The last two months have been rough. Very rough. Your transition from wanting to go home, to realizing that you're likely to be here for the rest of your life, has hit you hard. Even with the comfort and support of your new-found friends, it still feels like you're an unwelcome stranger to the vast majority of the population. Most of them have no idea what to make of you, and it hasn't been much of a help.

You've been fortunate enough to land a construction job with an earth pony named Pipe Wrench, who said that your physical strength and greater height would be a boon to the efforts around Ponyville. Turns out he was right, and you've become an accepted member of the crew over the course of little more than a month. It's the only place you ever feel like you fit in. Even with your new-found income, you've spent most of your time indoors and away from prying eyes.

You even managed to pay Twilight back for her kindness, filling up a shelf with old -- and expensive -- books she'd been trying to obtain for a long time. Their contents were beyond you, written exclusively in the old Equestrian hieroglyphic language, but you were happy to have done some good. It helped take your mind off home, anyway. Well, your old home.

Making amends for all of the courtesy shown to you since you've arrived has been first and foremost in your mind. You've told Twilight that you'll put in some new stairs that lead to the observatory level, but after the shelf of books she insisted that you spend your hard-earned bits on Rarity instead. So, donning your increasingly faded fatigues, you set out for the short walk to the Carousel Boutique, intending to make the most of your weekend. You're not sure what you can do for her, but you're going to try.

It's a cloudy, overcast day, and you're sure it's going to rain soon. Exactly why you've decided to make the trip sooner, rather than later. At least the streets are emptier than usual, with only a few ponies passing you by with askew glances. You nod and give them a smile, or a polite 'hello', but none of them return the gestures. For all of your efforts to fit in, you're still an outcast.

Despite the weather, it's the first time you've had the chance get a good, solid look at the Carousel Boutique -- a tall, three-story building with gaudy, eye-catching blue and purple patterning, accentuated with gold and white highlights. Sitting just above the entrance way is a carousel horse with three hearts at the end of the pole; you wonder if 'everything needs more hearts' was a design prerequisite for Ponyvillian buildings. You wouldn't be surprised.

With a few final adjustments to your uniform, you knock on the large, purple door, hoping that the 'closed' sign hanging out front won't deter Rarity from seeing who it is. There's no answer, so you knock again, a little louder this time.

"I'm sorry, we're closed for the weekend!" you hear a muffled voice shout in response.

"Rarity? Hey, it's me!" you shout back through the door. "You know, the funny-looking human?"

There's a brief pause, but the door opens a moment later. Rarity is wrapped in a white and yellow bath robe, a pink comb sticking out of her half-curled mane. She doesn't even have her usual powder-blue eyeshadow on. Looks like you caught her at an unexpected time.

"Oh, hello, darling. I apologize for my shoddy appearance, I'm afraid I was in the middle of my morning rituals." She seems to remember the comb in her hair, and yanks it from her mane with a burst of magic and a nervous smile. "So, what brings you by? I don't usually see you out and about so early."

"Actually, I've been thinking about repaying you for your kindness lately, and I thought I'd drop by to see if we could work something out. I told you I bought Twilight all of those books, right?" She nods in response. "Yeah, I've saved up some money from work and I was hoping you'd be up for something similar. I don't really know what I could do for you, but that's why I came by. Though I understand if you're busy, I can come back later."

Her previously nervous expression fades away, and she lifts a foreleg in surprise.

"Repaying me? Oh, darling, you needn't worry about such things! Why, I've only done what I would do for anypony else. You've become a good friend, and I'm glad to have helped you in your time of need. Really, there's no 'repayment' required."

You expected she might say something similar. You're intent on pushing the point, even if she protests.

"I understand, and it's very nice of you to say such a thing, but this is something I really want to do. I always repay my debts, and this is no exception. Surely there's something I can do for you."

"It's quite alright, dear, you don't have to concern yourself with such things. Your bits are best spent elsewh--"

"Please?" you ask with a frown and your most dramatic puppy eyes. "Pleeeease?" Rarity laughs and shakes her head at your display.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Not really, no."

"Oh, very well. If you insist!" You bend down and give her a hug, and she playfully clops a hoof of your shoulder. "So persistent, I swear! But where are my manners? Please, come inside. I've still got some primping and preening to do, but I shouldn't be too much longer."

You thank her and step inside, untying your well-worn boots and leaving them in the entrance way so you don't end up dragging mud and dirt through her impeccably clean business.

"The living room area is just around the corner there, away from the business section. Please, make yourself comfortable. I won't be but a short while. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I have to finish making myself look decent. We can discuss the details afterward, hmm?"

She starts walking off, taking a flight of stairs up to the second floor, but turns around for a moment as she nears the top.

"Oh, and if you're thirsty, there's some refreshments in the ice box. Please, help yourself."

You have been feeling a little thirsty...

Her fridge is loaded with drinks of all kinds, but a bottle of Sparkle~Cola catches your eye. It's a drink you've become increasingly fond of since your arrival, starting with that first bottle Rarity gave to you in the hospital. It's not bad, like a slightly earthy Coke. Even the carrot ones have grown on you.

Which is good, because it's the only flavor she has. You grab a bottle and pop the cap off, leaning against the kitchen counter.

You notice just how large the Boutique is, with a second floor sitting higher up than on most buildings. There's a rich, dark hardwood floor around most of the first, except for the business area, which is covered in a light purple carpet. Large, hanging purple drapes adorn the rounded walls, tied off with golden rope. It's a very unique design, and definitely one that screams 'Rarity'.

True to her word, Rarity returns in short order, her mane and tail properly curled and her eyeshadow applied. She's carrying a pair of pink, diamond-clipped saddlebags around her back. You're not sure how much time has passed, but the two bottles of Sparkle~Cola lying in the trash attest to at least some kind of wait.

"Ah, there you are," she says as she rounds the corner, "I was wondering where you'd taken off to." Rarity spots the two bottles and laughs. "Quite the thirsty one, aren't you? I shall have to keep a small stock of those just in case."

"You know how it is, you drink one and you want another," you say in reply, covering a belch with your fist.

"Indeed." Rarity pulls open the fridge and grabs one for herself. "How have you been, darling? I haven't seen you in, oh...a week, now? I imagine you've been quite busy with work and all that."

"I've been...alright, I suppose. Just trying to adjust, you know? Work keeps me busy, but once I get home it's hard not to think about , well...my old life, I suppose you could call it."

Rarity gives you a sympathetic smile and places a hoof on your thigh.

"I can't imagine what you've been going through. Why, if I had to leave my friends and family, not to mention the Boutique, behind...well, such a thing is hard to even imagine."

You nod your head slowly, your thoughts slipping to the small comforts you'd always taken for granted. Hell, you'd give your right arm for a working computer and a copy of TF2. Too bad ponies have never even heard of video games. Or computers, for that matter. Or electronics...

"I'm sorry, darling, that's not really helping, is it? Let's just talk about something else. How does my hair look?" she asks with a swish of her head.

You give a laugh at her self-image worries.

"You look fine, Rarity. You always look nice! That was, uh, a joke, right?"

"Of course it was!" she giggles, "I'm not that egocentric. Just trying to take your mind off things. I promised myself, the very day I found you lying there in the woods, that I would help you in any way I could, and I've not given up on that promise just yet."

"And I appreciate every moment you've done so, believe me. That's exactly why I'm here in the first place, because I want to return the favor."

She smiles and grasps your hand between her hooves.

"That's very kind of you, darling. I suppose we could figure something out. Hmmmm..." She taps a hoof to her chin in thought. "What could we do..."

"Is there anything you've had your eye on? Something I could buy you?"

"Well...now that you mention it, yes. There's a retail supplier I buy my materials from, and they've recently received some new textiles that would look absolutely fabulous in some some high-end designs. I could sell them for a good amount, if I play it right. Oh, but I don't want to burden you with such expenses..."

"Don't worry about it," you reassure her, "whatever it is, I'm sure I can afford it. I'll just survive on peanut butter and bread for a month."

She gives you a concerned look, and you laugh it away.

"I'm just kidding, I'll be fine. If those materials are what you want, then we can do that."

Her eyes light up, and you could swear they actually sparkle.

