For the second time tonight, Cashmere manages to surprise you. Like she said: She may be a bitch, but she's quite the cook. After a three-course dinner and several glasses of mulled wine, your spirits are decidedly higher than they were before. In fact, the same could be said for both of the mares you shared it with, much to your relief.

Things started out in uncomfortable silence as you waited to be served, and the first course was eaten without so much as a handful of words between the three of you, but somehow, at some point...things improved. Cashmere started talking about when she was younger, and how her first job was nothing but long hours and low pay -- just like Rarity's. A common contempt for their old boss was enough to break the ice, and within a few minutes they were casually talking and laughing like the last six years had never happened.

No drama, no backstabbing, no back-and-forth insults. Just two old friends reminiscing about happier times. You suspected that the wine may have done its part to loosen things up between them, but you'd gladly take it over more fighting any day.

Maybe, just maybe, they can work their differences out. Truth be told, you can only see the night ending in two ways: Rarity storming out in a fit of rage, or with a friendly embrace as you step out into the cold night. Of course, you could be entirely wrong and end up having to pull one of them off the other in a flurry of hoof-kicks and punches, but you're hoping for something less extreme.

A sharp laugh refocuses your attention on the two unicorns seated on either side of you at the ornate, expensive table; Cashmere is clopping a hoof on the table and laughing so hard that her eyes are watering.

"And...and then she said 'I will take this all the way to the top!', and I said 'Honey, if you can get Celestia to refund you for a scarf, I'll give it to ya! Hell, I'll eat the old one!'"

Rarity chuckles over the top of her wine glass. "Oh goodness, I remember her! She...she was a customer with a, what was it....a stick cutie mark?"

"I think it was a tree branch, but if you ask me, it was a stick in the mud! Ahaaa! Ohhhh...oh, Goddesses, those were some strange times. You remember that time Regal made us stay overtime to inventory a shipment while she went out on a date with some dumb prick?"

"Oh my, yes!" Rarity nudges your arm with a hoof, still floating her half-empty wine glass next to her head. "This mare we worked for was completely, ah, unreasonable at times, darling."

"You mean she was a bitch!" Cashmere laughs.

"I...I was trying to avoid using such terminology, thank you!" Rarity giggles at her own reply, her cheeks blushing ever so slightly. "But, ah...yes. I suppose she was quite a 'bitch', wasn't she? We ended up spending four hours in that supply room! And after, oh, two hours, I believe, we just said 'forget it' and started tossing rolls of fabric at each other!"

"That's the first time I've ever been hit in the face with three-hundred bit rubysilk! Goddess, but Regal was pissed at us. I'm surprised we managed to keep our jobs!"

"Ask me how much I cared about her vaunted 'approval', anyway," Rarity scoffs. "I swear, if we had received half-way decent pay we could have had the Boutique up and running six months sooner! As it stood, Equestrian Bank barely gave us approval for a loan! So tight with their ridiculous bits, I swear. It's a wonder anypony manages to get a new business up and running!"

"Aint that the truth." Cashmere tips back the last of her wine before letting out a satisfied exhale. "Yeah...those were some fun times, Rares. Real fun times. We sure showed little miss Regal Cut a thing or two, didn't we? Funny how a little customer service and quality of product goes such a long way. I almost felt bad for her when she had to close up shop. Almost."

"Yes, almost," Rarity says with a slow nod. "But such is to be expected when you treat your employees so terribly, one supposes."

"Yeah...they come and they go, but you still have to treat 'em right." You take a moment to refill your wine glasses, emptying the last bit before tossing the bottle into a trash can. "Thanks, handsome. Enjoy that last glass, it's all I made for the month."

"Any time." You lean back in your chair, resting your head against the wall. "Hey, that reminds me...whatever happened to Morning Blossom? When we came in earlier she was replaced with this Silver something-or-other girl."

"Oh, you mean Silver Lining. Yeah, she's a nice girl. Her manners leave something to be desired, though. But I can't blame her too much, it's her first job. Rarity and I weren't exactly super-pleasant to be around all the time back then, either." You'd argue that Cash isn't pleasant to be around all the time now, but you decide against bringing it up. "No one goes from being a moody teenager to a customer service phenom overnight. You have to learn how to kiss ass. Luna knows we've done our fair share over the years, eh Rares?"

"I should say so," Rarity answers. "Comes with the territory, I'm afraid."

"But yeah, anyway, I had to let Blossom go. Shame, too. She was really friendly and helpful...even if her enthusiasm bordered on the mind-numbing at times."

"May I ask why?" you inquire, unsure as to why she would let go of someone she praised so highly. She doesn't answer immediately.

"I, uh...I found someone who would work cheaper." If you didn't know any better, you'd say Cashmere actually looks ashamed. "That's it, really."

Rarity gasps quietly, a concerned look crossing her face. "Cashmere, I must admit to being surprised by you. How much 'cheaper' are we talking about?"

"Seven bits an hour," she replies with a shrug.

"Seven bi--really! You know as well as I do that nopony can make a decent living on such wages."

"I know, I know. But she lives at home, if that helps ease your mind. She's just a teenager."

"Be that as it may, I would expect you to at least give a decent wage! Good help pays for itself, but good help won't find you if you pay it like a street urchin."

"Spare me the theatrics, Rarity. Blossom was a great girl, but this is a business matter. I did what I had to do."

Rarity looks over at you and places her hooves against your arm. "Darling, what would you say to hiring Morning Blossom to work the Boutique?"

You perk your eyebrows at the question; you'd sort of had Blossom in mind as a potential candidate, but she is a little...enthusiastic. Still, it's Rarity's business at the end of the day, and whatever works for her ultimately works for you.

"We both know she's a hard worker, and quite friendly! Besides, you're gone all day at work anyway, so her, ah, perkiness won't be an issue. Hopefully..."

"Wait, wait," Cashmere interrupts, "you mean to tell me you're actually hiring somepony to help run the place? Rarity, I'm surprised at you. I didn't think you were getting that old already," she chuckles. "What's the matter, can't handle the place by yourself anymore?"

"I'm afraid that's exactly the case," Rarity admits with a nervous grin. "Between the beauty line and the custom orders, not to mention the pre-mades that must be continuously restocked...well, I'm afraid the time may have finally come to get another set of hooves to help out around the Boutique. Mostly register work and customer service, but still. It's not a decision I've made lightly."

"Huh. Ya don't say. And you want Blossom?" Cashmere gets a decisive nod in response. "Alright. She's yours if you want her. Poor thing was practically in tears when I let her go, but like I said: It was nothing personal. Come by the shop tomorrow and I'll give you her address."

Rarity practically squeals with delight, wrapping her forelegs around you and giggling happily. "Oh I'm just so excited, my love! Blossom is going to be the epitome of class and style by the time I'm done with her!" You give her an amused look, causing her to blush lightly. "Well...perhaps not the epitome, but such things take time. At the very least, she'll know the Boutique inside and out as if she were one of us!"

"That was much less painful than we thought it would be. She'll be overjoyed to work with 'Mish Rarity at the Caroushell Boucheek,'" you mimic, playing up Blossom's braces-induced lisp. Rarity giggles at clops a hoof against your arm.

"Ah yes, I'd forgotten about her particular way of speaking. Call me crazy, but I find it rather adorable."

"You're crazy," you laugh. You spot Cashmere rolling her eyes at your playful banter.

"You're going to give me diabetes here, fuck. Lay off the sugar, will ya?"

Rarity smiles wryly and embraces you tighter, staring over at Cashmere. "What's the matter, Cash? Jealous?"

"If by 'jealous' you mean 'nauseous', then yes, I'm jealous." She leans back in her chair and crosses her foreleg, flipping a length of hair out of her face. "Honestly, babe, the only thing I'm jealous of is the fact that you've managed to work your way up to actually hiring somepony else to help you out. Look at you! You're a real store now!" She laughs harder at Rarity's exasperated expression.

"The Boutique has always been a 'real store', thank you. I must admit, however, that I could not have accomplished quite so much lately without the help of my loving man and my wonderful friend...even if you managed to upset both of them at one point or another."

Cashmere simply shrugs at the accusation. "Business, Rares. Nothing personal. Usually. Besides, Fluttershy's much stronger than she looks. Mentally, that is. From the moment we laid eyes on her I knew there was something in that gorgeous little mare, something hidden away beneath that shy, bashful exterior. Guess I was proven right when she summarily tossed me out of the Boutique, huh?" She laughs in disbelief, shaking her head. "Quiet little Fluttershy, all grown up and dumping old friends in the mud. Who woulda thought?"

"Yes, well, I'd say she had good reason to do so. You were acting quite facetious that afternoon. Fluttershy has been an extraordinary help ever since then, even helping me run the shop when things get busy, all while maintaining her own caretaking duties. She's, ah...she's become quite a big part of our lives, hasn't she, darling?"

You nod in agreement. "Definitely. I help out when I can, but I work all day, so I can't be there for most of Rarity's business emergencies. Fluttershy staying around when she can has been very helpful. I've, you know...grown pretty close to her lately. So has Rarity, even more so than before. She's a great girl."

You take an extended pull from your wine, suddenly reminded that even if you finish this particular issue, there's still the feathery addition to your bedroom to handle. God, why can't anything ever be simple?

"I see, I see..." Cashmere says thoughtfully. She suddenly leans forward, her chair legs landing with a loud 'thud', and leans in next to you with a sly smile. "So...how long did it take you two to fuck Fluttershy?"

You choke on your mouthful of wine, struggling to steady yourself even as Rarity's mouth drops open. Cashmere, of course, is endlessly amused.

"Oh come on! What, did you think I wouldn't notice? Please. It's been obvious that Fluttershy's moved up from 'friend' to 'friend with benefits' for a long time now, handsome. I gotta say, I'm impressed! You managed to not only get your life saved by the most eligible bachelorette in Ponyville, but also get her friend to join in the fun! Shit, and this whole time I thought I was the ladies' mare! You've got me beat by a long shot, honey. What's your secret? Your dick must be huge, am I right?!"

You start to object, but are interrupted by another coughing fit before you can say anything. Rarity jumps in for you, understandably a little shocked.

"Cashmere! What on earth would possess you to speak in such a way about poor Fluttershy?! She has done nothing to deserve such vitriol, especially from you!"

Cashmere chuckles and moves a length of red-and-cream hair from her face. "Wow. Keeping up the ruse even in the face of blunt accusation! Once again you seem to think you're so great at keeping secrets, but you're really not. Here, allow me to spread it out before you..."

Rarity face-hoofs at the double entendre.

"First of all, there's the fact that you've been Fluttershy's little BFF for a long time, longer than any of your other friends. Even when we were still an item, you spent more time around Fluttershy than you did around me. That's fine, you were friends and all. I get that. Hell, I remember the first time you went to that spa, on my recommendation, by the way. How many times have you been there since?"

"If you must know," Rarity answers, unable to hide an annoyed look, "quite often. Aloe and Lotus give me -- us -- a discount in exchange for sending business their way, which I'm more than happy to do."

"Right. So you make your little day trips to the spa, get a hooficure and a facial and all that crap, and spend a couple hours in a hot, steamy room with our timid little pegasus friend. Really, I'm surprised you didn't buck that tree years ago! In a manner of speaking."

Rarity suppresses an outburst, but just barely. "Fluttershy is my dearest friend, and I will thank you to not speak of her in such a way."

"Fine, fine. Let's just forget the spa outings and shared meals and adventures and what-not, hmm? After all, that's happened over several years. Maybe you're just close friends. But I don't that's it at all. I think you're doing the mattress mombo with dear Flutters, and so is your man-friend here. And I gotta be honest: That makes me a little jealous. Hot threesome action any time you want it? I mean, damn, Rarity! That's fuckin' hot. Kinda gets me worked up just thinking about it..."

"I fail to see any sort of correlation here, Cash. If you're going to sit here and make such wild accusations, you'll have to do better than that."

"Relaaax, babe. I'm getting to that." She smiles and jumps down from her chair, floating your dishes away as she does. They levitate into a sink that's already bulging with pots and pans. "Every morning," she continues, "I do my morning inventory before we open up. Pre-mades, accessories, that sort of thing. You know how it is. Anyway, since I'm at the store front I glance over at the Boutique once in a while, mostly to see if you're hanging up any new sale banners or whatever. And yes, I see tall, mysterious and handsome here leaving on his way to work. Gotta say, honey, you fill out a work outfit. Mmm."

"Yeah, thanks," you quip. "You were saying?"

"So, since I get to see one, or both, of you coming and going, I also get a little glimpse of your pre-opening happenings. Turns out, one of your frequent early-morning callers is none other than Fluttershy herself. Sometimes I see her just arriving at, oh, around six or seven, and sometimes she's just leaving...even though she never came by earlier. So what's she doing at the Boutique at all hours of the morning? Obviously she's spending the night. Am I warm so far?"

Rarity crosses her forelegs in annoyance. "So she spends the night with us sometimes. What of it? The Boutique is more than adequate to keep a spare bed or two."

"I'm getting to that," Cashmere states with no small amount of amusement. She briefly steps over to the ice box and pulls out a trio of bottles, offering them with an arched eyebrow. You and Rarity turn her down politely -- you've had enough wine for one night, and then some. Besides, you'd rather keep your mental faculties at least semi-functional whenever Cash is around.

