing to share a room with you in the crystal castle, what could it hurt to talk about it?”

Starlight considered Rarity’s words carefully as they sipped tea in silence. Then, tentatively, she asked, “So you and Twilight must talk all the time. But her fears about the future… Rarity, you know she confides in me sometimes. I don’t think it’s inappropriate to say that she adores you and that she wishes her longevity wasn’t such an issue. She has responsibilities to the kingdom, and she’s committed to them, but losing you, Rarity…” Starlight chewed her lip before turning a serious eye on Rarity. “You want to build a future with her that will last. That’s what I want to do with Sunburst, too. Are you sure your plan is the answer, though? What if… What if you want different things? What if he wants different things?”

Rarity put her cup back down and opened her mouth to answer—then she promptly snapped it shut. It was a serious question and it deserved serious consideration! Was her plan the right answer? It wasn’t as if her plan would only affect Twilight. It would affect her too, for the rest of her life. She was a fashionista. She had devoted much to her art and businesses. Could she find the extra time to be there for Twilight and see the plan through?

…Of course she could. She was the bucking element of generosity, and if she couldn’t pour her love into this, then the tapestry of her being had been woven all wrong!

Rarity embraced her friend. Starlight readily returned it, though she trembled from her heavy questions. Over her shoulder, Rarity murmured, “Yes. I am sure of my plan. I have considered it carefully, and it is something I want. I trust that Twilight will want the same. And if not? I shall accept that, for I love her so. Have faith, Starlight Glimmer. Have faith that no matter what happens, you will work it out. Trust Sunburst. Be patient with him. He loves you. I know he does. And Twilight loves me. Even if she isn’t ready anytime soon… She may be later. All I can do is try.”

A little while later, Sunburst returned with the spellbook in question. The three looked over the ritual, discussing its execution and its needed components. The conclusion?

Sweet Celestia, it was possible.

And so in the present, there in the royal suite with Twilight looking tearfully up at her, Rarity finally revealed her wedding gift. She’d been thinking of finding a more dramatic moment to unveil her surprise during their honeymoon in Neippon… But she was nothing if not adaptable.

“Twilight Sparkle,” she breathed with a flirt of her eyelashes. “When I said in my vows I would strive to return every blessing you gave me tenfold, I meant it. And so, for you, my heart of hearts, I mean to give you everything and then some. You will have a legacy that is more than mere legends and keepsakes. When I am gone, I mean to leave something behind. Something you can hug, and that will hug you back.”

Twilight blinked up at her. Did she truly not understand yet? The devilish thing about academics was how frustratingly dense they could still sometimes be.

“Rarity that… That sounds amazing, but what do you…?”

Rarity sat up, and with a toss of her hair and a little breath, she said, “Twilight Sparkle, when you’re ready, I want to start a family with you.”

Twilight stared at her, and then with flailing wings and scrambling hooves, she sat up. “W-What?” Her eyebrows lifted. “You mean, like…adopt?”

Rarity shook her head. “No. Though I’m certainly open to the idea. But for our first foal, I want it to be well and truly ours. In every sense of the word.” Her horn ignited with her aura as she conjured the stacks of parchment upon which Sunburst had carefully copied down the ritual she had sought.

“Clover’s Cherished Confluence is an ancient spell once used regularly between same-sex partners who wished to start a family together. All that’s needed is a consenting mare to carry the foal to term, but the newborn will bear the traits of the lovers. They are known as spell-born.” Rarity’s voice trembled a little as she said this. She watched Twilight’s face carefully. “Given your important duties, I feel that I should be the one to—”

“You want to have my foal?” Twilight asked, her mouth hanging open under huge eyes.

Rarity faltered. “Yes. You see—”

“M-May I see the spell? Sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt, I just— Uh, um…” Twilight’s horn lit up as her magic overtook Rarity’s on the hovering papers, a brief buzzing contact that tickled Rarity’s scalp. She watched with growing nervousness as her wife quickly read over the spell and all its steps and requirements. After an agonizing two minutes, Twilight set the papers down and gazed glassily into the middle distance with a slack face. “Wow.”

Rarity’s forehead wrinkled as she tucked her chin. “Is that a good ‘wow’, or…?”

Twilight looked at her sharply, and her wings sprang open wide. “A ‘good’ wow? Are you kidding?” She beamed suddenly, and she rose to her hooves, jumping and making Rarity stumble on the mattress as it bounced. “That was a ‘this is the best’ wow! You want to start a family with me! We’re going have a foal together!”

Rarity laughed in relief, jumping with her partner till the mattress squeaked and rocked. Then Twilight tackled her and kissed her all over, making the fashionista squeal and giggle.

“Rarity, you’re the best, you really are!” Twilight’s voice was choked again as she hugged Rarity tightly. “I love you! I love you so much! Whenever you’re ready, let’s do it. Okay? We don’t have to rush, but even knowing you want to do this with me someday— I just love you! So much!”

She kissed Rarity deeply, her glossy mane cascading down around them, and Rarity held her close.

When they broke apart, she panted into Twilight’s parted lips, “Darling, for you I would give everything. My very flesh and blood! You are my darling wife, and I cherish you. I would have no other.”

And even as the hour waned and the lamp’s wick flickered, they savored each other in a tangle of sheets until Twilight realized belatedly that she needed to raise the sun. Then, chuckling ruefully, they kissed one final time and slept in for a few hours before embarking on their honeymoon/diplomatic visit to Neippon.

They talked no more about fears for the future. Instead, they bickered good-naturedly over foal names.

Wild Victory. Flawless Wish. Starcatcher. Sweet Berry. Light Heart. Toola-Roola…?

Rarity’s flat stare made Twilight hurry to admit she’d only been joking with that last one.

On the royal balcony, Rarity inhaled deeply as she beheld the sunny horizon the next day. Her wife stood next to her, her glittering mane already showing signs of her growing arcane power as it lifted with the wind. A mare that would live through ages…watching over their family. Rarity smiled and put her hoof over Twilight’s, and their eyes met.

“I look forward to forever with you, Twilight Sparkle,” she said softly.

Author's Note

The chapter title is lyrics taken from this song.

I wrote this in under a week as a way to try and feel better after the American presidential election, so if the story seems simple, there you go. Also, if it seemed uber-sweet to the point of it being almost cloying... Well, mission accomplished then. I entirely meant for that. I feel like there's gonna be plenty of ugliness and strife in the days to come, so I wanted to focus on the love, and screw all the yucky drama! This is Rarity and Twilight's day, goddamnit! They deserve it!!

If you haven't read the story that preceded this one yet, please read All the Little Rings. If you'd like to see Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst's story continue, I plan on writing a sequel to their fic soon.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you guys hold onto the love! :heart: