Fashion Show in Manehattan

Tomorrow was the big day that Rarity was waiting for. It was almost time for her to leave to prepare for her big show in Manehattan and a chance for a taste of the big time. She was in a state of panic as she ran around her boutique checking and rechecking everything. Rarity was still checking on her needles and thread when there was a knock on her door.

"Sweetie Belle," Rarity called, "would you please get the door." She went back to her panicking ensuring that she was not missing anything.

"Sure thing, sis." Sweetie Belle ran to the door and opened it, "hey Rainbow. What brings you here?"

"Oh, hey Sweetie Belle. I just stopped by to tell Rarity that Fluttershy won't be able to make it to the spa today. She's going to help Applejack with something. I wasn't really listening, so where is your sister?"

"Oh she's upstairs freaking out about her show in Manhattan."

"Manehattan," Rainbow asked. She knew that the Wonderbolts were performing in Manehattan and she really wanted to go but could not afford both a ticket and a carriage, but if Rarity was going she might be able to tag along.

"I'll go tell her," Sweetie Belle said with a huge smile, "thanks Rainbow."

"No I should tell her," Rainbow said, "After all, I am the messenger."

"Ok, if you say so." The filly turned and trotted back to her coloring book whistling some random tune.

Rainbow walked up the stairs and saw the white unicorn running back and forth mumbling to herself. Rainbow knocked on the door, "Hey I heard you're headed to Manhattan."

"Oh hello Rainbow Dash dear. I am so sorry but I simply do not have time to chat." Rarity stopped and asked, "Was there something you needed?"

"Well since you asked, I was thinking if you wanted some company to Manehattan? I mean I'm not doing anything this weekend, I mean if it's cool with you."

Rarity was so concerned with her show that she thought Rainbow was offering to help, "Rainbow I know that fashion is not your, uh thing, but I would gladly accept your help. I greatly appreciate it."

Rainbow nodded. 'I never said anything about helping her.' She was about to say tell Rarity but suddenly saddled with bags. "What the hay?"

"I'm so sorry Rainbow, but we simply must get going. The carriage is already packed, but we are still running late."

Both ponies headed down the stairs and entered the large carriage that Rarity hired to make the long trip to Manehattan. Rainbow enjoyed the ride and did not pay attention to what Rarity was saying. All she was thinking about was the Wonderbolts and their sure to be awesome performance. It was not long before she began to nod off.

Rarity looked to her friend and rolled her eyes, 'some ponies.' She chuckled softly and levitated a blanket to cover the cyan pegasus with. 'Sleep well, dear.' She looked out the window, 'I do hope this show will go well. Oh this could be a big step to shining across Equestria.' She sighed and for the first time all day she was able to relax somewhat. Looking back to Rainbow and let out a soft yawn and levitated another blanket to herself, and fell asleep as well.

It was late in the morning the next day when they arrived in Manehattan and both ponies awoke to the sights and sounds of the big city. Rainbow just looked around and squealed when she saw a flyer for the Wonderbolts. She looked to Rarity, "thanks for bringing me along, but I got some heroes to see." And with that Rainbow flew off to the Manehattan stadium.

Rarity just stared at the open carriage door. "I thought you were going to help," she whispered softly. She was not angry but hurt. She shook her head, 'well Rarity it truly is all up to you.' She got left the carriage and walked inside the small building that was to be home for her one night fashion show. The models were not due to arrive for a couple of hours, 'I certainly hope I am able to get the decorations ready before then.' She quickly got to work setting up the show.

Rainbow flew to the stadium and was surprised that she was able to get a ticket to the show. The seat weren't that great but since this was the Wonderbolts performing she did not care. She was almost giggling as she entered the stadium, but found herself feeling slightly off. As though there was something eating away at her. 'It's nothing, but anticipation of watching Spitfire and Soarin' strut their stuff.' She giggled and made her way to her seat.

---

"No, no, no! This simply won't do." Rarity was dressing the stage as quickly as she could, and was only a quarter finished when the models arrived. "Oh hello girls, if you could make your way to your places, I will show you your outfits."

Some of them scoffed and the group made their way to the backstage and began idle gossip.

'Why couldn't models be more like Fluttershy,' Rarity thought. She laughed softly as she remembered the shy pegasus's trouble with being in the spot light. With a sigh she went back to work getting the stage ready. 'I simply do not have time to finish. Why did Rainbow just leave like that?' "No Rarity," she scolded herself softly, "you can be angry with Rainbow Dash later. Right now the show must go on."

---

The opening act had finished their set and Rainbow was very impressed, 'wow the Bolts are gonna have their hooves full if they want to top those guys.' She was almost shaking with glee as she heard the announcement for the Wonderbolts' appearance. Looking up to the sky she spied some specks on a cloud. She had seen enough show to know where they were staged, but as she waited for the show to begin, the odd feeling crept back and it was much stronger. Finally, she understood what it was. It was guilt over leaving Rarity behind, "I never said I was coming along to help," she said softly keeping her gaze on her heroes. 'True, but you never corrected her, and you know you had plenty of chances to tell her.'

She looked back down to the ground, "well, yeah I suppose, but this is the Wonderbolts. How often do I get the chance to see my heroes?"

'Well, how often does a chance to live a dream come along? You know this show is a big chance for Rarity, so why are you here as an audience member when you could, and should be, helping her.'

Rainbow groaned, "Fine." She grumbled and left the stadium, 'Rarity owes me for this.' She flew off towards where she left Rarity, and rolled her eyes as she heard the crowd roar. It was not long before she arrived at the building and saw quite the crowd had grown around it. Rainbow flew down and found the rear entrance and knocked on the door.

Rarity opened the door, "Rainbow, why are you here?" She was exhausted, panicked, angry, and hurt, so it was difficult for Rainbow to think of what to say.

"I'm sorry, Rarity. I never exactly said that I would help you," she saw the hurt look in Rarity's eyes. Rainbow waved her hoof in the air, "but I still should have told you that I wanted to see the Wonderbolts. I couldn't enjoy the show knowing that I bailed on you, so I'm here to help. What needs done?"

"It's too late, Rainbow," Rarity looked down to the floor, "I can't finish decorating in time for the show to begin, and…" she trailed off as Rainbow flew off into the room. She could not help but smile and giggle as she heard gasps and shouts of shock as Rainbow flew back and forth as quickly as she could, setting up the decorations. Rainbow did not even ask how it was supposed to look, but she just set things up as best she could.

When it was finished, in roughly fifteen minutes, Rarity saw Rainbow's work. Normally she would be rather shocked, but this time she was pleased with her friend's work. When Rainbow landed she was winded, and Rarity handed her a glass of champagne.

"Uh, I don't drink," Rainbow said embarrassed.

"Just one as a thank you for helping me," Rarity said softly and fluttered her eyes.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, "ok, ok Rarity." She tried to grasp the glass with her hooves, and it shattered.

"Rainbow," Rarity shrieked, "are you hurt?"

"No," Rainbow said embarrassed, "didn't know those glasses were so delicate."

"I am so, so sorry Rainbow," Rarity poured another glass, "Here allow me." She levitated the glass to Rainbow and toasted, "to my dear friend who gave up seeing her heroes for an unspoken obligation." Rarity smiled at Rainbow and gently tilted both glasses.

Rainbow drank the champagne and found it to taste pretty good. It was more sweet than bitter and left a nice taste after. She smacked her lips and tilted her head. There was a different taste in her mouth that she didn't notice. She couldn't pin it down but it tasted like apples. Rainbow looked at Rarity when she heard her laugh.

"Oh Rainbow I take it that was your first taste of champagne?"

Rainbow nodded, "yeah, it's not bad, but I wish it would pick a flavor and stick with it."

Rarity laughed and motioned for them to head to the back. They show was about to start, and both ponies watched the models make their way down the walk.

Rainbow did not pay attention to the show. She was enjoying some snacks that were on the catering table. She would occasionally look to Rarity and smiled, 'Glad to see Rarity not freaking out.' Rainbow felt good, but sleepy. She found a couch and curled up and took a nap.

Rarity saw Rainbow sleeping and covered her with a jacket, and smiled. She then trotted back to the stage as the show was just finishing. Standing on stage before the crowd that had gathered, Rarity took a bow as the ponies clapped and cheered the white unicorn. Rarity smiled and bowed once again, "Thank you all for attending. I certainly hope I shall see you all again in the near future."

