The week crept by as slowly as a snail. When Friday arrived, Rarity spent all day getting ready. She spent three hours choosing her outfit, and finally settled on a bright red dress with just the slightest hint of shimmer. She styled her mane so that it came down in waves, then tied it at the bottom. She set a rose behind one ear, with diamond earrings dangling from them both. She wore brown eyeshadow instead of her usual blue to highlight her eyes and the violet color of her mane.

She arrived five minutes early, and spied Laureate at the best table in the cafe. He was dressed in the tuxedo she had sold him. She fought to hide a smile.

When he saw her, his heart skipped a beat. He got up and pulled out her chair.

"You look lovely, Miss Rarity."

"You look rather dashing yourself, Mr. Laureate."

They shared a smile and began talking.

"So, what do you do for a living?" She asked, drinking a glass of apple cider.

"I work in the castle as a scribe for the princesses."

"That must be fascinating work."

"It's not as much work as it is a labor of love. I'm related to the princesses through distant relatives."

"Really?"

"Indeed. If all the princesses, Prince Shining Armor, and Prince Blueblood pass away, I'm next in line from the throne."

"That's quite impressive."

"I suppose it is."

"So, besides being one of the top designers in all of Equestria, how do you spend your time?"

She blushed. "I spend time with my friends or little sister more often than not. I also enjoy a good book and sampling restaurants if I have the time. Shopping is always a favorite, and I groom my cat, Opalescence."

"Sounds like you're quite the socialite." He remarked, smiling. She nearly swooned at the sight of it.

"Oh, you're too kind."

"I only speak the truth."

"So, what's it like to live in canterlot?"

"Well, I live in the castle, but I venture out into the city often. It's a very fast-paced lifestyle. Much of the time I wonder what it would be like to live in a small, quiet town like this."

She smiled, and it took his breath away.

Their entrées were put in front of them and they ate, still making small talk. Rarity was certain that she was falling more head over hooves in love by the second. The night was going by rapidly, and soon it was time for dessert.

They shared chocolate cake à la mode. She talked about her latest collection of designs, and he of his poetry. He was working on a collection of works to publish, and it was nearing completion. It made her wonder if this seemingly perfect stallion was real, or if she was dreaming again. If she was, she didn't want to wake up. Ever.

Laureate was impressed. A mare of such talent and prestige was still so humble and classy. She was perfect for him, and he knew it right from the start. He would woo this Mare and make her his. Whatever it took, he would do.

All too soon, night fell over ponyville. Laureate refused to let her walk home alone.

"Thank you so much for dinner." She said, smiling.

"The pleasure is all mine. After all, it's not every day you have dinner with the lady who won Fashion Week in Manehattan."

She blushed. "It really isn't that big of a deal."

"I beg to differ. Not many ponies can hold that title and still remain so grounded."

Her cheeks only got redder. "You flatter me."

He shrugged. She nearly fainted, but kept herself together.

"So, when are you going back to canterlot?"

"I leave next week."

"Oh." It was a disappointed sound. It made the corners of his mouth tip up into a slight smile. So she did like him.

"Miss Rarity-"

"It's just Rarity, thank you."

"As you wish."

She could see her shop in the distance. For once she wished it would go away. She wanted this walk to last forever.

"Rarity, may I just say what a pleasure it's been spending this evening with you."

"The pleasure is mine." They shared a smile.

Finally, they got to her door.

"I suppose it's time to part ways for the evening." He said, sadly.

"Yes. I guess so." She bowed her head.

"Rarity?"

She turned to look at him. "Yes?"

"Before I go..." He leaned in and kissed her.

It was like a thousand fireworks going off inside her at once. A warm feeling settled itself into her stomach. When his lips left hers, she leaned forward, as if to say No, come back...

"Goodnight, Rarity." He said, smiling.

"Goodnight, Laureate." She opened the door and went inside to watch him walk away.

He was perfect. She could see herself spending the rest of her life with that man.

When she went to bed that evening, she was thrilled to know that this was no dream.