"Pfft, lightweights, it's just beer," she laughs, popping the lid off and trotting back to her seat. "I had my suspicions for a little while, but it wasn't until a few weeks ago that those suspicions were really set in stone." She glances up at you over the lip of her bottle. "A little free dinner ring a bell, babe?" When you don't say anything in response she chuckles a little laugh that says 'gotcha' in no uncertain terms. "After that debacle with Slate I thought I'd reward you two for actually having the balls to face somepony like that. And believe me, you earned that dinner. So you can imagine my surprise when I showed up that night to have a chat with my dear friends, only to see a dolled-up Fluttershy sitting where Little Miss Rarity should have been. By the way, Rares, you really did a number on her. She was Goddess-damned gorgeous, let me tell ya."

Rarity takes the compliment in stride. "Why thank you, Cashmere. It was really quite easy, since Fluttershy is naturally beautiful. It was simply a matter of accentuating her features and working them into the right colors and accents. I dare say it was something to be proud of, despite the quick nature of the design and implementation."

"Alright, alright, don't felate yourself over it just yet. Sheesh. Like I was saying, she looked good. But she was also with your charming boy-toy, and that raised some interesting questions. Namely, what he was doing with Fluttershy instead of you. Mister Handsome Human is way too loyal to you to even think of sleeping around. He's far too much of a nice guy. No offense."

"Why would I take offense?" you ask. "You say 'loyal' like it's a bad thing."

"Just sayin', you've got eyes for Rarity. And other parts, too, hmm-hmm. When I saw you taking Fluttershy out on a romantic, expensive dinner, the both of you all dressed to the nines and looking like you were one innuendo from tearing each others' clothes off, well...what was I supposed to think? Either you'd suddenly fallen for the shy pegasus for some reason, or Rarity skipped dinner to let you take 'Shy instead. And why would she do that? Because Rarity loooves Fluttershy. As way more than a friend. And let's not even mention the romantic retreat up to Frostvalley! I mean, shit, if you didn't get some double-mare action after that, honey, you got ripped off!"

You glance over at Rarity, who looks like she's trying to come up with some sort of explanation for it all. You're not so sure she can do anything but continue to object to the very notion of sharing a bed with Fluttershy, but you have to admit -- Cash has her suspicions backed up with some hard-to-argue evidence. Rarity looks at you, panic and worry hiding just beneath the surface.

"Look, you two. I'm not going to go blabbing this all over town, if that's what you're worried about. Celestia knows I, of all ponies, am not one to judge what goes on in the bedroom. If these walls could talk, they'd probably make your ears bleed, believe me! Whatever, or whoever, you want to do in the privacy of your bed -- or couch or dresser top or kitchen counter, heh heh -- is none of my business. But don't blow smoke up my ass and call it wind."

For a long moment, neither you or Rarity say anything in response. Cashmere's got you figured out, at least as far as Fluttershy is concerned, and she knows it.

There's no use in hiding it now, you think to yourself.

"Alright," you finally say, "alright. Yes, Fluttershy is romantically involved with both of us." Rarity's eyes widen at your confession -- hopefully she isn't too upset about it. "Sort of, anyway. We've become, you know...close...but we haven't had sex yet, if that's what you're getting at. It's complicated."

"Complicated? I bet! I haven't heard of an open three-way relationship in, well, ever! Kudos to the both of you. And 'Shy. Honestly, I don't see what you were getting to bent outta shape about; it's not like I give a shit what goes on between your legs...unless you want to give me details, that is." She arches a playful eyebrow. Rarity keeps her face buried in her hooves.

"Really, darling, I hadn't expected you to be so up-front about it..."

"Relax, doll," Cash reassures her, taking a drink from her bottle. "I may be your business rival, but I'm not some creep like Slate was. I promise you won't have to worry about me tacking up photos of you two fucking each other at four in the morning. Any pictures I take are purely for my own enjoyment!"

"How comforting..." Rarity mumbles. "Why would you bring this up in the first place, then? If you're so concerned about the privacy of our bedroom -- as you claim to be -- then why mention this at all? Yes, I admit: Fluttershy has become, ah, closer to us as of late. But she is a kind, loving, wonderful friend and a compassionate, warm addition to our lives. I am not beyond showing my affections for those I love, regardless of gender. Or species, obviously. You love who you love." Her demeanor becomes a little more serious as she adds, "Which you should know all about, I imagine. After all, we were in a similar position at one point in our lives..."

"Of course," Cashmere replies with a slight smile. "Look, Rarity; I don't care if you want to bump uglies with everypony in town. That's your prerogative. Just toss me a 'thank you' at some point, would you?" Before Rarity can say anything, Cashmere throws in a quick, "Oh by the way, pegasi are very sensitive on the leading edges of their wings, right about from where it meets their body to half-way down the wing. Just sayin'."

Rarity scrunches her nose. "Now why in the world would I thank you for Fluttershy?"

"Wellll...your new-found love for her only seems to have happened after she started helping you out at the Boutique. And why did she do that in the first place? Because I put you in the position of desperately needing help. So, in a big way, Fluttershy's no-doubt adorable love for you two is my doing! Like I said: You're welcome."

"Yes, I'm sure all of these things were done with my best interests in mind, and not for any personal gain in the least." Rarity waves a dismissive hoof. "Please. You may have had a point -- albeit a small one! -- when you mentioned the Boutique's profits increasing, but I am by no means going to place the love and admiration for my dearest friend on your shoulders."

Cashmere simply shrugs, but hasn't dropped the infuriating half-smile for quite some time. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Rares. I'll still be here whenever you want to admit I'm right about this, too, but I appreciate the confession on the business side of things. Personally, I've found pleasure to be way more fun, but you can think what you like."

"Of course." Rarity hops down from the chair, her hooves clopping on the hardwood floor as she heads to the living room. "Darling, may I speak with you for a moment?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah." You excuse yourself from the table, thankful for the chance to take a break from Cashmere and her frustrating smugness. You follow Rarity back into the living room, standing in the corner nearest the stairs -- and furthest from Cashmere. You take a seat on one of the stairs, offering a spot next to you, but Rarity decides to simply pace back and forth slowly as she talks. "What's up, babe? You alright?"

"I've yet to fully figure that out," Rarity remarks. "A bit of a revenue increase is one thing," she lowers her voice, "but Fluttershy as well? I would never dream of admitting to her face that she's right about such a thing, but...oh, dear...perhaps she is."

"So what?" you ask her with a shrug. "Even if Cash had a hand -- hoof, whatever -- in this in some way, you know as well as I do that it's purely coincidental. You really think she was sitting there one night, coming up with ways to screw you over, and thought 'Yeah, if I force her into a disastrous sale, she'll end up romantically involved with her old friend'? Because I'd say that's about as likely as you suddenly sprouting wings and declaring an embargo against all things 'unfabulous'." You chuckle at the joke to try and raise her spirits a little and, thankfully, it seems to work. She laughs quietly and stops pacing back and forth.

"I don't see how that's so preposterous. After all, when I am Queen one day -- Princess is far too small of a title -- Equestria shall be at its most fashionable." She takes a seat beside you and lets out a deep sigh. "Thank you for coming with me tonight, my love. How an extended meeting with Cashmere hasn't turned into an all-out brawl, I'll never know. I just wish it wasn't so infuriatingly difficult to judge her true intentions. We've danced around the issues at hoof the whole night! Everything we say is immediately countered by some half-joking reply or smug counter. Not to mention her not-so-gentle admission to knowing about our unique situation with Fluttershy." She kicks a hoof at the ground. "Of all the things...I suppose I should just be happy she's actually somewhat good about keeping private matters, well, private."

"At least that's one less thing to concern yourself with," you reply, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But I get the feeling you didn't call me out here to discuss the things that are already settled. At least, you know, as far as Cash is concerned."

She shakes her head. "No, I did not. As...tolerable...as things have been going thus far, I believe it's time to embrace why we came here." Rarity visibly sets herself, sitting up straighter and speaking with distinct decisiveness. "We must confront Cashmere about her business practices and her intolerable meddling in our financial affairs. After tonight, I want there to be no doubt about the nature of her actions, both past and present. We shall discuss this as adults. Even if it does end with one, or both, of us becoming utterly infuriated with the other."

A sudden, sharp sound catches your attention, causing Rarity to jump slightly. You both laugh when you see what caused it.

"A picture frame. Goodness, all of this drama has me absolutely on edge!" She levitates the frame over for a brief moment, examining the picture inside. "Hm. This must be from some time ago. Look at the lettering in the background," she motions with a hoof. You lean closer to get a better look; the familiar, interlocking C's are nowhere to be seen, instead announcing "Elegant Expectations" in small, simple lettering. A slightly younger Cashmere is standing in front of them, a wide smile across her face. "This must be from just after her move to Manehattan. Funny how the years simply fly by, isn't it?" Without waiting for an answer she floats the frame back onto its spot on the wall, neatly hanging it from a driven nail.

"Right. I believe we've delayed long enough."

Cashmere is still seated when you return, her legs propped up on the table. If she suspects anything, she doesn't show it. Or maybe she just doesn't care either way. You'd probably go with the latter.

"Welcome back. I was starting to get lonely!"

Rarity sits back down and places her forelegs on the table, waiting for you to be seated. "I would like to thank you for a delicious meal and some rather exquisite wine," she states. "Both of us, in fact, share the sentiment. Isn't that right, my love?" You nod with a smile, getting one in return. "I'd no idea you were such a fine cook. So, from both of us, I would like to thank you for a nicer time than I'd have imagined...even if it has had its moments of conflict."

"Any time, Rares. Having you around is actually kinda nice. Gives me someone to bitch at that I know can take it," she laughs. "But yeah, you're welcome. Just don't make it a habit, or my food expenses will skyrocket." Cash's last, empty bottle is tossed aside and lands in the sink with a loud clatter. "Kinda feels like the old days, dontcha think? You, me, and a bunch of things to complain about; even if it's each other. Guess some things never change, huh?"

"So it would seem." Rarity taps her hoof on the table for a moment, glancing up at you; you reassure her with a slight smile, getting a small nod in return. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I believe it's time we dropped our false pretenses and do what we both know is the true purpose of this meeting: discussing our businesses. Specifically, how they relate to each other, and how we're going to handle things from here on out."

Cashmere smiles in that smug, self-secured way that only she can truly do. Whatever happens, this is likely to be painful.

"Shit, babe. Took you long enough! And here I thought we were having such a nice evening." She takes her legs off the table and scoots her chair in closer, staring directly across the table at Rarity. "Fine. You wanna air this dirty laundry, let's air it. Hit me with your best shot, doll. Just be aware that I retain the right to respond in kind."

"First of all," Rarity opens up with, "there's the matter of the aetherweave. While I cannot very well go shouting 'thief' from the rooftops, you and I both know that you stole it from me. Call it what you will, but you obtained my hard work and used it for your own gain."

"And?"

"And I want to know what you're going to do about it."

"What I'm going to do about it..." Cashmere asks herself with a dramatic flair. "Well that's an easy one: I'm going to continue using it, and if you don't like it, then that's just too damn bad. You may have thought of using the stuff in the first place -- retro-chic and all that -- but I am the one who perfected it. You saw for yourself at the fashion show. It glowed so bright that the room was literally bathed in the light from my designs. That is how you market a new item. Well, that," she laughs, "and a little bit of good, old fashioned sexuality. Shame you don't use it yourself."

"I refuse to stoop to your level, Cash," Rarity replies with an accusatory hoof.

"Whatever you say. Remind me again, though...which one of us sold twelve dresses and three tuxes in the span of a week and a half, all with the fancy glowing shit? Ohhhh, right. It was me. Because you are far too trusting."

"Yes, well...consider it a lesson learned. I am not too proud to admit such things."

"Then why ask me at all? If you want to try your own hoof at it, by all means, be my guest. But if you're looking to make your designs literally radiate, like mine, you're up a creek without a paddle. Only I know how to infuse it with enough magical energy to get that effect, and without draining myself in the process. Although...I could be convinced to share it..."

"And what, may I ask, do you want in return?"

"Well that's simple," Cashmere laughs. "Just turn the Boutique over to--"

"Not happening." A hoof slams down on the table for emphasis. Cashmere simply shrugs.

"Didn't think so, but it was worth a shot, hmm-hmm. You done talking about that crap now, or is it really so important that Miss Rarity's Discount Fashion Emporium features glowy dresses of inferior quality?"

You're not sure how long you can just sit here and listen to them bicker with one another. You have to take a deep breath and hope that they settle it on their own.

"No, I suppose it isn't that important," Rarity says between gritted teeth. "Let's, ah, move on, then."

"Let's. Come on, what else have you got?"

"I want you to stop attacking my business with your incessant rumor-spreading and bad-mouthing. Permanently."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she shrugs. Yeah, you're sure she knows nothing about it...

"Do not think me a fool, Cashmere! Do you know how many times I've heard a customer tell me 'this place is far nicer than I'd heard', or something similar? Before you showed back up, it was zero. And now, of course, I get that very comment at least once a week! If you want to be in competition, that's fine, but do not spread such ridiculous nonsense just to gain some small edge!"

"You can't prove that, babe. Maybe your business growing also means more ponies know of you. And if they find you to be, oh, an utter bitch, then who am I to correct them?"

"Hey," you jump in, pointing a finger at the infuriating mare, "knock that shit off." You're honestly surprised by your own aggression, but it just sort of came out. Cashmere jerks her head back at your demand.

"Settle down, handsome. This doesn't concern you, remember? You're just here to--"

"I said, knock that shit off, Cash!" Fed up, you stand up from your chair and push it back with a foot, letting it thump against the wall behind you. "Don't sit there and pretend I don't have some part in this!"

