The next morning was the most alive I had ever felt. Waking up and staring into the eyes of somepony I loved gave me a feeling of indescribable happiness.

Coco was a changed mare too. Gone was her stuttering and bashfulness, though her timid and shy nature that I found so endearing had still been preserved. She walked with utmost grace and confidence as she helped me prepare our breakfast, actively participating in the conversation, without me having to coax the words out of her.

"What's on the agenda today, Prime?" Coco asked me, taking some time to chew the hash-browns I had made her.

I paused for a few seconds before answering, I'd said several things that had slipped out by accident last night. Everything I had said was genuine, but when it came to talking about my family life, I had really gone off the deep end. I didn't know if she wasn't addressing it out of politeness or otherwise, but she knew my situation regardless.

I bit my lip before speaking, "I think I'm going to visit the graveyard today... I haven't talked to them in a while."

Coco hesitated a moment, "You're talking about your brothers, right? I'd like to come with you, if you don't mind, that is."

It was a Sunday, so it wasn't as if there was anywhere in particular that she needed to be. That being said, I had never really opened up to anypony about this before, hardly anyone knew that I grew up with brothers in the first place.

I swallowed, "I, uh, alright. It's not a long walk, and it is rather beautiful despite the surrounding area."

She gave me a soft, comforting smile, "Let's stop for flowers along the way."

"I'd like that."

The sun was shining directly above the graveyard, which illuminated the area quite nicely, at the cost of an annoying glare being cast directly into my eyes.

Coco delicately carried a bundle of Gerbera daisies in her mouth as I held the gate open for her. It was quiet and barely anypony was around, maybe that was because it was a Sunday morning, but I'd like to think it was a form of respect.

It didn't take us long to reach their graves, as I'd had the path memorized at this point. I'd lost count of the number of times I had visited them, and every time, it always gave me the same melancholic feeling. It was uncomfortable, but it was something I could handle for their sake.

Coco hadn't said anything since we began nearing the gates of the graveyard, I wasn't sure if she thought I'd be offended if she started talking openly, but it was still a notion I appreciated.

The color of the vibrant red daisies were juxtaposed by the color of the slate gray tombstones that stood next to one another. They were buried next to each other, but the daisies rested on top of the left grave, I was sure Sterling wouldn't mind if they shared.

"What were their names, Prime?" Coco asked me softly, shifting her gaze between the two graves, unsure of what to make of the situation.

"Mint Coin and Sterling Silver," I replied curtly, "My two older brothers, they were always more ambitious and driven than I was, that's for sure. They were caught in a crossfire between two rival gangs, they were at the wrong place at the wrong time, and they were murdered for it."

There was a long stretch of silence, neither of us felt comfortable speaking at that point. The words that I had spoken left an acrid taste in my mouth, I didn't do a particularly good job of hiding my disdain of the situation.

Coco let out a small sigh, "I think if they could see you as you are today, they'd be proud."

I smirked at her, "They also wouldn't poke fun at me for not having a marefriend anymore."

She giggled, "You're a better smooth-talker than you gave yourself credit for."

I smiled and glanced at each of their graves. They weren't around anymore, but I was sure they'd be smiling too, right about now.

"Everything's thanks to you, Coco."

...

Several months of inactivity had gone by since I had first spoken with Miss Rarity. I had since become a little more well-known with some of Manehattan's locals, my reputation of doing freelance work had grown quite significantly. The guilt of not holding down a full-time job still lingered, but I was generating bits, and that eased the burden to some degree.

I wasn't stressed about the future anymore, I was happy again for the first time in a long time. Not to mention Coco had become a lot more open with me recently... especially in the bedroom. I was ready to take on whatever happened next.

With a content sigh, I set the small tools down that I was using to fix a watch I was currently working on. I glanced over at the doorway as I saw a small envelope slip underneath.

Curious, who would be willing to send us mail?

I trotted over to the foyer and searched for who the letter was addressed to. I was glad to see that it came from Ponyville, and that it was addressed to Coco.

Rarity must have sent her a letter, though I've learned my lesson from last time, and now I have a chance to redeem myself. I'll wait for her to open it.

I set the letter on the counter and sat back down at my desk, looking out of the window to see an overcast forming above the city block.

Looks like it's going to rain today.

Coco arrived in the afternoon, as the sun was starting to dip in the sky. Our schedules had become that of clockwork throughout these months of being together. She had always seemed stressed whenever she had to help design costumes for a show, but I couldn't recall the smile on her face ever leaving her for more than a few minutes at a time.

That was, of course, assuming that it wasn't being replaced by an even better expression.

That being said, I saw the smile on her face grow as she read over the contents of the letter.

"Prime, take a look at this!"

What I saw in that letter... was something I'd wanted for a long time.

Dear Prime Value, I apologize that I didn't address the letter to you, personally. My reasoning is that I wanted the two of you to read this at the same time, and I'm assuming you're past your days of snooping.

As it turns out, I've worked my flank off, pardon my Prench, in the effort to help my business grow into what I've always dreamed it would be. That being said, I think that within the next few months, I'll be able to open a new store in Manehattan, and I'll need a materials appraiser that will know exactly what I ask for.

If you are still interested, I am giving you the opportunity to work for me full time when I finally decided to branch out into Manehattan, please reply back soon dear!

• Your new employer, Rarity.

A small smirk spread across my face. She was incredibly cheeky, the way she ended that letter implied that she knew what my answer was already, and she was Celestia-damned right. Not to mention that she knew that I wouldn't read the letter in the first place until Coco came home, she was more clever than I gave her credit for.

I felt my breath leave my body as I felt Coco tackle me into a side-hug.

"Isn't this wonderful news, Prime?!"

I stared down at the beautiful mare in front of me, then at the letter that was still in my hoof. I took the time to embrace her as I listened to the rain hitting the window pane behind me.

"This is the best I've felt in my entire life. I love you, Coco."

"I love you, too."

Author's Note

Finally... it all comes to a close.

Let me know what you think, and be prepared to see more from me in the future.