R is for Romance

Rarity quietly walked down the crystal hallway inside Princess Twilight’s castle. The designer’s thoughts only lingered on one question. Why did Twilight summon her here? In the middle of the night no less. Rarity was just about to prepare herself for her nightly ritual right before bed when she got an urgent letter. All that was inscribed was something about how the princess needed a favor right away. While Rarity is known for her generosity, she can’t help but wonder if this favor could wait until tomorrow. The notion of needing assistance close to midnight is patently absurd unless it is an emergency.

Still… There are some ponies that Rarity would do anything for. Especially Twilight Sparkle. Even if she wishes she could have gone to sleep, it is unlikely the fashionista would complain. After all, it’s another chance to see and talk with her friend. A pony that has been for all intents and purposes her best friend. There’s no reason to deny Twilight the help she clearly needs. This whole situation still begs the question of why Spike isn’t helping her already if he was able to send the letter. Maybe Twilight needs an opinion from a lady…

A blush comes to the unicorn’s cheeks, making her quickly shake her head. In an attempt to distract herself, she starts counting the sounds of her hooves echoing off the walls of the vast hallway. If Twilight just needs an opinion, why not ask anyone else? Surely their airhead of a friend, Rainbow Dash, is probably awake at this time reading the latest book of Daring Do. What makes Rarity’s opinion so special? Not that she is ungrateful to be asked, but this and a couple dozen other questions start to swirl throughout her mind.

“Twilight, you confuse me so,” Rarity giggles to herself. “Whatever may be the problem, I hope that I can be of service.” Rarity trots up to the library door, the most likely place Twilight will be. With a gentle nudge, she opens the door to find a mess the likes of nothing she has ever seen before. Books are scattered everywhere. In the middle of the room, a mountain of books are piled on top of each other. Unsurprisingly, Princess Twilight sits on top of them, reading one. Confusingly, she does not seem stressed or otherwise put off by the mess. That doesn’t stop a concerned expression from growing on the unicorn’s face. “Twilight, what in Equestria is going on, darling?” she asks with a look of disgust that she tries her best to hide. To be frank, the room looks like a tornado from Discord himself passed through.

“Oh, hi, Rarity! I’m so glad you came by,” Twilight mentions while closing the book, flying down from the pile.

“You did say it was urgent in your letter, dear. I see now that you probably meant it.” Rarity’s eyes once again sweep over the mess, feeling her legs get weak.

“True, but I didn’t think you would be here so quickly. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re always reliable after all.” Twilight’s words strike a chord with the unicorn, threatening to flush her cheeks once more. Why? It isn’t like the alicorn said anything out of the ordinary. It’s a simple sentence that she is just as likely to say to any of her friends. Ironically, the fashionista has become so used to compliments that if anypony else said that to her, she would shrug it off. But when it comes to Twilight… It’s a secret as to why this princess makes her react in such a way. And ladies do not tell secrets… “I’m sorry for the mess. I would normally have Spike help me, but he sprained his wrist earlier after we got done writing letters to Celestia and other officials for tomorrow.”

“And what exactly is happening tomorrow?” Rarity asks with a tilt of her head. After Twilight’s comment about her dragon assistant, Rarity gets a sneaking suspicion that Twilight, once again, needs help organizing her book collection.

“Well, I’m going to be leading some diplomacy meeting in Canterlot. I would tell you the details, but it’s boring. Trust me. Anyway, I was going through my library to see if there is something that would be useful to bring with me. You know, before bed,” Twilight mentions while flapping her wing towards the pile. “Then I noticed a lot of my books are not where they are supposed to be, so… I may have decided to reorganize them. You know, one less stressful thing to worry about.” Despite Rarity’s skeptical look, Twilight still maintains a smile. Albeit a nervous one. “Plus it would give me an excuse to try out an ordering system I’ve been wanting to use for a while.”

“Twilight. Do you realize what time it is?” Rarity asks her in a slightly concerned tone. The unicorn can’t help but think that anypony else would put off a task like this until a more suitable time. However, Twilight is the one pony she knows that has the capability of being so intelligent and so oblivious at the exact same time.

