"Hey everyone how has it been it's been a while since I have actually posted a story here and I'm not quite ready to post a longer story yet, but I have managed to complete a My Little Pony Friendship is magic 2 part one shot about one of my favorite pairings Rarity and Spike. I have come to really like this pairing as I feel they both make each other better highlighting their best and worst qualities and their episodes together often have them confront these allowing for much growth. I really wanted to make a story about them even if it was fairly brief, I hope the fans of this pairing find the same enjoyment and satisfaction in this that I did writing it."
Rarity was currently going over the finishing touches of her latest gown it would be the last one she made before commencing the usual closing procedure for the day. This one was for a teenage pony apparently the daughter of one of her more well known customers getting ready for her big school dance. Rarity could definitely understand the daughters desire for such an amazing gown you only have 1 prom night after all and you should look fabulous during it. That was Rarity's current job usually her boutique would be closed now but there was no way Rarity was calling it a night until this gown was finished for that teenage ponies special night and quite the gown it would be.
Rarity threaded the needle rather slowly usually she would use her sewing machine but this particular part required a more direct approach. Her horn glowed as she hovered a needle and moved it in slowly. The needle was gently threaded through as Rarity ran it through the small thread running through a small yellow gem at the center of a mostly green dress. Green was a special color to the young girl apparently she was an outdoors girl, she loved nature longing to feel like she was a part of it, what a passionate spiritual girl.
Rarity often required her clients give her info about them or whoever the dress was for as these weren't random dresses anyone could have no these dresses were made solely for each and every customer a great beauty to match the even greater beauty they had within and bring it out. This girl was going to shine her date would feel like they were seeing her for the first time in their entire lives. Each of every inch would say something about her it wasn't easy to create a dress that perfectly represented the beauty of nature and a river flowing through it, but that wouldn't stop Rarity she doesn't do easy.
Rarity looked at the near completed dress and smiled it was difficult but she did it now was the time for the finishing touch which meant she needed her assistance and partner.
"Spike could you come here darling" Rarity called out to him though she only slightly raised her voice while doing so, a lady has no need to shout when she is requesting something.
Spike was currently in the back putting away the supplies while storing the not yet completed gowns into a large closet it allowed for plenty of room between each gown insuring not one thread would get mixed with another, they were stored as if they were treasures which in truth they kind of were. Everything Rarity did was perfectly threaded not a single thing was left out of place not one attachment or stitch unaccounted for, and nothing was there just because, everything had a purpose.
Spike in truth was still studying and analyzing the dresses Rarity made the details were everywhere and seemingly never ending just when Spike thought he found every detail he would discover another. Despite having a few days to study them before they were sold (or sometimes given if the customer was lacking in money) Spike never came close to finding everything. Rarity made masterpieces that would be timeless. Spike felt his heart rate accelerating as he thought of the sheer passion Rarity put into her work. He was almost about to zone out completely when he heard her calling him.
"Just a minute Rarity I'll be right there!" Spike called back to her though he was much louder.
"Spike a gentleman has no need to yell to make a statement it is improper." Rarity replied.
"My apologies my lady, should I finish storing everything away first" Spike said though he tried to make himself sound more gentleman like when saying my lady.
"Are the gowns safely stored if so than you can put the rest of clean up on hold, this is more important." Rarity stated.
"Not yet I have a few" Spike began to say before Rarity cut him off.
"Than it can wait darling finish storing the gowns first and treat them delicately like you would a lady" Rarity said.
Spike didn't need to be told anything else and it wasn't difficult to carry out Rarity's orders as he simply treated them the way he would Rarity, it was his solution to most things once he did that keeping anything safe was an easy task.
Rarity listened as Spike finished storing the gowns there wasn't much noise which was good it meant he was being very careful with them. He improved so much in many ways she thought this even as she continued threading her needle through the dress. It was possible she would finish it before Spike finished which wasn't too much of an issue as she only wanted him here to witness the last part to understand the beauty of these stitches to study them and see a trace of the girl who would wear it, she could do that after she finished. She wondered what Spike's reaction would be it wasn't always consistent or the one she wanted and when that happened things would often be delayed, a stitch undone.
"Beauty takes time" Rarity said quietly. "You have to thread each area carefully until it's ready." Rarity said to herself maybe Spike heard but even if he did he likely didn't fully understand.
"Wow Rarity that looks amazing" Spike said in disbelief staring at the dress.
"Thank you Spike I would like to know what do you see when you look at it" Rarity asked.
