For the first time since you can remember, Rarity's parents are sitting in complete silence. The news that Cashmere's return was not something to be celebrated seems to have hit them like a sack of bricks. In all honesty, you're not sure what you were expecting their reactions to be. Anger? That seemed the most likely. Maybe shock and revulsion. Instead, you simply sit next to Rarity with the air hanging thick, waiting for one of them to say something.

When she'd first told her parents of the events that have taken place since Cashmere came back to town, she was speaking in anger and frustration, gesturing wildly and adding her own dramatic flair to her storytelling, allowing Fluttershy to politely excuse herself from the situation; it made her feel uncomfortable, she'd told you quietly. As Rarity continued, though, she became less frantic and more somber. Toward the end of her story, a genuine hint of sadness crept into her voice, even as she struggled to keep the glistening of her eyes from being noticed. You'd place a comforting hand on her leg as she'd steady herself and continue, but even then it was obvious: Rarity's former friend has hurt her more than she lets on.

"I gotta admit, kiddo," Rarity's father finally speaks up, removing the ever-present straw hat from his head, "when ya told me Cashmere was around again, da last thing I expected ta come out of your mouth was 'and she's trying to ruin me'. What happened with you two? You used ta be inseparable."

"Honestly? I don't know," she replies quietly. "I think her ego simply got the better of her -- she dreamed of bigger and better things. And while I admire her tenacity, I feel as if she's a completely different pony now. We've dealt with her nonsense for several months already, much as I'd have preferred not to. If it hadn't been for my darling dearest and my wonderful friend Fluttershy, I don't believe I would have made it this far. Cashmere is nothing if not persistent. I...I fear the mare I used to know is gone forever..."

Rarity's mother trots over and wraps her daughter in a hug, gently patting a hoof on her back.

"There, there, dearie. Some ponies just can't be reasoned with. I know you miss having her as a friend and business partner, but maybe there's a silver lining to all of this."

"As much as I'd like to believe so, mother, I have yet to see even a hint of such a thing. She's brought us nothing but grief!"

"Well, what about your business itself? Didn't you say you've been taking in more bits than you've seen in years? That's something. Maybe some competition has spurred you in the right direction!"

"It has been rather busy lately," Rarity admits with a nod. "So busy, in fact, that we've had to hire Fluttershy as part-time help."

"And," you interject, "we've received a bunch of compliments about the quality of your designs."

Courtesy nods happily at your comment, grateful for the support. "See? Just like I said, Rarity: silver lining."

Gridiron rubs his head with a hoof, apparently not too convinced of the upside of having an old friend as a rival.

"I don't wanna be da wet blanket here, ladies, but somepony's gotta say it: ain't nothin' okay about dis here situation! Why'd she hafta come back ta Ponyville and try to ruin ya? Celestia knows she's done well enough for herself, what with those stores in Manehattan and what-not. If she doesn't respect ya as a business rival or whatever, she could at least respect ya as her old friend. I have half a mind ta go on over dere and talk some sense into the little lady!"

"You and I both, sweetie," his wife adds. "To think we treated her like one of our own daughters! Ya know I don't really like gettin' all emotional, Rarity, but some things just fluff my coat! Why, back when you were just a foal, your father and I..."

As her parents continue to work themselves up, Rarity remains relatively quiet despite the thoughts that must surely be going through her head right now. You give her a questioning look, but she simply shakes her head softly.

"...and what's more, she has some nerve tryin' to do this to somepony who cared about her so much! If I were you, hon, I would march on over and tell her exactly how--"

"Mother," Rarity finally speaks up, quietly but firmly. "I appreciate the concern from yourself and father, but this is something I've simply come to accept over the last few months. Cashmere, as I knew her, is gone. Nothing will change that. I've had quite some time to come to terms with it, and although it has not been an easy process, it was nevertheless something of a necessity." She takes her mother's hooves between her own and smiles comfortingly, as much for her own sake as that of her parents. "I'm fine. I've a loving man and so many wonderful friends, right here in town. No amount of underhoofed nonsense from Cashmere, or anypony else, can take that away from me."

Courtesy struggles to find the appropriate response for a few, lingering moments before giving in and returning her daughter's smile with a deep breath. "You're right, hon. I suppose it was just a shock. Not every day my baby tells me that her best friend turned into a selfish mule, doncha know."