“Uh… Nine at night? I’m not sure. That’s what it was when I was getting ready for bed.” Twilight motions for Rarity to follow her. In a way, it almost impresses Rarity how Twilight could lose track of three hours so easily in her books. Even dresses can’t simulate nearly the same effect for her.

“Darling, you really must get to sleep. It’s not good to stay awake on such an important night,” Rarity tries to reason with her. Even though she loves to help Twilight, her mind is telling her that she should at least try to convince the princess to sleep. A hint of worry circles her thoughts, knowing that she wants what is best for Twilight.

“It won’t last long. I promise! We’ll be done before you can yawn,” Twilight assures her, walking over to a remarkably clean table despite the rest of the room. If there is anything that the unicorn can criticize Twilight over, it is the sheer amount of organization that is required for her books. Rarity is no stranger to keeping things tidy. The fabrics back at her boutique are in alphabetical order after all. However, Princess Twilight likes to switch her tactic every few months every time she hears of another path of organization. In a way, it must be fun for her. Rarity can’t pretend to understand the notion when it comes to books, but she can sympathize on the topic of fabric.

“Right. So, what method are you going for today, darling?” Rarity asks before giving a sheepish grin. “Or ‘tonight’ as it may be.” Trotting over to the table, Rarity can’t help but stare at Twilight’s happy expression. It seems the mere fact that she has shown interest in the princess’ method has caused her friend to smile uncontrollably. A smile that made Rarity’s heart skip a beat. It takes every ounce of strength for her to stop a blush from overtaking her. After all, it isn’t very ladylike to let yourself get flustered, now is it? “Darling? Are you quite alright?”

“Sorry. It’s just nice that you’re actually interested. That’s all. I’m used to Spike and Rainbow Dash rolling their eyes and counting the minutes until they can leave. Applejack means well, but she often gets confused by my method and misplaces some items. Fluttershy is usually too busy and Pinkie is just Pinkie.” Twilight rolls her hoof in a gesture that says that she can go on and on about the excuses some may give. For the fashionista, it feels like other ponies have a lack of effort. While it may not be their cup of tea, it is apparent that the process is important to Twilight. That is all the justification Rarity needs to give it her all.

“Twilight, I keep my boutique organized with a destructive cat and a younger sister obsessed with getting her cutie mark. I completely understand the need for a system. Even if yours is much bigger in comparison.” Rarity sits down next to Twilight, watching as the princess levitates multiple books and rests them on the table. The warmth of Twilight’s wing prods at Rarity’s side, despite the lack of contact. For the briefest of moments, Rarity’s muzzle twitches at the scent of lavender coming from Twilight’s professionally straightened mane. She may deny it, but Twilight can’t hide the amount of care she puts in her appearance from Rarity’s trained eye.

“So, I was thinking of trying out a method where I-” Princess Twilight stops herself mid sentence, a confused look coming to her eyes. “I mean, we will organize the items into different categories by alphabetical order, then alphabetize each book within the categories.” Despite the fact that Twilight’s lips are moving, Rarity’s attention remains glued on her face. The way she misspoke implies that she has been used to working alone.

‘I wonder how often you have to work in solitude,’ Rarity thinks to herself. ‘Are you truly that anxious to ask for help? Or that stubborn?’ It is almost too ironic that the pony who rejected the idea of friendship at first is now the princess of that very concept. And maybe that is the reason Twilight does not ask for help as often as she should. Gaining those wings probably raised her own expectations dramatically. ‘You simply must learn to rely on your friends. On me.’

“I already have multiple of the genres planned out. Action/adventure, biographies, crime novels, drama, and so on. ‘M’ would obviously be for miscellaneous just in case we have titles that fall under multiple genres or none of the themes we outline. There will be a few of those to be sure,” Twilight mentions with another gesture as if she is already tired of certain titles that are difficult to stick into any specific box. Both ponies giggle at Twilight’s remark. Rarity would be remiss if she did not notice the princess’ shuffle, resting her hoof ever closer to the fashionista. “There are a few genres I need some help with. For example, I’m not quite sure what to use for ‘F.’”

