Sophistication and Betrayal

((Author's Note: Long chapter, yada yada, split into two parts, you know the deal by now.))

"I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to start meeting all of your friends just yet, Rarity."

Rarity trots alongside you as you make your way across Ponyville, happily humming a tune as she does. For the last several days she's been determined to get you to meet her myriad friends -- something you're not especially enthused about. It's not that you're afraid they'll be bad ponies or that you won't get along with them, it's just that you still feel like you're still trying to adjust to life in Equestria.

"Really, darling, there's nothing to worry about. You've lived among us for three months now! Not to mention that we've been dating for three weeks. I think it's time you expand your horizons, so to speak."

"Yeah, I guess. I still get strange looks, though, you know? I try not to let it bother me, but sometimes it's not so easy."

Rarity gives you a reassuring look.

"They'll warm up to you eventually, my dear. Ponies are used to their own kind; even a gryphon or zebra will draw stares when they're stopping by, and there are far more of them than there are of you."

"That's not very comforting," you reply.

"My point being that you need to simply let it wash over you. Ponies will stare, as much as I'd prefer otherwise. They'll get used to you in time."

"What about your friends?" So far the only friend of Rarity's you've met has been Twilight, back when you were staying in the hospital. Her generosity in letting you live with her for these long months has been very welcomed and appreciated. "I'm sure they're nice and all that -- they're your friends, after all -- but I'm not sure they'll be as comforting or welcoming. I dunno, maybe I'm just worrying too much."

"You? Worrying too much?" she asks rhetorically with a slight laugh. "Nonsense!"

"Yeah, yeah, very funny."

"I promise you'll enjoy their company, darling. Have I ever led you astray before?"

You look down at her and smile, adding, "I suppose not."

"Exactly! Miss Rarity is very careful about counting others among her close friends. I'm sure they'll simply adore you! I know you're nervous about the whole thing, so I'm not going to gather them around and barrage you with names and personalities. All good things in due time. Though I can't promise such a thing will remain true once you meet Applejack...her family is quite extensive. Exceptionally friendly and down-to-earth, but extensive."

"Sounds like a family reunion waiting to happen," you quip.

"That's an issue for another time. For now, we'll start you off with the mare I consider to be my best friend and dearest confidant. I'm positive she'll like you, darling."

""Butterpie?" you ask, trying to pull up an occasionally-mentioned name from memory.

"Fluttershy," she corrects you with a laugh.

"Oh, right. Close enough." One of Rarity's friends has 'pie' in her name. You'll be damned if you can remember which one, though. "You've known her for a long time?"

"Indeed I have," she nods. "Fluttershy has been a very good friend for quite some time. In fact, I've known her almost as long as another old friend, at least before things changed quite significantly...but that's not something to concern yourself with. Friends come and go; you know how it is, I'm sure."

"That I do. Especially now that I'll likely never see my old friends again."

Rarity places a comforting hoof on your thigh as she walks.

"Which is exactly why I'm introducing you to mine, darling. With any luck, you'll find them as charming as I do. Fluttershy in particular."

"She's the one you take off with to the spa once in a while, right?" Opening the door to the Boutique to find Rarity wrapped in her white and yellow spa-slash-bath robe has been something you've come to enjoy as of late; it accentuates her curves. At least, you think it does. You'd probably say everything accentuates her curves if it meant spending more time with her.

"Mmhmm. I try to spend time with her whenever I can. She's simply adorable! Such a kind-hearted pegasus. I care for her quite deeply, more than I can express in words. She's always there when I need her."

"Sounds like a good girl," you add.

"She really is. Though I must warn you, she's quite...skittish."

"Skittish?" you repeat.

"Yes...she has quite literally been afraid of her own shadow before," Rarity giggles. "I expect she'll be somewhat cautious about meeting you, so don't be surprised if she takes a moment or two to warm up to you."

You've never really been one to associate with people who are overly timid or nervous, be it pony or human. You're willing to give her a chance, though.

"We'll see how it goes, baby. I'm not too worried."

"Such a thing is all I can ask, darling," she replies with a smile.

"So this Butter-- uh, Fluttershy --does she know about, you know...us?"

"Well, she knows of your existence, yes."

"No, I mean does she know that we're dating? I know we've mostly kept to ourselves so far." You've felt a little bad about keeping your relationship partially under wraps, lest most of Ponyville, not to mention Rarity's friends, find out. It's inevitable that they'll realize what's going on, but it's not something you're looking forward to. You get enough awkward glances as is.

"Not at the moment, no. I respect that you've been cautious about letting anypony know, darling, but if ever there was a pony who wouldn't judge you, it would be Fluttershy. I'd like to let her know, but I will only do so if you're comfortable with it. I promise."

You consider the options, but ultimately decide against it for the time being.

"Well...maybe after I get to know her a little. I feel like dropping such a revelation on her so soon after meeting her will end up being too much." You chuckle, adding, "she's gonna be shocked enough to see me in the first place. 'Oh, hi, Fluttershy,'" you pantomime, waving your arms in the air, "'I'm a tall, weird-looking human! Oh, and I make out with your best friend every night! Surprise!'"

Rarity jabs a hoof at your waist and laughs.

"Oh, come now! You're not 'weird-looking' at all! You're simply...different from the rest of Ponyville, that's all! I think you look fabulous, darling. And so dapper in your suit!"

You tug at your dark blue tie and glance down at your button-up dress shirt. Rarity thought it would help make a nice first impression. You just wish you could be out of it, preferably completely. With Rarity on top of you. It's not a bad mental image...

"I didn't hear any objection to the whole 'making out furiously' part," you tease her.

"Why on earth would I object to that?" she says in return, biting her lip playfully. The heavy kissing is nice and all, but you've let your mind wander increasingly as of late. Maybe she's nervous about taking that final step. You can't blame her. Even though your relationship thus far has been going incredibly well -- more so than you could have hoped for -- it's been clear from the start that Rarity is not one to give herself so completely to someone without being absolutely sure first. You'd love to experience that intimacy with her, but for now you've had to make do with increasingly heavy touching and kissing. It's certainly fun, but still...

"In any case, there's no sense fretting over it. You'll get along splendidly, you'll see."

The busy streets of mid-morning Ponyville slowly fade from view as you continue on your way to the edge of the Everfree forest. Even with three months having passed, the memory of waking up half-dead near the forest is fresh in your mind. It comes to you in glimpses and flashes; a sick feeling as the sun glares into your eyes, a choking cough as you force salty water from your lungs. Some nights it invades your dreams and startles you awake in the middle of the night.

As bad as it is, you always remind yourself that it could have been worse. Much worse. If Rarity hadn't showed up, if Twilight hadn't taken quick action...

You shake your head to force the thoughts away -- no point in dwelling on them at the moment. You're intent on making yourself look good for Rarity's friend.

"Ah, here we are!" Rarity exclaims happily. Just in front of you is a small, stone walkway leading to a bridge over a babbling stream. The smell of fresh, cool water combined with a slight breeze manages to firmly cement you in the here and now, something you're very grateful for.

You look around curiously at the surrounding area. Several small, prefabricated objects sit in or just above the ground -- maybe some sort of animal home? You've heard that Fluttershy is a mare who makes her living taking care of animals, so it would only make sense.

A small collection of animals watches you and Rarity as you make your way over the bridge and up the winding path to a small cottage, one that's covered with a grassy roof and a large collection of bright-red bird feeders.

"So this is it, huh?" You stop just in front of the small, pink door that marks the only visible entrance. You hope she doesn't ask you to come inside, or you're going to have to duck to even fit through it.

"Indeed it is! Quite the lovely little abode, wouldn't you say?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of 'rustic'."

"It does have some old-world charm to it, doesn't it?"

"Mm-hmm." You can hear happy humming coming from inside. Maybe Fluttershy isn't as nervous about things as Rarity makes her out to be. "So...should we just knock?"

