#SAD. oh well there are other flowy/‘large’ clothing designs

[vedgsig]

sigh I definitely have to give up the black duster costume concept since it’s a jungle setting.

[katsukiboom]

Your Silhouette || IzuOcha

Hey guys! Today I’m bringing you this commission I did for the lovely @xpegasusuniverse​, thank you once more for all the love and support my dude! The prompt given was “the Dekusquad was going to see a movie as a group, but everyone ends up canceling at the last minute except Izuku and Ochako” - I hope you guys enjoy it as well! <3

Ko-Fi || Commissions

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Midoriya! Uraraka-san!

As they sat in class waiting for Aizawa to appear that Friday morning, both teens turned around from their small talk just in time to see a certain, usually serious blue-haired boy approach them through the small crowd of students gathered on the hallway with a slight frown adorning his expression - he seemed just a little bit sad and by what Uraraka could guess, it had something to do with their big plans for the night.

- I am so glad I finally caught up with you guys, - Iida said once he was by their side. He was a bit agitated as if he had run all the way from wherever he was, his cheeks just barely tinted red. – I… I’m so sorry, - he continued while dramatically wrapping an arm around Izuku’s shoulders and putting his free hand above his eyes, covering his glasses as well. Something about the whole thing didn’t seem ‘normal’ to Ochaco, but she attributed it to her surprise. – Aizawa-sensei needs me to run some errands for the upcoming festival, which unfortunately means I will not be able to join tonight’s meeting. I am sorry for the inconvenience; I hope you have a great time. – His short explanation was followed by a sigh, and she only smiled.

- It’s okay, Iida-kun, - she replied, one hand held in front of her as a gesture of understanding, - let’s make sure to do the next one when we’re all available!

But little did she know it was just the beginning of the day.

Next it was Tsuyu, who slipped a note to Ochaco’s desk in the middle of Present Mic’s class, her neat handwriting explaining that she would have to come back home for the night as something had happened with the babysitter and she’d have to take care of her siblings for the weekend; as she didn’t know when her mother would come pick her up, she had decided to stay in the dorms just in case she missed the timing. Ochaco was worried and thought that it must’ve been something quite important, but when she noticed her friend was smiling back at her and then gave a side glance to Iida’s desk the sensation that something was off started to form in her mind.

The last person to cancel was Todoroki, offering them little words about what was holding him back but Izuku seemed panicked when the dual-haired boy came up to them with a sulky face. – It’s just that I have a lot going on and it has left me a bit tired, - Shouto had said. - I think you two should get together anyways. It’d be such a shame to waste the tickets Iida got us.

It all seemed pesky.

- What do you think we should do? – A nervous Izuku asked Ochaco while they waited in line for lunch, both their minds analyzing the possibilities without the other one knowing. – I- I mean, I’m not sure if you’re comfortable with just the two of us going…

She didn’t reply right away, thankful that she was before him to get her meal and that he wasn’t able to see her cheeks turn red at the sound of those words. Alone with Deku? Did I win the lottery? – I’m okay with it as long as you’re okay too, Deku-kun, - she shyly replied, - we could go back to the dorms and change after classes end so we don’t have to deal with the uniforms, but we have to be super quick about it so we don’t come back too late.

With her back turned to him, she was unable to see the big grin that spread on his face.

The hours after that seemed to fly by, and in no time the bell that warned students about the end of the day; it was a quick trip to the 1-A dorms for the students and no one really suspected a thing when the pair bolted towards their respective rooms except for the three that had bailed out of the outing, whose understanding glances met at the same time as they shared an unspoken secret: it had all been just a ruse, a shortcut in the way of, hopefully, making the two lovebirds realize what they had been so oblivious to this whole time. Some might’ve argued that it was pushing the two into that position but truly their friends knew they were just quickening the inevitable, and with one last smile they all got into their own rooms as well.

                                                              -

Izuku was the first one to get out of his, wearing a plain black shirt with a pair of washed-up jeans, a black jacket and his usual red sneakers, having cleaned them enough to glisten underneath the ceiling lights. He was satisfied with his looks to say the least but he still feared he’d feel underdressed, even if Ochaco wore something similar. ‘What if we accidentally wear matching clothes? Would she feel embarrassed by that?’ his mind started racing and his cheeks turned slightly red, but he tried to hide it as he made his way to the common room where Aoyama and Kaminari were playing with cards, their loud voices a dead giveaway that Aoyama was actually winning.

- Hey, Deku, going out somewhere fancy tonight? – Sero asked from the small kitchen there, a glass of water in his hand. His eyebrows were raised and his usual smile rested on his face, but this time it felt a bit more teasing than usual. From his side, Jirou watched with amusement.

- Yeah, actually, - Izuku started saying but he was cut off by the timid sound of heels behind him, and he was sure nothing in the world could’ve prepared him for what was coming: Ochaco was wearing a baby pink button-up with a flowy skirt to match and white sandals with kitten heels. She was holding a small purse and seemed to have put on minimal makeup, although to him she looked just as beautiful as ever. – He-h-hello Uraraka-san, - he muttered, fighting the urge to look at her outfit just one more time. – You look gre... good. You look really good, - he added with a nervous laugh.

That was all he could say and he wanted nothing more than to slap himself for not being able to fully express himself, but her gentle smile more than made up for his mistake. - You don’t look bad either, - she told him while blatantly ignoring the many surprised looks they were getting from their present classmates. – Are you ready? We should go now unless we want to miss the movie, - she added with a little sigh at the end and Izuku smiled back, feeling his confidence resurging as he let her lead the way.

                                                              -

The way to the movie theater wasn’t as quiet as Izuku feared it would be; they talked about school, the upcoming festival and the holidays that would follow and their expectations for the night, and he was happy to see her just as excited as he was. – What was the name of the movie Iida bought the tickets for? – Ochaco asked just as they got to their destination, but before he could reply she found it while scrolling up their group chat in her phone. – O-oh, - she whispered, which made him feel just a tad uneasy. – It’s called Your Silhouette, - she explained as they walked inside the small venue, the volume of the chatting around them rising but still allowing them to talk normally through the noise. – It’s the latest film by Miyazaki; you know, the famous director. It’s got great reviews but it’s a romance movie, - she added, not taking her gaze off her phone, and he saw her cheeks turning red. – Are you still fine watching that together, Deku?

He thought about it for a second, taking his time to reply while scanning the different food options the place had to offer. – If Uraraka-san’s okay with it, - he finally replied, - then I’m okay as well. – Their eyes met and their hearts jumped as they smiled at each other. Izuku wondered when it had been the last time he had felt this comfortable being alone with a girl, but he knew it would be of no use to dwell on whatever he felt in the past and just decided to enjoy the night without caring about what would come after.

They bought two large sodas and only one bucket of sweet popcorn along with a bag of chips, as they had agreed that the movie would be too long for them to grab some dinner later. Feeling satisfied with their snacks, they headed to their designated auditorium and quickly found their seats – they were surprised to see that Iida had given them the only tickets that were located at the back of the room and that were in the two-seat row, giving them no option but to sit there just far enough from the rest of the movie-goers. Uraraka took the time before the movie started to make a quick trip to the bathroom and Izuku saw the chance to message one of his friends in search of answers.

‘It was all on purpose, right? Was this a set-up?’

His message was read almost instantly by Todoroki but he received no reply other than a wink face emoji, and he almost groaned loudly had it not been for the lights going down and the projection starting to run. Izuku was in the middle of texting his date to tell her to hurry up when a finger tapped on his shoulder, making him turn around abruptly; her round face was right behind him and the distance between them was shorter than usual, but when she whispered, - I’m back, Deku-kun, - he almost melted on the spot.

Carefully, he let her pass to the seat beside the wall, holding both sodas so that she didn’t accidentally spill anything. The movie started not long after, and as the whole room fell into silence only the munching noises could be heard around them. Taking a peek at the girl next to him, he saw her attentively watching the film as if she was trying to remember every line, which made him laugh silently yet caught her attention. – Is something wrong? – She mouthed, tilting her head to the side ever so slightly.

