Rarity watched as Spike made his departure from the boutique sometimes he would actually stay and there was a room made for him but it seemed today that Spike preferred staying with Twilight. It probably wasn't so much that Spike preferred it but rather Twilight and Spike were working on a spell of sorts apparently Twilight needed someone to insure she didn't cast something by mistake, probably a smart move Twilight hadn't done anything like that in a while but better safe than sorry.

Rarity took a moment to look at Spike's personal room it would seem he already used it earlier today as the covers and sheets were slightly out of place difficult for most to notice but not Rarity, Spike's personal room really created the illusion he lived at the boutique which wasn't surprising since Spike was staying at the boutique quite often these days, they were practically living together another example of how far things have come, still Rarity was pleased that she had the boutique to herself as it made working on her inevitable masterpiece much easier.

Rarity moved through the boutique entering Spike's work area which was almost perfectly tidy though not quite the curtains while closed were slightly out of place, the threads while wind up very well were not quite perfect even the spacing of the gowns in the storage area was not exact some further others slightly closer, nothing harmful but something Rarity would notice and talk to Spike about tomorrow. She looked at his work table which was rather small being four legged and sporting a brown color scheme the type one would see on a wood tile floor except it's surface was smooth and it was positioned to be perfectly even there were also no gaps as it was a one piece table, making laying the gowns there for sewing easier. Rarity examined it and noticed that the two gems Spike left earlier were still there, so they were for her. Rarity channeled a bit of energy into her horn and used it to levitate the two gems, they would eventually be weaved into her eventual masterpiece.

Rarity approached a single door it was tightly locked and with no way in there wasn't even a key to open it, there was only one way to open it. Rarity placed her horn into the lock and used her energy to create a telepathic force that gently moved the lock unlocking the door. Rarity opened it and stepped inside.

The room was way bigger than the door would suggest being about half the size of the main map chamber in the castle of friendship. It was also shockingly devoid of any kind of design the walls weren't painted there was no carpet though there was a tile as Rarity hated walking on pure concrete indoors it was too dirty for a house. However beyond the tile there was no kind of design or fashion to it it didn't even have curtains. There was only 4 things in the entire room, Rarity turned her attention to the first..

It was a collage and it was filled to the brink with images some were photos taken while others were hand sketched and gave off an almost painting vibe to them. The images all told a story each reflecting a certain day and moment. One was of Rarity casually examining a bunch of different ribbons the one currently hovering towards her it was red, she remembered this moment under the picture the red ribbon she used could actually be seen though it was smaller as Rarity had bigger plans for it.

Rarity stared at the image while turning to her masterpiece it was two outfits though what they were was unknown to all but Rarity herself who had a sheet currently covering them. They were right at the center of the room surrounding by all the images and items. Rarity turned to another one it was an image of Spike holding a large blue gem while staring up at Rarity a rather adorable smile on his face.

That was the day where Rarity started this project and it looked quite different to how it did now, it wasn't even the same color not to mention it was only one outfit which was natural Rarity didn't know the vision yet. That day was a turning point in many ways since meeting her Spike had made his feelings more than obvious and Rarity herself didn't really take them seriously seeing it as more an adorable crush than anything. However Rarity was intrigued somewhat how could she not be Spike was a dragon which were known for their greed and of all the ponies he fell for the element of generosity, it was certainly something Rarity found possibilities in. There were aspects she liked and aspects she didn't like, there were times Spike took many steps forward only to than do something that sent him several steps back. That day was the first time Rarity saw the potential in Spike the true beauty that was hidden and it required some observations on her part.

That day was just another day the 2 of them worked together but it was one of their first big projects though not even Rarity knew what it would mean in time. Spike's crush was obvious and Rarity thought it was adorable he thought she didn't know. She exploited it for this particular job no doubt about that but she had reasons as she did need help and she was curious about Spike himself where exactly was his crush emotion wise. The day was fun but also disappointing Rarity had to tell Spike to stop trying to eat the gems repeatedly about every other discovery in fact, he didn't listen to her very well and seemed to be helping her for more selfish reasons than anything.