"Oh, thank you, darling! With some golden chiffon I could create a brighter layer between two darker materials, or sew it into the lining of a wonderful hat, and some purple silk would be absolutely marvelous as an accentuating look for next year's Gala designs, or...well, you get the idea."

She happily trots to the door and opens it up, waiting for you to put your boots back on.

"Alright," you say with a smile, "lead the way."

==========

Rarity is practically beaming on the way back, her saddlebags stuffed with a rainbow of colors and fabrics. The final tally was nearly three hundred bits, which certainly bit into your coin pouch, but it was worth it to see the smile on her face.

"Goodness, I haven't had so many options in months! The things I could do with these! Thank you again, darling, it's quite wonderful of you to do such a thing."

"I told you I would repay you, and I meant it," you tell her. You haven't shown it outwardly, but for the better of a week you've been fretting about something. Something that has truly signaled your acceptance of your new way of life, though it hasn't come easy. You work up the courage to finally say something, unsure of how she'll react.

"Hey, uh, Rarity?"

"Yes? Is there something on your mind, dear?"

"Actually, yeah..." Your tone causes Rarity to stop in her tracks, obviously worried that something may be wrong.

"Whatever it is, you can always tell me. Come now, don't be afraid."

"Well, ummm...I've been thinking for a little while now, and, uh...you know how I've been here three months now?"

"Of course, how could I forget?" she asks with a curious look.

"I've been thinking, maybe we could, ah...if it's okay with you, I mean...I was hoping I could take you out somewhere. You know, to eat."

"We've been to lunch a few times, I'm not quite sure I understand your hesitation, darling."

"Not lunch, no. I was thinking something more, you know...formal? Like, dinner? I-I mean, if you don't want to, that's fine, and I'd understand, but I thought it could be nice. Fun. Something like that." You rub your neck in embarrassment, feeling that old awkwardness come back up to the surface. You never exactly were a Casanova. You always had trouble with women even when they were your own species! Nevermind asking a sentient, talking unicorn. Coming to find a pony physically attractive has been something that has been slowly building, and it still strikes you as a little odd.

Rarity stares at you for a moment, still trying to figure you out, but you're pretty sure you got your point across.

"Are you...asking me on a date?"

"A date? No! No, just dinner. Ummm. Unless you're okay with it being a date, because I'd be okay with it. Being a date, I mean." Oh, real smooth, buddy. Reaaaal smooth. No way she can say 'no' now!

Her expression changes to that same, comforting smile you've known for the last three months, and you're infinitely grateful for it.

"Darling, if you want to ask me out, just do so. Come, I know you have it in you."

"Oh. Okay, then." You fidget with your sleeve and take a few seconds to look her in the eye, finding them receptive and calm. At least one of you is. "It's funny...in the time I've known you, I've really found myself becoming more fond of you, and I know it's weird to think of dating, you know, a human and all that, and it's certainly odd for me to be asking a pony, but...it feels right. I can't really explain it. So I guess what I'm saying is..."

You take a deep breath and calm yourself a little.

"Rarity, would you...would you like to go on a date with me?"

She raises up on her hind legs and puts her hooves against you for support, now able to look you nearly eye-to-eye with an upward tilt of her head.

"You know what? I think that's a wondrous idea. So, to answer your question: Yes. I would love to."

You release the breath you weren't aware you were holding, feeling like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

"You will? Really? Oh, wow, that's...great!" A huge grin crosses your face, and your wrap her in a big, tight hug. "You have no idea how nervous I've been about this! I mean, I know it's kind of sudden, but...well, you know what I mean."

Rarity smiles back at you and pokes a hoof against your chest.

"You needn't be so worried, I assure you. Ever since we first talked, I've considered you to be an increasingly good friend. I know our physical differences are quite...unique...but you've always seemed like a very honest, genuine man to me. You've got a good heart, darling. The fact that you've been so eager to help those who helped you is only further proof of that."

"I'm not sure what to say, but...thank you. It's been on my mind for a while. I guess you could say it's a step towards making Ponyville my home, you know?" It still kind of hurts to say such a thing, but you've been coming to grips with the reality of your situation, whether you've wanted to or not.

"I know it's kind of late to go tonight, and we're both busy during the week, so...how does next weekend sound? I could probably use the extra financial boost," you admit with a laugh.

"Next weekend sounds fabulous, darling. Don't you worry about finding a place, I've more than enough knowledge of Equestrian cuisine to find something that can suit both of our tastes. Perhaps I may even have a bit of a surprise ready for you by then. Consider it my way of putting your generous gift to good use." She bites her lip nervously and gives you a soft laugh. "I must admit, it's been quite a long time since I've been on a date. I think it could be quite fun."

"That makes two of us," you add. You let out a relieved laugh and feel some of the nervous tension melt away as you look into those big, deep blue eyes that have so captivated you since you arrived here. She glances away nervously, her cheeks flushing a slight red under her white coat.

"So...I guess I'll see you then?"

"It's a date," she replies with a smile. "I'll be looking forward to it, darling."

"Me too, Rarity. Take care, okay?" She nods and drops back down to all fours, a warm, happy look spreading across her face. You feel like a love-struck teenager all over again, complete with butterflies in your stomach. It's...a good feeling. You imagine she's feeling the same way.

Rarity trots off slowly at first, but eventually nears the Boutique with a bounce in her step. You can almost hear her humming a tune as she does, an expression of joy that you can't help but be taken by. She gives you a final wave as she closes the Boutique's door, and you start the walk back to Twilight's library, feeling better than you have since you arrived.

You have a date. With Rarity. And she's eager for it!

Maybe things will work out okay after all.

==========

Another day, another dollar. Or bit, rather. Returning to work after a week off was not the easiest thing in the world, and your muscles certainly protested, but it's good to be making money again. A week and a half has passed since either you or Rarity heard from Cashmere, both of the rival business mares seemingly content to let competition run the old-fashioned way. You're glad for it -- it means less drama overall. It feels like things are operating like they should be, without the underhanded ploys or backstabbing that has been so prevalent since Elegant Expectations opened up down the road.

You make a stop by First Sight Jewelers on your way home, pulling your coin pouch from your pocket and making a payment of one hundred bits towards the engagement necklace you've been waiting impatiently for. Aegis says he's received most of the tools necessary to start cutting and shaping the Seabreeze sapphire you gave him, but the majority of the work is still to come. That's fine with you -- with a final estimate of somewhere between sixteen hundred and eighteen hundred bits, you're going to be paying it off for quite a while.

The overcast skies grow darker as you walk home, warning of the coming rain. You learned long ago to not trust the pegasus weather reports, so you're intent on making it home before the skies release a downpour on your head. Sure enough, the first drops of rain start falling as soon as you get half way there. By the time you reach the Boutique's entrance way, you're soaked with rain, and very eager to get a change of clothing. You fish for your key, kept snug in a pouch on your tool belt, and unlock the door with a loud 'clack'.

The Boutique is surprisingly dark, with just the glow of a single light catching your eye, coming from the living room area. Someone's home, at least.

"Rarity? You home, honey?"

You don't get a response.

"Rarity? Hey, I just got off work...are you here?"

You shrug your shoulders and start removing your wet boots -- she's probably gone somewhere and forgot to turn the lights off. It can wait; for now, you can't think of anything but getting out of your wet clothes.

A quick, hot shower leaves you feeling much better than you did when you got home, and you're thankful to be back in your comfortable, old boxers and bath robe. The sound of rain against the windows has only intensified as you showered, turning into a full-blown downpour within the span of minutes. You hope Rarity's brought an umbrella, wherever she went.

Soaked clothes notwithstanding, rainy days have always been your favorite. There's a peaceful, serene feeling to the sound of water against the building. If it weren't coming down at an angle, blown by the wind, you'd likely open up a window to let the smell in. For now, though, you're content to set a new pot of coffee on the stove top and relax.

Distant, rolling thunder lulls you into a sleepy state. You could probably fall asleep right now, but that would only throw off your sleeping schedule like it has so many times before. Even if some of those nights ended with some intimacy at two in the morning.