"So I'd imagine."

"You're sure ya don't want us ta go over dere with ya, pumpkin?" You can't help but feel for Gridiron; he can't find it easy to let his daughter deal with something like this. If you were in his position, you'd probably react the same way.

"I appreciate the offer, dad, but I am an adult. I've dealt with Cash's kind before, albeit not the extreme she's taken it to as of late. Despicable though she may be, she must still prove her worth to have a chance of accomplishing her puerile goals! A chance, might I add, that is very small indeed."

Rarity never mentioned Slate, or Cash's help in the matter, though it was probably for the best. Nor did she mention Fluttershy -- not that you're in a hurry to explain that situation to her parents.

"If ya say so, Rarity. But if ya ever change yer mind, yer mother and I will just be on the other side of town. Okay? I think we're done travellin' for a while."

"Of course. I know it's been somewhat of a surprise, to say the least, but I appreciate your support. I've no doubt it will continue to be trying, both mentally and physically, not to mention financially, but in the end I'm confident of my superiority as a fashionista and businessmare."

You place a hand on her shoulder and add, "not to mention being way less infuriating to be around than that red-headed pain."

"I do what I can," she giggles. "But! We've spoken enough of her for one day, wouldn't everypony agree? It's getting rather late in the day and I'm sure you're both hungry from the trip, so why don't you and dad let us prepare something while you head out to get Sweetie Belle, hmm? Between my darling and Fluttershy we should be able to create something quite delectable!"

If anything can get Rarity's dad to talk about something else, it's food.

"It has been a while since we ate...maybe somethin' ta hit the spot is just what the doctor ordered!"

His stomach growls at the thought of it.

"See! That makes two of us, heh heh!"

"Fabulous!" Rarity exclaims. "Do tell Sweetie Belle we're waiting for her to come back, hmm?"

"Sure will, pumpkin. You know how she likes comin' over and spendin' time witcha. Been too long since she's been around." Rarity's parents trot toward the entranceway, a foreleg each around their daughter's back. "We've sure missed ya, Rarity. Maybe we can chit-chat about somethin' a little happier when we get back, huh?"

"I'd enjoy that very much," Rarity replies before kissing both of her parents on the forehead. "I've missed you, dad. Mom. Things simply aren't the same without the two of you around."

"I'm gonna assume dat's a good thing," Gridiron chuckles. "While we're bein' all mushy and dat kinda stuff," he looks up at you, "I wanted to thank ya for takin' care of my little girl while we was away. You're a good man, pal." Courtesy nods enthusiastically in agreement.

You weren't expecting such praise, and are taken aback by it a little more than you'd like to admit. You idly rub the back of your neck as you try to find a fitting response. "Ah, I'm just doing what I can to make ends meet, Grid. Whatever makes her happy, ya know?"

"Dat's all we can ask for. Ya know, I wasn't too thrilled back when ya first told me you was datin' my daughter and all dat, but I tell ya what -- I think she's got a better sense of such things than I do, heh heh. So yeah, thanks for lookin' out for Rarity for us. We'll have ta get a drink some time, or somethin'! Guys' night out and such."

"That sounds good to me." The door swings open with a quick focusing of magical energy. "You folks should probably get going, though. You'll want to be back before it gets dark. And cold."

"Eh, da weather don't bother me! Playin' hoofball for years'll do that to ya. Isn't dat right, hon?"

"As if I'd know, Grid," his wife replies with a playful eye roll. "Come on, we're wastin' daylight. We'll be back soon, dearies! Make sure that food don't get too cold, mmkay?"

The perky parental ponies happily trot off down the street, turning back to wave one more time as they round the corner and pass by Cashmere's store. Once they're out of view you shut the door behind you, making sure to latch the lock closed.

"Man, it's been so long since I've had the chance to talk with them. Feels strange to have your parents around again. Know what I mean?" Rarity doesn't say anything in response, simply looking up at you instead. "Rarity? Hey, you okay, honey?"

She sniffles quietly as you sit down next to her, pulling her close for comfort. She nestles into your shoulder and lets out a deep breath. "Was it seeing them again after all this time?" She shakes her head. "...it was Cashmere, wasn't it?"

"Yes," she says quietly, "yes it was..."

"What's on your mind, baby? Talk to me."

She takes a few moments to compose herself before looking up at you. "I'd thought the regret over Cashmere was behind me. Really, I did. All of this nonsense we've had to deal with from her, and then the mixed signals she's been sending us with the Slate situation and the free dinner and all that; I was starting to feel as if it was all, oh...normal, I suppose. As if such a thing could ever be." She laughs softly and asks, "does that make any sense?"

A few months ago you would have emphatically answered 'no', but now...

"As much as I can't believe it, yeah. It has been kind of 'business as usual' with her just down the street. Something change your mind?"

"That would imply that I ever really thought of her in some other, more affectionate light since she showed up again. No, I haven't really had a change of mind, per se, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to her fading into the background somewhat. When mother and father showed up, I guess I sort of...flashed back to those happier days. Part of me would love to have those days back. Although," she smiles at you warmly, "I think I prefer the days I've spent with you over the days I've spent with her, darling." You kiss her forehead and hug her tighter, running a hand through her curly mane.

"Your parents didn't seem too happy about it, either."

"I didn't imagine they would be. After all, they knew Cash nearly as well as myself and Fluttershy did."

"You think they'll go down and give her a piece of their mind?"

"I doubt it," she shrugs. "Spontaneous though they are, they're adamant about letting me run my business the way I want to. Even if they do have dreadful taste in fashion, hmmhmm."

"I dunno, I kinda like the straw hat. Maybe I should get one." You chuckle as she jabs a hoof at your shoulder.

"You have lived with a fashionista far too long for me to take such a thing seriously, darling." She gives you a light smile and gently kisses your lips. "I do apologize, my love. I shouldn't let such things get to me. Former friend or not, that atrocious unicorn should be among the last of my worries."

You return the favor and rub her cheek, relieved to have helped her out in some small way.

"You don't have anything to apologize for, hon. You know I'm here for you."

"I know," she smiles. "I do believe that's enough fretting for one night, wouldn't you agree? We should probably get started on that dinner. Perhaps Fluttershy will come back down now that we've finished discussing she-who-shall-not-be-named."

"Yeah, Fluttershy," you laugh exhaustedly. "I have the feeling that situation is about to get a little more complicated."

==========

Much to your relief, dinner passes without further incident. Your hodge-podge of meals, courtesy of having three different 'chefs' in the kitchen, ended up tasting better than you'd thought it would. Even Sweetie Belle seemed to enjoy it, and she usually doesn't like anything unless it's covered in chocolate and rolled in sugar.

The diminutive filly spent nearly two hours talking about the experiences she'd had while away with her parents -- everything from seeing her first hoofball game in person, to eating at fancy restaurants, to being sure she'd be able to obtain her cutie mark by dressing up as a doctor and performing open-heart surgery on a stuffed animal. The missing legs and button eyes were 'extra parts', she'd assured everyone. Somehow you doubt her future is in surgery.

Thankfully.

Most of all, she'd missed her friends and her sister. The little gold and red Crusader cape had hung in her closet, unused, for several months. Rarity, though, always made sure to go in and dust it off once in a while, just so it would be ready when her little sister returned. The look on Sweetie's face was priceless -- she put on the cape immediately and gave Rarity the biggest hug she could manage. Not even dinner with family was enough to get her to remove it, much to your entertainment. Listening to her talk excitedly with her cape hanging off her was genuinely heartwarming, an experience made doubly so by her frequent, adorable voice cracks.

Much to your relief, Sweetie's acceptance of you seemed to have grown since you saw her last. The news of her sister being romantically involved with a previously unknown creature was not an easy thing for her young mind to wrap itself around; 'friendly but distant' was her usual attitude around you, as much as Rarity had tried to reassure her. The relief was palpable when she'd let you bend down and give her a hug, and not once did she come across like she used to.

Slowly but surely, your new-found family has become more like the one you left behind.

Even so, you're ready for the day to come to an end. Between Rarity's family and your long work day, you're feeling a little worn out. Gridiron and Courtesy are making the couch bed as you head back downstairs with a load of blankets, sheets and pillows, happily discussing the day's events with each other.

"Here ya go," you say as you set the stack of linens on the small coffee table next to the couch. Courtesy nods at you with a smile. "You sure you're both okay down here? Rarity and I can move down here if you'd prefer to sleep in a real bed."