It was disappointing but she appreciated his aid all the same as such she gave him a reward. It was in many ways the first of what would be many tests Rarity gave Spike though not entirely intentionally. It was only one gem and Spike could do whatever he wanted with it but Rarity wanted to offer more than a meal, something Spike would have a deeper value for, a true reward. She chose her words carefully "you've been very patient Spike (which was debatable considering how often she had to scold him) and for that you get the finest reward, this is from me to you". Me to you, Rarity wanted to make certain Spike understood it was a gift and not payment.

Spike's reaction somewhat surprised her though she hid it well he stood there with his mouth open practically drooling than upon hearing her words merely stared at her than the gem before smiling gently. In a single instance Spike ignored his hunger and gems because the idea of receiving a gift from Rarity meant that much to him, impressive. Of course Spike had to somewhat botch that later by thinking she was just a damsel he had to save when taken. Rarity was mixed on that mainly because it took two things she wanted and pit them against each other. A true prince charming and someone who has faith in her talents. She in the end decided the pros far outweighed the cons she would much rather Spike be willing to risk himself to protect what he valued over him running away in fear and he admitted his shock when Rarity gave her speech about not being helpless which he took no offense to. Spike made a very good impression that day.

That was the start of it Spike's first trial and when Rarity said the finest reward it was more meta than she thought as that day did give Spike a great reward Rarity began taking his feelings seriously and even started considering them. Rarity turned away from the picture and looked below it there was a small shard of a blue gem, gently chipped off her gift to Spike he said yes almost instantly, which was good to a sense but problematic as well. Rarity turned from the shard and focused her attention on a rather beautiful looking puppet theater forged directly by her though rejected due to being impractical now it was serving a more important project and it was an important moment for them that demonstrated Spike's devotion for better or worse.

He forgave her without question and the spell that consumed her was purely an effort to help an act of generosity that matched everything Rarity believed he later proved he was willing to tell her no if it was in her best interests.

"I was rather surprised to actually hear those words from you though they are essential to achieving any true beauty." Rarity told herself.

Naturally however there were flaws threads less tidy than the others so they must be undone. Spike did tell her no eventually but it took a while and Rarity did a lot of damage in that time. He was too slow to react and it proved quite dangerous. Rarity was a bit disappointed to hear Spike let her do all that out of fear of how she would react to him saying no. Telling someone no was critical to a relationship any relationship and while Spike did do it eventually the damage was done. Rarity couldn't have a committed relationship with someone unwilling to say no.

Rarity remembered that day clearly it was a big day for them and forced both to confront the deeper flaws of their relationship. Rarity never truly considered how much of a hold she had on him and Spike for the first time realized how much his feelings blinded him to Rarity's flaws. It was an important day and the lesson well worth it. Rarity turned away from the puppet theater this would serve a different role to her vision. Rarity focused her attention on the next artifact a small shard of red ruby or at least it would be if it weren't already gone instead there was a picture of Spike holding it in it's place. Rarity gazed at it for a moment, it probably represented Spike's single greatest blunder in their relationship and later hers, this made it very valuable and very beautiful.

"You almost ended everything with this choice Spike yet so many threads came together from it" Rarity said to herself.

It was a relatively simple scenario Rarity along with the rest of her friends were heading to the crystal empire for a special ceremony princess Cadence arranged and Spike apparently agreed to watch all their pets while they were gone which in truth should've raised suspicion but only Twilight was suspicious. Rarity crafted a truly beautiful dress white and silk with many different colors of gems around it there was a small ruby shard at the center. Spike as was usual with him was gazing at her in a love struck daze holding a glass cup usually used for collecting small charity for the poor. Rainbow Dash suggested Rarity give him payment. It was pretty clear to Rarity that Spike wasn't concerned with payment at least not currently though he probably would be later and he deserved a reward all the same.

Rarity thought back to the fire ruby Spike once gave her a truly beautiful gesture that truly convinced Rarity that she would actually consider a relationship with him. It wasn't for nothing that Rarity rewarded his gesture with a kiss, she wanted to end that moment with a gesture of equal meaning and romance. Spike gave her something truly meaningful and Rarity could only see that moment as she gazed at her dress Spike once gave Rarity a symbol of his heart and Rarity would do the same she didn't want to give him a random gem no she would give him something with true value. She yanked the red ruby off her dress removing what was meant to be the centerpiece and tossed it to Spike it was small but it was the centerpiece a factor she doubted many realized but surely Spike would.