“What about funny? You have already used ‘C’, so comedy is out of the running.” As soon as the words leave Rarity’s mouth, she finds herself wondering whether or not the princess has any comedy books. “Funny as in something to laugh at. Or something peculiar. Like how you’re funny for being so… stubborn. Stubborn yet so intelligent.” Turning her gaze, a bright blush catches Rarity’s eyes. Twilight’s eyes are wide, seemingly unaware of what to say in response. Why does the flustered expression of the alicorn make her heart quicken? Deep down, she knows the answer… “A-anyway, do you have anything for ‘I?’” Rarity asks in a small stutter, accidentally letting her composure drop.

“I didn’t until now,” Twilight whispers in response, making Rarity look back towards her. Twilight takes a moment to gather her words, moving in place to try and get comfortable. In the process, Twilight’s hoof moves right next to Rarity’s own. The unicorn’s mind starts racing with thoughts once she realizes that their hooves are touching, making her uncertain of what Twilight is doing. “What about inspirational?” she asks calmly. “You know, inspirational as in something that drives you forward. Or somepony like…” Twilight’s eyes linger on the table before staring into Rarity’s very soul, making the unicorn feel vulnerable. “You?”

“I-I really am not that inspirational, darling,” Rarity responds while clearing her throat, a desperate attempt to reclaim any semblance of composure. “I am just a designer. That’s all.” It is apparent to even Rarity herself that her extreme modesty is uncharacteristic.

“Now who is being stubborn?” Slowly, Twilight brings her hoof up to Rarity’s shoulder. Even though they are sitting closer than two friends should, it still feels like miles to the pale unicorn. “You inspire me. A lot,” Twilight is barely able to whisper. It is a sentiment that Rarity can’t help but share. The unusually warm air makes it difficult to form the correct thoughts. It does not help that Twilight’s face is so close to her own. Even though she shouldn’t, Rarity knows that this is the perfect time to test the status quo. If there is anything a hundred romance novels has taught her, it is that waiting is a lady’s number one sin.

“Oh? Really?” Closing her eyes, Rarity gingerly presses her horn against Twilight’s. At this distance, it is easy to feel Twilight’s breath on her lips. “You’re a princess. I am but a lady. You are more inspirational of a friend to me,” she whispers before feeling Twilight’s hoof move to her cheek.

“A lady whose generosity knows no equal. A pony who drops everything to help me with something as time consuming as organizing books,” Twilight responds in a tone that implies Rarity is being ridiculous with her statements. “Somepony that I respect and… admire.” The tension in the air tastes like pure confusion. Everything inside Rarity tells her that she should kiss the princess, but is it worth it to risk that? Before she can make a decision, quivering lips press into her own, making her body double in heat. Despite the quiet library around them, a universe of noise plays in the unicorn’s mind. Rarity cannot say she was expecting a kiss tonight, but she appreciates this one a hundred times more than any one from a gentle colt.

This one feels genuine…

Breaking the embrace, Twilight pulls away from Rarity. She opens her eyes to see an ashamed princess that avoids her gaze.

“I… I’m sorr-”

“I’m not,” Rarity interrupts her friend, making the silence even more tense. “I actually… liked it,” the fashionista whispers while bringing her hoof to Twilight’s shoulder.

“I… I did too,” the princess responds without looking toward Rarity. A few seconds of silence pass before Twilight clears her throat, a bright blush on her face. “W-we should really get to work on this though. I’ll never get some sleep at this rate. Do you have any suggestions for the letter ‘R?’” It is funny how Twilight tries to deflect the situation that she caused. Especially with such an easy question. It does not take a second thought to know what Rarity is thinking. Gently, Rarity makes Twilight look at her, rubbing the princess’ cheek.

“‘R’ is for romance, darling~”