- Oh, no, it’s just that you looked so cute just now, - Izuku replied without really thinking, and didn’t notice until her eyes opened up like plates. It was too late to back down but he also didn’t want to lose the courage that had surfaced in his body, and instinctively reached out to grab her hand, giving it a little squeeze before pulling away and turning back to the movie. He seemed completely calm on the outside but his mind was reeling, telling himself that his impulse would cost him the friendship he held so dearly, but it was only a matter of time until he felt a soft touch against his arm again.

When he looked at her again, he saw her gleeful expression and her hand barely tugging at his jacket. Due to the darkened room and the constant lights flashing on her skin he wasn’t sure if she was blushing again, but maybe he didn’t need to know. – I think you look really handsome as well, Deku, - she said just loud enough for him to hear, and his heart skipped a beat yet again. Uraraka looked so innocent yet breathtaking, something only the atmosphere around them could cause, and he felt actually blessed to be able to take in such a scene.

They stood there, looking at each other before he slowly moved forward and she mirrored his actions, meeting him halfway and sealing their feelings for each other with a soft peck that lasted shorter than either of them would’ve liked. The film became the least of their worries as they melted into one another, his arm wrapping around her shoulders and keeping her glued to him for the rest of the date.

If anyone had walked in the room they would’ve seen only a silhouette of two people merged together, their hearts moving in sync after being released from their cages.

[sun-summoning]

#25 Fashion Design - Marinette, Clara Nightingale

i.

When Clara firsts casts Marinette and soon gets to know her, she is absolutely certain that this girl is destined for greatness. She’s kind and well-loved and so utterly talented. Clara checks out Marinette’s Instagram and is a bit put out to see she doesn’t post as many of her designs as she should. She has full faith in her capabilities though so reaches out to her with a request anyway.

“You want me to design a gown for you,” Marinette repeats, blinking at her as if the idea is absurd.

“That’s right. I do.” Clara grins. “If anyone could make me look lovely, I have no doubt that it’s you.”

Marinette shakes her head. “Your music video literally featured outfits by Gabriel Agreste himself. And now you want to go downgrade to--”

“Don’t sell yourself short! You’re greater than you think.” She looks at the swatches of fabric strewn about on Marinette’s desk. “Now I was thinking something long, something flowy--maybe something pink?”

“Oh.” Marinette nods slowly, as if confirming for herself that this is actually happening. “You’re serious.”

“Of course I’m serious, or I wouldn’t have pressed. I just know that with you, I’d be the best dressed.”

And so over the next few months, Marinette designs the loveliest gown of dusty rose for her. It takes up virtually all of her free time and requires heaps of supplies that Clara can’t even name, but she gets them for Marinette anyway. The only thing Marinette seems to turn down is an assistant. 

Clara is positively radiant on the red carpet, twirling just so to show off her bodice embellished with rose appliques over a mesh that matches her skin. She glides along with her full, tulle skirt, and when she’s asked over and over who designed this gown for her, she refers everyone to Marinette’s Instagram account for her designs and commissions. 

Overnight, Marinette gains some thousand more followers and counting. 

-

ii.

Clara throws a grand party for her twenty-fifth birthday, something that wouldn’t be complete without an equally grand dress to turn everyone’s heads. She’s been dressed by countless fashion houses, but when it comes to these truly special moments, Clara can’t help but seek out Marinette again. 

“I know you’re still in university,” Clara says, “so I know you have school, but please, please, please, Marinette. Your designs always rule!”

Marinette giggles, wondering when she ended up on a first-name basis with one of Europe’s most adored singers. Probably between the album cover she designed for her two years ago and the gown she wore when she won an award for it. “It’s fine, Clara. I’d love to.”

“Really?”

“How could I not?” Marinette opens her Instagram and switches to her design account. She’s certainly been gaining attention from other designers and models. More importantly, she’s been getting those commissions, which have been helping her stay afloat while in school. “I think I gain an extra thousand followers every time you tag me in one of your photos with my clothes.”

“That’s wonderful!”

