Another day, another dollar. A dollar that will probably be spent on aspirin.

Even though you enjoy your job and the ponies you work with, the physical demands of working in the freezing cold for ten hours -- a longer day than usual -- sometimes make you wish you'd picked a different career field. Like flower arranging. Or professional bed tester.

With the weekend to look forward to, you plod your way through the Boutique's big, purple doors, kicking the snow off your boots before setting them on a towel in the entrance way; something Rarity didn't so much 'suggest' as she demanded. Politely, of course. You don't mind, though. You're just glad to be home. You strip off your tool belt and heavy jacket with a sigh of relief, finding yourself soaked in sweat even with the freezing temperatures you've felt all day. Much to your surprise, the Boutique is oddly quiet, with no sign of Rarity or Fluttershy anywhere. The only light on for the entire first floor is a small lamp in the kitchen, sitting off to the side of a still-hot tea kettle.

"She must be upstairs," you figure. Your back protests as you bend down to pick up a mug from the sink, checking to make sure it's clean before pouring yourself a steaming cup. You don't even care that it's some kind of odd-smelling chamomile mixture -- you just want something hot to warm you up. A spoonful of sugar and a little honey helps the flavor taste less like a flower garden and more like something semi-tolerable.

A small collection of ponnequins sits off to the side of the kitchen, stacks and rolls of fabric in all colors draped across them or piled up on the floor. Several pieces of paper lie crumpled up in small balls or otherwise tossed aside; you pick one up and take a look as you sip your tea, letting out a satisfied exhale at the warmth rushing down your throat. A closer look shows it to be a sketch of an intricate dress design, one that was half-finished before being crossed out with a black quill stroke. Whatever it was supposed to be, Rarity obviously didn't think too highly of it.

More crumpled papers dot the stairway and second floor hall, along with bits of silk and cotton fabric. You're a little surprised; Rarity's never this messy. You suspect she's had a pretty rough day, your aches and pains suddenly taking a back seat out of concern for her emotional well-being.

"Honey?" You call out quietly as you walk by her work room. The light's off, but it's clear that things haven't been neatly put away like they usually are. Sweetie's room is equally dark, albeit far tidier. You slowly push open the door to your room, and find Rarity fast asleep on the floor in the middle of a big, soft stack of fabric, surrounded by half-complete sketches and dress designs.

You smile at the sight of her splayed across her rainbow of materials, her mouth hanging open as she quietly snores. She still has her measuring tape around her neck and her work glasses on her nose, albeit hanging off of one side. You quietly undress after shutting the door, trying not to wake her. She fidgets slightly as you open the bathroom door and turn on the shower, but quickly returns to a deep sleep. After a few moments to finish your tea you step into the hot water with a deep sigh of releif, letting it run down your aching, cold body. Idly, you notice a new set of Rarity-branded bottles lining the wall. A new shipment, maybe? You shrug and return your focus to the steaming water, simply closing your eyes and thinking about nothing.

The door handle twists open, a rush of steamy air flowing out as it's pushed aside. The silhouette of a head pokes through, followed by a cautious foreleg.

"Mmmmmnn..." you hear her grumble, jerking back at the lights. "Were they always this bright?"

"Hey, baby," you say from behind the shower curtain, letting a little amusement come through in your words, but still trying to sound as caring as possible. "Sorry if I woke you, I needed to get a shower as quickly as possible."

"It's fine," she replies, stepping into the bathroom and shutting the door behind her. "Goodness, I must have passed out. From exhaustion, no less."

You pull the shower curtain back so you can see her. "Long day?"

"To say the least." A small pillow floats past your head and is dumped on the floor, where Rarity promptly plops herself down with a groan. "I don't think I've had so many customers and clients in a single day since...well, I suppose since Cashmere's little half-off stunt. Last-minute orders for Hearth's Warming, you see."

"Ah, that'd do it." You finish washing the remainder of the shampoo out of your hair and shut off the water, then wrap a towl around your waist. Normally you wouldn't bother, but doing otherwise doesn't feel right with her current, still-sleepy demeanor. With a careful step out of the bathtub you grab another towel and start drying off. "You alright, hon? Looked like you've had one hell of a day."

"I'll manage," she answers with a half-smile. "I always do. Sometimes it's simply harder to do so than other days." She looks up and laughs quietly at the steam filling the room. "This is going to play havoc with my mane. Good that I don't care at the moment, I suppose." A small stack of folded towels levitates over from the storage closet. She pats the towels with a hoof and scoots over, letting you sit next to her. As soon as you do she throws her forelegs around you and buries her face in your shoulder. "I missed you, my love."

"I missed you too, honey." You embrace her tightly and kiss her forehead, brushing a length of hair out of her face. "Hope you don't mind, but I had some of your tea. It was still hot when I got home."

"You had chamomile-bergamot tea? Who are you and what have you done with my man?" she giggles. "Oh dear, I'd completely forgotten about it. I set the stove to keep it warm and promptly fell asleep. Long day, as you probably guessed."

"Long day for me as well. Found out I can simultaneously sweat and freeze my ass off if the work's hard enough. So that was fun."

"So I imagine," she laughs softly. She briefly stands up and walks around your leg to lean back against you, but scoffs at the towel around your waist. "I appreciate the gesture of politeness, darling, but you needn't worry about such things with me. Sit up, please." You do as she asks, letting her pull the towel away with a flaring of blue magic. "That's better." You readjust yourself to get comfortable and let her sit against you with her back to your chest. Her soft coat feels wonderful against your damp skin; you put your arms around her and rest your head against hers, thankful for the comfort.