"Just a moment, darling." Rarity gives you a once-over, adjusting your tie with a smile. "There we are. You look like a proper gentleman! If a first meeting should turn out less than ideal, it certainly will not be due to any fault of your impeccable fashion!" She laughs quietly and kisses your hand, then nods toward the door. "Go ahead, dear."

With a final, deep breath, you give the door three sharp knocks. The humming from inside immediately stops.

"H-Hello?" A quiet voice asks.

"Fluttershy? It's Rarity, darling. Have I come at a bad time?"

"Rarity? Oh, um, just a moment."

Rarity gives you a look as you wait for Fluttershy to open the door -- she's hoping for the best.

"Angel, I have to see Rarity for a moment, okay?" The soft voice sounds even quieter through the door. "Your breakfast is already on the table. Be a good boy and eat up."

"Angel?" you ask Rarity.

"Her pet rabbit. He's quite helpful despite his diminutive size. Though his attitude leaves something to be desired at times, I'm afraid."

Great. An uppity bunny. As if you didn't have enough weird problems as is. Hopefully he'll leave you alone.

The door finally opens -- slowly. You can't see the pony within, which also means that she can't see you. Maybe she'll be more comfortable if she sees Rarity first.

"Oh, hi, Rarity," the mare's voice says.

"Hello, Fluttershy," Rarity replies, smiling broadly. "How have you been, darling?"

"I'm okay...did you, um, stop by for something?"

"As a matter of fact, I did. There's someone I'd like you to meet."

The door opens a little wider, and half a head peeks through the opening.

"I don't know, Rarity...I'm not very good at, you know...meeting new ponies."

"Nonsense, my dear! I promise you'll like him. He's quite the unique gentleman."

"Well, if you say so..."

"I do. Now, you simply must introduce yourself! Come, come, don't just stand in the doorway!"

You put on a smile and take a step toward the door, nodding as you offer a greeting.

"It's nice to meet you, Fluttershy, I'm--"

"Eeep!"

Before you can react properly the door slams in your face, leaving you standing with an annoyed expression. Well, that went just about how you thought it would.

"That went well," you flatly say to the door.

"A heh heh...it would seem Fluttershy is just a tad bit nervous about meeting you, darling."

"No kidding."

"It's not entirely unexpected. We just need to get her to open up to you, that's all. Perhaps it's best if I talk to her for a moment?"

"Be my guest," you reply.

Rarity knocks on the door again, letting out an exasperated sigh.

"Fluttershy, there's really nothing to be so afraid of."

"But he's...tall..." the nervous mare's voice answers through the door.

"Oh come now, you're acting as if he's a dragon. He won't hurt you, darling, he's with me."

"Are you...sure?"

"Absolutely sure. If he were dangerous I wouldn't have walked across the entirety of Ponyville to take him to meet you!"

There's silence for a few seconds; Rarity looks up at you and shrugs.

"...well, if you say it's okay, then I trust you."

"Good! I assure you he's as friendly as they come."

The door slowly opens again, opening just enough to let Fluttershy poke her head through. You take a step back so that you're not so close to her, and smile and nod once again.

"Hello, Fluttershy. It's nice to meet you. Rarity says you're her best friend."

Fluttershy cautiously looks you up and down a few times, then gently pushes the door the rest of the way open.

"Um...hello..."

"I understand if I look weird to you -- I've had more than my fair share of strange looks since I got here. But I'm not a threat in the least. Just trying to get to know Rarity's friends, that's all."

The shy pegasus takes a few steps out from the doorway, finally coming into full view -- she's the first pegasus mare you've had a chance to see up close. Her buttery-yellow coat gives off a slight shine in the morning sunlight, flowing into a mane and tail of long, pink hair. It's almost as shiny and cared-for as Rarity's; if you had any doubt about their frequent spa visits, they're immediately gone.

She's certainly not a bad-looking mare by any stretch of the imagination. If you'd sum up Rarity as "gorgeous", Fluttershy would rate as "cute".

"There, you see?" Rarity asks. "He's a wonderful person."

"It's nice to meet you too," she finally says. She sticks out a hoof and you instinctively put out your own clenched fist, but stop at the last moment and grasp her hoof in your hand instead, shaking it up and down gently.

Fluttershy glances away and blushes lightly under her yellow coat.

"I'm...sorry...for running back inside. I can be a little, um, nervous."

"So I've heard," you laugh quietly. "Rarity's told me all about you. Well, sort of. I know that you've been friends for a long time, and you spend time together whenever possible."

"Mm-hmm," she nods, "Rarity's been such a good friend to me for so many years, it's like we've known each other our entire lives." She looks over to Rarity and smiles, then meets your gaze with her own big, teal eyes.

"If I can ask, what...what are you? I know nearly every kind of animal in Equestria, and you don't look like any of them. I'm sorry, I don't want to sound offensive..."

"It's alright, no offense taken. I'm a human; you could sort of say I'm from here, but not really from here." She gives you a confused look. "It's hard to explain. I've had plenty of strange looks since I came here...guess that tends to happen when you're nearly twice as tall as everyone else, huh?"

"I guess that would probably draw a few looks, yes," she replies with a giggle. "You look very nice, by the way. At least, I think you do. I haven't had the chance to see clothing on many humans. You know what I mean...did Rarity design that for you?"

"What gave it away?" you ask.

"Not many ponies -- or humans -- wear cufflinks with triple diamond cutie marks on them," she laughs quietly. "I feel a little foalish for being scared of you. Twilight always says we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but, um, it's probably because she lives in a library."

You laugh and lean against the wall of her cottage.

"Sounds like Twilight alright. Besides Rarity she's the only pony I really know here. She's even let me live with her in a spare room until I can get on my feet."

"That's very nice of her. I'm surprised she hasn't mentioned you, actually...how long have you been here?"

"Just over three months now," you answer. "I told her I wanted to keep things quiet until I'm properly settled in; guess it's worked so far, huh?"

"Twilight usually can't keep a secret for the life of her," Rarity adds. "It's good that she's had the proper mind about this rather unique situation. Oh, but look at me! So caught up in introducing new ponies...and people...that I haven't even properly said hello to my lovely friend!"

Rarity trots over to Fluttershy and embraces her tightly, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

"It's so good to see you again, darling. How have you been?"

"It's good to see you, too, Rarity. I've been okay...things have been a little busy lately, but it's nothing I can't handle. Besides Angel and his fussy tastes, anyway. Have you heard from Applejack or Rainbow Dash lately? I haven't seen either of them in nearly a week."

"I'm afraid I haven't, my dear. You know those two -- always at each others' throats and such. I'm sure they have perfectly good reasons for not being around as of late."

"I suppose so." Fluttershy turns to you and lifts herself into the air with a flap of her wings, causing you to take a half-step back in surprise. "Oh, sorry," she apologizes nervously, "I didn't scare you, did I?"

"No, just surprised. I guess we're even now." She hovers at just above eye level, sticking a hoof out and rubbing it over the sleeve of your suit jacket. "Oh my, this is very nice fabric work! Definitely Rarity's doing."

"You're too kind," Rarity says as she waves a hoof and laughs politely. "It was nothing, really. Just a simple matter of converting existing designs to match his unique physical qualities."

"She's too modest sometimes," you tell Fluttershy. "When she's not being dramatic, anyway."

"I am not dramatic," Rarity corrects you, turning her head and sticking her nose out, "I am simply adept at expressing my feelings."

"She's dramatic."

Fluttershy giggles and starts flying around you slowly, looking you over from top to bottom.

"You don't have wings under that suit, do you? I didn't see a horn on your head, so you can't be related to unicorns..."

"No wings, no. Sadly. And if I had something growing out of my head I'd probably freak out and go see a doctor," you joke. "I'm basically an earth pony. Earth...human? We don't have different species of human where I come from. No magic, either. It's kind of boring like that."

"But you should hear about the world he comes from!" Rarity exclaims excitedly. "Technological wonders beyond anything pony-kind has even dreamt of! Think of the fashion..."