“It definitely is. I am, after all, a fashion student with an uncertain future.” She pockets her phone, grinning widely. “I’d love to design your birthday dress for you, Clara. Did you have something particular in mind?”

“Anything you make will be perfect.”

“You have to give me something to work with.”

“I believe in you, Marinette. You have free reign on colour, silhouette, whatever.” Clara claps her hands gleefully and then takes Marinette’s in hers. “I just want to be striking.”

“Alright,” Marinette agrees slowly, always eager to rise to a challenge. “I can do that.”

“And I want pockets.”

She laughs. “Oh, I can definitely do that.”

-

iii.

For the first time, Marinette says no to Clara’s request for a gown. It’s not about money. Clara always provides her with whatever materials she needs and they always settle on a fair price. And it’s not about time, because Clara is asking nearly a year in advance. It could be about the amount of work, which Clara thinks is fair, but Marinette said it’s not that either.

Maybe it’s the pressure. Marinette, now interning, now really focusing on building her network and reputation, is afraid. Sure, she’s always been out there. A quick search to her name yields outfits worn by Clara herself, Jagged Stone, Luka Couffeine, and that doesn’t even include links to information about her achievements in various contests.

Designing Clara Nightingale’s wedding gown would draw a lot of attention. Much more than anything else Marinette might have done in the past.

“I’d really love to,” Marinette tells her softly, “but I just...I can’t right now, Clara.”

“But why?” Clara insists. “I can hire someone to help you--”

“No, it’s just--I can’t.” Marinette shrugs. She sighs deeply and sips her tea to find something to do with her hands. 

Clara looks around Marinette’s one bedroom apartment and finds it strangely devoid of life and personality. She remembers Marinette’s childhood bedroom, pink and overflowing with little bits of what made Marinette the girl she is. There were photos of her friends, sketches tacked onto the wall, magazine cut outs, half-made mockups, and more. Here, Marinette seems to just come home and sleep. 

“Up until recently, my personal life has been....” Marinette rubs her neck. “There’s something I was really busy with. And now, well, now it’s over. And I have a lot of time on my hands,” she admits with a sad smile. “While that’s ideal for wedding gown making, I think...I think I really need it for me.”

There’s something about the droop in Marinette’s shoulders that makes Clara nod. She keeps tucking her hair back before brushing her bare ears. Clara wishes she could get Marinette to design her wedding gown, but she can’t force her to. Marinette just looks so sad. So worn down and uneasy. Like the idea of having time to herself is bittersweet.

To her knowledge, Marinette never had a pet, but she looks like she might have lost them. Or no, Clara decides, that’s not it. It’s more like she lost a dear friend.

Deciding to step up to that role, Clara smiles at her. “You’ll still come to the wedding though, right?”

“Huh?” Marinette blinks. “I’m invited?”

“What? Of course!” Clara reaches across the table and grabs Marinette’s hand. “You’re my favourite designer, Marinette, and you’re very dear to me. If I can’t get you dressing me, then I can at least make you eat dinner and drink some wine with me.”

“I’d...I’d like that.”

“And--” Clara curses herself for starting because now she can’t stop. “You can say no, but what if you design something for my rehearsal dinner then? That’ll be fairly low key, I promise--”

“Okay.”

Clara blinks because she didn’t actually expect to succeed here. “Okay?”

Marinette nods slowly. “Okay. I can use the work,” she says, sounding like she’s trying to convince herself that the dress wouldn’t be a distraction. “What were you thinking?”

Clara shakes her head as she stands. Marinette reacts, standing as well, so Clara pulls her into a hug. “Focus on yourself for now, Mari. We can deal with my dress another day.”

-

iv.

Meeting with Marinette no longer happens in bedrooms above the bakery or in sad, bare apartments. This time, Clara visits Marinette’s studio, marvelling at the pieces that are on display before meeting with her favourite designer herself. Marinette soon rushes out in a green smock that really just makes pregnant look all sorts of chic.

Clara greets her with kisses before shaking her hand like it’s a joke. Her gaze falls down to Marinette’s middle and she grins.