"Thank you, dearie, but we'll be just fine on the pull-out. Grid here can sleep on anything, can't ya, hon?"

"Just about," he chuckles. "I ever tell ya I slept outside for four nights in da middle of da Everfree forest? By my lonesome? Now dat was one heck of a place ta try and sleep, I'll tell ya dat!"

Courtesy rolls her eyes at her husband's boasting. "That's not the way I remember it, Grid. I seem to recall you sleepin' on the edge of the forest. With the rest of your hoofball team. Surrounded by a magical barrier."

"Yeah, well...dat don't change nothin'." He waves a dismissive hoof. "Point bein', I can sleep just about anywheres. You and Rarity probably need da bed more than we do, pal. You know how she gets when she's not sleepin' in the lap of luxury, heh heh!"

"Only too well," you nod. "Remind me not to stay at a cheap hotel the next time we're in Canterlot, or I'll never hear the end of it." You glance up at the clock on the wall -- just after nine. A little early for bed for your tastes, but some extra sleep certainly couldn't hurt. "Anyway, I'll let you two get settled in. Let me know if you need anything, alright?"

A small, lit candle in a sconce floats past you, settling down on the table. "Of course, dearie. Grid and I will be just fine. We're just happy to be home, doncha know? Couple of days and we'll be right back in our own place. I promise you won't even notice us here."

"Except for your snorin'," Grid quips, poking his wife in the side with a hoof.

"My snoring? You're one to talk, Mister 'I saw through logs in my sleep'! Stallions, I swear," she sighs. "But anywho, we've kept you down here with our pointless banter long enough! We'll see you in the morning, sweetie."

"No worries," you laugh, turning to head back upstairs. "Good night, you two."

"Nighty night, dearie!"

You flick the lights off as you pass the stairs, quietly treading your way to your room so you don't wake Sweetie Belle...or at least, you did until you heard the quiet voice of Fluttershy coming from the young unicorn's room. You try to sneak past, but Sweetie catches a glimpse of you as you pass by.

"Oh, hey, you can come in!" Sweetie says with a smile. Fluttershy is sitting on the end of Sweetie's bed, her long, pink tail hanging over the side. You cautiously enter the guest bedroom, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. Sweetie's attention is focused back on Fluttershy for the moment, her two-toned pink and purple mane bouncing as she laughs at a story you most likely haven't heard yet.

"Why would Pinkie Pie have a suit that looks like you? That's weird," she giggles.

Wait, what?

"It was a little, um, surprising," Fluttershy responds with a soft laugh. She turns to look at you and brushes a lock of hair out of her face. "Oh, hello," she says softly. "Sweetie Belle and I were just talking about one of the adventures the girls and I went on."

"Oh yeah? You'll have to fill me in sometime."

"I'm actually a little surprised Rarity hasn't told you yet. She was a little more, um...enthusiastic...than the rest of us."

"She tends to be that way," you laugh. "So, how's it feel to be back in your own bed again, Sweetie? Or in your sister's guest bed. You know what I mean."

Sweetie Belle chews her lip for a moment while she searches for an answer. "Welllll...I liked travelling for a little while, but I started missing Ponyville and all of my friends. So I guess it feels pretty good!" she says with a broad smile. "I'm actually a little surprised Rarity didn't mess with my room too much..."

"That makes two of us. She's kept your room clean, but she didn't rearrange anything. Uh, except for that red jacket we found in the closet..."

"Oh..." she grins nervously, "you found that, huh? I didn't know it was yours at the time! Scootaloo thought it would be fun to use Rarity's dazzle-thingy on it, and, umm...sorry."

You rub a hand on the top of her head to reassure her...even if you were less than thrilled when you first saw your newly-fabulous jacket. "No hard feelings. Rarity managed to fix it without too much trouble."

"It was very, um, sparkly," Fluttershy adds with a giggle.

"Sparkly. Just how I want others to see me," you deadpan.

Sweetie bunches up the blankets around her before looking at you and Fluttershy with no small degree of curiosity. "Miss Fluttershy, I hope you don't mind me asking, but, um, do you live here now?"

Uh oh.