"Don't you? As far as I'm concerned, this is between Rarity and myself. And watch that temper, or you'll be paying for a replacement chair." You can't tell if she's worried in the least about what you have to say, but she sure doesn't act like it. She tosses her hair and waves an uncaring hoof in your direction. "Rarity, tell your boy toy here to cool his kettle, will you? We were trying to discuss things like adults."

You keep your eyes locked on Cashmere until you feel Rarity tugging at your arm.

"Darling, I understand your frustration -- truly I do -- but you mustn't let your temper get the best of you. Please, sit down."

Begrudgingly you pull the chair back and sit down once more, crossing your arms in frustration. "Fine. But it is not okay for her to speak to you like that." You shoot Cashmere a look full of daggers, just to drive the point home. She is, of course, completely uninterested.

"I agree entirely. Cash, if you truly do wish to work things out like adults, then I must ask you to refrain from being so abrasive. Please."

Cash smiles at you with a wink. Somehow it's more infuriating than if she'd have told you to go fuck yourself. "When you put it that way, I suppose I can watch my language a bit."

"Good. That wasn't so hard, was it? Now, if we can continue this little discourse without further incident?"

"Sure thing, Rares. Where were we? Ah, right. You were accusing me of spreading rumors."

"And would I be wrong in that accusation?" She waits a moment for Cashmere to answer, but gets nothing in return. "Well?"

"Look, Rarity, we both know that the other is spreading rumors. Like I've said before: You're no angel. Though I have to admit, it takes balls to accuse me of talking shit behind your back when you do the very same thing. You think I haven't heard? Please. Last month I had some earth pony hick barge into my store and start yelling at me!" She pulls her hair back with a brief flaring of emerald magic, forming a rough ponytail tied off at the end. "AH AIN'T NEVER HEARD'A NO ONE SO DARN BACKSTABBIN' IN ALL MAH LIFE!" Her impression of a southern accent is terrible. Just...terrible. "AND IF AH HEAR ABOUT YA BEIN' ALL...how did she put it...ORNERY TO MAH FRIEND AGAIN, WE'RE GONNA HAVE SOME GALDERN PROBLEMS, YA HEAR?!"

Cashmere laughs dismissively, letting her hair fall back into its usual, bouncy lengths. "Fuckin'...I mean...freakin' farm ponies. To think she had the nerve to start yelling at me! I don't even know who the hay she was! She was kinda pretty, though, in a rugged sorta way. Nice hat, too."

You stifle at laugh at the mental image of someone -- and you have a pretty good idea of who that someone is -- yelling at Cash for being a complete bitch to her friend.

I'll have to buy her a round next time.

"Yes, well...I admit that sometimes, in a moment of stress or frustration, something can slip out, but I assure you it's not purposeful. Such things are to be expected at times. I do not, however, bad-mouth you or your business to my customers. Tempting though it may be some times."

"Whatever you say, babe. Let's just agree to disagree, hmm? Next topic. And hurry it up, I haven't got all night. I have a trashy romance novel to catch up on."

"So you agree to stop that particular nonsense, then?"

"Yeah, yeah, we'll see. Just don't expect me to lay down and take it without you paying for dinner first."

"...Yes, quite. I suppose that's as good of an answer as I'm going to get. Very well." Rarity turns to look toward the living room, floating a small flier over a coffee table. "While I'm thinking about it, I'm interested to know why, exactly, you decided to steal my logo, of all things." The flier skids to a halt on the kitchen table. Cashmere pulls it over with a hoof.

"Your logo? Come on now, Rares. You're stretching on this one."

"Am I?" The flier is joined by a quill and inkwell a few seconds later. Rarity dips the quill and neatly creates her customary logo: A large, cursive 'R' with two eyes looking out from the middle. It's drawn directly across from a pair of cursive, interlocking C's...with two eyes looking out from the middle. Cash is going to have a hard time explaining that one.

"Well?"

"Huh. Well I'll be damned," Cashmere chuckles. "Guess I never noticed it before."

"Yes, ask me how much I believe that one. They are completely identical! You can not honestly sit there and expect me to believe you just so happened to create a brand logo that is exactly like that of your old business partner's. That can not be a coincidence."

"What can I say?" she shrugs, pushing the flier back across the table. "It's a good design. Great minds think alike."

"You stole the design, Cash. A trend which continues to this day, might I add. Please, have the decency to admit as much."

"Fine, fine. It's really not that damn important anyway. Yes, Rarity, I copied--"

"Stole."

"--stole your little logo. There, you happy? Have all of your problems suddenly vanished because I have the same kind of logo that you do? If I weren't so courteous I'd tell you to get bent."

Courteous is not the word you'd use to describe her. But then, the words you would use would make a sailor's ears turn red.

"Good!" Rarity says cheerfully. You get the impression that she's simply doing so to piss of Cash a bit. "You see? We're making progress."

"Whatever. Are we done yet?"

"No, not quite," Rarity says flatly. "There is another matter that you've yet to address. The very question that has so plagued me since that first, rainy night you showed up at my door with your ridiculous offer to take the Boutique from me."

"And that is...?"

"Why."

"Why? Why what?"

"Why even do such a thing in the first place?"

"Really?" Cashmere laughs loudly, shaking her head in disbelief. "That's your big question? Here, let me make it simple for you: Because I could. How's that?"

"I don't believe you, Cashmere. Not for one, solitary moment."

"You can believe what you like, but that doesn't change the facts, Rarity. I earned my way to where I am -- even if you don't approve of the methods -- and when I had a sufficient amount of bits I decided to expand my markets. One of those markets happens to be Ponyville, and you just so happen to still be in business. Thus, I thought I'd do the nice thing and offer to buy you out. And offer which still stands, by the way."

"Purely business, then?"

"Purely business," she smiles, batting at a length of hair in her face.

"I see. And this 'purely business' venture was by no means some sort of, oh...revenge, perhaps? Or an attempt to ruin the pony who you hold some misguided grudge against?"

"You give yourself way too much credit, Rarity. You always have. Like I said: Purely business."

"Hmmm. That's interesting," Rarity slowly nods. "Very interesting, in fact. After all this time, I had completely forgotten about it."

"What, forgotten that I'm better at this than you?"

"No, forgotten that you still have the same nervous tic when you lie." Rarity smiles in some sort of small victory, but you're just as confused as Cashmere seems to be. "I admit it's been somewhat of a long time since I've picked up on your intricacies, what with the six years of no contact and all, but yes...it's definitely still there. Subtle, but there."

Cashmere gives her a questioning look, which Rarity is more than happy to respond to.

"Back when we were....closer...I came to know you very well. What made you laugh, what upset you, your likes and dislikes. In particular, I remember that you always fussed with your mane when you were lying or skewing the truth in some way. Truth be told I'd forgotten about it until a few moments ago, when I noticed you constantly tossing your hair or otherwise toying with it." Rarity smiles triumphantly; you can't help but be impressed. "I'm willing to bet you don't even realize that you do it."

Cashmere narrows her eyes at her friend-turned-rival. "You don't know a thing about me, Rarity. Don't pretend that you do."