"Yeah, I guess that stuff is kinda neat. I'd gladly tell you all about it over, say...some breakfast? Rarity thought the three of us could grab something to eat while you and I get to know each other. If that's okay with you, that is. I wouldn't want to make you feel pressured or anything."

"Breakfast? Well, I haven't eaten yet, so..."

"Fabulous!" Rarity joyfully interrupts. "I thought we might do so back at the Boutique. I can make something for the three of us, unless you'd prefer to eat out."

"Either way is fine," you add. "I'm used to the looks. Mostly."

Fluttershy sets back down on the ground and places a hoof to her chin, tucking her wings back in.

"Um...the Boutique is kind of far away, isn't it? I wouldn't want to keep everypony -- everyone -- waiting for so long. What about that little place on the outskirts of Ponyville? It's just a few minutes away. They have a very nice hay quiche with dried tomato."

"That sounds wonderful, Fluttershy." Rarity places a hoof on your waist and smiles up at you. "How about it, darling?"

"Sounds fine," you reply. "Just, uh, no hay for me. It does bad things to my stomach..."

"Yes, spending most of the night occupying my restroom is not a particularly fun way to spend a visit, is it?" Rarity laughs and jabs you in the side.

"No. No it's not." You reach into your pocket and pull out your new coin pouch, pulling the drawstring on it to loosen the top. "I think I should be able to...yeah, there we go. I can cover breakfast for us."

Fluttershy motions toward her cottage.

"You don't have to do that, I can pay for myself. I'll just get my saddlebag and--"

"No no, I insist. It's on me. After all, not every day I get to spend breakfast with two pretty mares, now is it?"

Fluttershy blushes again, and you have to fight off the sudden urge to reach down and hug her until she squeaks. Ten minutes and it's already clear: she's too adorable for her own good.

"Always the flatterer," Rarity says. "I suppose we should head off, hmm? I'm sure there's so much you two are interested in knowing about each other."

"Definitely." You bend down slightly so that you're at eye level with the pegasus, and smile as genuinely as you can. "I know I already said it, but it's very nice to meet you, Fluttershy."

==========

Sometimes, eight hours feels like a long time. Today has been one of those days.

Despite the weather taking an unexpected turn for the better and bringing the temperature up to sixty for the first time in several weeks, the frequent aches and pains still lingering from your encounter with the obsessive pegasus have not made your life any easier. Even after nearly a week, you're still nursing bruises. The left side of your body in particular; that buck to the ribs must have hit harder than you'd thought, because bending over to pick things up has turned into an exercise in seeing how far you can get without moving your torso. So far, the result has been 'not very'.

Of course, the guys at work caught on immediately to your groans and swear-filled complaints. Pipe pulled you aside and asked you what was wrong -- only to end up shaking his head when you told him.

'I thought I'd told ya not to go gettin' yourself hurt', he'd chastised you. You apologized and told him you were fine, it was just gonna take a while for everything to heal up. He still didn't like it, but he hasn't brought it up since. You're fine with that -- the less you have to talk about the situation for the umpteenth time, the better.

The familiar sight of the Carousel Boutique looming ahead of you makes you temporarily forget your aches and pains. The large, rectangular banner advertising Hearth's Warming Eve wear still hangs from the top half, fluttering lightly in the breeze.

"Nearly home," you say to yourself. Your tool belt hangs precariously off one side of your waist, causing you to remove it entirely with a grunt of annoyance and sling it over your shoulder. One of the loops snapped earlier, and you've had to push it back up every few minutes ever since.

A stylized, blue unicorn head sticks up from the small, diamond-emblazoned mailbox next to the front door, an indicator that the mailbox is full. You reach into your pocket and pull out a silver key to unlock it. Inside are several envelopes -- bills and offers from other stores, mostly --along with a slightly larger parcel, addressed to 'Miss Rarity and Mr. Mysterious'.

You eye the parcel for a few seconds before shrugging and heading inside. Whoever it's from, it can wait until you've had a chance to make yourself decent.

"Hey, honey,"' you call out with a broad smile as soon as you spot Rarity behind a ponnequin, busily affixing elements of a dress together.

"Hello, darling!" she replies, smiling back despite an apparent look of exhaustion. Strands of her mane stick out at odd angles here and there, a sure sign of a busy work day -- normally she'd worry about even a single bit of hair looking out of place.

"Anyone here at the moment?" The Boutique certainly looks empty, but there's always the possibility of someone trying on a new outfit in the small dressing room just off the main sales floor.

"Not a soul, and thank Celestia for that!"

You walk over and bend down to give her a kiss, but a shooting pain up your left side reminds of you why it's a bad idea. You jerk back up with a grimace.

"Sorry, still sore," you say apologetically. "Damn bruises."

"Allow me, darling." Rarity balances up on her hind legs, putting her hooves against your chest for support so that she's just short of eye level with you. "There we are. How are you feeling today?"

"Better, now that I'm home," you answer, putting your arms around her neck. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, my love." She gives you a loving kiss and floats her small, orange work glasses from her nose, setting them on the ponnequin. "I take it your injuries are still giving you trouble."

"I'm afraid so. My leg doesn't hurt any more, which is good, and that damn head wound is better, but my side is just as tender as it was yesterday."

"Still a bit of a pain, is it? Well that won't do." Rarity lifts up your shirt with a hoof and gently kisses your exposed skin, adding a small lick at the end of it. You laugh at the sensation, even as your body starts reacting in an entirely different manner.

"Oh, my! I know you're sensitive to such things, dear, but if you don't settle down I'm going to have to make you new jeans entirely."

"Hey, you started it," you tease her. "How's the day been? Busy?"

"To say the least. This morning was relatively quiet for a few hours, but I found myself nearly overwhelmed with customers around noon. It didn't taper off until just an hour ago. Fluttershy's been gone all day as well, taking care of her own business needs."

You remove the yellow tape measure from around her shoulders, tossing it aside.

"Absolutely dreadful manners from this one mare. Would you believe she wanted a light green and yellow dress for Hearth's Warming Eve? Ridiculous!"

She eyes you for a moment, but you're unable to come up with a response.

"She wanted light colors? In winter? Not ringing a bell?"

You shrug, clueless as to what she's getting at.

"Really, you'd think someone who is so intimate with a fashionista would understand," she says as she playfully pokes your chest with a hoof. "Light green and yellow are spring colors, maybe summer if you throw in some contrasting hues. One does not simply wear spring colors in winter!"

"So she wanted some ugly colors. Let her be ugly, I say."

Rarity scoffs and replies, "The day I willingly let somepony be 'ugly' coming out of my store is the day I hang up my fabric shears."

"What about 'the customer is always right' and all that?"

"The customer is not right when the fashion is so wrong," she retorts, pointing a hoof at a ponnequin a little further back. You cringe at the sight of it -- it is pretty bad.

"Point taken. So what are you gonna do? Deny her business?"

"Please, darling, this is 'not my first rodeo', as Applejack would put it. I've dealt with this sort of thing before. I'll keep the colors she requested, but alter them a little so that they're more in line with what would look best. Maybe darken the green a bit, downplay the yellow with a red overlay. Something similar."

"If you say so, Miss Rarity." You jab a finger at her horn and laugh at her subsequent eye-roll.

"I do say so, Mister Mysterious."

You suddenly remember the letters hanging from your tool belt pouch.

"...you already saw the envelope, didn't you?"

"A lady must always be observant," she states dramatically, raising a foreleg in the air. "I wonder what Cashmere could have possibly sent us."

Wait, what?

"Cashmere? What makes you so sure it's her?"

"How many ponies do you know who call you 'Mister Mysterious'?"

"Not many," you admit. Why didn't you think of that? "Maybe it's anthrax."

"An-what?"

"Nothing, just a joke." You pull the handful of letters from the pouch, flipping through them with a free hand. Two bills from Rarity's suppliers, an offer for thirty percent off on scarves from Pearlesence's store...and the small parcel addressed from Elegant Expectations.

