“... and you’re sure that nobody will mind, darling? I know in some businesses- usually of the higher-class, like this one- you have a specific room that you take your break in, not out in the actual restaurant.” Rarity asked, glancing about before her gaze turned back to Rush.

“I’m sure! Really, don’t worry.” Rush reassured as he lead her to a seat. “And it’s not like anypony would really mind, I am the head chef, after all.” He laughed a little before pulling out a seat for her to sit down in. “After you.”

“Such manners! Chivalry lives on, it seems.” She let out a dainty giggle, sitting and letting Rush scoot her in. “Thank you, Rush.”

“You’re welcome, Rarity.” He smiled as he took a seat across from her. “Now, onto some slightly more… pressing matters.” He offered her a menu first, though. “Since we aren’t here to just talk, why don’t you pick out what you want and I’ll cover the check? It’s the least I can do for all that you’re doing for me.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, and she put a hand to her cheek. “Why, Rush! You… well, normally I would turn such an offer down, but I suppose I can make an exception just this once. I’ll keep my appetite under control, so worry not.” She took it from him and began looking through it, glancing up and adding, “So, then- pressing matters, as it were?”

Rush relaxed back in his chair, “I was just wondering if you needed to know anything else while you worked on my clothes.” He nodded as he picked up a menu, though instead of looking right at the menu, his gaze remained trained on her.

“Oh? Well, I don’t believe I need any extra measurements or information… and your wardrobe is coming along quite nicely. It should be finished by… what is today, again?” She asked.

“Friday.” He let out a relieved sigh, “Just this last day and I’m off…” He glanced down to his menu. “And that’s a relief, I… really don’t know what else there is that I’m comfortable telling somepony I’m not dating.” He laughed quietly, hiding his face a little bit as he examined the menu he helped put together.

Rarity waved a hand. “Trust me, Rush, that feeling is shared by most everyone that gets a personal measurement from any tailor. It happens, Darling. But! Your clothes. They should be done come Tuesday.”

“That’s great!” Rush smiled, a slight blush coming over his cheeks as he lowered the menu. “I can’t wait! Now if only…”

As he finished speaking, a waiter walked out to take their orders. He gave a courteous nod to Rush before looking to Rarity with a warm smile, “Hello, Miss… can I get you anything to drink to start out?”

“I think a virgin piña colada would be wonderful- I have the worst sweet tooth today. Thank you, darling.” She said, returning the smile.

“Alright! And for you, Mr. Rush?” He turned to look at Rush. Upon turning Rarity could see quite clearly, his uniform served its’ purpose but… it wasn’t very practical, nor did it look that comfortable.

“Water, please.” Rush smiled, closing his menu to look up at the waiter.

“Alright! I’ll be back shortly with your drinks!” The waiter wrote down what they ordered so far, and went off to go get them what they’d ordered.

“Wonderful! Now, then, what was it you were saying, Rush?” Rarity asked, turning her focus back to the zebra.

“Oh! Just um, was thinking about some stuff going on tomorrow.” Rush shook his head and looked over to her. “Though since we were just discussing clothes… I uuh, compared what you made for me to what the restaurant provided… It’s really noticeable how much better your craftsmanship his compared to the mass-produced uniforms… I was gonna talk to my boss and see if he’d be willing to... well, go to you to outfit the entire team.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, and she dropped her menu in lieu of placing a hand over her heart. “I… a-are you serious, Rush? You… why I never… I-I mean, I suppose the uniforms are rather bland- n-no offense, of course- but I never dreamed of being partnered like this to such a fine establishment!” She gushed, her cheeks bright with blush in surprise.

“I mean, your uniforms have done wonders for making me feel more comfortable in a kitchen. So, I can’t even begin to imagine what it’d do for everypony on staff.” He smiled a bit wider and set his menu completely down. “I can… well, try to set up a meeting with my boss, Golden Shoe, if you wanted me to.” He offered with a sincere and warm smile.

“I would be delighted, Darling! Oh, goodness, I can’t thank you enough! Though on the same note, I must curse you for filling up my work schedule for the next month or so- of course, ah, assuming he does agree to it.” Rarity said, rambling on as her thoughts were absorbed with the massive tentative project.

Rush laughed merrily, his smile brightening even more than usual. “I’m glad I can hopefully help you in more ways! I really, really do hope he agrees to it, too! I know with your help we could shine even more, and… well, once other restaurants take notice of our uniform change, when they go to emulate us, they’ll be going right to you for more business. It’s a win all around!”

If Rarity was a greedy pony, her eyes would’ve flashed with dollar signs at the thought of just how much money she could make from this business venture. They didn’t, of course- Rarity appreciated the money, obviously, but she was more happy about the exposure. Fame was, perhaps, more important to her than any fortune. Regardless, she swooned, almost falling over as she got light-headed from such a huge opportunity. “Oh, gods. I have to… wooh. Give me a moment to catch my breath, Darling, for you’ve taken it away.” She said, closing her eyes for a few seconds.