“What are you at now? Six months?”

Marinette sighs heavily. “And counting.” She rubs her abdomen. “To be fair, I don’t think it’s this little one that’s making me so tired.”

Clara nods, knowing that Marinette’s ever-growing name also comes with a lot of demand. Moreover, a need for constant exposure. And Marinette always seems to forget that she married into fashion royalty. Or maybe she’s well aware of that, Clara considers. Maybe she’s trying to prove herself beyond everyone’s presumptions by heavily overcompensating.

“Did you make that dress yourself?” Clara asks.

Marinette’s face twists into a scowl. “Maternity dresses always look so frumpy. And the non-maternity dresses that can work with my stomach always look strange on my chest.”

Clara practically shakes in giddiness. “Do I sense an MDC maternity collection in the near future?”

“More like one titled afterbirth that is largely sweat pants and with prints that resemble spit up.” But Marinette pauses, genuinely considering a possibility of maternity clothes. “Or perhaps...actual dresses that fit properly. And then after that, matching outfits for mothers and daughters?” 

It all comes out like a question, but Clara knows Marinette is completely zoning out, especially when she reaches for her sketchbook. Clara keeps her mouth shut, preferring to spend this time watching Marinette’s creative process. After all, she technically came here to commission MDC into creating something for herself and her daughter for the girl’s tenth birthday.

“And suits!” Marinette continues. “And then little baby suits--” She cuts herself off with something between a squeal and a cry. She sniffles and then rests her hands on her belly. “I just--that would be so cute.”

“It would be,” Clara agrees.

Marinette turns to her, as if remembering she’s there, and then promptly flushes. “Sorry,” she mumbles. She laughs sheepishly. She closes her sketchbook and moves it to the other end of the table. “You came here for a reason. So how can I help you, madame?

Clara pulls the sketchbook back and pushes it Marinette’s way. “Continue with that, won’t you?”

“I can do that later,” Marinette protests.

But Clara considers the image Marinette had been in the process of sketching, a woman and a little girl in matching sheath dresses adorned with roses. 

“Nonsense.” Clara leans back in her chair. “I want whatever you’re making.”

-

v.

When Clara is set to celebrate her induction to L’Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur for her contributions to the arts, she asks Marinette to design her dress for the ceremony because just who else is there?

The morning of the ceremony, they’re alone in Clara’s suite as Marinette ensures that everything fits Clara the way it should. The navy neckline settle just off her shoulders, looking tasteful but still elegant for this special event. The dress is much simpler than anything Marinette has ever made her before, but Clara positively adores the waterfall handkerchief that adorns the right side of the knee-length skirt. 

When she’s finished looking over every single stitch, Marinette stands straight, takes a step back, and assesses Clara in the dress.

“Satisfied?”

After a moment, Marinette nods, making Clara roll her eyes. “The dress is fine, Marinette.”

“It’s--”

“Polished, professional, perfect for this event.”

“I know.” Marinette shakes her head and that seems to remove her from her stupor because she’s smiling. “I don’t think I’ve said this yet, but congratulations, Clara. This is a great honour.”

“You’re coming tomorrow night, right?” Clara is throwing a party to celebrate her new status as Chevalier among her family and friends. It would be only fitting that Marinette, who designed tomorrow night’s dress as well, was in attendance.

Marinette shakes her head though. “Emma has a recital,” she explains. 

“And you have a Spring line to design.”

“And I have a Spring line to design.” Marinette laughs. “Although only after Emma’s recital.”

Clara nods, knowing just how much family matters to Marinette. She almost snorts when she recalls that all of Paris (and even the world) knows that, if her line of matching outfits for parents and children a few years ago was anything to go by.

Before Marinette finally leaves, Clara grabs her hand.

“What’s up?” Marinette asks. It’s not like this dress is particularly finicky, unlike her other designs. 

Clara just pulls her close. She knows she might be wrinkling Marinette’s hard work, but this hug feels more important. 

She’s grown so much since being the kind-hearted teenager that starred in her music video decades ago. They both have. Marinette is almost her height now, and she’s a woman with a career and husband and three kids at home. 