"What do you think's in it?"

"I've no idea, to be honest. I suppose we'll find out." Rarity levitates over a small letter opener, carefully cutting along the top of the manilla envelope. Two small pieces of paper, about the size of your palm, float out from the opening in a field of shimmering magic.

" 'Heard about you and your boy-toy'," she reads aloud, snickering at your nickname, " 'and I thought you two might enjoy a little time to yourselves, now that you're lacking a stalker. You'll find a voucher for two free dinners included with this letter, courtesy of Grand Gourmand and his delightful restaurant. Let it be known that Cashmere has connections in Ponyville, babe'."

"Grand Gourmand?" you ask.

"He owns the single most well-known restaurant in all of Ponyville," she informs you. "Usually it's a weeks-long waiting list and fifty bits per pony, at the very least, to eat there!"

You let out a long, low whistle.

"Sounds impressive. And Cashmere is inviting us to go there at no expense to ourselves?"

"So it would seem."

"I don't get it, that doesn't sound like her. What's the catch?"

"Hopefully there isn't one." Rarity looks back down at the paper and reads the rest of it. " 'I'm sure you two are thinking there's some ulterior motive here, but there isn't. Anypony who beats the ever-loving shit out of a creepy-ass stalker gets my respect. So go have a good time, on me. See you on the fashion battlefield, honey. Yours, Cashmere'."

Rarity looks over the voucher that came with the letter, obviously a little surprised by the turn of events.

"I...I must admit, of all the things I was expecting today, this was not one of them."

You spot writing on the back of the letter, and inform her of it.

"Hmm? Ah, of course. A post script. 'P.S., if you found any extra posters at that creepy pegasus' home, I'm open to taking one'."

You laugh and shake your head; of course Cashmere had to throw that in. Of course.

"Well, despite the more in-character interest in our intimate moments, I have to say: that's very nice of her."

"Almost too nice," you reply. "What's got her in such a good mood about things? Usually she's more the type to kick you when you're down, rather than help you back up. So to speak."

"I'm not sure...perhaps our chat with her last week brought out the part of her that isn't bitter and spiteful. Or maybe she's just flaunting her connections. Hard to say with her."

You grab the voucher out of the air and take a look at it; sure enough, the elegant writing and stylized serving platter adorning the top exclaims 'Mangia, bevi e sii felice!', which you absolutely butcher as you try to pronounce. Rarity giggles at your attempt, adding, "I think it's Italian, darling."

"Ah. Right." Under the header is a bit of writing, saying, 'You are invited to join us for a wonderful dinner, courtesy of Grand Gourmand and his staff of exceptional ponies! We look forward to see you!' A signature in cursive finishes the voucher, although it's too messy to make out. You shrug at the looping scribbles; signing your name by writing with your mouth probably isn't the easiest task in the world.

"Certainly unexpected. But I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth." You stifle a laugh at your own terrible joke; Rarity simply rolls her eyes.

"What a ridiculous saying," she mutters, laughing quietly behind a foreleg. "But yes, I think we could most certainly take advantage of her apparently new-found generosity. What do you think, darling?"

"Well hell, if she wants to comp us a hundred-bit dinner, I'm not gonna say 'no' to it. Besides, it sounds like a great place."

"It's certainly worth a try," Rarity says. "Why don't you go clean up a bit? We can discuss this further once you're not caked in dirt and sweat." She runs a hoof down your chest, adding, "ruggedly manly though it may be."

"I thought you hated dirt, baby," you tease. Celestia knows she's certainly gone out of her way to avoid it more times than you can remember.

"I do! However, there is a difference between 'filthy dirt' and 'sexy dirt'. You understand, I'm sure."

"If you like me working my ass off in a work outfit, you'd should be all over AJ. She does it naked."

"Please," she scoffs, "pony nudity is so boring, darling. Besides, she should be envious of that shapely rear end of yours." She laughs and slaps a hoof on the seat of your pants, then stands back on all fours with a soft 'clop' on the hardwood floor. "But! I'm sure you didn't come home to hear me wax poetic about your pert posterior!"

"It's a good ego boost," you shrug, giving her a wink afterward.

"I do what I can. Now, you should march upstairs this instant and change into something more comfortable. In the mean time I'm going to see if I can't salvage this train-wreck of an outfit."

==========

A nice, hot shower leaves you feeling much cleaner than you were a little while ago. Rarity is still downstairs when you head back down, re-equipped with her work glasses and tape measure. A stack of cut and partially sewn fabric is lying on the floor next to her in a pile, right next to a small stack of multicolored gems. It's been the better part of half an hour, and she's still intently working on the problematic dress -- no one could ever accuse her of giving up easily.

"How's the dress coming, baby?" You ask as you walk by her, briefly running a hand through her curly tail.

"It's proving to be problematic, I'm afraid," she answers, making a sour expression at the partially finished outfit. "Try as I might, I can't figure out how to accentuate her chosen colors without over-emphasizing them..."

The dress in question looks better than it did when you last saw it, at least to your eye. You can tell it's not up to her exacting standards just yet, though.

"I considered creating a set of multiple, thin layers punctuated by a series of small gems, but so far...well, you can see the result lying at my hooves."

"Sorry to hear you're having trouble with it, hon." You play your fingers through her mane and manage to get a smile out of her. "I know you hate to give up on something once you start it, but maybe you can come back to it tomorrow. Why don't we use that voucher tonight? I'm sure a nice dinner would help you feel better."

"Actually, I wanted to speak with you about that, darling." Rarity starts walking around the corner to the living room, looking up at you as you take your place beside her. "While you were upstairs I thought about it, and I think I've come up with a solution to both the problematic dress and our unexpected dinner offer."

"Really? What's that?" You sit on the couch next to her and put an arm around her neck and shoulders.

"I think it would be very nice if you took Fluttershy instead."

Well that was unexpected.

"You want me to take her instead of you? But I thought you were excited to go to, uh, whatever that restaurant is called."

"The Galloping Gourmet," she says. "Don't get me wrong: one day I would love to visit that establishment and enjoy its many offerings, but really...when was the last time you and Fluttershy did anything together, darling?"

You really can't think of anything. Unless you count sitting on the couch with her for a few hours a couple of weeks ago. Your silence speaks volumes.

"Exactly as I thought."

She places a hoof on your cheek and smiles up at you.

"I know you were looking forward to going with me, my love, and I with you, but I think this is something you should really do for her. As I recall, you offered to take her to dinner at some point last week, didn't you?"

Truth be told, you'd completely forgotten about it.

"Yeah, that I did. Can't believe I didn't follow through on it. Feel kinda bad now."

"It happens, there's no need to dwell on it. Remember when we first took her in, how we promised to make her feel the same way we do for each other? I'd like to think we've done so fairly well thus far."

"It has been going better than I'd thought it would, yeah," you admit.

"That's the thing: you don't know Fluttershy quite like I do. While she's not exactly the best at hiding her feelings, there is a part of her that she keeps from others so as to not make them feel upset. That, dear, is the part of her that I've noticed lately. She was really looking forward to spending some time with you. You know she'd never tell you such a thing after it had already passed; that's why I'm doing it for her."

You slump down in the couch a little, resting your head in your hand.

"She was really that excited to go, huh?"

"Yes she was. I've seen it in her eyes."

"Shit," you swear quietly. "I feel like a jackass right now."

Rarity kisses your hand and rubs a hoof up and down your arm.

"It's alright, darling. Nopony is perfect. I know it would mean the world to her if you took her to dinner, spent some time with her. Besides, I absolutely must get this dress done tonight. The client is going out of town tomorrow and put in a last-minute request with me for a rather stately sum of bits. If I don't get it done by the time she comes back in the morning, it could be quite bad for business."

You idly tap your foot on the floor, running the option through your mind.

"You're absolutely sure you'd rather me take Fluttershy?"

"Darling, I'm as sure as I am fashionable," she replies, offering you a smile.