The crowd left and the models were paid for their time, and soon it was just Rarity and a sleeping Rainbow. She nudged the sleeping pegasus awake.

"Huh," Rainbow mumbled, "Oh hey Rarity. How'd the show go?"

Rarity smiled and then began to giggle, "Oh it was wonderful. The show was a success, and I owe you a great deal."

"Nah, it's cool," Rainbow said yawning, "I'm just glad to have helped you out. So I guess we head back home?"

Rarity smiled, "I think we should celebrate. Why don't we stay here in Manehattan for the night? I can find us a nice hotel to sleep at."

"Are you sure," Rainbow asked feeling guilty, "I only had enough for a ticket to see the Wonderbolts."

"Oh it will be my treat," Rarity said with a smile.

"Uh, sure," Rainbow said with growing excitement, "That sounds fun."

"Wonderful," Rarity said and both ponies left the building to the cleaning crew. They walked down the road and entered a rather fancy hotel.

"Rarity," Rainbow asked, "can you really afford this place?"

"If I could not then we wouldn't be here," Rarity said with a smile. She walked to the counter, "Excuse me kind sir, but we would like to request accommodations."

The unicorn at the desk nodded, "of course miss. How many rooms?"

"Two. One pegasus please."

"Certainly," the unicorn said. He gathered two keys and placed them on the counter, "For how many nights will you be our guests?"

Rarity thought, "Oh I suppose we shall stay for two nights." She looked to Rainbow, "unless you have plans."

"Nope nothing planned this weekend," Rainbow said smiling.

"Wonderful," the unicorn said, "here are your keys and I hope you enjoy your stay. Also, here is your bill."

"Thank you kind sir," Rarity said with a smile and cringed slightly when she saw the bill.

"Rarity are you sure it's ok," Rainbow asked, "we can share a room and I'll sleep on a couch or something."

Rarity shook her head, "nonsense dear. I said it would be my treat and it shall be. Now let us get to bed."

Both ponies entered the elevator and when they arrived at their floor, they made their way to the rooms. Rainbow's room was first.

"I wonder what a 'pegasus' room looks like," Rarity said.

Rainbow opened the door and gasped, "This looks so cool."

The room was all clouds except for the floor, walls, and ceiling. All the furniture was made from clouds. That must have been why the room was so expensive. Cloud furniture is both difficult to make and does not last anywhere as long as regular furniture.

"Rarity this is way too expensive," Rainbow said.

Rarity laughed, "Well I certainly can't sleep here. Please darling, enjoy and don't worry. I am taking care of everything. Get some sleep. We will enjoy the sights of Manehattan tomorrow."

"Ok Rarity," Rainbow said feeling guilty, "good night."

"Good night dear," Rarity said smiling and walked to her room.

"This room is awesome," Rainbow thought as she walked to her cloud bed and laid down. She fell asleep almost instantly.

Rarity walked to her room and entered. It was simple and not as extravagant as Rainbow's, but Rarity was not concerned, 'she deserves it.' She smiled as she drew herself a bath and went through her usual nightly routine before she slept.

The following morning, Rarity knocked on Rainbow's door and the pegasus opened the door. She was not groggy or sleepy, but was well rested.

"Hey Rarity," Rainbow said happily, "so what's the plan?"

"Well," Rarity said, "I had nothing planned so I was hoping we would just see what the day brought us."

Rainbow laughed, "Now that's my kind of plan."

"Wonderful," Rarity squealed, "there is one thing. There is a museum that I think you should simply see."

"A museum," Rainbow said almost disgusted, "if that's what you want to do."

"Trust me Rainbow," Rarity said, "I believe that you will enjoy this museum."

They left the hotel and made their way downtown. It was not long before they arrived at a large park.

"Here we are Rainbow," Rarity said smiling.

"This is a museum," Rainbow asked her eyes opening wide taking in all the sights before her. This museum focused on performing arts namely, stunts and acrobatics.
They walked about the park and Rainbow saw exhibits that showcased old stunt pegasi. "Those are the original Wonderbolts," Rainbow squealed.

She ran to an old flight suit and gushed over it, "I bet it was so awesome to see them perform, most of their stunts are still used by Spitfire and Soarin'." She looked over and saw an earth pony bouncing a ball on his nose.

He looked at Rainbow, "think you can do better?"

Rainbow smiled, "Think? No, I know I can do better."

"Ok you're on," the earth pony said, and tossed Rainbow a ball.

Both ponies were poised and started bouncing their respective ball on their noses. This went on for over an hour and Rainbow was getting bored, "Rarity let's add a challenge to this."

Rarity nodded, "of course Rainbow." She laughed and levitated a ball over to Rainbow's flank and dropped it. Rainbow kicked out her rear leg and began to bounce it.

The earth pony did not want to be shown up so he cleared his throat and a young colt tossed him another ball. He also kicked out his leg and began to bounce it as well.

This continued for another hour, and neither pony were slowing down. Rainbow faked a yawn, "Rarity, you know what to do."

Rarity smiled, "certainly Rainbow." She levitated another ball and dropped it in front of Rainbow. She began to bounce that ball with her hoof.

The earth pony was impressed and nodded to the colt who tossed him a ball, which he began to bounce off his hoof. This would have continued for who knows how long, but the pony suddenly sneezed, resulting in him dropping his balls.

"Well that settles that," Rainbow said triumphantly. She gathered the balls and placed them back in the box. She smiled at the pony and her and Rarity continued enjoying the museum. "That was awesome," Rainbow squealed, "so what's next?"

"Well," Rarity said, "I suppose we could get some lunch."

Both ponies found a café and enjoyed a small lunch along with small talk that at times had no point.

"So Rainbow," Rarity said, "Now it is your turn to pick the next activity."

Rainbow had so much fun at the museum, but so competitive that she wanted to show up Rarity. "I know," she said, "let's hit the amusement park."

Rarity nodded, "very well. Let us go."

Rainbow wanted to pay but Rarity insisted, and they took a carriage to the amusement park. Once they arrived, Rainbow knew what she wanted Rarity to do.

"C'mon Rarity," Rainbow said, "Let's try this one."

Rarity followed Rainbow as they made their way up a long flight of stairs. Once they arrived at the top Rarity realized what this attraction was.

"Bungee jumping," Rarity asked feeling her knees weakening. She turned to Rainbow, "I can't." Memories of her fall from Cloudsdale flashed in her mind, and she was filled in fear.

"Sure you can," Rainbow said smiling, "It's like falling."

"That's the point. I have not exactly gotten over my fall from Cloudsdale."

Rainbow suddenly remembered the Young Fliers Competition and how Rarity nearly died. She slapped her face with her hoof, but they were holding up the line and she did not want to embarrass Rarity. She walked to her friend and put a hoof to her face, "Listen Rarity, I know you're scared, and I know you think you can't do this, but I promise you that you can. Nothing will go wrong." She looked the white unicorn in the eyes, "And if something does go wrong. I promise. No. I swear that I will catch you."

Rarity looked into Rainbow's eyes and felt her confidence return. She nodded slowly, "alright Rainbow." She made her way to the edge and when the stallion gave her the signal, she fell backward. She had her eyes closed, and felt the rush of air past her, and she felt no fear. In fact, she almost wished that Rainbow would catch her. The descent was short but it felt much longer. She was snapped back to reality and felt slight disappointment when nothing went wrong. She was pulled back up to the ledge and she hugged Rainbow. "That was amazing." Rarity had a large smile on her face, "we should perhaps head back to the hotel."

"Yeah you're right," Rainbow said, "I'm glad you had a good time."

Rarity nodded, and both ponies returned to the hotel and made their way to their rooms. When they stood before Rainbow's room Rarity said, "thank you Rainbow. Both for helping me yesterday and for spending the day with me today." She leaned and kissed Rainbow on the cheek. "Sleep well, Rainbow." She turned and walked to her room.

"Yeah, goodnight Rarity." Rainbow walked into her room feeling odd. 'Why am I feeling weird? It was just a kiss on the cheek. I've seen her kiss the other girls like that. That's why I feel weird. She's never kissed me like that.' She smiled and went to bed.