The coffee finally finishes brewing after what seems like an eternity, and the aroma perks you back up. You pour a mug for yourself and walk to the living room area, where the single light is still on -- and notice Fluttershy asleep on the couch. You'd almost forgotten about her. For the last week and a half she's been infrequent in her stays, only spending a few nights with you and Rarity. Besides a good-night kiss, nothing has progressed to any further level of intimacy. It's actually kind of surprised you; you were convinced that things would pick up quickly after the first night you and Rarity shared a moment with her, but so far it's been relatively mundane. If anything, it feels like she's just been around for some much-needed interactions with others.

You reach up and click off the light, not wanting to wake her. She moves slightly at the sound, but stays asleep. Maybe she was tired? Hard to say, with Rarity gone. You take a sip of your coffee, feeling the hot liquid flow down your throat...

...and immediately spill it on yourself as Fluttershy wakes up with a shout.

"Oh, shit!" you swear as the hot coffee burns against your previously clean chest. "Ow, ow..."

"Oh no, I'm so sorry! I wasn't sure what was going on and I heard the light go off and...are you okay?"

"Yeah," you reply with an annoyed expression. "Guess I should have expected that. Afraid of the dark and all."

"I'm sorry, if I'd known it was you I wouldn't have been so frightened..." Her big, teal eyes start glistening with oncoming tears. Uh oh. Best to nip it in the bud before she has an emotional breakdown.

"I'm fine, really! What's a few third degree burns between friends, right?" She doesn't say anything, putting a foreleg in front of her mouth. "I'm just kidding, I'll be okay. You just, ah, scared me a little, that's all." You frown at your bath robe, now wet with coffee. "Ahhh jeez, I just showered, too."

Fluttershy jumps down from the couch and flaps her wings, flying into the kitchen and returning with a dish towel in her teeth.

"Here, you can use thish," she says with a nervous grin, dropping the towel into your hands. You accept it with a 'thanks' and try your best to clean the coffee off of your chest and stomach, already well aware that you're going to need another shower. Great.

"I know I already said it, but I'm ever so sorry for that. I can't sleep by myself when it's dark, and after I helped this poor bear with his back problems earlier today I was just exhausted, so I just thought I'd take a nap. That's, um, why the light was on..." She folds her wings back in and climbs back up on the couch, watching you attempt to towel the liquid from your body.

"It's alright, I should have known better," you tell her to ease her mind a little. "Hey, do you know where Rarity is? I haven't seen her since I got home."

"Rarity? Oh, I'm afraid I don't know. She's been gone at least as long as I've been here, a couple of hours now. I hope she brought an umbrella with her."

"Yeah, that makes two of us." It's the first time you've been alone with Fluttershy since Rarity's confession, and it feels strange. Not wrong, exactly, just...strange. Like you should be waiting for Rarity to be here before you talk to her. You push the thoughts away and pick your coffee cup back up from the table, returning to the kitchen to refill it.

"You want a cup of coffee, Fluttershy?" you ask her. She politely declines, as you thought she would -- she never struck you as the coffee type.

It dawns on you that this is actually a pretty good time to get to know more about her. Even though you've been sharing a bed with her on and off for just shy of two weeks, you really don't know much about the yellow pegasus that your future wife has known for so long.

"Mind if I sit down?" you ask her with a smile as you return to the living room.

"Oh, not at all. It's your couch, after all. Well, Rarity's, I suppose. But that also makes it yours. You know what I mean..."

You take a seat next to her, putting a leg up on the table as you sip your coffee -- now free to do so without anyone screaming. So much for her being a deep sleeper.

"I gotta say, I wasn't expecting you to react like you did. I thought you were fast asleep."

"I know, I'm sorry. Sleeping by myself has always made me nervous, so I leave a light on to feel better. When I'm with you and Rarity it's not a problem, but you probably already know that." She looks you over and frowns at the dark splotches on your bath robe.

"It's alright," you tell her as you try to keep the damp spots away from your skin. "It's not the first time I've spilled something on this thing. I swear, it's gonna fall apart one day."

You take another drink of your coffee, offering her a sip.

"Oh, no thank you."

"Come on. Just a sip. Rarity and I make it all the time, it's good." She gives in and takes the cup from your hand, grasping it between her hooves. She takes a small, slurping sip, smacking her lips a few times as she tastes it.

"This is better than I thought it would be," she says, perking up at the flavor.

"Hazelnut. It's Rarity's favorite."

"I can see why. It's very good. I usually just stick with tea, but then, I've only ever had coffee when I was with Twilight, helping her stay awake through the night so she could study. She makes it really strong. She can get a little, um, obsessive about things." You let her take a few more sips before realizing that you're not likely to get the cup back.

"Why don't you just keep that one? I'll grab another."

"Okay," she says with a smile. You grab another mug and fill it up, hoping that the coffee helps put her a little more at ease so you can talk with her. Though you've felt better about the situation in general since you talked with Rarity, you've been meaning to have a conversation with Fluttershy to clear away any lingering doubts. It's best if everyone involved knows what's going on.

"So," you say as you sit back down, "I feel weird for saying this, but...I don't really know much about you, Fluttershy. I mean, the whole thing with Rarity and yourself kind of came out of nowhere for me. I'm fine with it, really, but still...I'd like to know more about you. You seem like a very interesting pony, and obviously Rarity sees something in you that she really likes. It couldn't hurt, right?"

"Of course it couldn't. You're Rarity's very special somepony! Some--nevermind. Somepony works fine," she laughs softly. "I know things have been a little strange since, you know, that first night, but I think you're a very good person. You have to be, Rarity's been with you for this long, right? She wouldn't stay with somepony who treated her wrong."

"She's my everything," you say as you idly rub your coffee cup with your thumb. "I don't know where I'd be without her. A lot worse off than I am now, probably."

Fluttershy nods and gives you a warm smile.

"That's exactly what I've seen since I've been around the both of you. Even when we first met, I could see it in her eyes, and how she carried herself. She's truly happy with you. Funny that her soul mate isn't even a pony, isn't it?"

"Yeah, you can say that again. She was a good friend while I was recovering in the hospital, and stayed so for several months. That big step, though...that wasn't an easy thing to take. I was scared out of my mind! Glad I took it, though. She's been the best thing to ever happen to me."

"That's so sweet," Fluttershy replies after a sip of her coffee. "That's actually why I agreed to this, um, arrangement in the first place. You and Rarity really seem like you're in love, and when she said that she wanted to share that feeling with me...well, it still wasn't an easy thing to come to terms with, but deep down I felt like it was the right thing to do."

"I told you I'd treat you with the same respect as I do her, and I meant it," you say as you place a hand on her shoulder with a smile. "So, why don't you tell me about yourself? I'd like to know more about you, if you're willing to share."

"Oh, of course I can share. But, um, I'm afraid my life hasn't really been the most interesting one....what do you want me to talk about?"

"Hmmm..." You don't want to jump right into relationship talk to begin with, so you ask something a little easier to get into. "How about where you grew up? Have you always lived in that cottage?"

"Not all all! Actually, I was born and raised in Cloudsdale, like most pegasi. I even went to Flying Camp, though I was a little older than most of the fillies and colts there. I've always been a little, you know...shy." No kidding.

"So when my parents told me it was something they really wanted me to attend, I was really scared. I've never been an especially strong flier like Rainbow Dash, or most pegasi, really."

Considering you hardly see her do much with flying besides little tasks here and there, you're not too surprised.

"Speaking of Rainbow Dash, one day I was supposed to be the one waving the flag when she was having a race with the other foals. She flew by me so fast she knocked me right off my cloud!"

"Sounds like Dash, alright." You can only imagine head-strong little Dash trying to show her stuff to the other kids. "But it was Flying Camp, right? Didn't you just fly back up to the cloud?"

"Umm, not exactly...I kind of fell. A long way. I was waving my legs and trying to flap my wings, but I just couldn't fly!"

"So did Dash rescue you? If you weren't a strong flier, and you're still here, then something must have happened. Right?"

"Well, I was saved, yes. But not by Rainbow Dash. She didn't know I'd fallen! She was so caught up in her race, her and the other pegasi just blew right past me. No, I thought that was going to be the end of me, but then...I was saved. By a cloud of butterflies."

Wait, what?

"...Butterflies? Like..tiny, incredibly small, weigh nothing butterflies?"

"Mmhmm. Thousands of them! I don't know how, but they slowed me down, and eventually I was floating on them."

