Crystals Grow on Rainbows

Another three months passed, leaving Rarity with three months of her pregnancy to go. Most of the time had been spent between resolving the past issues between Trixie and Ponyville, and work through her array of emotional problems. While referring to herself in the third pony had started out as demonstration of her confidence, it had become a shield of nervousness for her. Now, without the urge to hide behind her own name, Trixie found it far easier to become friends with other residents Ponyville at last. Even Twilight came to apologize over her behaviour in the end, albeit with the firm refusal of interest in any sort of a romantic relationship added.

Rainbow Dash had been rather reluctant to leave during that crucial time for her final session at the Wonderbolt Academy, but under the circumstances all agreed that her straight up honesty probably wouldn't have been what Trixie needed. And Rarity had been keen to see her mare fulfil her dream of joining the flyer group, despite the fact that it would mean not seeing her very often for the time being. She would be returning after the next month at least for special break, leaving them enough time together before the arrival of their foal.

*

"Spitfire's been really great and supportive lately, well all of the Wonderbolts have been. They've got toy versions of themselves ready to send with this, hope it arrives in time for the foal shower. Lightning Dust made it through at last, she took her suspension pretty hard, and I'm glad she's back in the air. Still waiting on the semi-final marks, keeping all of you in mind helps deal with the stress of this last month. Everyone's feeling the pressure now, so I guess I'm not alone in that regard.

I can't wait to get back to Ponyville and see you again; I really miss those belly rubs...

Stay awesome and cool, Rainbow Dash." Giggles spread around the ponies gathered around Rarity and her letter. Spike was already playing with the Wonderbolt dolls at that point, making no effort to conceal it. Pinkie had taken to chasing a remote controlled parasprite, flown by Scootaloo from the stairs. Twilight had to wonder whether it was really for the foal or Rainbow Dash to enjoy, her own gift being a book of Canterlot bedtime stories that parents read to her at a young age.

Trixie had provided an oversized rubber wand that was safe for the foal to chew on, and didn't cause any pain when 'accidentally' bumped on the head with. Pinkie proved that much to Twilight. While Applejack didn't have time to provide a gift in between preparing the food for the shower, Rarity considered all the times that she had come to help during her poor days just as much a gift as any other. Zecora and Fluttershy both worked together to produce a new type of flower that bloomed in a rainbow of colours, with a non-allergenic pollen, and a scent that was derived right from the Winsome Falls.

"Thank you all so much, you've been wonderful. I just can't express my gratitude enough, though I guess I sound pretty cheesy saying that." More laughs went around, especially after Pinkie's confusion about Rarity being made of cheese. And to think that almost a year ago, they had all been recovering from the shock of what happened in Canterlot, far less eager to laugh and enjoy life.

"Trixie... uh, that is to say, I'm really pleased to see you are happy again Rarity. We all know how much you miss Rainbow Dash." Hugs passed between the unicorns, the friendship they had developed in particular brought great hope to Trixie. "Pinkie Pie and I have a performance planned later at the town hall; I do hope that you will be able to attend."

Rarity nodded eagerly. Without Trixie former obsessive and boasting behaviour, it was far easier to appreciate the tricks she could perform. And all the colts and fillies found great entertainment in the displays. "Of course, my next visit to the hospital isn't until tomorrow; I'll have plenty of time to watch." Now that her foal had slowed in growth again, it was far easier to find comfortable positions when seated. The prospect of sitting in a chair for the duration was no longer bad.

"It's party time!" Pinkie slid out from underneath the carpet in typical fashion with her array of instruments, setting the one pony band into motion. "Rarity, come, dance, already, it's, no, fun, without, you." The fact that she managed to get a whole sentence out in between puffs on the harmonica was enough to convince Rarity to try at least.

"Pinkie, I'm not so sure that this is a great idea, but I'll do my best." No sooner was she attempting to join in with the other ponies than she found herself swinging to each side rather too much for comfort. Twilight intervened much to her relief, although from the way she urged both her and Trixie to a quieter part of the room, she guessed it wasn't entirely for her safety. There was a certain look on her face that seemed to indicate she had a personal reason to do that.

"So girls, how are you holding up? I haven't had much of a chance to catch up, and I wanted to be sure you two in particular were okay." Far different to her recent behaviour of isolating herself from pretty much everypony, even Spike had trouble getting through to her at times. Her sudden change in mood had the air of something being not quite right, especially the genuine concern for them.

"I'm fine, the new house is very homely and comfortable, Rarity helped with the curtains and other items of course." Trixie did her best to smile confidently, courtesy of Fluttershy's tireless lessons. After the magic she had worked in helping Discord, it was no surprise that even Trixie was coerced out of her emotional retreat.

"And I've been managing well enough. Applejack has been such a dear of course, but what about you Twilight? Out of everypony, I think it only fair to say that you would deserve more concern." Twilight glanced away hesitantly at the attention being brought back to her. She didn't want to admit that she was struggling to keep up, but what would be the use in lying?

"Things could be better; I'm just really worried that I might not pass this next test. Because if I don't, then what will I do? I've already had enough times where I feel unneeded in Ponyville, what if it spreads to other parts of my life?" Both unicorns could sympathise greatly, they had gone through that experience of not being wanted any more, Trixie especially.

"Well for starters, don't fret dear. You've done an incredibly large amount for Equestria, not just Ponyville. I'll admit that there are times where I begin to panic over a certain dress, but it works in the end, and that's the important thing to remember. Nopony is going to abandon you just because you haven't done your absolute best on a single test, the notion is just absurd."

"And even if it doesn't work out, you still have everypony there to support you. All that you need to do is ask for help, like I did." The simple support that both ponies offered was all that Twilight felt she really needed. She knew quite well that all her friends would support her, no matter what, but hearing it again for herself reminded her of that fully.

"Sorry for putting a damper on your foal shower Rarity, and for snapping at you before Trixie. Maybe I should take a break from studying, if you think it'll help." Rarity smiled as she rubbed Twilight's shoulder reassuringly. Trixie did the same soon after, having forgotten her proposal months before. It was something that didn't need to be brought up again anyway.

"Don't worry about it, I didn't really mean what I said in the romantic way anyway." The long due laugh from Twilight came as her spirits were lifted again. Hearing Pinkie Pie call for another dance seemed to indicate that interruption to their conversation was inevitable. An idea came to mind at that moment, one that hadn't gone so well the first time, but the second surely had to be better.

"Say, how about a sleepover at my place? I promise this time won't involve a tree crashing into the room Rarity." Trixie looked at both in surprise at that point when they laughed again. "Don't worry Trixie, it'll be fun. We can give each other facials, and have pillow fights, and play truth and dare!" Rarity chuckled half-heartedly as memories quickly began to return. That night was hardly the best example of her behaviour, but this one would surely be the chance to fix that!