"Hmm? Oh, well...sort of," Fluttershy answers. You just hope Fluttershy can handle the questions without sweating up a storm. "I'm just staying with Rarity on and off sometimes. She's my very best friend, after all."

"I know, but you have that really pretty cottage near the forest. Do you not like it anymore?"

"Of course I do," she says with a calm, reassuring tone. "It's just that, um...I'd like Angel to become more self-reliant. You know how fussy he can get, right?" Sweetie nods, but doesn't say anything. "He's a big boy now, and I thought he should learn to help out around the cottage, so he takes care of the small animals when I'm not there."

"I guess that makes sense."

"And staying here sometimes also means that I can help Rarity with the Boutique, should she need a helping set of hooves. The way things have been lately, that's been quite frequently! I don't mind, though. I would do anything to help out my friends, and that includes you." Fluttershy pulls Sweetie Belle into her with a gentle hug, quickly looking up at you as she does. Your smile is all the confirmation she needs; you can see her physically relax just a little.

"I wouldn't want to keep you from getting a good night's sleep in your comfy, old bed, so we'll let you get some rest."

Sweetie smiles up at her and nods. "Okay. It has been a while since I've been here. I'm glad I got to see you, though! Both of you, that is."

You poke her nose with your finger. "Glad to see you too, Sweetie. Hasn't been the same here without you." Fluttershy leans forward and kisses her forehead before heading to the door with you, but you both stop when Sweetie calls out to you.

"Oh, wait! I almost forgot! Look what I can do now!" Sweetie closes her eyes tight and visibly strains, a faint, green field of shimmering magic surrounding her small horn. The corner of the room slowly lights up with the same color, catching your attention just in time to see a small, stuffed bear float past you. It hovers above the bed for a few seconds before plopping down on the blanket. She opens her eyes and looks up at the two of you, a big grin on her face even as she lets out a deep exhale.

"Well I'll be!" you chuckle. "You can levitate now! That's amazing!"

"It was just a stuffed animal," she replies bashfully.

"Ah, come on, last time I saw you, you couldn't levitate anything bigger than a fork. When did this happen?"

"Just last month. Mom was teaching me how to focus my magic, and one day it all kind of...made sense. I dunno how to explain it. I'm still learning, though. It makes me tired to float anything that big, but I thought you'd like to see it!"

"Rarity is gonna flip when she sees this. Just you wait and see."

"I know, I can already feel the super-tight hugs," she laughs. "Okay, that's all! I just wanted to show you. Good night!"

"G'night, Sweetie." Fluttershy flaps over quickly and gives the little unicorn one more hug before joining you at the door again. You shut the door quietly and head a short distance to your bedroom, where Rarity is lying on the bed with an open book in front of her. She looks up with a bespectacled smile, sliding a bookmark into place as she does.

For being so incredibly stressed out earlier, Rarity's handling of the sudden arrival of her parents and sister has been much more smooth than you'd have otherwise thought. Perhaps the initial surprise and worry was toned down as the night wore on. In any case, you're happy to see her acting like herself.

"Good evening, my dears," she says. "I trust everything is well?"

"So far so good," you reply, closing the bedroom door behind you. Fluttershy trots off to the bathroom while you go about setting your coin purse and watch on the dresser. "You're never gonna believe what Sweetie just did."

"Really, now?" she asks, her curiosity piqued. "May I ask what happened?"

"You could, but I think you'd probably be more interested to see for yourself tomorrow. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, though." You give her a wink and a playful smile, just to emphasize that you're not intent on divulging that little secret.

"I suppose trying to get it out of you is a lost cause, isn't it? Very well, then. I shall have to wait until morning! Anything else would be simply improper, of course."

"Of course," you echo. You slip out of your well-worn clothing with a sigh of relief, leaving just your boxers for modesty. Fluttershy comes out of the bathroom just as you grab a book from the nightstand, happily humming a tune to herself.

"I had a pretty good time with your family tonight, hon. I'd forgotten how fun they are to be around, even if your mom can talk up a storm."

"She does have quite the gift of gab, doesn't she? It's no wonder she gets along so well with Pinkie Pie."

You lie down next to Rarity and prop your head up with a few pillows for support. "I take it you're feeling better now? For a while there I was worried you were going to have a nervous breakdown."