Everything you know about physics stomps and yells in protest in your head, but you push it back with a mental shrug. If sentient ponies can use magic and move heavenly bodies, super-strong butterflies are the last thing you'd consider to be 'weird'.

"It was the first time I'd ever been on the ground. Did you know most pegasi go their entire lives without touching the ground? There's really no need for them to, when they can walk on clouds and fly. I'd always heard that the ground was a scary, dangerous place, but in that one moment I was surrounded by the most beautiful, gentle animals. It was the first time in my life that I'd felt like I really belonged."

"Hence your cutie mark, I take it." You point to the trio of butterflies on her flank, partially obscured by her long, pink tail.

"That's right. If I knew the ground had so much to be seen, I'd have come here sooner, and never leave!" You shake off the strangest urge to break into song. You've been around ponies too long...

"I did eventually get back up to Cloudsdale after a few pegasi picked me up, and once I was there I told my parents that I wanted to live on the ground. They were, um...surprised. I told them all about what had happened to me, and why I came back with my cutie mark. I spent a few more years alternating between Cloudsdale and spending time on the ground with all the little animals I'd become friends with, and eventually my parents bought me the cottage I've been in ever since. With my help, of course. I told them I wanted to help pay for it. That's why I started my veterinarian practice, actually."

"How do you make money from that, anyway? I doubt bunnies and birds have stashes of bits lying around."

"Oh, of course not," she laughs. "I receive a weekly sum from the royal Caretakers Guild. They pay me for every animal that I nurse back to health, so I can still pay my own way. I'd do it for free, but, um, 'free' doesn't pay for food."

You nod at her story, happy to know a little more about the feathery addition to your lives. Not everyone can claim their life was saved by butterflies, of all things. That's kinda neat. Weird, but neat.

"You said you met Rarity when your bunny--"

"Angel," she corrects you.

"--When Angel kept bringing back bits of fabric, right? Cashmere and Rarity showed up at your door?"

"Mmhmm. That's right."

"How did you become friends? Rarity just kind of glazed over that bit."

"When Rarity and Cashmere showed up that first night, we talked for a long time. They were both very friendly and genuine, it actually kind of surprised me. I usually kept to myself, and still do, but they had something about them that made it feel like it was okay to trust them. That's why it surprised me so much to see Cashmere act the way she did a few weeks ago! I think she's become a very bitter pony over the years."

"So, what...you just kind of hung around them?"

"Sort of. They had their jobs at that clothing store and I had mine taking care of sick animals, so we could only meet up after work or on weekends. It was okay, though. We had lunches together and talked about our pasts, talked about fashion, that kind of thing. Umm, I think I knew more about fashion at the time than they did..." she admits with a nervous grin as she sinks into the couch.

"There was one topic that was always brought up, and that was our plans for the future. I told them I was perfectly happy caring for the creatures in and around Ponyville, but Rarity and Cashmere had big dreams. They wanted to open up a bunch of stores and 'take the fashion world by storm', as they put it. Though, now that I look back at it, it always seemed like it was Cashmere who said those sorts of things more often than Rarity. I still think Rarity would like to have her brand known all across Equestria, but she also loves her home and cares for the ponies she knows here. Cashmere is just..."

"Different?" you finish for her.

"Yes. Different. She always seemed very eager to move up and out of Ponyville. She really doesn't like it here. I think it's because of Rarity, mostly."

"I know they used to be an item, at least for a little while. You think all of this stems from jealousy?"

"It's certainly possible," she admits. "Even back when we were all together, I'd notice little hints and tells in Cashmere's demeanor. She was always glancing at Rarity out of the corner of her eye, or following just a step behind her, or paying for her meals. At the time I thought she was just being a friend, but after a while it became obvious that Cashmere viewed Rarity as a lot more. That didn't work out, obviously."

Rarity had speculated --and indeed, told Cashmere to her face -- that it was all based on jealousy, and this is only further proof of that.

"She can hold a grudge for a long time," you add.

"It would seem so, yes. But more than being a scorned lover, or potential lover, as the case may be, I think Cashmere is jealous of everything else Rarity has. Cashmere may have more stores and a lot more money, but that's all just material. Rarity has friends who really care about her, and a small business that everypony knows and loves. And she has you! And, um, me, I suppose..." she blushes under her butter-yellow coat and smiles. "It feels strange to say that. But in a good way."

"Not to mention being the bearer of an element of harmony."

"That, too. I don't think Cashmere sees that as something to be jealous of, though. It's a pretty obscure thing unless you know what it really means."

You offer to refill her cup, but she politely turns the offer down.

"Umm, if I drink too much caffeine I kind of get...hiccups. It can be a little embarrassing..."

Hold her down and force her to drink more coffee! the little voice in your head yells at you, demanding to see such an adorable thing for itself. It would be pretty funny...but it's probably not going to happen. Sadly.

The windows light up with a flash of lightning, joined by the rolling of distant thunder a moment later. You hope Rarity is okay. Hell, you wish she'd let someone know where she was going. No point in worrying too much, though. She's a big girl.

"Let's move on from Cashmere to a happier subject, shall we?"

She nods in approval, briefly stretching her wings out.

"What about you and Rarity? She views you as her closest friend, no matter what happens. If you ask me, she really does care about you, Fluttershy."

"Oh, she's certainly my best friend as well! She's been there for me for a long time, even before the six of us started spending time together. I'm ever so thankful to know her, even when she's being a bit, um...moody."

"Yeah, she can be that way," you add with a laugh. "Bit of a drama queen, but it's part of who she is. It's usually entertaining, at least."

"She went through a phase where she dragged that red couch with her everywhere!" She points to the couch sitting near the balcony. "Can you believe it? Any time something happened, she'd dramatically pull it over with her magic and fall onto it!" Fluttershy giggles at the memory, hopefully unaware of the ways you've put that couch to use over the last year. It's a little dirtier now than it used to be...

"Over the last few years, we started heading to the spa that Aloe and Lotus own, at least once in a while. It's nice to just relax and be pampered, maybe get a ponipedi or a facial. We used to drag Dash along with us, but she always ate the cucumber slices. That, and she doesn't really like other ponies to touch her hooves. It makes her feel very uncomfortable for some reason."

"Did you ever have any idea that Rarity liked you as, you know...more than a friend? I know it took you by surprise, but you had to have seen something, right?"

Fluttershy fidgets a hind leg and stares down at the cushions, obviously a little embarrassed to be talking about it.

"Um, from time to time. Sometimes we'd be out and she'd hug me just a little longer than normal, or she'd kiss my cheek, but it would be...soft. I had some suspicions, but she never acted on them, so I just forgot about it."

"She was certainly worried about admitting it, yeah." You remember back to the night that she first told Fluttershy of her long-held aspirations to be more than friends. It was a strange couple of days. "Especially with having me in her life. I don't blame her, if I was in her position I'd have felt the same way. We talked about it quite a lot, you know. Before we came by your cottage. It's taken some time, but...I think I'm okay with it. There's still some apprehensions, but it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. Not to say that it was going to be bad, or that you'd cause anything bad, I, um...you know what, I'm gonna shut up before I put my foot in my mouth."

You're relieved when she giggles at the joke, scooting closer to you and resting her head against your arm.

"Rarity always said you were a little, um...socially awkward. I guess that makes two of us."

"Yeah, no kidding," you reply with a laugh. "I am not exactly the most sociable guy. All of those parties and events that Rarity and I go to aren't really my thing. I still go with her, though, for support and all that. If the night gets too tiring for her -- and it usually does at some point -- she can always come back to me for some love and comfort."

Fluttershy looks up at you and smiles, adjusting herself to get more comfortable against you.

"That's exactly what I saw between the two of you, and still do. I think it was that breakfast we went to a few weeks ago that really swayed me on the decision. All of your and Rarity's little jokes, and the back-and-forth banter between you two, it was...um, I'm not sure how to put this...it was what I thought love was supposed to look like. If that makes any sense. You and Rarity looked so happy together. Every time I see you with each other, you're both smiling and laughing, like you've known each other your whole lives."

She shakes her head to get a lock of pink hair out of her face, blowing at it a few times before getting an annoyed look and brushing it aside with a hoof.

"It's funny you'd say that, because it's what I always feel around her as well. Like we've known each other for far longer than a year and a half."