"What happened, baby?" you ask her as she runs a hoof down your chest. "When I came home it looked like a hurricane had hit the place."

"Believe me, a hurricane is exactly what I would describe today as. I had so many orders, so many questions from customers. Questions about my product line, questions about how much I charge, ponies wanting discounts for ordering so close to the holidays, of all things. And the formal wear! I swear, it's like nopony in town thinks more than a few days ahead. And they all wanted something that 'pops' or 'stands out', as if all of my designs weren't already fabulous enough to draw attention on their own. So many rejected designs..." You kiss the back of her neck and offer your sincerest comfort for her stressful day.

"I'm sorry you had such a bad day, baby. At least it's over."

"It comes with the territory, I'm afraid," she shrugs. You tilt her head up and give her a loving kiss. She smiles at you and returns the favor before laying her head back against your chest. "I'd forgotten how hard it is to manage things all by myself on a busy day."

"I take it Fluttershy wasn't around?" you ask, gently massaging her shoulders.

"Unfortunately, no. Today was the start of the songbird migration, and she had to be there to see them off and take care of the injured ones. You know Fluttershy, she couldn't stand to miss a single moment of such a thing, bless her heart." She lets her shoulders droop with a quiet exhale. "Mmmm...harder, please."

"Honey?" you ask her as you follow her wish.

"Hmmm?"

"Have you ever thought about getting some full-time help around here? Fluttershy may be a great girl, but the Boutique isn't her only concern as far as businesses go. On days like today it would really be helpful."

"Oh, I don't know," she says hesitantly, "It may be exhausting but I always manage to work it through. Somehow."

"Maybe, but that doesn't mean you should have to do it on your own. This is way too much work for you to concern yourself with, day in and day out. You're working yourself harder than you really need to be. And don't say you're not, because I found you asleep on a pile of fabric," you laugh. "That's all the proof I need." She stumbles to find an answer.

"Yes, w-well, I was, ah...exhausted." She looks up at you with sad eyes and rubs a hoof over your chin. "I was utterly exhausted. Oh, dear..." You grasp her hoof in your hand and offer her a comforting smile. "Perhaps you're right. I've managed to run the Boutique on my own for years, but with both our income and our business clientelle picking up so much as of late, a little help is probably is our best interest."

"Good," you answer with a smile. "That's what I was hoping to hear. I love you, Rarity. I just want you to be happy. You've done an amazing job keeping this place running for all these years, but I can tell stress when I see it. Maybe it's just time you hire someone to help share the work load. Even if it's just working the register while you do your dressmaking thing."

"I'll have to run the numbers, and put out fliers, and of course there's interviews and knowledge tests and--"

"Hey," you interrupt her. "Don't worry about it, baby. One thing at a time, alright?"

She looks at you for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright. I suppose I was too proud to admit such a thing, but it would seem the Boutique has grown beyond my ability to control it on my own. Perhaps some help would be good for all of us in the long run." She leans forward and kisses you gently, running a hoof along your cheek. "Thank you, darling. It's so good to have someone I can rely on to speak earnestly."

"Of course, baby. That's what I'm here for. Well, that," you laugh, "and to drink everything in the house. But that goes without saying."

"I suppose I'll let it slide this time," she giggles, "but you owe me a cup of tea."

"You can take me up on it when it's not freezing outside." You lay back and enjoy Rarity's quiet company for some time, nearly drifting off from the warm air and soft caress of her body. On any other day, the both of you lying nude together in a steamy shower would lead to a little fun and excitement, but you're actually a little glad to just be able to let your mind wander. Unfortunately, it ends up wandering toward Cashmere. You'd completely forgotten about her up until this moment. The mere thought of her leaves a sour taste in your mouth, making you twitch and fidget uncomfortably, which doesn't go unnoticed by Rarity.

"Something wrong?" she asks you, still running her hoof up and down your thigh.

"Yeah," you grumble, "Cashmere."

"Oh," she says with a tinge of annoyance, her ears flattening out. "Right. I hadn't given her a moment's thought today."

"That makes two of us."

Rarity lets out a quiet grumble of frustration and tosses a hoof in the air. "And here I thought we'd simply enjoy a nice, quiet night together."

"I know, I'm sorry," you answer apologetically, "but you know as well as I do that if we don't confront her we're going to end up having a lot more interrupted nights. It's what she does; she's always there at the back of our minds with some issue or other. Personally, I think we've put up with that crap for far too long."

"I'd have to agree, unfortunately. As much as I'd rather ignore her entirely..." She kicks a hind leg and mutters, "this isn't going to be easy."

"You sounded a lot more optimistic a few days ago. Something change your mind?"

"I don't know if it's any one thing in particular," she shrugs, "but you know exactly who we're dealing with here." Rarity sighs deeply, but at least manages a small smile at the feeling of your hand running through her hair. "I suppose we should just get this over with, hmm? Hopefully we still have a bottle of wine left for after this is all sorted out. Luna knows we'll probably need it."

You reassure her by kissing her cheek and wrapping your arms around her. "We'll be alright, baby. No matter what she says or does, you're the better mare here. You deserve a successful business because of who you are, not because of who you've bought out. Or screwed over."

"Quite literally, in her case," she quips. "Thank you for the encouragement, darling. I've a feeling I'm going to need every ounce of it." A set of clothing floats over to you from the closet, landing neatly on the countertop. "Now, let's get you properly dressed. You only feel as good as you look, I always say. Or vice-versa." She playfully rubs herself against you and smiles despite the impending confrontation. "Perhaps when we're finished with this nasty business, we can recreate this particular moment with a much happier conclusion."

