Strings of Fate

Chapter 18: Tempest's Dress Fitting

Tempest walked through Ponyville, looking at all of the different ponies bustling to work. The morning summer breeze blew down the street and Tempest heard the trees rustling and birds chirping.

Three weeks had passed since she was sentenced with her community service work. Every day, she'd been sent to various areas of Ponyville and beyond to assist in cleaning or volunteer work at local food pantries for families hit hard by the Storm King. This week, she'd been concentrated in Canterlot. With the Grand Galloping Gala coming up, Princess Celestia had wanted her help to fix any of the remaining major issues in the area. Now, she was on her way to Rarity's Boutique to pick up her dress for the Gala.

Tempest's heart fluttered.

I still can't believe she asked me to go with her, and to an event like this? I mean, I know we like each other, but still. That for a first date..... It's going to be tough to top that.

Tempest arrived at the entrance to Rarity's Boutique and opened the door. The unicorn was nowhere to be seen on the ground floor.

"Rarity?" Tempest yelled, "I'm here to try on my dress."

"Tempest, darling!" Rarity yelled back from somewhere upstairs, "Hang on just a moment! I'm in the middle of another client's work!"

"Okay!" Tempest replied. She sat down in the waiting area near the entrance to the boutique and picked up a magazine with her magic. Her magic faltered after a few seconds, and Tempest dropped the magazine onto the floor. Tempest attempted to pick the magazine up with her magic, but a light blue aura surrounded it as Rarity trotted up to her. She swiftly placed the magazine neatly in the pile on the waiting area's table and smiled.

"Sorry." Tempest apologized, "I'm still not good at my magic."

"Oh, it's quite alright! Sorry about the slight delay." Rarity apologized as well, "I was trying to finish up another client's stitching on their dress."

"It's okay. I'm not in a rush." Tempest waved a hoof. "I'm sure you are, though."

Rarity sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. I love dress making, but when it comes to Gala season, I am beyond busy. Both here and at my other stores." She smiled with excitement. "Come! I can't wait to see how this dress looks on you!"

Rarity walked over to a changing room, Tempest following. Rarity levitated the dress, which was encased in a protective dress cover, over to Tempest, who took it behind the curtain to change. A moment later, she walked out from behind the curtain to reveal a berry colored dress with a gold belt and gray, form-fitting shorts underneath. The skirt of the dress, because of Tempest's tail, fluffs up in the back. Rarity gasped.

"Tempest, you look gorgeous! Here, let me show you!"

Rarity grabbed one of Tempest's front hooves and led her onto the platform. Tempest admired the dress in shock through the mirrors.

"Rarity, this is perfect! This is definitely something I would wear!" Tempest complemented the designer. "And it's not too long, which is something I was worried about."

"When one of my clients speaks, I always listen," Rarity replied, "because I want them to feel comfortable with what they are wearing. I want my clients to feel confident and believe in themselves."

Tempest blushed a little. "I can't wait to show the dress to Twilight. She's gonna love it." Tempest paused for a second. "How's her dress coming along? Can I see it?"

Rarity rubbed one of her hooves. "Ah, well, she told me to keep it a secret from you, so I cannot show it to you." Rarity gives a cheeky smile. "The only thing I will say is it looks absolutely stunning!"

"She'll look amazing in anything she wears."

Tempest realized what she said and blushed. Rarity raised an eyebrow and smirked a little at Tempest's remark.

"While I will agree with you, I shan't say anything more." Rarity explained. "This is the happiest I've seen Twilight in a while, even when she was with her previous coltfriend. She definitely sees something special in you, Tempest."

Tempest kept blushing from Rarity's comments. "I will admit that I love her..." Tempest admitted, "a lot." She stops to think for a second before asking, "Can I tell you something, and can you keep it a secret?"

Rarity replied, "Sure, darling. What is it?"

Tempest inhaled slowly, then exhaled, trying to calm the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "I... want to ask Twilight to be my marefriend."

Rarity's eyes lit up with shock and excitement. She shrieks, "Really?! Awwwww!!"

Tempest blushes a little more from Rarity's reaction, more from embarrassment than anything else. "I'm really nervous, though. What if she says no?"

"Darling." Rarity gives Tempest a look. "You told me at our last appointment that you've already confessed your feelings for each other and told her you love her. Why would she say no?"

Both mares turn to look at the entrance to the boutique as a knock is heard. Rarity gasps.

"Oh no! Twilight's here!"

"Wait, what?"

"Quick, go!" Rarity practically pushed Tempest off the stand and behind the curtain. She teleported Tempest's dress into the same protective bag from before while simultaneously handing Tempest her cloak.

"What's this all-"

"I told Twilight I would rush to get your dress check done so I could finish the stitching on hers and I forgot she was coming this early!" Rarity shouted from the other side of the curtain.

Tempest changed into her cloak and quickly walked out, from which Rarity led Tempest hurriedly to the door. Rarity opened the door to reveal Twilight on the other side.

"Twilight, darling," Rarity greeted, "Terribly sorry about that. I got carried away with looking at Tempest's dress." She glanced at the dress bag as she handed it to Tempest, who took it with a hoof. "Not going to reveal anything, but you're going to love it!"

"It's okay." Twilight accepted, "I was only waiting for a couple of minutes." She stepped through the boutique door. "Even though I am helping out with the gala this year, things haven't started ramping up, yet."

Tempest waved goodbye to Rarity and started for the door, placing her dress onto her back. She looked at Twilight as she passed and gave her a smile. Tempest noticed Twilight's cheeks flushing slightly as she smiled back. Tempest walked outside as Rarity closed the door to her boutique behind her. She trotted towards the castle.

I'm so excited! Tempest smiled at the thought of her dancing with the Princess. I just wish the Gala was today already!