The following day was uneventful. Both ponies enjoyed a quiet breakfast and the trip back to Ponyville. Upon arriving, Rarity smiled at Rainbow, "well, I suppose it's back to life as usual."

"Yeah," Rainbow said, "we should hang out sometime."

Rarity laughed, "and do what exactly? I am not much for pranking, and you hate to sit still. No, it's back to life as we know it. I will remember our day together Rainbow." She smiled and walked back to her shop.

Rainbow felt odd again. She wanted to hang out with Rarity again, but she was right. They had nothing in common. That made her a little sad, but she could do nothing about it. She flew home and decided to turn in early.

The following day, Rarity found an order that was placed while she was gone. It was a gown for a pegasus. Rarity looked the instructions and nodded. It was nothing difficult, and she went about sewing the dress. On occasion, she would look out the window and see a rainbow streak fly past the window. 'That pony needs to learn to relax.' She laughed, 'I need to learn to relax.'

The gown was finished and it was ready to go, but Rarity had an idea. "Sweetie Belle," she called.

"Yeah, sis," called the filly.

"Do me a favor and call Rainbow Dash over," Rarity said, "I need her help with a gown."

"Why her," Sweetie Belle asked, "I know you need a model but why don't I call Fluttershy like usual?"

Rarity sighed, "Oh it's just a change of pace." She smiled as the filly shrugged and left.

An hour later, Rainbow entered the shop.

"Hey Rarity," she called, "I heard you needed some help."

"Yes," Rarity said, "thank you so much for coming on such short notice, but I need a model to make certain this dress is right."

Rainbow shrugged, "ok, sounds simple enough."

Rarity helped Rainbow put the gown on and both ponies began to talk about their time in Manehattan, and the Wonderbolts and Photo Finish. The dress was ready a long time ago, but they enjoyed their chat that time simply flew away.

Rarity noticed the time, "oh dear. I am so sorry Rainbow. Look at the time."

Rainbow looked out the window and saw the sun going down. "Wow I had no idea it was so late."

"Please allow me to make it up to you," Rarity said, "Let me take you out to dinner."

'Dinner,' Rainbow thought, 'as in a date?' She nodded, "Sounds good. I'm starving"

"Wonderful," Rarity squealed, "Let's go."

They went to the café and enjoyed a very simple dinner. Once again small talk ruled the conversation. They were simply enjoying each other's company. Over the course of the meal, Rainbow began to feel strange again, and begins to wonder. 'Do I like Rarity?' She looked to her friend, 'I never knew she was this cool, but do I like her like that?'

Rarity was also feeling strange, but she knew what it was, 'oh Rarity. Why did you have to fall for Rainbow?' She smiled at Rainbow and thought, 'There is nothing I can do, but be honest with her. Yes. Better to let it out than let it fester.'

The dinner was over and both made their way to the town square. Rarity stopped, "Rainbow. There is something I must ask you."

"Sure Rarity," Rainbow says, half fearing half hoping what the unicorn was about to ask her.

"Normally, I would wait to ask this, but I would rather find out now." She looked Rainbow in the eyes, "I feel something for you, and I believe that I have grown attracted to you, and I feel that there is something special here for us. I apologize for being so blunt, but I would like to know now than wonder." She looked away, "I suppose I want to ask, do you feel the same?" She cringed slightly.

Rainbow grabbed Rarity's face with a hoof and looked her in the face, "I don't know. I never felt this before, but I like it. I feel nervous, scared, and excited at the same time, so I think that yeah I might feel the same."

Rarity nodded, "might is not 'yes'. Thank you Rainbow I appreciate your honesty, but I do not wish to force you into something that might be there."

"Rarity," Rainbow said, "there is another way to find out." Before Rarity could ask, Rainbow kissed her. Rarity kissed Rainbow in return and after a minute, both ponies were smiling and blushing. "I guess that answers that," Rainbow said with a smirk.

"I suppose so," Rarity said. "Well, goodnight Rainbow. Perhaps we can discuss this tomorrow?"

"Sure," Rainbow said, "I'll stop by in the morning." She kissed Rarity again and took off. Rarity was blushing and walked back to her shop feeling as though she were walking on air, and looking forward to her future with the rainbow pegasus.