“I don’t know how many times I’ve said this, but you really are amazing, Marinette.”

“Isn’t today about your lifetime achievements?” Marinette teases.

Clara draws back and pats Marinette’s cheek. “I’ve won more than enough best dressed awards to prove that keeping you by my side is one of those achievements.” 

Marinette bites her lip. She pulls away and grabs her bag of supplies. She moves to leave, but Clara calls her name when she gets to the door. 

“I’m so lucky to have been able to watch your talents flourish.” Clara beams at Marinette Dupain-Cheng with pride. “I can’t wait to see what you do next.”

[domain-of-friendship-blog]

Episode 3-3

Rarity's ears perked up as they detected the familiar jingle of her door bell.

"Hello, and welcome - oh my goodness!"

She had hardly gotten halfway through her greeting when a frantic-looking Waterwing skidded to a stop in front of her, signing as rapidly as Rarity had ever seen. <Moon, sad, fear, help!>

Rarity winced. "Waterwing, sweetheart, please slow down a little! Whatever is the matter?"

Waterwing took a deep breath before continuing. <Moon pony come visit, but other ponies afraid! Moon pony sad. Can help?>

Rarity mulled over this information for a moment. "Well, I don't see why not! But who is this 'moon pony' of yours, exactly?"

Another jingle rang out, and two more ponies entered.

"Ah, Twilight! Lovely to see you, dear." Rarity gave her friend a chipper smile, which she then turned to the pony who had entered with her. "And to you as well, miss - ?!" Her greeting cut off instantly as she recognized the tall, dark alicorn, instead shifting rapidly into an alarmed screech.

"NIGHTMARE MOON?!"

Without missing a beat, Rarity took off for a corner of the room, from which she began dragging a small but ornate couch. Upon reaching her point of origin, she promptly raised a hoof to her forehead, gave a soft "ohhh~", and collapsed upon it.

Luna drew a slow breath and used it to sigh noisily.

"Er... Just a moment, please, Princess..." Twilight grinned apologetically and rushed over to her prone friend. "Rarity, stop that! We defeated Nightmare Moon, remember? That's Princess Luna!"

"...Oh. Yes, well." Now wearing her own nervous grin, Rarity cleared her throat and hastily shoved the couch aside. "So from what I've gathered, Princess Luna is here for a leisurely visit, but the townsfolk are too fearful and intimidated to abide, so you need help showing her a nice time in their stead. Have I got that right?"

Waterwing wiped away a bead of nervous sweat and nodded.

"Well, you've come to the right place!" Theatrics now replaced with her usual confidence, Rarity trotted a ways back into the shop and gestured at a large round platform flanked by several mirrors. "Princess, welcome to Carousel Boutique! If you would please step up here, we can get started right away."

Luna took an apprehensive step forward. "Get started on... what, exactly?"

Beaming, Rarity leaned forward as she replied. "Why, finding you the perfect dress, of course!"

"The... perfect dress?" Luna's ears perked up as she echoed the phrase. Despite this, she spent a moment in hesitation, glancing about the boutique.

"Rarity is Ponyville's premier tailor and fashion designer," Twilight explained. "We thought maybe a chance to wear something a little different might be just what you need. Right, Waterwing?"

Waterwing grinned as she mimicked Rarity's gesturing. <Pretty dresses for pretty pony!>

Slowly, Luna stepped up onto the platform. Without missing a beat, Rarity dashed toward a nearby clothing rack and magically plucked several dresses hanging from it, returning quickly to the platform and holding them up before the Princess to get a general idea of how they might look on her.

The first was predominantly green and blue, with a flowery trim. "Hmm... no no no, that won't do at all," Rarity quickly decided as she tossed it aside.

The second was an eye-catching orange with yellow highlights that made it look almost like a flickering flame in the light. "Oh heavens, it clashes terribly with your mane..."