Spike wasn't exactly certain what to say currently however he could take a guess Rarity wanted an answer and likely a very in depth one. So Spike would have to wait before answering her. Spike studied the gown closely trying to ignore the glow of the gems that made his stomach growl in hunger. Was he salivating he certainly hoped not that would be just embarrassing. He took a moment before looking at it closely it was perfect like everything she did, perfectly threaded.
"Perfectly threaded, it took a long time for it to reach this point and there were a great many set backs mistakes and misunderstandings that unfortunately require undoing a great many threads and sometimes almost starting from scratch but with each set back it came closer and closer to it's true beauty and when ready it would be a masterpiece that would last for the ages and endure anything."
Rarity watched as Spike examined the dress closely waiting for his response she didn't want a quick one she wanted him to take as much time as necessary to find his answer to carefully choose each word, each description to decide which order he would single out first. She wanted an answer that Spike considered every detail to where every description and word has meaning where his answer is all connected by the very first string.
"The first string is often unpredictable and uncertain, you have nothing there yet you have to make something and what it is you just don't know. You see a picture yet it's possible the picture is inaccurate not truly reflecting what actually lies beneath and sometimes this realization comes too late requiring one to start all over again. You may not quite see the true vision at first but there is a sparkle a glowing hint that lies within and you can't look away so you dig deeper for it."
Spike studied the dress closely he noticed Rarity was waiting but she wasn't facing him which made this a lot easier. It was truly incredible Spike couldn't deny that but than again what wasn't with Rarity? No that wasn't what he was here for he wasn't here to admire Rarity not anymore, he was here to admire and value her work, to admire this beautiful creation of hers. To understand it there was something about this dress that Spike felt deep in his heart and he was curious he wanted to understand more which was a new feature for him. Spike always lacked in that department he never truly understood the full extent of Rarity's vision it was only recently he began seeing it even now he didn't know the thread that kept it all together.
"The next thread is easier you can see something faintly residing within it and you now know what you want. You eagerly and excitingly sew each string, thread each needle longing to see the completed image in your mind. You want so much to see it that you begin overlooking details. You focus all your attention on one thread over another as such you now have 1 perfect thread yet the one next to it is messy, unkempt and lacking love and passion. You focus too much on one detail your favorite detail now one single quality is defining the entire picture. You have a great center piece that has nothing to surround it with. It's beautiful but you don't know why it's beautiful."
Rarity stood with her back turned to Spike studying the results of his clean up job. He really had improved so much everything was stored exactly where it needed to be. Each and every tool was stored gently into their case the threads and strings were carefully rolled back up to the point it was barely noticeable they were used at all, Rarity noticed but Spike's work was impressive. He was truly starting to understand just what Rarity's passion was. She turned to a nearby desk where Spike would often take his breaks there were a few gems sitting on top of it resting there perfectly. Those weren't Spike's snacks he placed those there for her or at least that's what it seemed like, they were clearly waiting to become future center pieces.
"You question the growing picture wondering just what about it speaks to you? Is it just the center piece is it a single quality and nothing more. If so can it truly be called beautiful is it truly what you deeply wanted. How would you describe it is it cute, mesmerizing, if so why? What about this makes it everything you wanted? A center piece alone cannot carry a masterpiece, the picture in your mind being beautiful means nothing if each stitch isn't regarded as equally beautiful. If a stitch or thread is neglected or not valued than the vision is not yet ready, everything must be valued not just what decorates the surface. You have to undo a great many threads you were so close but you missed what truly makes the vision beautiful and now after nearly losing it you start to see more clearly, one stitch at a time."
Spike was lost in the beauty of Rarity's vision
he was beginning to see just what it was Rarity was forging. The colors were so vibrant but it was the way they were blended by both fabric and gem. The main colors were green and blue the fabric was green and the gems blue, but it was the way the gems were crafted that caught Spike's attention the gems seemed to be winding almost like a current and there was a yellow gem as the centerpiece. That was strange since the others were...blue. Spike looked closer and than noticed the way the blue gems were winding...it was a river the blue gems were a river and the centerpiece was the sun the green represented the trees of nature. The dress represented nature Spike even noticed that the stitches in certain areas kind of looked like leaves, even more so the gems ran through them symbolizing the water bringing growth, Spike knew exactly what this dress said to him.
"You carefully examine each thread each stitch is done one at time what were you seeing as imperfections now only make the image even more beautiful. You know what you want the image in your mind is truly unforgettable you can see every detail and you value each and every one. It all begins falling into place now you start over as many times as necessary time is no longer something you are concerned about you know you have enough and want to make certain it is perfect for you, for the one receiving and however many generations may follow. You are willing to wait as long as necessary because what will become of this will be worth any length of time and if you were willing to ruin it just to get it sooner than you are not ready to pursue that vision. All great things come with time, dedication, passion and even failure."