"I think I'd like that," you smile back, giving her one more lingering kiss. "With any luck, this is the last time we'll have to confront her. I'm not exactly optimistic."

"Nor am I, darling, but we shall see."

==========

Night comes earlier now than it used to, the waxing crescent of Luna's moon rising above the eastern mountains and casting a dim, white glow on the packed snow that now covers most of Ponyville. To their credit, the pegasi did an admirable job of keeping the snow a consistent depth. Mostly. You still find a deeper clump of it every so often, much to your well-dressed chagrin. You're starting to regret wearing dress shoes, wishing you'd brought your boots instead.

Fortunately, Cashmere's business is just down the road. Any further and you'd probably end up freezing your feet off. You grumble and quietly swear as a chunk of snow slips into your shoe, getting an amused giggle from Rarity.

"Really, darling, it's not that bad."

"Easy for you to say," you reply, kicking the snow out of your shoe. "You have snow boots up to your knees. Remind me again why it's okay for you to wear boots but I'm stuck in these--" you nearly slip on a patch of icy snow, "these damn things?"

"Because these boots are not only functional, they are fashionable, and an acceptable compliment to this luxurious fur coat. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yeah, great, honey. Real great."

"Chin up, my dear, we're nearly there." The curving, eye-catching lines of Elegant Expectations loom ahead of you, the bright-red, double-C sign still illuminated in the dark hours of the early night. "I suppose it's a good thing she remains open so late."

You stop to take a glance inside the store, finding only a pair of ponies talking to a mare with a name tag pinned to her work collar. "So," you finally say, "are you ready to put an end to this?"

"As much as I can be," Rarity answers. She hesitates for a moment, lifting a nervous foreleg. "I...I don't know if such finality is something I'm prepared for. All these years, all these memories..." She looks over at you with sadness in her eyes, still trying to maintain her composure. "I'm sorry, my love. That was then and...and this is now. The Cashmere I used to know is gone. And if I'm to lead a happy life in Ponyville with you and Fluttershy," -- you cringe inwardly -- ,"then I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to make that happen." She kicks a booted hoof at the snow. "Even if it means leaving a happier time with an old friend behind me."

You rest a hand on her head and offer a comforting smile, though you can't imagine what she must be feeling right now. "We'll do this together, honey. Okay?"

She nods, building herself up for the confrontation. "Very well. Let's get this over and done with."

A happy little bell jingles above the door as you enter, drawing the attention of the young mare a short distance away. She slowly trots over to you as you remove your heavy winter coat, leaving just your dress jacket and the accompanying formal clothes. You'd have rather just shown up in jeans and a sweatshirt, but Rarity insisted on appearing as professional as possible.

"Hey, welcome to Elegant Expectations," she says with a polite, if not-quite-cheery smile. "Anything I can help you find tonight?"

"Good evening, madam," Rarity replies with all of her class and years of learned upper-crust mannerisms,"you'll forgive me if I don't recognize you, Miss...?"

"Silver," she says matter-of-factly. "Silver Lining. Hi." Only now do you notice her grey wings, poking through the red-and-cream work shirt covering her neck and midsection.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Silver! Is Morning Blossom not on shift? We've had such nice conversations when we've visited."

"Who?" she asks.

"Morning Blossom. Pink coat, two-tone pink mane and tail? Braces? I believe she was about your age."

Silver Lining stares off into space for a moment before answering. "Oooooh...yeah, her. The annoyingly bubbly one."

"Well, I don't know if I'd call her annoyingly bubbly, but--"

"Yeah, she doesn't work here any more."

Rarity jerks her head back in surprise; truth be told, you're a little surprised as well. "Really? I always thought she was such a wonderful employee. Very friendly."

"Uh-huh." The bored-looking pegasus kicks a hoof at the ground. Well, so much for friendly service. "I dunno, I think Cashm---uh, Miss Cashmere, whatever -- canned her last week."

"She was fired?!" Rarity asks, sounding genuinely concerned for the poor mare whom you probably would classify as 'annoyingly bubbly', but certainly helpful and enthusiastic. And a little charming. But just a little. "What ever for?"

"I'unno. But, uh, is there something I can help you with?"

"Ah...no, thank you. I'm here to speak with Miss Cashmere, we're old friends. We'll just make our way to her office. But thank you anyway, Miss Silver." You nod politely and carry on past the less-than-personable pegasus, waiting until you're out of earshot. "I wonder what her 'silver lining' is...maybe she's really knowledgeable about all this stuff. Too bad she's also kind of bitchy."

Rarity chuckles slightly. "I don't know if I'd call her 'bitchy', darling, but I admit she is a rather drastic departure from Morning Blossom. Shame to hear what happened to the poor dear. I wonder why in the world Cashmere would get rid of such a charming girl..."

You're about to offer up a few guesses, but are stopped by the sight of none other than the two-toned unicorn trotting out from behind her corner office. Well, shit. No going back now. She doesn't notice you at first, keeping herself preoccupied with a floating clipboard and inked quill.

"Hello, Cash," Rarity says flatly. Cashmere looks up from her paperwork with an arched eyebrow, quickly looking the both of you over.

"Rarity! Well, well! Wasn't expecting to see you tonight. What's the special occasion, doll? You come to offer up a little menage a trois with your handsome human?" She laughs and tosses her hair, setting the clipboard down on the counter.

"Hardly," Rarity answers, not amused. "Cash, we need to talk."

