It was all coming together so perfectly. Rarity brushed the last few strains of her mane in place and looked in the mirror. She allowed herself a little squee - She had done it! Her first invitation to a formal event! She could finally mingle with the elite. She could finally be where she deserved to be! She had never met this Sir Fancy Pants before, but his name always seemed to come up. If she could be noticed by him, even TALK to him, she could be set! Rarity looked in the mirror and grinned. Oh yes, tonight was going to be perfect.
 
Although, there was one small detail she hadn’t been planning on. Circumstances had forced her to bring Sweetie along on this trip, and by extension to the party, but no matter. She had done up her sister’s hair, and had made the most darling little outfit for her. If anything, the filly would be a testament to Rarity’s skills, and would make for a nice little advertisement.
 
Checking the clock, Rarity turned from the dresser and went to check on her sister. She knocked on her door and was answered with a “Just a minute!”
 
Oh no. that could mean so many things, none of them good.
 
“Sweetie, come now, we’re going to be late darling.”
 
“Just a minute!”
 
Rarity knew better than that and opened the door. What she saw horrified her. Sweetie was sitting on the bed, her eyes painted blue and her mouth smeared with lipstick. She looked like a deranged clown. Tearing her gaze away, Rarity saw her makeup bag the contents scattered on the bed. Normally she would have had a lecture about taking things that aren’t yours, but this was not the time. Sweetie was beaming.
 
“You like it?”
 
Rarity was running a few calculations in her head. By the time she’d be able to clean that much makeup off, they’d be horribly late. She certainly wasn’t going to make a bad first impression like that, so with great trepidation, she helped Sweetie off her bed and walked out the door. She sighed. This was not going to plan…
 
 

 
The doors swung upon and Rarity gasped. The hall was one of the most gorgeous rooms she had ever seen. Polished marble floors met marble walls, with massive windows letting in the the last of Celestia’s rays. Great crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, and rich silk tapestries decorated the walls. But it was nothing compared to the people. Flowing gowns and tailored suits filled the room. In their hands they carried glasses of champagne and plates of the most incredible hors d’ouerves. Their posh, flourished accents filled the air with conversations most ponies wouldn’t understand half of. It was perfect.
 
Rarity took Sweetie to the side and kneeled down, looking the girl in the eyes. “Sweetie, I need you to promise me you’ll try to behave tonight. Can you do that for me?”
 
The filly nodded with a quiet “uh-huh.”
 
Rarity smiled. “That’s all I needed to hear. I know this isn’t going to be the most fun thing in the world for you tonight, but this is very important for me. Tell you what, since we’re making tonight about me, let’s make tomorrow about you. Deal?”
 
She held out her hand, and Sweetie shook it.
 
“Deal!”
 
“There we go. Now let’s try to have some fun all the same, shall we?”
 
They walked inside and headed to a bench, setting Rarity’s purse and Sweetie’s bag on it. She had hoped Sweetie would stay there, out of sight and out of the way for the evening. Unfortunately for her, Sweetie had other plans at the moment. Rarity scanned the room, looking for the tiny figure in the sea of aristocrats.
 
When she found her, she froze.
 
Sweetie was standing in front of none other than Sir Fancy Pants himself, his wife standing beside him. Both were looking down at the filly, seemingly amused.
 
“And who might you be, Miss…?”
 
“I’m Sweetie Belle! Who are you?” She chirped up.
 
Fancy smiled. “I am Fancy Pants, and this is the lovely Fleur-De-Lis. A pleasure to meet you, Madame Sweetie. I do hope you’re enjoying the party.”
 
Sweetie cocked her head. “Mr. Pants?”
 
“You could call me that, certainly.”
 
“That’s a silly name.”
 
Oh Sweet Celestia, if there is any kindness in you, send me to the moon. Right now. Rarity was utterly mortified. A comment like that could offend a noble for years to come. She began to think of an appropriate apology, wondering how much groveling she should throw in, when Fancy did something shocking.
 
He chuckled. “Yes, my dear, I suppose it is.”
 
Maybe she could cancel her lunar vacation after all.