"If I'm honest, it was that very thing that made me nervous about joining you and her in the first place. You have this wonderful, beautiful relationship going, and I didn't want to get in the way of that. I understand that you fell in love with Rarity, not me. I also realize that you don't share quite as strong feelings for me as she does. I was worried I would be treated like some sort of...outcast."

You place a comforting hand on her foreleg and offer her a smile to ease her mind.

"So now that you've been here -- on and off, anyway -- for the last two weeks...do you still feel like that?"

She returns you smile and shakes her head.

"No, not at all. In fact, I feel kind of silly for having worried about it in the first place. Especially after the first night I stayed with the two of you. It was...unexpected," she blushes again, and you laugh at her confession. "But you understand where I was coming from with that, right? The last thing I'd ever want to do is hurt either of you. You've been so very kind to me."

"I understand perfectly, Fluttershy," you reassure her. "And yeah, while it's true I haven't felt the same way about you as I have about Rarity, you've been slowly changing my mind. I mean, I always said I would treat you with love and respect, just like I would with her, but since you've spent some real time with us things have become easier for me. In a lot of ways you and Rarity are alike, and the same things that I find attractive in her I also find attractive in you. That doesn't sound weird, does it?"

"Oh, no, it's very sweet of you!"

"Okay, good. Just wanted to make sure."

Another flash of lightning, the thunder sounding closer this time. The sound of rain intensifies as great sheets of water batter against the window.

"You know, it's funny...when Rarity first proposed this whole thing, I was...man, how do I say this...I was open to the idea, but cautious about it actually happening. We talked for a long time about it. Hell, I think most of our day was spent discussing it. Rarity loves you, both as a friend and something more. I'm fine with that, I'm not one to judge non-traditional relationships or anything. If it makes her happy, I'll gladly welcome you into our home. I just don't want there to be any unknowns between us."

"I understand, yes," she finally says. "I do appreciate that you've taken me in, but I know this can't be an easy thing to cope with." She grasps a hand between her hooves. "You and Rarity have made me feel very welcome, and I understand your apprehension about it. Really, I do! It's the same reason that our, um...intimate moments...haven't become more serious. I would never want to rush things."

You let out a deep sigh of relief, glad to have talked with her about it.

"I find myself caring about you more the longer I'm around you. Really. It's just gonna take me some time, that's all."

"It's okay," she says with a reassuring smile, "I'm an adult, I'm not afraid of somepony voicing their concerns."

"Alright, just making sure," you reply, putting an arm around her in a hug.

You watch the rain come down together for a while longer, but the steady drumming on the roof slowly lulls you into a sense of comfort and security. You drift off to sleep with Fluttershy in your arm, feeling a renewed sense of hopeful optimism.

==========

Your slumber is interrupted by a loud click. You're unable to figure out what it is in your half-asleep stupor, but the sound of hooves on the floor brings a small degree of recognition. You blink several times, just beginning to notice the tingling in your right arm -- Fluttershy's still there, and your arm's asleep.

Rarity rounds the corner, still in full rain gear -- a purple raincoat that drapes around her body (fashionably, of course), with a large, purple and blue umbrella sticking out from the middle of the back, connected to a gemmed, gold-colored saddle. Even her horn is covered, a stylish hat not too unlike AJ's on top of her head. Only taller. And rainproof. And purple. So much purple.

"Goodness, I leave you alone for a few hours and you're already asleep," she says quietly, just above a whisper.

"Hey, baby. I was starting to get a little worried; you were gone when I got home, and Fluttershy had no idea where you went. Guess you're fine, though." You stick your free arm out and motion her over. "I'd get up to hug you but I'm afraid she's claimed my arm as her own."

Rarity laughs quietly and steps over, wrapping her forelegs around you tightly and giving you a comforting kiss.

"Sorry to make you worry, darling, but I'm quite alright. I always keep this little ensemble ready just in case I need to go out in such adverse weather."

She closes the umbrella with a burst of magic and slides out of her rain coat and hat, hanging it up on a coat rack in the corner.

"I'm going to need to mop that spot later. Oh well. No harm done."

You see her point a hoof at the sleeping pegasus at your side, a smile crossing her face.

"I must say, I wasn't expecting to find you and Fluttershy asleep on the couch. Interesting day?"

"Yeah, I found her taking a nap here when I got home from work. Made the mistake of turning off the light, and the poor girl woke up in terror. Gave us the opportunity to talk, though."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I'd been wanting to do so for a while. Just never found the right time," you say with a shrug of your shoulders.

"Anything in particular?"

"I just wanted to know more about her. We talked about her past, how she knew you and Cashmere, that kind of that. I wanted to talk to her about her, uh, 'unique' situation with us, too."

"And what did she say? I assume you still had some lingering concerns, darling." Rarity climbs up on the couch next to you and floats your coffee cup over, taking a sip before putting it down with a sour face.

"Sorry, it's not hot any more. You could reheat the one on the stove, though."

"That's quite alright, dear. You were saying?"

"Well, it was pretty much what I'd talked to you about a while back. She said she's happy with the way things have been going, and she's glad she made the decision. She was apprehensive about joining us, though. She didn't want to seem like she was forcing herself into our lives...she says we have a wonderful relationship."

"That's very sweet of her," Rarity says. "I like to think we do, too."

"Definitely." You lean down and kiss her lovingly, running a hand over the wet lengths of hair that weren't covered by her umbrella or hat. "But yeah, I was just trying to get us all on the same wavelength, you know? I felt a lot better after talking with you a few weeks ago, but I think the majority of my concerns have been lifted after getting a little confirmation from her."

Fluttershy mumbles something in her sleep and kicks a foreleg before settling back to position.

"I'm glad you could eliminate those fears, darling. As I've said before, Fluttershy is not one to intrude. Just having her with us has brought her some obvious comfort -- you can see it in the way she carries herself. When she's not sleeping, anyway," she says with a laugh. "I swear, between the two of you, it's a wonder anyone is ever awake at all."

You laugh in return and put your free arm around her as she snuggles against you. The rain has let up some since you fell asleep, but it's still coming down at a decent rate. Walking to work tomorrow is gonna be real fun, nevermind trying to work in it. You can worry about it later, though.

"I think I could grow to like this."

"Hmm?"

"A beautiful mare on each arm. Twice the eye candy for parties."

"Men." Rarity shakes her head and clops a hoof against your arm playfully. "But yes, it is rather nice, isn't it? You haven't seemed this calm with the both of us at your side in a good while. Maybe your little talk with her really did calm your nerves."

"I like to think so."

"Fabulous!" she replies with a quiet giggle. She lays her head back down against your robe, but pulls back after a few seconds, running a hoof over the spot. "Oh, my, is that a wet spot? It's...quite extensive, actually. How did that happen?"

"Ah, well, when Fluttershy woke up she sort of did so with a yell. It scared the crap outta me! Made me jump so much that I spilled most of my coffee all over myself." Rarity laughs at the mental image and gives you a sympathetic look.

"My condolences on your robe, darling."

"Nothing I can't get out with a little stain remover," you shrug. "Got it all down my chest and stomach, too. Got most of it off with a towel, but still feels kinda sticky. Gonna have to take a shower. Again."

"Did you, now?" She opens up your robe and frowns at the light brown remains of your spilled drink "Well that just won't do."

She takes a quick glance at Fluttershy, making sure the yellow pegasus is still asleep, and bends her head down to your open robe. You gasp in surprise as you feel her kiss your chest and make a long, sliding lick up to your neck, meeting your lips for a passionate kiss.

"Mmmm, I'd say you could do with another shower. Perhaps I could join you?"

"I think I'd like that," you reply with a smile, rubbing your nose against hers. She hops down from the couch while you gently place Fluttershy's head and neck on the couch cushions. Fluttershy tucks her legs in and thankfully stays asleep. Rarity floats over a small blanket and places it over her friend, giving you a happy look as she does.

"Now, I believe we have some hot, steamy water waiting for us," she teases, flicking her tail up as she stretches out, lifting her rear in the air.

"I believe we do." You start walking off, but quickly turn around for a moment. "Oh, just a sec, hon." You click the lamp back on so that Fluttershy won't wake up in the dark. "Okay. I think we're set now."

