The weather was getting colder, and after this years running of the leaves, gloomy as well. Rarity walked through Ponyville as a chill breeze blew through her mane causing her to think of home and enjoying a nice hot cup of tea.
She let out a long sigh. This was going to be a hard winter, she didn't care what the pegasi had told her. She knew better. After the summer they had, Equestria needed a harder winter to let everything rest. Of course the pegasi had lied about it; they knew the complaints they would get if they told the truth. A bad winter, however daunting, would still bring in plenty of customers to her boutique. It was the time when ponies wanted new scarves, hats, and the most gorgeous and amazing winter garments. Among her customers, Filthy Rich always bought his daughter plenty of new winter dresses every year. No, Rarity herself wouldn't be having a hard time, but others would be, Applejack especially. Although apple-bucking season was over, the harsh cold could potentially kill some of her friend's apple trees. The harsher the winter, the harder the farm life she supposed.
Rarity was lost in her thoughts, not paying any attention to anypony. She was mostly following her instincts to get back home. She didn't notice the grey mare who was heading towards her, distracted by her bag.
"Oof."
Rarity stumbled back, a hoof on her muzzle. She glanced at the grey mare who was now frantically chasing the papers that had flown from her bag, but try as she might, her wings just blew them farther into the wind. Rarity caught the papers with her magic. "Oh, I'm so so sorry Ditzy! I wasn't paying any attention. Lost in thought I guess."
Ditzy settled back to the ground and smiled. "That's okay Rarity. It's been a busy day, and I've been having a bit of trouble finishing my rounds with the added weather duty. I'm plenty distracted myself."
"Weather duty? Why would you have weather duty?" Rarity levitated the papers into Ditzy's bag as the other mare held it open.
Ditzy shifted, letting the bag drop comfortably across her back."With the changing weather all of the pegasi are required to help. I don't have as much to do as the others thankfully, but with my mail route and Sparkler being off in Canterlot I've been so busy lately." She laughed. "It doesn't help that I set off a storm cloud this morning over town hall."
"Oh,that was you?" Rarity blushed. "Never mind. So, Sparkler's out of town. Do you not have a backup foalsitter for Dinky?"
"Jubileena has been busier as well. Most ponies have. I asked Fluttershy, but even she is busier then usual. Her animals have been getting sick since the weather change."
Rarity watched Ditzy for a moment. The Pegasus looked exhausted. Her mane was slightly duller than usual and there were small bags forming under her eyes. Most ponies were busier this time of year, but Ditzy looked rough. "You know what? Why don't I watch Dinky for you?"
Ditzy's eyes widened. "I couldn't ask you to do that! You're always so busy yourself with the boutique!"
"But you aren't asking, I'm offering. Besides, with all of the season's events over, I don't have any major projects. Anyway, I'm already taking care of Sweetie Belle since our parents are out of town. One added filly shouldn't be a problem."
"I don't know..."
"I insist. It's no problem at all." Rarity smiled brightly. "I'll be happy to make your life a little easier even if it's just for a little while." Her expression softened. "You have your hooves full. Let me help."
Ditzy watched her for a moment, and then let out a breath as she smiled back. "Rarity, you're a life saver! Thank you!"
"Like I said, no problem at all."
The next day was much the same. The sky was overcast and the day was windy, causing many ponies to rush around, not wanting to spend too much time dawdling about. It wouldn't be long before the snow was falling, coating Ponyville and all of its inhabitants in white. Then Heartwarming Eve would be right around the corner.
Rarity moved about her boutique, checking that all of her orders were together. These were her last for autumn. She was almost ready to release her winter line. This year she was especially proud of it, and had focused a lot of attention on a certain pattern she had come across. It was slightly swirled with just a touch of winter flare. It was perfect, and it had inspired her to scrap the line she had been working on in favor of the one she knew everypony, especially herself, would love.
The bell sounded from the main room of her shop. "Coming!" She called, keeping a lady-like lilt to her voice even though it was raised.
"It's just us Rarity!" Sweetie Belle called back.
"Is it that time already?" Rarity asked, glancing at the clock as she entered the room.
"Yep." Sweetie Belle half answered, throwing her school bags onto the floor.
Rarity turned to the other filly. "Hello Dinky. I hope you don't mind staying here while your mom works. It's only for a few hours."
"It's okay." Dinky murmured, looking down at the carpet.
Rarity watched the little filly. Of course she would be nervous. Was she even friends with Sweetie Belle? They were in the same class, right? "Are you two hungry?" Rarity asked, already heading for the kitchen.
"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle yells, her voice squeaking. Dinky didn't answer and slowly followed them.
"Good. Any suggestions? Dinky, what's your favorite?"
"Um..." Dinky blushed, and circled her hoof on the kitchen tiles. "...Hayburgers?"
Rarity paused. "Hm. Alright." She smiled, warmly. "Lucky, I just went grocery shopping."
Dinky smiled widely, the smile that only a filly could do.
"Why don't you two go and play while I get dinner ready? It shouldn't take too long." Rarity searched the pantry as she spoke.
"Alright!" Sweetie Belle said. "Come on Dinky!" She led the way out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
"Grab your school bags as you go." Rarity called over her shoulder.
"Alright!" Sweetie called back exasperated.
Rarity watched them go. She usually made more refined food and cringed at the idea of the greasy dishes that she would have to wash later, but she wanted to make Dinky more comfortable. She didn't know for how long she would be acting as Dinky's foalsitter, but for however long it ended up being, Dinky would be heading to the boutique after school for a few hours every day. Rarity hoped that she would become good friends with Sweetie. Maybe on the nicer days, Dinky could even head out to play with the other Cmc.
The ingredients collected, Rarity headed for the counter. If she must make this commonplace dish, then she would at least make it look a little more refined. The art of cooking had always interested her, but had never consumed her passion like making dresses had. Just the idea of taking ingredients and molding them in different ways to make whatever you could dream of, the two were very similar.
The hayburger now frying in the pan, Rarity went about washing the vegetables she had chosen. The methodicalness of her task calmed her and cleared her thoughts. She needed to stop worrying about everything. She should just focus on one thing at a time, and right now that thing was hayburgers.
OK so not the most refined chapter, but I saw a picture on Deviantart that made me want to write and it developed into this.
I have no idea how long this story will be, but I'm hoping it will be good! Plus this is my first romance story that I'm attempting to write seriously (And I have no idea why I chose this pairing)
Thanks for making it to the end of my chapter, and I'll post more soon!
P.S. The cover image belongs to LesFrites on Deviantart it is absolutely amazing!