"Don't I?" Rarity hops down from her chair, levitating a small picture over and inspecting it as she speaks. "I remember how you loved the smell of lilacs when we went to the market to pick up supplies for our yet-to-open Boutique. I remember that your favorite performer was an up-and-coming Sapphire Shores -- whom I've designed a dress for, by the way. And I remember that you were once a caring, optimistic mare, fresh out of Talent School, with dreams of fashion grandeur."

The small picture, embedded in an ornate, oak frame, floats over to Cashmere, hovering just in front of her face.

"I noticed this picture when we came in. A younger you, standing proudly with your parents. Do you remember when this was taken?"

Cashmere eyes the photo, pushing it aside with a hoof.

"Yeah. What of it?"

"This is only half of the full image. Fortunately, I have kept that same image, in its original condition." Without looking at you she says, "Darling, fetch me my coat, would you?"

You do as she asks, stepping back into the entrance way and pulling her brown, fur coat from the coat rack. She asks you to hold it out so she can pull something from it -- a folded-up image, lightly browned from time and wear.

"Thank you, my love." You watch her unfold the image as you take your seat again, the larger picture floating beside the framed one. "Does this look familiar to you?"

Cashmere attempts to pull them over herself, the pictures becoming temporarily shrouded in contesting magical energies, but she relents after a moment.

"Do not touch them. Simply look." Cashmere refuses to cooperate, glancing away with an annoyed huff. "I said, look."

"...What do you want me to say, Rarity? Huh? Yeah, they look familiar. It's the same fuckin' image. Why you'd keep it all this time, I don't know."

"I kept it," Rarity states with a slight raising of her voice, "because I value the past, both the good and the bad. It helps me grow as a mare. And it reminds me of where I came from. Where we came from."

You catch a glimpse of the photo -- it's the same one you pulled out of the small box in her dresser drawer, months ago. Rarity and Cashmere, standing side by side, with their parents behind them, and the Carousel Boutique looming over them with its big, colorful 'Grand Opening' banner.

"Do you see what you've cut out from your life? So many ponies who cared about you. Not just myself, but my mother and father as well! They still talk about you like you're a third daughter, Cash. They always have. Even after I broke down and told them everything that you've put me through, they remain optimistic. Because they care."

Cashmere fidgets in her seat, batting the picture away with a foreleg.

"You can stop trying to make me feel sorry for what you think I've done, Rarity. Give it up. I've gained more in six years than you could have hoped for. You really think I'm going to shut the store and down and start sobbing at your hooves because you showed me a picture? Heh. There's a reason I cut you out of that picture."

Rarity frowns and sets the pictures down, slowly trotting over to Cash's seat. She gingerly places a hoof on her old friend's leg. "What happened to you, Cashmere?" She looks utterly solemn, trying to make eye contact with uncooperative mare. "Was it jealousy? Did you somehow grow, I don't know...upset with our success? I realize we were co-owners, but still--"

"Jealousy? Ha!" Cashmere pushes Rarity's hoof off her leg. "You're one to speak about jealousy, Rares. Still stuck in podunk Ponyville with one store and a fledgling beauty line. Meanwhile, I own stores in four major hubs, and I continue to grow my profits with every month! I can have any mare or stallion I want, and frequently do! And yet you're content to stroke it up with mister personality here and make second-rate tripe for a bunch of earth pony hicks. What, exactly, am I supposed to be jealous of?"

"Stability, Cashmere. That's what."

"Pfft. Stability. Boring as shit, if you ask me. The same place every day, the same ponies wandering in and out, the same swinging dick in your face every night. No offense, handsome."

You grunt annoyedly, not feeling like justifying anything she has to say with an actual response.

"Stability is over rated. What I do? It's exciting. Not that you'd understand, of course. You always did have a stick up your ass, babe. If you're gonna take it up the ass, at least make it fun, I say."

Rarity shakes her head, walking back around the table to your side. "You always did take such joy in coming up with, ah...colorful... euphemisms. Though, honestly, you should tone them back once in a while."

"Yeah. Sure."

You scoot the chair back as Rarity climbs up and straddles your lap, putting a foreleg around your neck. You smile at her and place a hand on her side, thankful to have her so close again.

"Jealousy is the root of all of this, isn't it? You put up an impressive, false bravado, but that's all it is: False. I think that, deep down, you're still the scared, conflicted young mare you used to be."

"And I think you're acting like my fucking psychologist, if I had one. You want me to lay down on the couch first?"

"I think," Rarity continues, ignoring her, "you do these things -- sleeping around, staying on the offensive, spending exorbitantly -- because you can't stand who you used to be. The Cashmere you present yourself as, and the Cashmere you really are, are two different mares. All of this? The flirtatious attitude, the dismissive way you handle things you don't want to hear? It's all a smoke screen. And I see right through it."

Cashmere glowers at Rarity with barely-contained anger.

"Am I getting warm, darling?"

"Fuck you!" Cashmere's chair goes flying out from under her, slamming into the kitchen cabinets. The outburst causes you to jump in surprise, even as Cashmere lets loose with pent-up emotions. "You want to sit there with your freaky fuck-buddy and act like you're so high and mighty?! Fuck you, Rarity! You have no idea who I am! You never have!"

"Hey!" you shout over her, "I said that's enough!"

"Shut up!" she snaps. "This isn't about you."

"Don't you talk to him like that!" Rarity objects. "I know perfectly well who you are, Cash. You are a bitter, spiteful shell of a mare."

"And what gives you the right to judge me?! Huh?! I own the largest chain of fashion stores in Equestria! I am the guest of honor of royalty and the rich and famous! I am damn good at what I do! And you? You're nothing." She steps around to your side of the table. "If it weren't for that stupid necklace given to you by Celestia, you'd be less than nothing! What, you think you're fuckin' special because you and your little friends can shove some abomination back into the hole it crawled from? It sure hasn't made you any more talented or desirable, has it? Looks like even Ponyville knows a hack when they see one. You're not even the smart one!" she laughs bitterly. "You're the bitch. And everypony knows it."

"I may be the 'bitch', as you put it, but that hardly seems of any consequence, now does it? As I said, you've always lacked the one thing I have been able to find: Stability." Cashmere's bravado finally seems to be breaking down; her breathing has become more rapid, and small tears gather at the corners of her eyes.

"You may make claim to bedding half of Equestria, Cash, but when's the last time you truly had someone who loved you? Someone who would do anything for you?" Rarity leans in closer, adding quietly, "Oh, that's right. It was me. The only mare who ever cared for you, despite your imperfections. And yet...you utterly failed at that, too."

A powerful force hits you in the chest, washing over your whole body. You feel yourself being propelled backward, out of your chair, as Cashmere lets out a horrible, desperate yell. Before you can fully process what's happening you skid along the floor and bash your head against the wall with such force that you don't even feel the pain at first; a flash of light clouds your vision, followed by a slow, numb ache that rapidly grows. You instinctively clutch at your injured head before remembering Rarity -- she's pinned against the wall near the table in a shimmering field of emerald green, struggling against the magical grip. Cashmere's horn is covered in bright layers of nearly blinding light, lighting up the kitchen in a strange glow.

"Goddess damnit, Rarity!" Cashmere shouts, tears streaming down her face. "Why couldn't you just leave well enough alone?! I just wanted a simple fucking deal with you! Why do you always have to bring up the past?!" She sobs with no attempt to hide it, her mouth quivering in a flurry of emotions. "I loved you! I loved you like I'd never loved anyone in my whole fucking life!"

You attempt to get on your feet, taking a few stumbling, dizzy steps toward her, only to find yourself tossed back again. You manage to shield your head from another impact.

"STAY DOWN!" Rarity stops struggling, simply watching Cash hold her in place.

"Please, Cashmere, if you've any issues they're with me, not him! Please, don't hurt him!"

"Hurt him?!" she echoes. "I never wanted to hurt anyone! Who the hell do you think I am?! This isn't about him, this is about you!" The two photographs resting on the counter are suddenly jerked toward her. "You can't just let us fight it out like we're supposed to, can you?! Yeah, I admit, I am not perfect! I lie and steal and fuck my way to the top, but you know what? It works, Rarity! And one day, when my business is so large that it becomes the only name in fashion in this entire damned land, I am going to see that fucking store you're so proud of reduced to nothing! When I no longer have to look at the Boutique...then, and only then, will I be happy. You wanna dig up the past so bad? Well there it is. The Boutique reminds me, every single day, of why I have only myself in this world! ME! Because you treated me like shit!"

"Cashmere...I don't know what you think I've done, but--"

"You know Goddess-damned well what you've done! After all I did for you! After all we...we went through..."

The magic field around Rarity suddenly disappears, dropping her onto the floor in a heap. You scramble to your feet to rush at Cashmere, but Rarity sticks out a hoof to stop you.

No, her eyes say, it's okay.

Cashmere, so self-assured and so quick to rebuke every accusation ever tossed her way, is lying on the floor, curled up, and crying harder than you've ever heard anyone cry.

"I...I thought we were destined to be together. When we met each other and everything just clicked, I felt something very real between us! Cashmere and Rarity, Ponyville's finest fucking fashionistas, ready to take the world by storm! I loved you more than I could have put into words, but I never wanted to just come out and say it, because I respected you!"

Rarity slowly makes her way over, attempting to gently lay a hoof on Cashmere's head. "Cash, I...I had no idea you felt so stro--"

"Don't you fucking touch me!" she shouts, causing Rarity to jerk back. "How dare you lie to my face! You knew how I felt for you all those years ago! I know you did! All of those times we spent the afternoon together, just talking about nothing, laughing and discussing our plans...I had never felt so close to anyone..."

Rarity looks at you with sadness in her eyes, attempting to slowly advance toward Cashmere again.

"I'm so sorry," Rarity says quietly. "I enjoyed those times as much as you did, Cashmere. You were my best friend and my confidant, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have some feelings for you, but--"

"But not enough to show them, right?" Cash laughs bitterly. "I remember that night in Summer's Sun, just after we'd opened the Boutique...you and I were sitting outside and sharing a bottle of wine, because none of the furniture had arrived yet. Do you remember what I said?"

"...Yes," she answers quietly. "We toasted each other and said 'here's to a bright future'."

"A bright future. Shit..." Cashmere looks up both of you, her cheeks stained from her eyeliner. "I wasn't just talking about the Goddess-damned store, Rarity. I was really, sincerely hoping to spend my life with you. I mean, yeah," she sniffles loudly, "we're two different mares, but was it really so bad back then?"

Rarity's own voice starts to falter, her eyes glistening with moisture. "No...no, it wasn't so bad. But it's obvious that you had stronger feelings for me than I had for you."

"And how was I supposed to know that, Rarity? Huh? For Celestia's sake, you and I shared so many loving moments together. I was the first mare you'd ever kissed, remember? A few weeks after we'd received our first bit of income from the Boutique, we had a wonderful dinner and such a good time. Right then, at that moment, I loved you so much...heh...I can still feel that soft warmth of your lips. That thrilling wetness of your tongue in my mouth. It was...it was everything I was hoping for."

Cashmere finally stands back up on her hooves, standing mere inches from Rarity's face.

"And you threw it away. You managed to convince yourself that it was just some sort of alcohol-induced lust, didn't you? Come on, Rarity. You can't bullshit a bullshitter."

Rarity thinks for a moment before responding, carefully placing a hoof on Cashmere's shoulder.

"I'm sorry. What we shared that night, that display of romantic feelings...it was too soon, darling. Perhaps, given more time, I would have come around to see things your way. Perhaps we would have made love like you so wanted. Perhaps we'd have shared a life together...but that's not what happened."

"Why?" Cashmere asks, almost pleadingly. "Why would you lead me on like that, only to deny me the one thing I wanted more than anything -- you?"

"Because...because we are too different. We have always been too different." Rarity sits down on her haunches before continuing. "Yes, we were somewhat romantically involved for a time -- and I quite enjoyed our little make-out sessions," she laughs quietly, "but at no point did you cross that line into becoming a full-on life partner. Because even though I cared for you greatly, you were still so very confrontational and quick to offend. It was less pronounced back then but, looking back, it's easy to see where the root of your current personality lies."

"My current personality? Don't act so holier-than-thou, Rarity! You never have been, as much as you like to pretend otherwise! Hell, you were willing to let me have this intense longing for so long. You saw it. You felt it. If you could have just fucking told me before things started getting more serious, it wouldn't have been so damned hard to deal with! But no, Little Miss Rarity, so perfect and so proper, was content to drag her best friend along under the hopes of some passionate tryst! Fuck you," she spits out, tears streaming down her face once more. "Fuck you for playing me like that." Cashmere slumps back against the counter, a look of disgust overcoming her even as she wipes the tears from her eyes.

"I'm sorry," Rarity finally says after a long, painful silence. "I never meant to hurt you so." The well-worn picture is pulled over in shimmering blue. She studies it behind misty eyes; you can only guess at the thoughts going through her mind. You sit on the floor next to her and place an arm around her neck and shoulders, gently kissing the side of her head. "It's been so long..." she whispers. "I believe I may have been remembering things differently. And, it would seem, doing so on purpose." She looks up at Cashmere, who hasn't been able to meet Rarity's gaze. "Cashmere. Look at me." Her old friend refuses, indignantly turning her head away. "Please." Finally, after a long moment, she complies with Rarity's wish.

"I'm so sorry. I haven't wanted to admit it, but perhaps some of this was -- is -- my own doing."

"Yeah, no shit." Cashmere's bitter laugh makes Rarity cringe. You're not sure what you could possibly say; letting them resolve the situation is likely the best thing you could do.

"Back when we were operating the Boutique together, back when we were inseparable, well...we were still so young. We barely knew a thing about running a business! The stress from that alone was enough to drive me, and you, to the point of madness at times. It certainly felt that way, didn't it?" When she doesn't get a response, Rarity simply continues. "We were scared, Cash. Scared and confused and desperate for some sort of...of...normalcy in our lives. And the only other pony we had was each other. That's why we became so close, as more than just friends. And you know what? I don't regret spending a single moment with you. Not one. After all," she chuckles quietly, "you were quite the good kisser."

"Yeah, you weren't bad either..." The small laugh from Cashmere is the first sign of improvement you've seen in her attitude since this all started. "But why did you let it go for so long? The relationship, I mean. If you didn't want to take it any further, you could have just fucking told me like an adult."

"I know. And I should have. But I was terrified of driving you away entirely, of hurting your feelings after all we'd been through. And look what happened: I ended up doing that anyway. I know it's a very small comfort, but I swear on my life that I had the best of intentions." Cashmere scoffs at the statement, but Rarity isn't deterred. "I did indeed love you, Cashmere. As a friend. And as something more. I just couldn't bring myself to take that last step with you, to become intimate as lovers. But I was too afraid to tell you until it was too late to make amends...and for that, I am truly sorry. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly, deeply sorry." Slowly, and carefully, Rarity walks over and places a hoof on Cashmere's shoulder. "I can only hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. Because despite what we've been through since you've come back, despite the less-than-moral practices you and I have resorted to...I forgive you. Because that's what friends do."

Cashmere finally meets Rarity's gaze, her eyes puffy and red from a torrent of pent-up emotions, but doesn't say anything.

"Very well," Rarity says quietly. "I believe we have overstayed our welcome. Thank you for a wonderful dinner and some delightful wine. We shall take our leave." She turns to you. "Come, darling. It's getting quite late."

You take one last look at Cashmere, her head back as she stares into nothing. "Yeah. Sure thing, hon." You slip back into your winter gear and help Rarity fit her designer boots and fur coat, fluffing the collar for her as you bend down to eye level. "You alright?"

"I don't know," she says honestly, her lip quivering. "I'm not sure how I was expecting this to end, but..I don't know. Let's just go home." You kiss her forehead and reach out to open the door.

"Wait," a voice calls to you from the kitchen. "Just...wait a minute." Cashmere slowly trots out, her ears lying flat against her usually poofy hair, now sticking out in frayed ends and frazzled lengths. "I may be a bitch, and I make no claim to the contrary, but...maybe there's some things I need to accept. About us. Heh...about me." She kicks a hoof at the floor as she stops in front of Rarity. "I cared about you so much. And when I came back and saw that you'd ended up shacking with, well...him...I think some part of me I'd rather not admit to still having came out. And then when you started bringing Fluttershy in with you as well..." She lets out a deep sigh. "Look, I'm not going to say that I forgive you entirely, not just yet, but for what it's worth...I'm sorry, too."

Rarity cocks her head slightly. "You are?"

"Yeah...yeah I am. If someone as conceited as you can admit your faults, so can I," Cashmere laughs quietly.

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

"You should probably take it, it's the best you're gonna get." She looks up at you sheepishly. "And I'm sorry for, you know...almost cracking your head open and all that. I have anger problems sometimes, I guess. I didn't mean for it to come out like that, it just sort of did. Uh...are you alright?"

"I'm fine," you reassure her, ignoring the throbbing at the back of your head. "Don't worry about it." Truth be told, you're still pissed off at her for treating Rarity like she did, but you decide it best to let it slide for now. "We didn't come here so that one, or both, of you would end up feeling like shit. We wanted to clear the air between us. Hell, I wanted the two of you to just stop this ridiculous backstabbing that's been going on for months now. I'm tired of it. From all parties involved."

"As am I," Rarity adds with a solemn nod. "Cashmere, I am not asking you to forget what has happened between us in the past, nor am I asking you to simply pack up and leave town. I am asking you to merely let Elegant Expectations and the Carousel Boutique compete as they should: With a high standard of clientele satisfaction and top-quality merchandise. As businesses are meant to. Not with stealing and lying and slander, as has been our particular modus operandi as of late." She places a foreleg around Cash's neck and gives her a small smile. "Can we agree to do that? Please?"

"...Yeah," she finally says. "Yeah, we can do that, Rarity. I realize it probably means jack-shit at this point, but you have my word. No more backstabbing. No more lies."

"None?" Rarity asks.

"Well...maybe just a little. But just." Cashmere laughs with the playful edge you're so familiar with; hopefully there's no malice behind it.

"Then it's settled," Rarity replies with the first genuine smile you've seen from her all night. She runs a hoof over Cashmere's cheek, small tears running down her face, but not of resentment or sadness. Just relief. Then, slowly, she leans in and gently kisses Cashmere's lips, letting it linger for a few seconds before pulling away with a smile. "Thank you. It's...it's good to finally have these matters settled. It feels like it's been a long, long time."

Cashmere chuckles in surprise, smacking her lips together. "That, uh, that was unexpected. You've still got that edge, Rares. But yeah...I'm willing to start anew. It's just gonna take some time, I think. Maybe we can sit down and talk some time, huh? I'll even buy the drinks."

"That sounds lovely. You simply tell me when, and I'll be there."

"Good," she says with a deep exhale. "Uh, I should probably let you get home now."

"Of course. Do take care of yourself, won't you?"

"Taking care of myself is what I do best, babe. But thanks. You too."

Rarity turns to head out the door, but is stopped by a hoof tapping on her flank.

"Yes? Is there something else you'd like to--mmm!" Cashmere throws a foreleg around her neck, twists her body slightly so that Rarity is looking up, and quickly meets her lips against Rarity's. Her eyes widen at the sudden, aggressive act, but she relents within a few moments and closes her eyes, letting Cashmere give her one last passionate kiss. Cashmere is, of course, all smiles when she pulls back, laughing at Rarity's stunned reaction.

"For old times' sake."

"Yes, well...yes. Well. Ahem. Shall we, ah...go, darling?" The door swings open with a brief flaring of emerald-green magic, the gusty air taking you by surprise. Rarity stops just as you head back into the cold, winter night. "Good night, Cash."

"Nighty night, Rares. And you too, boy-toy."

"Yeah, thanks. We'll see ya around," you nod. After a quick check to make sure you've got everything, you head off back to the Boutique with Rarity at your side.

"Hey!" Cash calls out to you, "If you come across any more of those posters, I'll gladly take one off your hooves!"

Rarity sighs in exasperation.

"Some things," she says with a roll of her eyes and a bemused smile, "never change."

"You really think she'll behave from now on?"

"I've no idea, darling. But even the smallest hope of improvement is better than I could have hoped for."

She takes in a long, deep breath of cool air and smiles.

"We shall see."