Spike knew it he knew the answer he wanted to give Rarity it was so clear he failed to understand it multiple times but now he did understand he could see it all of it and through that could actually see a reflection of the girl who would retrieve this dress. He wondered if her date would see it probably not entirely but maybe later. Spike however knew it was the first time Rarity asked him this question and Spike knew the answer, he actually understood her work he finally understood just what Rarity did and it only made things even more clear.
"Spike what does it say to you darling" Rarity asked him.
Spike smiled and prepared his words he knew what he would say.
"Peaceful, gentle and ever patient yet unyielding like the wind blowing through the leaves and river flowing winding through a valley as the sun shines, a light of optimism. The elements in sync and harmony." Spike said these were words that usually he would not use but it was proper.
He saw the personality of the girl especially that she was a lover of nature yet Rarity's message of true beauty shined through it all, it was perfectly threaded.
Rarity smiled at his answer she wasn't surprised at how much Spike channeled her into it that was expected but it once again showed how much things had changed between them and now Spike was truly understanding her work and how she did it. This was a very large step.
"Not exactly a short description darling but a notable one still." Rarity said with a smile.
"Would've just saying nature sufficed?" Spike asked.
"Oh no I was quite impressed with your wording quite poetic" Rarity replied.
Spike smiled at her response.
"Well I guess now it's a good time to call it a day, will you be staying tonight Spike?" Rarity asked.
"No there's something I need to help Twilight with" Spike replied.
"Than I should probably not keep you darling" Rarity replied.
"Right we wouldn't want Twilight to accidentally freeze time or anything, fun fact she actually considered doing that once" Spike said wittily.
"Well than I suppose I should let this lovely gentleman go for the sake of our reality" Rarity replied unlike Spike her voice wasn't witty it only made it even funnier to Spike.
Spike also felt himself blushing at what Rarity said "lovely gentleman" it was a flattering description to be sure and the way she said it with such flare yet kindness it was such a weird mixture yet so perfect. Spike smiled at Rarity and opened the door. He waited for a bit sometimes Rarity would have something to say and it was impolite to just up and leave suddenly, not something a gentleman would do. Spike waited for a bit not certain what Rarity would do. Sometimes she would hug him softly other times she would just give a truly sweet goodbye and a few times kiss his cheek, which Spike never got tired of it didn't happen to often but that just made it more special.
"Thank you for being here Spike" Rarity said.
"I'll be back same time tomorrow I'm coming to really like working here" Spike told her.
It wasn't a lie and even more so while Spike treasured every moment he was with Rarity he liked her work too and loved working a job that brought such high quality to other individuals, he liked working a career of such generosity.
Rarity smiled at him considering what her response would be. Her hoofs moved slightly and she considered lowering her head slightly than for a moment she looked at his cheek. She kissed his cheek rather recently and Rarity liked having variety in rewards even if that one was Spike's favorite not to mention hers. No just because both enjoyed something didn't mean one overused it that could lead to it becoming more mundane. Perhaps now was the right time, the right moment to finally let Spike have what he longed for, to finally grant him her greatest gift, the one he likely dreamt of for years. Should she was this the right time to finally truly kiss him?
No selfish as it may be Rarity wouldn't hand that moment to him Spike wanted to taste her kiss he would have to take the initiative. Rarity wanted to kiss him for a while now but she also wanted that moment from the romance novels that moment of true love and true loves kiss. If Spike wanted that moment he would have to seize it, maybe he would now.
"I'm pleased to hear that, I truly am coming to love this new arrangement between us" Rarity said she made certain she put slight but not obvious empathise on the word love while leaning slightly towards him it wasn't entirely direct as she could just be reacting but the opening was there, and she did leave her head there for a brief moment, what happened next was up to Spike as it often was.
Spike heard Rarity's words and did catch her empathise of love was that a clue? It was possible Rarity was saying something to him but she was rather classy in how she spoke and it wasn't uncommon for her to empathise words in statements. He noticed her head lower slightly but it was brief maybe it was nothing. Spike considered his options maybe Rarity was saying something. She seemed to enjoy his company and did kiss his cheek a few times but that could be minor still maybe Rarity was sending a message, what are you waiting for Spike kiss your lady.
It was possible maybe he should, Rarity seemed to care about him they were practically living together it was amazing they didn't kiss yet. Spike considered it but than stopped no this wasn't the right moment he was too nervous. When he kissed Rarity he wanted it to be a moment he was absolutely certain of, a moment he could prepare for a moment right out of a romance novel so Rarity's dreams would become reality the exact moment his did. Maybe Rarity was sending a message but Spike couldn't answer it, Rarity deserved the perfect moment and now was not that moment.
He longed to kiss her he longed to taste her lips knowing it would be the most amazing thing he could ever imagine and for that reason he was willing to wait for it, he wouldn't rush through the other threads to get to the centerpiece.
"I love it too" Spike told her empathising the word love ever so slightly before smiling at her gently, it wasn't a smile from a friend, or even one from a love struck pony, it was a gentle smile from someone who saw everything she was and deeply valued every last bit of it.
In that moment Rarity knew her choice and returned the smile that was a very unexpected reaction from Spike, he wasn't stuttering or nervous at least not on the surface he was nervous beneath the surface Rarity knew that but his reaction was clearly a choice, he chose not to take her opening but he did see it, he just turned it down. How interesting Spike continued to impress her he actually chose a non physical goodbye how unlike him. Rarity smiled at Spike gently it was a truly soft sweet and loving smile.
"See you tomorrow Rarity" Spike told her while still smiling.
"See you tomorrow my little Spikey Wikey" Rarity replied while still smiling.
Spike smiled at her words he loved that Nick named she gave him and the way she said it just made his heart skip a beat. Spike gave her one last smile than turned away and left the boutique heading back towards the castle.
Spike thought of that smile Rarity gave him and it made him feel so warm his body was tingling. Some would call him a wimp for not taking that moment but Spike didn't care. Some would say Spike got screwed tonight which was not at all how he saw it. Sure she didn't kiss him or hug him but she gave him a meaningful gesture all the same and that look reminded Spike of just how much Rarity valued their time together. That was special truly special every bit as special as her kissing his cheek.
Spike didn't care if people thought he was being a wimp he wasn't a love sick dragon anymore. A few years ago Spike refused to wash the cheek Rarity kissed leaving her lipstick mark there for days, and framing a second one. This was rather immature of Spike focusing on the physicality of the kiss over the meaning of it, acting like he needed to keep it there to remember it. That alone was proof that Spike wasn't anywhere near ready to be with Rarity and that while caring for her deeply his feelings weren't love.
Spike was different now he would never turn down a kiss on the cheek but didn't expect it or even hope for it. When she did kiss him he would leave the mark she usually left behind on until he left as a gesture that he appreciated her kiss, from there he would wipe it off. There was absolutely no reason to walk around town showing off Rarity's kiss on his cheek which is all he was doing when he left her lipstick mark there all that time, taking something intimate and personal between them and letting the world see it, making it less special.
Spike didn't feel the need to do that anymore and didn't want to turn her kiss into something less special by always wanting it. That taints it's meaning and it becomes consumed by greed and Spike wasn't a creature of greed anymore, thanks to his beloved Rarity.
She had many great works but the one no one noticed was Spike himself. She showed him so much and pushed him to be better each moment teaching him something he never knew. In a single instant he went from wanting to eat a gem to keeping it closely because it was a gift. Each moment with her was a masterstroke undoing a few tangled threads and stitching them better seeing the less than desirable qualities of him and using them to bring out his better side. Rarity made Spike beautiful and let him see what true beauty was. He was so focused on her looks once she was so beautiful yet Spike was only seeing the surface focusing on a centerpiece and not the whole.
He didn't see this until Rarity took him by the hand and guided him step by step showing how important each thread was and as she did so Spike began looking away from her mane her coat and gazed into her blue eyes wanting to gaze ever deeper and see the sparkle within them the beautiful light that connected each thread and formed the whole, her beautiful soul. That was what Spike saw now even if she looked completely different Spike would only need to gaze into her eyes and see the beautiful glow in them. Rarity showed him that she threaded it perfectly letting Spike shine in ways he never thought possible, because she knew it was there.
Everything Rarity did was perfectly threaded and Spike knew her kiss would be no different it would be everything and Spike would never dream of rushing to that moment he would make it everything for her. Spike had a design of his own that was slowly taking shape. He didn't quite know it yet but he had a faint picture and it was becoming more clear that moment he would at long last kiss the mare he loved was the last piece and it required every stitch to be threaded to perfection not for him nothing could make that moment less but for Rarity she dreamt of finding her prince charming and sharing true loves kiss and when it came Spike would make it everything she hoped for.
Until than until he actually knew the final design Spike would wait however long was necessary thread by thread stitch by stitch building each one on each moment between them bringing them ever closer they would reach setbacks and undo a few threads maybe many, maybe even start from scratch but they would rebuild make them more beautiful than before by seeing the imperfections as a chance for beauty, adding each detail while crafting the centerpiece with them bringing each one closer and closer into something that was forever, perfectly threaded.