The waiter came out with their drinks and sat them down. “I’ll… come back in a minute or two.” He nodded his head just a bit before leaving them alone once more.

For the moment Rush moved to her side to give her somepony friendly to lean on while she regained her breath. “Take your time, Rarity. I’ve got as long as I want to have for a break.” He joked.

Rarity let out a small giggle but did gratefully rest her head on his shoulder for a few moments, before sitting back up. “Thank you, darling. You really are kinder than quite a few other ponies- or zebras, or any race- that I’ve met.” She said, giving him a soft smile before clearing her throat. “But! You are also wicked and dastardly because I know that you knew that such a hypothetical would overwhelm me! For shame, Mr. Greymane.” She teased, waving a hand at him Rush.

Rush laughed a little, giving her a playful wink. “Maybe I did… maybe I didn’t.” He teased, looking around for… something. Or maybe was it somepony?

All she could really tell was in this part of the restaurant they were nearly alone, only a few higher class patrons were in this section of the dining room. Then a rather well dressed and well-kept earth pony walked in. His coat and mane both a dazzling gold color.

“And… what if I uuh… lied just a teensy little bit… and already had the meeting set up?” Rush blushed a little as he pulled the chair he was sitting in towards the side, giving up his old seat to the new stallion who sat down in it and smiled at Rarity.

“You must be Rarity. It’s so nice to meet you.” The older earth pony spoke, his accent clearly from the upper Canterlot sphere. “I’m Golden Shoe.” He offered her his hand with a warm smile.

Rarity stood up immediately, a bright- if somewhat nervous- smile on her face. “Rarity Belle. It is a delight to meet you, even if it is… rather unexpected…” She said, glancing at Rush and narrowing her eyes before turning back to Golden. “Do you, ah, prefer Mr. Golden or Mr. Shoe? I suspect the former, but… it’s always best to ask, I feel.”

“Mr. Golden please.” Golden assured, “Please relax…”

Rush looked away for a moment and mouthed, ‘You’ll do fine!’

“Now… why don’t you tell me a bit about what you could do for my business… and I’ll see what I can do to help boost yours.” Golden put all his attention on Rarity but kept that friendly smile up.

“Of course, Mr. Golden.” Rarity said, before clearing her throat once more. “What I offer is my own personal touch to your restaurant by making custom uniforms for every employee you have hired. This includes an apron, shirt, pants, a belt, socks, a bowtie and/or a tie, a suit jacket for yourself and any others that need it. Also, specific items for specific workers, such as chef hats for chefs here and custom shirts with a large pocket for notepads to be used by waiters. I would, of course, make two spare uniforms to go with the first- so essentially triple of each item- with more on personal request or make that number go up right now should you so ask.”

She took a breath before continuing. “In return, all I desire is the following- firstly, that you come to me for any issues with uniforms, including unremovable stains, tears, or requested size changes. Secondly, for each new employee you hire, you send them over to the Carousel Boutique for a personal sizing. Third, I will be allowed to put my logo on top of the shoulder of all shirts I make for you- it is small and unobtrusive, and on top of the shoulder to minimize any issue you would have to display branding. Finally, I would like to have a formal contract written up that allows any new clothing you need to be made by myself alone- unless it is specialized beyond my capabilities- for a reduced price.”

Finished with giving Golden her terms, Rarity smiled. “If you have any questions about the quality of my work, Mr. Greymane here should suffice as an answer to them- he has been wearing uniforms made by me for a good length of time. Further discussion over what type of material, length of time before completion of a base for everyone here, pricing, and a contract- should you agree to my terms- would likely be done in your office or mine, whichever you prefer.”

Golden nodded slowly as he listened to her terms. “Alright…” He tapped his chin, “I’ve seen how much better Rush has been doing with his custom work attire… so, I have no reason to doubt your skills. Not as if I’ve had any in the first place! I’ve heard a bit about your work from some of my customers. I do believe that this sort of deal is too incredible to pass up!” He smiled brightly and offered her his hand. “We’ll discuss more back in my office if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Of course! Thank you, Mr. Golden.” Rarity turned to Rush. “I’m sorry, but it seems like I’ll have to cut our lunch a bit short. Do give the waiter my apologies, would you?” She asked.

“I will! Have a great day Rarity.” Rush nodded back and smiled warmly. “I hope everything works out!”

Rarity gave a dainty laugh, nodding her head. “And so do I, of course.” She turned back to Golden and took his hand, following him back to his office. The unicorn was eager to see how this would turn out for both of them.

Author's Note

Another short one, here. The next should be back to full length! Tell me what you think down in the comments, they sustain me.
As always, many thanks go out to Patric12345 for being the best co-writer ever.
Toodles!
~TOOWC