"Oh, Rarity, Rarity, Rarity. You and your talking. So much talk and so little action. Do you always have to sound so dire? Really, babe, it wouldn't kill you to lighten up a little. Get drunk, have some wild sex; you know, fun things like that. It'd certainly help your attitude." Cashmere looks you over and smiles, adding, "and yours too, lover-boy. Nice suit, by the way. I'd be surprised if Fluttershy didn't peel you out of it that night, heh." When you don't take the bait she shrugs with a dismissive 'eh'. "You two are perfect for each other; Rarity has no sense of fashion, and you have no sense of humor!"

"Oh, I have a great sense of humor," you reply, "it just requires that the joke is funny to begin with."

"Ouch," she feigns dramatically, clutching a hoof to her chest. "You wound me, handsome. But seriously, what do you want? I'm half an hour away from closing the place up for the night, and this shipment of black chiffon isn't going to inventory itself."

Rarity steps forward and places a hoof on the counter for emphasis. "What we want, Cashmere, is an end to this."

"So do I!" Cashmere says playfully. "All you have to do is give up now, and we'll save each other just so much time! Haha..."

"I'm serious." Rarity stares her down, not breaking eye contact.

"Oh. You're serious? Well, shit. You're always serious! This is different...how, exactly?"

"Because I am tired of your games!" Rarity nearly shouts, slamming her hoof down. You look back and see Silver Lining and the two customers staring at you, but turn your attention back to Cashmere and Rarity. "I...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have raised my voice. Ahem."

"Forget about it," Cashmere shrugs. "Look, Rarity. Babe. If you're here to talk business, I can understand that, but now is really not a good time. I don't show up at your store and cause a scene during business hours, do I?"

"Well, there was that time you came in during the afternoon rush and--"

"Besides that. Not the point, anwyay. Point is, I have a lot to do and a short amount of time to do it, or I'm gonna be rowing up shit creek without a without a paddle, you get me?"

Rarity indignantly fluffs her hat. "Fine. We can wait." Cashmere stares at her for a moment, but soon breaks out into a laugh.

"You're really serious about this, aren't you? Fine, fine. I tell ya what -- you and your fuck buddy can come over to my place after I'm done here. Hell, I'll even cook us a nice dinner! Easy on the nightshade for him, though," she chuckles. "How does that sound? Then we can discuss...whatever it is that's apparently biting your ass. Besides him, that is." Rarity blushes slightly even as she furrows her brow. "Ah-ha ha! Oh, Rares, you're so adorable when you're flustered. Come on, I know you like it. Hell, I know he likes it. Don't you, lover-boy?"

You don't say anything in reply, but you do offer a shrug and a 'maybe' grin.

"Ha! At least one of you has a sense of humor after all. Go figure. Hey, no need to be so coy. Rarity's got one fine ass, if I do say so. And I do. You do whatever you like to it."

Rarity blushes even harder, having to turn away with a "hmmph!"

"Maybe if we get enough to drink tonight, you can do whatever you like to my ass too, honey." She clicks her teeth and laughs again, floating the clipboard back over in a shimmering field of emerald-green energy.

"Four-four-nine Windswept Avenue. You know the place?"

"I do," you answer, "just past that corner store, right?"

"Quills and Sofas," Cashmere clarifies. "Guess what they sell?"

"...Quills and sofas?"

"Handsome and smart! You're the complete package, boy-toy. Be there at nine and we'll see how this goes."

Rarity removes her hoof from the counter and looks her old friend over, not as amused as you are. "Very well. I suppose it's not an entirely unreasonable suggestion, coming from you of all ponies."

"I'm not unreasonable at all, honey," Cashmere says as she starts heading toward the back storage area. " You just have to get to know me." With that, the flirty mare disappears to finish her work for the night, leaving the two of you to wrap yourselves up for the walk back to the Boutique.

"Getting to know you," Rarity says quietly as she turns around to leave, "is exactly why we're in this situation to begin with..."

Silver Lining doesn't say anything as you walk past her and head outside, back into the cold night air. You stop for a moment to fix the hat on Rarity's head and take your place alongside her, keeping pace with her slow walk.

"Rarity?" you ask her as you leave the lights of Elegant Expectations behind you. "You okay, baby?"

"I don't know," she says earnestly. "I'd built myself up to have some sort of...knock-down, drag-out fight with her, but what did she end up doing? Inviting us for dinner at her place. To discuss things like adults. Well...as much of an adult as Cashmere can be, anyway."

"A little unexpected, I take it?"

"You wouldn't be far off in that assumption," she answers. "Darling, am I...am I too serious of a mare?"

"What?" you ask, surprised by the question. "Of course not. Why would you even think such a thing?"

"Because Cashmere was quite alright with what we had to say. And I was the one to lose my temper, not her."

You stop and crouch down, looking her in the eyes. "Honey, no one would have possibly blamed you for being fed up with her bullshit. We've dealt with this for a long time. And you have such a close history with her, on top of that. In the unlikely -- very unlikely, if you ask me -- event that she really is intent on talking this through, I think that's probably a better option for all of us involved. Would you rather this turn into a slugging match?"

"No, of course not. But perhaps she's right, to some degree. With all of the problems we've had lately, what with Slate and Cashmere and the deluge of customers, I think I've lost focus of simply taking some time and relaxing. Goodness, I haven't even spent a day with the girls in weeks! When we're through with Cashmere and all of my orders are filled, I think a few days off couldn't hurt."

"That's what I like to hear." You kiss her forehead and smile, standing back up to carry on down the street. The crunching of snow underfoot echoes through the cold night, a peaceful break from Cashmere's continuing drama.

"Do I, ah...really have a 'fine ass?'" Rarity asks with a quiet giggle.

"The finest," you answer, playfully grabbing her rear for emphasis.

"Oh! Well, then. I suppose that's one more thing for her to be jealous of. Thank you, darling."