You rejoin Rarity's side, removing your robe as you walk up to the second story. Once you reach your room you take a chance and dump it over her, laughing out loud as she stands there, unmoving, with the robe draped entirely around her and spreading out across the floor.

"I should have known you'd do something like that," her muffled voice responds from under the robe. Her covered form reminds you of a dog, lost under a blanket, and it makes you laugh even harder.

"Hey, honey, could you do me a favor and chase your tail? Maybe growl a little, too."

"I am not a dog, thank you!" You are overtaken by the sudden mental image of Rarity chasing her own tail, over and over in circles, and it causes you to laugh so hard that you have to brace yourself against the wall. She tosses the robe off with a flaring of magic, depositing it in a laundry hamper.

"Really, now! Sometimes I wonder how I even put up with you," she says with a serious face. Or at least, she tries to keep a serious face. Your laughter is infectious, and her stern demeanor soon breaks down into a giggle of her own.

"Oh, for the love of Celestia! Let's just get in there before you decide to put a collar on me." Hmmm....

"Well..."

"Ah ah, I know where this is going! Don't get your hopes up, darling."

"Damn! It was worth a try."

"Really, now, I've no problem with a little adventure in the bedroom, but that's just silly."

Rarity trots to the bathroom and turns the handle on the shower, nodding with approval at the temperature.

"Oh, I'd nearly forgotten! Remind me that I have something to tell you after we finish, won't you? I think you'll be quite surprised."

Against your better judgment you ask her what it is anyway, wanting to know what she's so eager to tell you. Of course, she refuses to.

"I said after we finish, darling. It can wait. I, however, cannot! Now...get in here and take care of your mare, or your mare may just take care of herself."

"Yes, ma'am!" You laugh to yourself and shut the bathroom door, joining her in the hot water.

As it turns out, spilling coffee on yourself was the best thing that could have happened.

==========

Half an hour passes far too quickly.

Rarity's mystery announcement creeps back into your mind, but she's insistent upon telling it to both you and Fluttershy together. Fortunately, Fluttershy is awake again, sitting on a cushion out on the balcony under a small overhang. Gusts of wind blow her long, pink mane around and rustle the feathers of her wings. The rain has mostly died down, now reduced to a light drizzle, leaving the air damp and cool.

Rarity walks up behind the pegasus and places a hoof on her shoulder.

"Hello, darling."

"Hi, Rarity," Fluttershy responds with a light smile.

"How have you been? I've been so busy today that I haven't even had the chance to see you."

"I'm okay. I was just enjoying the weather."

"That's good to hear. I thought you might have taken off after no one was home for a while...I was pleasantly surprised to hear that you were still here." She leans down and kisses Fluttershy's forehead, then pulls up a cushion of her own. You sit down next to her, putting an arm around her waist.

"I hear you had a nice conversation with my darling dearest today, or so he says."

"Yes we did. It was very nice...I don't think we really knew much about each other, besides the conversations we'd had during lunches and such. I think it went well. Mostly it was just putting our minds at ease, if you understand."

Rarity nods in response.

"That I do, darling. I realize that there have been some...lingering doubts. I must admit, our situation is quite unconventional."

"To say the least," you add. "But yeah, we had a nice conversation, even if I scared her half to death. Or vice-versa."

"Hmmhmm, sorry," she giggles.

"No harm done. It was actually pretty interesting...the conversation, that is. Not the scalding coffee part. Like I said, hon, there were just a few things I wanted to get off my chest. Fluttershy is a very mature and respectful mare, without a doubt. Needless to say, I feel better about all of this. Still just easing me way into it, but yeah...I'm okay with it."

Rarity smiles and plants a kiss on your cheek.

"I'm glad you feel that way, darling."

"Actually, that reminds me...does anyone else know about this? I know we've been keeping this a secret so far, but sooner or later someone is bound to realize what's going on. What then?"

"Hmm...." Rarity taps her chin with her hoof, while Fluttershy simply stares off towards the distant mountains. "Honestly, darling, I don't know. I can't think of a single...situation like ours. At least, not amongst any ponies I can think of."

"Is it something that's socially acceptable amongst ponies? Where I came from, it's called polygamy, and it's generally frowned upon. Here, though...I dunno."

"I've no idea, I'm afraid to say. I would be surprised, though, if such a thing were out-right hated. I think it would come as a shock to those who know us, yes, but revulsion and judgmental attitudes? I'd like to think Ponyville is more tolerant than that. There are several mare-mare relationships in town, after all. 'As long as you're happy' seems to be the prevailing train of thought here. One would hope, anyway."

As long as you've known them, ponies have had the whole 'love and tolerance' thing as their standard...but occasionally, you still run into one that's a complete asshole. Hell, there's a few stallions at your job site that you can't stand the sight of. Not to mention Cashmere. That's a whole other matter entirely! If she found out about this...well, nothing good could come from it. You decide to bring it up, even if it's an unpleasant thought. Best to get it out of the way.

"So...suppose Cashmere gets a hold of this information. You know she'd use it against you in a heart beat."

"I'd like to think she wouldn't pry into my personal life, darling. She--"

You give her an exasperated expression, and she gets the hint.

"...Right. I suppose I shouldn't be so naive about such things. Of course she would pry into my life if it gave her a leg up. She could potentially use such information to spread lies or rumors about us, what with her scheming mind and all that.

That said, I don't think going around and shouting it from the rooftops is the greatest of ideas. We'll just have to be cautious, that's all."

"I guess so." You fluff your cushion and sit back down, remembering the surprise Rarity was supposed to tell you about. "Oh, I almost forgot! You said you had something to tell us?"

"Of course! How silly of me, blathering on when there's such good news to be had."

"What kind of good news, Rarity?" Fluttershy asks, getting up on her hooves and stretching her wings out.

"Well, since you asked...do you remember, darling, how we had a two-part plan against Cashmere?"

"Sure do." You turn to face Fluttershy, who was unaware of the little scheme you and Rarity cooked up. "We wanted to get back at her for that half-off sale she forced us into, so we came up with this plan, see? The first part of it was a bit of personal payback; we sent Cashmere a poison joke flower, delivered anonymously."

Fluttershy's eyes widen at the mention of the flower, obviously still very aware of what it's capable of.

"Poison joke? Oh, I don't know about that...it was, um...unpleasant."

"There was no permanent harm done, darling. In fact, I hear she was back to her old, irrefutably repugnant self the next day. It was quite interesting, however! We weren't sure what it had affected, if it had done so at all, but then we saw the patches of blue dots on her rump!" Rarity laughs a refined giggle, continuing, "As it turns out, it had affected her latent -- and overly-used -- sense of sexuality and seduction. You should have seen it! She was trying her hardest to throw as much innuendo as possible her into speech, but she could never find the words!"

"We could be a real, working three...thing," you mimic, putting on the best derp-face possible. Rarity laughs louder at your impersonation, wiping a tear from her eye. Fluttershy joins in, albeit softer.

"Yeah, she wasn't the smoothest talker that day."

"That is funny, but a bit of an inconvenience doesn't seem like something that would match up for what she did to you," Fluttershy states with a hint of worry in her voice.

"Ah, but that's the beauty of it, my dear." Rarity composes herself and puts a hoof to her chest dramatically. " 'Tis not enough to simply humiliate; one must also counter their opponent blow for blow." You roll your eyes at her display, which she dismisses with a hoof wave. "Come now, darling, you must allow me such frivolities where Cashmere is concerned. Goodness knows we take what we can get."

"Fair enough."

"But yes, the second part of our plan -- or rather, the second part of the first part of our plan -- was to have Pinkie Pie cause as much of a ruckus as possible. Do you remember that one-pony band get-up she used to drive the parasprites out of town?"

"The one with the accordion and tuba and such?" Fluttershy asks.

"Exactly. She led a procession of ponies from Sugarcube Corner all the way to Cashmere's store! Oh, if only you could have witnessed it! She even sang a song!"

"A song? What kind of song?"

"It's...hard to explain," you answer. You're not sure ponies have even heard of metal...

"It's Pinkie Pie, darling. That's all we really need to say," Rarity adds with a laugh. "Part of her song included a buy one, get one free sale for Cashmere's store. You know how easily swayed Ponyvillians are..." 'Naive' would be the right word. Maybe their open nature makes ponies more gullible.