Rarity couldn't think of any greater gesture from her and some time after she returned she found out to her complete shock that Spike sold it not only did he sell it but he gave it away to give his job to some pony else he even chose it first because it was the smallest and therefore the least valuable. Rarity remembered it perfectly she was with Sweetie Belle currently shopping for fabrics while also helping her buy a book on receiving cutie marks (as if her other ones didn't say enough) and in the store window there it was, her gesture to Spike. Rarity couldn't believe her eyes and slowly moved up to it asking the store owner where he got that, only to be told that it was sold to him by the small filly with her. Rarity wasted no time demanding how Sweetie Belle got it, and received her answer.

Rarity remembered how she felt when she discovered that moment and what she did. Back than her project was almost complete a truly beautiful dress for the next hearts and hooves day and her first date with Spike a first date Rarity knew for certain wasn't happening anymore. A part of her said she should march to the library throw it back in Spike's face show him her dress tell him it's exact purpose and than rip it up in front of him just so he understood what his greed cost him. Rarity couldn't bring herself to be so direct so instead she disassembled the entire dress cranked her teasing up to eleven, openly using her charm to make him do whatever she wanted no matter how demeaning or straining dangling herself in front of him but keeping herself out of reach.

In truth it was a rather ruthless revenge and Rarity was quite brutal at times. She remembered when she told Spike he couldn't understand what it felt like to love someone and have them not feel the same. Rarity wasn't blind she said that specifically because it would hit him and it would hit him hard. She was deliberately giving Spike moments and than making it crystal clear nothing would come from them, having Spike be around her constantly endlessly toying with his heart making him do anything for her but with no real hope he was getting anywhere, it was all a sham designed to give Spike fake affection so he would want her so desperately only to be instantly reminded it was never happening.

Dear God that was ruthless it was more than ruthless it was outright cruel. Yes Spike hurt her but Rarity was torturing him emotionally making it impossible for him to leave his crush behind all so he could continue to long for someone out of reach completely unaware all of it was designed to hurt him by the very mare he longed for. Rarity was an intricate artist her wrath was every bit as carefully threaded as her passion and the pain she sought him to feel every bit as great as the joy she wanted from her customers.

Rarity never knew she could be this brutal and this cruel. It was ironic apparently Spike's greatest mistake led to Rarity's.

"Only through flaws is true beauty seen" Rarity told herself.

She was waiting for the moment Spike would finally say enough and decide Rarity wasn't worth it ask himself why he ever felt anything for her, it never happened. No matter what Rarity dragged Spike into he always did it unquestionably, he would make any sacrifices and even tried to help her win over another pony despite knowing it would end his own chances (in his mind anyway in Rarity's he didn't have one) he would do it just to make her happy. It was an eye opener once again Spike was helping her in truth make a fool of herself but he did it because he wanted to see her with someone she longed for yet every step of the way he made it clear this wasn't who she was or what made her beautiful. The whole thing was a mess...a beautiful mess.

In that moment it became clear Spike wasn't going to leave her even if it was obvious nothing was going to happen, Spike didn't have a crush on her he was in love with her and more importantly Rarity realized that she just might be in love with him too. It was profound Spike believed her a weak damsel in distress yet would risk his life for her all the same. He couldn't fully bring himself to tell her no yet would demean himself as much as necessary to see her happy. He would help her be someone she wasn't yet point out how beautiful who she was would always be. He sold a gesture of true meaning from her and it brought out her worst side, yet it never once occurred to Spike that she wasn't worth it.

Every mistake Spike made only further highlighted his feelings even if it took time. It was through Spike's mistakes that Rarity saw who he was, the imperfections were merely part of a vision she didn't understand but now she was starting to. All those moments were taking on a different light she saw a deep beauty in every single one of them. Spike constantly trying to eat the gems only made his reaction to her gift more special. That gem he sold was invaluable since Rarity's anger only showed that Spike didn't care if he got nothing he would remain with her regardless. All Rarity could see was beauty beauty beyond comprehension a beauty she longed to understand and see the full extent of, this was love she knew it deep in her heart that she was in love with Spike, something she didn't realize until after that mistake.