"Yes, well," she laughs with embarrassment, "you know how I like to have things prepared, darling. I'll admit that I was fretting just a tad more than I should have."

"Mmhmm, just a tad." You lean over and kiss her cheek as Fluttershy hops up onto the bed with a flap of her wings.

"It's always so nice to see your parents, Rarity. And Sweetie Belle is getting more adorable every day! Oh, you should have seen how she mmpffh--" You put your fingers over her mouth to stop her from blurting out Sweetie's little levitation trick. Her eyes go wide as she realizes what she almost divulged. "Umm...I guess it would be better for it to be a surprise...."

"Oh, ponyfeathers! And here I thought I could get at least one of you to tell me!" Rarity sighs in mock exasperation, scooting over to make room for Fluttershy. "Anything else I should know about? Or that you plan on keeping a secret? If you tell me yet another thousand-year-old villain has broken free, I'm going to pack my bags and move to Whinnypeg!"

Actually, that might be kind of interesting, since you've yet to actually see any evil ponies or gryphons or what-have-you since your arrival. Maybe you'd even get to see Rarity with her big necklace thingy!

"Sadly, no. Just spent some time talking with Sweetie and wishing your parents 'good night'."

Fluttershy wiggles around a bit to get comfortable before speaking up. "Actually...there was something." The statement gets Rarity's attention with a curious 'like what?' You're wondering how she's going to react to the pegasus' impromptu tall-tale. "Well, um...Sweetie Belle asked me if I was living here..."

"And? Do go on, darling."

"And I-I told her that it was on and off, and that I was trying to get Angel to be more...responsible...and that kind of thing..." She makes small circles in the bed with her hoof, clearly not used to having to spin a little white lie to protect a secret. "Which is true, of course, but that's not really why I'm here...but you already know that..."

Rarity rubs her chin at Fluttershy's story. "Hmm...well I must say, I'm quite impressed that you managed to weave such a thing on the spot while still keeping it, ah, mostly truthful. I'd honestly been expecting Sweetie to ask you sooner. What did she say?"

You answer before Fluttershy can. "She seems to have bought it, I think. I don't think she's old enough to suspect otherwise, curious though she is."

"I suppose we should count that among our blessings, hmm? It sounds like it was beautifully handled, my loves." Rarity's small, orange glasses float over to you along with her book. "Would you mind holding these for me for just a moment, darling?"

"Sure," you shrug, grabbing them out of the air and flexing your hand at the lingering magical tingle.

"Fabulous!" She rolls over onto her side, scooting closer to Fluttershy and propping herself up on an elbow. "Fluttershy? Darling? My best friend?"

"Y-Yes, Rarity?" she answers timidly.

"I want to apologize sincerely for making you lie for my own sake. I feel simply dreadful about it."

"Oh, that's okay. I know revealing the truth would be a little, um, harder to explain."

Rarity rubs a hoof through her friend's pink mane as she continues. "Be that as it may, the fact remains that I ask you to hide your feelings for the sake of keeping up appearances. I realize that, one day, such a thing will no longer be necessary, and I look forward to that day greatly! It's just that I'm...I'm not sure how to go about doing such a thing. It frightens me, Fluttershy. Because I'm worried for you and for my darling dearest. Both of you, equally. We've already had to deal with one miscreant due to our already unconventional love, and I would absolutely hate for anything like that to happen with you as well." She bites her lip nervously at the outpouring of concern. "You understand where I'm coming from, don't you? I've put you in this situation -- put all of us in this situation -- and the last thing I want is for it to be turned on us."

"I understand, Rarity," Fluttershy nods. "I think we've all had those concerns, but, well...I've been here a while now, and I've really enjoyed my time with both of you. You don't have to be worried; we'll face anything like that as it happens. And, um, you don't need to apologize. But thank you for doing so anyway..."

"Are you sure? Such a thing can be awfully taxing on one's psyche, especially when such strong emotions are involved."

"I'm sure," she says with a soft, reassuring smile. "No matter what."

"Very well, darling. Thank you for being honest with me." Rarity leans down and rubs her nose against Fluttershy's, a warm expression on her face. Then, slowly, she meets their lips in a gentle kiss. You're surprised to see Fluttershy being slightly aggressive as she puts a foreleg around Rarity's neck, pulling her in with a sharp inhale.Rarity lets out a soft moan as she presses herself into Fluttershy's body, which turns into a giggle as Fluttershy's wings wrap around her.