"Oh, my...that doesn't sound very nice."

"Perhaps, Fluttershy, but no harm was done...to the ponies, anyway. Cashmere's bottom line? That's a whole other matter entirely."

"Well...she did sort of deserve it. If she always acts how she acted that day that I threw her out, I can't really blame you. I mean, I don't think I could have done such a thing, but that's just me. I guess there's a reason you're the 'shrewd business mare', as I've heard it."

"Hmmhmm, quite so, dear. One must be prepared to step on a few hooves on their way to the top!"

"Okay, backstory explained," you prod, eager to hear the news for yourself, "what happened with the second part of your plan? Weren't you supposed to stop by Cashmere's suppliers or something?"

"Indeed I was. And I did! That, my dear, is why I'm so eager to tell you."

"Well? Don't keep me waiting, baby. You know patience isn't my strong suit."

"Don't I ever," she replies with an alluring edge to her voice, "It's a wonder you can even make it to the bed sometimes."

Fluttershy blushes at the statement, hiding her cheeks behind her hooves.

"Oh, no need to be shy, my dear. We're all adults here. We all have our desires!" Rarity steps closer and whispers in your ear, "Isn't that right, darling? Though some of our desires are a little more...lacy." The last word is so breathy it actually causes a tingle to shoot down your spine. You can feel your own cheeks flushing, and you have to take a deep breath to refocus yourself.

God damn, but she's good.

"ANYWAY," you interject before you make a bigger fool of yourself, "back on topic, what happened?"

Rarity gives you a wry smile and blows a kiss at you, causing Fluttershy to bite her lip nervously.

"Anyway, yes, my plan was to present Cashmere's suppliers -- specifically those in Ponyville -- a few of my hoof-made ensembles in an effort to convince them to service us instead of her."

"Couldn't they do both?"

"In theory, yes. Their supply chains aren't that large, however. Cashmere has been buying locally to keep her costs down -- quite a good business practice, if I do say so. I suppose she could always ship her textiles and materials in from her main suppliers in Manehattan, but that takes time and money."

"Time is money, friend," you say to yourself. Rarity gives you an inquisitive look, but you simply shrug in response.

"...Yes...quite so, darling. I took a few of my finest designs with me to her main supply center, clear on the other side of Ponyville. It's a good thing it hadn't yet begun to rain, or those dresses and suits would have been ruined! Though I still brought my own rain coat, of course. Did you know purple is back in this season? Imagine my delight when I heard the news, this very intelligent mare from Las Pegasus told me and--"

"Rarity!" If you've learned anything, it's that once she starts going on fashion talk, it's hard to get her to stop.

"Hmm? Oh, heheh, right...as I was saying, I took the liberty of walking to their location. The two ponies behind the desk -- a stallion and a mare -- asked me what I wanted. They were a tad bit unfriendly at first, to say the least. I think the mare was drilling holes through me with her eyes for the first part of my visit. I've no idea why...maybe they were just having a bad day. Who can say, really?"

Trying to convince a pair of pissed-off ponies probably wasn't the easiest thing in the world, especially when it involved money matters.

"Their mood changed once I told them I was looking to spend some bits, of course. They were suddenly like my best friends! I swear, the nerve of some ponies. Anyway, I bought a few rolls of fabric before presenting them with a pair of dresses and a pair of suits -- a full tuxedo and a collar-only design, for less formal occasions, respectively."

"Can you even call a fancy collar a suit?" you ask.

"Technically, no, but for the purposes of formality it tends to work well enough, especially on stallions with darker-colored coats and lighter eyes, thus accentuating the--I'm getting off track again, aren't I? Sorry."

"It's alright," you tell her with a chuckle.

"Obviously you can imagine their surprise when I did so. The poor mare was so shocked that she couldn't speak! The stallion asked me what I was doing, and I told him that I had prepared the outfits for them, free of charge. He and his wife were cautious at first, but upon inspecting the dresses and suits they were taken aback by the quality I put into them. To be fair, I'd put a lot of my free time into those outfits, even closing the Boutique early today to work on them.

The mare asked me why I had done such a thing, and I told them that I wanted their business to supply mine instead of Cashmere's."

"Doesn't Cashmere have some sort of contract or something to prevent this?"

"Most businesses don't operate such a way here, darling. In the case of the supply store, they had agreed to help Cashmere, but they found her products to be of varying quality. That may not sound like an important matter, but you must remember that anything made from the materials that they supply are assumed to be partly their responsibility."

"But that doesn't make much sense," you interrupt, "are you saying that the pony who supplies you right now can also come to blame for what you create with those supplies?"

"Indeed he can. Such a system encourages everypony involved to be at their finest. In theory, anyway. You'll find that businesses that don't care about their customers or suppliers don't last very long."

"Kinda weird, but if it works, I suppose...wait, doesn't that mean that the guy supplying you right now is going to lose out because you snagged this new one?"

"Not at all, darling. After our half-off debacle a few weeks ago, it became obvious that I've not been properly prepared for such an event. Were we to get bombarded like that again, it would exhaust all of my supplies. With two suppliers, I can obtain twice the number of materials, and I can shop between the two for better prices."

"Nice. Saving money is always good."

"I like to think so. Once they had finished inspecting the designs I'd given them, I encouraged them to try them on. The collar-only one was a bit too small for the stallion, but the tuxedo fit him perfectly. Keep in mind I had no idea what to expect when going in to this, so I had to create a suit that would allow for a range of sizes while still retaining that 'slimming' look that's so much of a bonus with this style of clothing."

"What about the mare?" Fluttershy asks, obviously interested in the story.

"Would you believe that both of the dresses fit her? I was simply delighted!" Rarity lets out a squeal of delight and bounces happily in place. You can't help yourself, and you reach over and embrace her in a tight hug.

"I didn't think you'd be so happy about dresses fitting the mare, darling," she says with a laugh.

"I'm not. I mean, I am, that's good, but it's not that. You're just so...damn adorable sometimes."

Fluttershy hides a laugh behind a foreleg, her nose scrunching up.

"Like a little puppy or something. I just want to squeeze you until you make a squeaky toy sound."

"Erm, thank you, darling. I think..." She gives you an odd look, half-amused, half-curious. "You have a very unique way of describing things."

"Well you are! Isn't she, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy's eyes widen, and she ducks down behind the cushion.

"Um, well...you are kind of cute like that, Rarity..."

"Why does everypony think I'm 'cute'? I am a lady!" She sticks her nose in the air and turns her head slightly, trying to bring out the refined exterior she's done so many times before. "Beautiful? Of course. Charming? I would like to think so. Cute? Well...I suppose I could be labeled so. It does have a certain air about it."

"Are you done over-thinking the compliment now?" You say with a poke to her stomach. She yelps in surprise and covers it with a half-hearted attempt at being angry. "I thought I told you to stop doing that!"

"Oh you did. Doesn't mean I actually have to, though. For future reference, Fluttershy," you turn to her as Rarity curls up into a ball, "It's a spot on her stomach just under her ribs. She's sensitive there."

"Umm...okay..." Fluttershy isn't sure what to make of it, instead, sinking lower behind the cushion.

"And when I say 'sensitive', I mean sensitive. If you kind of lick around the area and--"

"I think," Rarity interrupts, "you've said enough, darling. Really, now, if you're going to reveal all of my personal secrets, you're going to make her uncomfortable. Not to mention that I may be forced to respond in kind. Don't forget, darling," she steps up and stares you in the eyes, semi-menacingly, "that I am more than aware of your personal nuances. It would be a real shame if such a thing were to slip my mind."

"Um..." Fluttershy has apparently brought it upon herself to re-rail the discussion. "I don't mean to interrupt, but you were talking about the new suppliers?"

"Right. I believe I'd just said that the mare had taken a liking to both dresses before someone decided to lead my astray again." She glares at you playfully before returning to her story. "So, yes, after they'd had a chance to try on the outfits and get a good feel for them, they were practically begging me to represent their wares!"

"Begging?"

"Well....fine, not so much 'begging' as 'curiously asking', but still. My point stands. They were excited. I told them that I owned the Carousel Boutique, and that I was in need of a supplier for higher-end materials. It took a good half hour of discussion, but eventually we struck a deal." She raises a hoof in the air in celebration. "Cashmere's suppliers are now ours!"