"You must be pretty damn sure, in that case." You let out a deep breath you didn't know you were holding. "Alright," you nod, "I'll take her out to dinner. I kind of owe it to her, after all."

"I'm glad to hear it. I'm sure you'll have a marvelous time!"

"Only one problem," you add. "Fluttershy isn't even here. She's been gone all day, remember?"

"She'll be back soon, trust me."

You raise an eyebrow at her, asking, "How can you be so sure?"

"Because as far as she knows, she's supposed to help me make dinner for tonight. Or she volunteered to, rather. I think she'll be more than open to the idea of putting it off for another night in lieu of dining out at the finest restaurant in Ponyville."

"Oh. Well then, I guess we'll ask her if she'd like to go when she gets back. In the mean time, do you want any help with that outfit? I mean, I'm not exactly a seamstress or anything, but if you need a set of hands to help out..."

"That's quite alright, dear. Come hay or high water, I shall not abandon this dress! Not to say that your hands aren't welcome, they'll simply have to be saved for later tonight. I do so enjoy their...dexterity," she says with a wry grin, tilting her head up so it's right next to yours.

"I'll try not to disappoint," you reply, pulling her into you for a kiss. "You know...we probably have a little time if you'd like a taste of things to come..." She giggles softly as you run your hand down her chest, just barely teasing between her legs.

"As much as I'd like that, my love, I really...oh, my...I really should keep focused on the task at hoof. Besides," she whispers, "I don't want to rush anything. I want you to be mine for as long as I need you. And I think I'm going to need you for quite a while tonight."

You sigh with a little disappointment; you could have really used a little release before going anywhere.

"Alright, if you insist. Fair warning, though: I'm not sure you're going to be prepared for it. Just sayin'."

"Really, now? That sounds like a challenge to me, lover-boy."

"Very much so, Rares." You and Rarity laugh at your little nicknames that you've actually become quite fond of using ever since Cashmere started tossing them in your direction.

"I'd not pull any punches, so to speak, but I fear I may render you unconscious, darling." Rarity slips a hoof under your boxers for emphasis, teasing you with a light touch. "You just make sure you're good and prepared for a bit of a workout."

"I can take whatever you can give, baby." You give her a lingering, passionate kiss and regretfully stand up, though the bulge in your pants makes the process take longer than you'd have preferred. Rarity hides a laugh behind a foreleg, teasing your very apparent display of desire.

"Didn't I already warn you about that? I swear, I'm going to have to reinforce your trousers from now on."

"That's entirely your fault," you laugh. You take a deep breath to calm yourself, suddenly feeling very thirsty now that you can think clearly again. "Well, if you're gonna work on that, I'll leave you to it. I'll just go upstairs and read or something, I suppose. Let me know when Fluttershy gets here, will you?"

"But of course, darling! Perhaps you should wear your suit tonight? It is a rather well-to-do establishment, after all. You'll want to look your best."

You haven't touched that suit in over a month. Probably a good idea to dust it a little before throwing it on.

"I can do that, sure. Maybe I can wear that dark purple shirt? You know, the one with the black pin-striping."

"Purple would be wonderful! You see? You have picked up fashion sense from your gorgeous unicorn lover. It's a start!"

"Yeah, yeah," you reply with a chuckle. Rarity's eyes suddenly go wide and her mouth hangs open in a big smile -- a look you've come to know very well: she's just had a moment on inspiration. Only Rarity could make a sudden realization so cute.

"Ideeeaaaa!" she exclaims excitedly. "Oh, why didn't I think of it before? I'm so silly sometimes!"

"Think of what?" you ask her. She trots back to the ponnequin and immediately starts levitating stacks of fabric and gems beside her.

"No time to explain, darling! You just go and get a little reading done, I'll let you know when Fluttershy is here. For now, I simply must follow through on this!"

You laugh and shake your head; there's no snapping her out of her 'inspired' mode. At least she's likely to finish the dress now. Rarity is already humming a happy tune to herself as you head back upstairs, but not before stopping by the kitchen to grab a bottle of soda. Your half-finished book is lying on the nightstand beside the bed, and you grab it as you lay down, propping yourself up with several pillows. Rarity's sudden burst of joy replays in your head as you open the book to the marked page.

"Wouldn't trade you for anything in the world, hon."

==========

"Darling? Are you awake?"

A soft hoof nudges you out of your slumber as you groggily look around. You must have fallen asleep at some point. A quick glance at the clock show it to be just past seven; a good hour-and-a-half nap.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm up..."

Rarity is standing at the foot of the bed, still wearing her work glasses.

"I thought you'd like to know that Fluttershy has just come home."

"Fluttershy?" Your half-asleep mind grasps for several seconds before making the connection. "Oh, right, yeah. The dinner." You rub your eyes and stretch with a loud yawn. "Does she know about it?"

"Not yet, no. I thought you should be the one to ask her, dear." It would certainly win you some points if you asked her yourself.

"Oh man, I must have passed out. Guess I was more tired from work than I'd thought."

"So it would seem. Why don't you get into some more formal attire and meet us downstairs?"

"Sure, hon," you nod. "Gimme, like, ten minutes. I'll be down."

"Very well, darling. I shall try to keep Fluttershy from coming upstairs until then."

Rarity turns and trots off, leaving you to stumble out of bed and grope your way to the bathroom's light switch. A splash of cold water on your face jerks you out of your stupor.

"I should look decent enough," you say to yourself as you rub a palm over your neck and cheeks. Two days worth of stubble scratches against your skin, but you dismiss it with a shrug; the number of ponies you've seen who can sprout facial hair could be counted on one hand. You doubt they'll care if you have a bit of stubble.

Your black jacket and dress pants are already laid out across a chair in the bedroom. Rarity must have put them there while you were sleeping. You quietly thank her and grab the clothes from their hangers. A dark purple dress shirt hangs in the closet, next to a selection of ties.

"I always was terrible at picking a good one..."

You spend just under a minute debating the merits of two ties before ultimately settling on a plain black one. Better to play it safe than pick something that will make you look like an uncoordinated boob.

Black socks and semi-polished dress shoes round out your ensemble, and you give yourself a once-over in the large mirror next to the closet.

"Not bad, not bad..."

You grab your house keys and coin pouch before heading downstairs, where you can hear Fluttershy and Rarity busily talking to each other.

"Evening, ladies," you greet them.

"Oh, hi! I mean, um, good evening." Fluttershy looks you over as you approach the her and Rarity, cocking her head slightly. "You look very nice. Going somewhere?"

"I certainly hope so," you reply.

"I didn't know you two were going out tonight, Rarity. I can, you know, come back later if you like. Or tomorrow, if that works better..."

Rarity laughs and places a foreleg around Fluttershy's neck.

"Oh, no, darling, I'm not going anywhere tonight. Far too much to do."

"You're not?"

"No, but I believe you might be."

"Umm...I'm not sure I understand..."

You lean down a little so you're eye-level with Fluttershy, and smile at her warmly.

"Well, I was hoping that maybe you and I could go somewhere tonight, Shy. Just the two of us. Maybe to, oh...The Galloping Gourmet?"

Fluttershy gasps slightly, lifting a nervous foreleg in the air.

"The...The Galloping Gourmet? With me? Oh, I couldn't ask you to spend that kind of money..."

"Money is not an issue," you reassure her. "It's already taken care of for us."

"That's right," Rarity adds. "Earlier today we received a voucher for two free dinners at the Gourmet. Would you believe it was from Cashmere?"

"Really? Wow. That's a little, um, unexpected."

"Yes, we had quite the same reaction. Apparently she's so impressed with how we handled Slate that she decided to treat us to dinner. Truth be told, I'm not sure if it's out of character for her to do such a thing, or if she isn't as atrociously irritating as she usually acts. I suppose what she said last week was true enough: under her ruthless business exterior, there's still a hint of a good pony there."

You shrug, not entirely convinced by Cashmere's recent bouts of kindness.

"Yeah, she's generous right up until the point where she stabs you in the back. Again."

"We shall see, dear. But enough about her, this night is about you. Both of you, rather."

"So how about it, Fluttershy? Would you care to join me for some over-priced food and a restaurant full of hoity-toity snobs?"

"I think that would be very nice," she giggles. "Of course I'll go."

You place a kiss on her forehead and smile at her.

"Great! Then it's a date."

"It's a date," she repeats. "Actually, I was kind of hoping we'd be able to spend some time together at some point. It seems like there's a lot of very interesting things about you that I don't know. If you're okay with sharing them, that is."

"Me? Interesting? Pfft." You wave a dismissive hand. "You're the flying pony who's gone on adventures to save the world. I'm just the Army guy who sits on his ass all day and stares at a computer screen. Or I used to, anyway."

"I'm sure there's something interesting about you," she replies with a soft smile.

"Maybe...but it can wait until dinner."

"Speaking of which," Rarity interjects, "if you're going to head out to the finest establishment in Ponyville, you simply must allow me to give you something more fitting for such an event, Fluttershy!"

You lean against the kitchen counter and take a sip of a water bottle sitting on the counter.

"You have something in mind, hon?"

"Yes, getting another bottle of water," she laughs.

"Oh, right. Sorry."

"No worries, dear. To answer your question: Yes, I believe I may have something for Fluttershy to wear. Can't have you looking better than our gorgeous mare, now can we?"

"I dunno," you answer playfully, dramatically flexing your arms, "I'm quite the stud, if I do say so. Right, Shy?"

"Oh, yes, very manly," she replies, giggling into a hoof.

Rarity rolls her eyes, quietly adding, "and they call me the dramatic one."

"No need to be jealous, baby."

"Yes, well, while you stay down here and stroke your ego -- among other things, I'm sure -- I'm going to head upstairs with Fluttershy and see if we can't find her a fitting ensemble."

Must resist joke...must...resist...

"I'll leave the stroking to you, hon. You do it better anyway."

Rarity stops in place, but instead of mock exasperation, simply smiles and winks at you.

"And don't you forget it, darling."

Fluttershy blushes lightly at the back-and-forth, lowering her head slightly.

"Oh come now, my dear! Nothing wrong with a little sexual banter every now and then. Really, I'd think you'd be used to it by now."

"It's, um...still kind of embarrassing to be around," she says with a nervous smile.

"All in good fun. Now! Let's go get you dolled up, so to speak." Rarity calls back over her shoulder, "we'll be down shortly, darling!"

You watch them head upstairs together before finishing the last of Rarity's water bottle and plopping down on the couch in the living room.

"Guess I'll just wait, then."

Without the sound of Rarity working away, the Boutique is nearly silent. You often forget just how quiet it can be; the only noticeable sounds are those of the ticking kitchen clock and the occasional hoof beats of a passing pony outside. A pair of light-coated earth ponies happily trot by one of the large windows, excitedly talking about some unknown subject.

In the absence of anything to do, you grab a nearby framed picture from the coffee table -- one that shows a filly-aged Rarity sitting in a reclining chair, holding her baby sister in her forelegs. Rarity's parents are standing behind her, smiling brightly at their daughters. Her mother's horn is flaring bright blue, no doubt levitating the camera.

"Sweetie Belle is gonna wook fabuwous," you say quietly in your best guess at a filly Rarity's voice. You know it's bad, but you chuckle anyway; you're probably not too far off. The description on the back reads 'Sweetie Belle's one-month birthday'.

The scene immediately brings half-remembered memories flooding back from your own childhood; your siblings being born, birthdays and parties at Chuck E. Cheese, where you were always scared of the animatronic mascots, trips to Disneyland when you were barely old enough to go on the rides...and where the Pirates of the Caribbean ride caused you to clutch your mom's arm tightly, lest the ride's attractions come to life and eat you. You were sure it would happen at any moment.

"I guess I was kind of a wuss," you laugh to yourself.

The elation of simpler times gradually fades as you start to realize that, ever so slowly, things from your old life are becoming harder to remember. Not so much impossible to pull up, just...fuzzy around the edges. It's been over a year and a half since you last saw a human being, and nearly two years since you saw your family. You just hope you never forget their faces.

You glance down at the picture again, noticing that it's now covered in finger prints; you've been idly rubbing your thumb over the picture the whole time. With a deep breath you clean the smudges away with your shirt, then set the image back down on the table.

"I miss you guys."

Another pair of ponies walks by outside, and you do a double-take as a hint of recognition comes over you.

"...Pipe?"

No mistaking -- it's definitely him, walking alongside his pretty wife. You're thankful for the opportunity to take your mind off your old life, quickly heading over to the balcony and stepping outside.

"Hey, Pipe!" you call out to the brown earth pony. His short-cropped silver mane flutters in the wind as he turns his head, his expression changing from surprise to his usual jovial self.

"Hey hey, if it ain't the ugliest human in Equestria!" He trots over to the balcony -- more of a patio, really -- and stands up on his hind legs, bracing himself to lean against the low wall.

"Where you two headed?"

"Just headed back home, some of Dazzle's family is in town and we spent the last couple 'a hours hangin' out with 'em. How ya doin', pal?"

"I'm alright," you shrug, "I'm kinda glad to see you, actually. Had a lot of things going through my head for the last, oh, ten minutes or so." Pipe's wife joins him against the fence, giving you a polite smile and a warm greeting. "Evening, Miss Dazzle," you reply with a curt nod.

"Somethin' up?" Pipe asks.

"Just ended up thinking about some things, that's all."

"Your old life?"

"Yeah, pretty much..."

"Can't say I know what it's like, but hey, I'm glad to help take ya mind off things."

Pipe's wife -- Dazzle Drop -- sticks a hoof out and places it on your shoulder.

"Don't you worry about trying to keep up some sort of appearance with us, dearie. You know Pipe and I are always here for you."

"Thanks, Dazzle. Haven't thought about it for a while, actually. I'm supposed to go out somewhere here in a little bit, but then I started looking at this picture of Rarity's family and...well, I'm just trying to keep occupied. Talking to you two certainly helps."

"Oh, sweetie, I know it has to be hard. I lost a sister when I was just a young filly, and I've never forgotten it. I won't say you ever fully come to terms with something like that, but it does get easier as time goes on. You've got a lot of fond memories, don't you?"

You don't say anything in response, simply nodding instead as several of them come to the forefront of your mind.

"You'll always have them to look back on, no matter what. They may be gone," she places a hoof to your chest, "but they live on in here. Right?"

"Yeah, I suppose so."

"Of course they do. Don't worry too much, dearie. My sister may have passed on so many years ago, but the family you left is still around. Be happy for them! They'll live their own lives and have families of their own one day. And I'm sure they're all keeping you right here, just like you are with them." You have to sniff back tears and wipe your eyes, but talking to Dazzle has made you feel a little better. Of course she's right; you may be gone, but you'll never be forgotten.

"I'm sorry, Dazzle, I don't usually get all emotional like this."

Pipe puts a foreleg around your shoulder and clops you on the back.

"Hey, don't you worry about it, pal. Like I always say: I ain't just your boss, I'm your friend. Besides, Dazzle's way better at this than I am," he says with a laugh, getting one out of you in return.

"Thanks," you tell her as sincerely as you can. "I mean it."

"Think nothing of it. Pipe and I just adore you and Rarity to death!"

"So, what's with the fancy get-up?" Pipe asks, trying to change the subject and presumably take your mind off things.

"Huh? Oh, the suit." You tug at your shirt, shrugging in response. "Dinner date tonight."

"Ya don't say? Where ya headed to? Fast Frenchie's? The Feed Bag?"

You laugh and hit him on the shoulder.

"Oh yeah, fast food. Only the finest for me, Pipe."

"Ain't nothin' wrong with grabbin' a fried veggie patty and some greasy tots once in a while!"

Dazzle pokes his side with a hoof, quietly adding, "Maybe if you ate less of them you wouldn't have a paunch."

"Hey, this paunch is bought and paid for, thank ya very much!" He raises an eyebrow and nudges your shoulder. "Women. Can't live with 'em, yada yada."

"You're a real charmer, Pipe Wrench," his wife retorts, putting a pink foreleg to her head.

"You know it, honey. So, where ya goin'?"

"Honestly?" you answer, "The Galloping Gourmet."

Pipe jerks his head back at the name.

"No kiddin'?! Oh man, that's some fancy digs in that place. Hey, you got a second job ya ain't tellin' me about or something? Heh heh!"

"No, no, we got this voucher...thing...in the mail today from, um, a friend. Two dinners on the house, complete with drinks and dessert. The whole shebang."

He whistles and glances over at Dazzle.

"Ain't that somethin'...must be one hell of a friend."

"I wouldn't exactly put it that way," you tell him, not wanting to get into the whole Cashmere thing right now.

"Huh. Well whatever the case, I'd say you just got real damn lucky. Hey, do me a favor and have a cannoli for me, would ya? Hell, have two!"

"That's two less for Pipe to shove down his throat," his wife adds with a laugh.

"Oh come on, my old man makes the best damn cannolis in Equestria! Probably teach that Grand Gourmand guy a thing or two, I tell ya." Pipe's wife rolls her eyes in response. "Don't mind her, she just don't know what it's like to grow up with a family from Bucklyn. Anyway, you and Rarity headed out soon? Don't wanna keep ya."

"Would you be surprised if I told you I wasn't taking Rarity?"

"...a little, yeah. If it ain't her, then who? She, uh...she knows about this, right?"

"Of course she does," you reassure him, "in fact, she's the one who suggested it. She's busy tonight, so she thought it would be a nice gesture to take Fluttershy instead."

"Oh, how nice!" Dazzle exclaims, fluffing her head of poofy blue hair. "That Fluttershy is such a nice girl. She could stand to be a little more outgoing, though. She's far too pretty to spend all day talking to birds and such." She lowers her voice, leaning in closer. "You know...I heard she's seeing somepony in private."

Uh oh.

"Uh...you did? Where'd you hear that?"

"Well! I was down at the salon getting my mane done, and Vanity Rose -- you know the one, with the bad leg? No? Anyway, Vanity said that she'd heard from a friend that they'd barely seen Fluttershy around her cottage lately."

"Y-You don't say."

Pipe puts a hoof on his wife's head, causing her to stop and stare up at at it.

"Honey, please. I doubt he wants to hear gossip. You should tell Vanity to mind her own business."

"Oh, I wouldn't put too much stock in it, Pipe," she replies, removing his hoof. "You know how these things go." You really do care for Dazzle quite a bit -- she's been just as friendly as Pipe, and sometimes even has better advice on things. But she is a little...gossipy.

"Anyway, we should probably let ya get back to your dinner plans. Nice bumpin' into ya, pal."

"Same here, bud. See you at work tomorrow?"

"Of course! With any luck that contractor schmuck will finally figure out what he wants from that additional room."

"Certainly hope so. He's been giving us the run-around for the last week or so." You turn toward Dazzle and stick your hand out to shake her hoof, but she scoffs and motions you over.

"Oh come now, dearie, give ol' Dazzle a hug!" You give in with a smile and wrap an arm around her, thankful to have them around. "You take care of yourself, okay? Can't have you moping around or worrying about things. I'm sure Rarity wouldn't approve, after all. It wouldn't be...what does she say?...'fabulous', I believe. Hmmhmm."

"Yeah, that's just about her favorite word," you laugh. "It was nice talking with you again, Miss Dazzle. Thanks for the advice, too."

"Think nothing of it, sweetie. We'll see you around soon, I'm sure. Oh, and tell Rarity we said 'hi', won't you?"

"Of course."

Pipe stick his hoof out, and you bump it with your closed fist.

"See ya tomorrow, pumpkin."

"Whatever you say, honey." Pipe laughs and clops you on the shoulder again, then settles back down to all fours next to his wife. You give them a wave as they walk off, watching them until they're out of view.

Despite the cold air, you stay on the balcony for a little while and think things through. Rumors of Fluttershy dating someone are apparently being spread -- hopefully it's contained to just a few ponies. It's not that you'd be embarrassed to admit to your rather unique romantic situation, you'd simply prefer to not have it be brought up at all. Mostly for her sake. The very fact that someone who is such a shrinking violet has consented to having not one, but two romantic interests in her life is probably hard enough for her to deal with. The last thing she needs is having such a thing ousted to everyone she knows.

Even so, there's a feeling in the pit of your gut that tells you 'it's only a matter of time'. You just hope it's wrong. Or at least easier to explain than you'd hope.

"Darling, are you down here?" Rarity's voice calls out to you. Looks like she's finished glamoring up Fluttershy.

"Hey, I'm out here," you call back.

"Aren't you worried about the weather? You'll catch a terrible cold if you stay out for too long." It is getting a little chilly out. Looks like you'll be bringing a heavier jacket with you to throw on over your suit.

"Guess I didn't really notice it."

"Well if you're done out there, I believe I may have something you'll want to see!"

You head back inside and lock the sliding glass door behind you, flicking on a nearby lamp for some extra light.

"How'd it go?" you ask Rarity. She removes her work glasses and sets them in a drawer, shaking her head to fluff out her curls.

"Quite well, if I do say so! I'm surprised you were outside, what with the temperature starting to dip. Anything interesting happen?"

"Actually, yeah. I ran into Pipe and Dazzle."

"Did you now? Well, isn't that a surprise! Such nice ponies. Dazzle could do with a new stylist, but perhaps that's just me. How'd it go?"

"Pretty good, pretty good. Talked with them a little about a few things. My old life, you, Fluttershy, stuff like that."

Rarity puts on a sympathetic smile and runs a hoof down your chest.

"Memories at the forefront of your mind again?"

"Yeah...for a little while, anyway. I'm glad Dazzle and Pipe were walking by, they made me feel better about it."

"I doubt anyone would blame you for reminiscing about the loved ones you left behind, dear. Goodness knows I'd do the same. But you know I'm here for you, should you feel the need to talk about it."

You smile and run a hand through her mane -- it's become somewhat of a comfort object, for lack of a better term. You're sure Rarity has noticed it after so long, otherwise you'd probably still hear objections every time you tried it. God help anyone else who messes with her mane, though.

"I know, hon. I'm better now, so no worries." You decide against telling her about the Fluttershy rumors, lest she start fretting about them.

"Good, that's what I like to hear." She jumps up and places a kiss on your cheek, smiling sweetly at you as she lands. "So! I do believe you need to see our charming pegasus friend. It wasn't easy, but I think I've found something that will suit her quite well for such a formal event, considering I couldn't make something myself. I ended up letting her wear one of the dresses from last year that I'd never had the chance to slip into. Quite beautiful, if I do say so."

A few designs flash through your thoughts, but you've no idea what it could be.

"Oh yeah? Sounds nice. Can't wait to see her."

"Fabulous! Now, you just stand here and wait a moment, and I'll go get her. Oh, and do close your eyes, won't you? No peeking, darling!"

You close your eyes like she asks, hoping it won't be too long. You can hear Rarity trot back upstairs, followed by muted talking. Fluttershy sounds nervous...but then, when is she not? It only takes a few moments for the sound of the two of them coming back down to echo through the Boutique, and you brace yourself for the sight of Fluttershy in a no-doubt adorable dress. You can just imagine her acting unsure the entire time Rarity was working on her, causing you to laugh to yourself. Maybe Rarity curled her mane, or gave her eyeshadow, or...

"Alright, darling. Are you prepared?"

"As much as I'll ever be," you reply.

"Very well. You may open your eyes now."

You slowly do so, taking a moment to adjust your eyes -- and immediately feel your mouth drop open at the sight in front of you. Your mouth works up and down trying to find something to say, but all you can manage is a "wow".

Standing before you, in full regalia, is Fluttershy like you've never seen her. A dark purple dress drapes over her back and haunches, hanging down to her knees in the back. The front of the dress wraps around her chest in a set of overlapping purple bands, forming an 'X' shape as they cross, highlighted with golden-yellow inlays and small, blue gems. Directly in the center of the bands is a large, oval-cut sapphire, gleaming under the light of the near-by lamp.

Even her hair is a little different, primped ever so slightly so that it hangs in front of her right eye. The ends have a definite bounce to them when she moves her head. A small, teal butterfly sits next to her ear, nestled into her hair.

"So? What do you think?" Rarity asks you, smiling at your reaction.

"Wow, hon, that's...that's really good. You did an amazing job on her. You look beautiful, Fluttershy."

The dressed-up pegasus blushes brightly at your praise, lowering her head slightly in embarrassment.

"I'm sure it's not that exciting..."

"Oh come now, my dear!" Rarity exclaims as she runs a hoof over the dress, removing any remaining wrinkles. "You look simply marvelous! I dare say that ensemble looks better on you than it would have on me!" Rarity smiles in satisfaction at her work -- something she has every right to do, you'd say. "Details make the dress, as they say. I gave Fluttershy my full attention, and the results are quite beautiful, if I do say so. I even threw together a cute little set of accessories to accentuate her natural beauty, as well as that of the dress itself."

Rarity points to Fluttershy's tail, where a moderately-sized purple and blue bow is tied near the base.

"Her tail is so fine and lustrous that I simply had to make it stand out! The darker colors of the dress and accessories contrast very nicely with her naturally bright coat and mane colors."

"I haven't worn something like this in a long time," Fluttershy admits "Even the Gala dresses you usually make aren't this...fancy."

Rarity laughs and kisses her on the cheek, adding, "if only Photo Finish could see you now."

"Photo who?" you ask.

"Finish. I never did tell you about that, did I?" You shrug -- not that you can remember, anyway. "It was quite the event, especially for our beloved Fluttershy here. Remind me to tell you about it some time."

"She was, um...very demanding," Fluttershy says. "Photo Finish, that is. Not Rarity."

"Darling, I had more than my fair share of the blame for what happened. I learned quite the lesson after it was all said and done. But! On the topic at hoof: Fluttershy, dear, you look tres magnifique! You're going to be the talk of Ponyville after tonight!"

Fluttershy's eyes go wide at the thought of it, and she quickly interjects.

"I-I don't want to be the talk of Ponyville, Rarity! You know how that went last time, and now I'm with both of you and if they find out then they'll talk about me more and--"

"Fluttershy," Rarity interrupts, sticking a hoof over her mouth, "do relax. I was only joking! While I'm quite sure you'll get a few admiring glances, I doubt anypony is going to take it to such extremes again. You look absolutely beautiful, and you shouldn't worry in the least! Isn't that right, darling?"

"If I've learned anything since being with her, Shy, it's that Rarity is always right. Usually. There was that one time she thought beanies would be the new 'thing' in fashion after seeing a picture of my friend wearing one in my wallet, though..."

Rarity laughs nervously and glances around the room.

"Yes, well...such things are part of the, ah, learning process. Yes. Learning process."

"If you say so," you tease her, laughing as she sticks her tongue out at you. "But yeah, I think you look great, Fluttershy. You're a very pretty mare, and don't you let anyone ever tell you otherwise."

Fluttershy glances up at you and smiles softly. You chuckle as she attempts to blow the hair of out her eye before getting an annoyed look and moving it with a hoof instead.

"So, um, should we get going? I don't know how late they're open, and I'd hate to miss dinner because we arrived too late."

"I imagine that would be in your best interests," Rarity answers. "Now, are you sure you've got everything, darling? Keys, coin pouch, jacket, voucher, etcetera?"

You pat your hands over your pockets to make sure, then give her a nod.

"Yep, got it all. I'm probably gonna grab a heavier jacket to throw on over this, though."

"Allow me!" Rarity trots around the corner to her back office area, returning a moment later with your familiar red jacket. "I realize it's a bit...loud...compared to your suit, darling, but as long as you remove it upon entering the restaurant it shouldn't be an issue."

You grimace at the jacket, more than aware of the bejeweled 'SB' adorning the back.

"I dunno, hon, I think I'll just go without it."

"Nonsense! I think you'll find your old favorite to be fully functional again." The hovering jacket twists around, revealing the back -- a back completely devoid of sparkling letters. She fixed it!

"Well I'll be damned," you smile, grabbing it out of mid-air. "How'd you manage that one?"

"It was a simple matter of removing the affected material and replacing it with something newer. The color is ever so slightly darker than the rest of the jacket, but I doubt anypony would notice. I assume the alteration is to your liking?"

"You could say that." You slip out of your suit jacket and slide the newly-repaired winter jacket over your head, adjusting it to fit snugly. "Fits like a dream. Thanks, baby!"

"Of course, darling! You're very welcome. Miss Rarity is nothing if not adept with a sewing needle!"

"It looks very nice," Fluttershy quips. "I forget that you're affected by the cold sometimes."

"So, ladies," you stick your arm out, "I think it's about time Miss Fluttershy and I headed out." Rarity stands on her hind legs against you, joined by Fluttershy a moment later. You have to shift yourself to not fall over at the sudden supporting you find yourself doing.

"Easy, girls, or we're gonna end up in a pile on the floor. Much as I'd like to."

"Oooh, that is quite a nice thought, writhing around on top of one another..." Rarity replies with a wry smile. "Wouldn't you agree, Fluttershy?"

"Umm...I mean...it would be, but I'm not...that is...eep..."

"Relax, my dear. All good things in due time. For now, though," Rarity takes a half-step over and pulls Fluttershy into her, "this will have to do." Fluttershy's eyes go wide as Rarity leans in and kisses her, but soon gives in and smiles as the glamorous unicorn pulls away.

Rarity glances up at you, and you're suddenly aware of the fact that you've been biting your lip at the display.

"And as you for, darling," Rarity aggressively pulls on your tie, tugging you down to meet her lips as she runs a foreleg between your legs, "I'd advise you keep that active imagination, but save your stamina for later." She whispers into your ear, her hot breath making the hairs on your neck stand on end. "Maybe I could do a little...dress up? Would you like that?" You involuntarily gasp as she nibbles on your ear, then sets back down the floor, arching her eyebrows at you.

You have to let out a breath to calm yourself. Again.

"God damn, baby. You know me too well."

"I do what I can, darling," she laughs -- seductively. You're not sure how she does it, but she's damn good at it.

"You see what I have to put up with, Shy? Always teasing. It's not fair, I tell you."

"She is pretty good at it," Fluttershy says with a quiet giggle. Rarity swishes her tail back and forth at the statement -- always the seductress. "We should get going...if you two are, um, okay with it." She settles back to all fours and adjusts her dress, getting a wrinkle out with a hoof.

"I think it's a great idea. Let's go before Rarity ends up tying us to the bed. Not that I'd object, hon."

"A little light bondage, hmm? Quite adventurous of you, darling. I'm sure I've a pair of hoofcuffs lying about. Or perhaps I can use some fabric..."

"Okay, let's go," you tell Fluttershy, laughing at Rarity's continuing innuendo, "she's just messing with us now."You reach for your house key, stepping outside into the cold night air after a moment. Rarity follows you out, shaking slightly as a breeze flows over her.

"In all seriousness, I hope you two have a wondrous time. Don't worry about me, I've my night set out for me already. Oh, and do have a drink for me, would you? Preferably something heady with a nice aroma of berries and citrus."

"Gotcha, I'll order a beer."

She scoffs at your less-than-fancy drink selection.

"You are such a man, I swear. Anyway, yes, go enjoy yourselves! Go on, shoo, there is no time for standing about!"

You look down at Fluttershy, the slight breeze blowing her styled mane, and ask if she's ready.

"Mm-hmm. I think this is going to be a lot of fun!"