"Darling, if we don't hurry we're going to be late! You know how much of a scandal it would be if Ponyville's most dazzling fashionista were to arrive late to such an event!"

You're all too aware. For the last hour and a half Rarity has been frantically running around the Boutique, trying to gather her materials and necessities before your imminent departure to Canterlot. Even with her parents out shopping for the day and Sweetie Belle spending some much-needed time with her friends, Rarity's demeanor has been one of organized chaos; the Canterlot Creators fashion show is, apparently, one of the biggest of the year, and she intends to show off her most fashionable and elegant designs yet -- even if it means dragging you along for the ride.

The fact that you're carrying a literal mound of her best work over your shoulder -- each adorning a wire hanger and wrapped in a long, purple carrying bag -- doesn't seem to phase her. Nor does the fact that you're dressed to the nines in your full ensemble, complete with a new, decidedly festive red and white dress shirt with dark red tie. You feel like a candy cane.

"Oh, come now," she says dismissively as she floats another dress over your shoulder, "you look like a proper gentleman! And one who's prepared for Hearth's Warming Eve, no less. So no more complaining."

"Are we done yet? I don't know how much more I can carry without falling over, hon."

"Already ahead of you, my dear. Stick your arm out for me." You do as instructed, carefully balancing the pile of dresses on your shoulder. A moderately sized backpack slides over one of your arms, then the other, simultaneously being filled to the brim with rolls of fabric, emergency sewing supplies, and a few personal beauty items of hers. You can feel every item as it's neatly stuffed inside. It's surprisingly heavy, but the broad shoulder straps alleviate some of the discomfort.

"I didn't realize I was the designated pack mule," you quip.

"Surely you don't expect moi to carry such a load! You're a big, strapping man, after all. I'm sure you'll be fine."

"Yeah, well, when this is over, a massage would hit the spot. Just sayin'..." Hopefully the straps don't cut into your shoulders.

"That sounds like a proper deal to me, darling. Perhaps we can take our time with it, hmm?"

"Sounds good to me." Several of the dresses start slipping off your shoulder, forcing you to bend akwardly to catch them before they hit the floor. "And the sooner, the better. What's so important about this event, anyway? You go to these fashion show...things...at least once a month."

"Simply put," she answers matter-of-factly, "it's a chance for Equestria's greatest fashion gurus to catch a glimpse of each others' winter fashions; sort of a 'scouting the competition' sort of soiree. That's the reality behind it, of course. It's a 'fashion show' in name only, an excuse for quite a few self-important ponies -- myself excluded, of course -- to rub shoulders with each other and exchange passive-aggressive threats and nonchelant jabs. Come to think of it, it's quite childish at times. But such is fashion, I suppose," she finishes with a shrug.

"I never knew dressmaking was so cut-throat before I met you. Sheesh. Still doesn't sound very important to me." Backstabbing, stuck-up ponies with sticks lodged firmly up their asses? Wonderful. Can't wait.

"Vexatious though it may be, my love, it still serves a purpose. Some of the most influential ponies from around Equestria will be in attendance, and I simply shan't miss such an opportunity! Besides, I know for a fact that Cashmere is going to be there. When she sees my latest ensemble, her well-worn jaw is going to hit the floor! Hmm-hmm."

"If you say so, babe. I still haven't had a chance to see it."

"All good things in due time, darling. I believe you'll be quite impressed!"

You really can't think of anything off the top of your head that would be jaw-dropping, but then, it is Rarity.

"Any chance it's that...glowy...stuff?" She arches an eyebrow in response. You wish you were better at remembering such things. "You know, the not-so-mystical thread that you got the recipe for from that zebra woman?"

"Oh!" she exclaims, giggling at your lack of recollection. "Aetherweave! Quite the interesting material, I dare say. But no, this dress is glow-free for the time being. I'm afraid creating aetherweave is a rather time-consuming and draining process for a unicorn, and I lack the necessary materials to create a batch of enchanting brew, as the zebras would do it. Some of the ingredients are rather hard to come by in Equestria. You'll just have to see what I've managed to whip up at the unveiling."

"Can't wait. Oh, hope you don't mind if I bring a book with me. You know how bored I tend to get at these things, what with the snobby ponies and boring music and all that." You pat your pocket, getting an eye roll from her in response.

"It is not boring, it is refined, thank you. It couldn't hurt you to pick up on the finer points of classical music."

"Uh-huh. I like classical music as much as the next guy, but if I'm listening to it, it's probably so I can go to sleep. Thus, I'm bringing this book whether you like it or not." You poke her nose for emphasis, chuckling as she scrunches her face.

"Very well, I suppose it's only fair that you have something to occupy your time, hmm? Now," she sets her fuzzy, white winter cap upon her head, "we should head upstairs and let Fluttershy know we'll be departing now. I left her a meal on the stove, should she get hungry."

"You think she'll be okay by herself until tomorrow? Or until your parents get back tonight, rather." You haven't stayed out of town in months; an overnight stay in a fancy (and expensive) Canterlot hotel should be a nice change of pace.

"Come now, she may be skittish, but she is by no means a child. She'll be fine, darling! Though I must say, your heightened concern for her as of late is simply adorable." Rarity slips a pair of pink, diamond-clasped saddlebags -- filled with some of your clothes and a lot of hers -- over her coat-adorned back. It's the same outfit she wore up to Frostvalley Meadows, and you're happy to see her wearing it again -- you always did like how it looks on her.

"Did you remember to leave a dish out for Opal? The crystal one, that is."

Of course you did. And you filled it with arsenic.

...well, maybe not arsenic so much as fancy cat food, but one can dream.

"Cat's taken care of," you reassure her. "Let's get up to Fluttershy and get going. Don't want you to be fashionably late, hon."

"Perish the thought! Oh, I nearly forgot to mention: we're taking a pegasus taxi to get there as quickly as possible." You can feel the color run out of your face at the mere mention of it. "Oh, don't be such a worrier! You'll have to get used to it at some point, darling. Better sooner than later, hmm?"

"If it's all the same to you, hon," you say as you trudge up the stairs, "I'd prefer 'later' if possible. Much, much later."