"That's great!" you tell her with a hug and a big kiss. "I knew you could do it, baby!"

"Congratulations, that's very nice to hear." Fluttershy adds with a light smile.

"Thank the both of you. To be honest, I hadn't expected it to go this smoothly. I thought the supplier would fight me tooth-and-hoof over some sort of business partnership, but they were surprisingly open to the idea."

Rarity rubs her hooves together with a scheming grin.

"Cashmere is going to be very surprised, hmmhmm."

"Any catches to this whole thing?" You figure you'd better ask just in case.

"Just one: Due to the long distance between the Boutique and our new-found suppliers, I'll have to order all of my materials from them a week in advance. They'll then ship them to me via wagon once a week, on a Monday morning. So there will be a small expense for that, but it shouldn't be an issue."

You weren't expecting it to be so easy, either. For once, things have gone as smooth as you'd hoped. It's nice to have a plan pan out without unnecessary drama and nonsense!

"Cashmere's gonna find out, hon. Soon, most likely. I think it's safe to say she's not going to be happy about it."

"Pfft. Cashmere." She nearly spits the name out, making it clear what she thinks of her former friend. "She can sit on it and spin, for all I care!"

"Not much love lost there, I take it."

"Please, if I had any love remaining for her, it disappeared when she tried to steal my store and seduce my man. No, there is no love lost for that two-toned tart." You lean in and give her a kiss, happy to have some good news. "No doubt this will upset her, but I'm prepared for whatever nonsense she thinks she can conjure up. No, Miss Rarity is not playing around any more. As she's going to find out very soon, it. IS. ON!"

You and Fluttershy give her a surprised look, and she puts her forelegs back down with a nervous laugh.

"Heheh, that is to say, I shall not be gentle with her any more. If it's a fight Cashmere wants, then it's a fight Cashmere shall get."

Fluttershy takes a few steps over and gives Rarity a hug, but Rarity pulls back with her forelegs over Fluttershy's shoulders.

"Come now, darling, we've been together for a while now. You can give me a kiss, I don't mind."

"Umm, I don't know..."

"It's quite alright, dear! We've done the same thing before bed on several occasions, right?"

"Well, yes, but..."

"Then how is this any different?"

"I...I guess it's really not."

"It's just us, darling. Neither of us think anything negative of y--mmm!"

Fluttershy surprises both of you by quickly moving closer and pressing her lips against Rarity's, holding there for several seconds before pulling back with a nervous laugh, her cheeks bright red under her yellow coat. Rarity's eyes remain wide for just as long, blinking several times as she collects her thoughts.

"I must admit...I was not expecting that. Can't say I disapprove, though. Thank you, darling," she says with a big smile and that upside down 'U' expression you so love.

"You're welcome, Rarity," Fluttershy finally replies, still blushing. "Just having a little fun, that's all."

"I'm glad you can feel more casual with us, Fluttershy. All we've done is to try and make you feel welcome and comfortable, it's good to know that our efforts aren't in vain."

Rarity stands up behind you, rubbing your shoulders with her hooves. She may not have hands, but it still feels pretty nice.

"What do you say we go celebrate with some dinner, hmm? The roads are going to be atrocious but it's nothing a little wet-weather gear can't handle. At least it's stopped raining by now."

"I think that's a great idea," you tell her as you let your head droop down so she can massage your lower neck. "Where should we go?"

"Oh I don't know, I thought we'd let Fluttershy decide. How about it, dear?" Tension you didn't even know you were holding in your neck suddenly melts away under the long, forceful circles of Rarity's movements. You should really ask her to do this more...

"Hmm? Me? Okay, um...how about Silver Platter's? He runs a very nice restaurant, and it won't be that expensive. You know, if that's okay with you two."

"I think that sounds fabulous," Rarity replies. "It's been a long time since we've been there, isn't that right, darling?"

"Mmhmm," is all you can manage, closing your eyes and enjoying the feeling of your muscles being kneaded.

"Then I think Silver Platter's is on our menu for today. We can head out as soon as everyone's ready. Oh, I'd nearly forgotten..." You feel Rarity's breath on your shoulder, and she suddenly bites down -- lightly -- between your neck and shoulder, flicking her tongue over the spot as she does so. You reflexively gasp and jerk your head to the side, holding it there for a few seconds even after she pulls away with a laugh.

"...He's sensitive on that spot."

"Hey!" You scramble to your feet and take off after her, hearing her laugh all the way.

"I told you I'd get you back, darling!"

==========

The rest of the day passes quickly and quietly, the reasonably-priced dinner a nice way to put a cap on things. You and Rarity spent several hours talking and laughing into the late hours of the night, Fluttershy sitting quietly and listening to your stories. She excused herself to an early bed, leaving the two of you with some welcomed privacy. As much as you enjoy the pegasus' company, you really treasure those moments with Rarity the most. She seemed to agree, uncorking a bottle of wine and sharing it between the two of you in a pair of crystal glasses.

"Before we take a sip, I suppose a toast in order," she says with a flourish of her wine glass. "To us, darling. And to Fluttershy. I've not the foggiest idea of what may come of this, but so far, I must say it's been quite pleasant."

"I'll drink to that," you answer, raising your own glass in return. "She's a sweet heart, definitely. Whatever happens, I'm right at your side, baby."

"And I at yours, dear." You clink your glasses together and take a sip, letting the multitude of flavors wash over your tongue and down your throat. "Not too bad, if I do say so."

"Not bad at all. You've got good taste, hon."

"I like to think so. Only fitting for a proper lady such as myself, wouldn't you agree?"

"Absolutely. Good taste in more than one way..." You raise your eyebrows a few times over your glass, eliciting a playfully annoyed scoff.

"Always with the innuendo, I swear. If I didn't know any better, I'd say Cashmere's mannerisms have been rubbing off on you."

"I'll let you know if I become an overwhelming asshole with a penchant for backstabbing friends. Then you might have some confirmation."

"You do that and a poison joke will be the least of your concerns, darling."

"I'll keep that in mind," you say as you take a long pull of your wine, refilling both of your glasses afterward. "Speaking of which, I can't help but think this is just the start of a long process, you know? I mean, if Cashmere is so damn insistent on driving us out of b--"

Rarity puts a hoof to your lips and leans in close, the tip of her horn touching your forehead.

"Darling, I'm going to give you some of your own advice here, and tell you to 'just relax'. I love you completely and sincerely, but you do worry about things too much sometimes. Whatever happens, we've got each other. She-who-shall-not-be-named may be able to torment this business, but she can never destroy what we have. Never."

She pulls her hoof away, resting it on your chest instead.

"You're right, baby. I'm sorry, I shouldn't bring it up so much."

"It's quite alright, my dear. Tonight is just for us, so let's enjoy it, hmm?"

"Okay," reply with a warm smile. "That works for me."

"Good, now do be quiet and kiss me."

Rarity sits on your lap and pulls your head into her with a hoof, setting both of your glasses on the side table as you wrap your arms around her and kiss her passionately. You're pleased with the decision to have a little wine first, able to taste the lingering flavors on her lips and tongue. After a very pleasant thirty seconds, she pulls herself back with a deep exhale and smiles.

"Now that we're in a more intimate setting, darling, perhaps we can put that spot on your neck to good use. Along with the rest of that sexy body of yours." She bites her lip and tosses her bouncy, purple curls to the side.

"Still can't believe you did that to me," you laugh, getting Rarity to stick her tongue out in response.

"Payback is only fair. You did it first, after all! I was simply returning the favor."

"Yeah, fair enough. You got me good."

"Don't you forget that, either. Now...I have it on good authority that you may have a bit of a thing for those stockings I wore a little while back. Would my assumptions be correct, darling?"

"They might be..." you give her a wry smile and she hops down from your lap, slowly trotting off around the corner.

"Well then, I think we can accommodate you. Or rather, I can accommodate you. You know what I mean. I'm going to go put them on, and when I come back, I expect to not find a shred of clothing on you. Is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," you reply as you start removing your shirt, "understood very well."

You don't even make it to your bed until one in the morning. The alarm goes off five hours later.

And it was completely worth it.