Rarity understood in that moment that the project was her, she was the project being threaded and stitched her worst qualities being used to bring out her best and Spike could bring out every quality of them and somehow find a sense of unity and balance in it all. Years applying the same procedure to dresses yet never understanding that it could apply to life as well and Spike showed her that by simply being Spike, a thing of beauty that Rarity believed was impossible to truly see everything that defined him.

It was beauty Rarity simply couldn't define and he brought each thread perfectly together without even having a plan just going along with life, taking it in stride and applying whatever life gave to his overall project and now here Rarity was so different from where she started so much wiser and more loving, we all bring out the beauty of each other it would seem.

Everything changed from there Rarity began a new project choosing the colors of black and white and fabrics like silk. She didn't know what she was making but knew she wanted it done no matter how long it took and every moment between them for better or worse would shape the project because Rarity knew even those flaws would reveal something beautiful, that was the truth Spike taught her, from one red ruby to another each being the instrument that opened their heart.

"Torn from the threads it's meaning became ever clear, an obvious imperfection yet a clear centerpiece to highlight true beauty." Rarity said to herself.

Rarity knew now what she was making she took the gems Spike left and gently placed them on a shelf below the collage she would add a picture later. She than turned to her project and removed the cloth covering it. It was a white dress made from a silk like thread there were gems of different colors already sown into it, with a beautiful veil at the top the veil had 3 blue gems sown onto it where the center of the forehead would be representing her cutie mark. The small red shard was at the center surrounded by others just like it was before and it was placed right at the center of where her heart would be, Spikes greatest mistake and later deepest love, everything that made him amazing especially his mistakes. It was gorgeous and one day Rarity would wear it.

The other project was more a work in progress it was a clear black suit with a white shirt and it too had a few gems but Rarity didn't work on this one as much just gather the materials necessary for it, this wasn't her project to finish she made her half of their bond Spike was the only one who could finish the other and Spike would determine just what the final vision of this suit was, after all only Spike could thread the stitches that represent the love in his heart just as Rarity was threading hers.

"Soon you will be threading what represents our lives beside me Spike" Rarity said as she sowed a gem into her soon to be wedding dress, a wedding dress she would pass down to another be it her daughter or the wife of her son and the project would begin again.

This would be their first project together and many more would come, they would endure moments of pure joy together and ones of pure misery where they would question if their life together could possibly work. They would thread moment after moment than they would undo stitch after stitch sometimes to the point where it may seem like they were starting from scratch but the end result would be something truly beautiful a united vision of their entire life together and the love they shared.

"Adding to each stitch our greatest moments, our deepest sorrows, the days where we know we are meant to be and the ones where we question if we were mistaken. What we love most about each other and the flaws we cannot stand" Rarity said to herself.

"Thread by thread stitch by stitch we will understand each one and come to realize each and everyday that we truly love everything about each other, the imperfections merely enhancing the beauty of the picture." Rarity continued as she placed the cloth over the wedding dress.

"Our vision clear to us and clear to the world through our greatest deeds and deepest mistakes the mistakes our greatest deeds emerge from, our love will shine through it all." Rarity said as she used her magic to open the door.

Rarity stepped out of the room back into the hall way staring at her and Spike's eventual masterpiece, wondering just what Spike would add to his side of it? It would undoubtedly be just divine sheer perfection and Rarity would likely question it on a fashion sense having to understand it herself which she couldn't wait for. It would eventually mix perfectly with her dress forming a complete whole the same whole that would always represent their hearts.

"Perfectly threaded." Rarity said quietly with a smile.

The End.

"That wraps things up for now originally this was only meant to be a 2 part one shot however I am considering expanding it as there are a lot of great Spike and Rarity moments that could be incorporated into this and I really like the whole story between them so this might not be the end after all. What was your opinion in this 2 part one shot leave your thoughts in the review section and thank you for taking the time to read it."