==========

Another trip to Canterlot, another white-knuckled flight in the back of an uncovered passenger wagon, where you realized that you didn't dress nearly warm enough. At least this one had padded seats, so that you'd comfortably fall to your death in style. You tried to catch a nap on the way there, but found yourself too worried to sleep. Rarity did her best to keep you occupied by chatting you up, though, which worked for a while despite the chattering of your teeth and the numbness in your face. She certainly has a way of taking your mind off things.

The temperature improved significantly once you finally landed thanks to a series of magically-fired heat lamps dotting the air taxi station. You rushed over to one as Rarity paid the driver (pilot?), a load of bags and wrapped dresses hanging off your shoulders and arms. To your surprise, it turned out that the Canterlot Creators fashion...ball...thing...wasn't at the Royal Ballroom, where you'd stepped foot inside nearly every time you'd journeyed up to Canterlot for some event or other. It was, Rarity informed you, just down the road from it in a smaller, more 'cozy' building. That was fine by you -- the less new ponies you'd have to deal with, the better. Maybe the gawking will be kept to a minimum.

More of the magical heat lamps lined the walkways on the way there, allowing you to hold at least some semblance of a conversation. Mostly you just listened to Rarity talk about her concerns and hopes for the event.

After a few minutes of lugging the suitcases and clothing around, you were struck by the realization that you'd completely forgotten about the hotel room. For her part, Rarity wasn't concerned in the least. "It's part of the building!" she'd exclaimed happily, explaining how the hotel rooms were built right above the ball room for convenience and simplicity. And, of course, to save room. Expansive though Canterlot was, the city hanging majestically over the side of a mountain was still only so big. If Rarity ever wanted to open a Boutique here, she'd have to pay a pretty penny for it.

Once you reached the building it was a short trip upstairs to the check-in desk, where Rarity chatted up the clerk and slipped in a gloat or two over her designs. You really couldn't make out most of the conversation, due to being far more interested in the building itself. It was designed in the same grand, sweeping style of the Royal Ballroom, with mirror-finished white marble flecked with gold, but something about it just grabbed you. You really couldn't put your finger on it. The place just felt...welcoming. Inviting. Maybe even comfortable. You wondered if the ballroom downstairs shared the same feeling, or if you were just suffering from a severe case of tourism excitement.

"...should really be on our way, I'm sure you'll quite enjoy it! Darling?" You feel a foreleg prod you, snapping you out of your awed gazing. "Hello? Are you still with me, love?"

"Huh?" You spin around and see Rarity giving you an amused look. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine, hon."

"Are you alright?" she asks you, floating your room key into a pocket of her heavy (but stylish) winter coat. "For a moment there I was afraid you'd left your wits back in the taxi!" She giggles at her own little joke, getting an embarrassed chuckle from you in return.

"Sorry. I was just admiring the scenery. This place is really nice."

"Well it is Canterlot, after all. Anything less would be simply unacceptable! Though I must say, for the price of one night here we could have stayed three nights in Manehattan. For that much I expect the food to be dipped in golden chocolate." You were half-expecting the room to cost an arm and a leg; good thing the Boutique's income has been up lately. "Speaking of which, I think we should check out the room, don't you? I managed to pull a few strings, so to speak, and get us a balcony suite! Oh, I bet the view is simply wondrous!" Rarity slips the fuzzy cap off her head, fluffing her elegant curls with a hoof. "You know, darling, I thought that since this event is a change of pace from what we've been doing lately, I could do with a new coiffure for the occasion. Good thing I've brought all my accessories with me."

"A new coffee? I thought you liked hazelnut."

She rolls her eyes and lets out an exasperated sigh. "No, no, not a coffee, a coiffure." You mouth the word a few times, giving up on the pronunciation with a shrug. "It's French, darling. Really, now, it wouldn't kill you to learn a bit of culture. It means 'hair style', or 'hair do'."

"Ohhh...why didn't you just say 'hair style'?"

"Because coff-- erm, coiffure sounds far more elegant, as is fitting for such an elegant mare as myself." She strikes a playful pose to drive the point home.

"Whatever, it's a fancy word for a hair do." You stifle a laugh as she stomps an annoyed hoof.

"I swear, you're simply impossible sometimes! I'm going to culture you if it kills me! And at this rate, it likely will." You wink at her and get a nearly imperceptable smile in return. She almost hid that one. Almost. "Now, I suggest we find our room before you single-handedly bring down the entire building with your ruffian bravado."

"Very well. After you, Miss Rarity." You bow deeply and extend an arm, letting her walk past you. You take a quick look around to make sure no one's watching, and quickly grab her rear as she trots by, smiling at the small shout of surprise.

"Oh! Really, of all the things," she blushes brightly. "As I said: ruffian." She looks over her shoulder as she walks, looking you over with a wry smile. "And I quite like you that way."

==========

To say your room is 'nice' would be grossly understating things. In fact, the balcony suite is larger than the entire first floor of the Boutique and covered in expensive-looking drapes, rugs and adornments. It reminds you, of all things, of Celestia's throne room, albeit more intimate. A large bath tub rests at the top of a small flight of three stairs, with large windows overlooking the west side of Canterlot, and the most elaborate bed you've ever seen sits at the opposite end, complete with thin, silky curtains that hang from the carved framework.

You're not sure how Rarity managed to work her way into a suite, but you're glad she did. The view alone is worth the price. Oddly enough, despite the cold temperature outside, the interior of the room is comfortably warm, even with a giant balcony hidden behind a set of thick, hanging curtains. You poked your head out to see if the warmth extended to the balcony itself, and were pleasantly surprised to find that it did. You're grateful for that -- you plan on spending some time out there later, once the festivities have died down.

The wonders of magical tech.

Mostly, though, you've been enjoying the comforts and stylings of the elegant room by yourself. You'd have preferred to not do so, but Rarity rushed into the bathroom nearly the second you stepped foot into the room, floating two huge bags of 'necessities' behind her. You're actually genuinely curious to see what she's got in store for you, what with the talk of her new coifu..cofure...hair do. She sounded thrilled by the idea; the adorable tinge to her voice as she gathered her materials was unmistakable.

As long as you've known her, she's always had her signature curls...and they've always been, without exception, impeccably maintained. The only time she's changed her hair style is on the rare occasions that you asked her to keep the long, hanging look of a wet mane. Even then, it didn't last longer than a night of passion. Amazing, mind-blowing passion, of course, but the idea of keeping her hair like that in public was never one she'd entertained.

That said, you're still a man. After the first hour and a half without so much as a creak from an opening bathroom door, your curiosity and impatience got the best of you. You knocked on the door and asked if she was alright, but she quickly dismissed you with a frantic reassurance that turned into inaudible rambling after a few seconds. Really, you'd laughed to yourself, I should know better by now.

Bored, and with no much else to do, you grabbed your half-finished novel -- thankful that you actually brought it -- and sat out on the balcony in a luxurious, red and gold lounge chair. If you weren't expected to head downstairs in half an hour, you'd seriously consider falling asleep in it. Probably not a good idea to, though.

Even in the darkness of the cool, breezy night, you can make out the shapes of dozens of ponies trotting about or cruising through the air on their way to destinations unknown. A whiff of something spicy and delicious-smelling comes in on a breeze, making your stomach growl. You haven't eaten all day. Hopefully the fashion show has a buffet or something.

A flash of motion catches your eye; a pair of pegasi twirl around each other in a vertical spiral, just far enough out that you can make out their shapes, stopping to chase one another with barely perceptable laughs. One of them -- a light-colored mare, you'd guess by the silhouette -- jets off out of view of the other, who hovers in place and looks around for his partner. He begins to slowly fly off, foreleg above his eyes in a searching motion, and is suddenly tackled in mid-air by the mare. They embrace each other tightly before sharing a warm kiss. It's a sight that you can't help but smile at, even as you consider looking away to give them privacy.

With a final embrace, the pegasus lovers fly off together until they blend in completely with the night.

Fluttershy would love this place, you think to yourself. Before you left you'd asked her if she wanted to join you so she wouldn't be alone -- or rather, alone with Rarity's family -- but she'd politely declined, saying that she didn't really want to worry about the crowds and the congestion if she didn't have to. Rarity wasn't so easily disuaded, apparently feeling guilty for travelling without her best friend-turned-lover. She'd practically begged Fluttershy to come with you, but the timid pegasus held her ground. You couldn't really blame her for wanting to avoid Canterlot; as much as you enjoy it when you're here, you're glad that you live somewhere quieter.

The relative serenity of your balcony suite does tend to let your mind wander, and it's not long before you're replaying last night's events in your head. The baser part of your brain enjoyed the sight of the two mares in your bed making out passionately. Enjoyed it immensely, in fact. Even thinking about it is enough to get you a little excited, but you manage to control yourself and get the other half of your brain to focus on the implications of such a thing. The unavoidable fact of the matter is that things are getting more serious between them, and thus, between all of you.

Making things all the more complicated is the fact that your engagement necklace is nearly finished and (thankfully) nearly paid off. "It won't be more than a few weeks", Aegis had told you a few days ago with a satisfied smile. It would have been finished sooner, but apparently he'd received an influx of custom requests over the last month and ended up having to space things out. You didn't tell him as much, but you're thankful for the delay. At least it gives you a little while longer to sort things out.

"Not that that's gonna be any easier," you mutter. Your complicated love triangle has lead to more than a few headaches as of late, and things are only getting harder to figure out. There's no mistaking Rarity's increasingly intimate actions and demeanor around her long-time friend -- a feeling that is most assuredly shared by the (usually) timid pegasus. Part of you is happy for both of them and the love they share, of course. Rarity has been more relaxed with a little feminine guidance around to keep her drama partially in check, and Fluttershy has certainly come out of her shell more than you've ever seen her previously, but still...something feels like it has to give at some point. Hell, the entire idea of shared intimacy -- real, physical intimacy -- with a mare you've only previously known during breakfast meetings and friendly get-togethers is the one that plagues you the most. Physically, you wouldn't mind it, of course. As mares go, she's like Rarity in enough ways to share some of the same attractive traits. But you're very much aware of the fact that with that intimacy comes a whole new level of complications. For all intents and purposes, you would be cementing the relationship; and with your long-awaited engagement necklace a mere couple of weeks out, due to be delivered to your hands just before Hearth's Warming Eve, well...you suppose things might have to come to a head before then, one way or another.

Depending on how that goes, your Hearth's Warming Eve could end up being either the first joyous one you've had since your arrival, or very lonely. It's enough to make your heart race just thinking about it.

One day at a time.

For the time being you force yourself to think of something else, focusing intently on your book and wishing you had some relaxing music to play in the background. Maybe a little Post-Rock. Too bad such a thing doesn't exist here, as far as you know. Celestia is an Astronaut would make a great band name.

The pleasant temperature and comfortable chair help you relax in a matter of moments, and before long you're thoroughly engrossed in an adventure novel recommended by Dash, of all ponies. You never pegged her for much a reader, but so far she's been spot-on. It reminds you of an Indiana Jones flick, only with less wanton murder and shooting of swordsmen.

Though you'd really prefer to have that stuff in, if at all possible. Oh well.

As late night approaches the throngs of ponies below your terrace gradually thin out, reduced to a wandering tourist here or there and the ever-present, gilded guardsmen making their rounds. For all of her previous worrying about being late, Rarity has been taking her sweet time in the bathroom. More so than usual, anyway. You can hear her singing a soulful song as she works her magic, but you're sadly unable to make out the words. You shrug and go back to your book.

After making a significant amount of progress in your novel -- Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes? -- the faint 'click' of the bathroom door being unlocked grabs your attention. A thin beam of light illuminates the darkened hotel room as you pull back the balcony curtain, curious to see what the glamorous unicorn could have been working on for nearly three hours.

"Honey?" you call out quietly, not wanting to startle her. You're relieved when you get a happy-sounding reply from the bathroom.

"I would have thought you asleep by now, darling. How are you enjoying the night so far?"

"Been reading, mostly. Are you alright? You've been in there for a long time now. Like, 'three hours' long."

You can almost see the surprised look on her face from here. "Has it really been three hours? Oh, goodness. You must think me terribly vain!"

Well, maybe a little. But you wouldn't want it any other way. "No worries, hon. Honestly, I'm more curious than anything. What have you been working on for so long? New dress?"

"I believe the better question," she replies as the door opens up a little more, "is what haven't I been working on! To say I've had plenty to keep myself occupied would be putting it lightly. Did you know chiffon has to be French-sewn or it simply falls apart with regular use?"

"Uhh...can't say I did?" The only thing you know about chiffon is that it's one of the costlier fabrics Rarity orders, and it makes for fantastic see-through clothing. At least, on the one or two occasions she made something like that.

"Anyway, that's not important. What is important is that my Pièce de résistance is complete at last! And after all that time, I still managed to forget my eye shadow. Silly me!" The quiet chiming of magic fills the room for a few seconds as you sit on the edge of the bed, eager to see the outfit -- or whatever it is -- she's gushing about. "There we are."

"So do I get to see it yet, or do I have to barge in there and peel it off you to get a good look?"

"Don't be ridiculous," she says playfully, "that's for after the show, darling." Well, now you have another reason for wanting to get this fashion thing over and done with. "But yes, I suppose I'm ready. Do be a dear and close your eyes, won't you? Wouldn't want you to spoil the surprise. And no peeking!"

"Wouldn't dream of it," you laugh, covering your eyes with your hand...and peeking just a little. Maybe she won't notice.

"Yes, I'm sure," she deadpans, getting a half-hidden laugh from you in return. "Now, we just need some proper lighting...," a soft light clicks on in the corner of the room, and another one across from it, "and the proper degree of privacy...," the quiet rustle of fabric as the balcony drapes fully close, "and voila! A proper setting. Brace yourself, my love. You may be quite taken aback by the transformation standing before you."

You pull your hand back and immediately feel your jaw hang open. She wasn't kidding.

"Baby, if you don't get a massive spike in business after this, there's something seriously wrong with Equestria."

==========

"Good evening, madam, I'm glad you came. Would it be a bother to get your name?"

"Oh, no bother at all! Miss Rarity and one guest. We're here on behalf of the Carousel Boutique, from Ponyville. Perhaps you've heard of it?"

"Of this place, I do not know, but I sincerely hope you enjoy the show." The greeter gives you a polite smile and bows her head slightly, the golden rings around her neck softly clinking together. You'd expected there to be a formal greeter, but this is the first time you've seen a zebra filling the part. You suppose you shouldn't be surprised too much, this being the hub of culture and class in Equestria, but zebras are a fairly rare sight. She reminds you of the zebra Rarity knows, 'Zecora', whom you haven't had the chance to meet yet, but have heard quite a bit about from Rarity and her friends. Apparently the rhyming speak is a common thing.

"Your prepping room is to the right, a place to work while out of sight. Should you need some help at all, please call for me, my name is Neshaal. But no longer will I delay you two, for I'm sure you have a lot to do."

"Thank you very much, Miss Neshaal! We appreciate your help. Don't we, darling?" You nod as you heft the set of dresses over your shoulder once more, hoping the dressing room isn't too far. "Now, we shall take our leave. Have a wonderful night, madam!"

The wide double-doors open up into a large, well-lit room. It's nowhere near as massive as the royal ballroom you're accustomed to -- the ceiling is barely a few feet above your head, for one -- but it's still elegantly decorated with gold inlays and long, curved lengths of silk hanging from the corners. A long, polished wood stage sits right in the middle of the room, leading to a set of curtains and presumably the backstage area. Best of all, there's a buffet table at one end of the room. Score!

"You know, darling, I've never been here before. I must say, it's quite...comfortable...compared to the royal ballroom. Even if the design isn't as elegant as one would expect for a fashion show featuring moi." You roll your eyes, and she prods you with a hoof. "That was a joke. Relax, my dear! You are in the company of Miss Rarity, fashionista extraordinaire! And, might I add, quite the first impression-maker, hmm-hmm." You really couldn't argue that one; Rarity's ensemble, combined with her decidedly unexpected hair do, is drawing more than its fair share of looks. You try to downplay the self-satisfied feeling you get from the envious gazes, but a hint of a sly smile still crosses your lips.

That's right, fellas. Drink it in.

"No kidding. I think your new look is quite the hit, hon."

"So it would seem! If I could hear the thoughts of others, I would likely be hearing some very vulgar things from the stallions here. And some of the mares," she giggles.

"Dirtier than mine?" You run a hand down her neck, over the collar of her dress.

"I would certainly hope not," she says with a wry smile. "Though some of these mares are quite the lookers..."

You crane your neck as you pass by a few of the attendees, laughing quietly at the half-hidden looks of admiration as Rarity passes by them. You almost feel bad for the poor guys (and girls). Almost. There's going to be a lot of envious stallions tonight...

"Ah, here we are!" A large, white door in front of you reads "Rarity" in blue, cursive letters. You open the door with a twist of the handle and let her step in front of you, closing it behind you for privacy. "Marvelous. I hadn't thought the dressing room would be so large, considering the moderate size of the show room. Consider me pleasantly surprised!"

You let out a sigh of relief as you hang the myriad dresses on the clothes rack, glad to be rid of them. "Remind me again how this works?"

"It's really quite simple," Rarity answers, already pulling her touch-up kit from a small saddlebag you carried in for her. "I have the dressing room to myself -- ourselves -- until ten o'clock. Then a trio of mares will be joining us, and it is my job to get them properly dressed so that they may show off my latest designs. Of course, I get to accompany them and do a bit of showponyship. Once we're done, I simply gather the ensembles and we can be on our way. I imagine it won't take more than an hour, depending on how many designers decided to show up."

"Simple enough," you reply. You pull a chair up next to her, watching as she applies a very light touch of blush powder to her cheeks with a poofy applicator. "By the way, honey, I just want to say you look absolutely beautiful. Really."

Rarity smiles warmly at the compliment, blushing even under her newly-applied makeup. "Thank you, darling. It means a lot to hear you say that. I admit that I was a bit worried about this new look, what with everypony being so used to my well-kept curls, but so far I've enjoyed it quite a bit. I'll still be sticking to my usual style most of the time, but a little diversion now and then couldn't hurt." She leans over and kisses your cheek, nuzzling your neck with a soft inhale. "Mmmm...and might I say, your choice of cologne is quite pleasing." Rarity rests her head against your shoulder, letting you (carefully) run your fingers through her hair. "I can only hope the show is as pleasant. I would be lying if I said I'm looking forward to everything about it. Some things are easier to push away than others."

"Like Cashmere?"

She nods slowly, placing a foreleg in your hand. "I'm afraid so. No doubt she'll be here tonight; she wouldn't miss an opportunity to gloat."

"Maybe she'll be less of the 'bitchy Cashmere' and more of the 'semi-pleasant Cashmere' we've seen lately," you shrug.

"Perhaps. I'm not exactly holding out hope, however." Rarity scoots over from her seat, sitting across your lap with her forelegs around your neck. "We'll worry about that when the time comes. For now, I'd love nothing more than to sit here, with you, and just enjoy a little peace and quiet."

You tilt her head up and give her a loving kiss, embracing her just a little harder. She smiles up at you and kisses your neck before resting her head on you again. "That sounds perfect to me, Rarity."

==========

"Next up, from sunny Fillydelphia, is the always-lovely Miss Starshine!" Another generic 'walkway' song drones from the record player across the room as the next designer in a long line of ponies takes the stage, doing her best to show off her nice but ultimately kind-of-boring designs. It's the same routine you've watched over and over for nearly an hour. It's almost like the cookie-cutter routine has faded into the background, considering the much more interesting spread of food laid out before you at the buffet table.

Maybe a little of the citrus-teriyaki pasta, and a few cream cheese strawberry rolls, and, ooh, some zebra food! Exotic.

Even as you stuff your face with some spicy-sweet curry the announcer does his best to make every dress and outfit sound amazing. You've gotta give him points for trying, at least. You glance up and see a stallion giving you a strange look -- whether it's from the mouthful of food you've taken in, or the fact that you're two feet taller than him, you couldn't say. Not that you care much at this point. He can stare all he wants as long as he doesn't try to pry you away from the buffet table.

Polite applause marks the end of another strut-and-show, and you give a half-hearted clap while trying to cover up a yawn. Fashionable or not, these events are usually pretty stuffy and boring.

"Thank you, Miss Starshine. Truly a lovely collection you've put together. Coming out next, from Ponyville, please welcome Miss Rarity!" A few scattered clops answer the announcer, though your more enthusiastic shout of "WOOO!" draws its share of stares. Whatever, they don't know Rarity like you do. They will soon, though!

The teenaged mare sitting next to the record player pulls up her list of music and sets a new record into place before going back to her book. She jolts back up as the record starts; it's not the typical, droning music everyone is so used to. Instead, it's a hard, driving track with a duet of cellos mixed in. It sounds like something that blue-haired DJ pony would play, in fact. Classy, but more modern and edgy. A perfect song to match Rarity's new approach to things for tonight. The music must have caught the attention of everyone, because you can hear surprised murmuring all around you.

Oh yes, this is gonna be good.

"I do believe that's better!" Rarity's voice echoes through the show room. "Now that we have some proper introductory music, allow me to introduce myself! Some of you may already know me, and for that, I am grateful." She must be using a microphone -- one of the few that you've ever seen in Equestria, anyway. Everyone else has simply talked at a higher volume. That, or she's managed to learn a voice-amplification spell. Probably the former, though.

"I am the foremost fashionista in Ponyville! I am the owner of the Carousel Boutique, and personal designer for Princess Cadence and her royal ensemble! I am here tonight to impress you, to dazzle you, to show you what a bit of fabric and a sewing needle can truly create! I! Am! RARITY!"

With a burst of magical, purple smoke, Rarity jumps out from the stage curtain and lands front-and-center on the stage, a foreleg raised in the air and a sultry look on her face. The music builds to a crescendo as the trio of mares wearing her designs follow behind her, taking their places on the stage with equally dramatic showponyship.

A big, dumb grin has lingered over your face since the first word. God damn, but she's good. The audience seems to agree -- cheers and stomps fill the show room as the initial shock wears off. They must be as glad to have a break from the monotony as you are.

"You're too kind, Canterlot. Too kind! I take it you approve my little ensemble, hmm?" The stallions certainly do, anyway. It's the moment you've been waiting for all night: Rarity's big reveal of her new style. When you first saw it on her you were blown away, and now it seems you're not the only one with that particular reaction

Rarity's usual look has been drastically altered. Her trademark curls are gone, instead styled into a single, long ponytail (is it still called a ponytail on ponies?) that curls once as it drapes over her neck and brushes against her back, held in place with a marquise-cut blue gem and hair tie. A length of purple bangs hang over one ear, accented with a golden hair ornament.

The new look doesn't stop with her mane, of course. Her dress is more daring than anything you've seen tonight -- dark purple with accents of black and gold. The chest is collared like a business suit, with an outer purple layer running over her midsection, leading back over a black, chiffon underlay that is just barely see-through, enough to let the white coat of her stomach stand out underneath. The back of the dress tapers to several black, marquise-cut diamonds of the same see-through fabric; you can make out her triple-diamond cutie mark under them.

To top it all off, sheer black opera gloves and leggings tinged with purple swirls adorn her legs. To say she looks completely different would be putting it lightly. It's the same, refined Rarity you know and love, but with a look that says "I mean business". In short, it's god damned amazing, and only something she could possibly pull off.

"Now, don't get me wrong, esteemed guests and fellow fashion designers: there have been some absolutely gorgeous creations on show here tonight, and I'm honored to be in the same room with such talent! But for tonight's little performance, I thought I would try something new. Something unexpected." She turns and starts walking along the length of the catwalk, floating the microphone beside her. Many a stallion turn their heads as she walks by, wide-eyed at the sight of her. You can't help but laugh to yourself.

"You see, fillies and gentlecolts, the Canterlot Creators show has typically been about one theme: warm, comfortable winter wear with a touch of class. The type of outfit for those who have been 'nice', as it were. And while that's all well and good -- and indeed, I own a lovely ensemble created by none other than Miss Starshine herself last year -- I thought that, just perhaps, it's time somepony went for something a little daring. A little aggressive. A little...naughty," she giggles seductively. "Thus, with no small amount of pride in my work, I present to you my winter line-up!"

You let out a sharp 'wolf whistle' at her dress, laughing as she raises a playful eyebrow at the sound. The gathered ponies excitedly talk with each other, pointing and exclaiming at her outfit and new look. She turns and slowly walks down the catwalk toward the trio of ponies wearing her designs.

"Excuse me, sir," a stallion nearby calls out to you, "but am I to take it that you know this Miss Rarity?"

"You could say that," you reply, brushing a stray crumb from your suit jacket.

"Marvelous! My wife and I were hoping we could get in contact with her. I must say, her fashion sense is quite remarkable!" The mare next to him nods enthusiastically, her styled mane bouncing with the motion.

"Oh, sure! Uh, hold on a second." You reach into your back pocket and pull out your newly touched-up wallet -- it still has a use for business purposes -- and pull out a business card, handing it over to him. He floats a small pair of reading glasses out of a pocket, setting them on his nose to look over the information.

"Ah, wonderful! My darling wife and I run a seasonal clothing store in northern Seasaddle."

"That quite the long trip," you say with a polite laugh. Your time around Rarity has rubbed off on you, at least as far as business deals go. You can smooze it up with the best of them, at least until your patience runs out.

"Indeed so. Well worth it, however. It's been quite some time since we've had something truly remarkable to feature at the storefront. We're not designers, you see, simply business ponies. If I may be so bold...does Miss Rarity usually create outfits like this?"

"It depends on what strikes her mood at the time," you answer honestly. "Sometimes it's more understated, or more gaudy. If you're ever in Ponyville we'd love to show you some examples. It's a relatively short trip from here. I'm sure she'd love to meet you two, especially as a fellow business owner." Be polite, share a common ground, set the line, aaaand...

"I believe we can make a bit of a detour. How about it, my dear?" he asks his wife.

"That would be wonderful!" Her enthusiastic smile says it all: another customer. Bingo!

"Great! I'll let her know to expect you, mister and missus..."

"Regal Scroll, my boy! And my lovely wife, Golden Lily."

"Well then, Mr. Scroll and Mrs. Lily, I'll be sure to tell her all about you. Our address is on the card there."

You glance up and see Rarity showing off each of the mares dressed up in her fashions, letting them take a walk down the runway. She's obviously excited about them, extolling the intricacies of the various elements, but you can't focus on her too much at the moment -- a small crowd of ponies, and a few zebras, have gathered around you asking for business cards. You hand them out one at a time, stuffing them into the pockets of those without the ability to levitate, or simply letting them grasp them in their teeth.

We're a shoe-in for best-of-show for sure, you think to yourself.

Rarity catches your eye and you smile up at her, motioning at the throng of bodies around you. She gives you an ecstatic grin in return, practically glowing at the response to all of the time and effort she put into tonight.

"Now!" She exclaims with a dramatic wave of her hoof, "I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome, so I shall take my leave for the night. It has been simply wonderful seeing all of you here tonight, and I hope to see you all again very soon! If you've any business inquiries, my darling dearest shall be more than happy to oblige. He's the tall, handsome fellow there. You really can't miss him," she smiles at you. "To my fellow fashionistas, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. Together we can make Equestria as fabulous a place as it's ever been!" Quite a few cheers answer her, prompting her to strike another dramatic pose. She's getting pretty good at that...

"Enjoy the rest of your evening, my dears!"

With that, Rarity happily trots back behind the curtain, the trio of dolled-up ponies following behind her. You quickly take care of a few more ponies who want her business information and make your way back to the dressing area, spotting Rarity straightening out a wrinkle in her dress and talking excitedly with one of the mares wearing a dark green and gold outfit.

"...simply incredible that it all worked out! I hadn't expected such a response. Perhaps I should make a grand entrance more often, hmm?"

You wave to her as she looks in your direction, a big smile crossing her face as she runs over and throws herself upon you with a shout of joy, nearly knocking you over in the process.

"Did you see that performance, darling?! It couldn't have gone any better!"

"I saw every second of it," you answer, embracing her tightly and giving her a quick kiss. "That was amazing, baby! You really pulled out all the stops tonight."

"I did, didn't I? And to think, I was apprehensive at the very thought of it! Silly me!"

The green-dressed mare trots over and politely interrupts, asking Rarity where she wants the dress to go now that they're done.

"Where should it go..." Rarity asks rhetorically while tapping her chin with a hoof. "Hmm...how about...home with you?"

The pretty mare's mouth hangs open slightly at the response, taking a moment to let the offer connect.

"You...you want me to take it home, Miss Rarity?"

"Of course, darling! Why, I'd say you look simply stunning in it. I could not even imagine another mare wearing it after you! It was made for you, my dear, and so it should belong to you. Consider it a thank-you for being such a wonderful assistant tonight."

"I...I'm not sure what to say!" she says with a surprised blush. "Thank you! That's very nice of you to offer! My husband will absolutely love it!"

"Think nothing of it, darling, you've earned it. Now, why don't you leave this stuffy old show room behind and go have a night on the town? If you've never been to Canterlot I think you'll find there's more than enough to keep you entertained. Oh! And if you happen to drop by the Cork and Chalice, tell them Miss Rarity sent you. I believe you'll find them more than accommodating."

"I will! Thank you again, Miss Rarity!" The dressed-up mare turns and trots away, with Rarity adding a "Ta-ta, darling!" as she does. She looks up at you with her powder-blue eyeshadow and entrancing eyes, an unmistakable glint in them.

"How'd I know you were gonna do that," you chuckle, running a hand through her mane.

"Well," she says dramatically, "anything less would simply be uncouth! A little kindness goes a long way, darling. If my time with the girls has taught me anything, it's most certainly that, hmm-hmm."

"How very generous of you," you tease her.

"That reminds me. I believe I know what I'm getting you for Hearth's Warming Eve, dear."

"Oh? What's that?"

"A book of better puns," she laughs, poking your stomach with a hoof. "But yes, I simply couldn't ask for the dress back after seeing her wear it. It would likely end up hanging up in a closet somewhere, anyway. Much better that it gets some actual use, hmm?" Rarity glances over herself, smiling approvingly at the ensemble she's created. "I'm quite glad that this more aggressive, risque look ended up being a smash hit, if I do say so. It was no small risk!"

"Just remember us little people when you're the ruling Fashion Queen of Equestria, okay?"

"Of course, darling! When I am in charge, I shall make sure you get at least a crust of bread and a cup of water."

"That's not very nice," you laugh quietly, holding her shoulders as she balances on her hind legs to get closer to your height. "I was hoping for a whole slice of bread!"

She giggles at your playful prodding, wrapping a foreleg around your neck. "Don't be greedy, dear. One could misconstrue it as being a little naughty."

"Oh? And what are you gonna do, tie me down?"

"Hmm...that is a rather fun thought..." Rarity rubs her nose against yours and gently kisses you, slowly pulling away with a soft exhale. "But I'm afraid such things will have to wait until we're finished here." Damn. And you were hoping for a little tryst in the dressing room. "Oh, don't fret, my love. The last couple of presenters should be out shortly, then we can head back and have the night to ourselves. We'll do something fun together!" You can think of a lot of fun things to do together, in fact. "Besides that, I mean. Something relaxing and romantic, hmm? Perhaps a nice, hot bath with a glass of wine, or a candle-lit dinner. We could order in! That's something we haven't done in a while."

"Sounds good to me, hon. Hopefully we don't get out of here too la--" A blast of music interrupts your thought, something with a decidedly catchy beat. No doubt it's the next presenter.

"Save that thought for later, darling!" Rarity says, having to shout over the music. "Let's not waste any time! They'll be expecting me -- us -- to be out there for the next fashion up-and-comer!" You nod in agreement and follow behind her, keeping a hand on her tail so you don't lose her in the crowd. Several attendees stop and talk to her, or at least attempt to. The blaring music doesn't make matters any easier.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, our night is almost over, and what a night it's been!" The announcer pony now sounds far louder and more enthusiastic than he did before. You'd guess it to be a bit of "let's get this over with" syndrome. That, or he's being paid."We have one more fabulous fashionista left! Can she wow us with her style? Dazzle us with her designs? Leeeet's find out! Hailing from the fine shops of Manehattan, Fillydelphia, and Ponyville--"

Oh, great.

"The mare who has been called 'The next Diamond Vanity', and the owner of the renowned Elegant Expectations--"

Oh, god damnit.

"The one, the only...Caaaaashmeeeeere!"

For as long as you've had the, erm, 'pleasure' of knowing Cashmere, it's always been very clear that she's all about the one-upmanship. Rarity came out from the curtain with a burst of magic smoke? Well hell, let's just add a giant, unfurling banner of Cashmere's logo! Why the hell not!

"Oh for the love of Celestia! If she's trying to outdo my entrance she's going to have to do better than that!" Rarity stomps an annoyed hoof, scrunching her nose in a way that strikes you as incredibly adorable. She takes notice of your reaction, of course. "What? I don't see how this is funny!"

You hide a laugh behind a cough, motioning back toward the stage. Cashmere leaps out from behind the curtain, wearing a gaudy, red and gold outfit that looks like it would be fully at home on a Vegas showgirl. It's not bad looking, certainly; it's just a little...loud.

But then, that's just about how you'd sum up Cashmere herself.

"Good evening, Canterlot. Good evening indeed..." The sly unicorn floats the mic beside her in a small cloud of emerald energy, slowly trotting back and forth across the stage. "It's been quite the night, hasn't it? So many delicious fashions, so many captivating mares. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the one and only Rarity for her creative performance. Hat's off to you, babe."

Rarity smiles nervously as Cashmere tips her head, answering with a quiet "Y-Yes, thank you..."

"Well, it would be, if I was wearing one. I knew I forgot something. Maybe next time! Now...I'm sure everypony here is asking themselves the same thing: How did Cashmere get so damn sexy?"

"Not the question i was thinking," Rarity mutters.

"I'm afraid I can't answer that question, but I can answer the other one: How am I supposed to follow up after Rarity's bombastic showing? I gotta admit, Rares, you've really upped your showponyship lately. Love the new look, too. Guess I've been rubbing off on you."

"Dear Celestia I hope not!"

"Going into this event, I knew I'd have to pull out something truly unexpected, something jaw-dropping as is only fitting for a fine establishment such as mine. I believe I have the answer! Ladies, if you'd join us, please?"

A pair of ponies -- and a zebra -- step out and take their places along the stage. To your eye, it doesn't look like there's much to them. Their outfits are nice but a little plain, especially considering the eye-catching dress Cash is wearing. Rarity tilts her head in curiosity, probably having the same thoughts. You catch her eye and give her a questioning look, but she simply shrugs in response. Maybe this is the best the mouthy mare could come up with! That would be a nice break.

"Quite nice, aren't they? Functional, if a little reserved. Perfect for Hearth's Warming Eve. If you showed up to your mother's Hearth party in one of these babies, you'd look like a civilized mare. But you know what?..."

She grins mischievously and focuses a shimmering layer of magic around her horn.

"Screw that noise! We're not here to be boring, we're here to be exciting! Please, don't be alarmed."

There's a whooshing of air as the lanterns dotting the room are simultaneously extinguished, leaving only the ceiling lights, which are shut off a second later. The room is plunged into darkness. Shouts of surprise fill the air, growing into a loud murmur. Slowly, gradually, a single light source begins to brighten the room. It's not bright, but slightly muted, with a faint blue glow.

The shocked crowd quiets down in short order, transfixed on the glow. It begins to take form, an intricate pattern of swirls and curved lines. And it's all wrapped around the form of an attractive mare.

"Did she..." Rarity stares at the soft light and audibly gasps. "That's aetherweave!" she says quietly but firmly, ducking her head in frustration. You can't tell in the dim aura, but you're certain she's staring a hole through Cashmere right now. "My aetherweave! She stole my design!"

You focus on the patterns to be sure, but it's unmistakable -- Cashmere's dress is covered in patterns of eye-catching, glowing thread. Brighter than when you saw Rarity demonstrate it, even.

"Apologies for the start I probably gave you," Cash continues, laughing softly, "but I thought you'd like to see this amazing material in all its majesty. Beautiful, isn't it? Oh, but silly me, I've forgotten something!" A flash of magic from one of the modeling ponies, and the three other dresses all begin to gently glow. Golden-yellow light, as soft as the blue glow of Cashmere's dress. A seafoam green on the pegasus next to her. And, most eye-catching of all, a pinkish-red for the zebra mare.

There isn't a single word uttered by the gathered crowd.

Well, shit. Rarity's not gonna be happy about this one.

"...but...Aetherweave was going to be my trade secret..." Rarity looks up at you with a look of...what, exactly? You can't be sure. Shock, revulsion, sadness? At the same time, you can detect a hint of envy in her voice. "She made it work. She actually made it work..."

"This, fillies and gentlecolts, is aetherweave. A long time ago, it was popular with the highest of the upper-class. Royalty, diplomats, business ponies. Easy to see why, isn't it? It's breathtaking. Some designers here tonight have said that their outfits will 'light up the room' when you enter the room wearing them. Well, I do believe I can make the claim that mine will literally light up the room. And this..." she trots over to the pegasus at center stage, "is something you can only get from Elegant Expectations. From me." Cashmere brushes against the pegasus mare, pacing around her with a playful smile and running a hoof along her sides. "From Cashmere." Slowly, she leans in and tilts her head, meeting her lips to the glowing mare's in a kiss that practically drips with sensuality.

At this point, not even you can peel your eyes away. By the relative silence around you, neither can anyone else.

"I think you'll make the right choice, Canterlot. If you're interested, come up and see me some time. I'm sure I can find some way to please you..."

With a final flick of her tail the hyper-sensual mare struts off, flanked by her trio of models. Their glowing outfits gradually fade until the room is dark once more.

With a humming of electricity the lights come back on, where most of the crowd stands in shock. Then, like a tidal wave, it hits: the cheers, the stomping in approval, the shouts of admiration.

"Superb!" "Magnificent!" "Incredible!"

Rarity, however, is not quite as celebratory. "She...she took my idea! She stole that glowing threat right out from under my nose, and I never saw it coming! Aghhh!" She stomps an angry hoof and starts pushing her way through the crowd, not waiting for you to follow her.

"Of all the nerve! If she's going to attempt to...to...screw me over like that, she could at least have the courtesy to lick me first!" A few stallions and mares raise an eyebrow at the colorful metaphor, but she ignores them and makes her way through the attendees and back to the dressing area.

"Really! And here I thought I had her figured out! How unscrupulous! Such business practices are the mark of desperation, if you ask me!"

You open the door for her and allow her to step inside, shutting it behind you for privacy. A seat is dragged over to sit in while she paces back and forth, continuing to vent. You've seen her like this enough times to know better than to interrupt; she'll get over it soon enough.

"Stealing my idea! And then flaunting her considerable skills as a first-class tart to appeal to the basest of urges, cementing her very name in their memories like some shameless red-light worker! It's crude, I tell you! Crude and-and-and crass and...actually rather smart." She stops pacing long enough to let out a deep breath, looking up at you with an exhausted, unbelieving look. "Goddeses damnit, she was smart." A bitter laugh comes from her lips as she climbs up next to you. "She outdid me, plain and simple. It's not often I've had to admit such a thing."

Rarity leans against your shoulder and closes her eyes, letting you run your hand through her styled hair. The soft fabric of her leggings and dress brush against your skin, a sensation that manages to feel very nice despite the mood she's fallen into.

"You alright, hon?" You're not sure how else to ask it. She laughs to herself before answering you quietly.

"Yes, I believe so. I'm not sure how to feel right now, if I'm honest. I don't feel, oh...betrayed, or abused, or anything like that. I am not the same mare I was when she took me up on that stage, the night of her grand opening party. I've come to expect such things these days! I'm just a little surprised, I suppose. The last thing I expected her to do was take my aetherweave plans and use them against me!"

A comb floats over from the vanity mirror, brushing through the curls of her tail as she speaks.

"I am hesitant to say as much, but she's managed to do far more with it than I managed to. It took a considerable amount of time and effort to create even a small bit of the thread, much less enough for four dresses! And in different colors, too! I'd no idea you could even do that. I have to give it to her: she's considerably more talented than I'd thought."

"It was kind of impressive," you finally admit, feeling comfortable enough with her emotional state to do so. "Not to mention that kiss..."

"Yes, it was rather sultry, wasn't it? For all the debauchery that overactive sensuality of hers has no-doubt brought upon her, she knows how to work it to her favor. It's not something I consider to be 'tasteful' or 'classy', but the old adage is true: sex sells, darling." She blushes lightly as she adds, "it brought back memories of when she and I were, ah, more familiar with that sort of thing. The kiss, that is. Not the sexuality. Much as she'd have preferred otherwise, a-heh-heh..."

"Well, for what it's worth," you tell her as you wrap an arm around her, "I still think you were incredible tonight. You put on one hell of a show, Rarity. We'll get a jump in customers for sure."

"You think so?"

"I know so. And at the end of the day, you're still the classier of the two, that's for damn sure. They'll know where to go for quality. Trust me."

She smiles warmly and kisses your cheek. "Thank you, my love. It's wonderful to hear that. All in all, I think our little excursion to Canterlot has been rather successful, even if I have to contend with a certain two-toned tart and her continued efforts to undermine me. We'll see."

The commotion of the gathered ponies begins to die down as they make their way out of the showroom. A few ponies can be heard chatting to each other as they pass by your dressing room door, but that too dies down after a few minutes.

"Well, I think it's about time we get going, hon. What do you say?"

"I think that's a marvelous idea," Rarity answers you with a warm smile. "I shan't let she-who-shall-not-be-named occupy my thoughts for another moment. The night is beautiful and the balcony suite is all ours! I intend to make use of both, my love."

"And a little hot tub action and a glass of wine couldn't hurt," you add, giving a slight squeeze to her rear. "Just do me a favor and keep the ponytail for the night. It's sexy."

She giggles and hops down from the chair, grabbing her saddlebag and beauty supplies from the counter. "I'll do you one better, darling: I'll keep the dress on. It's already quite short as is, you know. All you'd have to do is hike it up just a little..."

You head out into the hallway and make a quick stop by the backstage area, hefting the trio of neatly-hung dresses over your shoulder. "At any rate, I sincerely look forward to spending some time with you. You are the light of my life, and I'm proud to call you my lover."

With hoof in hand you head back upstairs to the main level, past the throngs of departing ponies, and up to your private suite. The door clacks open with a rush of cool, comfortable night air. Rarity looks up at you with those big, blue eyes you've so fallen for and smiles as only she could.

"Tonight, darling, I am yours, and yours alone."