A thought struck Waterwing, and she began perusing the dress rack herself for a moment before carefully pulling an item that caught her eye. It was an enormous lacy thing, complete with a hood and a giant bow on the front to tie the whole ensemble together, looking almost like it had been fashioned out of a preposterously large doily. With an impish grin, she fluttered her way over to the princess and held it up for royal appraisal.

"Euh..." Luna recoiled from the dress as though she were being offered spoiled food.

It was all Rarity could do not to burst out laughing, muffling her muzzle with a foreleg as she snatched the dress from her friend's hooves and flung it out of sight. In mock indignation, Waterwing stuck her tongue out at Rarity, but this soon gave way to a fit of silent giggles.

"Very well then. If none of these will do, I shall simply have to start from scratch!" In an instant, Rarity had summoned her sketchpad and begun furiously scribbling upon it. "Let's see... we'll start with a midnight blue to match your mane... something translucent should be good, so it still shows off your cutie mark... oh, brilliant! I can use white sapphires for that..." All eyes in the room were locked onto her as she paced back and forth, muttering incomplete thoughts to herself as she sketched.

Finally, after a minute or so, she trotted up to Luna and presented her concept. "There you are, then. This ought to turn those fearful screams into gasps of awe!"

If Luna was interpreting the sketch correctly, it seemed as though Rarity's intention was to distill the evening sky itself into the form of a light, flowy dress, complete with gemstones that glittered like twinkling stars. The princess herself nearly gasped as she imagined it - a crowd of ponies all gathered around her, unable to take their eyes off her figure in her gorgeous new dress. Some would praise her gentle beauty, others would be inspired to thank her for her hard work looking after them all at night... and the rest would simply gaze upon her and smile, offering her the adoration she'd been searching for all those years ago...

"..."

Luna shook her head vigorously to dispel the fantasy brewing within, clearing her throat loudly before speaking. "This design is... adequate. I will be sure to send proper compensation from the royal treasury."

Rarity giggled. "Oh don't be silly, Princess! The honor of seeing you wear one of my creations is all the payment I need."

"I... see." Though she still had yet to offer anything resembling a smile, Luna's expression seemed to brighten at Rarity's response. "In that case, if I may... when might it be ready?"

Rarity rubbed her chin with a forehoof. "Well, I used up the last of my colorless gems on an order I finished yesterday, so I'll have to go hunting for more over the weekend... If I move my other projects around, I could have it done sometime early next week!"

Luna's ears folded back as her gaze fell to the floor. "Oh..."

Rarity bit her lip. "I'm very sorry if I got your hopes up, Princess, but I'm afraid even I couldn't finish a dress like this in an evening, even if I did have all the materials on hoof." She smiled meekly. "Your eagerness is very flattering though! I'll have it delivered to the castle straight away as soon as it's done."

"...Thank you." Not sure what else to say, Luna simply glanced about the room for a moment, seemingly restless. "Er, where might I...?"

"Down the hall there, first door," Rarity explained.

Luna nodded as she retreated into the back of the boutique, prompting Rarity to wave Twilight and Waterwing over. "Has she been like this the whole time?"

"It started when our reservation for dinner cancelled on us." Twilight rubbed her chin in thought. "If I had to guess, there must be more to what's bothering her than just what ponies think of her, but I can't quite put my hoof on what it might be."

Waterwing glanced between the two unicorns before her, looking crestfallen. <Dress pony try, but moon pony still sad...>

Twilight gently brushed Waterwing's mane with her hoof. "It's alright. It was a good idea, really! We just have to try again, that's all."

Rarity suddenly perked up. "Oh, I have a marvelous idea! She might be a bit bothered by our unannounced arrival, but if anypony can reduce the tension of this visit a little, it's her."

Waterwing's tail flicked back and forth as she tilted her head.

Rarity opened her mouth to respond, but was preempted by the distant sound of a door opening. "I'll explain on the way. Look alive!"

Luna returned to find the three of them waiting patiently for her.

Rarity smiled. "Are you ready for the next item on this evening's itinerary, princess?"

Luna blinked. "As much as I could expect to be, I suppose."

"Very well then!"

With a nod and a flourish from Rarity, the four of them made for the front door of the boutique.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter