Crystals Grow on Rainbows

Sipping lightly from her cup of hot cocoa, very nice thanks to Rarity's practise when hosting sleepovers for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Dash gathered her thoughts now that they weren't clouded by the Wonderbolts anymore. Things had gone right for once; there was no need to run around in a panic trying to fix them. And Rarity had played a big part in that, bringing her hero team to town meant so much to the pegasus.

Rarity glanced back over her own cup, being careful to avoid getting foam on her lips as she drank. She didn't have any doubts about Rainbow Dash hearing her out; she was the Element of Loyalty after all. Perhaps that was another reason why she found herself so drawn to her of all pegasi. Despite her usually dismissive and inflated personality, she wouldn't let that take priority over her friends.

For Dash however, it wasn't quite as easy as just trusting Rarity to be understanding and considerate. There were certain things she needed to establish before moving on to the prospect of a relationship. "Alright, here's the thing. I like you, you're a great friend, and you know when it's time to do things, and I respect that, we're cool and all. But, you seem to be making too big a deal about this. And it honestly scares me. Obsession isn't cool at all."

Rarity nodded solemnly. At least they could talk like two sensible ponies; she wouldn't have it any other way. "Again, I apologise for my behaviour before. I was over the line, and I promise that won't happen in future, whatever happens." Another relieving sip from her mug followed, so convenient with magic to use. Outside, Ponyville was asleep; they had time to talk in privacy.

"Another thing... I'm not sure that I'm comfortable with everypony knowing about, us. And I know you like all those fancy parties and always wanted a big wedding, but I'm just not sure that it's, me. I'm cool and awesome, not froofy and elegant. No offence of course, but I just can't do that. Not yet at least." Rarity nodded again, that hadn't occurred to her, but she had to respect Rainbow's wishes all the same. Especially since she had actually mentioned the wedding.

Her hoof reached out to touch Dash's softly. Such consideration she hadn't expected at all. "I can live with that, it may be difficult to control the excitement, but I will manage. Celestia's task is the second priority, first is ensuring that whoever helps me fulfil that task is happy and content with me. I won't have it any other way." Not wanting to say more than necessary, she took a long drink from her mug.

Dash did the same, far more relaxed after seeing just how patient Rarity was being over this. Of course, this wouldn't be an immediate thing for them, but it was a good start. "Okay, that brings me to the last item, Celestia's task..." Rarity bit down on her lip at that moment. Celestia had left her options open in terms of choosing a partner, but she hadn't mentioned how it would work for a female.

"Yes, I'm not sure what preparations Celestia needs to perform. But I'll be having the princess, you needn't worry about that." For once, she didn't feel awkward talking about it. Dash didn't seem put off either, a very welcome change from before. "I don't mind if you'd prefer to sleep at your own place at times, I mean I can be somewhat of a bother at the best of times after all."

More silence followed as both continued to ponder. It felt good that they were discussing it so openly, without silly hesitations or second thoughts. Maybe under normal circumstances it would seem presumptuous, but normal circumstances didn't account for a Princess being involved. Rarity had begun to doze off when the lack of cocoa became noticeable. Rainbow Dash was still thinking, and didn't complain when her own mug was taken to be refilled.

"Okay, I think I can handle this, but I need a bit of time to get comfortable. Like training before a competition, if you know what I mean." Rarity returned with fresh mugs, the warmth clearing her mind again. Until then, she hadn't really noticed just how much she appreciated the personal company of one of her friends. And now, she had somepony closer still to her.

"Of course, a few low key dates sound alright?" The nod from Dash brought a few giggles to the surface. Another thought came to her as she took one last soothing drink. "Oh Dashie, may I make one teensy weensy request in return?" The wide grin that had appeared on her face had Rainbow Dash rather suspicious, but she nodded again out of courtesy. "Can I please make you a special dress for our dates?"

*

Just minutes later, Rarity was watching Rainbow Dash depart for home. She really was a nice and considerate pony, behind the proud attitude she always had. And now, she not only had solved the problem that bothered her for so long, but she was genuinely happy with her decision. Eventually she pulled herself away from the window again, back towards the waiting bed.

"Not long now Rarity, you just need to keep things simple, and make her happy. Then, you'll have your precious colourful gem in your hooves, and a smaller one on the way." Reassuring herself didn't seem too silly a thing to do, if it boosted her confidence that much more then it was worth it. Sleep followed soon after for her, warmth from the blanket and the cocoa helping to settle her.

Tomorrow was something she couldn't wait for. She had to get to making Dash's new dress right away, and there were dinner reservations to make. More important would be when they told their friends.

*

A deep exhale came as Rainbow Dash landed on the cloud outside her door. Part of her was concerned that she didn't really know what she was getting into, apart from the obvious romance with Rarity. They both loved being the centre of attention at least, but this was just one of those times that she just didn't want to be. Having a deep relationship was personal, something that she wanted more to herself than anything.

Before going inside, she quickly flew around and gathered up a cluster of clouds around her place. Now a soft drizzle fell around her place, rolling off the edges of the cloud in tiny rivulets. It would be a long night, and there were still a few things she needed to consider before morning. Rain helped settle her thoughts, though she'd never admit that to anypony.

The Daring Do books that Twilight gave her seemed to stand out in the dark. All those times she had made fun of her reading, only to come to love it too. Rather similar to the situation she had just been in. As she approached the bed, the one photograph she kept to herself reflected back in the moonlight. Graduation from the Pegasi Academy. Her parents had been there, one of the few times she actually recalled seeing them at all.

"I'll be helping to bring a Princess into Equestria..." Her eyes closed as she slid into bed, the photo was a memory she didn't feel like dreaming about that night. As if to help that, there was still a lingering taste of chocolate on her lips. A welcome reminder of the warmth she had enjoyed with Rarity, earlier that night, and when the unicorn had come to her rescue in the rain and mud.

She was making the right decision. Rarity genuinely cared, who could say that another pony who would do that much for her would come around in future? Her face tightened in reaction to a droplet of water on her face. It hadn't come from a leak in her cloud. Somepony, who had her well-being in mind, all the time. How long had it been since she had been able to tell herself she knew somepony like that?

End of Part Two.