"I've never seen you do that before."

"I've been too nervous to try it," Fluttershy admits with a quiet laugh. "Do you want me to stop?"

"Not in the least, my dear. It's quite...warm, if I do say so."

"That's good. Can we, umm, do that again?"

"You'll find I needn't much convincing, darling," Rarity practically purrs as she kisses Fluttershy's neck. The touch of her lips causes Fluttershy to gasp, probably louder than she'd intended. She smiles nervously, but is quickly pulled back into a loving kiss. She tentatively slips her tongue into Rarity's mouth and moans at the feeling. Idly, you notice her hind leg kicking ever so slightly. This is getting interesting...

Rarity slips a foreleg down her body and gently hikes one of Fluttershy's legs up, placing it against her flank. None of this, of course, is making you want to read a single word of your book. You let it slip out of your hand without a single care.

A wandering hoof slides over Fluttershy's side, slowly inching its way down. It teases in small circles around her belly button, moving just a little lower...

Fluttershy's eyes suddenly go wide as she moves her head to the side. "Wait!" Rarity looks up at her friend with a very concerned look, clearly afraid that she's crossed some boundaries. "Rarity, I...I don't know if I'm...um..."

"Are you okay, Fluttershy? I thought you were enjoying yourself so much, and my mind just started to slip, and...oh, dear. I haven't done anything overly forward, have I?"

"Oh, no, don't think I wasn't enjoying myself!" Fluttershy quickly reassures her, pulling her wings back and letting Rarity sit up again. "It was very nice, and you feel very warm and loving, but, um....I don't know if I'm ready for...for that yet..." She glances off to the side, nervous and a little embarrassed.

"That's quite alright, darling," Rarity says after a calming exhale. "As I've said before, we shan't force anything on you in the least. Anything that happens between us will be entirely of your own volition." The glasses and book that were supposed to be in your hand, but are now lying on the blanket, float back over to their owner. "Ahem. Th-thank you for holding those for me, my love."

"Yeah...sure thing..." You're still finding it hard to think clearly, and for good reason.

"I quite enjoyed sharing a moment of intimacy with you, Fluttershy," she says with a smile. "I can only hope you enjoyed it as well."

I know I sure did, you think to yourself.

"Oh, yes, very much so," she answers, blushing brightly. "I, um...I forgot what I was going to do before you...you know..." She buries her face in her hooves with adorable embarrassment. "Wow, you're good at that..."

"I do what I can, darling. I very much appreciate you being so comfortable with me." Rarity turns back toward you and smiles at the sight of your not-so-concealed excitement. "And apparently, so does he. Hmm-hmm."

You couldn't very well argue that one. "You're killin' me here, baby." You glance down at your book and throw a playful hand in the air. "And look, you made me forget where I was in my book! How am I supposed to go to sleep now? I swear..."

"Oh, hush," she laughs, waving a dismissive hoof. "You act as if you're deprived of such things!"

"Feels that way right now," you answer with a dramatic frown.

"Yes, I'm sure. Need I remind you that I have to get up early to finish a dress for the Canterlot Creators fashion show? And even if you were deprived, what, exactly, do you want me to do about it?"

"Well...I have a few ideas..." You lean down and whisper into her ear, just loud enough that Fluttershy can pick it up. You grin as her ear twitches at your 'ideas', once again blushing bright red behind Rarity's back.

"Good heavens, and here I thought you were a gentleman! And just where do you suppose, hypothetically, we do such a thing? Hmm?"

"We do have a very nice bathroom...and I could use a shower before bed...pumpkin...heh heh..."

She eyes you for a few moments before speaking up. "'Pumpkin," she sighs. "I should have known you'd pick up on that. Oh, very well! On one condition: I get to pick the position."

"Yes, ma'am," you laugh. "Should I break out the silk and handcuffs?"

"Really, now." She hops down from the bed just before you, yanking your boxers down with a flash of magic. You look over your shoulder at Fluttershy and shrug, laughing quietly at her ever-reddening face as you catch her staring at your bottom. "Don't be ridiculous! Silk and handcuffs indeed." Rarity exclaims with a roll of her eyes. "That's for next time."