"Any time, baby. Any time." You let the laughter between you linger for a moment before asking, "So, do you really think she'll use nightshade?"

"Please," Rarity answers dismissively, "nightshade is far too expensive. It will most likely be hemlock."

==========

Nine o'clock comes around slowly; a few hours of impatient, nervous waiting culminating in Rarity deciding to imbibe in a glass of wine to calm her nerves. Not that you can blame her. Hell, you're surprised she didn't down half the bottle.

Wrapped up once again in your winter gear -- sans business suit, thankfully -- you headed out to the address given to you. It's a short walk, no more than ten minutes. Just enough time to let the cold air clear Rarity's head. You pass by the aptly named Quills and Sofas, turning the corner onto Windswept, where a long row of houses line either side of the street. You tick off the numbers as you walk past the homes.

"Four-four-seven...four-four-eight...aaand...four-four-nine." You stop in front of Cashmere's residence and find Rarity taking the words right from your mouth.

"Hmmm," she says with an edge of surprise, "It's smaller than I'd have thought. I'd have expected Cashmere to live in a small mansion, at the very least. This actually looks rather...modest."

"My thoughts exactly," you add.

"Though it's likely the only 'modest' thing about her. She has never been the sort to keep a low profile. Indeed, you've seen her flaunt her attributes at every opportunity. Certainly such a thing hasn't dulled over time. In fact, she's more brash than she's ever been!" Rarity cocks her head at an angle, genuinely puzzled by the modest home. "I wonder if she's attempting to keep up some sort of guise of being a 'regular pony' like the rest of us. It would make sense, from a marketing standpoint, but--oh, listen to me. Rambling on about the 'what ifs' when we're standing out here in the cold. My apologies, darling."

"It's alright," you chuckle. "Guess we'll see for ourselves, huh?"

"So it would seem." She takes a deep breath and sets herself for the confrontation that is no-doubt waiting for her. "Very well. Time waits for nopony, and Rarity keeps nopony waiting."

"Unless you're getting dressed up," you quip.

"That goes without saying," she adds nonchelantly. "Come."

A few sharp knocks on the door later, you're standing face-to-face with Cashmere. Or as close as you can be with the height difference, anyway. She's only lightly dressed, with a length of sheer, emerald-green fabric wrapped around her torso in a way you've never seen. You're no expert at such a thing, but the best you could describe it as is 'see-through ribbon' tied around shoulders and down to her haunches. It's...interesting. To be fair, it does accentuate her looks quite well, but it's a little odd to see such a thing. It kinda-sorta reminds you of a toga, only not as loose. And see-through.

"You actually showed up!" Cashmere laughs quietly, flipping her two-toned hair. "Color me surprised."

"Hello, Cash," Rarity says politely, forcing a smile. "I'm glad we could meet like proper mares."

"Eh, the store's closed tomorrow, I haven't got shit else to do. May as well entertain my old friend and her charming boy-toy for a while." She looks up at you and gives a wry smile. "Nice to see you, handsome. No suit this time?"

"Sorry, I was hoping for something more comfortable," you shrug. "Hope you don't mind."

"Mind? Honey, you can take off as much clothing as you like. Hell, remove it all if you feel up to--"

"May we come in?" Rarity interrupts, stomping a hoof indignantly.

"Hmm? Oh, right. Yeah, come on in, love birds. Watch your step, I've got hardwood floors. It'd be a real shame if you hurt yourself."

"Indeed."

"Kick your shoes off and stay a while. If you'll excuse me, I have a sauce I have to stir." She turns around and starts trotting off, motioning over her shoulder. "Living room's off to the right. Help yourselves."

You lean against the wall and work at removing your boots, helping Rarity out of hers after you finish. Her mood is bordering on sour already. You do your best to try and cheer her up, for what it's worth.

"Relax, honey," you reassure her with a smile. "She hasn't threatened us yet. Let's see how this all goes before we jump to any conclusions, alright? Who knows? Maybe she'll actually be a decent person. Pony. For once."

"I'm not holding out a great deal of hope," Rarity replies, "but I suppose you're right. No sense in getting myself all worked up over nothing. Even if she does take the opportunity to flirt with my lover at every available opportunity..."

"I just roll with it," you shrug. "It's her personality. I can either get pissed off, or I can downplay it. Besides, you know how much she enjoys the attention we give her when she manages to push our buttons."

"Very well," she sighs. "I will attempt to keep from pouncing on her. For now."

"Good." You kiss her forhead and stand back up, heading off to the living room and taking in the equally moderate furnishings. Besides a small collection of framed photos -- none of which have Rarity in them, of course -- and newspaper clippings, her home seems to be sparsely decorated. It even feels a little comfortable and welcoming, thanks to the big, soft couches and floor pillows set near a crackling fireplace. If it weren't for the pony that owns it, you'd happily call this a fine little home.

"I had expected something more...gaudy," Rarity states. "Even Photo Finish would scoff at Cash's choice of colors and styles for her store, but this is actually somewhat subdued. Not sure I agree with the choice of mocha brown for the walls, though."

Cashmere returns from the kitchen after a few moments, floating over a trio of bottles as she walks.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, babe. I had this great idea for a citrus-herb sauce with a wine reduction, but I'll be damned if it doesn't take constant vigilance to get it right." She levitates a bottle in front of you, but you hesitate to take it. "Relax, handsome, it's just a bit of alcohol. Surely a big, strong man like yourself can handle a little booze, right?" You grab the bottle and wait for Rarity to join you. Cashmere even has the courtesy to wait until you all have your drinks before taking a long pull from her own. "Ahhh. Not bad, if I do say so. And I do, hmm-hmm."

Rarity takes a cautious sip, perking her eyebrows at the taste. "Oh, my. This is actually quite sweet! And I detect quite a few notes of cinnamon and spices."

"Mulled wine," Cashmere clarifies with a smile. "Picked up the recipe from a gorgeous little thing up in Whinnypeg last time I was up there. She was great at making the stuff. Pretty fun in bed, too."

You arch an eyebrow at her but take a sip of your mulled wine anyway; it's pretty damn good. Kind of...warming. Good drink for winter, you'd say.

"You want the details, honey?" she laughs.

"Perhaps some other time," Rarity answers for you. "Some very distant time."

"Your loss," Cashmere shrugs, flicking her tail up on Rarity's shoulder. Rarity pushes it off with a hoof before continuing the conversation. "So, what do you think of the place? Pretty cozy, huh? I was looking at it for a while before I finally made the move up here to open the new store. I still prefer my place out in Manehattan, but something about this little home is oddly charming. Don't really care for the wall color, though."

"I had always pictured your home as being more...lavish," Rarity carefully states. "You can imagine my surprise at finding it quite subdued, as these things go."

"Eh, what can I say? I wasn't in the mood to buy a bunch of things and have them moved from Manehattan, so I just bought this place as-is from an older mare who said she was looking to move back to...Trottingham, or something like that. Should have had her paint the walls first, but whatever. It's not an ideal home, but I kinda like it." She runs a hoof down her side, drawing attention to her toga-esque wrap. "You know, she's the same one who gave me this lovely little number. Said it was a big hit at parties back when she was a young thing. Not bad, huh?"

You and Rarity nod in response.

"I thought so, too. Glamorous, but with a hint of naughtiness. Just like yours truly," she laughs quietly.

"Look, Cash...we appreciate the drinks, and I've no doubt the dinner will be quite good as well, but let's not pretend that we're the best of friends having a casual dinner together."

"Aren't we?" The teasing unicorn puts on an innocent pout.

"No, we are not. And that is entirely because of your actions since returning to Ponyville." Cashmere's expression remains neutral, but she gestures for Rarity to continue. "I was perfectly happy running the Boutique as it had always been. As it was from the very day we opened it. Together. All I've wanted to do is live my life and run the business I so care for, yet you seem insistent upon ruining both of those things."

"I could have sworn I made it clear, many months ago, that I don't want to ruin you. I want to buy you out. Big difference."

"They are one and the same," Rarity answers indignantly. "I could no sooner sell the Boutique than I could sell my very soul. I will most certainly not stand by while you attempt to run the Boutique under the same principles -- and I use that word very loosely -- that you do for your own store. One of us has to have moral standards."

You remain quiet for the moment, deciding it best to let them have at it for a bit and air their respective issues with each other. As much as Rarity and the Boutique have become the biggest part of your new life, the rivalry between her and Cashmere extends far beyond your experiences here. Still, you listen intently just in case you need to jump in.

"Don't bullshit me, Rares," Cash snaps back, "you know as well as I do that you're no angel. You're not beyond being petty and bitchy. Remember the poison joke? The one-pony band with that insufferable pink pony? Hell, you even beat me in my own market by pulling a supplier right out from under me! That's not exactly ethical, Rarity. Though it was, admittedly, pretty impressive," she laughs.

"Little Miss Rarity, in her perfect home with her perfect business and her perfect man, the pinnacle of politeness and generosity!" she says mockingly. "The pure, uncorrupted seraphim sent down by the first founders of ponydom in time immemorial! Pfft. Like I've said before: We're not really that different. I just don't put up with any shit from anypony."

"Yet you seem perfectly content to produce a mound of it all on your lonesome. Mostly flung in my direction."

"Ouch!" Cashmere laughs loudly. "That was a good one. Maybe you've picked something up from me after all!" She stops to take a long drink from her bottle before setting it aside on a coffee table. "Maybe there's hope for you yet."

"If you're holding out hope for me to reduce myself to your level, you can forget it right now."

"Oh come on, I'm not that bad, babe. Though I can be if given the proper motivations."

"'Not that bad'? Really? I suppose I should forget about the time you showed up and insulted my -- our! -- store and demanded I give you control of it! Or the time you publicly humilitated me with that ridiculous sale! Or the way you continue to attempt to work your way into our bedroom! That's not even to mention the absolute nerve of stealing my Aetherweave designs! How dare you treat me so, even as a business rival!"

Cashmere chuckles at the accusation. "You really think that was my doing, don't you?"

"Of course I do! I had begun to experiment with the material shortly before the Canterlot Creators show, and then suddenly you just so happen to show up with the exact same thing before I could debut it? No. I do not believe for one second that this wasn't your doing." Rarity points an accusatory hoof at her rival, but it's brushed away with a dismissive laugh.

"Oh, Rares, you never change. What, you think I have spies posted all around the Boutique or something? You think I'm watching you through some magical sooth-saying spell? Please. You greatly overestimate how important you are, both in Ponyville and in the fashion world. You may have that fancy-ass necklace that lets you shove your horn up the Princess's royal crotch in return for favors, but you're not that important."

Rarity gasps indignantly, momentarily losing focus on her bottle of mulled wine. You grab it as it falls, barely avoiding a mess. "How dare you say such a thing! I make no claim to single-hoofedly saving Equestria, but with the love and care of my dear friends we have done exactly that on numerous occasions! I have earned my right to a happy, successful business. And I haven't had to sleep with a single soul to get there, unlike some mares."

"Your loss," Cash shrugs. "Stallions want it and I've got it. You'd be amazed what kind of deals you can work out just for letting some poor asshole stick his cock in you for thirty seconds." She bites her lip playfully and looks over at you. "Speaking of which, what's your endurance like, honey? The last guy I had lasted all of a minute. Remind me never to fuck a pegasus again."

"That's not something I'm willing to discuss with you," you answer. "Long enough to matter, if that answers anything."

"Oh? I knew there was a reason I was rubbing myself to the thought of you last week." She gives you a smile absolutely dripping with sleaze. You can see Rarity barely contain an outburst, but she manages to relax once you give her a look that says 'don't bite'. She relents and sinks back against the couch, probably realizing that a reaction is exactly what Cash was looking for.

"I'm flattered," you chuckle, hoping to ease the mood a little. "Shame that I'm already taken, then."

"Real shame indeed, handsome. Real shame indeed."

Rarity jumps in to redirect the conversation away from Cashmere's field of, ah, 'expertise' and more toward the actual issues at hand.

"If you would kindly return to discussing business and not your bedroom experimentation, I would be most greatful."

"Fine, fine, have it your way. Personally, I'd rather discuss how many places you can stimulate me from at once, rather than this boring tripe you keep bringing up, but that's just me."

"Yes, it is just you. Now, about the aetherweave."

"Right, right, the fancy glowing stuff. How'd you like the display at the fashion show? Pretty impressive, wasn't it?"

Rarity begrudgingly answers. "Yes. It was impressive. That much I will admit. As loathe as I am to say such a thing, your showponyship was quite good that night. That does not mean I condone your actions, however. I want to make that very clear."

"You know, I hadn't thought it would glow that brightly. I figured I'd make the best of it while everyone was entranced and add a little flair to things, as I'm wont to do."

"You mean the kiss?" you ask.

"Exactly. Spur of the moment, honey. Fortunately Sea Swirl was just fine with it. Hell, we went back to my place and fucked like rabbits for the next three hours! Mmmmn, that mare can work some magic with that tongue..."

"As I said," Rarity raises her voice, "that is quite enough of your bedroom habits. I want to know why you stole such a trade secret from me!"

"A trade secret? Ha!" Cashmere adjusts her position on the couch and crosses her legs, letting her tail hang over the side. "Please, doll. If your idea of a 'trade secret' is putting the glowy shit in the first dress available, you're obviously not too concerned with it staying a secret."

"So you did steal it from me! I knew I could expect such a thing from y--"

"I didn't steal it. Calm the fuck down."

"As if I could calm down when you ke--"

"I bought it, Rarity."

"Eh, you what now?"

"You heard me -- I bought it."

"What do you mean you 'bought it'? I most certainly did not sell you any of the material."

"Oh, but you did," Cashmere answers with a wry smile. "Just not directly." Rarity eyes her with suspicion, but motions for her to continue. "You remember that mare you sold the atherweave dress to? Pretty little earth pony with a purple coat?"

Rarity taps her chin with a hoof, trying to think back through the customers she's had over the last few weeks.

"Pearl, I believe was her name, yes. What about her?"

"Well, since you asked, Pearl has been a frequent customer of mine since I opened the first Elegant Expectations up in Manehattan. Normally I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing, but because I was absolutely swamped with orders prior to the fashion show, I ended up, well...sending her over to the Boutique, completely on my expense. Gave her the bits and everything. I told her you and I were old friends."

"Were being the operative word here," Rarity quips.

"Eh, pedantics. Believe me, honey, it wasn't something I did lightly. But! As the courteous mare than I am, I thought it better for her to get some sort of formal wear for Hearth's Warming, instead of going with some...ugh...pre-made outfit. You're welcome for the business, by the way."

"Oh. Well, ah...thank you?"

"Any time, babe. So like I was saying, she got her little dress from you and she was pretty happy about it. So much so, in fact, that she stopped by the shop to show me. And that's when I saw the little glowy bits you'd put into it. Took me by surprise, if I'm honest. I'd always heard of aetherweave but I'd never seen it for myself. Painfully expensive stuff, usually. Anyway, she let me take a good look at the dress, and I may or may not have 'accidentally' undone a small portion toward the back. Of course, I apologized profusely and offered to fix it up on the spot -- which I did -- and give her a free accessory, but the repair may have been sans a little aetherweave. It was in a place she'd have never noticed, anyway."

Rarity takes the bottle back from you and sips at it, eyeing Cashmere the whole time. "So you didn't steal from me. You simply lied to an old friend, intentionally ruined her dress, and offered to 'fix' it for free, which left you in the position of having access to something that I had worked quite hard at. All for your own gain."

"More or less," Cashmere casually shrugs.

"But it's certainly not stealing," Rarity says as she rolls her eyes. "You see? This is exactly what I'm talking about, Cash. I prefer not to be in conflict with somepony I once held deep feelings for, but if it must be so, then I would appreciate it if we could agree to simply act like adults and let our businesses compete as businesses should: through customer loyalty and high quality of service. Not, as you seem to prefer, by gouging one-another in the back like so many criminals. It is completely distasteful, nevermind how utterly uncouth your business is viewed as after such actions."

"You can throw your twenty-bit words around all you like, Rares, but the fact remains that you're too damn lazy to do anything about it." Rarity starts to object, but she's stopped by Cashmere throwing a hoof up in her face. "Ah-ah! Let me finish. As I was saying: you're lazy. You've become comfortable in your little carousel home with Mr. Endurance here occupying your bed every night, even though I'm right down the street. I mean, shit, Rarity, when we were first going at it you stood up for yourself! You ripped that supplier out from under me! You made me pay for that little sale stunt! You stood your ground even when I was bitching at you! And now look at you. You've let me become just another part of your daily routine, no more of a concern than what flavor tea you want to buy at the market. I was at least expecting to hear from you at the Canterlot Creators show that night, but you just let me waltz my way out of the building like no big deal. Lazy, lazy, lazy. At least you're pushing that beauty product line. That's a small start."

"Are you implying," Rarity immediately answers back, just below a shout, "that I should make you the only concern in my life?! I don't know if you've noticed, Cash, but there is more to life than destroying your old friendships and sleeping around like some sort of cheap tart! Yes, you've become just another small thought in my daily life, as you should be. Just because I don't stay up all night obsessing over you, it does not, by any means, indicate that I am 'lazy'. I have managed to run my business quite well, thank you, and none of it is due to your incessant meddling and backstabbing. I don't have a thing to thank you for."

"Please. You have more to thank me for than you know, honey." Of course, Rarity demands to know exactly what it is she has to be 'thankful' about. Cash is more than happy to oblige. "Where should I begin...how about with your finances?"

"My finances? I fail to see how your meddling has caused us anything but grief."

"Really? Because a little bird told me that the Boutique's revenue has increased nearly two-fold since Elegant Expectations opened up, despite the sudden presence of competition."

"I...how exactly did you get ahold of this 'information'?"

"You told me," Cashmere laughs. "Remember? Way back when that Slate nonsense was going on, you barged into my store and accused me of tacking up porn all over your little shop. At some point in the ensuing conversation, you said that you've been doing very well for yourself, despite little old moi cramping your style. Combine that with the product line you've been pushing lately -- which, I will admit, does smell pretty good -- and the increasingly elaborate designs you've come up with, all I had to do was put two and two together. Really not that hard, Rares."

Cashmere downs the last of her wine before tossing the bottle into a garbage bin.

"You think you've been making profits despite me? Honey, you've been making profits because of me. What were you doing before I showed up to add a little spice to your life, exactly? Running the Boutique as you always had: Comfortable in the knowledge that you were the undisputed queen of fashion in Ponyville. Hell, you even made the bridesmaids' dresses for Princess Mi Amore What's-her-face."

"Cadenza," Rarity clarifies. "Though she prefers to simply go by 'Cadence'."

"First name basis and everything!" Cashmere laughs. "Like I said: Impressive, but boring. You were stagnating here, Rarity. It's been six years since I left the Boutique, and besides some dresses for your little Friendship Elements or whatever, you haven't done a damn thing of note. Where're your other stores? Where are your expansions into new towns, new cities, new markets? I know you know the basics of running a business -- we had to, or the Boutique would have never opened in the first place."

Rarity's mouth works up and down slightly as she tries to come up with an answer, but Cash is already one step ahead of her.

"You were lazy, Rarity. Just like I've been saying. Without me here to give you a kick in the ass, you would have just continued on your merry way for Celestia knows how long! But now that you actually have to fight for your business, for your earnings, you've had to step up your game. Innovate, in whatever laughably small way that's amounted to." Cashmere leans in closer, right up to Rarity, and speaks barely above a whisper.

"Your current success is because of me, babe." After a moment she gently kisses Rarity's cheek, pulling back with a wry smile. "You're welcome."

A loud bell dings from the next room over, catching her attention.

"Well, it would seem dinner's almost ready. You two still care to join me, or are you going to storm out of here and talk about what a bitch I am?"

You look at Rarity, who seems to still be recovering. She bites her lip nervously, turning her head so as to not let Cash see reaction. Still, she manages a nod.

"Alright," you answer for her, "we'll join you. But...let's just keep the drama away for now, alright?"

"You got it, handsome. I may be a bitch, but I'm at least a bitch who can cook. Gimme a minute to get everything set up and you can join me in the dining room."

With that, Cashmere happily trots off to the kitchen, humming a little tune as she does. Her nonchelant claim to being behind Rarity's good fortunes is infuriating, and not just to yourself. Rarity is practically shaking with anger, but lying underneath it is a clear hint of sadness. You put an arm around her and pull her into you, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. "It's okay, baby," you tell her quietly, "you know how she is. She's just trying to knock you down. Everything you've accomplished is because of your hard work, not hers."

Rarity looks up at you with her big, blue eyes, letting out a deep, defeated sigh. "She's right," she finally says. "Goddesses, but she's right..."

"What? No, no, she's just talking her usual garbage. The Boutique is a success because of you!"

"Don't get me wrong, my love -- I have certainly guided the Boutique for all these years and grown it into what it is today -- but I have to admit she's right. Partially, anyway. Business was going well before she showed up, but perhaps things were stagnating a bit. Certainly I've enjoyed a large degree of success since I've had to out-shine Cashmere. Maybe a bit of competition was exactly what I needed." She kisses you softly and smiles despite the circumstances. "No one can argue that we haven't had a great deal of success lately, what with our increased income and the riveting success I've found at the various fashion shows and balls I've attended. And the beauty line! Sweet Celestia, I have had to double my usual orders! And now that we've decided to hire somepony to help us..."

Rarity lets out a short laugh and shakes her head disbelievingly.

"Full-time help. All because the Boutique has grown too large to handle on my own, or even with Fluttershy's help."

Cashmere's voice calls to you from the kitchen over the clanging of pots and pans.

"Hey, you two gonna join me, or stay out there all night? If you fuck on my couch, at least leave some bits for the cleaning bill!"

Rarity rolls her eyes and scoffs at Cash's demeanor.

"Loathe as I am to admit that she, of all ponies, is responsible for any sort of improvement in my life, I must begrudgingly give her a nod. At least for the time being."